Older CAAD frames, are they smart buys?

[jonbek]

I've been looking for a 58 CAAD frame for quite some time. The consumer in me wants a CAAD 9 or 10. I'll often find the right size CAAD 8 for sale, for example there is currently a 2006 available for a killer price.

I essentially want to build up a light, reliable training bike, and sometimes I'm concerned about the older frames, their ability to go a few more years, and even their geo compared to current spec CAAD frames.

Should I grab one or wait it out for a 9 or 10?

[RussellS]

I have CAAD7 and CAAD9 bikes. The 9 looks better since it has round tubes. And a better paint job. The 7 has some more shaped tubes that don't look as good as the round tubes. Rode the 7 frame tonight for 61 miles. Kept up with the group. Can't say the bike held me back. I'd say any CAAD frame from 7 to 10 will be the same. The 8-9-10 look better than the 7. I think they have the exact same geometry. My two CAAD frames are 58cm and they fit the same. Ride the same too.

Edit: Forgot to mention the forks are different. CAAD7 frame has a carbon fork with aluminum steerer tube. CAAD9 frame has carbon fork with carbon steerer. Probably a 100+ gram difference. No ride difference.

[justkeepedaling]

CAAD 9 and 10

[BeeBee30]

I'm a sucker for any of the CAAD frames with BB30, so anything from a 6 upwards is cool, I love the massive down tube on a 6 and a 7 is sweet, especially if you can pick it up in Saeco colours, anodised black or polished alloy

[ultyguy]

I heart the 8 in polished silver Cunego Giro winner version, a true classic!

[Dov]

I've been rocking a CAAD5 since 2003. Done maybe 35,000k on it and I'd say it's good for another!

[Tokyo Drifter]

If you want something cool to put on your garage wall, sure.

If you want a bike to ride, no. I am the warranty manager at the biggest c'dale road dealer in the country. The answer is no. Nope. Nein. Most bikes of that era will crack, due to fatigue. The CAAD10 is better than any of the US made bikes ever were in terms of durability, weight and ride quality.

[elviento]

I had a CAAD7 and I am partial to it, but it didn't prevent Astaloa from winning the 2003 worlds, so it should be just fine.

Frankly, manufacturers are always trying to make something better than last year's model. When they fail at that, they just try to make you think it's better than last year's model.

[BeeBee30]

I've been rocking a CAAD5 since 2003. Done maybe 35,000k on it and I'd say it's good for another!

Oh you can't do that, bikes of that era will crack due to fatigue

[Dov]

Nonsense

[BeeBee30]

Exactly!

[53x12]

If you want something cool to put on your garage wall, sure.

If you want a bike to ride, no. I am the warranty manager at the biggest c'dale road dealer in the country. The answer is no. Nope. Nein. Most bikes of that era will crack, due to fatigue. The CAAD10 is better than any of the US made bikes ever were in terms of durability, weight and ride quality.

Rubbish.

I've been looking for a 58 CAAD frame for quite some time. The consumer in me wants a CAAD 9 or 10. I'll often find the right size CAAD 8 for sale, for example there is currently a 2006 available for a killer price.

I essentially want to build up a light, reliable training bike, and sometimes I'm concerned about the older frames, their ability to go a few more years, and even their geo compared to current spec CAAD frames.

Should I grab one or wait it out for a 9 or 10?

Another option for you of you haven't thought of it, get a used SystemSix frameset for $400-500.

[ross]

I am the warranty manager at the biggest c'dale road dealer in the country

At first you were like hurr. And then you derped

[AaronT]

That depends on the condition of the frame. I am currently racing/riding a CAAD8 from '06 or '07 that was raced by Healthnet, it sat around for 2ish years, I raced it for a year, it sat around for a year, I built it up again and have riden/raced it for a year. After 3 or 4 years of hard use I think it's getting a bit soft, but that is probably me just wanting something new. I am building up a CAAD10 with Force as we speak, but the CAAD8 will remain in the stable as the rain/winter bike.

[AaronT]

At first you were like hurr. And then you derped

You mind if that goes in my sig?