I know there are a ton of this bike vs. that bike threads, but I’m really torn as both bikes felt great during tests.
Debating between these two bikes which I plan to use for some racing as well as some triathlons (sprints and olympics). I’m looking to spec out the S2 with Red / Force similar to what is on SuperSix 2 so the components should be largely similar besides the wheel set. I’m curious what peoples thoughts are on these two bikes in terms of doing races / triathlons as the geometries seem to be very similar on a size 56. I realize the S2 has the aero tubing and internally routed cables, but I can’t imagine that is going to make a huge difference. The Cannondale is a few hundred dollars cheaper so I could use the savings to upgrade the wheelset to more than make up for the S2 aerodynamics. I’ve tested both bikes and they both felt great (the Cannondale honestly felt a little better, but I tested a Red bike vs. the Ultegra S2). I keep going back to the Cervelo, but I think that might be based more on aesthetics. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
If it really going to be a dual use bike for road and tris get the cervelo. Otherwise save your cash and get the cannondale. IMO though if you are serious about pursuing road racing get an aluminum bike. The caad 9 and s1 are still some of the greatest road bikes made. I promise you that both of those aluminum frames perform at the same level as their carbon brothers.
Carbon can have aero benefits but it’s comfort quality is overated in race bikes.
I had (still have in the basement) a soloist carbon. We’re sponsored by Cannondale, so I ride a CAAD9. I was a bit reluctant to give up the plush carbon frame, but I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
I might be in the minority, but for road racing I like to feel the road. I’m a 2 with eyes set (and legs) set on the Cat 1 upgrade. I don’t feel any urgent need to get a carbon road bike. Our very longest races are generally between 3-4 hours. Most races are 75 to 180 minutes. You don’t need carbon for those races.
The CAAD9 is stiff. I didn’t really know what it meant to have a stiff frame until I got this bike. Its awesome. It rolls nice and fast. Its cheap to replace if you lay it down one too many times. Its easy to build, as all the cable routing is on the outside.
BB30 is another great benefit too. It makes the bike lighter. You don’t need a BB, just some bearings pressed into the shell.
When climbing, I can’t tell a noticeable difference between the soloist and the CAAD9. For the difference in $$$, you could certainly find a way to trim 500 grams from your body in some place!
The soloist is just collecting dust in the basement. I might just put some powercranks on it, and it will become the beater bike!
I am currently using an S2 for triathlon only and am very pleased with it. I have mine set up in the forward 76 degree seat angle and have a full aero set up, but am thinking of putting STI shifters and shorty aero bars on it when I get a new tri bike eventually. I’m fit better on this bike than I was on my last tri bike and in my opinion do not think I am any slower than on my last tri bike. I was thinking of selling it for a true tri bike, but have reconsidered after having done some races on it. That being said, I love the S2 and think it to perform very well in triathlon events for me and it’s definatley a great road bike. Also, I remember seeing some pretty good deals on new 2009 S2 frames (I think it was competitive cyclist?). Anyway, hope that helps.