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Beginner Triathlon

Justin D.

How much better is Cannondale CAAD9 5 than the CAAD9 6?

asked over 1 year ago | Report

I'm a beginner triathlete and this is my first race bike (old bike was cruiser). I'm going to get one of these two bikes in the next week and i'm trying to figure out which one.

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  Kv

  The only difference between the two is the groupset you're receiving. The 5 is equipped with Shimano 105, the 6 has Tiagra. As you progress on Shimano's lineup you start with Sora and its thumb shifters to Tiagra which has the typical shimano dual lever system. Then comes 105 whcih is entry level 10 speed to Ultegra, and finally DuraAce. As you progress through Shimano's lineup, from Tiagra on, each group gets progressively lighter with supposedly better shifting performance.

  I started on Tiagra, moved onto a CAAD9-5 with 105 and now have Ultegra on my new Cervelo. I can honestly say that when they're tuned correctly it's very hard to tell the difference between the three groups, especially in rear shifting. They all shift smooth and quiet. As you go up the line, the differences I feel are mostly in front shifting. I find that I can shift under load and more smoothly with Ultegra and 105. Also, I found that 105 tends to hold tune better than Tiagra. It seemed like I was having to make minor adjustments on a monthly basis with my Tiagra equipped bike. You really can't go wrong with 105, it's a worthy choice that will last you a very long time. But if you're strapped budget-wise, Tiagra is a good way to save some money. I know many CAT 4 and 5 guys who race and consistently win on both groups.

  I would urge you to consider stepping up to a CAAD9-4 if possible. The Rival equipped group is pretty incredible. The aesthetics of SRAM's double tap shifting are a little different than Shimano's, but it's not too difficult to get used to. Rival is lighter than an Ultegra equipped bike and cheaper to boot. It's tough to argue against it, especially at the price Cannondale offers with the CAAD9.

  Hope that helps, if you have any more questions, please let me know.

  answered over 1 year ago |Report

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