Cannondale CaadX Review

I have ridden my old cross bike everywhere and in every weather. I have experienced a lot with it.

It became a day when I decided to ride a modern cross bike. This is my review of CaadX 105.

I have ridden the Cannondale on road, trails, and yes on snow. I have spent many hours with this bike and this whole adventure started with the first ride.

I had heard good things about Cannondale cross bikes and browsed through some forums, but I hadn't been ridden CaadX myself.

First things in life are always exciting. So was the first ride. I felt right at home on the bike. The riding position on a size 56 frame was the same that I had been used to with my old bike. Everything else was different.

I noticed immediately that the ride was different. I couldn't put it in words, but I liked it.

After I rode more and more miles I realized that the frame was very stiff, but at the same time very comfortable. These two characteristic are kind of a holy grail in designing a great frame. I just have never experienced them in a scale like this.

The ride is so comfortable without taking anything away from the stiffness. I can sprint like a rabbit with this bike.

Ok, Ok, I cannot but at least I feel like it. If I had stronger legs I'm sure I could do it with this bike.

Cannondale has a mixed approach on cable routing. The brake cables dive inside the frame, which looks cool. The shifter cables are routed under the down tube.

What about the looks? You can be your own judge, but I like the welds, nicely profiled tubes, details, and down to earth colors.

The frame has mounts for full length fenders. Mounting points in the fork are cleverly hidden on the wheels side of the fork legs.

Cannondale says that the rear triangle works as a micro suspension giving better control, traction and comfort.

What I know from my experience is that the bike steers with precision and without any hesitation. The bike feels very lightweight, which helps to quickly throw it from turn to turn. Tapered steerer probably plays a role in the steering precision.

This bike has Shimano 105 groupset with FSA Gossamer Cross cranks and TRP Spyre mechanical disc brakes.

Drivetrain works like Shimano 105 always does - very well. It provides great performance and with two front rings the gaps between gears are small enough also on those rode ride days.

I have a hands of a pianist meaning that I have long fingers. Still I noticed that the brake levers are quite far from the bar. I would like to have them little closer although I can reach them. I don't know if they have any adjustment. That's something I haven't had time to check.

Hydraulics is the best way in my opinion to make great brakes. TRP Spyres are cable brakes where both sides of the piston move towards the disc. They cannot match the fine feel of a hydraulic brakes, but they are the best cable brakes I have ridden. There is enough stopping power with Schwalbe Rapid Rob tires. ONKO NÄMÄ RAPID ROBIT??

These stock tires are 35 mm wide and there's good clearance for muddy trails in the rear and in the fork. The fork could take even a wider tire.

Cannondale CaadX 105 is a great cross bike. It's lightweight, fast and comfortable bike. This makes it so versatile that it's fun to ride on road and trails.

The most important thing in a bike for me is a fun factor and Cannondale has really dialed it in to the max.

If I could built it like a dream bike I would upgrade the brakes, but then again there's also electronic shifting right around the corner. There's always something new coming up.

This bike has quickly become my favourite bike.

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Видео Cannondale CaadX Review канала Tommi Kivimäki