Heres my dilemma, I want/need a 'cheap' bike for crits which would also double up as my new winter bike. I'm looking at a Felt F75 (tappered HT, BB30) it seemed reasonably stiff/responsive with stock components when i tested one. Seriously, how much better is the seemingly undisputed king of alu framesets the CAAD 10? Having not ridden a Cannondale CAAD before I am after a review of someone who has ridden both, or just one of the bikes.

(Factors worth considering, I can get the F75 at trade - compared to having to buy a full CAAD10 build at rrp, as CAAD's aren't available as framesets over here)

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FELT AR0
Velo Club Bristol

This forum is essentially a Caad10 porn site in places. You will prob get lots of +1's for the Caad.

Rightly so, I have one and it is fantastic. For ride quality against weight against price, it is hard to find a better frameset.

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Caad10 with Campagnolo

I think they are going to be really, really close. Probably within 50 grams of each other, the geometry is very similar, and both have the list of modern features like BB30 and tapered head tube.

I think the reason that Cannondale has been so successful with their CAAD is that they have never abandoned the idea of it being a race bike. Every other major manufacturer seems to have relegated aluminum to "entry level." And therefore I guess the biggest knock against the Felt is that I don't see the FA frameset listed on their website anymore, so you are stuck with entry level parts on the F75.

Ultimately, which color do you like better, and even though I have 2 Felts, I'd go Cannondale.

The F75 is a shockingly fine crit bike for the $$$. It is a shame they do not promote the FA frame anymore. It was in the catalogue in 2011 and is technically available in 2012 (with different paint) if you ask and are lucky.

If you need a full race worthy crit bike the F75 is a great choice, particularly at trade prices. Clearly it is entry level spec at Shimano 105, but very servicable. If you just need the frame/fork, try to find a 2011 FA or ask after the 2012 FA.

The F75 frame is the same as the FA, however the fork in the F75 has an alu steerer and is something of a pig weight-wise. The fork in the FA frameset is the same full carbon version used in the F-series carbon bikes/frames and I'd estimate saves 200g+ over the F75 stock fork.

At the risk of reccomending "my" bike as a cure all, have you considered Planet x Team Alu, which for UK residents at under 150 quid sis imho the mutts nuts. Stiff, pretty light (not in CAAD10 category but 1250g in a L) and throwaway. Doesnt have bb30 but, well, bfd. Having seen the atrocious bike handling of most British cyclists over here the real plus is if you get blatted in a crit you just buy another one and shed nerry a tear.

The F75 is a nice and light bike, and just to correct an earlier post it does have a carbon steerer. It is a nice bike and although I haven't ridden a Caad 10 I do love Cannondales and love my Caad4 F700 (mtb). Again I would go with what suits your budget the best.

I think the international F75 comes with a carbon steerer (and a better paint job). If the FA frameset comes with the black and white paint job of the international F75 and a carbon steerer I would probably choose it.

Cheers guys, appreciate it. I'm not too fussed about having 105, I just can't justify crashing my AR0 in a crit and trashing any of the Di2 parts! Ultimately the stock F75 will suit me better than the FA frameset. Cheers for the info regarding the fork I'll, be getting the 'international' version - so full carbon for me

I think it'll build up well - Zipp service course SL finishing kit, Arione CX and Fulcrum racing 1's. Time to sell my current winter bike and some other unwanted bits!

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FELT AR0
Velo Club Bristol

Having ridden the CAAD9 and now the 2012 Canyon Ultimate AL I am in no doubt. The Canyon is far better. But I have not ridden the CAAD10..

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12 Canyon Aeroad CF 9.0 ETE
12 Canyon Ultimate AL
11 Cervélo P2

I am looking for a good aluminium frame too.

Djm, can you elaborate why "the Canyon is far better"?

Leviathan, what fork do you use with the Planet X Team Alu frame?

Canyon Al is probably has my vote for "Alu king"

The Canyon AL might very well be a great/fantastic frame. I realize the OP is in UK, however it is sorta like the forbidden fruit here in NA as we can't easily get access to a Canyon. For the majority of roadies in NA looking for an AL frame the CAAD10 probably represents the best option from a large company unless you go with a smaller company/individual builder and get something like a Spooky Skeletor.

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"Let's plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will -- it's only action that can make a man."

Just looked at the specs of the F75 International version. Get that. It addresses most of the F75 US version's weak points (heavy fork, FSA omega cranks, house brand brake calipers). Train on the stock wheels and mount some nice race wheels for the Sunday crit. If you don't win, it won't be the bike's fault.

I loved my f75 until i cracked it at the seat stay/drop out junction. I also then loved my replacement FA until i cracked it again in the same place.

I upgraded to an FC most recently. I will still continue to stick by the felt brand because of how well all my claims were handled. Unfortunate they happened in the first place though.

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Team Hungry Cycling - http://www.racehungry.com

I bought separately a NOS Cannondale Slice or Super Slice or whatever the 100% carbon one was called! I think Planet X sells Easton forks as well, which have to be better than their own brand stuff..