Originally Posted by
DGlenday
I've read this whole thread, and decided to declare my cult status.
Welcome aboard D!
The Bike
I love the bike, particularly the "Handmade In USA" sticker. (I've read the comments about this earlier in the thread, and respect your opinions - but personally, I was happier giving my $$ to American workers. I would have gone for the SRAM option if I'd had the budget, and if the LBS had one in stock. Just my opinion...)
Same here on the CAAD9. The quality of American craftsmanship is undeniably there.
As for SRAM, while they are an American company, I believe their products are manufactured overseas.
Here's a picture to establish my cult credentials:
Nice. I almost got mine in Gray. It would've been the only other color I would've settled for besides BBQ.
THE QUESTION
Other than the stem - what mods would be worth making?
First: Bar tape, brake pads & tubes & tires.
-Continental GP4000s are great.
I'm 220lbs and I ride them at 110psi (usually rode 120, dropped to 100, ended up happy at 110).
-Continental Race Lite Tubes; sturdier than latex, hold air better, and very light.
-SwissStop brake pads. Excellent pads, relatively inexpensive.
-I like Fizik Microtex bar tape.
-Brake pads: $30.
-Tires: $75.
-Tubes: $15.
-Bar Tape: $20.
After that, I'd slap at least 105 brakes on it (if those are OEM Tektros) and a good set of lighter wheels along with a crankset
(if you can get your hands on an Ultegra SL Crankset that A) would match your gray CAAD beautifully and B) would give you
stiffer than Dura Ace performance for about 1/3 the cost).
-Brakes: $75.
-Crank: $150. (sometimes, $99.)
-Wheelset: $300.-500.
That alone should take your bike down to the low 17lb range.
You WILL notice losing 3lbs off of your bike.
FYI: Here's an SL crankset...
(If I ever had a gray CAAD, I'd make it all Ultegra SL personally.)
