hi, first post, looking for light weight recreational option

[tedm]

I currently have a steel 17lb fixie, and want to add a geared for some flexibility, budget is low, < usd $800 or so, thinking about a CAAD8, with Sora as I need a very small frame (44-46cm), then upgrading the components at some point. Opinions?

[duvivr6]

That is not a bad choice, I had a caad8 from 2013 with the 105 group and it was very nice.
Sold that to buy a CX bike.

Would recommend that to anyone looking for a "cheaper" option.

First thing I would upgrade is the crappy tektro brakes it came with to some 105s.

[tedm]

Thanks, I will definitely be upgrading the components, and I've factored that into the total costs, I'm hoping the wheelset on it will be OK for a while.