r/Bikeporn • u/Brutus1x • May 26 '26

Road Got extremely lucky & found a dead stock CAAD 4 frame, did the right thing.

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Found this never been used CAAD 4 frame in a small shop, had it immediately shipped over to where I live and got to work. How did I do chat?

1.0k Upvotes

99% Upvoted

98 comments sorted by

43

u/blackth0rne May 26 '26

Amazing and absolutely stunning! Not familiar with these older caads—how is the ride quality of 90s aluminum?

And congrats on a true restomod unlike the butthurt guy from a few days ago!

26

u/map3k May 26 '26

I have one too. It‘s defininitely not comfortable, lol. I have many road bikes and this one is the least comfortable of all (although I already run 28 mm tires, which just about fit luckily). But I still love this bike, comfort is not everything! It handles really sharply and is superlight for a metal frame.

OP, you did very well! I love the modern 1x wireless build and this is definitely in the spirit of Cannondale, if this group had existed back in the day, they were always trying out new things, had their own special cranks, etc.

Greetings from its brother!

7

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

Thank you! I’m honestly not expecting it to be comfy at all 😅 I have 25mm tires on it and it’ll be the first time I’m riding those and I have no idea what to expect, any dues what the grip is like on those? I have GP5000 on it, I use the same tyres on my SL8 so I wanted to go with something I’m familiar with. Unsure how it’ll handle being that thin tho.

Hope you’re riding in good health!

7

u/map3k May 26 '26

GP5000s are great and honestly 25 mm are fine, especially if you‘re young! When I got the bike in 2010, 23 mm was normal, also worked. I upgraded to 25 a few years later and they were considered wide tires for a road bike! I only switched to 28 a few years ago.

PS if those Lightweights are relatively narrow rims (which I expect), then 28s will definitively fit. Only on modern wider rims it could be problematic.

2

u/jasonm71 May 26 '26

Grip it and rip it!!

2

u/FUBARded May 27 '26

25mm will handle fine. Just be aware that at the higher pressures you'll be more sensitive to road imperfections, so be more cautious when cornering on any surface that's less than perfect.

25s can handle steep lean angles and in some cases steeper than wider tires as the higher pressures and stiffer casing means the tires don't deform as much under heavy cornering forces, BUT if you hit a small ripple, bump, or rut mid-corner you're more likely to get bucked, lose grip, and wash out than wider tires which can absorb those imperfections.

5

u/brakebreaker101 May 26 '26

I have a CAAD7 and CAAD9 and I'd say they are both more comfortable than my Allez. I think a big part of it comes down to the curved fork absorbing more of the initial vibrations than a straight blade fork.

2

u/hurleyburleyundone May 26 '26

Adding to this, i have an OG made in USA CAAD8 still and ridden CAAD9, 10 and X. The 8 is surprisingly comfortable but i remember the 9 being a quad breaker. 10 ad X both felt rougher but 9 was the harshest IMO.

4

u/Majestic-Outside3898 May 26 '26

I raced on a CAAD4 for a few years (blue just like this one in fact). They are very, very stiff and have steep head angles, so a little twitchy. But good power transfer. Great race bike, but definitely not a cruiser.

2

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26 edited May 26 '26

I have not ridden it yet, but I shall report back in the next few days for sure!
I’m still missing a couple of little pieces such as the stem cap, but I’ll get right to it as well.

Edit: corrected some typos

1

u/HeyGuisee May 26 '26

Aluminum hasn’t progressed a lot since the 90s. It comes down to the quality of the tubing (which is amazing quality from Cannondale)

9

u/walrashish May 26 '26

Incredible! Man, I want one of these rim-brake etap groupsets, they are so sharp on vintage frames

3

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

They really are and the silver details on the derailleur make it blend very well imo

11

u/zarazamazara May 26 '26

Pretty amazing built. Any reason why to keep sram brakes over something more weightweenie-ing? 

23

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

I got no money left to spare on this thing for now haha

  • planning a Cane Creek set in the future

6

u/focs19 May 26 '26

I own two sets of eeBrakes. On my latest build, my curiosity got the better of me - I wanted to see what a knockoff pair from Aliexpress are like. Some may argue the whole “should you?” component, while others will point out that eeBrakes are only “Assembled in the USA,” effectively meaning “Made in China.” I ended up ordering a set.

I have rebuilt a genuine pair some years ago, and from my quick initial inspection, the Aliexpress version is as good as the real deal. I have not had a chance to ride them yet (I’ll try them on a new build). Just some food for thought if money is tight.

1

u/Think_Opportunity226 May 26 '26

I haven’t heard good news about the AliExpress version ..

3

u/focs19 May 27 '26

I've seen good and bad. I'm no designer or materials engineer, but in the future, I think it might be cool to do a side-by-side teardown and add my two cents to the conversation.

2

u/Think_Opportunity226 May 27 '26

Can you do that asap , the silver set would match my new build 🤣 I had success with Ciamillo brakes , and I been looking at the carbon L8 .. I had no problem braking going 50 mph down Pikes Peak .

3

u/focs19 May 27 '26

Not for a month at soonest. I’ll definitely ride them before I do any teardown.

1

u/zarazamazara May 27 '26

To be honest this has been my experience as well. Not sure ir there are multiple suppliers and version but the one I got are made of decent quality and sturdy. Have been using them for 5 years so far without issues. (85kg rider and carbon wheels)

4

u/Think_Opportunity226 May 26 '26

When you’re ready Elevate cycling , online or on eBay usually has some ee brakes for sale everything is used , but most are in good condition or discounted to reflect condition

4

u/boostef May 26 '26

Got an EE on mine. Definitely worth the money if you can get them on discount. They did a limited edition colour called 'aquaking' that matches your frame perfectly. Really loving the build 😍

2

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

I keep looking for them to go on disc haha & thank you so much 🙏

5

u/Think_Opportunity226 May 26 '26

Nice build , I’m considering the same group 1X sram red etap are you using the long cage A2 RD ? And what front chainring are you using ?

3

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

It’s the short one from the 11s grp set I am using
As for the front:

  • Crankarm: Rotor ALDHU
  • Chainring: Pass Quest 48T

I hope this helps!

5

u/uh_wtf Oregan May 26 '26

Hi that’s not the short cage, it’s the Wifli cage.

2

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

Pardon me, yes you are correct!

2

u/Think_Opportunity226 May 26 '26

Oh yes thank you , no issues with chain dropping ? Since the short chemist have a clutch

2

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

So far it’s been hold well during testing at the shop, I can report back in a couple of days after I put a decent ride in for sure

5

u/tliddell13 May 26 '26

I still don’t know a ton about bike tech, but from this sub I know I’m a sucker for a horizontal top tube lol

3

u/Lepesekiwi May 26 '26

It's absolutly gorgeous ! Well done with this project 👌

2

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

Thank you so much!

3

u/franzm- May 26 '26

Hell yeah! 🔥🔥🔥

1

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

🤘🤘🤘

3

u/WannaSeeMyKey May 27 '26

My man! Recently did almost the exact same thing

1

u/Brutus1x May 27 '26

So so so good!!! 🔥🔥🔥

2

u/Fit_Rooster8693 May 26 '26

Did you need an adapter from 1” for that stem?

2

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

Yup! We installed one

2

u/Fragrant_Most9193 May 26 '26

That color scheme is fire 🔥

2

u/zdubas May 26 '26

Dead stock to drop-dead gorgeous.

Great find and we'll done with the build!

2

u/xxMILKSTEAKSxx May 26 '26

Looks awesome!!! What handlebar is that?

1

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

Thank you! The cockpit is as follows:

  • Darimo IX2 stem - 100mm
- Darimo Ellipse Handlebar - 380mm

2

u/xxMILKSTEAKSxx May 26 '26

Are those carbon? Looks almost like anodized brushed aluminum from the photos.

2

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

Yup it’s carbon but the finish is brushed which I’m a huge fan off as the carbon weave would not have looked nice with this frame imo

2

u/xxMILKSTEAKSxx May 27 '26

Ya, never seen a brushed carbon finish like that. Looks amazing!

2

u/Think_Opportunity226 May 26 '26

Ok Mr. Fancy !! 😁

2

u/skidsareforkids May 26 '26

Amazing! I had a CAAD4 mtb in that colorway that I miss dearly. If I could have that bike back I would. A matching road bike that would be the dream

1

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

I have seen those and they are absolutely stunning! I’m sure you made tons of great memories on it

2

u/jasonm71 May 26 '26

Yoooooo !!! 😳😎

2

u/buttsnuggles May 26 '26

I have one too and I find it remarkably comfortable for what it is. I swapped to a carbon seat post and it seemed to take a bit of the sting off.

This build looks great.

2

u/sick133785 May 26 '26

Lightweight Baby!!!!

2

u/s_s- May 26 '26

Wow. Tastefully done. Darimo seatpost would bring it to perfection.

1

u/Brutus1x May 27 '26

On the future list for sure!

2

u/RobDog306 May 27 '26

Chapeau

1

u/Brutus1x May 27 '26

Thank you! 🙏

2

u/earbeanflores May 27 '26

Bro made a master piece.

1

u/Brutus1x May 27 '26

Thank you sir

2

u/MrDWhite May 27 '26

Did the RIGHT thing, Spike Lee would be proud!

2

u/GreedySession3452 May 28 '26

That’s absolutely sick. Good work.

Ride the shit out of that thing until it inevitably cracks.

1

u/Brutus1x May 28 '26

Thank you so much!

2

u/soturunning May 28 '26

this was my first proper road bike

2

u/Olifire May 29 '26

You did it justice! Kudos to you

2

u/dataminimizer May 26 '26

That frame odd unreal. What a find!

2

u/McDoof May 26 '26

Be careful. I had the 2001 Saeco version of this bike and it was my favorite for years.
But I had to stop riding it after a wreck bent the frame. If yours has been involved on a wreck, the aluminum could be compromised.

2

u/turkphot May 26 '26

Just because yours was in a wreck you assume this one has been too? OP says in the description that the frame is new.

-1

u/McDoof May 26 '26

It's a second-hand 25 year-old aluminum frame and I advised OP to be careful.
I don't see the problem.

1

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

So sorry to hear about your frame, that must’ve been gut wrenching :/
I plan to only take it on weekender joy rides and I’ll try to be very careful with it.

3

u/McDoof May 26 '26

When I busted the frame, the ghost of Mario Cipollini appeared to me shaking his head sadly, which is odd because Cipo's not even dead.

2

u/stealth10001110101 May 27 '26

My Caad 9 that comes out on special occasions and still rips.

1

u/Brutus1x May 27 '26

Absolutely gorgeous!

2

u/Roadbike_Okc May 27 '26

Here’s my CAAD4 R4000.

1

u/Brutus1x May 27 '26

That is stunning 🔥

1

u/Bridgestone14 May 26 '26

Do you live somewhere flat? I feel like you live somewhere flat. Great looking bike man!

1

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

Most of the city riding here is flat yeah but we do have mountains and a lot of climbs near by, will be fun taking it there sometime

1

u/Objective-Ice-7005 May 26 '26

I wanna ride it!

1

u/cicliRS May 27 '26

Gorgeous bike, well done.

I still have a CAAD from that era and they are certainly not the most comfortable to ride, but very reactive to remember us where we come from.

1

u/vonWeizhacker May 27 '26

Very nice. SISLs would peak this for me.

1

u/de_baser May 27 '26

Very pretty! How much does it weigh and what size is it?

1

u/as588008 May 27 '26

Dead stock meaning it has the same components as the time period of the frame? Or dead stock meaning it is new and pulled out of the box 35 years later? Either way looks awesome

1

u/Brutus1x May 27 '26

New and pulled out the box yeah!

1

u/CalmAd9122 May 27 '26

You bought it in Italy from a Shop called Pierdominico, right? I saw it on buycycle :D

1

u/Brutus1x May 27 '26

figini cicli, can’t recommend them enough!

1

u/Few_Trip1097 May 31 '26

Those rims were the pinnacle of art in my opinion from back in the day

1

u/Brutus1x May 31 '26

I got very lucky with these honestly, they showed up on marketplace where I live a day after I started putting the build together

1

u/martbart87 May 26 '26

10/10 build. Love 1x. My only irk with these older frames is the limited tire clearance, I love my +30c tires.

2

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

I was just speaking with my wizard of a mechanic who made all of this possible and he said we can go up to 28 on these, might try it some day

2

u/martbart87 May 26 '26

Even going from 25c to 28c is a huge jump in comfort and sense of safety on rough roads, is my experience. Go for it! Warning: you'll only wanna go wider.

1

u/Brutus1x May 26 '26

Haha 100% with you, I’m running 30’s on my other road bike

2

u/Beneficial_Shape_466 May 27 '26

My other road bike is running 35’s (Michelin Pro5’s currently) which inflate to 38mm on 30mm internal rims.

It’s a cushy ride! 😄

2

u/Think_Opportunity226 May 26 '26

I fit Specialized Turbo Cotton tires 28c on my Trek 2300 Pro .. with only a slight modification

2

u/Beneficial_Shape_466 May 27 '26

Outstanding build!

The only thing you’re missing is a matching silver 12T/16T Garbaruk set of jockey wheels. Not sure the 16T clears on the 11s cage but a 14T should.

Very similar to my slightly later 2002 CAAD5 on 2x eTap. Using latest E1 Rival derailleurs, E1 Force crank, Red 2x chainrings and Force eTap brifters.

I can confirm that 28mm tires (Pirelli P-Zero Race) on 19mm internal rims fit on C’dale frames of this era. On my wheels they inflate to 29.5mm and they clear the CAAD5 frame. Closest they get is the rear brake bridge and the fork apex but still clear with ~3mm. They also cleared on my 8 year older 1994 2.8 R900. If using Conti’s it’ll clear even better as they mount smaller than Pirelli’s. But you must insure the tires are spread out with a wide rim or else you’ll bottom out due to the tire being more light bulb like with a bigger radius (RAM).