Just in: Cannondale CAADX 105

It's cyclocross season everybody - time to get dirty. And when it's over it's often the case that a CX bike will get a runout as a workhorse in the off season: the geometry and spec normally suits a bit of dual use. And that's definitely the case with our latest test rig, the Cannondale CAADX 105.

Depending on what spec you choose you'll get one of three finishes but we're definitely sold on the brushed Alminium that you get with the mid-range 105 spec. It's the best for showing off those classy welds and the understated branding will look the part around town too.

The geometry of the CAADX is a bit more upright than Cannondale's SuperX race bike but still plenty sporty enough for a Sunday morning outing, and you get a full 105 drivetrain with 12-25 cassette and an FSA Gossamer 36/46 chainset - all good reliable stuff, and you get Tektro's excellent CR720 cantis to do the stopping. The wheels are Maddux DRX6000 rims laced to Formula hubs, and to take the sting out of the trails there's a Cannondale Ultra-X Carbon fork up front and hourglass stays to the rear.

If you do want to hit the dirt the CAADX 105 is pretty much ready for action straight out of the box, except for the tyres: the Conti Cyclocross Speed rubber will be fine so long as it doesn't rain. But it will. It always does. Always. The semi-slicks are an acknowledgment that the CAADX won't always be racing, as are the mudguard and rack mounts; should you wish it'll make a very capable commuter and at £999 it sneaks under the cycle-to-work limit too.

We'll be thrashing the CAADX round some races and also doing some longer rides and town jaunts to see what it's best at or whether it's a true all rounder. And when we know, so will you...