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Got a C'dale CAAD8

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 11:39 am
by Stevo
After having a Trek USPS 5500 frame (white) with Record 9 speed for the past few years, I though it was time for a change....

My first Cannondale was very disappointing it was a Super V 600 mountain bike with duel suspension, it was heavy and I had a very bad accident on it, I've almost erradicated the memory of that slug.

I've just come back from my first ride on my new matt black Cannondale R1000 which I customised as follows:

R1000 frame from England with Cannondale hollowgram SI alloy crankset because that isn't available from either the USA or Australia.

Zero Gravity brake calipers, yeah they do work well and go ooh so well with the matt black Cannondale frame. Zero shipped the calipers with the Corima pads for carbon rims and an additional set of red coloured rubber pads, which I fitted for alloy rims.

Ritchey WCS 31.8mm oversized alloy bars and stem.

Campagnolo Record Ultra levers, gears and hollow pin chain.

"Corsa" brand carbon fibre bottle cages, man these are cool and allow water bottles to fit onto them like a glove. They are so so light weight, I'm sure they must be lighter than the Campag Record carbon cages and at less than half the price. I got 2 cages for AUD$93. I would highly recommend these to any weight weenie.

Look KEO pedals (steel) I couldn't justify the cost vs. weight saving for titanium.

SLR Gel Flow saddle with FSA carbon fibre seat post. Cinelli gel bar tape.

Campagnol Nucleon wheels with Conti Attack/Force tyres.

My estimate is 7.3kgs but I don't know for sure.

After only 1 short ride, I am really impressed with the acceleration, it does seem to be true to what others say. The swayed tubing on the Cannondale frame is a sight to behold, especially the seat stays which have a great aero design. The gold C'dale chain rings look incredible in contrasting with the matt black frame.

I have yet to try the bike on a long ride, and I hope it is as comfortable as the carbon fibre Trek (which I still love).

The C'dale chain stays are amazingly chunky and they inspire confidence in stiffness and bottom bracket rigidity.

I could have bought any frame I wanted including those exotic frames from Europe, and I've checked out a lot having been to Interbike in Vegas last year for 4 days. I have to say that the C'dale so far is very impressive.

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Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 4:12 pm
by HOWMUCHDOESITWEIGH?
PICTURES PLEASE! :lol:

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Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 4:12 pm
by Weenie

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Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 5:26 pm
by John979
Stevo;

My ride! I love it, but I have been a long standing Cannondale owner. IMHO, the CAAD8si is the finest all aluminum frameset made. As I have never owned a carbon fiber bicycle, I will be curious as to your assessment of the CAAD8si's comfort on a long ride.

PS: Now that the weather is finally breaking, I will put the Reynolds Stratus DVs on mine and take some pics!

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:54 pm
by o2oole
I also just purchased an c'dale R1000, the matte black is just sooo sexy, mine is completly stock, though... Going to take my first ride on it in about 2 hrs time! can't wait!

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 5:04 pm
by John979
o2oole wrote:I also just purchased an c'dale R1000, the matte black is just sooo sexy, mine is completly stock, though... Going to take my first ride on it in about 2 hrs time! can't wait!


I know you will enjoy the ride...

Photos & review

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 6:56 am
by Stevo
Having done a few 2 hour rides, I can say that the bike is very comfortable.

The bike has an incredibly lively feeling when you apply pressure to the pedels but also a rock solid feel. It feels more responsive than my Trek 5500.

The total weight is 7,470 grams (7.470 kgs.).

Because of my fitness level at the moment I need the rising stem and spacers.

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 7:23 am
by spokey1.0
BEAUTIFUL BIKE. I just got a 2005 R1000 a couple of weeks ago. Mine is still totally stock except for a bottle cage. Looks like you've made some nice upgrades. I second the lively but super solid feel, it really is incredible. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

Cheers.

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2005 2:56 pm
by John979
Stevo;

An SI no less! Love'm! :D

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 7:40 am
by kAb
Take the 54cm sticker off.

I have been eyeing this frame for months now. I think DA10, Aireone carbon, silver nokon, Ksyrium SL black, keo pedals... just an idea for my next build, want to try an alum frame.

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 5:13 pm
by John979
kAb wrote:Take the 54cm sticker off.

I have been eyeing this frame for months now. I think DA10, Aireone carbon, silver nokon, Ksyrium SL black, keo pedals... just an idea for my next build, want to try an alum frame.


Too bad in the US ou won't be able to walk into your LBS and buy a CAAD8si...

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 5:13 pm
by Weenie

Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2005 5:23 pm
by brianwchan
Is there a reason Cannondale doesn't sell it in the US?