Cannondale CAAD4, with a modern, lightweight twist

I bought this frame from BareNecessities just a few weeks ago and have been itching to build it up.

As you may already know, it's a 2002 Cannondale CAAD4 frame (R400, but this is irrelevant now) and it's absolutely mint. I've no idea how it's been kept in such stunning condition, but it's a credit to the former owner. It really is like a new/old frame.

Anyway, enough of the gushing. The reason I bought this frame is because I wanted something retro but modern, lightweight and big. And that it is - just 1450g, which for a 63cm aluminium frame is pretty sweet.

The plan is to build the bike up using the lightest parts, with a sensible budget. My aim is to spend no more than I would on a similar sort of modern bike from the likes of Canyon (around £1000). The bike will be used for nice commuting days, training and cycling events. I'm going to be building up a CAAD10 towards the end of next year, so I'll have something relatively new to compare the frame against.

I have all the build parts already, so this is a little bit of a late project, but I still wanted to take you through the process anyway because... why not? It'll be fun and everyone likes a good 'restoration', though this is strictly a 'refresh', if anything.

I'll not list the whole set of parts just yet, but take you through the build up bit by bit.

So, first off - here's the frame in all its glory.

Oh, and see if you can guess the groupset simply by the bottom bracket already installed...

SRAM Red?

Wrong family, and not quite that level of lightness/expense.

As there is no bearing visible in BB my guess is campagnolo.

Yes! That is all, for now...

Mmmmmyum. Subscribed.

Same.

Me too. Better be good!

Campag on a Cannondale, already ruined*

*this is a joke, it looks like a rad project

Ha, I knew someone would say it! I did actually get a little OCD in the planning phase and fully considered going ALL AMERICAN Y'ALL but I'm not really that bothered. I'd rather get the best mix of parts available at the budget that suits.

Oh, and I'm aiming for around 7.5kg final weight. Not interested in weight weenifying it, as it's too costly and stressful, but less is always better.

Campagnolo.....????

Which breed? I'm hedging my bet on Centaur?

As long as it weights more than mine I'll be happy!

Good guess!

Had fun doing this on the weekend...

Chris King Patriot Sotto Voce headset (I can't show the red top cap until I have the fork, btw)

I made a decision a while ago to never ever attempt that method of headset installation again. Kudos to you!

Still have 1m of threaded rod somewhere...

Really, why's that? Seemed to go perfectly well if I recall, just took my time and the cups glided in.

Did you manage to find a suitable, lightweight fork?

I've still got my eye on the Columbus Minimal, it's back in stock on Wiggle now - just waiting for them to knock the price off it a little more and sweeten the deal.

I'm just cack handed.

Good effort! I'm intending on trying this soon, after using a split piece of copper pipe to remove the old one. Glad it went well for you! Bike should turn out nice.

There used to be a glut of carbon cannondale forks coming out of german ebay for some reason

Thanks, it will be lovely I am sure. The headset press might be slightly easier if you get another pair of hands to guide it in straight as you're tightening it. It wasn't an issue for me, but might be worth looking at.

Don't get a minimal, they always look like shite. Wound Up? Do Enve do a 1"?

Nothing wrong with a Minimal. In fact I have one to sell if it's 1 inch you're after. Should have enough steerer and in excellent condition.