Hi everyone – I’m looking at getting my first road bike. I’ve been cycling for a few years now on a 26 lb steel gravel bike, so I’m looking to get something a bit lighter for road group rides, long solo outings and maybe race clinics in the spring.
I think it’s come down to a used CAAD13 with shimano 105 ($1200) or a new Contessa Addict with Tiagra ($1439). Thanks!
by Tiny_Tower
1 Comment
The cannondale is a better deal on a bike that really punches above its weight. Also has a much better groupset. Shimano 105 mechanical with hydraulic brakes is a really good groupset and inexpensive to maintain, it is considered the last great mechanical groupset and has so much trickledown tech. Tiagra is just not up to par with 105, I think someone like you that has been riding bikes for a bit would be able to tell the difference. The Caad13 will be a bit heavier… I think… but it is much racier and a better frame. I regret not getting a Caad13 as my first roadbike. It is a workhorse frame and when I’ve tried them against my mid-tier carbon bike I am always impressed and a bit mad at myself for buying a cheaper bike and then a carbon bike. Aluminum bikes are having a comeback but Cannondale is an OG for good aluminum bikes. Also if you crash the Caad13, it is much more robust than carbon and can take a hit. also you can upgrade the caad13 over time and use the leftover money for a bikefit.