'09 Cannondale CAAD9

[Lex]

This is my first post and fittingly, it is of my first roadbike, a CAAD9. Being quite the novice, I welcome your suggestions.

Currently it weights 8.07kg spec'd as follows:

Frame CAAD9 non-BB30 50cm
Fork Cannondale Ultra
Headset Stock
Seatpost 3T Doric LTD 27.2 350mm
Clamp Aerozine
Saddle Selle Italia SL
Stem 3T ARX Team 100mm -6
Hbar 3T Ergosum Pro 40cm
Tape Easton
Endcap Easton
Wheels Shimano Duraace 7850SL
Tires GP Force & Attack
Interiors Panaracer
Skewers Token
Shifters Tiagra 4500
Crankset Tiagra 4500 50-34 w/ BB
FD Tiagra 4500
RD Tiagra 4500
Cogs Tiagra 4500 12-25
Chain Duraace 7700
Brakes Tiagra 4500 w/ Duraace shoes+pads
Pedals Look Keo Max Carbon





My immediate plans are as follows:
1) Cut steerer and replace the tall cone spacer.
2) Replace bottlecages and bolts.
3) Install 3T Ergosum LTD handlebar and ARX LTD stem.
4) New brakes, Ciamillo on its way.
5) Upgrade to SRAM Red/Force (no $$ for this yet).

I have a question with #3 above: given the color of the bike, am I better off going with the TEAM versions (red) as opposed to the silver of the LTD? I already have the Doric LTD and the ARX LTD and Ergosum LTD are on their way. Should I trade for an entirely different make? Does weight trump looks, vice versa, or are both a must? Thanks.

Don

[jcconnox]

You should seriously consider replacing the fork. The Ultra fork on my CAAD9 weighed in at 588g *after* I cut the steer tube.

[Tinea Pedis]

Had the same bike, but in white. Was my first race bike, how I miss it

Done the right thing and gone wheels before grouppo first for an upgrade, nice.

If you already have the LTD stuff on the way, stick with that. Pop it on, see how it looks. I don't think it'll be bad. But the Team gear, albeit heavier, will suit it well too.

Oh and the fork is a porker. I went the Premium fork.