Scott CR1 Team or a Cannondale Sprint Caad9?

Ami Elkus wants to ride a few Triathlons and wants a good bike for Sunday rides. His choice is between the Scott CR1 Team form 2008 and the cheaper Cannondale Sprint Caad 9 from 2007. His idea is to up grade the Cannondale, we have other ideas and here they are.

Question: Great site. Very interesting articles/reviews. Thanks!
I’m trying to decide between a Scott CR1 team (08) or an 07 Cannondale Sprint Caad 9. I’ve read your preference of the Scott, but I really can’t decide. The 07 Caad 9 is cheaper as its last year’s model, and I can spend the difference in price upgrading components. However I really would appreciate a steer from you on what to consider and your recommendations.
I’m planning on doing a few triathlons this year, as well as the weekly long Sunday rides.
Thanks!

Hi Ami,

Thanks for reading the site and we are very happy you find it helpful and interesting.

Cannondale

Scott CR1

We didn’t need to think very long on this one, it has to be the Scott. Yea OK, so we have Scott CR1 bike and we are not sure about the look of Cannondale bikes, the equipment is great, Shimano 105, Fi’zi:k saddle and FSA head set, Shimano R550 wheel set, all the sort of stuff you can rely on, but the those large tubes, well if you like them that’s fine.

You say that you could buy the Cannondale Sprint at a good price then up grade, my question is “why?” Buy the better bike to start with and then as things wear out up grade even further up the ladder. The Scott has Shimano Ultegra, which is a much better group set, the Mavic Ksyrium wheels and lets face it that carbon frame is just sweet, light and performs like a dream.

The Comparison

• Alloy or Carbon? It has to be Carbon, it’s the material of choice these days, and even Cannondale use it on their other bikes.

• Shimano Ultegra or 105? No competition there!

• Mavic Ksyrium or Shimano R550? Close call, but the Mavic’s get it.
  

  Scott Ultegra

• Hutchinson or Michelin tires? Similar.

• The bars, seat post and stem? Good on both bikes, but we like the Ritchey seat post on the Scott, its carbon and is easy to adjust. The bars and stem are similar.

Why buy a bike that is not as good for a small difference with the cash. The Scott wins on all counts and if you start with a good bike, you will know what quality is from the beginning. The only advantages with the Cannondale are the price and the Tri bars and the Tri bars only if you intend to do time trials or triathlons. So go and buy the Scott CR1, Ami, and ride like a Pro.