CAAD8 Build

[plpete]

Welcome to my CAAD8 build thread
This will be my commuter/winter/and maybe race bike. The frame is a 54cm and it looks brand new. Previous owner took great care and didn't ride it much. It will be built with my spare parts like Sram and Neuvations wheels I have as back-ups. Complete build list and weights to come...

[DaleRider]

I've got an 04 CAAD8 that still sees about 3000 miles a year. Best alu frame ever! Glad to see yet another one getting back on the road.

[ednino]

This should be good!

[plpete]

Thanks! Slowly coming together. Need to pick up a clamp adapter for the FD. The one I have is too small. The PRO EVO Stealth bar might be replaced with either a classic or compact bend bar and the saddle is temporary as well. Will probably transfer the Romin Evo from my other bike.

[Skorp]

That looks stunning! Love the coulors.. Black and grey

[CBJ]

Nice frame.

[plpete]

Thanks everyone

Bike is finished for the most part. Still need to stop by the LBS to trim the steerer a bit. I replicated the fit from my BMC SLR01. The CAAD8 has a 1/4" shorter head tube but with the cone headset cover the front end is now equal. I may need to get a set-back seat post at some point as well. No weight yet but it's coming. My guess is mid 16lbs but we shall see. Here is a quick shot before the first ride:

[plpete]

Build List

Cannondale CAAD8 54cm
Cannondale Premium Slice fork (carbon steerer, alu. drop-outs)
Sram Force Shifters
Sram Force Rear Derailleur
Sram Force Front Derailleur
Sram Force Crank w. 53/39 rings
Sram Rival brakes
Shimano Ultegra 12-25 cassette
Sram Chain
BeBop Pedals w/ Ti spindle upgrade
3T Doric seat post
Specialized Romin Evo saddle 155mm
Pro EVO Stealth stem/bar combo (to be changed to 3T ergonova bar + stem)
Reynolds Carbon bottle cage
Neuvation R28 wheelset
Continental GP4000s tires
BHS Ti skewers

As pictured above it comes in at just about 16.5lbs. Not too bad for a build from spare parts.

[plpete]

Update time!

A few changes...

I took off the Pro EVO Stealth stem/bar combo. I felt like it was a bit much for now plus the bike is used for commuting and locked outside. I ended up using the Cannondale Fire stem along with a Zipp SS Service Course bar in alloy. Might still end up switching to a 3T stem and Ergonova bar to match the 3T seat post. Another bigger change were the wheels. I sold the Neuvations which have been great to me but were not the right wheels for this bike. Way to stiff and harsh riding. The bike was a bone shaker! I built up a set of H Plus Son Archetype rims in 20f/24r with some Novatec SL hubs and Sapim Laser spokes. Bare wheel set came in at exactly 1500 grams. Not too bad. End effect? I rode 60 miles on sunday and did not feel beat up at all. Here is the most recent photo:

[jbaillie]

I like that you upgraded to the SRAM Red chainrings, that's a key upgrade over the original Force set. The bike as a whole just looks fantastic. Nice move on the Archetypes.

[plpete]

Thanks! The chain rings actually came with another crank that I have on my BMC but since I run Q Rings on that bike these were a perfect fit for the CAAD. Shifting is spot on.

[plpete]

Some new goodies for the CAAD. After working on my fit and addressing knee pain in left knee I ended up switching to a seat-back seat post which resolved the problem. Also got a matching stem and FSA WingPro bar as I like the short and shallow feel.







Updated bike photos and weight coming soon. I'm sure the new cockpit dropped a few grams

[plpete]

Updated photos. Excuse the crappy quality...





As seen the bike is 7432 grams or 16.4lbs. Once I replace the chain with KMC the weight should drop a bit again.

[jbaillie]

The anno finish is coming off the brake track. That's a sign of a lot of riding.

[plpete]

The wheels are great and see plenty of riding indeed :thumb up: All it took was one rainy ride to remove the anodized finish but if ridden in dry conditions it can last and look decent for quite a while.