Cannondale CAAD 8 optimo 1

Anyone????

Thomo said:

Anyone????

I'll give it a go.

The CAAD8 is an excellent bike. Optimo 1 is the top of the line. However, the CAAD8 has been replaced by the CAAD9. I think (not sure) the CAAD8 will no longer be offered as of next year.

I actually have both a CAAD9 and an alloy TCR. I also test-rode a CAAD8, so I can compare them both.

For me, ALL CAADs are excellent, with the 8 being a very, very successfull model, ridden in the ProTour. The CAAD is lighter than the TCR (I assume you mean an alloy TCR, not carbon) and more responsive. On the comfort side, wheels, tyres and saddle make a great difference, so it's difficult to compare frames. IMHO, the TCR is a bit more comfortable for long distance rides.

Cannondales are known for specializing in Aluminum bikes and they've been making them since the early 80s.

As I said before, when I got my C'9, i test rode the C'8. To be honest, the C'8 felt more comfy than the C'9, but it was spec'ed with 105 and I wanted Ultegra. Since it was not cost-effective to upgrade the 105 to Ultegra, I got the C'9.

Can't say much about Treks, as I haven't tested them.

Giants are amazing value for money.

If the C'8 is last year's, you should get a very good deal from the LBS.

As 99% of the people here will tell you:
Test them all, forget about the brand, and get the one that fits and feels better to you.

cheers

BTW, there is no Alloy TCR for 2007, so it must be either an alliance (part carbon, part alloy) or a 2006 model.

Thomo said:

Hi guys,
Just wondering if you have had any experience or have any thoughts on the new Cannondale CAAD 8 optimo 1. The guys at my lbs have been pushing me towards one of these and wont stop raving about it. I am tossing up between one of these and the Trek 1400 or the Giant TCR 1. It is the most expensive of the three but if it is really that much better, i might be able to justify the extra $$.

Let me know what you think.

Thomo

I love my CAAD 8 and would love to have a CAAD 9. Mine is stiff, light, fast. Its not that comfortable tho. I went to test ride some bikes with my brother and it came down to the CAAD5 tiagra or the alu synapse with tiagra (UK modles) and i was realy impressed with the synapse although he chose the CAAD 5 in the end.

I am riding a caad8 right now. Bought it off Ebay for $500 with the fork. Before, I was riding an Orbea Lobular 50. I love the frame. It isn't a classy frame but a very modern, functional frame. The bottom bracket area is huge and stiff. I love the cable stoppers by the head tube. It really smooths out shifting a lot. No strange sound coming from the frame as well. The whole frame just shuts out power and stiffness. The seat tube is oversized. The ride is smooth, depending what tire you use and how much air pressure you put into them. I use Conti 4000 tires and 110psi.

Thomo said:

Hi guys,
Just wondering if you have had any experience or have any thoughts on the new Cannondale CAAD 8 optimo 1. The guys at my lbs have been pushing me towards one of these and wont stop raving about it. I am tossing up between one of these and the Trek 1400 or the Giant TCR 1. It is the most expensive of the three but if it is really that much better, i might be able to justify the extra $$.

Let me know what you think.

Thomo

Talking about deals, my LBS had a 2006 Caad8 with full Dura-ace for $1700.00us-Brand new!! I almost bought it, but it was one size too small and I really had my heart set on a Six13 after 5 hours of test riding it. so I spent over $700 more for a bike with Ultegra/Dura-ace mix!!

As for geometry-I cannot say enough for how the Cannondale road racing bikes geometry feels in technical, fast downhills and tossing it as hard as you can into sharp corners (think crits). All that time tweaking bikes with pro squads has really paid off. i too fnd the ride to be stiff, but manageable. Again-wheelset. tires, pressure, etc. all play a big part.

Ray

I have a 2005 CAAD8 R5000 with Dura Ace gears and brakes and Ksyrium SL wheels. I previously had a CAAD5. While I enjoyed the first the CAAD8 is just brilliant. It is light and taut and a delight to ride. I think the excellent wheels have a significant contribution too. I also ride with Conti 4000's at 120psi.
I have no experience with either Trek bikes or with carbon frames so I can't comment on them.
Regarding Giant frames while they are relatively cheap, they do not have the same size range. A friend has had major problems with leg pain on his new Giant and expert opinion is that he has bought a frame too small.

Noeljs said:

I have a 2005 CAAD8 R5000 with Dura Ace gears and brakes and Ksyrium SL wheels. I previously had a CAAD5. While I enjoyed the first the CAAD8 is just brilliant. It is light and taut and a delight to ride. I think the excellent wheels have a significant contribution too. I also ride with Conti 4000's at 120psi.
I have no experience with either Trek bikes or with carbon frames so I can't comment on them.
Regarding Giant frames while they are relatively cheap, they do not have the same size range. A friend has had major problems with leg pain on his new Giant and expert opinion is that he has bought a frame too small.

What is CAAD?

My friend has one.. and it's super nice! Very light and I really like the gearing.

I have a 2005 Caad8 r 1000, it came with ultegra 10 speed, and I love it, I dont find the ride to be harsh at all. I've had no problems with the bike at all.