HillegassCX

I have a brand new '13 Cannondale CAADX Disc Ultegra 54" There seems to be a premature and destructive grinding going on between the hub locknut and the front fork end when the front brake is applied. Photo below.

A chatter/vibration clued me in, and it's not any normal rotor or assembly chatter. It's a fast repetitive grinding/flexing noise, and when speed is reduced enough, you can actually see the fork ends shudder.

Stopping power is not affected, skewers have always been tight (very tight now) but the noise, grinding, and shudder persist. I'm 6', 185 lbs so I'm not a featherweight, and am wondering if somehow this disc and carbon fork combo just went south.

As I mentioned, it's brand new, and it's been in the hills less than a dozen times. I've removed and inspected the front wheel and rotor less than a dozen times. Rotor is true and the Bengal brakes are fine - but somehow the stresses are transferring and twisting the forkend enough to do this damage. Hub is fine, albeit with some visible wear on the knurling/teeth of the locknut.

Outside side nearest to brake/rotor assembly also has a bit more wear than I'd expect from a 2 month old bike, but nowhere near the hub side of the fork end. Thoughts people?

flargle

Steel Shimano skewer.

HillegassCX

Tried this. Threw on a pair of new Deore XT skewers. No dice.

flargle

I'd go to Cannondale with it, through whomever sold you the bike. Good luck.

dynaryder

I own/have owned a fleet of disc bikes,I've never had this happen,even to bikes that were abused playing polo. If I had to guess,I'd suppose the fork wasn't built right,it may be just a touch too wide and things aren't seating properly when the QR is closed.

Def a warranty issue.

alexaschwanden

Try putting a nylon or rubber spacer in between.

CoMotionRider

You said the bike is new, take it back to the dealer and get them to fix it. It should be covered since its a new bike

hodag

I just bought one of these, so far no issue. But I'm going to be keeping a close eye on this thread. I really hope you get this issue resolved and share the fix.
Good luck!

swiftypistol

Mine just started this brake issue tonight. Will take it to LBS tomorrow for a check up.

hodag

Again, let us know what happens. Mine is yet to develope this problem. I did buy two new sets of tires for it. One for races coming up and another for commuting. The commuting tires I got are Continental 'Country Plus' tires. God lord they are the heaviest things on earth. Look elsewhere for puncture protection.

swiftypistol

Adjusted brake and skewer and everything is great again.

swiftypistol

i just want to post in here how impressed I am with this bike. I have read elsewhere how the CAAD's ride close too if not as good as carbon bikes and I have to agree. Very compliant, efficient and seems to be durable. Thank you Dorel/Cannondale for this bike.

Now then having said this I would like to take my CAADX to a bit better spec level for fun mostly while using the OEM parts. I would like a 100mm carbon stem, full carbon seatpost, carbon crank, Fizik seat and carbon bars but retain the stock colour scheme of black/green/white. If anyone can provide part numbers/suggestions that would be fantastic.

hodag

Bumping this. Love love love my CAADX. Have not been on my road bike since June. That may be a bad descision that I will visit in the spring. However, how WIDE of a tire do you think I could put on the stock rims? I'm planning on doing the bear100, which promises to be EPIC but feel like the Conti crossx tires I have may be a bit skinny and or fragile. Anyone have experience with putting 40-42mm tires on these bikes?