Mid-90s Cannondale R800
02-26-20, 07:45 PM
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Mid-90s Cannondale R800
My wife just got gifted (from my awesome sister!) a ~1995 Cannondale R800. The frame size is 50cm, which is a little tall for my bride. She’s 5’0” and the stand over height is just barely acceptable. Reach is ok, I’ll probably put a little shorter stem on it. It has 172.5mm cranks, which are long for her legs. Here’s my need: I really want to put a set of old 105 or 600 square tapered cranks on it in the 160mm size but I can’t seem to find any. New ones are available mid-March but will require a bb swap. Not a deal breaker, but starting to get more involved than just a crank arm swap. It has 53/42 rings, would love a compact set, which is where my dilemma truly takes shape, as old 105 or 600 didn’t come in 50/34 square tapers that I can confirm. Anyone set me straight here? I may just buy her a 46cm Domane and call it done, and turn the R800 into my gravel bike. (I’m only 5’6” so the 50cm frame fits me ok.) No pics- I’m at work. Sorry.
02-26-20, 07:59 PM
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Short compact vintage cranks are Unicorns. Perhaps these might the bill? (almost) Classic style, silver, 160 mm arms and 48/34.
On sale!
On sale!
Last edited by clubman; 02-26-20 at 08:05 PM.
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02-27-20, 03:54 AM
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Those Stronglight cranks look pretty good and won't be out of place on a mid-90s Canonndale. Not really so different in style from the Chorus (for example) of that era. Maybe the Chorus arms were a bit more curvaceous, i don't know. Ad suggests a 107 mm BB for those cranks.
02-27-20, 08:53 AM
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They do like aesthetically correct compared to what’s on there. Spa Cycles doesn’t seem to offer shipping to the US so I’ll have to email them and inquire. No luck on eBay.
02-27-20, 03:34 PM
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I ordered from Canada and yes it required an email inquiry. It took less than a week for delivery too. Good luck.
02-28-20, 07:52 AM
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R800
My suggestions:
1. Short stem and zero-setback seat post. A rider on a frame that light and stiff will benefit from being able to move around a bit.
2. 25mm or 28mm tires. Absorb a little of the road.
3. Carbon bars if you can find them. Same re: vibes.
I agree on short cranks, etc. Smooth out the ride, dial in the fit, and enjoy efficient power transfer.
1. Short stem and zero-setback seat post. A rider on a frame that light and stiff will benefit from being able to move around a bit.
2. 25mm or 28mm tires. Absorb a little of the road.
3. Carbon bars if you can find them. Same re: vibes.
I agree on short cranks, etc. Smooth out the ride, dial in the fit, and enjoy efficient power transfer.
02-28-20, 08:54 AM
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I'm sure you've already looked at this option, but I've used Origin8 cranks to build up my own crankset. I used a 155mm set for my recumbent. Depending on the color scheme you are going with, they sell both black and silver cranks. The 110BDC would be good for a custom compact build.
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