Kevindale

I'd like to replace my wife's 1993 Cannondale R2000 frame (54.5cm size) with a smaller frame. They made 50cm and 53cm in 1992 and 1993, and 50cm and 52cm in 1994-96. I'm hoping to find a 52cm or a 50 cm, since I think the 53cm may not be a big enough change. Her bike is a Frankenbike, so the model doesn't matter, as long as it's the road 2.8 frame. Unfortunately, it seems like these sizes are rare, at least in my few days of looking. My questions are:

1. Will this be a straight swap of all parts, including her non-C'dale carbon fork? It looks like all road 2.8s have the same BB and head tube (as long as I avoid the Silk Road vesions) and rear dropout width, but I want to confirm.
2. If anyone has a lead on where I can find one of these smallish frames, let me know. I'm currently checking CL and the bay regularly.

Thanks in advance. If this thread should go into another forum, could the mods please move it? I know this forum is mostly about steel frames and earlier bikes, but the newest of these 2.8 frames are now 20 years old, and these are about as classic and vintage as alloy frames go. And yes, I've posted on the frame-doesn't-fit forum.

bradtx

Kevindale, Whatever is working presently on her 2.8 will work on any other 2.8. The CAAD3 frame is the same as the 2.8 except for the cantilevered seat stays. The CAAD4 will also work IF you find an early one with a threaded headset for a direct swap. The head tube on the smaller sizes maybe shorter than her current bike, but can probably be accounted for with spacers.

Kevindale

Thank you. For sentimental reasons, and because she's accustomed to the bike and likes it and the way it looks, I'd like to stay with a 2.8. However, if I go awhile without finding a suitable 2.8, it's good to know a CAAD3 will work, along with an early CAAD4. Who knows, she may find the ride much improved if we switch to a more modern frame. Too bad the 2002 R500 Feminine Triple CAAD4 has a threaded headset -- I love that Celeste green paintjob!