Diary of a Bike Obsessive Compulsive...
TheBigYin
Posts: 5,686 Member
As some of you probably are aware, I've been trying, with varying degrees of success to get myself a Winter ride. The idea is to get hold of a Disk Braked Cyclocross machine, that's got mudguard and rack eyes and relatively "normal" geometry (rather than some of the current 70degree or less headtubes) so that it'd do winter duty with 28mm section tyres and mudguards, then from spring to autumn be serviceable as a Birdleway, Canal Towpath and Gravel Road ride...
Initially, I quite fancied something by Planet-X, but after waiting a month, I was let down on the build-day when it transpired that they'd mis-counted their stock, and they'd sold me a bike that they didn't have a frame for - at least until their tame Chinese factory made one for them 3 months down the line.
I voted with my feet, and spent a month or so researching, finally plumping for a Cannondale CAADX 105. This again was showing out of stock pretty much everywhere, apart from one place in the country. So, I ordered it from there. That afternoon, they rang me back and said "sorry - it's the 2014 model you wanted, isn't it... we only had the one in - as a demo bike, and someone bought it this afternoon. I've just spent a hour and a half on the phone trying to source one from somewhere else, and they're out of stock everywhere - we're all in the same boat, waiting for Cannondale to ship to the UK."
I just said "fine, as long as you only charge the credit card when it's in stock, I'll keep my order with you then..."
Well - it was due in last Monday, but was delayed in customs. Arrived Friday evening instead, and went into the build-queue on Monday morning. It's currently on a fed-ex wagon, somewhere in West Yorkshire on its way to me...
I've not been entirely idle waiting though...
I Picked up some pedals and spare inner-tubes for the wider cross-tyres a while ago...
And this morning I spent a while ransacking a couple of the other bikes for parts...
The Planet-X has donated it's Road Pedals (and possibly the Ultegra Compact Chainset if I decide to swap out the cross-specific FSA fitted as standard), along with the Water-bottle cages, Pump and Rear Light Bracket which are basically un-necessary for it's duty this winter on the trainer.
The Dolan has only been relieved of the front blinkie light and saddlebag at the moment.
The Inbred has lost it's SRAM Garmin Mount, the Garmin GSC-10 speed and cadence sensor (as frankly, it's not massively important to know my cadence on the MTB - If I'm on the Inbred, it's because it's simply not fit to ride anything else... I'm certainly not likely to be doing any fast-spinning drills on there :laugh:)
and all that little lot is currently sat on the worktop, waiting for the bike to arrive to fit it to...
Can you tell I'm just trying to pass the time until the wagon comes ?
Yeah - thought you could.
Initially, I quite fancied something by Planet-X, but after waiting a month, I was let down on the build-day when it transpired that they'd mis-counted their stock, and they'd sold me a bike that they didn't have a frame for - at least until their tame Chinese factory made one for them 3 months down the line.
I voted with my feet, and spent a month or so researching, finally plumping for a Cannondale CAADX 105. This again was showing out of stock pretty much everywhere, apart from one place in the country. So, I ordered it from there. That afternoon, they rang me back and said "sorry - it's the 2014 model you wanted, isn't it... we only had the one in - as a demo bike, and someone bought it this afternoon. I've just spent a hour and a half on the phone trying to source one from somewhere else, and they're out of stock everywhere - we're all in the same boat, waiting for Cannondale to ship to the UK."
I just said "fine, as long as you only charge the credit card when it's in stock, I'll keep my order with you then..."
Well - it was due in last Monday, but was delayed in customs. Arrived Friday evening instead, and went into the build-queue on Monday morning. It's currently on a fed-ex wagon, somewhere in West Yorkshire on its way to me...
I've not been entirely idle waiting though...
I Picked up some pedals and spare inner-tubes for the wider cross-tyres a while ago...
And this morning I spent a while ransacking a couple of the other bikes for parts...
The Planet-X has donated it's Road Pedals (and possibly the Ultegra Compact Chainset if I decide to swap out the cross-specific FSA fitted as standard), along with the Water-bottle cages, Pump and Rear Light Bracket which are basically un-necessary for it's duty this winter on the trainer.
The Dolan has only been relieved of the front blinkie light and saddlebag at the moment.
The Inbred has lost it's SRAM Garmin Mount, the Garmin GSC-10 speed and cadence sensor (as frankly, it's not massively important to know my cadence on the MTB - If I'm on the Inbred, it's because it's simply not fit to ride anything else... I'm certainly not likely to be doing any fast-spinning drills on there :laugh:)
and all that little lot is currently sat on the worktop, waiting for the bike to arrive to fit it to...
Can you tell I'm just trying to pass the time until the wagon comes ?
Yeah - thought you could.
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Replies
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You're nothing if not ready for this machine!!! I'm excited for you!!0
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Look what just arrived...
One wheel on my Wagon...
And a Second...
(and by now, Fran's worked out that Yes, I am building the bike in my Kitchen...)
GSC-10 Fitted (with Helicopter tape under the zip-ties, of course!)
At this point, excitement got the better of me, and I threw a pair of pedals on there, put the saddle to the correct height (copied from the Dolan) and went for a very, very quick spin around the block (before I froze my *kitten* off!)
Not mahoosively heavier than the Planet-X really...
(though thats sans bottle cages and pump..., but it IS with a big pair of knobbly 'Cross tyres on, which I don't think will be there in the long term... at least while it's doing road-bike duties.)0 -
Bit more tinkering...
swapped out the Ultegra pedals for the SPD's I bought for "offroad" riding on the CAADX - just for a couple of rides until I decide to completely "winter-road-ise" it...
Also, i've been around all the potential cable-rub points and given them a layer of helicopter tape. I wanted to get that on before the whole bike got covered in road-muck - and on the same basis, I also wanted to get the bike "badged up"...
I think that, weather permitting (it's lashing it down at the moment - and just above freezing, so sleet anytime, and snow in another hour if it keeps up...) I should be able to get a bit of a shakedown ride on the books...0 -
Oooooo... Shiny shiny!0
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yes, I was surprised, all the photo's I'd seen were a satin finish to the frame, though, in fairness they were shots of the Ultegra model... Happily the 105 is a much more sensible high gloss black and white.
First impressions are that the frame looks spot on - checked the tracking, alignment etc. and its on the money - wheels seem tight and straight/round - brakes - hmmm, well, perhaps I was expecting more power coming from the hydraulics on the MTB, but I'm going to pick up can of brake disk cleaner and give them a good dowsing after a full re-align and adjust. Still - they are on a par with the Ultegra's at the moment, and they ARE only teeny-weeny rotors (160f/140r) compared to the soup-plates i've got on the Inbred.0 -
Congrats!! she is beautiful!0
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Looking darn nice already!!0
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Wow, that's a beauty!!! Glad you got a quick spin on it yesterday!!0
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very nice, I can feel the excitement, one question where did you get your cool custom stick-ons from?
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very nice, I can feel the excitement, one question where did you get your cool custom stick-ons from?
www.flandriabikes.com and follow the link to decals /stickers ... There's a few styles available
CaadX_1 by The Big Yin, on Flickr
CaadX_2 by The Big Yin, on Flickr0 -
Will you be swapping the saddle out for something more 'bespoke' or leaving it standard (i.e. does it 'fit')?0
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Will you be swapping the saddle out for something more 'bespoke' or leaving it standard (i.e. does it 'fit')?
Just back from a short ride and to be honest, I didn't really notice the saddle, so I'll be reserving judgement on that 'till I get a longer distance on harder tyres done...0 -
Question... What does CAADX stand for; enquiring minds need to know these things?0
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If you...... didn't really notice the saddle
that could be a good thing, although, like you say, something a little narrower & higher pressures may alter that standpoint...
I've got Schwalbe Duranos 25's on mine, full guards etc. 100psi in each...0 -
that's a good point - any recommendations for guards before I just grab a pair of SKS chromoplastics ?0
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Question... What does CAADX stand for; enquiring minds need to know these things?
CAAD is an acronym for Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design - so CAADX is the "Cross" version of it...
enough woffle... more pictures
CAADX_0-5.jpg by The Big Yin, on Flickr
CAADX_0-4.jpg by The Big Yin, on Flickr
CAADX_0-3.jpg by The Big Yin, on Flickr
CAADX_0-2.jpg by The Big Yin, on Flickr
CAADX_0.jpg by The Big Yin, on Flickr0 -
that's a good point - any recommendations for guards before I just grab a pair of SKS chromoplastics ?
I've got SKS Bluemel Race on mine mate
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Niiiiccceee!
You have got me fighting with myself about needing another bike!0 -
Bluemels... now thats a name from the past... then again I think I've still got a pair of Chromoplastics up in the loft, albeit the ESGE versions (the prior name of SKS I think...) - only thing is, I think they'd probably need new stays and brackets because they were from my old Dawes Super Galaxy Tourer - and, I'm sure they're only 35 profile, so I doubt they'd work properly with 28c tyres
Must stop trying to be such a cheapskate... :laugh:
one more thing... you said what you'd got fitted - not if you actually recommend 'em... It's not unheard of to have something on a bike that you don't like and wouldn't buy again, is it 0 -
Niiiiccceee!
You have got me fighting with myself about needing another bike!
Thanks - it's still at the "getting used to" stage in fairness, i've had a look at the brakes tonight, and I think I need a can of disk-brake cleaner - i'm sure the disks feel like they haven't had their "protective grease film" removed properly (and I used the last of the old can on the MTB last service to clean up the MTB caliper body after bleeding it (and it leaking all over the shop! - damned shimano Mineral Oil hydraulics!)0 -
Bluemels... now thats a name from the past...
These are 'em I think: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sks-bluemels-road-mudguard-set/
Black 700x25-35's
Had to do a bit of a bodge on the front near-side stay; had to cut the upper stay off as I couldn't route it around the calliper, so the near-side has one stay and the off side has two (if that makes sense). You wouldn't know unless it was pointed out to you and the front guard is still solid as a rock!0 -
Well - the CaadX got it's wheels "off tarmac" for a spell today - nothing too silly, just a old canal towpath and a loop around the local nature reserve lake.
Very enjoyable - in a slightly nadgery and worrying way, owing to the Sammy Slicks that are fitted... they're not bad on tarmac, and i'm sure they'd be lovely on dry gravel roads, but on wet leaves. they do tend to leave you with your *kitten* looking like a cooking apple at times...0 -
Ooo look... The Planet X bike now has 'go faster' red and yellow 'livery'...
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXXLS105/planet_x_xls_shimano_105_cyclocross_bike0 -
yeah, all flandrian...
and just to be even more irritating... have you seen the pickenflick ???
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FROOTIPFCC/
...though, in fairness, that frame on it's own costs nearly the same as my CaadX did fully built, and as it's an on-one, they've got a bit silly on the clearances and made it so wide at the rear that it only works with a 2 plate MTB chainset rather than "normal" cross 46/36 or even more sensible compact 50/34. As it's a limited edition job, I'd guess it's probably a bit of a testbed for a something like a Planet-X disk sportive machine that'll take normal road gears but still have the tapered headtube and disks, plus hopefully some discrete method of fitting guards if needed.0 -
Thwarted, that's what i've been... stopped at the last hurdle from fitting the SKS Chromoplastics.
Not because of the problems of getting around the rear disk - that was easily sorted by a couple of spacers and a gentle manipulation of the stays on the disk side...
Not because of the fact that the Seatstay Mounting bolt hole is at 90 degrees to the Mudguards bolt hole, and a little too far away to boot... oh no - again, fix the bracket in the vice and "fashion" it into place and add a spacer (an inner-tube locknut was just the right depth!)
and not even the fact that the chainstay bridge was a) too far away from the mudguard (another spacer) and b) a strange shape, precluding using a mounting clip (it was however driiled/tapped for an allen bolt) could stop me...
Nope, what has stopped me in my tracks is that the mounting bolt provided for the front mudguard (the one that basically replaces where a brake bolt would be on a more typical roadbike was a measly 5mm too short for the depth of the carbon fork fitted to the CaadX. I've just spent a good 20 minutes going through all the jugs and jars of bolts and bits, and can I find something that's the right length - nope. So, the job's stood on the front brake until I can get hold of a M5x50mm Stainless Steel 4mm Allen Socket Cap Bolt.0 -
Are they Schwalbe Durano's you've fitted fella?0
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Yep - 28c Durano's - a bit "wooden" feeling compared to the Vittoria Pave's or the Conti GP4000's, and I managed to pick up a puncture yesterday (though in all fairness it'd have gone through anything - was a chunk of car window glass, razor sharp, and it just nicked the inner tube enough to flat) - but i'd got a spare tube and tyre boot with me, so I was back on the road in no time. Managed to do a proper repair when I got home last night.
Anyway, got the first metric century under the wheels, and verdict's still out on the saddle, but I'm definitely having second thoughts about the seatpin - there's an awful lot of road-buzz coming up through it - not surprising I suppose with a beefed up 'cross capable frame...0 -
Yep - 28c Durano's
Thought I recognised 'em... Mine are 25's though...
I know what you mean about 'wooden', but good enough you get you through the winter crud without puncturing etc. :huh:
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Thwarted, that's what i've been... stopped at the last hurdle from fitting the SKS Chromoplastics.
Not because of the problems of getting around the rear disk - that was easily sorted by a couple of spacers and a gentle manipulation of the stays on the disk side...
Not because of the fact that the Seatstay Mounting bolt hole is at 90 degrees to the Mudguards bolt hole, and a little too far away to boot... oh no - again, fix the bracket in the vice and "fashion" it into place and add a spacer (an inner-tube locknut was just the right depth!)
and not even the fact that the chainstay bridge was a) too far away from the mudguard (another spacer) and b) a strange shape, precluding using a mounting clip (it was however driiled/tapped for an allen bolt) could stop me...
Nope, what has stopped me in my tracks is that the mounting bolt provided for the front mudguard (the one that basically replaces where a brake bolt would be on a more typical roadbike was a measly 5mm too short for the depth of the carbon fork fitted to the CaadX. I've just spent a good 20 minutes going through all the jugs and jars of bolts and bits, and can I find something that's the right length - nope. So, the job's stood on the front brake until I can get hold of a M5x50mm Stainless Steel 4mm Allen Socket Cap Bolt.
These are EXACTLY the problems I had trying to fix SKS Chromoplastic mudguards to my hybrid last weekend. The seat stay bolt is same as yours - the last ones I had on, the shop drilled through the plastic, but I considering bending the metal thing over so it's at the correct angle the way you did, so good to know it works. The front brake bolt was too short for me too - only by 1cm but enough to stop them being fitted. So searched all bolts - nothing. Ordered some off eBay. M4 ones (thinking that related to the hex size) - think I need M5 as well as it came too narrow. How can I be sure before I go ordering more bolts I don't need?!?!?0 -
the long bolt that's supplies with the SKS kit is a M5 bolt... so, if that's the correct diameter bolt for the fork drilling, you need a M5.
Breaking it down...
M5x50mm Stainless Steel 4mm Allen Socket Cap Bolt.
M5 = 5mm diameter thread x 0.8mm pitch.
50mm = length from the underside of the bolt head to the tip of the other end where the nut threads on.
Stainless Steel = self explanatory - you don't want it to rust (I got a marine grade one...)
4mm Allen Socket = tightens with a 4mm allen key
Cap Bolt = a "squared off" head a bit like this one below...
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