A few, not final, photos
 

Hi all.

Just thought that I should post a few photos of the Cannondale.

Still thinking about paint. Maybe I should breakout the Satajet 2000 and spray it a nice Starlite Black. Maybe a House of Kolor Tangelo Pearl.

I am very happy with the way it rides. I'm a Wildebeest (or is it Clydesdale, at 235lbs).

It's all Veloce, except for the crank, seat-post and Mavic 32h rims with DT db. spokes on Record hubs. I will change the Conti 4000s to Grand Prix Four Seasons as soon as I can order them. The observant among you will notice the shortened arm on the Sachs right crank-arm.

Thanks again for all your comments.

I did notice the crank arm, I had an uncle that could've benefited from a similar modification. Clydesdale is the term I've associated the most for +200 lb. men.

Back on topic, I like the color, but must confess my project '86 SR is going to be a similar color with red decals. I like the Veloce, too. Good to read it rides well and congrats on a clean build.

Brad

Is that a bit twitchy? :)

I also disagree. My '88 Criterium Series is my main ride. I rode several 60's and 70milers this summer and never had a problem because of the frame. Mine has a Sakae Litage FX alu fork.

I get that not everybody likes the ride on these wicked fast and tight handling little rockets.....but I sure do.

Cad 3 wasn't introduced until 1997, so of course yours would have a nicer ride being an 88 model;).,,,,BD

I've thought about this frame a lot. I stopped riding it because it was a bit too tall. I was a bit uncomfortable when stopped at a signal light. I don't want to get rid of it even though it is too large.


I was playing with it this morning and realized that the bottom bracket was about an inch higher than my other bikes. Why not try 650B or C wheels. That would drop the frame an inch or so (still plenty of pedaling clearance) and require long reach Tektro brakes. I can't think of a down side other than locating an inexpensive set of Velocity A23 650B polished 36h rims and spokes.


There should be plenty of room for fenders. No rusting because it is mostly aluminum and riding in the rain, if the central San Joaquin Valley ever gets any, should not be a problem. It has a sealed bottom bracket and I have some Campy sealed cartridge bearing 8-speed hubs.


Where is the flaw in my thinking. Thanks.

Smaller wheels won't change your fit on the bike. Your seatpost, saddle and stem will all stay in the same place. It will change the bikes handling for better or worse.

Certainly true. There will be, however, (with 650B rims) room for fatter tires and fenders. Most importantly, the top tube will be a little closer to the ground.

Maybe. Fat tires can easily make up the difference in rim diameter.

I just need to drop the top tube about 1 inch closer to the pavement. Of course, the smaller wheel diameter will change the overall gearing. I normally like a 39-50 chainring with a 13-25, 29 cassette. a 39-53 chainring should give me a wider choice of gear ratios.


I would love to find an old touring Cannondale frame but that's a discussion for another day.


Anyone know of a good source for 650B or C rims?