Cannondale is the bike sponsor. I'm on a Caad 10 with Hed Ardennes for now. The 23mm wide Vitesses' weren't available when we ordered for the team. Most folks got 38 or 50mm carbon tubulars and seem very happy with them.

If you've already got a set of Ardennes, I wouldn't suggest going for the Vitesse, unless you're just trying to be sponsor-correct (and IMO, you've no obligation to be sponsor-correct if the components aren't FREE)...

Grab the 50mm tubulars and enjoy. :D

(btw - thanks everyone for the complements on the bike, and the prime ;))

OK, continuing to put the components together for my CAAD8. I ordered Boyd Vitesse (24-28) wheels today. So I've got the frame, I've ordered the Campy groupset and the wheels.

I still need tubes, tires, brake pads, seatpost, saddle, stem, handlebars, and wrap. I don't know what will be needed to install the groupset, I can think of at least 3 tools for that - BB bearing cup tool, chainwhip, and cassette lockring tool.

Anybody in the Chicago/northern IL area that can help with the build? This is my first.

Purely out of curiosity, what's the difference between a Synapse 5 105 and a CAAD10 5 105, just the geometry of the frame? They're approx. same price.

Found out my '12 10-5 came in and I need to schedule my initial adjustment. Although my sidi shoes aren't in yet. They had to order them because they don't stock size 48. Can't wait to get some miles on it this weekend.

Synapse: More comfort geo, for long distance riding[?]

CAAD10: Racing geo, sharper turning, not as comfy.

CAAD8: In between, more budget friendly.

there is a HUGE difference in being a rolling billboard for someone and being sponsored. A rolling billboard means you get a % off and they still make money. Being sponsored means you got the stuff for free at best and at worst, you buy it for EP pricing and it shows up at your door direct from the factory which usually involves some type of contract that says you can't sell the bike for a year after you get it.

Wow, easy guys. It's terminology, not holy scripture. In the "rolling billboard" scenario, you'd still refer to companies on your kit as sponsors. Obviously there's a difference between having a bike shop or brewpub sponsor and having Cannondale give you free bikes. Sponsorship implies support, whether in cash, products, or discounts.

No argument here. If my original reply came off as...whatever Rutnick thought I was...I apologize, as that wasn't my intention. The HED and the Vitesse are pretty similar wheelsets, so I was just guessing that Ultraslide was considering switching just to be sponsor-correct. It was my suggestion that it's not worth shelling out that much money (again, assuming at least a few hundred $$, even if they give a discount) for JUST that reason.

The sponsorships are just really deep discounts on products we love anyway. I'd roll the Vitesses because they are a very similar wheel of high quality at less than half the cost. Same goes for the bike. I got the Hed's last year and just put them on my new bike build. I'm too old and slow to expect anything for free.

Can I join the cult?

http://i.imgur.com/sbmHi.jpg

^ lol, love the (mostly) matching sports drinks. :thumb:

Nice! Right amount of flash, and looks fast.

Haha...awesome...matching drinks!!

Sweet! My favorite color scheme in recent memory of any of the CAAD models...

I like what you did with your fluids.

^ I agree, nice fluid matching.

Nice CAAD 10/4, I love mine, especially the colourway scheme. Looking for scale model of either a GT-40 or a Porsche 917 with the Gulf Oil Racing livery to go with it.

Bill

I am trying hard to finish up some stuff at work. I have my fitting today for my 10-5. My sidi shoes came in yesterday so it's a go. Of course it's raining outside too so it will get filthy before I can seal the paint.

It's a great bike, and my first serious road bike. Loving it so far! Wasn't sure if people would like the color scheme but so far I've gotten nothing but compliments.

The bottles matching was a semi-accidental. Started the ride with two orange bottles, picked up some blue gatorade at the half way point. Just realized I need to swap out the bottle cages with a pair of black ones for better matching though

Anyone know where I can find a 54 Caad 8 or Caad 10 frameset with fork? Looking for the RAW version. Been searching all over ebay and craigslist and theres a whole lotta nothing. I think theres a total of one up right now

finally figured out how to download pic's of my caad10 3 I bought of of craigslist last June for 1000.00 .According to the bikes computer it had 300 miles on it and came with the 1909 computer look keo 2 pedals ,serfas podium shoes , and 3 bibs , the bike rack and other assorted bike stuff .

You forgot to disclaim that you've already tilted the bars down since you've taken that picture.

Otherwise, you're bleeding in a river of hungry, hungry piranhas.

$1000 for a 10 3 is such a damn steal, though.