Help with new bike

stuntjunky2006 said:

Hello soon to be fellow cyclers.

So, here's my dilema. I'm 22 years old. Been married almost a year. A few months ago my wife told me I need to start doing something physical (I went from 175 to 195 in 7 months of marriage) I don't really like working out, but I like riding bikes. So, being the type of person I am, I don't care how much I have to go into debt, I want to use decent equipment.

So, here is the problem. My wife decided to surprise me for christmas with a piece of [censored] aluminum bike (cannondale r800). The frame has caad8 on it, and it has 105 gears on it. What I really want is a carbon frame with dura-ace gears. I'm sure most of you, being bikers and all know what I mean.

So, how do I convince my wife to let me sell the bike on ebay. She's not very happy about it since she says she did a lot of research and tried hard to get me a bike we could afford. (We will have to put the new bike on a credit card). The bike shop won't take it back or trade it since it is a 2006 model. She thinks she got a good deal on it ($1100 out the door). I don't care how much I lose on it, I just want to get rid of it and get me a good bike. I've been looking at the a Trek Madone 5.2 and it looks like what I might like.

Anyway, if some of you will write that I should get a new bike, maybe that will convince her.

Thanks,

Robert

Hopefully you're kidding ... probably not, huh?

There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH the Cannondale your wife picked out for you ...

The TREK Madone will not make you a better rider ... and, only a few people in this Forum would consider it as their only bike ... and, fewer should bother riding it.

The Madone had a notoriously uncomfortable ride ... it was originally designed for a specific purpose (hill climbing). The weight difference between the Madone and a 38 lb., 30 year old Schwinn Varsity won't have any impact on your riding capabilities & will only be a benefit when you stop at your Starbuck's.

Unless you think the Cannondale is going to clash with your Jaguar's paint scheme, ride the bike your wife thoughtfully bought for you for at least a year ...

BTW. Yes, my reply has been mocking ... you may want to consider getting some credit counseling -- amongst other types -- BEFORE you do anything stupid.

ALSO (and, this is serious), I suggest that you look for a different bike shop for future purchases ... a new/unridden bike and they won't take it back OR give you credit for what was paid? While there are legal limitations to the amount of time that can elapse (e.g., 3 days) when the seller is obligated to nullify a sale, they have shown really bad faith & bad form since they knew your wife was buying the bike for another person (you) as a gift.

Well, unfortunately, I took it out on christmas morning. It was a bit slippery outside and for some reason, the bike didn't come with any pedals. Anyway, I was pushing myself along and slipped a bit and the bike tipped over and got a few scratches on the frame. I think that's the other reason the bike shop didn't want to trade it in.

But regardless, i appreciate the feedback. I think I still want to go with a better bike. If for nother reason than I think carbon is better than aluminum.

Does anybody have a good carbon bike recommendation with dura-ace gearing on it?

stuntjunky2006 said:

Well, unfortunately, I took it out on christmas morning. It was a bit slippery outside and for some reason, the bike didn't come with any pedals. Anyway, I was pushing myself along and slipped a bit and the bike tipped over and got a few scratches on the frame. I think that's the other reason the bike shop didn't want to trade it in.

But regardless, i appreciate the feedback. I think I still want to go with a better bike. If for nother reason than I think carbon is better than aluminum.

Whether carbon fiber is better than another material for a bike is irrelevant ... it has rightly been described by others to be the material du jour ... and, there are better bikes made with other materials than carbon fiber.

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the 105 component group. Neither Ultegra nor Dura Ace will be appreciably better.

You have ZERO reason to buy a different bike at this point other than for ego ... and, if your marriage + bank account & credit rating are less important at this point in time, then I repeat that you need to consider counseling.

BTW. If your wife had bought you a Madone AND you had dropped that on the roadway on Christmas morning, would you then feel that you needed a custom-made frame to compensate for some short-comings you have and are exihibiting? Get a grip.

Regardless, do buy a helmet if you don't already have one -- very few riders hit the road or trail without one.

stuntjunky2006 said:

Hello soon to be fellow cyclers.

So, here's my dilema. I'm 22 years old. Been married almost a year. A few months ago my wife told me I need to start doing something physical (I went from 175 to 195 in 7 months of marriage) I don't really like working out, but I like riding bikes. So, being the type of person I am, I don't care how much I have to go into debt, I want to use decent equipment.

So, here is the problem. My wife decided to surprise me for christmas with a piece of [censored] aluminum bike (cannondale r800). The frame has caad8 on it, and it has 105 gears on it. What I really want is a carbon frame with dura-ace gears. I'm sure most of you, being bikers and all know what I mean.

So, how do I convince my wife to let me sell the bike on ebay. She's not very happy about it since she says she did a lot of research and tried hard to get me a bike we could afford. (We will have to put the new bike on a credit card). The bike shop won't take it back or trade it since it is a 2006 model. She thinks she got a good deal on it ($1100 out the door). I don't care how much I lose on it, I just want to get rid of it and get me a good bike. I've been looking at the a Trek Madone 5.2 and it looks like what I might like.

Anyway, if some of you will write that I should get a new bike, maybe that will convince her.

Thanks,

Robert

This has to be one of the most knuckleheaded posts I've seen in a very long time.

You sound as if you are 12, not 22. The CAAD8 frame with 105 gearing is much more than adequate for a beginner to intermediate cyclist. Your wife did a great thing for you, and you're acting like a selfish child. Go put a couple thousand miles on that "piece of [censored]" bike you own, and then you'll have the right to an honest opinion. Until then, don't let the pacifier fall out of your mouth.

Thanks to those who have replied. I'm feeling a little better about the bike although I still don't know if I will keep it. I've decided not to get the Madone. My wife will be glad about that. I'll have to do go to the bike shop again to see what would be a good bike. I still probably want carbon. They say those are the lightest and best material.

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk. I'm sorry to those I've offended. If I'm going to bike, I want a good bike. Otherwise, what's the point, right?

Thanks again for those who have replied. If anybody has any bike suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks

stuntjunky2006 said:

I still probably want carbon. They say those are the lightest and best material.
Thanks

While carbon is relatively favored ATM and granted does give some comfort, I would have to disagree that it is the best.
There are people out there who prefer steel. That's right steel! The would rather ride a bike with say Reynolds 853 than carbon. One thing is because it is relatively fragile. One crash and it could be the end of the frame :eek:

I honestly don't think that your LBS is giving an unbiased opinion. They should gather information about you and your plans first and then make a recommendation. To me, it seems that they just want to take the most amount of money from you in the quickest way/sale. Be careful. I would suggest asking another LBS for their recommendations.

stuntjunky2006 said:

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk. I'm sorry to those I've offended. If I'm going to bike, I want a good bike. Otherwise, what's the point, right?
Thanks

You might not intend to offend others, but it seems that you're making the assumption that all others are [censored] (steel, aluminum) and unworthy of riding. A lot of people here take much pride in their rides and would be quick to disagree.

Although you are new, it's a easy to agree that an adequate fitting steel/aluminum bike is way better than an ill-fitted carbon bike. What I'm saying here is to focus more on your style of riding and what your measurements are first. Look around at what company fits your body (don't just consider Italian frames or LOOK because of their name).

If you still want carbon... ultimately it's your decision, hope you find a bike you are going to be happy with for a long time.

PS. If you're going to get rid of that bike, let me know 🙂

I can understand wanting the best, we all do. But I HIGHLY recommend you spend the next six months to a year on the bike your wife got for you before you go out and purchase "the best."

The reason....
1) you haven't been riding for any length of time and there's a chance you may not like it or stick with it.
2) you don't have the experience to know what you're going to like to ride. You may well find that you'd prefer a Cervelo, or some other brand over the Trek once you've ridden awhile and have a better idea about your particuylar style and riding

I'll equate it to going out and buying a Bentley Turbo when you have just received your driver's license. You don't know what your uses will be, you don't know what your tastes will be, and you don't know what style of driving you'll be doing. Give yourself a chance to find out BEFORE you go out and spend a lot of money and get yourself further in debt with something that may well end up sitting in the garage after the first 75 or 100 miles.

just my 2 cents.

My homble opinion FWIW would be:

Since it sounds like you have not ridden for a while, I am making an assumption you have not done much riding period. Set some riding goals, For example, 500, 1000, 2000 (or more) miles by next year. Beable to climb the worst hill around either quicker, without stoping, in a different gear etc. Ride twice as far as the farthest I have ridden to date. If theses are too easy, set them higher.

Go out and ride your new bike (with a helmet).

After you achieve your goal look at other bikes. Talk to the people you meet while riding and find out what they like and why. Compare your riding style to theirs.

Then go and buy the bike that make sense at that time.

None of us know you at all but as Alf mentioned earlier, from the sounds of things your bike may be the least of your problems. To just throw away a $1,000 bike your wife of less than a year bought you for Christmas, and buy a $3,000+ dust magnate is not going to go over well with your wife or your inlaws.

If you are truely riding, you will now have a bike (your Can) that you can ride on crappy days while you save your $3,000 plus bike for the nice days.

PS Very few bikes from LBS come with peds. They are matched to your cleats/shoes and people have particularities with them. If you really want to start a comotion ask what the best seat/peds/groups are.

I won't discuss the bike; others have given you good advice.

But as to your marriage, if you want that to be as strong as your cycling legs, then don't sell a gift which your new bride gave to you.

stuntjunky2006 said:

Hello soon to be fellow cyclers.

So, here's my dilema. I'm 22 years old. Been married almost a year. A few months ago my wife told me I need to start doing something physical (I went from 175 to 195 in 7 months of marriage) I don't really like working out, but I like riding bikes. So, being the type of person I am, I don't care how much I have to go into debt, I want to use decent equipment.

So, here is the problem. My wife decided to surprise me for christmas with a piece of [censored] aluminum bike (cannondale r800). The frame has caad8 on it, and it has 105 gears on it. What I really want is a carbon frame with dura-ace gears. I'm sure most of you, being bikers and all know what I mean.

So, how do I convince my wife to let me sell the bike on ebay. She's not very happy about it since she says she did a lot of research and tried hard to get me a bike we could afford. (We will have to put the new bike on a credit card). The bike shop won't take it back or trade it since it is a 2006 model. She thinks she got a good deal on it ($1100 out the door). I don't care how much I lose on it, I just want to get rid of it and get me a good bike. I've been looking at the a Trek Madone 5.2 and it looks like what I might like.

Anyway, if some of you will write that I should get a new bike, maybe that will convince her.

Thanks,

Robert

CAAD8's have and still are raced by racing teams riding Cannondales. The old European Cannondale sqaud was split down the middle as to riding the CAAD8 or six13. I ride a CAAD8 and I have rode carbon. I like the CAAD8 better (imo). It seems that you have been informed by a person who buys bicycles based on its wow or technology factor and not for personal preference of ride characteristics which is paramount when choosing a bicycle (regardless of material). Carbon is a flexy material compared to aluminum and given your weight, you may find the aluminum less prone to frame flex under power. Again, this is all personal preference. But please base any "junk" remarks on facts instead of shallow "wow" factors. Take a Huffy for instance...PIECE OF [censored]...[img]cyclingforums.comtongue.gifOpen ↗[/img] BTW...any wife that goes out and buys her husband a $1000+ bicycle is a keeper in my book...in which I have one as well[img]cyclingforums.combiggrin.gifOpen ↗[/img]

Thanks for all the remarks and help (even those that were a bit harsher than others). I know you meant the best and were trying to make a point to me.

So, thanks to you, I've decided keep the current bike and try it out for a while. If I decide I don't like it, I'll get a new one once I get a job (currently unemployed, but my wife is a teacher so we have a fine income), but it sounds like the bike isn't as bad as I thought. Sorry to those out there who ride an aluminum bike who I may have offended.

Thanks again for the help.

stuntjunky2006 said:

Thanks for all the remarks and help (even those that were a bit harsher than others). I know you meant the best and were trying to make a point to me.

So, thanks to you, I've decided keep the current bike and try it out for a while. If I decide I don't like it, I'll get a new one once I get a job (currently unemployed, but my wife is a teacher so we have a fine income), but it sounds like the bike isn't as bad as I thought. Sorry to those out there who ride an aluminum bike who I may have offended.

Thanks again for the help.

You've turned 180 degrees in just a few short hours, and for that, I applaud you. Sorry for being so harsh earlier, as I was indeed trying to make a point. Enjoy riding and be sure to thoroughly scour this forum for even more knowledge of the sport. Be sure to use the advanced search function to dig up many older topics.

The Sheldon Brown and Park Tool websites are also "must haves" for any new cyclist:
sheldonbrown.comindex.htmlOpen ↗
parktool.combikemap.aspOpen ↗

I read this thread, and found myself wondering why anyone would consider selling a great gift so easily.

I applaud your turn around, and know you will be very happy with your bike... It is more bike than I even want at over twice your age and probably 3 times your income... Unless you are racing, you could get by with far less bike, so be happy with what you have. And she got it at what sounds like a good price too...

What is the song? It isn't having what we want, its wanting what we got.

Now for a little while, leave the bike alone and do something special for your wife for treating her thoughtful gift so poorly. You weren't as big a jerk to the forum members as you were to your wife.

If you so much as mentioned the thought of trading in your bike for a "good one", then get on your knees and hope she doesn't leave you homeless, unless you don't care about her, in which case you should get on the bike and keep riding... but I doubt that is the case. She may not admit it, but if you mentioned trading the bike for a good one, I am 99% confident that you offended her deeply. Fix it now!

stuntjunky2006 said:

Thanks for all the remarks and help (even those that were a bit harsher than others). I know you meant the best and were trying to make a point to me.

So, thanks to you, I've decided keep the current bike and try it out for a while. If I decide I don't like it, I'll get a new one once I get a job (currently unemployed, but my wife is a teacher so we have a fine income), but it sounds like the bike isn't as bad as I thought. Sorry to those out there who ride an aluminum bike who I may have offended.

Thanks again for the help.

Good decision. You will like the bike your wife bought you. It is absolutely a fine bike. I would never spend the money on a new carbon DA bike unless I had been riding for years and had many thousands of miles completed. I bought a bike similar to the one you have in May, and have put about 2800 miles on it since then. The 105 components have been great, and I ask myself why I would want to pay so much more to shave a few pounds off the bike, when I really would rather drop those pounds from my body. Plus carbon can be damaged by falls, and I've had a couple of those since I started riding.

I guess if I was racing or really had to showoff around my friends, I might think different. I did look at carbon and did consider it, but am glad I saved some money and got a simpler and hardier bike.

Good luck, and enjoy your new hobby. It is very addictive. You will find PLENTY of other things to spend your biking money on besides the bike!

stuntjunky2006 said:

Well, unfortunately, I took it out on christmas morning. It was a bit slippery outside and for some reason, the bike didn't come with any pedals. Anyway, I was pushing myself along and slipped a bit and the bike tipped over and got a few scratches on the frame. I think that's the other reason the bike shop didn't want to trade it in.

+1 on Alfeng!

You've just demonstrated that the bike is way above your ability.

Go and ride your Cannondale and get better. Or you'll join the OCP brigade and scratch or fracture the CF frame at your next fall.

First of all, that LBS should be burned down for sending your wife away with a new bike sans pedals! That's pathetic. I'd rip them a new [censored] for that alone. Secondly, as you elder, I feel entitled to say this😉
Relationships are very tricky things, and ones with women are by far the trickiest. You can't fix whatever you said about the bike at this point. Females don't forgive very easily and they never FORGET when the one they love hurts them.

REMEMBER THAT. THEY NEVER FORGET.

I have a bike much like the one you got. I plan on riding the [censored] out of it until I DESERVE a new bike. Plus, I enjoy passing the D/A carbon set on the bike trail on my cheap aluminum Trek. Hell, the frame is really only worth about $60, so why not ride it hard and not worry about it?

benkoostra said:

First of all, that LBS should be burned down for sending your wife away with a new bike sans pedals! That's pathetic. I'd rip them a new [censored] for that alone. Secondly, as you elder, I feel entitled to say this😉
Relationships are very tricky things, and ones with women are by far the trickiest. You can't fix whatever you said about the bike at this point. Females don't forgive very easily and they never FORGET when the one they love hurts them.

I appreciate the concern with the marriage, but it should be fine. We've been through much worse. You think obsessing over whether I got the right bike is bad, try obsessing over whether I married the right girl 3 months into the marriage. It was a bit rocky for a while, but that's another story, and we seem to be doing much better now. Thanks for the concern and all the advice. It's appreciated. Sometimes I just need some sense knocked into me.

OK OK, I've skimmed this thread after reading post#1 and it seems like you decided to keep your bike. If you want a Full carbon DA bike with bugger all training you are one of the biggest idiots I have heard. Now, I know you couldn't be that dumb so.

That CAAD 8 has good enough specs to race. It is probably lighter than my bike (though not stiffer), has the same 105 group which I've raced successfully on for 1.5years, and I don't want to change. My advice is, about the same as everyone elses, if you aren't even gonna race ride it till everything starts breakin. Thats when you should consider replacing or upgrading. 10 speed 105 is good, caad 8 frames are very good, I assume its specced with Mavic or Shimano wheels (isn't everything:rolleyes🙂 so they are good. It is an excellent bike to get fit on, a full carbon frame won't make you any faster. In fact, the Caad8 is probably quicker than most carbon frames around, so consider yourself lucky.

Oh, DA isn't as durable as Ultegra, and 105 is up there too. What you've got is most definitely 'decent'equipment.

Hey Robert,

after reading your post I think your wife should sell you on ebay!

Aint nothing wrong with a caad8 105 C'Dale. It ain't what you got, it's how you use it.