The 1995 catalogue describes the 2.8 series frame as follows:
“No other frame delivers the same combination of ultra-light weight and quad stomping rigidity as our 2.7 lb. (1.2 kg), 2.8 series road frame. The 2.8’s downtube is swaged, with a large-diameter, thin walled profile near the bottom bracket for stiffness, and a smaller circumference/thick-walled profile at the headtube for strength. The 2.8 also features an ovalised top tube (with a horizontal orientation at the head tube for flex resistance), super lightweight chainstays, and our patented replaceable rear derailleur hanger. The R900 & R800 2.8 is spec’d with lightweight, carbon fiber blades with a butted chrome-moly steerer.”
I had been looking weekly on LFGSS/eBay for a 56cm 2.8 series Cannondale frame for almost a year when an R800 showed up on eBay. The reason I wanted this frame type was the timeless look combined with the unusual chain/seat stay geometry. Sidebar; Cannondale patented this seat/chain stay geometry. 330 EUR delivered from Italy seemed too good to be true, but when it showed up the bike was absolutely mint.
Inspired by the R900 from the 1995 catalogue I had originally planned to re-spray the frame Lightning white, but the paint was so immaculate I couldn’t. I believe the colour is Mica Red Metallic. It does seem to have a purple hue to it however, so I am not fully sure.
The R800 came with a carbon fibre fork, threaded headset, 105 Groupset apart from a Shimano 600 (Ultegra) rear mech, Mavic 32 spoke Open 4 rims on 105 hubs, Selle Italia saddle, ITM Anatomica bars and Look PM-136 pedals. Pretty accurately matches the spec from the catalogue. According to the serial number this bike was made in August 1995, towards the end of the 2.8 series frame production, before it moved to CAAD technology.
For the build I had previously bought a donor bike (Basso) which had Dura Ace 7700 in great condition including the WH 7700 wheelset (these remind me a bit of the 90’s Rolf Vector wheelset). The components really only needed a good clean and re-greasing. I stripped them only to the extent needed, unlike the M800 restoration where I stripped the parts more thoroughly as MTB bits get much dirtier.
I found a nice period 22.2mm diameter, 130mm Dura Ace quill stem on eBay to keep continuity of components. This did cause some issues with the ITM handlebars that I had originally planned to use. Some detailed pics of a similar stem here.
I’d like to add a Dura Ace headset too, these however are surprisingly expensive. The shifters are Flight Deck compatible and I have the original computer. Small detail but nice. Way ahead of its time if you think this is 20 years before the GPS speedos we’re now used to.
Because the Basso had an ITA spec BB, to fit the 7700 Crankset I needed a BSA Octalink BB, which was hard to find locally. Bikecomponents.de luckily had them new.
I dry mounted the parts to see how it all looked together and was pretty happy. New cables and housing, grease, etc and the bike was almost ready to roll.
The quill stem didn’t work out in the end. From what I could find online, it should accept a 26mm bar. The ITM I had were 25.7mm but just didn’t fit tight into the stem satisfactorily. I read on some forums that other seem to have had this issue. I’ve re-fitted the stem which came with the bike, which appears to be Titanium.
Bar tape added it was ready for a test spin. I was beaming from ear to ear despite the cold weather. It runs like a dream. The 7700 changes are so crisp. The riding position is quite forward and racy; will be interested to feel the frame a bit more once I get it up into the hills. The WH-7700 wheelset is silky smooth and the freewheel is almost imperceptible; hopefully this doesn’t make me lazy.
Outstanding work is to re-cover the original saddle (apparently not too hard, see here and here), switch to the Dura Ace seatpost (I need to cut it) and also change the stem perhaps in time.
I had planned to put Spinergy Rev-X wheels on this build, but part of me is afraid of them, plus they are quite hard to find a set of at a price which is not silly.
Thanks for stopping by. Any questions LMK. hello at plimsollpress dot com
