Jazzy Hands

I have a 1998 Cannondale R1000 in the purple-green color way. The serial number starts with JD, which according to vintagecannondale.com means it was produced in April 1998. The 1998 Catalogue lists the R1000 as having a CAAD3 frame and the components on my bike match what is listed in the catalogue. However, on the bike's top tube itself, it says CAD2.

Is there a way for me to visually check if the frame is a CAD2 or 3?

Cache

Probably not very helpful, but Yes, if you strip all components and weigh it, you can visually check your scale to see if it matches the spec sheet. I think. Sorry to be snarky and not generally helpful. Hopefully someone (anyone?) knows more than me.

bradtx

J H, If the rear brake's cable runs atop of the top tube, it's a CAAD2 frame, if it doess not, it's a CAAD3.

Brad

PS There are other differences, but the brake cable is the easiest to spot.

Wildwood 

Testing my memory (a shaky proposition) - An R300 from either 97 or 98, that passed thru our family, was a CAAD2. I thought the upgraded model (R1000) got you the latest frame technology. Our bike was in a small size with 650c wheels - with stock skinny tires (19s), the kids thought it was stiff, but allowed them to keep up on hilly rides.

edit: R300 - serial number JD B 12310.

Jazzy Hands

Thanks for the responses. The rear brake cable runs on the bottom left of the top tube. Does that mean it is a CAAD3 despite the CAD2 decal?

look171

Sounds like it. I raced a CADD 3 for a couple of years. got a pic?

bradtx

I'm sure with that brake cable placement that it's a CAAD3 frame. Another clue is that the CAAD3's down tube is conical with a smaller diameter at the head tube than at the bottom bracket shell.

Brad

PS it would not be advisable to move the brake's housing stops from the CAAD2 position to the CAAD3 position. It would also be more trouble than it's worth, but stranger things have happened.

mfuller21

RESPONSE: Hello, I have a 1998 R1000 CAAD 2 as well. According to the 1998 catalog (see link below) certain models--the R1000 Triple Crankset--was a special option. See pg. 56 in catalog. While it does not stipulate this model of the R1000 as having a CAAD 2 frame on this page, in the back of the catalog where the model specs are given, the R1000 is specified as CAAD 3, but the R1000 Triple is specified as having a CAAD 2 frame, pg 92 top of column under R1000 Triple. I don't think you say whether yours has the triple crankset, but if so, then this is correct. If not a Triple-crankset, I'm guessing someone special ordered it with the CAAD 2 frame as indeed it was an option for the R1000 in 1998. Peace, M

Vintage Cannondale - Cannondale Catalogs

bikenerdwannabe

this is amazing to know,thank you!
here is another question, do u know if the frame are the same and only the decals are different? or is it really a cad2 frame? but mine looks identical to my 97 r600 cad3 frame. (meaning it has the "power pyrimid downtube" and weighing almost identical as well (had both striped down to frame only and weighted )

Chuckk

My Colorway '98 R1000 says CAD3 on the top tube.