Bicycle Mechanics - First Ever Bike Build-Project Caad8

Well, I just started getting serious about road biking this year after doing my second 5 Borough Bike Tour...I was looking for my first road bike and was looking to spend 500-600...I first started out buying an older Cannondale full 105 flat black bike...This thing was in mint condition and was a great bike but for $700, I felt very guilty by going over my budget...Then I sold this one and moved on to a Yellow CAAD4 that bought for very cheap...Liked it for about a month or two until I figured it was too big for as it was a 58cm...Then came this 54cm CAAD8 frame that someone posted on Craigslist...I was hesitant at first but then said, F it...I'll use some components from the CAAD4 and buy a couple new things...I ended buying buying more than a few things as well as tools to get the job done...Now I've had the bike fully built for about two months now and love the thing...It's just more personal when you build the thing to your liking and get great results by doing so...Here are the build pics...Sorry for huge size pics...

After putting on rear wheel, crank, stem, spacers, headset...
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTI2NzI4MjZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg

Right after putting on the SRAM cassette
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTI2NzI4NTZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg

Put on handlebar, 105 shifters, Front wheel, rim strip, tubes, tires
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTI2NzI5MjZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg

Here's the finished product...
http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/wetoddimage.wtdr/wMTI2NzI5NTZzNDEzZGZkMzF5NTQx.jpg

Replaced seat post, saddle, bag since this build....

Next project-Project Mean Green CAAD3 (GF's Bike)
Posting soon...........
I promise to post smaller pics on Project Mean Green CAAD3

nice work.

I'll be doing my first ground up bike build as soon as all the parts arrive. Question - what did you use to set the star nut in the steerer tube of the fork? How did you cut the steerer tube?

I'm trying to decide what tools to purchase for these jobs if any...

nice work.

I'll be doing my first ground up bike build as soon as all the parts arrive. Question - what did you use to set the star nut in the steerer tube of the fork? How did you cut the steerer tube?

I'm trying to decide what tools to purchase for these jobs if any...

There was a star nut already in there...There is a special tool which does not cost much to install star nuts....

As far as the fork tube, I did not cut it...There is also a steerer cutter out there but I wouldn't get it because you won't be doing it too often...I would take it to LBS and have them cut it...

I bought...

1. Crank Puller- Nashbar Brand (good enough)
2. Chain Tool- Park Tools
3. freewheel remover- Park Tools
4. Cable cutter- Wrench Force
5. Sprocket Remover- Spin Doctor
6. 2 sets of double cone wrenches(13/14 & 15/16)- Spin Doctor
7. Bottom Bracket Remover- Park Tools

Looks sweet and it is satisfying. I'm also building up a CAAD8. The star nut in the C'dale carbon steerer is NOT the same as a conventional starnut used on an allow steerer. A Cdale dealer here in VA was/is ofering a special on a full ultegra CAAD8 for $1200. Two pals alrady hooked up on that deal, but since I have a full group from another bike I opted for the build route.

Actually, I will be swapping forks on two bikes in addition to the build I'm planning ... I think my friend has the tools now that I think about it ... <putting the credit card away>

The subtle blue is quite awesome against the grey, I may steal that idea. :)

Now get some real pedals. ;)

The subtle blue is quite awesome against the grey, I may steal that idea. :)

Now get some real pedals. ;)

Yeah, I'm actually looking into it along with some shoes...

Looks sweet and it is satisfying. I'm also building up a CAAD8. The star nut in the C'dale carbon steerer is NOT the same as a conventional starnut used on an allow steerer. A Cdale dealer here in VA was/is ofering a special on a full ultegra CAAD8 for $1200. Two pals alrady hooked up on that deal, but since I have a full group from another bike I opted for the build route.

Full Ultegra CAAD8 for $1200!!! That's a great deal! But I'd rather opt out and build my myself just because it's so much more self satisfying and you have more appreciation and love for your bike...Post pics of your build man...

Rotate your handlebars down.

Rotate your handlebars down.

Why? The top are parrallel to the ground. Since most of us spend the majority of the time on the tops and not the drops, having them parallel to the ground (instead of the drops) makes sense.

For Blackcannon: Just a tip on clamping the frame in a Park workstand. It's better to clamp the seat post rather than the frame. I had an old 2.8 Cannondale frame that was bent from someone clamping it on the seat tube. Hate to see you ruin a nice bike.

Nice ride. I too enjoy building them up from scratch. BTW, what did you do with the 58cm CAAD4?

Why?

Because its ugly! :)

Because its ugly! :)

To you:D

Why? The top are parrallel to the ground. Since most of us spend the majority of the time on the tops and not the drops, having them parallel to the ground (instead of the drops) makes sense.

For Blackcannon: Just a tip on clamping the frame in a Park workstand. It's better to clamp the seat post rather than the frame. I had an old 2.8 Cannondale frame that was bent from someone clamping it on the seat tube. Hate to see you ruin a nice bike.


Everytime I clamp it it's on pretty loose so I don't clamp it hard at all...Thanks for the tip...

As far as dropping my bars, I'm comfortable riding the way it is...I love the ride and the frame feels perfect for me...

Nice ride. I too enjoy building them up from scratch. BTW, what did you do with the 58cm CAAD4?

I'm waiting to get parts to build that as well...I want to sell once it is built...Today my focus if having the Mean Green project done by tonight...

Definitely definitely agree -you don't want to be clamping on your frame (unless of course it's really necessary and you have no choice -and you're careful). Personally, I'd put in an old seat tube in that case rather than clamp on the frame.

Really nice bike by the way -I did the same, but with a CAAD4 frame. I love the fact I can build up my own bike.