Cannondale CAAD12 Custom Bike Build with Shimano Ultegra Di2

[@714SNF]

damn that's a sweet bike!! thx for the detailed video!

[@ramsesm]

Couple of comments: 1) GORGEOUS bike... love it... I'm bias and attracted to the look as is somewhat like mine - just a beautiful bike. Tons of love went into it. 2) great video showing the process. Appreciate the description and the process of building it... so much so that after watching it I bundled up (-7c here today) and I'm leaving for a ride. Thanks -

[@nicolemitsi]

Thank you!! :)

[@stephelyse3846]

Yay I've been so excited for this video, and have loved seeing your recent rides on Strava :) bike looks beautiful. It is so interesting to see the process that goes into a full bike build.

[@nicolemitsi]

Thanks Steph! :)

[@iridebikes4030]

Was there any issues running the di2 cable around the bb unit? I'm thinking of buying one, but c-bear themselves say the wires may not fit without first removing the sleeve

[@biglampar556]

one of the best build video i've seen - enjoyed it very much. Thank-you.

[@nicolemitsi]

Big Lampar thank you!

[@zoso73]

Great choice on the saddle. Bontrager makes nice saddles.

[@josieq2307]

Loved watching this video Nicole!.. I am not a mechanic by any means, but found this video very informative and interesting!.. At minimum, it helps someone like myself to have some understanding of how a bike is assembled and demystifies this process a bit!.. So, a big thank you for sharing this!!.. Loved it!!..🌷💐🌺🌺💕👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@nicolemitsi]

Thanks Josie!! :)

[@SCWgreg]

Thanks for sharing! What was the final weight of your bike? I have this CAAD12 frame too (love it!) with standard Ultegra, but have been thinking about going DI2. Now you’re inspiring me. ;)

[@JD2ndcity]

Lovely looking bike. I have a similar looking CAAD10 Black Inc Di2. I have the same stem and debranded it using acetone, I would highly recommend doing it.

[@nicolemitsi]

This was just a temporary stem until I decided what length would fit best for me. Ended up going with something slightly longer (100mm Enve stem with garmin mount) and slammed the stem (cut the stirrer). Also got a really good deal on some Enve handle bars. It looks so much better now! :)

[@JD2ndcity]

Nicole Mitsi I went 120mm as I undersized on the frame. It handles so well now.

[@NP-kc5qd]

Nicole- Great work on the Caad 12. That's so awesome to have a personal mechanic. Love the spec, Good for you to put what you want that works for you vs doing what everybody else is doing. I see your setting crazy PR's! Keep it up, thank you for sharing. Btw, how does it feel compared to your other bikes?

[@nicolemitsi]

Thanks Noel :) I'm very lucky to have my own personal mechanic. It's saved me so much time and money that's for sure! Always striving to get faster and fitter!! It feels so much lighter and more responsive than my Avail, definitely a race machine! :)

[@wesw6787]

Awesome video. Are you then using a 24mm axle Quarq pm with that cbear adaptor instead of the "standard" 30mm axle for BB30?

[@sionark]

Just watched this, i bought a caad12 black frame and tried rotor bb and another big name bb was going to sell frame as my Shimano crankset arm wouldn't fit properly. Last resort i opted for cbear and they worked great

[@aemcdraw]

Looks so cool. How is adjusting to the different posture?

[@nicolemitsi]

Not too bad. Doesn't feel that much different tbh.

[@caulonieseboy]

Loved watching a bike-build from scratch.

[@madrabbit64]

Nice build, the difference is unreal once you ride a quality build carbon bike.

[@ali86]

Great video! I just bought the Di2 upgrade kit with the WU111 D-Fly module. Just wondering do you experience any interference with the connection since this is an aluminum frame? Hope to hear soon from you, thanks!

[@Iangmz10]

great bike. how is it goin right now after long time using it? any issues on the frame? planning to build one too. tia

[@Jack_Callcott_AU]

Very good-looking bike. Can you get a CAAD 12 with disc brakes?

[@nicolemitsi]

No only CAAD 13 and any new releases they make.

[@paulraymond4162]

How the tyres holding up? I live in England where roads are rough but would like to try a pair!!

[@TheCrossroads09]

Loctite 609 if your bottom bracket starts to creek thanks to the Oz Cycle channel for quality advice. Love seeing a 'bitza bike' with all you want instead of disposing hard earned cash on parts you'll replace. How does it compare with the Avail. Would you use the Cad frame for Ultra long distance rides over 800km?...be honest. Anthony would kill me if saw how I cut a carbon stem with a metal pipe cutter to scribe the line and then use an angle grinder with a metal cut off disc!

[@nicolemitsi]

Thanks! It was definitely the way to go to get everything how I want it! It's a lot smoother and agile than my avail and overall just performs better. I wouldn't use this bike for ultra long distances though as the position is more aggressive. I'll save those rides for the avail with it's endurance spec and 36 cassette (adventure bike). They are two completely different bikes which is why I won't be getting rid of the avail anytime soon :)

[@TheCrossroads09]

Nourish by Nicole Is it just me or could there be a little Norton Summit battle going on between yourself and another vegan? A bit of competition is good but I hope the long term benefits of your lifestyle choices prove to be the winner. So you will crack sub 15 mintues with less time in the day for specific training due to work commitments that's a win in it's self.

[@nicolemitsi]

Haha. A little bit of friendly competition is good, especially if it means we make each other faster and get more vegan girls dominating the top 10's up local climbs. But you're right, I am at a disadvantage because I have less time to train and also get no recovery after training as I go to work and spend 7-9 hours on my feet most days! My job is pretty physically demanding and exhausting - I can't even remember the last time I had 'fresh legs' lol.

[@TheCrossroads09]

Nourish by Nicole lol wonder how friendly it would be if you accidentally plan a TT at the same time on the same day in the same place.....

[@Junior6502001]

Excellent!!! Learned a lot and the bike looks awesome :)

[@nicolemitsi]

Thanks Ray!! :)

[@seegtak]

OH MY GOD! It's so awesome! I am so happy for you! I wish I could have stayed a bit longer to see this done! Also, I've actually been looking at the Ultegra Di2 a lot as well. There are a couple issues I have with my current setup (honestly need a different derailleur, breaks and crank/chain rings/etc.) but the main one has to do with the fact that I travel with my bike quite a bit, and that travelling wrecks havoc on my mechanical cabling. It seems like I constantly have to take it to a shop to get it fixed and all of those "unexpected" expense just add up too much. Do you think that this new group setup would/will travel better? Like what would you guess?

[@nicolemitsi]

Thanks! Wish you could've seen it!! It's a sexy beast!! ;D As long as the deraileur hanger doesn't get bent during travel you will not have any issues with shifting when travelling (with Di2) :)

[@brody5211]

When fitting the cables is there a sleeve to prevent cable noise internally ?

[@pandatactical4530]

What was the final weight?

[@johnjosephnarvaez4776]

Hello.. is the new caad12 sloping have a sloping top tube? Can i know whats youre height? Im planning to buiild one to.

[@donaghgavin4722]

What SEATPOST did you use..Caad 12 is 25.4 which is impossible to get a decent selection

[@guitarrerist698]

Why didn't you guys use any grease or lubrication?

[@kikoy08]

Great video!!! However i was a little bit skiptical on how you fitted the chain.. Smallest chainring and smallest cogs? 🤔🤔

[@1spongeygit]

surely that is correct, he was putting the chain in the shortest operating position then taking a bit of tension up on the derailleur, therefore it will only get tighter from there, which after testing worked!..

[@makelos29]

How thin can i go on the tires?

[@davidlenneberg4303]

The bike looks really great 😊👍would love to know how the Ultegra Dl2 is going was thinking of upgrading from mechanical at some stage also curious to know what the Dt Swiss Wheelset that you built-up what the wait is and hope you enjoying riding a new bike😊

[@nicolemitsi]

The di2 feels great! The gears change so smoothly! :) You mean weight?

[@davidlenneberg4303]

Nourish by Nicole yes sorry autoCorrect😕😊

[@nicolemitsi]

The wheels are about 1500g :)

[@jauxed]

Why does the top tube is sloping on your caad12, while the 2018 that I saw in store on 48cm was straight top tube? Is that for woman specific?

[@brody5211]

Loupgarou no smaller sizes 52 below have a slope

[@fernfloyd]

Super video! It doesn't matter if you use different types of parts or brands as they are all going to make your bike very light and fast! :P

[@nicolemitsi]

Agreed :)

[@saltydog6241]

Amazing build. Thank you for the video!

[@luismedeiros7139]

Really loved to see the all process, thanks for sharing. Any particular reason to go to a all black bike from a previous white\light coloured bike? Is it for the "Ninja" effect? You went for a 32 rear cassette, still a big fan of high cadence after improving your fitness? Will we see you built your next bike all by yourself? :) Looking forward for your review on the beast.

[@nicolemitsi]

Thanks! Black was the only colour available in the 2018 CAAD12 frameset (in Australia anyway). Having said that, I would've got black over white any day! My white/teal avail is so hard to keep clean! I went for a 32 cassette because the gears change better and it's overall lighter. This is my 'race' bike so no point putting a huge cassette on it. My avail has a 36 cassette and that is still my endurance/adventure bike. I can still do high cadence with a 32 cassette anyway :)

[@brody5211]

Excellent stuff , still have it ?

[@nikkiesteban]

Is this black inc model?

[@baronerotto]

Great video , bellissima bici , congrats !

[@marcinsztuka9929]

Where did you buy the frame? I'm asking 'cause I live in Northern Europe and I can't find only the frame.

[@nicolemitsi]

Marcin Sztuka my partner works in a bike store, so he ordered through their suppliers. I’m actually selling this frame soon as I’m upgrading to a carbon aero bike.

[@marcinsztuka9929]

@@nicolemitsi Thanks, but I want to build a totally new bike on this frame. I'll keep searching this beauty in my country and closest bike shops. Hope you'll be happy from your aero carbon frame :D

[@teleotto]

If its too harsh, go with 28mm tires. Very nice bike, but I am partial to the old Evo ;)

[@axlev01]

Looks awesome, top jobs guys! What seat post did you use? Enjoy the ride! ✌️

[@nicolemitsi]

Enve seat post :)

[@theylivewesee1674]

that gumwall tires are best matched with low profile rim

[@crypto_que]

How much does this one weigh?

[@sj2oz]

I dont have the wireless d fly on my di2. Would you recommend.

[@nicolemitsi]

If you've got the hidden buttons on top of the shifters (R8000/R9100/9070), then you can switch garmin screens without having to move your hands. If you don't have the hidden buttons I wouldn't worry about the D fly.

[@chiz161190]

Wouldn't it look better without a spacer above the stem?

[@novice2adroitness804]

Approximately how much is the total cost for this build?

[@finalbattle777]

Those are some good looking tools.

[@Jillatcheckthebox]

How do u find the caad12? There's no women's reviews.

[@nicolemitsi]

Jill Cooper review is on my channel 😊

[@robinjames7218]

what are the tires please?

[@AandA697]

What torque for the compression plug?

[@ThatVeganCyclist]

Ateru Arts it was 8nm for the plug inside the steerer, the top bolt gets done until there is no play in the headset.

[@jaysville0125]

Bike weight?

[@manumercado1127]

i dont know why but i found this video very relaxing...hehehe

[@MrAndrew1953]

If it’s a race bike direct mount rim brakes are okay but for non racers I’d always prefer disc brakes after having had motorcycles and bicycles with discs. Nice to see how a professional sets up a bike from scratch.

[@CuCulainn1]

Super bike great build!

[@2013danrazor2015danrazor]

Beautiful bike

[@mmkha1r]

what is the frame size? and your height in cm? mine is 50 and my height is 170cm. Still wondering 50 is correct size for me or not

[@brody5211]

It should be

[@googleplusgoogle135]

Beautiful Bike!

[@michaelupchurch3779]

Were did you get those wheels

[@nicolemitsi]

Ordered the parts online. My boyfriend built them (he is a mechanic).

[@izaak.salomon5048]

Piękny!!! Pozdrawiam z Polski!

[@skyhigheagleer6]

You don't want to grease the BB cups, you need a bearing retaining compound.

[@mattparsons6487]

How much did it cost altogether? Did you buy everything new?

[@NeoPayneHK]

nice build~

[@BikeLife154]

shimano do an 11-34 cassette nowadays!

[@nicolemitsi]

Ah I'm sorry we didn't specify. We meant shimano dura ace don't do anything above 11-30, which is why we went with sram, because it does 11-32 and is light. My avail has a 11-36 ultegra cassette, but I don't want that on the caad12 because its my 'fast' bike. The avail is an endurance 'adventure' bike which is the only reason I have a big cassette on it :)

[@biglampar556]

i thought ultegra 11 speed only goes up to 32 max....????

[@krnone8057]

I goes to 34 for sure, i don't know about more.

[@fk8002]

What is the weight?

[@nicolemitsi]

About 7.5kg

[@davonpointer2310]

Nice little build ;-)

[@punkandprovocation]

Absolutely no grease or carbon paste used? Madness.

[@lovenottheworld5723]

Some men know how to build a bike. If I hadn't seen it, I would automatically assume you built it yourself.

[@paolopetrozzi2213]

At school, you learn: -- I do -- You do -- He-She-It DOES but maybe not everybody can afford to go to school

[@arquina.quintano6131]

Caad12 update

[@nicolemitsi]

Sold it 2 years ago. Upgraded to a Evo Hi-mod... then got selected to race for an NRS team, so sold that as now on a team bike (Trek Emonda).

[@arquina.quintano6131]

@@nicolemitsi may I ask if how much is it for you to build this caad12?

[@arquina.quintano6131]

@@nicolemitsi and may I ask the reasons why are you not vlogging anymore eh?

[@nicolemitsi]

@@arquina.quintano6131 I honestly couldn't tell you - some things I got retail and some I got a good deal through the bike shop where my partner works. It was so long ago I can't remember tbh.

[@nicolemitsi]

@@arquina.quintano6131 I think life just got in the way. My partner and I ended up buying a house - so we've both been busy working to pay mortgage and bills (which YT unfortunately doesn't do). On top of this I also train 15-20 hours a week as I have a contract with an NRS cycling team. Having said that, I do have plans to make videos again, they just won't be very frequent. I figure if it takes me a month to film/edit 1 video it's still better than nothing I guess.

[@theylivewesee1674]

BB30 Creakdale

[@nicolemitsi]

C Bear FTW. No creaks here.

[@royevans4581]

Does all that work and then it's leant against a wall. 😣😂😂😂

[@nicolemitsi]

Over 13,000km's in a year actually. Was a good stead, sold it on and upgraded to the Evo hi-mod as I got more serious with racing. But thanks for the hilarious comment. :)

[@royevans4581]

@@nicolemitsi Good luck with your racing Nicole. I Di2'd a CAAD12 and love it. Ride on!

[@Sills71]

Don't like electronic shifting.... BB30... power meters... all needless crap that exists for people to spend money on... do like the alloy bar, carbon bars are crap as well.

[@fejoa2]

OMFG please work on your camera skills, it is constantly autofocusing due to your frequent moving .... Interesting content but i can't watch... MY EYES ARE STRESSED!

[@mixn44]

All the fancy tools and the workshop are unnecessary.These are rich boomer offspring.

[@nicolemitsi]

Fred West lol. We built this in the carpark of a bike shop where he works. Mostly borrowed tools and a crappy little bike stand. #gtfo 👍