Hi,

I own a 2012 Cannondale Bad Boy which I love
Bought a set of CX tires to do some light Cross Country.
For that it is perfect.

For riding on the road with the slick tires, I sometimes miss the speed.

So I've been thinking about upgrading to a set of carbon wheels for the slick tires.
But for the price of a set of wheels I can also buy a second hand road bike like a 2010 CAAD 9.

So any advice?

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Cannondale Bad Boy 4 (2012) Original weight minus 1541 Gram

Buy the caad.

Asking on this forum will certainly be bias. Everyone here is just going to encourage you to BUY BUY BUY.

Really don't think there is any where that you can find an unbiased source for anything.


But from my biased standpoint, I would recommend to take a look at upgrading your wheels. You could increase the ride quality of your current rig, and practically make it feel like a whole new bike. Your overall speed may not increase drastically, but a new set of wheels can get you giddy to ride your bike again.

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http://www.zencyclery.com

http://www.wheelbuilder.org

If you want to increase speed and your enjoyment is from speed, the gearing of a road bike will do it for you more than new wheels for the Bad Boy. This is how cycling enthusiasts end up with more than one bike, by choosing/acquiring the "tool" for the specific purpose.

Buy the CAAD now, then save up for a set of wheels down the road.

Buy the wheels now, then save up for a nice bike down the road.

Besides flippant, this makes much more sense as nice set of clinchers is cheaper and gives you time to make up your mind. A road bike needs an extra pair of wheel anyways

Well a set of carbon clinchers (or very light alu ones) will be around 500 euro (650USD)
The CAAD 9 I can buy for 599 euro.

Problem is that it comes with Shimano Tiagra and obviously needs upgrading.
But upgrading is something I can do along the way.

If I would buy the CAAD, I think I'll be asking the same question about the carbon wheels in 6 months

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Cannondale Bad Boy 4 (2012) Original weight minus 1541 Gram

Space would be my determing factor. If you have the room, buy another bike. If not, then buy the wheels. Mtb with great wheels will still not be as good as a purpose built road bike for road riding and vice versa.
Even if I had to put the bike in the lounge room, I would make room to store another bike. lol

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2013 Giant TCR Advanced SL 0, 6.92kg
2013 Giant Defy Composite 2 M, 8.5kg - Wife's
Azzurro Torino 8.55g
Fuji 650 10.8kg
Miele Lupa Triple Tandem 38,89kg

Space isn't the problem.
Got a garage that can store my bikes easily (10mx4m).

Going for a test ride next saturday. Don't no for sure if the size is correct.
Never had a road bike in my life (always MTB).

LBS says is 57cm, but according to Cannondale they only made 56 and 58.
Always had a Large in my MTB's

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Cannondale Bad Boy 4 (2012) Original weight minus 1541 Gram

Buy the CAAD

then start upgrading as well

Well, I've did what nobody suggested

Bought a new set of wheels.
Since I won't be using a road bike in winter.
Will start saving now, so I can buy one March next year.



Saved me 1178 gram in total.

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Cannondale Bad Boy 4 (2012) Original weight minus 1541 Gram