BUY IT. That is an incredible deal.

I'm not disputing the technical details. However, many of the bikes posted in this thread have a 5mm spacer on top so all these have top caps that are failing their job? And even if they are how big of an issue is this really? It's impossible to cut the steerer so that it fits precisely with all possible stems while still allowing the prober preload.

A 10mm spacer above the stem is spec'd for the warranty on my fork, and a maximum of 40mm of spacers below (no problems there, haha.)

It has more to do with the kind of expander plug used, rather than the fork. The stock Whisky plug I am using adds a lot of support, and is rather long and heavy. Stock cannondale plugs are pretty minimal, and they just released a new one that weighs something like 15 grams. Can't be adding much support with 15g.

I doubt you are in any imminent danger. People just like tooting their own horn. But in any case, if you eventually get a little more flexible and cut the steerer a bit, leave the spacer of the top.

My plug looks something like this(with out the P-X branding, and a little longer):
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/imgs...MK2-118_P1.jpg

The plug shown supports the entire length of the tube under the spacer. So long as it is long enough, spacers won't cause a problem.

The Cannondale plug only provides support at the top and bottom of the stem, with a gap in the middle. Spacers move that support.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/att...ug-photo-3.jpg

With an MSRP of $4100... that's a hell of a deal. And a hell of a first bike.

Oh lordy.

Different forks.

For instance, my Easton EC90 specifically REQUIRES 5-7mm of steerer above the stem, with a 10mm spacer, and the internal nut sunk to a specific depth.

But hey, it's cool to ignore tech guidance based on pictures of different people's forks on an internet forum. Or just because you're making up stuff by analogy. No big thing. Tech guidance is always just a suggestion anyway, I'm sure.

And it's not about "top caps failing their job", it's about clamping stresses on the steerer tube. CF is WEAKEST in compression, which is what we ask of it when we clamp a stem to it. So, manufacturers have designed various internal supports and interfaces to overcome this potential liability. And then they write tech guidance on the systems they design so that you, the customer, do not crack the steerer and potentially your face.

Here http://media.cannondale.com/media/ma...rSixEVO_EN.pdf
It's for the SuperSix EVO but the same applies to every Cannondale fork with full carbon steerer and an SI top cap/expander.

When you are tightening the top cap on the expander's threads with a 6mm allen wrench, you are pulling the fork steerer and you are compressing the stem on the headset cone. This compression is preloading the headset bearings and stabilizes the fork in the headtube.

Dude, who pissed in your cheerios? They are not all different forks. There are stock forks with spacers above. I'm not citing this as evidence that it's right only that many are set up this way so it cannot be a terrible faux pas. If you are trying to be helpful then thanks for the concern, but this is starting to feel more like trolling.

Great information. Thanks.

I don't think that posting relevant tech data with the intent of helping you save your steerer tube and your face qualifies as "trolling". But to each his own.

As for the other, I thought you were refering to images of forks in general here on this forum. As for forks on this thread, you're right; a lot are done wrong. A lot of bike shop wrenches don't really know what they're doing. The level of employee that most shops can afford to employ is another subject altogether, but for many, unless you are dealing with the owner, you're getting a McD's type worker.

I'm a stickler for tech guidance, particularly when it comes to things like CF steerer tubes. If nothing else, following the tech guidance will ensure warranty coverage should it ever crack.

VeeSee, (IIRC) The CAAD 10 1 is set up for Di2 only, you won't be able to run mechanical. I don't think there is a huge issue with the longevity of Di2, just the occasional dead battery leaving you to hobble home. If it were me I would jump on the deal, and, if you end up hating the Di2 you could have one bad ass SS/FG on your hands!

Sorry, maybe I read the tone of your post wrong. But, yes, I was referring to the caad pics in this thread. I appreciate the technical info and agree that not every shop has knowledgeable mechanics. While I understand the technical details and requirements I also know that in practice a lot of things are done that do not precisely conform to the specifics. My 10mm spacer is probably pushing the stem bolt below the support of the cap or nearly so. Will this result in eventual failure? I have no idea. Probably not before I move on to something else but forever is a long time. I keep changing my fit as I get more fit so I don't know what my ultimate setup will be. When I do I will see about getting the steerer cut to an appropriate length. Thanks for the info.

I really hate carbon fiber. I'd much sooner have an alloy steerer and have one less thing to worry about:-(

I went into a Specalized shop a few days ago. Posted on the wall was a recall notice for forks with carbon steerers, which could crack and fail. Posted next to it was a recall notice for forks with alloy steerers, which could crack and fail.

Heat treated aluminium alloy tends to be brittle and prone to sudden failure, as evidenced by many snapped stems, bars, cranks, etc. Which is why when alloy bikes were first introduced everyone was certain they were going to be exploding death machines that only morons would ride. Sound familiar?

Carbon has its quirks. It has to be used properly, but it's not inherently more dangerous.

Ignoring the manufacturers recommendations for such an essential component is just asking for trouble, though.

Alright, so I just posted this bike in another thread, but I will include a different shot of it here. I had been holding off on mounting these wheels in this frame. Results as expected!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8...99902e57_b.jpg

Goodness that's a nice rig.

Looks like a radar-cheating stealth fighter! :lol:

Interesting looking bike. I'm not sure if it fits my tastes, but it probably looks very different in the flesh. (It sure as hell looks better than my CAAD9, though.)

Yeah, the yellow tire side walls throw me off a bit, but I absolutely love the dark gloss lettering over bbq body paint scheme. Then adding the matching ENVE wheels.... Very sweet ride.

Very very very nice rig jtwilson. A set of black chain rings would send it over the top IMO.

Thanks! I agree on the chainrings, but then I would need black derailleurs, brakes, etc. Actually, the groupset was originally purchased for a white frame, or else I would have gotten the SRAM Red Black groupset. In the end, I am happy enough with the silver bits. It's easy to go overboard with the all-black thing. I would still like to get the black-on-black 3T stem though [this one has a white stripe].

I think the silver bits and tan tires make the bike. The black on black stem is a good call though.

^^^ Thanks. I am really happy with how it turned out. These wheels typically reside on another bike, but I love gum walls on any bike. The seat post is a black-on-black 3T model, so the stem makes sense, but then the white-striped bars would bug me. You see where this goes? This is actually my foul-weather training and cat-5 racing bike though, so aesthetics are not top priority.

Honestly, the CAAD10 has such a nice ride and handling that I might end up selling my #1 frame [Cervelo R3] and moving it's 'new Red' groupset over to the CAAD for Bike #1 Status. Then I could build up a more economical bike with clearance for fenders and wider tires for a true rain/gravel/beater bike. I underestimated how truly awesome the CAAD10 would be. My bad!

This bike was kind of the inspiration for mine. Same frame, carbon wheels with gum walls - silver bits. Hell even a black on black seatpost and white accented stem! Weird coincidence. I can't remember whose it is but it is posted somewhere either in this thread or Hot r Not:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8...8efd1878_b.jpg

I like the sound of That... Sell the cervelo, move the red, and buy a steel bike with clearance.

an all city mr pink may be perfect.
http://allcitycycles.com/bikes/mr_pink

Thanks for the suggestion! It is definitely just what I was thinking of. Mental bookmark.