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-   -   C'dale CAAD9 conversion (https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/551552-cdale-caad9-conversion.html)

micmat 06-15-09 07:22 AM

Looks great
I did a very similar thing with a generic carbon frame,but put drops on it.
Unless you are VERY particular all you need to do is buy a half link - I have converted 3 road frames using this method,and never dropped a chain.Tensioners look ugly.
I have two very good multis,but riding a very light ss is a great buzz-- just make sure you get the chain straight.

adriano 06-15-09 09:42 AM

use the magic gear calculator.

Cynikal 06-15-09 10:02 AM

I would be surprised if your chainline is on with a LX crank but I'm sure you can figure that out. The eno is your best choice. That should be a sweet frame and will probably land in the 15-17 pound range when done.

Hirohsima 06-15-09 10:54 AM

I would love to have a CAAD 9 frame as a built up SS bike. They are simply some of the nicest riding Al frames out there, and stiff in the BB. Also, I doubt the conglomerate here who pooh-pooh nice road frames in favor of "true" track frames have ridden a CAAD 9. I have not ridden a Yamaguchi, but I have ridden a that Cannondale in geard form and its FAST.

Cynikal 06-15-09 11:08 AM

I just acquired my first CAAD9 but a CX frame, not road. If I built it as a SS it would be in the 16lbs range. OP, does that frame have the BB30 bottom bracket shell? The Cannondale BB30 crank would be a huge upgrade.

Hirohsima 06-15-09 11:12 AM


Originally Posted by Cynikal (Post 9104527)
I just acquired my first CAAD9 but a CX frame, not road

You got a new CX9? That is a sweet bike. Jealous.

I want a new bike. *snif*:cry:

devilshaircut 06-15-09 11:12 AM

Gonna be super light. :) I'd debrand the frame, but that's just me. If I were running it as a road bike I might consider not doing the extra work, but all my FG/SS bikes are project bikes so half the fun for me is in doing stuff to them.

Cynikal 06-15-09 11:17 AM


Originally Posted by Hirohsima (Post 9104552)
You got a new CX9? That is a sweet bike. Jealous.

I want a new bike. *snif*:cry:

Yup. Really happy so far. Here it is the night I brought it home (last Thursday). Almost complete, had the first test ride last night. Awesome!
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._4272504_n.jpg

Sorry for the hijack, carry on...

Cyclaholic 06-15-09 04:07 PM


Originally Posted by micmat (Post 9103078)
Looks great
I did a very similar thing with a generic carbon frame,but put drops on it.
Unless you are VERY particular all you need to do is buy a half link - I have converted 3 road frames using this method,and never dropped a chain.Tensioners look ugly.
I have two very good multis,but riding a very light ss is a great buzz-- just make sure you get the chain straight.

I tried out the half link but I'm not convinced, the chain is just too loose for my liking, and the 3/16" chainring with shifting ramps doesn't help either.

I'm building a new back wheel on an Eno eccentric hub that will let me flip between ss and fg, so no tensioner.

I have a couple of crank options here. I like the look of the LX, the chunky alloy look I think works with this frame, but that rear hub is a Surly 1x1 and I don't know if the chainline will change with the Eno hub so I'll wait until my new wheel is ready before finalizing the crank.

Cyclaholic 06-15-09 04:08 PM


Originally Posted by adriano (Post 9103935)
use the magic gear calculator.

Link?

Cyclaholic 06-15-09 04:14 PM


Originally Posted by Cynikal (Post 9104527)
I just acquired my first CAAD9 but a CX frame, not road. If I built it as a SS it would be in the 16lbs range.

Are you going to build it as a ss?


Originally Posted by Cynikal (Post 9104527)
OP, does that frame have the BB30 bottom bracket shell? The Cannondale BB30 crank would be a huge upgrade.

Not the BB30 shell, unfortunately. Agree on the hugeness of the upgrade.

Cynikal 06-15-09 04:23 PM

It will be my geared race bike for a few seasons. My SS is a 05 Lemond Poprad with an Eno rear hub.

adriano 06-15-09 06:18 PM


Originally Posted by Cyclaholic (Post 9106399)
Link?

http://www.celebchefs.net/wp-content...006/08/bam.jpg

http://eehouse.org/fixin/formfmu.php

Cyclaholic 06-15-09 06:21 PM

LOL! @ the pic.

and thanks for the link :thumb:

Cyclaholic 06-15-09 08:26 PM

That magic gear calculator is awesome!

I found a combo that works but it meant using the crank off another bike, which is OK because the chainline with this crank is spot on.

I measured the chainstay length at 40.7cm. The calculator came up with 39x18 for 57 gear inches (too low) on a 40.736 chainstay. It works but I think there's too much slack in the chain (new chain BTW).

Next I'll try 53x21 for 66 gear inches (just right) on a 40.761cm stay length. I have a 53t chainring, just have to get a 21t freewheel... might just put that Eno hub on hold for now, I think.

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...fsacrank01.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...fsacrank03.jpg

jhaber 06-15-09 08:53 PM

Is your chain upside down?

Cyclaholic 06-15-09 08:58 PM


Originally Posted by jhaber (Post 9107929)
Is your chain upside down?

ummmm...... :o

does it have an up and a down? I've never used this type of chain before, it's all half-links.

Cyclaholic 06-15-09 09:03 PM

It definitely has different shaped 'sides' but there's nothing to say which is inside and which is outside.... I can't see why it matters anyhow.

micmat 06-16-09 06:02 AM

Well done---looking very good!

robotkiller 07-05-09 07:56 AM

Nice conversion.

I stripped my Capo - if you wanted to see what it would look debranded, this would be an approximation.

It's all personal taste - I like the stripped look, but my frame wasn't a CAAD9 either, so I didn't feel too bad about it...

http://robotkiller.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p457820790-5.jpg

operator 07-05-09 08:00 AM


Originally Posted by Cyclaholic (Post 9102059)
I picked up this FSA K-wing a while back for $80, but haven't found a use for it yet...

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...um/fsabars.jpg

I think maybe this with plain road brake levers might work better than the bullhorns, what do you think?

Lol. **** that. Great picture btw

td.tony 07-17-09 03:11 PM

So what's the deal, is the bike finished yet?


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