So, if I REALLY wanted to replace the crank with the 105 crank, I'd need: 1) a new bottom-bracket 2) an adapter 3) new crank? What kinda money are we looking at for BB/adapter?

But my BB30 CAAD9 has a Tiagra Crankset, is the silver thing an adapter?

http://i1270.photobucket.com/albums/...a/IMAG0406.jpg

Guesstimating off the top of my head, about $40 for the BB, $25? for the adapter, around $200 for crankset, a big waste of money when the stock cranks are BB30 and replacement will not be. It's been argued that the 24 mm spindle versus the 30 mm spindle is not the weakest link but the area where everything meets at the BB shell that exhibits the flex. Old Gossamer cranksets were supposed to have flexier chainrings than Shimano, but in my experience they work fine (2010 model year crankset).

I would spend money on comfortable saddle and handlebars before replacing the stock crankset (unless you need different length cranks or different size chainrings).

if you want a better crankset i would keep my eye open for a new take off or lightly used rotor crankset. there always seems to be one around at a reasonable price.

silver thing def. isnt the adapter, my 2010 CAAD8 6 (not BB30) has those with it's Sora crankset.

I guess it's just a mis marked frame.

the adapter's inside the BB to take up the difference between the normal sized tiagra spindle and the BB30.

See below ...

correct. the BB30 adapter is inside the bottom bracket shell. you can't see it. also note that some adapters are permanently epoxied in place, but most are just pressed in.

the silver things pictured are shimano's external bearing cups. I think in particular that's a hollowtech BB, I have one on my Cannondale.

FSA makes a tool to install and remove the adapter. They are installed using a specific Loctite. I read somewhere that Cannondale doesn't even recommend changing BB30 bearings until they are worn. I wouldn't touch it. Every time you change the BB30 bearings, you also change the dimension.(wear+tear) In other words, don't fix it if it ain't broke. Those shimano adapters should be considered permanent. Get an Ultegra crank. Thats my 2 cents worth.

That was 2 cents of pretty damn solid advice. :)

For FPSDavid he should skip right over the 105 cranks and get Ultegra, I agree. In fact I just looked at ebay and saw Ultegra 6750 compact cranks with hollowtech II BB for $239 free shipping. However in looking at his threads regarding fit, hand comfort, etc I would suggest he just ride what's got for now...

I did a little googling and it appears a few 2010 CAAD9-6 bikes were probably 2009 non-BB30 frames repainted? There were a few few people that complained that they had the BB30 sticker on the DT near the BB shell but removed their external BB cups to find a regular old english threaded BB shell! I'm just speculating that these were repainted and had the BB30 decal stuck on as part of the job, not from any other evidence than the reports these frames exist. Nothing to lose sleep over unless you bought new at retail at the time and didn't get the spec you were expecting. If you got a great deal used or NOS, it's still a great deal...

Just test rode a 2012 CAAD10 5, so much better feeling AND lighter than my 2010 CAAD8 6! I don't think I can hold myself back...just don't want to pay almost 1500 for it after tax! (1499.99 - 10% sale this weekend + 8.75% CA tax = $1468.13). Think I could convince LBS to make it 15% ($1386.56 after tax) or 20% ($1305 after tax) off? Would really prefer not to pay over 1400, but it's just so much nicer!

10% off on a 2012 is pretty decent to begin with, if you don't have any club/team/friend associations. keep in mind you (presumably) want to have a continuing relationship with the LBS, as well. don't get off on the wrong foot with 'em. if you REALLY feel comfortable asking, it's maybe a little more innocuous to ask for a couple of free water bottles (with shop logo), or some free tune-ups in the future if you don't do your own wrenching..something like that.

For a random customer off the street 10% is pretty good for a 2012. If your lucky...you may get 15% off before tax.

I ordered my 12 CAAD10 5 last week at full MSRP. Very small but really high end shop and good to get fit by the owner. Basic free maintenance/tune ups/fitting adjustents for the life of the bike(broken/worn parts I assume I would pay for). Did give me a nice discount on accessories like pedals and bib/jersey and a pair of sidi shoes. Although with the discounts they are about the same as I can get online normally. I would rather start out well with the shop.

Well I bought my current bike there two years ago, but never really go there.

I got it new!! No wonder it was only $850. The specs said 2010 CAAD9-6....

I bought a 2012 CAAD 10 4 in January for $1700.00 OTD tax and graft included. Buy the 10 5 at the discount but don't think you will go much below 15% discount, but that depends on the shops volume and desperation factor. My price included a through fitting with as many returns as necessary, 2 free tune ups and 2 Clif bars for the wife and me while we waited for the mechanic to go over everything once more after the test rides. You will love the CAAD 10 and the 105 grouppo is a good one. Which wheels does the 5 have?

The 5 has RS10 wheels. I might replace mine with some Ultegra wheels and go tubeless. As a clyde the tubeless will really be nice.

Yeah, it was great! I guess I'll try to get them to bring it up to 15% discount, but now I kinda feel bad for even mentioning it to them haha.

For those of you who've tested 105 vs Rival, which did you prefer? Again, this is not a DEBATE, I just want to see what people's preferences are.

after a full year of riding 105 (5700), and 2 months now of Rival, I much prefer Rival for the crisper shifting and one lever simplicity.

I'm working on my newly purchased CAAD8 frame. I've picked up a Campy Veloce groupset in black - this is the 2011 model that has the ultra-torque cranks and the ultra-shift levers. Both the Veloce crank and levers got dumbed down for 2012 so I'm happy with this group.

Now I'm pondering wheels. I would like a minimum of 28 spokes in the back, 24 up front. I'm not the fastest nor the lightest, so my main emphasis is on good quality and longevity. If I'm a few seconds slower than everyone else I don't really care. The terrain where I ride is mostly flat with some hills. The wind can be a real workout though, so maybe the hills around here are made from moving air.

I'm seriously considering ROL Race SLX wheels at around $650 for the set. Any other suggestions? I was looking at Soul 2.0 Max but I think buying from someone in the States would be wiser - maybe I'm wrong. I'd like to stay in the vicinity of $5-600 for the wheels.

Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

My new set just arrived today - http://www.boydcycling.com/vitesse-alloy-clincher/
I got the 20/24 model but they offer 24/28 as well. Obviously I can't give a ride report yet, but the reports for their previous model vitesse are good, and I'm confident the 23mm wide rims have only made them better.