Cannondale CAAD9 4 – My First Road Bike

Over the past few months, I’ve scoured the internet and visited nearly every local bike shop, sometimes more than once shopping for my first road bike. After a long search and several test rides, I was overwhelmed by  more brands, models, and component sets than I ever imagined possible.

Initially, I was looking at the Raleigh Revenio 3.0, Felt Z85, and the Giant Defy 1, but after visiting River Market Cyclery and test riding a Cannondale CAAD10 5, I was sold on the Cannondale brand.

After a bit more searching, I found a 2010 Cannondale CAAD9 4 at Leawood Bicycles that was just my size. Since it was a 2010, it was also on sale for a great price. I went home, slept on it, and the next day made up my mind.

Cannondale CAAD 9 4 Road Bike

The CAAD9 is the predecessor to the CAAD10 and was last Cannondale bicycle to be handmade in the United States. I also liked the CAAD9 4, because it was equipped with a full SRAM Rival groupset, including a carbon crank.

I bought the bike on August 6. As of today, August 23, I’ve put just over 100 miles on it. It’s a great, responsive ride, though I’m still getting used to the firmer, smaller road saddle. I definitely don’t leave home without my biking shorts on. The CAAD9 has more of a racing geometry, so I’m taking it in today to have the stem flipped, so the my riding position will be a little more relaxed and comfortable.

 Specifications — 2010 Cannondale CAAD9 4
Frame CAAD9 Optimo aluminum, taper-butted
Fork Slice Premium monocoque full carbon
Weight Unspecified (60cm frame, I’ll weigh soon)
Components
Seatpost Cannondale C2 Carbon
Saddle Prologo Kappa Pas
Drivetrain
Shifters SRAM Rival
Front Derailleur SRAM Rival
Rear Derailleur SRAM Rival
Brakes Tektro R580
Brake Levers SRAM Rival
Cassette SRAM Rival
Chain KMC DX-10SC
Crankset / Bottom Bracket SRAM Force BB30 Compact, 50/34
Wheels
Rims Shimano RS10
Hubs Shimano RS10, 20h (rear) & 16h (front)
Spokes Shimano RS10
Tires Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick, 700 x 23
Other
Warranty Lifetime – Frame
MSRP (Price) $1,799 (I got a deal, since it was last 2010 model and I bought near end of 2011)

4 thoughts on “Cannondale CAAD9 4 – My First Road Bike”

  1. Sorry for the late reply and thanks, I’ve been enjoying it a lot. It’s starting to get cold in Kansas City, so my next step is to stock up on winter riding wear.

    Reply
  2. I bought the bike on August 6. As of today, August 23, I’ve put just over 100 miles on it. It’s a great, responsive ride, though I’m still getting used to the firmer, smaller road saddle. I definitely don’t leave home without my biking shorts on. The CAAD9 has more of a racing geometry, so I’m taking it in today to have the stem flipped, so the my riding position will be a little more relaxed and comfortable.

    Reply

Leave a Comment