I'm about to take possession of a CAAD9 with 105 (full spec below), and I'm looking for ideas on how to improve the performance of the bike for racing, without spending a huge amount. I already have a race wheelset (Zipp 404 clincher) and tires (Michelin prorace 2), and a Specialized Toupe is on the way, so I'll be looking elsewhere for the upgrades. I'm looking for function and weight savings more than anything else. Any ideas are much appreciated!
Frame: CAAD9 Optimo Forks: Cannondale Premium Gears: Shimano 105 front and Shimano Ultegra rear derailleur Shifters: Shimano 105 Chainset: Shimano 105 with 39/53 tooth rings Brakes: Shimano 105 Wheels: Shimano WH-R550 wheelset Tyres: Vittoria Topazio Pro 700x23c Handlebars: Cannondale C3 Stem: Cannondale C4 31.8mm Saddle: Fizik Pave Sport Seatpost: Cannondale C2
I'm about to take possession of a CAAD9 with 105 (full spec below), and I'm looking for ideas on how to improve the performance of the bike for racing, without spending a huge amount. I already have a race wheelset (Zipp 404 clincher) and tires (Michelin prorace 2), and a Specialized Toupe is on the way, so I'll be looking elsewhere for the upgrades. I'm looking for function and weight savings more than anything else. Any ideas are much appreciated!
Frame: CAAD9 Optimo Forks: Cannondale Premium Gears: Shimano 105 front and Shimano Ultegra rear derailleur Shifters: Shimano 105 Chainset: Shimano 105 with 39/53 tooth rings Brakes: Shimano 105 Wheels: Shimano WH-R550 wheelset Tyres: Vittoria Topazio Pro 700x23c Handlebars: Cannondale C3 Stem: Cannondale C4 31.8mm Saddle: Fizik Pave Sport Seatpost: Cannondale C2
The only thing that would improve performance would be wheels, which you already have covered. If it were me, I would do nothing right away and swap stuff out for Dura Ace and build a beater second bike with the 105 stuff over time. Personally I like having a bad-weather winter bike to keep my A-bike fresh for the nice weather rides and races.
The only thing that would improve performance would be wheels, which you already have covered. If it were me, I would do nothing right away and swap stuff out for Dura Ace and build a beater second bike with the 105 stuff over time. Personally I like having a bad-weather winter bike to keep my A-bike fresh for the nice weather rides and races.
The obvious answer is wheels, but you already have a race set. If you want ever better performance, swap your 404 clinchers for some 404 tubulars.
Other than that, you'll save a pound or two by swapping the drivetrain out for DA, but that's a very costly upgrade, and it won't make much of a difference anyways. If you're going to be racing, I'd recommend using 105 or ultegra as they're much cheaper than DA to replace in case of a crash.
There's nothing else which will give you a big performance increase. Why not invest the money in getting some coaching.
As has been said, maybe progressively upgrading the groupset over time will give you some minor weight reductions and arguably smoother drivetrain, I wouldn't worry.
