So i have a chance to get a new bike in the upcoming weeks and im having trouble deciding which one. To start with i had a cannondale system six, loved it, but am now looking for something a little nicer. The bikes that really jumped out at me are the super six because i know i like the geometry and it was the only one i could really test ride, the Ridley helium, and the look 595, neither of which i was able to really try because the seat masts have to be cut. I love to climb but unfortunately around here there are only crits for racing so it needs to be able to sprint too. Or i could spend about 3000 more and get the pinarello prince (though not really sure if i want to spend that much). Is the frame really that much nicer? So what would you guys do if you were in my position?

I personally would avoid the integrated seatmast-style frames; I don't think there is any benefit to the painstaking work that needs to be done to fit them to the individual rider. The only benefit that I can see is that at least it's easy to get your saddle aligned straight.

Have you considered the Look 585, which has a standard seatpost and is probably a bit less expensive than the 595? Several guys from Look USA post on this forum, and they seem to be very helpful.

In your position, unless you really want something different, I'd go for the Super Six. Lifetime warranty, innovative construction, similar manners to your SystemSix but at least a hundred grams lighter than your SystemSix with a slightly more "tuned" ride (or so I've heard).

I too love my System6 and would lean to the Super6 as you know the geometery and how to build/fit youself. However, given the opportunity to try something new, the 595 would be very tempting and is an attractive bike. Not necessarily a crit style frame like your System6, but most of your time riding is training, so that may trump the short period in a race. The Helium is a frame I temporarily looked, and while good looking - better in person - it isn't a style that's stuck with me like the more classic lines of a Look or Colnago, etc. How's that for a non-committal answer?

Why would you buy a Super 6 if you already have a System 6? The difference between the bikes will be negligible. I also don't understand riding a really expensive bike in a crit.

Well to make a long story short, the system six got totaled. I have the equivalent of about 9 grand or so to spend on a bike. I can get a less expensive one and save some or spend it all. Thats also why im considering the prince. And i wont be racing any of these. Our team is sponsored so i will either be racing a frame given to us or a cheapo caad 9. And before you say why dont you just get one of the sponsored frames to ride, i dont really like there bikes, so ill race on them if im given one, but i would prefer not to train on one.

If you're likely to race on a CAAD9, then I'd train on a Super6 as it'll be easier to build with a similar fit. The Look would be a great choice for training though - a 585 as suggested. If you'll be racing on their frame, then get a training bike that's super comfortable as you'll need to spend countless hours out there. Of course I'm preachin' to the choir here as you already know all this.

LOOK for the win!

As a current Look 585 owner I am biased to say Look. The customer support that Look USA provides is amazing (based on your price of 9K, I think you are in Australia) .

I dont think you can make a mistake on any of the frames.

Buy the one that you lust for.

nope, US. Insurance on the old frame from a car accident plus a few other circumstances. (i.e. i work at a shop)

At that price range, how can you go wrong? Of course, if it were me, I'd take the Look. Not only is it a perfect bike, but you'd be supporting a great bunch of guys at Look USA (if that's where you're from).

Don't ride the Prince or Paris because then you will have to have one.

I was just in RA in brooklyn, and oh my, what a shop! The look framesets are stunning. But I'd have to say I'd go with the one with the geometry set up for comfort. Like looking at bb drop, which adds to stability. If you have a cdale already, I'd opt of something else.
Those pinis are also beautiful. I'd say its a coin toss. You will love whatever you get, no doubt.
I'm also the ultimate hypocrit. I'm considering buying the same frame I already own, for use in a few years when my current frame wears out.

I have the equivalent of about 9 grand or so to spend on a bike.

Why not get a CAAD 9 with full DA for $2,000 to race your crits on?? (an '07 closeout that you see around this time of year.)

Then spend the remaining $7K on the ultimate bike and wheels. If $7K isn't going to buy you the bike you want, $9K won't either, IMO.

http://planocycling.com/images/library/large/cdale_7caad9optimo1_ang_clr_07_m.jpg

I personally would avoid the integrated seatmast-style frames; I don't think there is any benefit to the painstaking work that needs to be done to fit them to the individual rider. The only benefit that I can see is that at least it's easy to get your saddle aligned straight.

Have you considered the Look 585, which has a standard seatpost and is probably a bit less expensive than the 595? Several guys from Look USA post on this forum, and they seem to be very helpful.

In your position, unless you really want something different, I'd go for the Super Six. Lifetime warranty, innovative construction, similar manners to your SystemSix but at least a hundred grams lighter than your SystemSix with a slightly more "tuned" ride (or so I've heard).

Typed by someone with zero real-world experience with seatmasts...
It's a bit more time consuming, but no harder than setting up a regular seatpost for position.

As i said in an earlier post, im probably going to begetting a Caad 9 with 105 to race on, or at least the equivalent of. I know i cant afford to crash a more expensive bike.