Bike Frames
June 25, 2008 - 8:26am — sunny
Hello everyone, I recently purchased a Cannondale CAAD 3. I did this on a whim and new nothing of the sport, bikes, or the components that go on it. I bought this bike to keep my cardio in check while I was recovering from a lower leg injury. I am now hooked on riding to the point of rediculous! So... this is my dilema, The bike has a mixture of components. Sora and Deore. The deore is the rear deraileur. The frame does not have a scratch on it. I would like to upgrade the components to an Ultegra package. Is the frame worth me spending the money on or should I look at just buying a new bike. I am also a large rider, so if I look at buying new should I stick with aluminum? I think I am to big for carbon but do not know enough about it.
Depends on Budget
Cannondale has been making great bikes for a long time and the Caad 3 frame is a good frame. I would suggest you see what your budget it. New frame technology allows for stronger and lighter frames. If you can afford it buying a new bike would be a great move. It your budget is limited like most of ours is then upgrading parts is not a bad idea. As for sticking with aluminum or carbon it depends on which carbon bike you would buy. There are many carbon bikes that carry guys who are 250 or so lbs. I would stay away from the supper lightweight bikes. I know Meridian cycles has carbon bikes built with ultegra 105 mix starting around 1600 or so. That is my 2 cents about the issue. I might have brought more confusion then resolve here for you.
new bikes
Thanks for the reply, I have been looking at new bikes, Giant, Felt, Kona, Specialized ect. I have my eye on the Felt 55. I know nothing of Felt bikes but it has the best component package for the money. Are they good bikes?
Felt are great
Felt are great bikes. Meridian cycles sells those as well and I road Pauls carbon Felt for the LP200 race and loved it. If it seems like I am trying to give a sells pitch about Meridian cycles is because I am. They are our team shop sponsor. (just is case you didn't know that)
That F55 looks like a great bike. Just took a look at it. DA / Ultegra Sl mix for the price is awesome.