Category: Equipment/Gear


New Rims!

So you might be asking why would I put new rims on my 2 year old Cannondale CAADX, well that would be a great question. The answer is, my fat butt was just too much for the bike. While it was rated for 300 lbs and I certainly don’t weigh that I was still consistently breaking rear spokes. So after my 5th such break, I decided to take in to the Cannondale dealer in Allen and see what we could do about it. The answer is new robust wheels and hubs. Just another $250 of bike stuff.

IMG_0257

Nice looking rim all black on the all black and white bike. I think it looks bad ass. Here is a full shot of the bike.

Revitalized CAADX

Revitalized CAADX

I have about 50 miles on the new rims and they are working great, so far. The goal for January is 110 miles and I have 26 to go. I should get 18 today and will ride during the week on the trainer so getting the 26 should happen barring I don’t re-injure my back which has crushed me the last two weeks. Thankfully I can still ride, slowly but still ride while my back gets better. Here’s to another 110 for February.

Cannondale CAAD 9

Cannondale CAAD X Ultra

Cannondale CAAD X Ultra

 

As you can see I am loyal to Cannondale as a bike maker. I have been very pleased with all three of the Cannondales I own. The road bike is a CAAD9 at 60cm. It has been a great bike over the last three years. For the past two I have struggled to get a 1000 miles on it, living in Oregon does not afford year round riding unless you are more hearty then I. At 53 I just don’t ride in the rain when it is below 50 degrees. Been there done that and just don’t do it any more, along with my travel schedule with work it was just too little time to ride. This year I came to Dallas in April and stayed through June and got in around 500 miles in that stretch. Able to spend my summer July – Sept in Portland I added the 600 I usually get during the summer.

As September hit I choose to add another Cannondale to my inventory. One of the key things about Texas is that the roads are pretty poor quality compared to what I was riding in Oregon. That being said with my “adult” weight challenge (I am sure it is genetic, thanks dad) I knew I would beat up my skinny tire bike and needed something a bit more robust. The answer was a cyclocross bike. I picked up a CAADX Ultra at 61cm and what a great bike, I like the larger tires when riding on the many bike trails around here, while most are paved they can be a bit choppy. I will do another post doing an in depth interview with the “X” as I think it is a great ride and should get me through the winter in style.