-
Should've mentioned that I kind of a fancied a lefty (CUZ WHO DOESNT?!) but too much hassle with wheels etc, so this idea had to be abandoned (for now). Luckily the guy used the frame with a normal tapered fork and had included a Cannondale conversion kit.
Next the hunt for a fork it was. Knowing some 26" FOXes can take 650b wheels I was looking for one, but due to the fact I can't really my head around model names, features etc and knowing Fox is apparently more difficult (=money) to service (?!) I decided a good old trusty Reba shall do (had a few before, no issues).
I haven't really used RL feature before so that wasn't a factor, and after googling and ebaying I found a few 650b Rebas on eBay. Whilst watching those not go past defined budget (150 delivered) I stumbled upon Merlin cycles Sunday deal on a brand new one for 179.99. This shouldn't be missed so basket-payment-order confirmed.
I believe it's a 2015 or 2016 model. 100mm travel Solo Air forks.
2 Attachments
-
-
Knowing the only option for the groupset had to be 1x11 (so I can hang out with the cool(ish) kids) and being a SRAM adept it had to be NX or GX. New wasn't an option and I coudn't find nothing on anywhere else I started looking towards Japano SLX and XT options. Latter was a bit too expensive new and SLX.. Don't know. Just did not feel like the right choice for me.
Then all of a sudden a mildly (well...) used GX groupset came up for sale for a decent $ with the only issue being a noticeable scratch on RD (I guess the guy was more fussy than I am). So bit of negotiation and deal done.
Full SRAM GX w 10-42 cassette, 175mm GXP cranks, 30T NW chainring. New chain as a bonus.Brakes had to match so whilst hesitating between SRAM Guide and Level the latter came for sale for the right $ and being "very little used" I had to get them. Sadly both rotors 160mm (has to be BIGGER in the front, but will do for now).
Gruppo tick
Brakes tick.
1 Attachment
-
-
Knowing I got an XD (damn?!) cassette now the wheels had to be XD which somewhat limits the choices, but...at the same time you can get a nice(r) deal for a rare(r) part and this was just the case.
Brand spanking new Fulcrum Red Power HP 650b w XD driver for 80 quid?! U MAD CRC? Gimme some of that!
I'm not a massive expert in tires so went for a tried option of Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25 (might decide on something else later). And some Schwalbe tubes. And some Schwalbe rim tape. Enough Schwalbe now.
3 Attachments
-
-
Last but not least was a choice of the finishing kit (as you might have noticed the build had to be extremely budget friendly).
Obviously I wanted a Cannondale kit, but I also quite like Ritchey stuff and it just happened so that all the bits were for sale at the same time. So Ritchey Pro Riser Bars, Stem, Seatpost, and saddle were bought. I would probably prefer the WCS but I couldn't source them at the moment and did not want to wait (oh me).
Also got a Ritchey topcap/star nut and some Foam grips.
Much matchiness.
1 Attachment
-
-
Most of the bits were gathered during month of June and whilst I was still partly staying in UK. Then came a long(ish) wait as I was working and deciding upon moving back to the good 'ol continent so the parts had to be shipped over.
To be continued.
-
Oh danke schon!
-
Right, so once all the bits arrived came the fun part - assembly...which soon turned into not-so-fun part as I realised I got no tools whatsoever. Okay. Asked around and found a decent lad working in a LBS which was kind enough to help me source a 1.5" crown race which was missing. I then asked whether he could help install bottom bracket...and cassette....and install headset...and cut forks...and install top nut LOL. The guy was like WTF at first, but turned out to be a top guy and helped brother out.
2 Attachments
-
-
Next came the wheel build, which my better half and yet-to-be-part-time-bike-mechanic decided to play part in (?!). I can't say no to a helping hand, so after and hour long lesson and another hour build time we got the result.
2 Attachments
-
-
Time for the gruppo, brakes, grips and cable. RD set up and chain shortened, ready to rock-n-roll.
5 Attachments
-
-
Test ride revealed the build does perform quite well. Only thing left is a bigger rotor in front (cuz you have to yo) and some other grips as I managed to tear the right grip. I shall probably get some SPD pedals as well.
I would probably replace the front chainring to a bigger one (30T currently), but this is tbc when I take it out to some trails.Other than that feel stiff, rolls well (considering cheap Nobby Nic 2.25's), shifts alright and looks hella good IMO.
Happy days.
3 Attachments
-
-
Final (current) specs:
Frame Cannondale Taurine Team SL Carbon 2008 Vredstein Team
Forks Rockshox Reba RL - Solo Air 100mm 27.5" MaxleLite15
Cranks Sram GX / NW / 30T / 175mm / GXP
Cassette Sram GX / 11s / 10-42 XD
RD Sram GX / 11s / Clutch / X-Sync
Chain Sram GX / 11s
Brakes Sram Level TL
Rotors Sram Centerline 160/160
Wheelset Fulcrum Red Power 27.5 / 15mm F / QR Rear / SRAM XD
Tyres Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5x2.25 + Schwalbe Tubes Presta
Handlebars Ritchey Pro Rizer Alloy 670mm / 35mm / 9 deg
Stem Ritchey Pro 4-Axis 44 OS Stem / 6 deg
Grips Ritchey WCS Truegrip Foam Grips
Seatpost Ritchey Pro 31.6 350mm
Saddle Ritchey Pro white
BB Sram GXP 68mmTo do:
get it on the scales
SPD pedals
180mm centerline rotor
32 or 34T front ring.Done some 100k - all good.
2 Attachments
-
-
Hell yeah!
Just spotted a build around the same frame somewhere in the internet and the guy managed to get it sub 8kg. Oh my why did I see this :O
-
Surprised myself to be honest, but previous owner assured. There is some 5-7mm clearance. Next (faster (RoRo or RaRo?)) tyre will be 2.1, just in case.
-
Don't do this to me. I'm easily challenged lol.
-
Would anyone be interested in buying this?
seafish
PhilDAS
Howard
D_Mars-
Post a reply
About
Cannondale (again?!) MTB Build (Carbon Taurine HT 650b 1x11)
Posted by
@fizzybubbelech
Kumba yo.
So after almost having finished my CAAD Saeco and getting a 2003 F500 MTB and enjoying the latter my hands were still itching for building another vintage-frame-modern-componentry project.
For obvious reasons had to be Cannondale. It had to be hardtail too I can't see I need for a FS again. I do not yet like 29 inch wheels (even tho I had a few) partly because it just feels massive and partly because it looks odd (to me) with a medium sized frame. Obviously you ain't no cool kid if you ride 26" so the answer had to be 650b aka 27.5.
Somehow someone somewhere told me that some old-er 26" C'dale frames accept 27.5 so there I went.
Stumbled upon a Cannondale Taurine Carbon frame. The guy selling it actually had the bike built w 650b wheels so that's a box ticket. A bit of negotiation and the frame was sorted.
Frame is a 2008 Cannondale Taurine Vredstein Team Colours
3 Attachments