So I'm looking into the Cannondale CAADX. From what I can tell, the only difference between the CAADX 105 and the CAADX Ultegra is the braking system.

Is hydraulic brakes worth $500 if you just riding for exercise and not racing?

First off, I think the roadie or cx forum would be better for your question.
i dont think you need the hydraulic. Check to see if there are disc brake mounts on the caadx 105 just in case you ever want to go disc.

You can stop on a dime with hydros. Such great stopping power comes great responsibility to not throw yourself over the bars if accidentally apply a deathgrip on your front brake lever.
That $500 is not just going toward the brakes though. Ultegra is a lighter group set than 105. You also get lighter brake rotors, better tires, and lighter chain.

The army green paint is reason enough for me to get the 105 for the black frameset as you can always decide to upgrade in a later time. Beware that you are going to have to pay quite a bit to replace the levers for hydro ones though.

My bad, I was just searching CAADX and saw the topic quick questions and answers.

Thanks for the info. I thought the brakes were the only difference. I might need to look the book over a little better next time.

Square Taper Bottom Bracket Interchangeability by Sheldon Brown

Can anybody recommend a good set of removable fenders for a Wabi classic with 32c hard shells? I can't find anything I'll think will fit but would rather not have to go down a few tire sizes.

I got a Selle Italia Flite Titanium from eBay and it has no rail marks unlike the usual saddles I have seen and used. Is it ok to clamp anywhere?

Many saddles don't have rail markings, but it is generally not a good idea to clamp within 1/4" of the bend where the rail material may have stress risers due to yielding during manufacture.

Awesome, Im 1.5 cm away from it. Thanks TT!

Any idea on what type of bottom bracket?
It's English 68mm threaded and the original owner was running Sugino 75's on it. I'm pretty sure it's some sealed cartridge Shimano JIS taper.

Uninstall it and look. Most BBs have the brand, length and type written on them.

Thanks, the frame isn't in my hands and I should get it next week by mail.

The owner said he was running 75's on it (still think it's JIS) but I wanted to confirm the type and the possibility it could actually be ISO since he has no idea.

If not, I was going to order something now so I'll have it when the frame shows up.

One thing....can anyone visually tell if it's a JIS or ISO in the picture above?

I thought it looked ISO but I went on Phil Wood's page and learned something new about a "low profile JIS" taper existing. Is this low profile version at all common?
I just want to build the bike the day I get it/jump on it go riding. Would be nice to figure out this BB type before the frame arrives.

The likes on the wide, flat sides being parallel suggest JIS to me but I'm not 100% certain. The length is anyone's guess.

I actually got a hold of some Sugino BB cups so I can use my 75 BB after all...trying to hunt down JUST the cups/lock ring was a major PITA.


I do have a total newb question. I'm switching over to standard pedals/straps that originally came with my Bianchi Pissta (Wellgo copy of Campy).
What is the purpose of that single centered tooth that's bent outward?
My best guess is some type of tab to aid the rider in flipping the pedal over to catch your foot in the strap/cage.

I noticed it's on every copy too (MKS, Suntour, Wellgo, etc..).
Just something I never paid attention to until fitting straps.

You got it right.

Thanks
So the boring answer was right.

Figured it might have been cool like some old school foot retention used that tooth.

Nah, old school foot retention used a slotted cleat that fit over that whole rear cage, cinched into place by toe straps.

I find this polished singlespeed disc wheelset sexy as hell:



Where can I buy something like that or have it made? I'm not feeling the black wheelset on the standard All City Nature Boy Single Speed Disc (whew) build.

I couldn't find anything on their website that is pre-built, but i bet if you email velomine they could build something up for you.
Scrodzilla could probably build you up some wheels too.

The rims say H Plus Son on them, no? They could be laced to any hubs you want by any decent builder.

I know that Phil and Surly make polished single speed disk hubs.

Anywhere that will you build up a set of Archetypes.

Correct -- there's nothing particularly exotic about them. I was just wondering if there are any "off-the-shelf" options, a la velomine.com.

Velomine has several h plus son wheelsets, just need to pick the hubs.