CAAD8 vs CAAD10

[high_tea]

I have an old Cannondale (CAAD4(?) frame) which I think is just great. Unhappily, there's a big dent in the downtube which makes me nervous. I'm thinking vaguely of a new frame. The rest of the bike is just fine. The motor's so-so, but that's another matter. What I want is basically the same frame, or near enough to it, minus the dent. Not interested in carbon. So, I gather metal 'Dale road bike frames are the CAAD8 or the CAAD10. How do the two compare? Has anyone got any direct experience?

Intended application: a few crits, the odd TT, a road race or two if I forget myself or (haha) get fit, some training if I'm feeling rash. I've got a bike to commute on, it'd basically be a race bike.

[jemima]

If you still think the 4 is great, then why not consider looking around for a secondhand 4 in your area and checking it out?

There have been some on Gumtree recently. Could save you some money.

[jacks1071]

If you're thinking of a new frame one of these might help you out?

http://www.pro-liteoz.com/store/index.p ... at&catId=2

[Jesmol]

I'd go for the CAAD 10, seems to get rave reviews.

[Saturnstarzz]

Or get a CAAD 9-5, but I'm slightly Biased..

[Puffy]

I've got the 8. The CAAD8 group set has a few cheaper components such as the brakes/hubs etc but I think you're just after the frame not a complete bike? I've changed the wheels but the rest is excellent. Since you want to race, I'd go the 10 myself. Best ride them both and see how far your wallet stretches. I agree with the carbon sentiment...Cannondale made their name in Alloy frames before moving onto CF so I imagine the Alloy stuff is top notch.

[high_tea]

I've got the 8. The CAAD8 group set has a few cheaper components such as the brakes/hubs etc but I think you're just after the frame not a complete bike? I've changed the wheels but the rest is excellent. Since you want to race, I'd go the 10 myself. Best ride them both and see how far your wallet stretches. I agree with the carbon sentiment...Cannondale made their name in Alloy frames before moving onto CF so I imagine the Alloy stuff is top notch.

Yeah, really just want the frame. If I happen to get good components that's nice, but I'm more than happy to swap the old-but-still-good gear off my current roadie if need be.

I'm sure the CAAD10 would be just dandy. I have the sneaking suspicion that the 8 would be every bit as good for less coin. The differences, Cannondale claim, are weight (meh, what's 200g or so) and a 15mm longer headtube on the 8. Neither of these things bother me in the least, you see.

A test ride would be interesting, but there are an awful lot of variables given that I could come at changing just about everything except frame and forks. I mean, changing tyres can make a bike feel significantly different, never mind anything else.

[BRLVR.v2]

get the 10 !

[macca33]

Yep, the CAAD10 is as good today as it was at the start of the year!

cheers

[mikgit]

also will cannondale do a frame replacement discount on it? I am assuming they will. And you will maybe need a new fork?