I currently have a CAAD9 and I am getting an itch to possible get a CAAD10 frame to swap my components over/or build up. I love my CAAD9. Last of the “Made in USA” CAADs. Won’t get rid of it until it dies.
I am curious what CAAD owners think of the two bikes that have ridden both? I recently moved and my closest dealer is now a good 2.5-3hrs away. So any thoughts on the CAAD10 would be great. Will I get the CAAD10 and not miss the CAAD9 or will I not notice a difference?
Until my cervelo s5, my caad 9 was the best bike carbon or any other material, that I have ever ridden. The caad 10 is slightly better. Which means it is one of the best race bikes ever made-- period. That said even though my s5 is smoother, more stiff as a whole, and faster than my caad 9. It will be a cold day in hell when I unload that awesome made in the usa (not 110 miles from my house and in the state ) caad 9 frame.
Would I trade it in for a caad 10 that is sloghtly better-NO
When you say the CAAD10 is “slightly better” any chance you can go not detail? I know it is slight lighter ~150g but I don’t know if that matters to me. I am just curious if the difference is evolutionary or is it revolutionary if that makes sense? Not sure if a slight tweak would be worth it but if it is a big leap then maybe it is.
Sorry thought I should add that I am curious about the stiffness and comfort of the 10 vs the 9. The 10 front end is suppose to be stiffer with the tapered head tube.
I have just test ridden the caad10, and have less than a 100 miles on it. I would say that the 10 is ever so lightly smoother, and ever so lightly stiffer than the caad9 I can’t give it more than an explanation than that. I do feel that it is the better bike. Bit it was not enough for me to justify the switch. Really you are taking one of the top al frames ever made and comparing it to one of the top al frames ever made. You.need to ride both.
The CAAD 10 is a better bike than the CAAD 9, it doesn’t matter where they are made. The CAAD 10 is the best mid level bike out there. There are high end bikes that I prefer by a long shot, but in it’s price range, it’s tough to beat
A CAAD10 is a worthy upgrade, yet the CAAD9 is completely (more than) capable. I looked to replace my CAAD8 with a CAAD9 but held off for the CAAD10 due to its refined ride. However, that being said, if I had a CAAD9, I do not think I would upgrade. IMO I believe Cannondale delivers year after year with aluminum even though the market is so carbon oriented. With design influence from Cdales premium carbon lineup, they have made good on this version. If not cost prohibitive for you, this alum frame is worthy of a try with its recent upgrades from previous models. I think you will notice some refinement but up to you if actually worth the change from such a proven and sought after CAAD9 frame.
I sure love my CAAD9. For me it wasn’t worth the small jump to get a 10 to replace my 9. But maybe when they bring an 11 it might be. There is something special about those CAAD9s. They just speak to my soul.
** I know it is slight lighter ~150g but I don’t know if that matters to me.**
Taking a dump before a ride saves more weight than swapping these frames…and well, much cheaper!!!
It’s not just the weight difference (which would remain if you take a dump on either frame), but the stiffness, the responsiveness are slightly improved as well. I’ve ridden my friend’s white CAAD 9 extensively, and while it’s better than any bike I own, it’s not as good as a CAAD 10. The price is the only thing that holds me back from getting a 10. Not sure if it’s worth it, but it’s objectively and subjectively better. Hope that makes sense.
** I know it is slight lighter ~150g but I don’t know if that matters to me.**
Taking a dump before a ride saves more weight than swapping these frames…and well, much cheaper!!!
Taking a dump AND riding a lighter frame will save even more weight. See what I did there!? It seems small but when you are ever so slowly getting dropped on a 10% grade each gram makes a hair bit of difference.
1
.
** It seems small but when you are ever so slowly getting dropped on a 10% grade each gram makes a hair bit of difference**
less Slowtwitch more T.I.T.S
.
I have both. The lower dropouts of the 10 are flat and designed that way to absorb vibrations (SAVE) , the end result is a slightly smoother ride. It’s minor though and you won’t notice it unless you go on a long ride on crappy roads. The 10 also feels stiffer and transfer power better than the 9. On the 10, the top and down tube feels thin…almost cheap and fragile…you can flick it and hear how thin the alloy is, but the tubes are larger in diameter so you end up with better structural strength and a stiffer ride. Aside rom that, there’s also the BB30 bottom bracket, (which isn’t a big deal to me) and I think the 10 handles turns slightly better…don’t know why though. I don’t think its worth it to get a 10 if you already have a 9. While the differences may appear great on paper, both bikes a fantastic and in reality the differences are so minor, its not worth it to get a 10 unless you can get it for a killer deal.[
Aside rom that, there’s also the BB30 bottom bracket
FWIW, the final model year CAAD9 also had BB30, as well as (I believe) the earlier team issue frames.
CAAD9 is a better-looking frame.
** It seems small but when you are ever so slowly getting dropped on a 10% grade each gram makes a hair bit of difference**
less Slowtwitch more T.I.T.S
T.I.T.S?
I raced yesterday and today, does that count as less Slowtwitch?