Cannondale Caad 4

[SpenB]

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, but any help and advice would be greatly recieved.
I have just purchased the above but frame only.
How do i actually date the frame?
Any suggestions on the forks?
I have done a massive amount of googling and instead of gleaming information i'm just getting more confused.
If i want to run a Headshok or lefty do i need a 1.5" headset? but arnt cannondale 1.526"? so can you get away with a std 1.5"?
I have sent Merlin and CRCycles emails asking for advice but no reply for CRC and Merlin have just replied with "nothing can be done".
If i want to just run a straight 1 1/8" steerer how do i reduce the diameter? There are reducers on the market but these seem to be just for the bottom end.

Please help a confused old man.

Cheers,

Spencer

 

[I_am_Will]

Hi Spencer,

I've a F1000SL from May 1999 which is a caad4. The frame normally uses a headshok fork, the headset is a 1.5".
My bike has got a rigid 1 1/8" fork at the moment. I've used a headset reducer from CaneCreek. Cannondale has also got a headset reducer.

Good luck with your build!
Cheers,
Will

 

[shedobits]

Re:

To learn the month and year the frame was made go to Vintage Cannondale. There you can learn how to decipher its age from the serial number.

Hope this helps.

 

[OllieJones]

As above VintageCannondale.com has a great frame number/ age explanation.
Older frames, like CAAD era with headshock/ lefty forks were 1.526 as you stated. This changed in recent years to standard 1.5, I'm not 100% but I think it was within the last 5-7 years, I'm sure someone can clarify?

I think it will be the older 1.526" if it's a CAAD4, and a reducer cup was available to allow the 1 1/8 fork option if that takes your fancy.
If it is the new 1.5 headtube, the headset world is your oyster as must brands do a reducer to fit straight or tapered forks.

 

[SpenB]

Thanks for all your replies. Very helpful.

Will keep updating as i progress with the build.