Trek Al frames vs CAAD 9

Phill P said:

How do the latest TREK Al frames ride (with the sloping geometry) compared to a CAAD 9?
The CAAD 9 is from what I hear considered to be the best Al frame out there, but for the me the extra head tube length of the the trek is a strong selling point (Trek is cheaper too).

Another option would be the Specialized Allez Al frames (value doesn't seem as good).

I'm not convinced carbon is needed for my riding, and not the best for the hip pocket either.

I want a "comfortable" "Stiff" "Reliable" Al based frame with nice relaxed seat tube and tall head tube.

Where are ya?

http://www.eddymerckx.be

The team we sponsor say the Racing version is the best frame some have ever ridden..not best aluminum, best ever-

Another option worth considering, (more useful if you are in the Euro-zone) are Canyon frames. Apparently their alu frame is quite nice and can be had for a very decent price.

Powerful Pete said:

Another option worth considering, (more useful if you are in the Euro-zone) are Canyon frames. Apparently their alu frame is quite nice and can be had for a very decent price.

Cant comment on the Treks, but the CAAD9 is just wonderful. I kid you not, sometimes I wonder why people even bother with carbon at all. This frame is "IT".

cheers

Thanks for the replys

Merckx frames are extremely expensive here in OZ. Cheaper to get a nice custom frame! I would love one though.

I have looked at Canyon, but again only on line as you can't get them here. I'd like to check the fit before buying (very steep head tubes!) The bikes look cheap, but a frame would be over $1000AUD (customs issues....)

Phill P said:

Thanks for the replys

Merckx frames are extremely expensive here in OZ. Cheaper to get a nice custom frame! I would love one though.

I have looked at Canyon, but again only on line as you can't get them here. I'd like to check the fit before buying (very steep head tubes!) The bikes look cheap, but a frame would be over $1000AUD (customs issues....)

Just for clarification: Canyon's entire business model is based on internet-based sales. They are, apparently, very good frames to race on. A number of people swear by them over at weightweenies. I have never seen one or ridden one, but their alu seemed like a decent option for your needs...

i'd go CAAD9 without thinking.

or if you want to go with specialized branded alu frames, go with the columbus made or the M4's. never the A1 :p .

CAAD9 without a question, best AL frame out there.

capwater said:

CAAD9 without a question, best AL frame out there.

Agreed. Love my CAAD9. Centuries, climbs, crits. You name it that frame can do it,

Thanks for the Cannondale group hug......

The CAAD 9 sure sounds like a gun of a frame, I'm looking forward to test riding one, and looking forward to hearings when the 09 model with at least BB30 and hopefully tapered steerer is available (but will the CAAD10 be made in the US still?!?!:eek: )

Has anybody got experience with the current TREK Al frames that can compare to a Cannondale??

Here in OZ the TREK 1.9 with full Ultegra and Bonty wheels costs $2500, but the CAAD 9 with 105 and cheap shimano wheels costs $2400 I think.
I'm wanting to get a picture of if the value of the TREK is shown in a drop in ride quality etc. Geometry potentially suits me better on the TREK too.....

But boy I would love a CAAD10.......or clearance CAAD 9......

Do you think the CAAD 9 frame is undersold with 105 as the top spec for the 08 model?

How long will this frame be in production (i.e will they release a CAAD 10 soon?)

Phill P said:

Thanks for the Cannondale group hug......

The CAAD 9 sure sounds like a gun of a frame, I'm looking forward to test riding one, and looking forward to hearings when the 09 model with at least BB30 and hopefully tapered steerer is available (but will the CAAD10 be made in the US still?!?!:eek: )

Has anybody got experience with the current TREK Al frames that can compare to a Cannondale??

Here in OZ the TREK 1.9 with full Ultegra and Bonty wheels costs $2500, but the CAAD 9 with 105 and cheap shimano wheels costs $2400 I think.
I'm wanting to get a picture of if the value of the TREK is shown in a drop in ride quality etc. Geometry potentially suits me better on the TREK too.....

But boy I would love a CAAD10.......or clearance CAAD 9......

Just gotta ask..what problem will be solved, what question answered by BB30 and 1 1/2 inch lower fork steerer???

Altho triple clamp and steel, remember most motorcycle steerers are.....1 inch.

I'm 6'2 and working my way lower down under 100kg.

I love the idea of a stiff light BB set, BB30 seems to be the way forward so why get stuck with the old gear again (my taper BB stuffers from time to time...)

A tall head tube and longer will be part of my next bike. Longer the steer the less stiff it is. WHen I'm flying down hill at 70+kph I want to be sure the wheel is pointing exactly where I want it in the corners. Plus I want it light.

Neither "solves a problem" they just improve, nothing wrong with wanting the latest improvements when parting with most of a months wages.

And yes I think the CAAD 9 is under sold as 105 with the top spec. People love these bikes and want to run decent gear with them.

Just spoke to my local Cannondale dealer (in Australia)

$1800 for a CAAD 9 frame fork and headset (Al steerer). $1400 I think it was for an Ultegra SL groupset.

He doesn't want to to strip a 105 bike and rebuild with Ultegra as he is left holding the profit in trying to resell the 105 parts (nobody much buys parts in OZ).

Is there somebody overseas who could help me out? This is just crazy!

The shop owner did point me to the System 6 frame that already had the taper steerer and BB30 frame.......can't justify the cost though ($4000AUD plus a wheel upgrade) 🙁
Would be $6000 for a Super 6...

That is where you are going wrong my friend. Justify the cost for the System 6 this way: you know that is the frame you actually want, and eventually you will break down and get one. So might as well just get it over with and avoid the pain and suffering with the CAAD 9... 😄

There will be pain in suffering from spending too much as well.

Interest rates here in Australia are heading for 9% (our economy is growing....). So I spend a ton of money on a bike that isn't helping me pay off the house.

What I want is a good bike at a good price! Might end up waiting til the end of the year to see if a CAAD 10 comes out, and if they spec it with Ultegra

We also want to go on an overseas trip (which we haven't done for a while due to the above house purchase etc.

The plan is to do two bikes, one for each of us. My gr's bike isn't as old, but has a cheapo frame and Ultegra. So we are considering just doing a frame and wheelset upgrade and swapping as many parts as possible (but she also wants a compat crank). My bike is full campy but is getting worse for wear. I want to change to Shimano so all our gear is common and I don't need two tools for everything!

Six13 with Ultegra would be $3500 with decent wheels.....not sure If we'd want to spend any more than that. Shame it isn't taper steerer and BB30....
If I went system6 with ulegra might as well spend a "little" more and get a full supper six......but then we are talking $10K to do both bikes!!!!!