Cannondale CaadX Sora 2014 Cyclocross or Felt Z85 2014

[robdeperla]

Hi,

I use to have a specialized allez 2009 road bike which I had for about 2 years and was my first road bike, I loved it and mainly commuted to work and around London with a few long rides during the summer (I admit to being a fairweather rider). About 4 or 5 weeks ago I had it stripped by some b*****ds and they took the handlebars, seat, seatpost, rear derailleur and front wheel. The bike was locked with a kyrptonite u lock and asus cable, which they did cut. All that was left was the frame and rear wheel.

Anyway, the bike was covered on our home content insurance and basically they have offered me £995 to spend on a new bike from wheelies direct on their bike replacement website.
I was thinking of getting another allez but over the past couple of days I've decided on either the Felt Z85 2014 road bike or the cannondale CaadX Sora 2014 cyclocross bike.

http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p67303/Felt-Z85-2014-Road-Bike.aspx

http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p66039/Cannondale-CaadX-Sora-2014-Cyclocross-Bike.aspx

So, what I'm asking is does anyone know much about the cannondale Caadx and would I know the difference between this and a road bike bearing in mind Im not a cycling enthusiast.
I've never owned a cyclocross and thought it might be good for a change and won't restrict me to road plus I might give a cyclocross race ago unless you need a license or something, then I won't . I've read some post on here and people seem happy with a cyclocross as you obviously have the best of both worlds, I guess.

Im a runner and do a lot of long distance stuff and biking is more of a fitness thing and getting around London and to and from work. Like I said I occasionally do Long rides on road but it has mainly during summer.

It's a bit long winded and I think writing it has helped me answer the question. I do like the idea of having a cyclocross.

 

[outlash]

Welcome to cyclechat .

FWIW, you can get the 2013 version of the CAADX a fair bit cheaper, the only difference is the paint job (if the insurance lets you go somewhere else other than wheelies of course): http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s23p5169/CANNONDALE-CAADX-SORA-2013 .

I've got one and I'm happy with it. There's not a huge amount of difference between that and my 'proper' road bike. You do sit a little nigher up from the ground and it has more of a 'heads up' ride but essentially it's a road bike that can do a little off road. I've just fitted road slicks and mudguards to it so I can use it as my winter road bike and it rode perfectly well. If want a 'bit of everything' bike, it'll fit the bill well but a straight road bike would serve you better if all you want to do is stick to the road.


Tony.

 

[Drago]

They're not exactly competitors, so I couldn't say which one is best for you.

I can say that I recently a bought an F85 and its an astonishingly good machine. The F85 is also £300 cheaper at Wiggle.

 

[robdeperla]

thanks for both replies.

I am restricted to wheelies replacement bike website as they are ones dealing the insurance company.

 

[Kevoffthetee]

The f75 is only £639 at Merlin cycles but I'm going for the z85

 

[400bhp]

Hi,

I use to have a specialized allez 2009 road bike which I had for about 2 years and was my first road bike, I loved it and mainly commuted to work and around London with a few long rides during the summer (I admit to being a fairweather rider). About 4 or 5 weeks ago I had it stripped by some b*****ds and they took the handlebars, seat, seatpost, rear derailleur and front wheel. The bike was locked with a kyrptonite u lock and asus cable, which they did cut. All that was left was the frame and rear wheel.

Anyway, the bike was covered on our home content insurance and basically they have offered me £995 to spend on a new bike from wheelies direct on their bike replacement website.
I was thinking of getting another allez but over the past couple of days I've decided on either the Felt Z85 2014 road bike or the cannondale CaadX Sora 2014 cyclocross bike.

http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p67303/Felt-Z85-2014-Road-Bike.aspx

http://www.bikereplacement.co.uk/p66039/Cannondale-CaadX-Sora-2014-Cyclocross-Bike.aspx

So, what I'm asking is does anyone know much about the cannondale Caadx and would I know the difference between this and a road bike bearing in mind Im not a cycling enthusiast.
I've never owned a cyclocross and thought it might be good for a change and won't restrict me to road plus I might give a cyclocross race ago unless you need a license or something, then I won't . I've read some post on here and people seem happy with a cyclocross as you obviously have the best of both worlds, I guess.

Im a runner and do a lot of long distance stuff and biking is more of a fitness thing and getting around London and to and from work. Like I said I occasionally do Long rides on road but it has mainly during summer.

It's a bit long winded and I think writing it has helped me answer the question. I do like the idea of having a cyclocross.

Out of interest have the insurers left you with the frame etc on the Specialized but essentially let you have new for old on a full bike replacement?

 

[robdeperla]

Out of interest have the insurers left you with the frame etc on the Specialized but essentially let you have new for old on a full bike replacement?

no, I asked wheelies and they keep the frame and rear wheel but any accessories are returned, in my case bottle cages and keo pedals.

 

[400bhp]

I thought insurers gave a choice too-cash or use their preferred bike shop.

 

[robdeperla]

I thought insurers gave a choice too-cash or use their preferred bike shop.

yes, the insurance company was axa but they put it through to wheelies direct. you think you can get the cash alternative but you have to fight abit with the insurers for it and its 20% less what they offer.