Caad 10 105 vs Specialized Dolce Elite 105

[kmhurchla]

Thanks Kirsten. I think I'll try riding a SuperSix as to not undersell myself. I do love riding in the drops and how much quicker and easier the ride is, and giving my other muscle groups a break that way. On the SuperSix, do you still feel comfortable riding intermittently upright on the bars or hoods? Can you have a bike adjusted so that there's a good balance, at least until you're feeling stronger in the drops in traffic, cars or bike traffic on a ride? On my current Caad 3 ride, I haven't been able to ride in the drops as much on long ride because of discomfort on the seat, and in general feeling like my bike size is a bit of a stretch for me in the length making it feel like I'm holding up too much of my body weight that way with too outstretched arms. Or perhaps that's partly long ride fatigue and definitely needing a different seat. I'm going to check out the seat discussion strings of which I saw a few already, but also hoping even stock seats on the newer bikes and maybe on the women's bike would be an improvement. I think the tilt or lack of on my seat now is part of the issue, it's meant to be riden upright.

My budget doesn't give room for a brand new in the Cannondale line, esp. not one with higher end components, sram red and the like. I'm scoping Craigslist for a model a few years older, hoping I can get a better bike for more around the $2,500 mark or less maybe. I like the idea of trying out and riding a bunch of bikes, and want to be sure what I buy is in good shape and all the components are meant to fit together, not someone who knows just as much as I or less dumping stuff together on a good frame. Though there's no shortage of bike shops in Philly, I can't say I've found any one I trust too much, and don't feel comfortable taking up their energy and time only to go buy cheaper online. But I can't warrant spending more for this year's models now and also don't want to buy out of my class and end up with something flashier than my riding level. My husband and I are DIYers in all other parts of our lives, and both trying to learn more about fixing and building bikes, but I'm not opposed to saving more and waiting until I can afford a better bike than blower a couple thousand and wishing I hadn't. I just plan to take some time doing research and looking, trying and hope to be ready when the right bike comes along. Good used bikes get snapped up quick so I want to know what I'm looking for.

[zoom-zoom]

Thanks Kirsten. I think I'll try riding a SuperSix as to not undersell myself. I do love riding in the drops and how much quicker and easier the ride is, and giving my other muscle groups a break that way. On the SuperSix, do you still feel comfortable riding intermittently upright on the bars or hoods? Can you have a bike adjusted so that there's a good balance, at least until you're feeling stronger in the drops in traffic, cars or bike traffic on a ride? On my current Caad 3 ride, I haven't been able to ride in the drops as much on long ride because of discomfort on the seat, and in general feeling like my bike size is a bit of a stretch for me in the length making it feel like I'm holding up too much of my body weight that way with too outstretched arms. Or perhaps that's partly long ride fatigue and definitely needing a different seat. I'm going to check out the seat discussion strings of which I saw a few already, but also hoping even stock seats on the newer bikes and maybe on the women's bike would be an improvement. I think the tilt or lack of on my seat now is part of the issue, it's meant to be riden upright.

My budget doesn't give room for a brand new in the Cannondale line, esp. not one with higher end components, sram red and the like. I'm scoping Craigslist for a model a few years older, hoping I can get a better bike for more around the $2,500 mark or less maybe. I like the idea of trying out and riding a bunch of bikes, and want to be sure what I buy is in good shape and all the components are meant to fit together, not someone who knows just as much as I or less dumping stuff together on a good frame. Though there's no shortage of bike shops in Philly, I can't say I've found any one I trust too much, and don't feel comfortable taking up their energy and time only to go buy cheaper online. But I can't warrant spending more for this year's models now and also don't want to buy out of my class and end up with something flashier than my riding level. My husband and I are DIYers in all other parts of our lives, and both trying to learn more about fixing and building bikes, but I'm not opposed to saving more and waiting until I can afford a better bike than blower a couple thousand and wishing I hadn't. I just plan to take some time doing research and looking, trying and hope to be ready when the right bike comes along. Good used bikes get snapped up quick so I want to know what I'm looking for.

I spend probably 85-90% of my time on the hoods. I almost never ride on the bars and don't ride in the drops a huge amount of the time, mostly only during hard intervals, races, downhill, or into the wind.

You know, you could get a brand new SuperSix Rival 4 with full warranty for about your budget, then upgrade the components later. Or maybe look for one of last year's models with something like Ultegra or Force.

That saddle thing can be quite a saga. I think I may have FINALLY found one that works great for me (Bontrager Affinity RL) after trying a lot of different saddles. Even though it's marketed as a saddle for those who ride with a relatively upright posture, I find that the divet/dent up front and the softer padding through the nose are working MUCH better for me than a cut-out with softer edges. I wish they were still making the RXL with metal rails, though. I can't justify the extra $$ for oversized carbon rails (which I think would require a different seatpost than what I have...ie even MORE $$$). The RL is a bit softer than I like.

What saddles have you not had luck with?

[kmhurchla]

sounds like we ride similarly, I like the control of being on the hoods for quick access to braking, unless I can really get some room. I live the idea of looking at what I could get new in my range, and updating components later. I really hadn't thought of that. I have always had bikes that were cobbled together, and actually like the idea of starting fresh and getting some individual help with fitting. Even if I do find something I think will fit used, I might take it into a shop to fit me for the seat and handlebar height.

I really don't know what my current seat is off the top of my head, but it's pretty cushy and wide in the back, not at all a racing type model. When I bought my Caad3 used, the guy had this women's seat and swapped it out for me and I've riden it since. I thought it was fine until I started doing longer rides of course. I will take a look at the Bontrager you recommend, it's hard to imagine the little dent is enough to keep pressure off key areas, but I'll try anything! My husband got fed up with his and splurged on an Amado seat with the fork cut out in the front, and he's certain that I should try a women's version of that. It's hard to warrant spending when you're not sure you'll like it, but I just gotta bite the bullet and try some. My legs recovered quickly from a 150 mile weekend, but my saddle left a longer lasting impression!

[hjakeway]

Well Ladies I went with the CAAD 10 with the 105's. I am slightly worried about the more agressive cockpit but am having faith that messing with the stem will put me slighty more upright. I plan on doing a lot of longer "tour" rides and not in to racing yet. I hope I made the right choice

I take delivery of it on Saturday. Thank you so very much for all you input and insight it really helped make my decision!

[hjakeway]

so I thought I had decided... I went back and rode the Dolce one last time and ... It was so comfy! ahhhhh going crazy. just need to buy a bike and ride already!

[kmhurchla]

I think you'll be pleased either way. Go with your gut though, every one of us is different, and you just don't know until you ride something. I think I'll be looking awhile too, and imagine I'll change my mind a few times. It's so hard to drop the money!

[musketeerlady]

I'm going through the same process right now, with the exact same top choices! Which one did you end up choosing?