First CX Bike! Any tips?

BIkerGoPro55

Hi fellow CX riders! Just got my hands on a used CAADX Ultegra and want some advice on a few things. I came from trail riding on a 29er. I chose CX to commute and train for my long runs. Hopefully it will help me get in better shape as well

Because the bike is lightly used, there are a few things that came to my attention. First thing I wanted to ask is I noticed there is some cable rub on the front, (above the fork). Is the best option here to just use some helicopter tape or will normal packaging tape suffice?

The bike came with a longer and shorter stem. Currently the shorter stem is on it. My arms are pretty long, (72cm) so would it be fine to switch the stem to the longer one? Is there a proper way of checking or is it more personal preference? I personally am against going for a bike fitting as I'm already on a tight budget.

Bike locks! What do you guys and gals recommend? It would suck having a CX bike stolen.. So I need a good solid bike lock that someone could recommend. Do you just use 1 bike lock for the frame or several that go over the wheels too?

Last question. What can I do to keep the bike in the best condition possible? Any extra maintenance tips? Thank you and appreciate any advice!

fenix

You can use normal insulation tape to avoid cable rub - but clear helicopter tape would look better.

Stem - be a devil and see what you think. Shouldnt take more than 5 mins to swap and it is personal preference really.

Where are you leaving the bike ? Is it open to the public ? What do other people use there ? Can you leave a lock permanently attached at work ? Locks can be heavy.

BIkerGoPro55

Fenix wrote:

You can use normal insulation tape to avoid cable rub - but clear helicopter tape would look better.

Stem - be a devil and see what you think. Shouldnt take more than 5 mins to swap and it is personal preference really.

Where are you leaving the bike ? Is it open to the public ? What do other people use there ? Can you leave a lock permanently attached at work ? Locks can be heavy.

I can permanently have a lock attached at work yes. It's in a cage but still worthwhile to lock up. Others use road bikes mostly. They sure can be heavy it seems. Do most keep their bikes inside? If so, I don't have that option unfortunately. So my only method of parking it would be outside in the cage.

I've done a bit of research and it seems U-Locks are the way to go. Not sure what brand is best though. Are wheel locks something to consider in addition to the other lock? The wheels don't seem to be QR. Thanks again!

mikpem

Kryptonite I've had one for years and it's great, I'll have a look.....

https://www.evanscycles.com/kryptonite- ... e-EV165864

That's a good deal actually and comes with a cable to chuck around your wheels.

BIkerGoPro55

mikpem wrote:

Kryptonite I've had one for years and it's great, I'll have a look.....

https://www.evanscycles.com/kryptonite- ... e-EV165864

That's a good deal actually and comes with a cable to chuck around your wheels.

Thanks! Appreciate it. I tried fitting a rear rack on the CAADX and the brake caliper is in the way. Is it ok to force the bottom bracket of the rack around the caliper or is it best to get a new rack that will have some type of adapters installed? Any ideas? Thanks!

bendertherobot

BIkerGoPro55 wrote:

mikpem wrote:

Kryptonite I've had one for years and it's great, I'll have a look.....

https://www.evanscycles.com/kryptonite- ... e-EV165864

That's a good deal actually and comes with a cable to chuck around your wheels.

Thanks! Appreciate it. I tried fitting a rear rack on the CAADX and the brake caliper is in the way. Is it ok to force the bottom bracket of the rack around the caliper or is it best to get a new rack that will have some type of adapters installed? Any ideas? Thanks!

viewtopic.php?t=13061069

Have a look there and PM the Rover. Essentially bending probably not ideal