Congratulation to our “cycling club” — Mike just placed an order for Cannondale CAAD9-5 bike! I got a chance to test ride one in my size just now — what an awesome piece of engineering.11

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 5

After 4 weeks of waiting and almost a year long break I’m back on a bicycle. However everything worked out in an unexpected way as it often does.

This time around I place an order for Cannondale CAAD9-4. Same bike as I had before, only instead of getting Shimano 105 components I decided to go with SRAM Rival. The problem was that our LBS didn’t have this particular bike in stock. They placed an order to Cannondale and Cannondale folks were dragging their feet.

Shimano 105 derailleurs, FSA Gossamer BB30 Compact crank.

This past Wednesday Sasha asked if I wanted to stop by the store, see if he’ll pick anything out. The owner wasn’t supposed to be there on Wednesday, but there he was. He explained to me that Cannondale was expecting to ship the bikes next week and that he would’ve called me if anything changed, but I told him that I’m here with a friend to show him around.

We went to look at bikes and I suggested Alex test drives a CAAD9 bike and a Synapse. CAAD9 is a great crit bike and is great for racing, or anything else for that matter, but since we’re not really planning to race an endurance bike could be a better choice, and Synapse is exactly that. Synapse comes in alloy and carbon.

Sasha ended up liking Synapse more. We were told that it was a 2009 (last year) carbon model with Shimano 105 stuff. The price tag was $1400, which is a bit crazy, knowing that 2010 model goes for $2150. When Alex agreed to buy it, the owner started checking books and discovered that they, as he eloquently put it, fucked up. The bike was aluminum alloy, not carbon.

Allen (the owner) apologized for the screw up and said to correct the situation he’s going to give him a very good price — $1100 for aluminum and if he still wants carbon he’ll give him 2010 model for $1550, which is off the hook. I started feeling that my $1500 for $1800 wasn’t as great of a deal compared to this one — although it still was a hell of a deal, judging by the info on the forums.

Carbon frame, carbon fork. BPA-Free Camelbak Podium bottle.

Alex took a bike for a test drive and Allen said to me that since I was his customer it would not be right if he wouldn’t offer me the same deal. After a short test drive it didn’t take long for me to change my mind. Although CAAD9 is an awesome bike I figured that for me endurance bike probably makes more sense than a crit bike, since I’m not really all that great of a cyclist at this point. Plus this way I could pick up my new bike right away, instead of waiting. Alex did the same.

We picked them up on Friday. I put a little bit over 40 miles up to this point on my bike and I like it a lot. First day I wasn’t sure about my switch, but now I’m just happy to be riding again. We picked up a bunch of other gear which was given to us at a great price as well. I said this before, and I will say this again — THE BEST customer service and shopping experience, only at Sheepshead Cycle Shop. Allen is great to do business with, and I’m one of many very satisfied customers.

In: Gadgets & Gear, Games & Sport Tags: bike, CAAD9, Cannondale, carbon, cycling, Shimano 105, Synapse, Synapse Carbon 5
Time: 16:44 Comments: 4 Comments Post a Comment

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Cannondale CAAD9-5

Today we picked up my new road bike — Cannondale CAAD9-5, all Shimano 105 componentry.

We spent a bit less than 2 hours in the shop where they were fine tuning the bike for me, giving me some more training with using shoes with cleats and so on. I have to say that the shop is getting the highest rating there is from me for their service. The owner of the shop, Allen, is absolutely great.

Cannondale logo on the head tube.

Shimano SPD clipless pedals.

Shimano 105 shifters.

These bikes are still made in USA.

Shimano WH-RS-10 rims, hubs and spokes.

San Marco Ponza Power saddle and Cannondale C2 Carbon-wrapped seat post.

Shimano 105 derailleurs, cogs and crank.

Cannondale CAAD9 Optimo frame in 54cm size.

When the bike is direct sun light you start seeing metal flakes in the black paint.

In: Gadgets & Gear Tags: bicycle, bike, CAAD9, Cannondale, cycling
Time: 17:58 Comments: 8 Comments Post a Comment

Daniel says: Subscribed

April 12, 2009 @ 11:49

So far I like it a lot. On the first ride there was an issue with gear switching, but it was resolved at the store we bought it right away (comes with free year of service from our LBS).

I don’t have many basis of comparison — the only bike I rode before was an older XCross Cannondale, and this one definitely feels like it wastes less of my energy and transfers it into speed. It also fits me much better than my older bike, so that’s very important too. I don’t come back from a ride with soar elbows (that was my issue before).

We did it. Yesterday we went to our local bike shop and bought me a bicycle. We got Cannondale CAAD9-5 in Jet Black. The MSRP with pedals is about $1450 and we got it for $1225. It’s going to be fitted and ready to be picked up by this Saturday.0

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Another Route

Yesterday we cycled along our usual route with an addition of a new path on the Rockaways. The Rockaways is a very good place for cylcing as the roads are in a good condition, the traffic is very low and traffic lights are a few. Our trail length for yesterday was 17.5 miles and for the first time our average speed has exceeded 10 mph.

On the negative side of things I keep getting pretty sever pain in my elbows. The problem seems to be the fact that the fit of the bike is not right for me. I keep having to reach too far to the handlebars which forces my to keep my arms extended and elbows locked.

I keep thinking of getting a bike for myself for these and other reasons, but I’m not really looking forward to spending more money on one. If we keep doing this and the pain does go away however, we will buy another one. I really like Cannondale CAAD9-5. Specialized Allez is another alternative, but I’m leaning towards Cannondale.

In: Gadgets & Gear, Life In General Tags: Allez, bicycle, bike, CAAD9, Cannondale, cycling, Rockaway, Specialized, trail
Time: 15:33 Comments: 2 Comments Post a Comment