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Cannondale CAADX 105 or Giant TCX SLR 2......?

by peterjigsaw
Fri, May 20, 2016 17:35
8

OK, so after months of research, I'm now being hassled by my partner to make my mind up and choose my new bike.......

I have narrowed down my choice, as I'm after a CX bike for around £900-£1000, to:

  • Cannondale CAADX 105  £900
  • Giant TCX SLR 2  £999

I can't find any credible reviews of the 2016 Giant TCX SLR 2 anywhere, but of course the Cannondale is a stock choice and has plenty of fans, particularly as a base for upgrading over the years ahead.

So the weekend question....... Cannondale or Giant?

Or perhaps the Rose Pro DX 2000 - around £1050 but with perhaps a better spec than both the above, just a 4 week wait to get it!  The Pinnacle Arkose 3 is a nonstarter - I hate the hydraulic brake levers on it and the frame is reported to be very dull and hard-riding.

I just can't convince myself what to do..........ideas on a postcard please........

 

 

 

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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8 comments

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Recarobob | 7 years ago
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I'd agree with the previous comments about the CAADX 105, the brakes are good as disc brakes vs. rim brakes for all the usual reasons but after a year the adjustment on the Promax rear brakes seized so I changed it for an Avid BB7 which is much better. Same for the wheels in that I've been through 2 rear freehubs so have changed the wheels to Mavics. That said I've really enjoyed the CAADX as a great all rounder in all seasons.

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TypeVertigo replied to Recarobob | 7 years ago
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Recarobob wrote:

I'd agree with the previous comments about the CAADX 105, the brakes are good as disc brakes vs. rim brakes for all the usual reasons but after a year the adjustment on the Promax rear brakes seized so I changed it for an Avid BB7 which is much better. Same for the wheels in that I've been through 2 rear freehubs so have changed the wheels to Mavics. That said I've really enjoyed the CAADX as a great all rounder in all seasons.

The brakes seem to be the Achilles' heel of the CAADX. I have yet to find a favorable review of the Promax Render R brakes. One major reason why the TCX was an easy sell for me was because they came with the well-reviewed TRP Spyres back when nobody even heard of them.

That said, I would recommend a third option in terms of bikes - maybe the Merida Cyclo Cross 500? That has most of the TCX's spec but at a slightly lower price. It has a nice round seatpost too so swapping it out for another is actually an option (Giant's D-Fuse seatposts are nice but shackle you to the company for replacements).

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jonnythepanda | 7 years ago
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personally I'd steer clear of the TCX, I did two festive 500s and lots of winter commuting on mine (4000 miles). I found it was a horrible bike to ride. I'm probably spoilt by my TCR but the sight of the TCX waiting to ferry me to work filled me with dread every morning. I even took my zesty once because I could not face taking the TCX. I ended up giving it to a work collegue just to be rid of it. I only used it for Tarmac and fire road so I suppose if you intend to hit up some rough stuff then you might have a different experience. 

Got another TCR instead and slapped some guards on. My new winter commuter is so much nicer to ride.

Hth 

 

 

 

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TypeVertigo | 7 years ago
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Happy owner of a 2014 TCX SLR 2. The 2016 models use essentially the same frameset, but use 11-speed 105 5800 and Maxxis mud tires. I've turned mine into an all-weather light touring commuter/audax bike. It's a bit of a faff to fit a rear mudguard (no seat stay and chain stay bridges so I had to bodge those) but otherwise it's as adaptable as I wanted it to be.

The CAADX is very common where I live. Lots of happy owners as well, but I've heard too many horror stories about BB30 to consider it. The TCX uses BB86, which is still a press-fit system, but I haven't had any problems with creaking or bearing walk-out ever since I had the bike.

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OhYesWell | 7 years ago
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went from a CAADX 105 to a Rose CDX3000 and can highly recommend their value for money; you get decent kit from the start. Four weeks is nothing, get your order in...

Oh, and the bike is great by the way.

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the little onion | 7 years ago
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I have the 2015 Caadx. Good frame, shocking wheels and brakes. But these are easy to upgrade.

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the little onion | 7 years ago
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I have the 2015 Caadx. Good frame, shocking wheels and brakes. But these are easy to upgrade.

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easilydistracte | 7 years ago
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I have the 2016 TCX SLR 1, and have had the 2016 TCX Adv Pro 2. Love them both, with the addition of slightly lighter tyres they are happy commuters and 1-bike-to-rule-them-alls. I'd plump for the TCX SLR 1 over the Adv Pro 2, and the SLR 2 is essentially just as tidy. Surprisingly quick on turn-in. 

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