Cannondale Six13 5 Compact

Any thoughts on the Cannondale Six13 5 Compact? Specs can be seen
here http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/c...el-8RCT5C.html (or
here http://tinyurl.com/4p8wd6). My primary concern is the Truvativ
Elita 2.2 Compact crank. I read a few reviews of them coming loose
and stripping. Of course, that could also be due to improper
maintenance and/or assembly. Aside from that the spec looks good to
me. The carbon in the frame is supposed to absorb road vibration, not
sure how much it actually does that. The tires seem a bit narrow to
me, but that’s the case with everything I’ve looked at. Since this
would be my first “real” road bike I’m willing to give them a shot.
Also, the shop seems great. They gave me many options in my price
range, didn’t try to push me to the more expensive bikes and plan to
spend over an hour on fit, including free swapping of stem and
whatever else we need to make it right for me. Any thoughts or
opinions welcome.

In article 7adfe01c-3cc4-4312-bd08-
,
says...


Any thoughts on the Cannondale Six13 5 Compact? Specs can be seen
here http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/c...el-8RCT5C.html
(or
here http://tinyurl.com/4p8wd6). My primary concern is the Truvativ
Elita 2.2 Compact crank. I read a few reviews of them coming loose
and stripping. Of course, that could also be due to improper
maintenance and/or assembly. Aside from that the spec looks good to
me. The carbon in the frame is supposed to absorb road vibration, not
sure how much it actually does that. The tires seem a bit narrow to
me, but that’s the case with everything I’ve looked at. Since this
would be my first “real” road bike I’m willing to give them a shot.
Also, the shop seems great. They gave me many options in my price
range, didn’t try to push me to the more expensive bikes and plan to
spend over an hour on fit, including free swapping of stem and
whatever else we need to make it right for me. Any thoughts or
opinions welcome.
At that price point you could do worse than that particular bike and
probably not any better. The Elita is a good crank . . at that price point.
It will last long enough, the bottom bracket will probably wear out first.
It can be argued that no one makes a better all aluminum frame than
Cannondale, they probably put the same thought into the Six13. That the
shop will fit the bike to you, as its your first road bike, is important. I've
seen them on sale a few weeks ago at Mike's Bikes here in the SF/Bay
area, a good deal. The compact crank is a good way to go, you may
want to try an 11-28 if they'll let you swap out for that. Go for it.

On Jul 13, 12:28*am, RS wrote:
In article 7adfe01c-3cc4-4312-bd08-
,
says...





Any thoughts on the Cannondale Six13 5 Compact? *Specs can be seen
herehttp://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RCT5C.html
(or
herehttp://tinyurl.com/4p8wd6). My primary concern is the Truvativ
Elita 2.2 Compact crank. *I read a few reviews of them coming loose
and stripping. *Of course, that could also be due to improper
maintenance and/or assembly. *Aside from that the spec looks good to
me. *The carbon in the frame is supposed to absorb road vibration, not
sure how much it actually does that. *The tires seem a bit narrow to
me, but that’s the case with everything I’ve looked at. *Since this
would be my first “real” road bike I’m willing to give them a shot..
Also, the shop seems great. *They gave me many options in my price
range, didn’t try to push me to the more expensive bikes and plan to
spend over an hour on fit, including free swapping of stem and
whatever else we need to make it right for me. *Any thoughts or
opinions welcome.

At that price point you could do worse than that particular bike and
probably not any better. *The Elita is a good crank . . at that price point. *
It will last long enough, the bottom bracket will probably wear out first.. *
It can be argued that no one makes a better all aluminum frame than
Cannondale, they probably put the same thought into the Six13. *That the
shop will fit the bike to you, as its your first road bike, is important. *I've
seen them on sale a few weeks ago at Mike's Bikes here in the SF/Bay
area, a good deal. *The compact crank is a good way to go, you may
want to try an 11-28 if they'll let you swap out for that. * Go for it. *- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Is an 11-28 a standard 105 cassette? They were willing to swap the
12-25 for a 12-27 on the CAAD9 5 (Same bike with all aluminum frame
for $400 less, can be seen here http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/c...el-8RA95D.html
) at no cost. If it's a special cassette they'd have to build up I
think that'd be asking a bit much. Thanks for the reply!

In article 8bde204e-f2f8-4887-890f-
, says...


On Jul 13, 12:28*am, RS wrote:
In article 7adfe01c-3cc4-4312-bd08-
,
says...





Any thoughts on the Cannondale Six13 5 Compact? *Specs can be seen
herehttp://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RCT5C.html
(or
herehttp://tinyurl.com/4p8wd6). My primary concern is the Truvativ
Elita 2.2 Compact crank. *I read a few reviews of them coming loose
and stripping. *Of course, that could also be due to improper
maintenance and/or assembly. *Aside from that the spec looks good to
me. *The carbon in the frame is supposed to absorb road vibration, not
sure how much it actually does that. *The tires seem a bit narrow to
me, but that’s the case with everything I’ve looked at. *Since this
would be my first “real” road bike I’m willing to give them a shot.
Also, the shop seems great. *They gave me many options in my price
range, didn’t try to push me to the more expensive bikes and plan to
spend over an hour on fit, including free swapping of stem and
whatever else we need to make it right for me. *Any thoughts or
opinions welcome.

At that price point you could do worse than that particular bike and
probably not any better. *The Elita is a good crank . . at that price point. *
It will last long enough, the bottom bracket will probably wear out first. *
It can be argued that no one makes a better all aluminum frame than
Cannondale, they probably put the same thought into the Six13. *That the
shop will fit the bike to you, as its your first road bike, is important. *I've
seen them on sale a few weeks ago at Mike's Bikes here in the SF/Bay
area, a good deal. *The compact crank is a good way to go, you may
want to try an 11-28 if they'll let you swap out for that. * Go for it. *- Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Is an 11-28 a standard 105 cassette? They were willing to swap the
12-25 for a 12-27 on the CAAD9 5 (Same bike with all aluminum frame
for $400 less, can be seen here
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/c...el-8RA95D.html
) at no cost. If it's a special cassette they'd have to build up I
think that'd be asking a bit much. Thanks for the reply!
The 11-28 cassette is available as a SRAM part, you don't need the most
expensive. Shimano may be making 11-28 cassettes now because compact
cranks are so popular and the short cage rear deraiileurs can now just
accomodate a 28 tooth cog plus the overall capacity required of a 50-34/11-28.
At least the Dura-Ace short-cage RD will but you don't need Dura-Ace right
now. Actually until you get going faster the 12-27 will be fine. Sometimes you
can spinout with a 50-34 compact crank with a 12 instead of 11, don't worry
about it. If your 1st road bike I would definitely get a compact crank and the
27 should be fine in back. The 28 is just a little lower.
Is the all aluminum CAAD9 available with a compact? I'd ride it and the Six13
and see if you notice much difference. The CAAD9 is an excellent frame and
will probably be fine. $400 is $400. As for the thin tires the chain stay in the
rear will allow clearance for little else beyond 700x25s. You can run them at
90lbs-95lbs and they'll be a little more comfortable. Or just get used to the
700x23s that come with the bike. The wheels that come with the bike will also
dictate the overall stiffness. Generally higher end wheels are stiffer, whatever
is coming with these bikes is not that so they should be fine.

On Jul 13, 12:29*pm, RS wrote:
In article 8bde204e-f2f8-4887-890f-
, says...





On Jul 13, 12:28*am, RS wrote:
In article 7adfe01c-3cc4-4312-bd08-
,
says...

Any thoughts on the Cannondale Six13 5 Compact? *Specs can be seen
herehttp://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RCT5C.html
(or
herehttp://tinyurl.com/4p8wd6). My primary concern is the Truvativ
Elita 2.2 Compact crank. *I read a few reviews of them coming loose
and stripping. *Of course, that could also be due to improper
maintenance and/or assembly. *Aside from that the spec looks good to
me. *The carbon in the frame is supposed to absorb road vibration, not
sure how much it actually does that. *The tires seem a bit narrow to
me, but that’s the case with everything I’ve looked at. *Since this
would be my first “real” road bike I’m willing to give them a shot.
Also, the shop seems great. *They gave me many options in my price
range, didn’t try to push me to the more expensive bikes and plan to
spend over an hour on fit, including free swapping of stem and
whatever else we need to make it right for me. *Any thoughts or
opinions welcome.

At that price point you could do worse than that particular bike and
probably not any better. *The Elita is a good crank . . at that price point. *
It will last long enough, the bottom bracket will probably wear out first. *
It can be argued that no one makes a better all aluminum frame than
Cannondale, they probably put the same thought into the Six13. *That the
shop will fit the bike to you, as its your first road bike, is important. *I've
seen them on sale a few weeks ago at Mike's Bikes here in the SF/Bay
area, a good deal. *The compact crank is a good way to go, you may
want to try an 11-28 if they'll let you swap out for that. * Go for it. *- Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Is an 11-28 a standard 105 cassette? *They were willing to swap the
12-25 for a 12-27 on the CAAD9 5 (Same bike with all aluminum frame
for $400 less, can be seen here

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RA95D.html) at no cost. *If it's a special cassette they'd have to build up I
think that'd be asking a bit much. *Thanks for the reply!

The 11-28 cassette is available as a SRAM part, you don't need the most
expensive. *Shimano may be making 11-28 cassettes now because compact
cranks are so popular and the short cage rear deraiileurs can now just
accomodate a 28 tooth cog plus the overall capacity required of a 50-34/11-28.
*At least the Dura-Ace short-cage RD will but you don't need Dura-Ace right
now. *Actually until you get going faster the 12-27 will be fine. *Sometimes you
can spinout with a 50-34 compact crank with a 12 instead of 11, don't worry
about it. *If your 1st road bike I would definitely get a compact crank and the
27 should be fine in back. *The 28 is just a little lower.

That's prettymuch what I figured.


Is the all aluminum CAAD9 available with a compact? *

No, it comes with a 105 standard double or 105 triple.


I'd ride it and the Six13
and see if you notice much difference. *The CAAD9 is an excellent frame and
will probably be fine. *$400 is $400. *

Not a bad idea. Supposedly the big advantage of the carbon in the
frame is absorbing road stifness. Since my problem areas are knees,
back, wrist in that order I figure I can use all the help I can get.
I'll still try to ride both and see if I notice a difference.


As for the thin tires the chain stay in the
rear will allow clearance for little else beyond 700x25s. *You can run them at
90lbs-95lbs and they'll be a little more comfortable. *Or just get used to the
700x23s that come with the bike. *The wheels that come with the bike will also
dictate the overall stiffness. *Generally higher end wheels are stiffer, whatever
is coming with these bikes is not that so they should be fine

Good to know. The wheels that come on either bike are Shimano WH-
RS-10, from what I understand not total entry-level junk but not high-
end high-zoot either.

In article 8c11adf1-4c1b-4400-bed3-
,
says...


On Jul 13, 12:29*pm, RS wrote:
In article 8bde204e-f2f8-4887-890f-
,
says...





On Jul 13, 12:28*am, RS wrote:
In article 7adfe01c-3cc4-4312-bd08-
,
says...

Any thoughts on the Cannondale Six13 5 Compact? *Specs can be
seen
herehttp://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RCT5C.html
(or
herehttp://tinyurl.com/4p8wd6). My primary concern is the Truvativ
Elita 2.2 Compact crank. *I read a few reviews of them coming loose
and stripping. *Of course, that could also be due to improper
maintenance and/or assembly. *Aside from that the spec looks good
to
me. *The carbon in the frame is supposed to absorb road vibration,
not
sure how much it actually does that. *The tires seem a bit narrow to
me, but that’s the case with everything I’ve looked at. *Since this
would be my first “real” road bike I’m willing to give them a shot.
Also, the shop seems great. *They gave me many options in my price
range, didn’t try to push me to the more expensive bikes and plan to
spend over an hour on fit, including free swapping of stem and
whatever else we need to make it right for me. *Any thoughts or
opinions welcome.

At that price point you could do worse than that particular bike and
probably not any better. *The Elita is a good crank . . at that price
point. *
It will last long enough, the bottom bracket will probably wear out first.
*
It can be argued that no one makes a better all aluminum frame than
Cannondale, they probably put the same thought into the Six13. *That
the
shop will fit the bike to you, as its your first road bike, is important.
*I've
seen them on sale a few weeks ago at Mike's Bikes here in the SF/Bay
area, a good deal. *The compact crank is a good way to go, you may
want to try an 11-28 if they'll let you swap out for that. * Go for it. *-
Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Is an 11-28 a standard 105 cassette? *They were willing to swap the
12-25 for a 12-27 on the CAAD9 5 (Same bike with all aluminum frame
for $400 less, can be seen here

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RA95D.html) at no
cost. *If it's a special cassette they'd have to build up I
think that'd be asking a bit much. *Thanks for the reply!

The 11-28 cassette is available as a SRAM part, you don't need the most
expensive. *Shimano may be making 11-28 cassettes now because compact
cranks are so popular and the short cage rear deraiileurs can now just
accomodate a 28 tooth cog plus the overall capacity required of a 50-
34/11-28.
*At least the Dura-Ace short-cage RD will but you don't need Dura-Ace right
now. *Actually until you get going faster the 12-27 will be fine. *Sometimes
you
can spinout with a 50-34 compact crank with a 12 instead of 11, don't
worry
about it. *If your 1st road bike I would definitely get a compact crank and
the
27 should be fine in back. *The 28 is just a little lower.

That's prettymuch what I figured.


Is the all aluminum CAAD9 available with a compact? *

No, it comes with a 105 standard double or 105 triple.


I'd ride it and the Six13
and see if you notice much difference. *The CAAD9 is an excellent frame
and
will probably be fine. *$400 is $400. *

Not a bad idea. Supposedly the big advantage of the carbon in the
frame is absorbing road stifness. Since my problem areas are knees,
back, wrist in that order I figure I can use all the help I can get.
I'll still try to ride both and see if I notice a difference.


As for the thin tires the chain stay in the
rear will allow clearance for little else beyond 700x25s. *You can run them
at
90lbs-95lbs and they'll be a little more comfortable. *Or just get used to the
700x23s that come with the bike. *The wheels that come with the bike will
also
dictate the overall stiffness. *Generally higher end wheels are stiffer,
whatever
is coming with these bikes is not that so they should be fine

Good to know. The wheels that come on either bike are Shimano WH-
RS-10, from what I understand not total entry-level junk but not high-
end high-zoot either.
The wheels are fine. If they don't offer a compact in the CAAD9 go for the
triple if its your 1st road bike and save your knees. Have fun, be carefull.

On Jul 14, 12:18*am, RS wrote:
In article 8c11adf1-4c1b-4400-bed3-
,
says...





On Jul 13, 12:29*pm, RS wrote:
In article 8bde204e-f2f8-4887-890f-
,
says...

On Jul 13, 12:28*am, RS wrote:
In article 7adfe01c-3cc4-4312-bd08-
,
says...

Any thoughts on the Cannondale Six13 5 Compact? *Specs can be
seen
herehttp://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RCT5C.html
(or
herehttp://tinyurl.com/4p8wd6). My primary concern is the Truvativ
Elita 2.2 Compact crank. *I read a few reviews of them coming loose
and stripping. *Of course, that could also be due to improper
maintenance and/or assembly. *Aside from that the spec looks good
to
me. *The carbon in the frame is supposed to absorb road vibration,
not
sure how much it actually does that. *The tires seem a bit narrow to
me, but that’s the case with everything I’ve looked at. *Since this
would be my first “real” road bike I’m willing to give them a shot.
Also, the shop seems great. *They gave me many options in my price
range, didn’t try to push me to the more expensive bikes and plan to
spend over an hour on fit, including free swapping of stem and
whatever else we need to make it right for me. *Any thoughts or
opinions welcome.

At that price point you could do worse than that particular bike and
probably not any better. *The Elita is a good crank . . at that price
point. *
It will last long enough, the bottom bracket will probably wear out first.
*
It can be argued that no one makes a better all aluminum frame than
Cannondale, they probably put the same thought into the Six13. *That
the
shop will fit the bike to you, as its your first road bike, is important.
*I've
seen them on sale a few weeks ago at Mike's Bikes here in the SF/Bay
area, a good deal. *The compact crank is a good way to go, you may
want to try an 11-28 if they'll let you swap out for that. * Go for it. *-
Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Is an 11-28 a standard 105 cassette? *They were willing to swap the
12-25 for a 12-27 on the CAAD9 5 (Same bike with all aluminum frame
for $400 less, can be seen here

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RA95D.html) at no

cost. *If it's a special cassette they'd have to build up I



think that'd be asking a bit much. *Thanks for the reply!

The 11-28 cassette is available as a SRAM part, you don't need the most
expensive. *Shimano may be making 11-28 cassettes now because compact
cranks are so popular and the short cage rear deraiileurs can now just
accomodate a 28 tooth cog plus the overall capacity required of a 50-
34/11-28.
*At least the Dura-Ace short-cage RD will but you don't need Dura-Ace right
now. *Actually until you get going faster the 12-27 will be fine. *Sometimes
you
can spinout with a 50-34 compact crank with a 12 instead of 11, don't
worry
about it. *If your 1st road bike I would definitely get a compact crank and
the
27 should be fine in back. *The 28 is just a little lower.

That's prettymuch what I figured.

Is the all aluminum CAAD9 available with a compact? *

No, it comes with a 105 standard double or 105 triple.

I'd ride it and the Six13
and see if you notice much difference. *The CAAD9 is an excellent frame
and
will probably be fine. *$400 is $400. *

Not a bad idea. *Supposedly the big advantage of the carbon in the
frame is absorbing road stifness. *Since my problem areas are knees,
back, wrist in that order I figure I can use all the help I can get.
I'll still try to ride both and see if I notice a difference.

As for the thin tires the chain stay in the
rear will allow clearance for little else beyond 700x25s. *You can run them
at
90lbs-95lbs and they'll be a little more comfortable. *Or just get used to the
700x23s that come with the bike. *The wheels that come with the bike will
also
dictate the overall stiffness. *Generally higher end wheels are stiffer,
whatever
is coming with these bikes is not that so they should be fine

Good to know. *The wheels that come on either bike are Shimano WH-
RS-10, from what I understand not total entry-level junk but not high-
end high-zoot either.

The wheels are fine. *If they don't offer a compact in the CAAD9 go for the
triple if its your 1st road bike and save your knees. *Have fun, be carefull.

They don't offer a compact with the CAAD9, just a triple (a bit fredly
to the real roadies, but hey, I’m no racer, at least not on road
bikes). They offered to swap the cassette to a 12-27 to ease up the
gearing a tad, but it still wouldn't be like a compact or a triple.
The Six13 5 comes with a compact, and the carbon/alum frame that is
supposed to soak up the road vibration some. Even the shop guy said,
regarding the 2 frames, "You know what they say, ignorance is bliss,
so with this being your first road bike you'll probably never miss the
carbon. Either is going to ride a whole lot better than your current
singlespeed, and be a whole lot easier on you". That’s one of the
things I liked about this guy, I told him I wanted to spend 1000-1500,
and was willing to stretch the 1500 for the right bike. He offered me
4 bikes at 1050, 1300, 1350 & 1700 and didn’t make a bit of effort to
push the 1700 model over the others. The Thing is, with both wrists
broken multiple times, a bad back and a really bad knee if I can
benefit from some vibration absorption from the carbon frame it'd be
worth it to me. The question is will I actually benefit, or is it a
gimmick. I should also mention in all fairness I find carbon to be
really cool, and the cool factor is worth something. My old BMX race
bike had Answer carbon forks, and I loved them. They felt great,
were light as can be and survived abuse far above and beyond any
expectations. I still have them on a shelf at my parents house.

I’m not thrilled about the fact that all bikes are set exactly at
retail when so many places are offering deals, but feel good enough
about the shop to suck it up. Unfortunately a bike shop doesn’t
strike me as the kind of business where someone will knock a few
dollars off for a cash purchase, since the sale is going to be on the
books regardless. They do offer 10% off any accessories with a new
bike, but the only accessory I plan to get is a set of $45 pedals, so
that’s under $5 savings. I’d like a computer with cadence as well,
but I’m already spending over my intended budget and don’t want to go
too wild. If I buy the CAAD9 I’ll likely get pedals, a wireless
computer with cadence and a pair of baggy shorts while I’m there.
I’ve no interest in wearing the form fitting lycra but wouldn’t mind
finding out what the big deal with the padded shorts everyone swears
by is. I still have a damn hard time justifying spending $100 to find
out.

In article bb20ba7c-342a-469a-ba72-
, says...


On Jul 14, 12:18*am, RS wrote:
In article 8c11adf1-4c1b-4400-bed3-
,
says...





On Jul 13, 12:29*pm, RS wrote:
In article 8bde204e-f2f8-4887-890f-
,
says...

On Jul 13, 12:28*am, RS wrote:
In article 7adfe01c-3cc4-4312-bd08-
,

says...

Any thoughts on the Cannondale Six13 5 Compact? *Specs can be
seen
herehttp://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-
8RCT5C.html
(or
herehttp://tinyurl.com/4p8wd6). My primary concern is the
Truvativ
Elita 2.2 Compact crank. *I read a few reviews of them coming
loose
and stripping. *Of course, that could also be due to improper
maintenance and/or assembly. *Aside from that the spec looks
good
to
me. *The carbon in the frame is supposed to absorb road
vibration,
not
sure how much it actually does that. *The tires seem a bit narrow
to
me, but that’s the case with everything I’ve looked at. *Since this
would be my first “real” road bike I’m willing to give them a shot.
Also, the shop seems great. *They gave me many options in my
price
range, didn’t try to push me to the more expensive bikes and plan
to
spend over an hour on fit, including free swapping of stem and
whatever else we need to make it right for me. *Any thoughts or
opinions welcome.

At that price point you could do worse than that particular bike and
probably not any better. *The Elita is a good crank . . at that price
point. *
It will last long enough, the bottom bracket will probably wear out
first.
*
It can be argued that no one makes a better all aluminum frame
than
Cannondale, they probably put the same thought into the Six13.
*That
the
shop will fit the bike to you, as its your first road bike, is
important.
*I've
seen them on sale a few weeks ago at Mike's Bikes here in the
SF/Bay
area, a good deal. *The compact crank is a good way to go, you
may
want to try an 11-28 if they'll let you swap out for that. * Go for it.
*-
Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Is an 11-28 a standard 105 cassette? *They were willing to swap the
12-25 for a 12-27 on the CAAD9 5 (Same bike with all aluminum
frame
for $400 less, can be seen here

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RA95D.html) at
no

cost. *If it's a special cassette they'd have to build up I



think that'd be asking a bit much. *Thanks for the reply!

The 11-28 cassette is available as a SRAM part, you don't need the
most
expensive. *Shimano may be making 11-28 cassettes now because
compact
cranks are so popular and the short cage rear deraiileurs can now just
accomodate a 28 tooth cog plus the overall capacity required of a 50-
34/11-28.
*At least the Dura-Ace short-cage RD will but you don't need Dura-Ace
right
now. *Actually until you get going faster the 12-27 will be fine.
*Sometimes
you
can spinout with a 50-34 compact crank with a 12 instead of 11, don't
worry
about it. *If your 1st road bike I would definitely get a compact crank
and
the
27 should be fine in back. *The 28 is just a little lower.

That's prettymuch what I figured.

Is the all aluminum CAAD9 available with a compact? *

No, it comes with a 105 standard double or 105 triple.

I'd ride it and the Six13
and see if you notice much difference. *The CAAD9 is an excellent
frame
and
will probably be fine. *$400 is $400. *

Not a bad idea. *Supposedly the big advantage of the carbon in the
frame is absorbing road stifness. *Since my problem areas are knees,
back, wrist in that order I figure I can use all the help I can get.
I'll still try to ride both and see if I notice a difference.

As for the thin tires the chain stay in the
rear will allow clearance for little else beyond 700x25s. *You can run
them
at
90lbs-95lbs and they'll be a little more comfortable. *Or just get used
to the
700x23s that come with the bike. *The wheels that come with the bike
will
also
dictate the overall stiffness. *Generally higher end wheels are stiffer,
whatever
is coming with these bikes is not that so they should be fine

Good to know. *The wheels that come on either bike are Shimano WH-
RS-10, from what I understand not total entry-level junk but not high-
end high-zoot either.

The wheels are fine. *If they don't offer a compact in the CAAD9 go for the
triple if its your 1st road bike and save your knees. *Have fun, be carefull.

They don't offer a compact with the CAAD9, just a triple (a bit fredly
to the real roadies, but hey, I’m no racer, at least not on road
bikes). They offered to swap the cassette to a 12-27 to ease up the
gearing a tad, but it still wouldn't be like a compact or a triple.
The Six13 5 comes with a compact, and the carbon/alum frame that is
supposed to soak up the road vibration some. Even the shop guy said,
regarding the 2 frames, "You know what they say, ignorance is bliss,
so with this being your first road bike you'll probably never miss the
carbon. Either is going to ride a whole lot better than your current
singlespeed, and be a whole lot easier on you". That’s one of the
things I liked about this guy, I told him I wanted to spend 1000-1500,
and was willing to stretch the 1500 for the right bike. He offered me
4 bikes at 1050, 1300, 1350 & 1700 and didn’t make a bit of effort to
push the 1700 model over the others. The Thing is, with both wrists
broken multiple times, a bad back and a really bad knee if I can
benefit from some vibration absorption from the carbon frame it'd be
worth it to me. The question is will I actually benefit, or is it a
gimmick. I should also mention in all fairness I find carbon to be
really cool, and the cool factor is worth something. My old BMX race
bike had Answer carbon forks, and I loved them. They felt great,
were light as can be and survived abuse far above and beyond any
expectations. I still have them on a shelf at my parents house.

I’m not thrilled about the fact that all bikes are set exactly at
retail when so many places are offering deals, but feel good enough
about the shop to suck it up. Unfortunately a bike shop doesn’t
strike me as the kind of business where someone will knock a few
dollars off for a cash purchase, since the sale is going to be on the
books regardless. They do offer 10% off any accessories with a new
bike, but the only accessory I plan to get is a set of $45 pedals, so
that’s under $5 savings. I’d like a computer with cadence as well,
but I’m already spending over my intended budget and don’t want to go
too wild. If I buy the CAAD9 I’ll likely get pedals, a wireless
computer with cadence and a pair of baggy shorts while I’m there.
I’ve no interest in wearing the form fitting lycra but wouldn’t mind
finding out what the big deal with the padded shorts everyone swears
by is. I still have a damn hard time justifying spending $100 to find
out.
The triple will have a 30 tooth granny gear on it, lower than the compact 34.
With the 12-27 in back you'll be fine and have a lower gear than with the
compact double.

On Jul 12, 6:06*pm, " wrote:
Any thoughts on the Cannondale Six13 5 Compact? *Specs can be seen
herehttp://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8RCT5C.html(or
herehttp://tinyurl.com/4p8wd6). My primary concern is the Truvativ
Elita 2.2 Compact crank. *I read a few reviews of them coming loose
and stripping. *Of course, that could also be due to improper
maintenance and/or assembly. *Aside from that the spec looks good to
me. *The carbon in the frame is supposed to absorb road vibration, not
sure how much it actually does that. *The tires seem a bit narrow to
me, but that’s the case with everything I’ve looked at. *Since this
would be my first “real” road bike I’m willing to give them a shot.
Also, the shop seems great. *They gave me many options in my price
range, didn’t try to push me to the more expensive bikes and plan to
spend over an hour on fit, including free swapping of stem and
whatever else we need to make it right for me. *Any thoughts or
opinions welcome.

The bike looks nice and it will ride very well. Cannondale is a
reputable brand that backs their products and so do their dealers. You
are worrying too much about little things. Tires will be just fine and
so will the crank. Ride it for a few weeks and make sure that
everything is nice and tight. If anything fails, go back to the shop
and they'll take care of you. I wouldn't worry about anything. You'll
be happy with the bike and love how a road bike rides ohh so smooth
and fast.

Andres