I just bought a r1000z (which is just like the r1000, but it has cosmos wheels and ultegra brakes - the model stemmed from a shortage in the supply of kyrsium wheels apparently). I am not exactly a newb to cycling as I've been into MTB racing for some time.

I am, however, a newb to road biking and Cannondale and am in need of some assisstance with upgrades and whatnot. So, with that in mind, what would you all recommend I do to the bike right away?

I am familiar with Hutchinson tires from my MTB days and I must say I think they whole company is an abortion. I plan to replace the tires right away, but I'm curious what type of tires seasoned road cyclists would recommend. The terrain here in Baton Rouge, LA is flatter than pretty much anything imaginable and it rains constantly without warning (especially when I'm outside).

It also seems that road bikes, in general, skimp on pedals. I found that a rather unsavory practice, but I suppose there isn't much that one can do about it. So what pedals would you all recommend? And what road shoes don't suck and wouldn't require me to donate a kidney to purchase?

I hear the seat included with the bike blows - what would be considered to be a viable replacement?

Finally, I am looking into getting a Cateye CC-TR100. Can anyone tell me more about this cyclometer? The cateye site says it has heart rate functions, but it doesn't say whether the hrm is cordless or not.

Also, if anyone has a problem with this cyclometer, please let me know what your gripes are. And I'm open to suggestions on other computers....

Congrats on your new bike! I have an '03 R1000. It came with Ultegra shifters but 105 calipers. Everything but the calipers was Ultegra from the shop, even the BB, so I'm pretty pleased with it.

As for upgrades, I'd get rid of any Cannondale brand components that it came with first. Definitely a new and lighter seatpost, stem and bars if they're by Cannondale. Never used Hutchinson tires, but the Continental GP3000's that I have are great. I have over 500 road miles on them now and they're holding up great, even with several hundred trainer miles thrown in. I haven't done much upgrading yet, but the seatpost and stem will be the first two things to go. I'm also considering upgrading my Ksyrium Elites to American Classic 420's as soon as I can. Much lighter and really really good from what I've read.

Again, congrats on the new bike. You're going to love it. It rides so well I can hardly believe that I got it for the price. Definitely a great bike!

Kevin

I also have a 03 R1000 but the silver/red. Here is the list of upgrades I did until now:

FSA K-Wing carbon handlebars
FSA OS-115 stem
FSA K-Force seatpost
Fizik Arione saddle
Michelin Pro Race clinchers (after cutting 2 GP3000 sidewalls in the same week)
Speedplay Zero Team CSC pedals

I'm very pleased with what I did so far. The handlebars feel great, look great and give a slightly higher position which is great if you want to remove a couple of headset spacers. The saddle is the most comfortable I tried. The tires seem more souple than the GP3000 the bike came with. I'm planning to change the 105 brake pads for Koolstop's duratype brake pads since I need more stopping power.

I have the '04 R1000 that have Ksyrium Elite on it, and I'm very pleased. The Hutchison tires actually ride nice, the problem is that they were very prone to flats, and they wore out in less than 1000 miles.

I haven't actually upgraded any component on it yet, aside from getting new tires. I went with Specialized All Weather tires, and have been very pleased with them. I've not had one flat in the last 700 miles (compared to no less than 7 flats with the Hutchison tires over 1k miles).

For pedals I went with Shimano SPD-SL R600, which is actually the "Ultegra" pedal.

I 225 pounds, so I don't think i'll be switching to lighter weight components anytime soon. In fact if I do upgrade, it will be to the sexy looking '04 Kysrium SSC SL. I have no complaints with the Elites, they're still true as can be after 2000 miles, I just don't like the black color.

[Edit}
After thinking about it, i'll definately look into getting different brakes. They feel exceptionally weak compared to my "cheaper" 105 brakes on my Specialized.

[Edit}
After thinking about it, i'll definately look into getting different brakes. They feel exceptionally weak compared to my "cheaper" 105 brakes on my Specialized.


Yea, I was very pleased to see the brakes on the r1000z upgraded to Ultegras. As of now I have done this:

Panaracer tires (I forget the exact model)
Profile Design Carbon Stryke aerobars
Cateye Dual-Wireless Cyclometer
Profile Design water cages with polar bottles

I've been using a spare set of Eggbeater Twin Ti pedals that I had, but I'm trying to decide on what kind of road pedals to get....