stompandgo's Cannondale Tesoro Neo X Speed build

[stompandgo]

The Neo X Speed isn't like the other Tesoro X1, X2, and X3. The geometry is more like an MTB, which is very different than a gravel bike. The biggest issue is that the head tube, and the resulting steerer tube length, is too short. There's a 5cm difference between the two bikes. The Tesoro comes stock with a short steerer tube and a proprietary clamp-on stem. It slides over the steerer, and is adjusted with a 39mm nut. That stem needs a minimum length of steerer to clamp properly, and there are no height options. There is zero room for spacers underneath it, even though this system wasn't designed for spacers. It fits flush on the headset top bearing cap. I put a road stem and expander nut in place of it, along with 25mm rise bars, which helped, but it's still not right. The bottom line is that I should have bought a Large frame, even though standover would be non-existent. Could I make it fit better, yes, but I'm not going to Pee Wee Herman it. I'll be fitted on the Pinarello and I'll see if I can get the Tesoro close once I dial the new bike in.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Could I make it fit better, yes, but I'm not going to Pee Wee Herman it.

Poor Pee Wee — gets even less respect than Rodney Dangerfield. What would he have done with your stem?

 

[Chazmo]

Poor Pee Wee — gets even less respect than Rodney Dangerfield. What would he have done with your stem?

pinwheel extender.

 

[stompandgo]

Poor Pee Wee — gets even less respect than Rodney Dangerfield. What would he have done with your stem?

I don't want to know.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

View attachment 197317

pinwheel extender.

Definitely something to be said for the "don't worry, be happy, just put a pinwheel on it" approach to life. Maybe I should keep some pinwheels on hand.
;^}

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Neo X Speed isn't like the other Tesoro X1, X2, and X3. The geometry is more like an MTB, which is very different than a gravel bike. The biggest issue is that the head tube, and the resulting steerer tube length, is too short. There's a 5cm difference between the two bikes. The Tesoro comes stock with a short steerer tube and a proprietary clamp-on stem. It slides over the steerer, and is adjusted with a 39mm nut. That stem needs a minimum length of steerer to clamp properly, and there are no height options. There is zero room for spacers underneath it, even though this system wasn't designed for spacers. It fits flush on the headset top bearing cap. I put a road stem and expander nut in place of it, along with 25mm rise bars, which helped, but it's still not right. The bottom line is that I should have bought a Large frame, even though standover would be non-existent. Could I make it fit better, yes, but I'm not going to Pee Wee Herman it. I'll be fitted on the Pinarello and I'll see if I can get the Tesoro close once I dial the new bike in.

Thank you so much! A very interesting description!