Fork for Cannandale CAAD7 Optimo?

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Lopro
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:53 pm

by Lopro

Hi WW :)

I'm going to start my first weight weenie project and has purchased a Cannondale Optimo CAAD7 from 2004 with BSA BB (1290g).
It will be a long project because the economy is tight.
The first purchase will be a fork, I have long searched for a full carbon Slice fork on Ebay, but without success. Can you guys recommend a fork that fits on my dale?

thoughts on weight: 300-400g

First post :D

Cheers

Lopro - Denmark

by Weenie


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bricky21
Posts: 1403
Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2010 3:28 pm

by bricky21

For a tight budget I would go with this. Would be a perfect fit for the Cannondale 371 axle to crown(according to an email I got back from Pedal Force) with 45mm offset.Image
Another good option, but more money would be one of the Ritchey forks.
Image
If going with the Ritchey get the 43mm offset to make up for the shorter fork(367 Axle to crown) and consequently steeper head tube angle and lower bottom bracket.

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Maximilian
Posts: 404
Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:09 pm
Location: Warwickshire

by Maximilian


bricky21
Posts: 1403
Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2010 3:28 pm

by bricky21

Not sure of the caad 7 S&R numbers, but going by current S&R for the Caads(9 and 10) 362 is a mathematically impossible. They are 371-372.

Lopro
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:53 pm

by Lopro

Thanks, I will take a look at that. My fork is btw approximately 371mm axle center to crown.

I've looked at Controltech Lightning Forks 325g for 235€, 370mm , offset 43mm.. any thoughts ?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=21555

Lopro
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:53 pm

by Lopro

I weigh 82 kg btw, /181 lbs

djg714
Posts: 23
Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2009 10:14 pm
Location: FL, US

by djg714

Cannondale fork for those bikes are around 367mm.
You can find some used Cannondale Premium forks around.

Camilo
Posts: 355
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:31 pm

by Camilo

If you can find one, I used a Reynolds Ouzo Pro fork on my CAAD7 for several years and it worked great. I don't remmber the details, but I believe it was very close in leg length, but a couple degrees off the stock rake, but I never noticed that.

mattlawro
Posts: 75
Joined: Sat Jan 08, 2011 10:33 pm

by mattlawro

Not really a budget option but a second hand enve/edge fork is fantastic on these frames.

Quiet a few guys have run Easton forks on CAAD frames.


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Lopro
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:53 pm

by Lopro

Thanks for yours feedback so far :thumbup:

I have been offered an Controltech Lightning Full Carbon Road For for almost no money. aprox 330g

• Crown race: 30mm, 45mm crown for integrated headset
• Steerer: 1-1/8”

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=21555" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But will i fit on my dale?

bricky21
Posts: 1403
Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2010 3:28 pm

by bricky21

Yes it will fit. Any 1 1/8 fork will. The only concern(not to 99.999% of people though :wink: ) is the length and how it will effect the steering. Worse case scenario the new fork will be up to 5mm shorter or longer. Using the same offset as the original a fork 5mm shorter will steepen your head tube by approximately 2.5 degrees, drop your BB by about 1.75mm and decrease your trail by about 2.5 mm. All of that would make your bike turn a wee bit faster. Reverse those approximates for a fork 5mm longer making for a wee bit slower turning bike. Cannondales geometry is really vanilla, so a change in fork length isn't going to turn it into a poor riding bike.

by Weenie


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

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