I’m trying to decide between the Caad9 and the Roubaix for my next road bike. I know it’s like comparing apples to elephants, but these are the two that I’ve narrowed down. I do a lot of training/group rides on fairly crappy roads. The Caad9 is quite a bit cheaper than the Roubaix, but I’m concerned about a harsh ride for longer training rides. Can someone help me decide - pro/con of each. btw…I’m just talking frameset.
Thanks!!
Roubaix feels great. I really like them.
That said, I have ridden on a CAAD9 and it’s a great alloy bike, just like an allez elite.
If i was going to race crits i would get the CAAD9.
I race an E-5 aluminum Specialized frame on crits and even on long (80-120) mile rides i dont get beaten up. A carbon fork, good bar tape, carbon SS’s and decent tires with a good alloy frame does a pretty good job IMO.
Personally, i would get the CAAD9.
Ride both, see if you can distinguish.
Also try the Specialized Allez Elite and Felt F75. Two more worthy alloy bikes.
Forget what people say about aluminum ride quality. You will never know the difference.
These two bikes are much different geometery. Roubaix is for old men who need comfort. Caad is much more aggressive. Its up to you as to what is best for you.
I have a 2010 CAAD9 that I got for crit racing and general training. I only have about 300 miles on it, but I have been very impressed with it. Get a good carbon fork and you will have no problem with comfort.
Second that. I’ve ridden CAAD7 and CAAD9 bikes for years and years and the ride quality is really no different than my carbon tri bike. The comfort is in decent bar tape, tires and tire pressures, proper fit, seat, etc. My next road bike will be another CAAD9 as I just can’t beat the deal that they really are.
The geometry on both bikes is very different. Of the two I’ve only ridden the caad 9 and honestly it is one of my favorite bikes of all times. It is a hugely popular for a very good reason. It is solidly built, stiff and comfortable enough for me. It won’t ease out all road buzz like a carbon comfort frame, but I have no problem riding 60+ mile days on it either. Honestly tires, saddle, stem and bars alone can change the harshness of a ride more than a frame. The only reason I wouldn’t buy another one was if I wanted to waste some cash on something more exotic. And while I may well do that it would be a waste. A caad 9 really is all the bike you need for racing and riding until you egt to the point that bikes are free.
The Caad9 is possibly the greatest aluminum race bike of all time. It is incredibly stiff and has an aggressive geometry. That being said it is pretty harsh over rough roads. (I’ve ridden the CAAD9 over the same crapy patch of roads as a trek madone and carbon Slice and I never wanted to actually be seated on the CAAD9)
If your just looking for a 2nd bike to do easy/long miles on then I’d pick the Roubaix. If your looking to race triathlon, there is no way your going to get a good fit on the Roubaix with aerobars.
I bought a 2009 Roubaix Pro back in October and love it. Best road bike I have ever owned. For my money it is the best combination of stiffness and comfort. Stiff in the bb and head tube but compliant from seat stays. I don’t know if the zertz things really make that much difference but the bike is super comfy on the crap roads where I live. Can’t really agree with the old man comment since a guy named Boonen used one a couple time in the name sake race. Yes it does have longer head tube than some bikes but i use no spacers and got that sucker as low as I need up front. Cracks me up to see people buy aggressive road and tri bikes then load them up with spacers…
Personally I won’t buy an aluminum road bike unless I was going to do crits and needed a low cost bike I wouldn’t stress about crashing…
Roubaix is for old men who need comfort.
Like this old man?
Granted it’s not most people’s “normal” riding conditions. I’m just staying a Roubaix is still a fast bike.
I’m trying to decide between the Caad9 and the Roubaix for my next road bike. I know it’s like comparing apples to elephants, but these are the two that I’ve narrowed down. I do a lot of training/group rides on fairly crappy roads. The Caad9 is quite a bit cheaper than the Roubaix, but I’m concerned about a harsh ride for longer training rides. Can someone help me decide - pro/con of each. btw…I’m just talking frameset.
Thanks!!
The Roubaix is definitely a race bike, despite what some folks are saying. It’s just got quite a bit more vertical compliance than something like the Tarmac. Give it a whirl. I’ve not ridden it yet, but there are plenty of folks up at the Big-S who prefer it to the Tarmac. There are LOTS of crappy roads in the world, not just those with cobbles. 