Cheap Bike v Expensive Super Bike Shootout

[@davidarthur]

Money no object which would you choose?

[@JackofNothingess]

The Cannondale. It's a classic, and not long from now it'll be 10,000 quid as a "classic collector's item"

[@TheCyclist19]

I do not think this is a fair test, you never weighed the bikes on camera? You did not publish your power numbers, your also running different gearing on both bikes! Also the Mavic Aksium wheels are budget entry level. I would put money on it that if you was running the same gear ratios with a set of light weight carbon wheels on that caad 12 you would do that course around in around the same time as that 10k superbike. I would choose the caad 12 even if i had 10k, easy to travel with and maintenance would not be an issue for a home mechanic...

[@ricksantana1016]

Personally for me the Caad with a few upgrades of course, Incidentally the Conti’s you chose for the CD was a great choice!

[@nationsnumber1chump]

Hookers and cocaine

[@florenceetalexismartel8365]

The Enve for sure !

[@wunfungchan2649]

I have a caad10 and one difference which could have been mentioned is maintenance. With the exception of the bottom bracket, the 'cheap', older bike in this instance is easier to service. A caad10 has external cables to boot. A nice thing about having an older bike is that if things go wrong with my fixes, then it isn't a financial disaster. Keep riding, whatever bike you have.

[@jorgesierra3165]

totally agree with you,👍

[@SnappyWasHere]

Except a new bike is wireless so no cables and it uses a t47 threaded bb so maintenance is actually less than an older bike.

[@n22pdf]

Love my CAAD10 such a lovely bike frame and fork rides so well ❤️😀👍👍🤩

[@salvadorestrugoalborch3653]

I ride a pimp caad10 and I still beat 95% of cyclist uphill

[@warburton1]

I got a new high end carbon bike this year and was really impressed with its performance, was really happy… then I had to put it in for service (cross threaded thru axle - by the builder), so I had to revert back to my CAAD10, whilst I can’t maintain the high end as well it definitely out accelerates the new bike and feels livelier, just seems to have more character somehow! Don’t regret the new bike but now know I have options when I go out for ride, just glad I didn’t sell the CAAD10 to fund the new one.

[@rawrwoww]

My god. A 11k€ bike with Ultegra and a soulless grey color. This bike is the paragon of the bike industry trying to fleece the customers as much as they can and trying to get away with it on the post Corona "people need to get out more and bike" hype fuelled by parts shortages and "everything has gotten more expensive due to inflation". I work in a related industry and can tell you for a fact that the wholesale of a bike like this is 1.5k€ max. Including marketing and shipping expenses it may be 2k€, but not much more. This means that you are paying an almost absurdly high 5x margin to the manufacturer by buying this disgustingly average looking bike. People need to stop buying these bikes and paying the retirement homes of the executives and salespeople who are advertisting this crap. The bike industry has gotten INSANE from 2020-2023 and needs to face a reality check that the average consumer does not demand bikes like these. Kudos to you for showing that a 400$ bike is not 25x worse than a 10000$ bike.

[@mctrials23]

That £400 bike isn't a £400 bike though is it. He spent probably £200 on maintenance/upgrades and thats ignoring the time a mechanic would spend on it. So its probably a £700+ bike. Stick a new rear cassette on there (is the current derailleur medium cage) along with replacing the front sprockets and you can add another £100 + to that. I agree that top end bikes are insanely expensive but people are free to spend what they want and you can get some cracking bikes for around £1000-1500 brand new. As with any hobby, the point of diminishing returns is very early in the pricing range. I wouldn't necessarily say that the "£400" bike represents amazing value for money though as by the time hes made the changes he wants to make it will be more like an £800 bike. An £800 bike that has a fair bit of wear and tear and older standards. Theres no issue with that but its not quite such an easy decision vs a more budget new bike.

[@DilbertMuc]

@@mctrials23 Not really. The kind of maintenance his mechanic did on his bike is feasible for an average home mechanic who loves his bike (aka... like me).

[@DilbertMuc]

It's just the basic Enve configuration. You can add your color for an additional premium (like Project ONE at Trek) When fleecing the customer, make it a proper fleecing.

[@mctrials23]

@@DilbertMuc I do all my own maintenance too but most people I know don't. The point still stands. Its not a £400 bike....

[@bikeman123]

The caad was originally £1600 and is £2250 now. All bikes require maintenance so I don't see why it is included.

[@robertpreato3891]

I think that for a fair comparison, you should have used aero wheels on the Cannondale. Wheels are a common upgrade and some of the speed gains on Enve are due the wheels alone. A good pair of aero rim brake wheels are not expensive, especially on second hand market.

[@Andy-co6pn]

I should imagine that's for a future episode

[@robertpreato3891]

@@Andy-co6pn Maybe, but then why do this comparison at all? We already know that deep aero wheels are marginally faster so if we are trying to find out which of the two bikes are faster, they should at least be tested with the same or similar tires and wheels.

[@Andy-co6pn]

@@robertpreato3891 perhaps by incrementally modifying it , D.A. can show which is the best improvement for the money 💰. My guess would be a wider gear range would probably be a better upgrade for average riders on an older bike

[@kool_thing]

In this case, it wouldn't be a cheap bike any more. Well, not that cheap.

[@sail5820]

It'll still be under 1k, compared to 10k..

[@KGrant88]

May just be me, but the dale looks better. I prefer horizantal top tubes over the sloping lines. Throw some 40 mm carbon rims on and its a classic stunner.

[@oreocarlton3343]

It's not you, horizontal tts are super elegant and more pleasing to the eye

[@markusseppala6547]

Agreed, the enve looks a bit like those cheap chinese carbon frames. A less boring paint job would help probably.

[@newoldsteel]

Seriously horizontal TT are fire and make any bike look SO hood. Hence my bikes all have it lol

[@walterhofer937]

Frames with a horizontal top tube and high seatstays look stilted and inelegant. I never liked these bikes.

[@devinmorrison7131]

Now put another $1000 into the caad12 with some deep wheels, aero handlebar and GP5000 with latex tubes and make the comparison!

[@StanEby1]

Even the Cannondale would be a stretch for me right now...but you got a real bargain. I love Caads from about 9 on. Even though I'll never be able to own an Enve, I can envy an Enve any day, and I'm very proud they're made in America! Very balanced and thoughtful review, IMHO. Thanks.

[@maxlloyd3740]

I don't think the Melee is made in the States Taiwan I think.Its only the Custom Road that's made in America.😢

[@phillipcowan1444]

Even if you spent £1000 on the CAAD and upgrades you'd still have £9750 to take it somewhere warm and scenic to ride it.🙂

[@kevinbourke4038]

Come join me here, in Melbourne Australia.

[@chuckfrizzell8668]

I ride a 1987 Eddy Merckx SLX steel built with 10 speed dura ace and Mavic SSC wheels. I’ve ridden it for more than 20 years. I bought an upper end 2019 carbon fiber / Ultegra bike but I sold it after a few months and went back to the Merckx. I think that says a lot for New versus Old. Great Video David - thank you.

[@kevinbourke4038]

You Sir, own a REAL BICYCLE. May you continue to ride it for another 20 yrs.

[@xavierderck3910]

Fully understand and agree. I own a Bertin 12 speed, steel frame. For 35 years. Bought 2 years ago a carbon Cube, ultegra/ shimano components, high end wheels......but sold it. My Bertin is slower but soooo much more comfortable. And soo much easier to handle in the hills and mountains here in SW Ireland.

[@lordad]

This video is very interesting for a couple of things. 1.) The difference is massive ! I didnt think it would be that big. People dont realize that 208w vs 231w whatts itself is close to 1,5km/h difference... and still the 208w bike was 1km/h faster . That difference is so big that its actually absolutely bonkers and i feel it has to do with flaws in testing conditions.... otherwise it would mean that on a 7h Marathon race you would save 1 whole hour just from having a modern expensive bike. Thats nutz. The difference between a 7h and a 6h finish while doing the same effort is insane. 2.) you bought it for 400pounds but its not a cheap bike. It was 1999€ here in 2016. This bike is no doubt much better than any 1000€ entry level bike in 2023 ;) 3.) people saying the difference is marginal live in their own reality... saving 1 complete hour on a marathon is not marginal...thats actually a bit too much to be true

[@spishco]

Only Ultegra for £10K? Ha!

[@orangeorphan]

Another thing to keep in mind is that when you get paint chips or scratches on the frame of the ENVE, you’re going to want to cry. But with the cheap Cannondale you won’t really care.

[@bitgeist21]

This excellent video just goes to show that even at $10k (USD) you are only marginally better positioned than a very basic road bike platform. The more I watch David's videos the better I feel about being an older (and slightly poorer) road cyclist 🙂 HAHAHA!!

[@lordad]

marginally ? you save 30watts and are still 1 minute faster every 20 minutes ? Thats not marginal thats actually pretty big.

[@bitgeist21]

@@lordad What you just said only matters if you are a competitive cyclist. And that is not the thrust of this comparison. The Thesis David is trying to address is; for we non-pro cyclists, is a 10k bike that much better than a 400 pound bike. And the answer is a resounding 'no'.

[@kbd13-n9c]

But wheels alone would make a huge difference on that 400£ bike, which would make it even closer, and you’d still be able $7000-$8000 cheaper. You can save 30W or more with aero socks, better positioning/fit and the wheels.

[@walterhofer937]

The Enve is a grossly overpriced bike. A Ribble Ultra SL for £2,699.00 is just as fast, maybe even faster.

[@bluemystic7501]

@@bitgeist21 A 30 watt difference between those two bikes is a night-and-day difference so the answer is yes, $10k gets you an otherworldly bike.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

I would pick the caad12. I have 3 modern bikes with disc brakes and 1 rim brake thats 11years old. The rim brake bike is so easy to service and maintain.

[@davapod]

I can't find a Cannondale CAAD 12 remotely near £400, more like a grand plus.

[@KTM690enduror]

I still ride my 17 caad12 with sram red and it’s super light super fun ! This frameset it’s a masterpiece!

[@xavcarmic0686]

CAAD12 every day. Lovely bike. Looking forward to the wheelset upgrade. Which is all it needs.

[@bikenliftdad9983]

Would love to see these types of tests wirh same wheels and tires, setup same way (like both tubeless).

[@franciscorey5723]

Hey, a 10,000-pound bike mounted on an ultegra, no matter how electronic it is, is an armed robbery.....fuck the brands.

[@industryrule-4080]

10 grand and an Ultegra groupset with Reserve wheels?!?

[@8rk]

Went from S-works SL7 to Supersix rim brake to now a caad12 rim brake. Never been happier. (kept the supersix. I transfer parts over to that when I'm in the mood for carbon)

[@adccars359]

Why?

[@yonglingng5640]

Sweet. Is your SuperSix EVO a second-generation?

[@MrNewlife1968]

I would take the Cannondale... Put some Spinergy wheels on it and eat the 10k bike for lunch.

[@vozzen]

Sure you would, bud

[@marcgtsr]

Same and would invest in some stocks

[@MrNewlife1968]

@@vozzen l don't care for disk road bikes. Plus I'm not a carbon fan.

[@azaz6951]

Lol no chance

[@jammankutch9385]

Comfortable is fast

[@Chimy1423]

As always, excellent video. I have a Caad8 and I love that bike. I also have a 2020 Trek Émonda; It's not the fastest or the lightest, but it's comfortable and much nicer on my back 😊. One more thing...I miss the classic Cannondale frame. Take care yourself and greetings from 🇵🇷Puerto Rico.

[@mikekobal]

Fully agree, pricing had gone through the roof!

[@kevinbourke4038]

Yes thru the roof, and on its way to the stratasphere.

[@logojones96]

Money no object, I'm taking the CAAD12 every time. Could make it even nicer/lighter for way less than the total cost of the enve. And so easy to maintain.

[@haksaw123]

I really want to see a comparison with the ENVE wheels on the Cannondale. I think that upgrade alone would be very interesting 🤔 😏. Keep up the good work 👏 👍

[@Digiphex]

I was a little disappointed the other day when I hopped on my aluminum TREK with cheaper Alivio groupset and realized it rides faster and easier than my Specialized Diverge carbon I have been riding for a few years. I can't figure it out but it is true.

[@chrisscott8362]

Flip the wheels, use same cassette, Redo the exam. You will get better result and CAD will be much closer to the enve.

[@brian_simmons_]

According to bicycle rolling resistance, those gp5000’s are actually 4.5W faster than the enve tires, so add that on top!

[@jorgesierra3165]

I love the road bikes designs from 2010 to 2018, nowadays they look like toy.

[@barryherron5351]

This is not a fair comparison, the Cannondale had Mavic Askiums for starters. Upgrade the wheels to decent set of winspace or hunt rimset and go from there.

[@marcgtsr]

Now compare them again with upgrades to the caad like carbono seatpost and Wheels! Great vid!! Maybe a lighter gearing to fit you better...

[@tonipons7139]

I think that if you put aero wheels and Aero bar on Caad12 the difference are minimal.

[@DilbertMuc]

David, on your next video you might research a bit on mudguards, because they make the bike faster despite the additional weight! 🤔 See them as wind fairings! The upper part of the tire has twice the speed of the bike against the wind due to rotation and a tight mudguard simply halves that wind resistance. On the lower part the relative speed of the tire goes to zero (contact point to tarmac) and there is no unnecessary mudguard anyway. In addition the rear part of the tire, where parts of the mudguards are, is a turbulent zone, so the mudguard has no to little drag. It might become a change of mind just like wider tires in the recent past, making the bike faster despite common wisdom. 🤓👆

[@vr_gamers8116]

IMO and experience, expensive or top of the range bikes are a financial liability, as soon as you purchase one it losses a third of it's value, on top of that, you'll need insurance, add to that the increased expense for maintenance. A good quality bike doesn't need to cost £10K+, second hand or even owing multiple less expensive bikes is for me personally a more attractive investment.

[@johnwedlake5543]

A bike is not a car. So to say that it is a financial liability is nonsense, no one is buying it as an investment or even with a view of sell on price. Especially top end bikes. Also to say it will “lose a third of its value as soon as you purchase it” is just simply not true.

[@vr_gamers8116]

@@johnwedlake5543 I've purchased and sold a lot of top tier bikes over the years, they're much much tougher to sell on once used without a substantial reduction in price, That's a FACT. 90% of sellers never achieve market value or even get close to their asking price, another FACT. You don't need to believe me, just check eBay.. used bikes don't sell well, unless they're a complete bargain. Top tier bikes are 110% a financial liability, both new and pre-owned, especially high modulus carbon frames, example : a relatively simple repair can cost $$$, I've worked with carbon fibre since day one, Fishing rods, Kayaks and Bikes, most reliable carbon repairs are very expensive, add a paint respray on top of that and it's serious money, the funny thing is, when you inspect as many top tier second hand bikes as I do, you'll find a ton of them will have been damaged then repaired to be sold on, not everyone is a dumbass and only a dumbass would pay top dollar for a second hand top tier carbon bike without proper evaluation and inspection by a professional and that also costs money = financial liability. I hope that helps some folks out there.

[@jonlane1209]

You should review the aluminium trek domane against the carbon trek domane… that would be a great comparison between carbon and aluminium bikes of the same generation!

[@JSC131]

The CAAD hands down ive had one and they come alive as soon as your out of the saddle. I find any disc road bike lazy and slow I might be 9ld skool and I've always had a rim brake bike and will ride my cube cross disc brake bike due to having 35c tyres it's a lovely bike to ride but a rim brake bike is my first choice simple as great content David.

[@Thomas-tf4cm]

They do, its a inspiring bike.

[@danc1829]

So basically put a better range cassette on the Caad and better wheels and it would close the gap at x25 less cost 😂😂😂😂

[@gordon5008]

That's what the poors say. The 10-15k bikes ride amazing.

[@neilrobinson7965]

@@gordon5008 the poors eh? Well I am a millionaire (not a joke) and even I draw the line at the ridiculous prices of modern high end bikes. They are just not worth the price in my opinion. There are far better things to spend money on.

[@Thomas-tf4cm]

​@@gordon5008 its overpriced.

[@Mad0nU]

​​​@@neilrobinson7965 also a Very High Net Worth Iindividual who grew up poor and couldnt muster up putting more than 2k on a bicycle. I have poor student friends who put more on their bicycle than me. Than it stands out when its parked on the street and gets stolen here in Brussels. There is nothing rational about it.

[@ptmguitar]

​@gordon5008 whatever you need to tell yourself to make up for your mediocre performance

[@mattkrivosudsky9057]

The expensive bike is NOT 25x better. The returns diminish fast the more the bike costs.

[@JonFairhurst]

I’d want both. Expensive carbon bikes are great for riding, but good, cheap bikes are better for practical trips where you lock them out in public. When I’m riding for sport and the ride begins and ends at my house, I ride my nice bike. When I go to the gym or shopping, I ride my aluminum winter bike with year-round fenders, and more robust wheels. Both have disks. I don’t like rim brakes on carbon wheels, and on the winter bike, I don’t care about weight, and I want wet stopping power and the ability to mount fatter tires. It’s a 2017 model, so yeah, people can now buy affordable used bikes with disk brakes.

[@simonwarmer8777]

Put some good wheels on that caad and the ride quality will improve immensely

[@colincampbell8311]

Maybe you could repeat the test with top level wheels on the Cannondale. But don‘t forget to swap the brake pads if you put carbon wheels on!

[@chapmag6578]

Great review. I relate to the gearing. I have a beautiful Ti bike from 2002, with 10 speed campy record, but the gearing is such that now at 68 , I can really only ride it on the flats, or rolling hills at best. Guess I could change out the whole group set, but kind if want ti keep it true to the period. So 95% of the time I go to my 2021 bike, as the gearing is just so much more suitable.

[@davidarthur]

I've got an old SuperSix Evo with 53/39 and 11-25 and it hurts my legs - god knows how I used to ride it regularly!

[@ColinSmith2001]

@@davidarthur Yeah, i was 53/39 11-25 for a lot of years too. Funny now that current bottom of the big ring, 50-32, is the same ratio as absolute bottom, 39-25, was back in the day :S

[@robertpreato3891]

Swapping out a BB and crankset can be done in less than 30 minutes. Going to a compact crankset will solve your issue. What good is keeping the bike period correct if you can't enjoy it. That only matters to some collector when you go to sell it.

[@ColinSmith2001]

@@robertpreato3891 50/34 and 46/30 options for the Cannondale Spidering too - no need to swap the crank (y)

[@lesliereissner4711]

I just changed a Colnago C40 from 9-speed Record 53/39 to a 10-speed Chorus 50/34 (different BB but inexpensive) and really happy that I can climb as well as with my newer bikes (and I am 67).

[@EmanuelFuchs]

I got all my PBs on the cheap bike because it goes better. the new bikes are all so heavy and stiff in the wrong way. I sold my new bike because i do not see any positive thing about it. I think the best bikes are around 2010 with rim brakes. I am sorry for people who start out now because they are forced to buy useless unnecessary stuff which is only worse. Good video!

[@yonglingng5640]

Yes, 2010s bikes are the best.

[@ricksantana1016]

For this comparison the contrasts were too far apart, although I did enjoy seeing my old whip perform again, Which I truly regret selling….

[@chriss6971]

I ended up going with a steel road bike instead of carbon, since buying second hand i dont trust old carbon integrity and longevity.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

For realz! I'd go steel or titanium second hand over anything else.

[@markthomas741]

There is not a bicycle on planet earth worth £10k

[@iitsjustmj]

😂 Felt IA FRD 2.0 Dura-Ace DI2 Price: $13,999.99

[@hooiken]

​@@iitsjustmjworth

[@iitsjustmj]

@@hooiken you’re not a cyclist at all I can see

[@kenyeuong1773]

I reckon whack a high end Aero wheels in the Cad you will substantially reduce the time and watts

[@terbennett]

This comparison is fair. Like Robert Presto said, get some aero carbon wheels for the CAAD12. You're absolutely right about the wheels holding back that bike. Aksium are neither aero, nor light. You will unleash the potential of the CAAD12 and probably fall in love with it. I can't say much about the Enve. It's an awesome bike, and at that price, it should be.

[@sand9577]

One thing people aren't talking enough when it comes to disc brakes, is that they are not as linear as rim brakes. I'm part of cycling group that is quite stubborn about moving on to disc brakes, we're old and cantankerous ok? One of us recently moved on to disc brakes, he has mentioned that there's some getting used to with the disc brakes, sure they feel way softer, but they tend to block the wheel suddenly, there's a spot from which the brake leaver on the hydraulic stops..."modulating" and just applies all the strength to the brake pads in one go and if you're not used to it, or expecting it, you can lose traction. He said that it's like rim brakes have built in ABS, where as the disc brakes are just on or off, and very hard to go between. Maybe his hydraulic system needs adjustment, he also needs getting used to it. That sudden brake "bite-in" of disc brakes would explain the crashes I've seen on the road, the guy just slams the brakes and his butt goes flying over his head.

[@MrRelmonte]

Your first video of this "cheap bike" is why I picked up my CAAD12. I'm pretty sure your wheel upgrade is going to be some inexpensive carbon wheels 😉

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Cool vid, man I’m in love with the Envie!! I’d wait a year when hopefully the envie comes out with a less expensive option. I prefer mechanical ultegra, carbon wheels though.

[@NunoJoel]

Another thing to note is how good those Mavic Aksium perform for such so low price they cost and also they are very though

[@FancyAnimal]

Thank you bike oems for making used bikes the best bargains in cycling history.

[@SuperCanerat]

These are cool videos comparing the second hand bike. Interesting to see what better wheels might do to comparisons.

[@MAGAmaniac1000]

You can get a cheap set of Winspace Hypers and save the Mavics as training wheels. That is what I would want. The Enve bike is nice but I want value so I would get a Winspace or Elves which is priced appropriate

[@tonykarabatsas1762]

David what is the difference between them if you put carbon deep section wheels on the cannondale. I think it wouldn’t be much at all.

[@event4216]

As a cyclist I don't like overly expensive gear which needs expensive tools to service. As a motorist I prefer bright and catchy colors for frame and kit. Never like those grey-black ninjas on road who either don't have lights at all or use stupid flashing lights at night.

[@robertpreato3891]

Not sure if the bikes were test ridden exactly as they are set up in the photo. The Enve bikes seems to be set up with the saddle higher (and downward tilted) and the front end (bars) lower. This would yield a somewhat more aero position and give and advantage to that bike simply because of the set up. The test was not over a long course so the negative impact on comfort of this aero set up would not have been felt. The Cannondale could just as easily have been fitted with a -17 deg stem and achieve a similar rider profile.

[@davidarthur]

Are you taking into account the wheel stand that raises the back of the Enve and can distort the saddle angle?

[@robertpreato3891]

@@davidarthur Looking at the saddle tilt relative to the TT, not relative to the ground. The picture may be deceiving or perhaps the picture shows the bike before it was adjusted for proper fit. Also, the bars also appear to be lower.

[@robertpreato3891]

@@davidarthur The still shot at 24 seconds is the cover shot for the video and that is what I was referring to. Both bikes are in a stand and there does not appear to be appreciable rear wheel lift on either bike. If you look at that shot, the bikes are clearly set up differently. And rider profile has a much bigger impact on bike speed than any other single factor(given the same rider on the same day). Perhaps the Enve was adjusted after this video was taken and before the testing began or perhaps the camera angle is deceiving. Only you know that, I was just pointing out the apparent difference in set up.

[@davidarthur]

@@robertpreato3891 Both bikes were ridden as seen in the video. The saddles are set to the exact same height and are both set to be level as I my preference - saddle shape here can be deceiving. Both stems are slammed on the bikes. Yes there will be geometry differences though they are both race bikes so fairly comparable. Both bikes are not uncomfortable for me to ride for extended periods

[@estelja]

That Cannondale Si crank alone is worth more than 400 pounds. You got such a good deal, sure it hadn't been pinched?

[@yonglingng5640]

The seller probably didn't know much about the bike, given how the entire bike is almost/completely stock, so it's probably why it was underpriced.

[@maxab7e63s5]

Try to tell your partner that you are going to purchase a 10k bike. I would be sleeping in the couch😂😂😂. I'll stick with my very old but still spicy aluminum bike.

[@776jamie]

I’m on a 2019 CAAD12 and I always get Mad Max “Last of the V8s” vibes from it. So despite being tempted by sexy carbon I’ll do my best to keep it going as long as I can.

[@mellissanash7517]

Time to upgrade the Cad to a 11-34t cassette.

[@SwimBikeRunFastest]

Funny, I bought the caad3 20 years ago second hand for... £400. It has a mixture of ultegra and 105 and the same wheels as yours. Its been great for me commuting, finishing a number of triathlons, road races and for zwift. Absolute bargain in my eyes.

[@fender1000100]

People are always arguing over cheap vs expensive. It all depends on your needs and your level of commitment to riding. If you just want a bike to ride a handful of miles now and then. Of course a cheap bike will do. But nobody is going to win a serious race on a 26lb Trek FX2 for example. And if your bike is your main form of transport like it is for me. Then investing in a QUALITY super efficient bike makes alot of sense. I travel everywhere in London on my. Tern Verge X18. I've had it for 7 years. It cost me £1,800 in 2016. And it's saved me over £15,000 in travel.expenses over that period of time. Which is a serious point alot of people miss. A high quality fast bike that's very efficient is a joy to ride. And in the long run it will pay for itself.many times over as my X18 has for me. Add to that the health benefits. I lost over 45lbs riding it. And once youve ridden a high quality bike you don't ever want to go back believe me. It becomes part of you. And riding and challenging yourself become part of you.

[@montrose252]

Long live rim brakes and mechanical shifting!

[@kevinbourke4038]

I'm with you 100% Latest so called tech is a pile of bulltish ! 10000 English Pounds for a bicycle. That's Aust$ 20,000. I can buy a Chinese built family 4 door, hatch back car for less than that Aust$19500 Heater, air con, air bags, etc. What is happening on your side of the world ?

[@montrose252]

@@kevinbourke4038 For real! I just want to ride a bike. I don't want to plug in a baterry or download Bluetooth updates or drain hydraulic fluid. I do indeed like aero carbon frames, but they used make those with mechanical rim brakes. Cycling is alienating its biggest fanbase. The new tech is SHITE.

[@kevinbourke4038]

@@montrose252 What you say is spot on mate. I have a nice carbon frame/fork road bike, with carbon h/bar and carbon seat post. With RIM brakes. Group set a mix of DuraAce & 105. Bought that bike new, 3 yrs ago for Aust$3500 - less than 1700 British pounds. Just recently I bought a steel frame, single speed bike new. $300 Yes with rim brakes. I actually enjoy riding that bike equal to the carbon job. Love the basic basics of a single speed. Quite liberating !! What's your thoughts ? Mind you where I ride is very flat terrain, that helps. This steel bike weighs a wopping 11 kgs. Gives me a good workout. When the beast gets upto cruising speed, it kinda propels itself using its weight to gather momentum, - quite a diff experience. I cannot, cannot - get my head around how much money people are expected to fork out for a bicycle of moderate to decent spec's over your side of the globe. Theft comes redily to mind.

[@montrose252]

@@kevinbourke4038 I SPECIFICALLY bought a LOOK 795 BLADE RS for approx 3K EUR with Ultegra mechanical and rim brakes because I knew it was a "last of the dinosaurs" situation -- a top end aero bike still equiped with old school tech. (Pinarello F12 would be an option too, but I did not find one for sale at that time).

[@kevinbourke4038]

@@montrose252 David, read yr text. Enjoy your cycling, as I too enjoy my cycling. Take care mate. Cheers from me - Sunday night here, watching The Giro d' Italia, having a few ales. I raise my glass, best wishes, Cheers.......

[@modemarcoj8026]

I agree with the comment on the wheel set up not being similar as that would have made more sense in such a comparison. Also would be cool to see a more realistic comparison such as a mid tier 4-5 k bike vs the 10/11 k bike as ridiculous as 10/11 k bikes are as in that price point considering you can get a premium motorcycle for 8500-12 k

[@peterquest6406]

I think you would have to have both bikes long term,ie a year or 2.See how long components last etc.race both,or do what ever it is you want to do with both of them

[@Jurman69]

The comparison is not really realistic, the cannondale is used, while on the other hand it is a new top-end bike. The price of a new cannomdel was £2000. in any case, the cannondele is a better choice, because apart from the huge price difference, there are no significant flaws,, and by upgrading the components, it can be side by side with today's carbon bikes, because it already has a top aluminum frame. I have an identical caad 12 from 2016, 30,000 km, no mistakes, I only invested in a new pair of wheels. An incredible bike, fast, nimble, light, a real chaser! But good video👍🏻

[@babyrabies]

Slap in some winspace hypers on the dale and watch that enve goes envy.

[@danlewis7678]

I ride a $400 Gary Fisher/Trek ASC Super. Older bike, cheap, easier to maintain. If I was strong enough to put up big wattages or racing at an elite level I would need a high end bike. For me, the low cost option is a no brainer.

[@terryg652]

It's a shame you didn't maintain the same power. 23w more on the Cannondale is quite a lot. That's another 1+ minutes difference in time over that course.

[@davidarthur]

My heart rate was the same and I aimed to ride to the same power as much as possible, but the Cannondale definitely felt harder to ride at the speeds the Enve made feel easier

[@lordad]

exactly and most people commenting on how small the difference is dont even know anything about power or powermeters....

[@PedroPrego]

I would like to see an "exercise" where in that same circuit, you would take someone your weight (or very similar), they would ride the enve bike and you would only follow their wheel and compare the watts made over the course for the two of you.

[@jessetosado]

How about doing the same test, if posible, with the CAAD 10 equipped with a mechanical transmission with the same gear ratios as the electronic?

[@CycoWarriorx]

Yes, I need a super expensive bike cause 1. I’ll look like I’m pro so that’ll validate I’m a cyclist… 2. It’ll increase my watts by 92%… don’t debate me on this cause the internet said it would. 3. It’s a magnet for getting dates with women and same as #2 - the internet said so. 4. My cycling buddies wont have one. So naturally I’m cooler than them.

[@bonbonflippers4298]

Rofl! Man that hits so sensitive areas

[@CycoWarriorx]

@@bonbonflippers4298 😂😂😂😂

[@arthurschierhoff6485]

I recently bought an older Cannondale for $ 320 u.s.d. It is plenty light and fun to ride.

[@harrie974]

As long as the bb30(a) doesn’t creak the caad 10 en 12 are great bikes.

[@neilturner2068]

£10k+ bike and it comes with Ultegra? Did I hear that correctly? I haven’t looked at new bike prices recently but can’t you get a £5k bike with Ultegra? Plenty of left over cash for other upgrades

[@chriswood1474]

I have a cadd12 and love it, upgraded the wheels and even though they aren’t deep section they are significantly faster than those Mavics. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was right up there with the Enve with some proper wheels. I also switched the BB and Crankset as the only bad point of a cadd12 is the creaky BB30

[@davidcarino6500]

I've had many bikes! The only difference i feel is if I really push it on the steep hills or 30+ mph the new ones are a little stiffer ! Like he said not much lighter.

[@Rocky4719]

I’m not a roadie, so my allez has flat pedals for cruising (though still quick). The bike works and is still damn capable as an endurance bike.

[@MrSkaffen]

I’d like to add I ride a caad10 dura ace with alloy fulcrum racing Quattros wheels and the latest 2023 tubeless Pirelli P0’s and it’s now on another level. I beg you to try a similar comparison to this against the Enve and firmly believe you would struggle to say the Enve’s a better ride or faster !!

[@mikespadafora9077]

I have recently got a very good deal on a Titanium Ritchey Breakaway. It is very smooth and the ultegra group set is smooth shifting.. I do lament the ability to mount anything wider than 28 mm tires. THe wheels are Mavic Ksyrium with a very low spoke count that have a nice buzz. I do enjoy how easy it is to work on. Just like your Cannondale, making a couple of upgrades like newer Aero wheels might make a difference and a different chainring gearing combo might make a difference. I don’t race so I dont really need to do that though. I have worked in a bike store before and have owned many high end carbon bikes, to be honest I prefer this over them, especially given the cost!

[@event4216]

Enve's own tires - does it relates to issue with their rims not being fully compatible with commonly available tires? I don't like proprietary parts, integrated parts and closed system bicycles serviceable by manufacturer trained experts only. Bicycle should be open system, not too expensive and not too complex.

[@davidarthur]

Nope you can run any tubeless compatible tyre on any Enve wheels

[@event4216]

I was wrong. It's only Challenge, and only with specific Enve rim model (not any of them). "Challenge has consequently been forced to list the specific ENVE SES rims as not compatible with any Challenge clincher tire models, on the website. Challenge asks that consumers do not mount ENVE SES wheels with any model of Challenge clincher tire whatsoever."

[@davidarthur]

Lots of better tyres than the Challenge tyres that conform to the latest ETRTO standards though

[@event4216]

Challenge tires can a challenge, indeed.

[@abcdefg8134]

I think the CAAD looks better but Iv always loved straight top tubes

[@yonglingng5640]

Pre-2020 Cannondales do look nice and distinct. Unfortunately, horizontal top tubes aren't for us smaller riders. For the 2016 model year, CAAD12s at Size 52 and smaller had horizontal top tubes, but possibly due to feedback by riders having to forcibly downsize by one size due to the high standover height, the 2017 - 2019 CAAD12s of that size range now have sloping top tubes that resulted in lower standover heights.

[@marsruarua594]

the Enve Melee is not an Aero bike, it is more of a climber. There are not aerodynamic features apart from the handle bar. it is just a standard frame. i would not pay that much for that bike. you can always change wheels so i do not count that. to be honest, there is nothing to it.

[@MerlinMan1579]

Plus you have, in the older bike, an ability to fully service it at home without recruiting a expensive shop mechanic.

[@Fatbutnotflat]

I saw quite a bit of people on a caad3 (red frame, yellow decal, what a looker) here, faster than their mate on new carbon bikes.

[@amandajane8227]

Having googled the caad3 I have to say it would be the perfect bike for the unox team to be riding in the tdf this year.

[@suryopras]

30W more power required on CAAD12 over 20 minutes course is huge gap. What if Grand Fondo 5 hours ride? Here I still ride my CAAD12 105. Thank for the test.

[@tippy35075]

The fact that you managed to fit 28mm tires on the used bike makes a world of difference, I'm stuck with 26mm tires on my old school road bike

[@yonglingng5640]

How old is it? 2000s kind of old?

[@tippy35075]

@@yonglingng5640 it's a 2013 model so I've had it for 10 years, hoping to upgrade later this year

[@Thomas-tf4cm]

That 10k carbon mold is ugly. I bet the Cannondale is even better. Its a fantastic bike.

[@bikeman123]

Discounting the fact that the CAAD is used, the latest iteration is £2250 so the difference is only 4x. So it shows what weve always known, that the difference between £2k and £10k is marginal. It also shows what little improvement theres been over the last 5 years.

[@marekstanislawczyk9196]

Would like to see your Caad 12 with better deep carbon wheels I bet the bike will performe way better😉

[@BeatPoet67]

Cheap carbon aero wheels on the Cannondale and there would be 30s in it tops.

[@LeoInterHyenaem]

Kudos to Enve on the beautiful design and the mudguard mounts! Bravi!

[@123supporter]

I'd like to see a top spec caad 12, versus this superbike. It would still cost you about 20% of that enve.

[@ericclaire-helenerfletcher9433]

just change the wheel set for carbon will be faster ride and least will still enjoy the ride save money as well, could add a change to the back cassette for easier gearing , looks great as a bike

[@tehdrexsack]

With DuraAce it's 15k I guess? Just crazy..

[@jorgesierra3165]

I thought a pair of mavic aksium vs a pair of good carbon wheels the difference of average speed would be bigger

[@saitoyukio]

bike are very expansive here in japan,a bike with 105 group set cost 3.000 , i did upgrate on my giant defy4 2016 with 105, used bike like that cannodale are 1.000 , that frame used cost 500, need a good wheels ll be fine