Beginner Triathlete

Triathlon Forum
2

I’m no expert, by any means. But, many people on this forum have experience with the CAAD9 frame, and all of them have high praise.

Just look at each bike’s description:

Synapse: “The ultra-comfortable Synapse features relaxed geometry and advanced vibration-damping properties.”

Does that sound like a racing machine? “Comfortable”? “Relaxed”?

CAAD9: “Sprinters have piloted this exact frame design to multiple stage wins in pro-Tour races…a wise choice for serious racers on a budget.”

Ummm… companies all like to toot their own horns… BUT, seriously, they made the choice quite obvious for you if you “plan to take my races very seriously”.

There are ALOT of good starter bikes for $1K, and Cannondale doesn’t monopolize them by any means. That said, you really can’t go wrong with a CAAD9 frame.

(from what i hear) =)

-Terry

3

Consider trying them both and buy the one that fits better and is more comfortable.

4

Always test ride if at all possible. Also consider your flexibility, time commitment, and distance. Don’t just run out and buy the most aggressive bike if you can’t hold that position for the duration of the race.

5

There is nothing wrong with comfortable and relaxed for a tri bike. The CAAD 7 may be great for a road racer but not so great for someone riding aero bars for the 1st time. Let’s face it, road racers are sprinting and climbing, triathletes are pushing consistent power while stretched out on the aero bars (and we have to run after our ride). I wouldn’t be so quick to judge bikes based on the catalogs description. Go ride them - fit and comfort are not to be under rated.

7

time to get out and put some miles in:)
.

8

Oh Man, you didn’t buy THAT BIke!!!??

Really, it looks nice. In the future, face the bike the other way, put the chain in the big chain ring, take those darned reflectors off, get some real pedals, and get that funny plastic thingamajiggy off of the back wheel, before you post pictures here. Trust me, you will save yourself a lot of ridicule. If you hang around here for a while, you’ll see what I mean. Welcome aboard.

Oh, and you’re seat is too low.

Did I miss anything?

10

As long as they fit you correctly I think either bike would be fine.

11

Tricannon, Nice looking ride! Have fun with it!

12

HAHA! Yes!!! That is the reply that I think more people should give more often!!!

13

I don’t know what that thing is, but I do know that it is not a tri bike. Tim

17

I don’t recommend it… but since you asked:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/nemesis06_SPECIALpre.htm

=)

PS: You got a nice bike. Be happy. Now go ride it. HARD.

18

Ride it. Get aero bars (clip ons). Get the profile design forward seat post. Fit it right. Train, and ride the crap out of it. Then if and when you win that sprint tri, you can graduate to a tri bike. But you’ll still train and ride this thing…

But… I would say if you are going with tri focus specifically 1) get a tri specific bike (maybe you can take that one back?) 2) $1000 you’ll have to look used

Or… just ride the crap out of it.

19

If you plan on taking triathlons seriously, then I would strongly suggest that you read a lot more on this forum before you start a new thread and make a fool of yourself. Tim