jsbach

Hi all,

I recently sold my road bike (Cervelo R3SL) to get a cyclocross bike. I wanted to get a bike I could continue to ride road, but also take on (mostly) rail trails and some of the lighter mountain trails in my area.

I'm considering a slightly used 2016 Cannondale Super X 105, or a new 2017 Cannondale CAADX 105. The Super X is lightly used and has well and might have 400 miles on it--if even anywhere near that. It was never CX raced or anything.

From looking at the specs, I see the two main differences are carbon vs. aluminum frame, and hydraulic vs. mechanical disc brakes. It appears the wheelsets are equal (Maddux CX2.0) and both have 105 components. The 2017 CAADX is $1,100 and the 2016 Super X is $1,200.

Which would you go with? Are there other differences I am not aware of? Is one stronger than the other and/or more durable than the other?

Thanks,
JSB

redlude97

Any racing? The new caadx has thru axles and internal brake cable routing which is nice. Hydro is nice, but not absolutely necessary. For single track kinda use the carbon absorbs bumps much better. I just upgraded to a 2015 superx from a 2015 caadx and its a noticeable difference.

shoota 

SuperX all freaking day long. It's not even a question. A full carbon lightweight frame (and full carbon fork) with hydro that can fit 40mm tires over a heavier alloy frame with an alloy steerer carbon fork that can fit 38s? Yeah, not even in the same ballpark to me, TA or not.

redlude97

40s would be a pretty tight fit on a superx IME, at least if mud clearance is a concern at all

shoota 

I have several reliable reports of 40s fitting on a SuperX BUT even if it's only 38s my statement still rings true. It's not even a consideration to get the CAADX over the SuperX.

jsbach

Well, after riding both, I got the Super X. The carbon reminds me of the characteristics of what I'm used to on my old road bike... Cervelo R3. Also, the hydro brakes are wonderful. The stopping power is amazing, really.

The next think I want to do is (evantually) find a better wheelset that is both light, strong and able to run both 25mm road tires, as well as 33 or 35mm cx tires. I also need a wheelset that is for a clydesdale, which I am, weighing in around 250. My previous wheels were Easton EA70's and were a 24/28 spoke wheelset and were nice and light... around 1650-1700g or so.

Any suggestions?

redlude97

tubeless or staying clincher?

jsbach

Staying clincher.

maddy13

I picked up a 44cm SuperX on eBay on a whim, and I am selling my Amira. I am shocked at how comfortable it is with no real speed penalty.

motorthings

do you mean tubeless or tubed? (both are clincher)

sgtrobo

I have the 2016 SuperX 105. 40c Nanos rub. 38c Trigger Pros fit fine.
That bike is insanely light. I swear it floats.


I'm 250 and I ride the 1500g Roval SLX24 tubeless road wheels. Gotta say I am pretty doggone impressed with them for the money with how lightweight and solid they are.

shoota 

I concure, I just rode my 2015 Hi-Mod yesterday for the first time. Can't believe how smooth it is. All this talk about "steel is smoother, carbon is harsh", is all just BS. Any material can be made to be anything.

I'm assuming you mean the Nanos rub in the rear right? According to my test fits and measurements I think a 40mm smooth tire would fit back there but it would be tight, too tight for me. But a 38mm looks to be just about right.

I can't wait to go weight weenie on this thing.

sgtrobo

Yeah. The Nanos fit up front but they rub on the right seat stay. 38c Trigger Pros fit great with clearance for mud

shoota 

Don’t forget the real world (actual) measurement. Rim width plays a huge part in the actual width.

sgtrobo

Truth!

Roval Control wheelset

shoota 

What’s the ID of those wheels?

sgtrobo

Roval Control Carbon 29er wheels -22mm ID

shoota 

Nice. Mine are 24mm ID and they really ballon out tires. I have to be careful.