Cannondale vs. Specialized

Fit is everything. That should be the first/most important thing.

Equipment is next... the CAAD9-5 is 105 equipped, I'm not sure about the Allez, some of them are Tiagra / Sora I believe. I would want 105 on my bike at least.

Next is preference. I'm not a fan of specialized in general (usually more money for less/equal bike) but some people love the way they look.

I second the comment about fit being the primary driver. These are two very different geometries that will fit different body types. The caad9-5 is a racing geometry with aggressive stance and long top tube and short head tube. The allez still has a decent geometry but may be more comfortable for a new rider with its bigger head tube and shorter top tube.

I just went through this with the caad9-5. I love the bike and the components but the bike didn't fit my body type - short torso and pretty inflexible. Since I want to ride 56 miles, I went with a more compact geometry that fit me better.

It would be helpful to me to know the prices and which Allez you are looking at.  Also, to the above poster, where do you see that their geometries are different?  At least in the mid-sizes they look pretty similar to me.  Can you explain?  Thanks.

Geometries:
Unfortunately, you can't go by what is on the websites because they are not apples to apples, everyone measures differently.

The big difference between these two bikes is the philosophy of the geometries.
The cannondale has a more traditional geometry - horizontal top tube, traditional head tube length, etc. This puts a rider in a classic position that is naturally more bent over and stretched out.
The specializes has a more "new school" geometry that is called compact. It has a sloping top tube, a much longer head tube, etc. The effect is that it puts the rider in a more upright position than the cannondale.

A good example was when I got out the tape measurer on each. Both were 58 frame size. When the seat was in the proper position for my body (with stock components), the difference in distances between the seat and handle bars and the distance differential between the height of the seat and the height of the handle bars were in INCHES (not cm). Those are two very different set ups due to the bike geometry. In other words, the position of the pedals to the seat to the handle bars were very different and that drives comfort.

Neither are bad. It all comes down to fit and what you are comfortable riding 50 miles on. For me, a guy with really long legs, short torso, and little flexibility the cannondale hurt. I actually bought it and returned it after 14 days and 200 miles. I just couldn't get comfortable on it.

Again, it all comes down to fit and what bike fits you best. Most bikes can be customized for most folks but some can't.

I have owned an Alliez sport with a compact double for about three weeks.  I love it.  I tried the cannondale and liked it, but all they had left were tiagra bikes and I wanted at least 105.  I am very happy.  I doubt you could go wrong with either.