Cyclocross - 2012 CAADX 105. Help me make it lighter

Newbie to the world of cycling here!

Personal information: I am a marathon runner. 5'-6" in height and 125 lbs in weight. I got into the world if bicycling via a physical therapist who recommended cycling to supplement my running and relieve the pounding on my legs on recovery days. Cycling has been wonderful for my running performance!

My current ride is a 2012 Cannondale CAADX 105. Specs are here:
http://cyclocross-bikes.cyclingdirt.org/l/132/2012-Cannondale-CAADX-5-105

I worked with my local bike shop and they recommended this as a first bike for the following:
1. I ride in a combination of paved roads and dirt. Mostly paved but I like riding on dirt and grass, something I understand a straight road bike doesn't excel at
2. Sometimes I have to ride in slightly muddy trails (not very often but it is something I wanted to consider).
3. I use the bike to carry loads in panniers sometimes to run errands, grocery shopping, etc; which meant i needed a bike with rack mounts (using Topeak Explorer rack).
4. I love going up very steep hills when fitness riding. The gearing in this bike is perfect for me. Using this bike with a speed/cadence sensor and a heart rate monitor.
5. While not a road racing bike, I can still use this as a pretty good fitness trainer to supplement my running (and I can go off-road If I want).
6. Not cyclocross racing at this time but as I get into the sport of cycling more and more, perhaps a possibility in the future.

While I could have gone with a Carbon bike as far as pricing was concerned, I could not for the life of me find a carbon bike that had mudgard mounts and rack mounts. This is mainly the reason I went with an alloy frame. I know this is also not the lightest ride out there but it seemed to hit all the requirements I had. The local bike shop recommended going with Cannondale for their reputation with Aluminum frames. I did try a Giant TCX 0 (ok), a Bianchi Zurigo (a little better), and a Specialized Tricross (not very good) to get a feel for the difference in ride. The CAADX ended up being the winner.

I am looking to the cycling gurus in this forum to help me with some upgrades to this bike:

Here's what I have done so far:

1. The Tektro CR710 cantilever brakes were complete garbage. I replaced these with Avid Shorty Ultimates which are much much better but I am still wanting for more power. I may replace the included Swisstop brake pads but I am looking for suggestions. I will also be talking to my local bike shop to tweak the cantilever setup for these brakes.

2. The included wheels felt heavy to me. The Maddux DRX 6000 rims, the Formula RB51 and RB52 hubs and the stainless steel spokes (32 per wheel) felt heavy. I replaced these wheels with a pair of 2012 Mavic Ksyrium Elites. Pretty happy so far with these.

Again, I am a pretty small guy. Any other suggestions on where you guys would proceed with upgrades taking into account my height, weight and specs for this bike?. I am pretty satisfied with the Shimano 105 derailleurs at this time. How would you continue to upgrade this bike?

Thanks for your time reading this and thanks for your suggestions. Cycling is a brave new world to me.

The next thing I would look at would be the cranks. You have BB30 cranks on these. You can find some lighter cranks easily. Actually, I have 2 sets of carbon BB30 cranks in my parts bin that I'm not using. Let me know if you are interested.

I hate to be the typical unhelpful internet jerk, but if you aren't racing, why do you need it to be lighter? It sounds like a pretty good bike as is.

But, if you want to go light, swap everything over to SRAM Red.

OMFG kill me now.

Like Cynical said - cranks. I like Dura-Ace.

DA doesn't come in BB30.

Instead of dumping more money into this bike, start saving up for the next one. You obviously have gram-counter tendencies and will never be happy with an alloy bike and alloy steerer.

Are you using your 2012 CAADX to supplement your marathon running, or are you using it supplement your bicycle upgrading/mechanic skills?

If I were you I'd spend more time riding the bike you have rather than spending additional time and money on the seemingly endless "bicycle upgrade/weight loss treadmill."

You can later buy a lighter bike if you decide to "get serious" about CX racing (as others have mentioned). Besides, it sounds like you have a competent multi-purpose bike as it is.

Also keep in mind that good bikes, with expensive upgrades, are often more likely to be stolen, or stripped of their components, while parked in public spaces.

Anyway, welcome to the Bike Forums omarcastz, and good luck with your new sport.

Do your own research. Ride alot. Then you will realize the minimal effects of weight, and the extreme costs it takes to achieve light weight.

you already did the wheels, the rest is supplementary.

And always remember (Light, Cheap, Strong). you can only pick 2

How about brakes ? I have the same bike, how could (or what model) I improve the braking ?

The saddle is heavy, by the way. Heavy, I mean in a 300gr way. Comfort is not an issue for a one hour race, so a Sella Italia SLR at 135gr can save you. Maybe the seatpost for a Thomson and skewers can save you another 200-300gr. That's more then a pound, but still a few dollars spent. Those parts could be used in a futur build (lighter frame) if you need an extra reason.

You could always lose some weight off the...


125 lbs.

...hrm, never mind. Just ride the stupid thing -- it's lighter than any of my bikes. :lol: