shimano currently doesn't make any bb30 cranks so you'll have to get an adapter, sram and FSA do make bb30 cranks which is why cannondale uses fsa cranks on their shimano equipped bikes. i would not use FSA cranks

i've never had a problem with my sram cranks

The FSA Gossamer cranks are fine (probably the energy too but I have not used them). The only ones that people seem to have genuine problems with are the SL-K ones because the alloy thread for the pedal spindle can separate from the carbon crank arm.
The crank itself has nothing to do with shift quality. You can use shimano chainrings on FSA cranks if you want to.

Hi! Just registered today, heres my caad3:



=)

suspension! heretic!

just kidding, but what's the story on the bike???

Some guy gave it to my Dad( he probably doesn't ride anymore or something) then he gave it to me since he had another bike. Dad told me it was kind of "bad shape" and needed setup. After few tune ups, new tires and new parts, its back on the road. 200miles and counting...im loving it!

Here's my CAAD 4

I forgot to mention here that I did buy that craigslist CAAD 9 I asked for opinions on last month.

love those wheels!

Well, I picked up a used CAAD9 frameset for $140. I couldn't resist that deal so it looks like I'm joining the cult. I'm building it up with SRAM Rival/Apex mix trying to do a budget build sub 17 lb bike.

Here's how it looked when I brought it home.



Here it is 90% done. Rear wheel will be the same as the front. Carbon seatpost is on order. I'm going with lime green bartape to match the accents on the frame. Also ordered some lime green titanium skewers. I'll probably pull off the Shimano R540s clipless pedals from my other bike for now, but I'm looking into lighter weight options to hit my <17 lb goal because those are boat anchors.

Well its been a month since I bought the bike & I'm now highly addicted to cycling! I even went out for a ride right after the hurricane.

^^^ Get use to it. lol

I have a set of FSA Energy cranks on my Tri bike, they're very lite for the price (they can be found for a decent price on ebay) but I find them kinda noisy during shifting. I've also heard people call them flexy, but aside from the noise I've had zero issues with them through 2 seasons of racing and countless miles on the trainer off season. The rings look kinda cool, the crank arms not so much (but who cares, it's the race bike and definitely not a jewel)

posted before,few upgrades

I might be making a mistake posting here, but I'm looking to get my first road bike. Looking for a more aggressive type frame or somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between aggressive and relaxed. Budget about $1000 but if justified will spend more. Open to Tiagra or 105 parts. Options seem to be CAAD8 (Tiagra or 105) = $950/$1100, CAAD9 (Tiagra) = $1000, CAAD10 105 = $1300. There is probably wiggle room in price on CAAD8 and CAAD9 but not CAAD10. While it may obvious to some to get the CAAD10, I'm wondering if I should get the CAAD9 while I try out the sport, and if I get better and get the upgrade bug, I could keep the frame and swap out parts 2-3 years later when the current top groupsets will be cheaper.

Uh-oh!

There's a recall on the cranks used on CAAD9s:
https://www.fullspeedahead.com/techne...-Recall-Notice

I haven't had a chance to check my serial number yet - has anyone here in the 'cult' been affected by this recall? And - does anyone have any further details..?

Where are you buying a CAAD9? Used on craigslist or something?

Either Craigslist or a local store that may have it with Tiagra.

Wow, your area must be different than mine. I had to call across the whole Denver front range area in September last year to find any CAAD9 still in stock in my size.

So you would get one over a CAAD10 for about $300+ cheaper with Tiagra instead?

I don't know, the CAAD10 wasn't in stores last year and I was just looking for deals on a CAAD9 because I had heard good things. If I were going for it today I'd probably get a CAAD10 because I don't care about the overseas thing and from what I've read it's more comfortable. But I haven't ridden one so don't go by what I say.

CS - As far as I know, the CAAD10 comes with 105 at the lowest level. Also, I paid $1000 for my 2009 CAAD9-6 with Tiagra in November 2008, brand new. Whatever CAAD9 you're looking at is a leftover from 2010 or earlier.

If I were in your situation, I'd go for the CAAD8 or CAAD10 with 105, depending on how much you can swing in the budget.

Also, since this is your first road bike, buy it from a bike shop. If you do and have problems, the shop will make it right. If you don't and have problems, you're on your own - you get to pay for whatever repairs/adjustments are required.

Yes I agree the CAAD9 might be suspect and I should buy from LBS for fitting and tune-up advantages. Besides the shop I'd like to buy from is the one which is selling the CAAD8 and CAAD10. The shop with the CAAD9 is not dropping price below $1000. I've read numerous threads here and talked to a few LBS salesmen about the difference between CAAD8 and CAAD10 but have gotten mixed confusing/conflicting answers. The CAAD10 105 is awesome but it may be too much bike for me at this point. The CAAD8 105 with supposedly similar geometry but different frame construction and slightly less aggressive ride, is also good and may also be more than what I need right now. I am quite certain that even with a lot of training and improvement in my abilities over the next few years, the engine may need the upgrades more so than the bike.

That would make my decision right there. If you get good vibes from the people you deal with, concentrate on that shop. Bikes from the major manufacturers are very good across the board, so customer service is the discriminator.

The CAAD10 is probably the best aluminum frame RACE bike you can buy. It's designed to provide the riding positions that racers and go-fast riders need. If you're less flexible, the CAAD8 (or the aluminum Synapse) would be a better choice. They're not slow - speed is totally rider-dependent - but most riders are more comfortable on longer rides with a slightly more upright position. If you gain flexibility as a result of riding, you can change the stem to get the riding position on the CAAD8 lower and it'll still look right; if you change the stem to get a higher position on the CAAD10, it'll just look funky. BTDT.

As for upgrading the drivetrain...get the best you can afford now. Upgrading is not cost-effective. Having said that, nine speed Tiagra is good stuff, and you won't be faster on a ten speed bike. The main advantage of ten speeds over nine is that your gearing is closer together. Lots of experienced riders have stayed with nine speed drivetrains.

Best of luck!

As good as the CAAD bikes are I don't think anyone here will tell you that an aluminum bike with Shimano 105 is too much bike for anyone. Of course it's possible to go cheaper but that's a pretty good starting point IMHO. It's not like people will be looking at you saying, "you should be going faster with that bike, what's wrong with you?"

for what it is worth cad 10 frames = fork & headset here in texas are $999.00