HELP - First time buyer

Wow...I didn't think you'd get a CAAD 12 so cheaply. Both get excellent reviews which you can find online. Here are the main differences...

I think that Tiagra is 10 speed / rim brakes - though sometimes Cannondale sneaks its own (cheaper) components into groupsets. The Triban 105 is 11 on discs, I think - so arguably a more modern machine and it's full 105.

The CAAD 12 is a racing bike and the Triban has a more relaxed commuter / sportive feel to it - so this will come down to preference.  You could  set up the CAAD 12 less aggressively by turning the stem upside down and using all the spacers below the stem....you'll see lots of bikes set up like this - not all of them intentionally! 

I suspect both bikes could do with upgraded wheels as soon as you can justify it.  At this price, many manufacturers put cheap wheels on bikes - Indeed I've seen bikes that cost 1000s in shops with shiny 75 quid wheels.  When you're ready, you can get a handbuilt set for GPB 250-300.  I use Harry Rowland - you can find him online. 

On balance, I think I'd go with the Cannondale. It is a prestige brand and you can always upgrade the components at a later date - when you wear them out.  

That said, one of my riding buddies (who has 9 bikes) and is a much better rider than I raves about his Triban... You shouldn't be disappointed with either. 

I really like the green coloured one...and Cannondale paint jobs are usually good.  I'm bored of black and matt black bikes.... Looking at the spec they've skimped on the brakes, so it's not full Tiagra... 

They have a 105 in purple...:-)

Because of the lockdown there's been a big demand for new bikes,so discounted stuff in a range of sizes is hard to find. if you have no idea about the mechanics then i would stay away from secondhand/ebay as you might end up spending loads on worn out parts.

Have a look at Pauls Cycles. If your budget could stretch they have the Cannondale Caad 12 with Shimano Tiagra for about £860. Available in a range of sizes and its a great frame if you want to upgrade it in the future.Plenty of info on the internet with regards to the sizing on this bike.

For £500 you'd be looking at Sora.Tiagra is a good step up.The Cannondale is an excellent frame,and if you get the road bike bug,worth upgrading with higher spec parts over time.When it comes to sell,there is a good demand for them.

Its been superceded by the Caad 13 which is a totally different frame.At 6ft tall you would probably be looking at the 56 size in the Caad 12

If you're a newbie to cycling, I would buy from a local bike shop, if you buy from the internet and you have issues with your bike there could be delays in getting it repaired. LBS will put you at the back of the queue for warrenty work on a bike they haven't sold especially when they are so busy.

Tiagra is a good compromise and basis for future upgrades. Reliable, smooth shifting, decent brakes, good gear range options. Slightly cheaper replacement parts than 105 which is the next level oup. Sora is almost as good these days, just 9-speed rather than 10-speed gearing.

Claris 8-speed

Sora 9-speed

Tiagra 10-speed

105 11-speead

Ultegra 11-speed, lighter than 105

Dura-Ace 11-speed, lighter than Ultegra

kil0ran wrote:

Tiagra is a good compromise and basis for future upgrades. Reliable, smooth shifting, decent brakes, good gear range options. Slightly cheaper replacement parts than 105 which is the next level oup. Sora is almost as good these days, just 9-speed rather than 10-speed gearing.

Not sure what you mean as basis for future upgrades? Tiagra is not compatible with any groupset above it as far as I'm aware due to the 10 vs 11 speed issue and so you'll need to upgrade and buy a whole new groupset...which virtually nobody does outside of internet forums in my experience unless they've got a very expensive frame to begin with.

As a newbie it almost certainly doesn't matter what groupset it has within reason. I've got a 105 CAAD12 disc and it's a good bike...and I'm guessing it's a fair bit lighter than the triban for what it's worth. But....Triban and Decathlon in general are highly rated for bikes so basically you can't go too far wrong for a first bike.

Chances are you'll upgrade to a different bike in the next couple years anyway when you've discovered what sort of rider you are and what type of riding you do anyway.

I'd still go for the CAAD out of the 2 I think, the resale value will probably be higher too (or easier to sell due to the 'name' brand')