CAAD12 or CAADX for commuting

thistle_

I've been without a road bike for ages now, and still haven't got around to getting a replacement.
I need a bike I can use for 40-50 mile rides, but also tough enough for commuting (including towpaths) and isn't too ridiculous to ride time trials on.
I used to have an entry level Merida race bike and this was ok but I want something a bit "better".

I was all settled on a CAAD12 but a discussion in another thread mentioned that the frame tubing is very thin and I'm not sure it would last very long with the way I ride.
Our bike racks at work are the wheelbender type bolted to the floor and I tend to lock my bike at the side of them so the bike is propped on the chainstay. Other people aren't exactly careful getting their bikes in and out.

I'm wondering if the CAADX might be a better option: premuably the frame is tougher and will take more abuse, and I could add some clip on aero bars and swap the wheels/tyres for TTs.

None of the local bike shops have CAAD12s on show so I can't have a look/squeeze of the tubes for myself. I might go back to the LBS this week and have a look at the CAADX in more detail.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

Tldr: Is a CAADX frame tougher than a CAAD12 and is it a stupid idea doing TTs on a pimped up CX bike?

frankcannondale

I've seen the CAAD 12 for sale (2017 model 105) from several retailers for £1049.

https://www.evanscycles.com/cannondale- ... very-modal

londoncommuter

Do you not fancy mudguards for commuting?

thistle_

londoncommuter wrote:

Do you not fancy mudguards for commuting?

Not that fussed TBH, if it's really wet I'll drive half way and take my wet weather bike (sans mudguards) and just get wet.
I've had mudguards in the past and found them more hassle than they were worth.

sheffsimon

thistle (MBNW) wrote:

londoncommuter wrote:

Do you not fancy mudguards for commuting?

Not that fussed TBH, if it's really wet I'll drive half way and take my wet weather bike (sans mudguards) and just get wet.
I've had mudguards in the past and found them more hassle than they were worth.

What hassle does a mudguard create? You just fit them and there they stay, no?

bendertherobot

I commuted on a CAADX last year with mudguards. Went as wide on tyres as I could. Excellent bike.

Mudguards stayed in place, no issues other than I use it for CX too, so every weekend on and off, bit of a pain.

I now use a Genesis and never take the guards off. No issues with them at all.

The CAADX is the better commuting bike.

But, if you're doing TT's. Get the CAAD12. Or a TT bike.....

the_rover

I commute on this CX, It's a great ride and soaks up the bumps perfectly. Mines the tiagra version and I'm sure I've seen them this week at £799 which I think is a belting price.

kingstonian

CAADX

I’ve done about 4000 miles on mine on my commute this year, it has been brilliant.

bendertherobot

Incidentally, I appear to be faster (or at least AS fast) on the CAADX in CX as I was on the SuperX

iron-clover

I use my CaadX for commuting. I'm using the stock components but have swapped out the Schwalbe Sammy Slicks (decent all round tyres but wear quickly on the road) for 35C Conti contact city tyres and it still has oodles of clearance between them and the mudguards, and they keep me dry!

The manual insists it can only take 10kg on the pannier rack, but that's more than enough for what I need for work.

It also means I can get a little more off the beaten track (or race 'cross on the weekends...) and have a capable 'utterly foul weather' bike ready to go if I still want to get out in filthy conditions. I would definitely recommend over a regular road bike, especially if you already have one.