I think CAAD8 and Optimo are the same thing. It's Cannondale's all-aluminum frame for '06. Now, I don't know what Optimo 2 is, but maybe that's what it's called for '07?

R700 is the model number and differs from the other models in how it's spec'd. Are you looking at the regular R700 or R700 Feminine?

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http://irondad06.blogspot.com/

http://irondad.blogspot.com/

Aren't you supposed to get the bike that fits not the prettiest one? :) anyways that is way to many numbers companies need to just make names for stuff it would be a lot easier. Anyways i'm on lunch break right now but i'll look around tonight to see if i can figure anything out.



Grant



p.s. messaged you back last night after i got back from my swim.

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Grant
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I think CAAD8 and Optimo are the same thing. It's Cannondale's all-aluminum frame for '06. Now, I don't know what Optimo 2 is, but maybe that's what it's called for '07?

-Yup, the "optimo" 1 and optimo 2 are the two different things I found on their site under CAAD 8. http://www.cannondale.com/...oad/caad8/index.html



R700 is the model number and differs from the other models in how it's spec'd. Are you looking at the regular R700 or R700 Feminine?

I don't know what "spec'd" means.

Regular R700.

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maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

From the cannondale website



1. What is Optimo aluminum and how was it developed? [/url]
Optimo aluminum was developed in a partnership with Alcoa and was introduced to the market in 2002 with the CAAD7 road frame. The development process of the specific elements of the alloy took over 18 months, and Cannondale has exclusive use of this alloy in the bicycle industry.


2. What are the specific properties of Optimo?[/url]
Optimo aluminum is a 6000 series alloy that has superior properties to 6061, 6066, and 6069. Compared to 6061, Optimo's proprietary mix contains slightly more silicon and less magnesium, which results in higher ultimate tensile strength and higher elongation. A higher ultimate tensile strength means that Cannondale's engineers can use less material, saving weight while still resulting in a frame that passes Cannondale's industry leading test requirements. The higher elongation makes the welded frame structure less susceptible to fatigue cracks since the material can "stretch" more without initiating the microscopic damage that can grow into cracks.


3. Why doesn't Cannondale use 7000 series alloys? [/url]
With over 20 years of building aluminum bikes (Cannondale has never even made a steel frame) our experience has shown us that 6061 and Optimo alloys are superior to 7000 aluminum at the welded joint. Despite advances in heat treatment, 7000 series alloy still exhibit a large drop in mechanical properties at the welded tube junction, resulting a frame that is either heavier or does not pass Cannondale's stringent ESAL testing.

If I'm going to spend a significant amount of money on a bike the thing had better look good!

Silver or red is fine - silver is my preference, but in all honesty it doesn't make that much difference, I like both colors.

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maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

I have a CAAD4 R400. I was under the impression that they just changed the name of the R series. I'm happy with it, but in retrospect wish I had gotten a slightly nicer bike- this one came with Sora components that have given me a lot of problems.

What components does the CAAD8 come with?

Jodi

Honestly, if i ever have to do a thesis for a masters in marketing its going to be to market to women make it look cute. Thats all you have to do and 90 percent of women will buy it. I don't know how well that idea would go over as a topic though :)



Grant

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Grant
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3. Why doesn't Cannondale use 7000 series alloys? [/url]
With over 20 years of building aluminum bikes (Cannondale has never even made a steel frame) our experience has shown us that 6061 and Optimo alloys are superior to 7000 aluminum at the welded joint. Despite advances in heat treatment, 7000 series alloy still exhibit a large drop in mechanical properties at the welded tube junction, resulting a frame that is either heavier or does not pass Cannondale's stringent ESAL testing.




wow, more confused. Does that mean that the two I'm looking at aren't good bikes?

Also - they said r seven hundred, not seven thousand. ?

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maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

the '06s had "model" numbers like R700, R1000, R5000. Each model had the same frame, but varied on parts. The Optimo is just '07 model names.

Get the best deal on the bike that fits. I have a '06 R5000 and it's a great bike.

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"I do my best to slay" - Matt Pike

I didn't say "cute." I don't want a bike to look "cute." I want it to look FAST, so it matches ME. ;)

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maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

uh yeah. I'd take a black bike over some fluorescent yellow bike any day. Then again, I've seen a LOT of ugly paint jobs out there.

Okay! I see.

$899 seems like a good deal :D

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maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

well you see fluorescent yellow isn't cute thats the problem.



I do however agree with you on the paint job thing. I told my dad i feel like i am in 1910 and can buy any bike i want as long as its black cause that seems to be the only color anyone wants to put out this year. besides a couple companies.



Grant

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Grant
----------------------------------------------------
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Please Support CAF every little bit helps http://raceforareason.kintera.org/grantreuter

Frame CAAD8 Optimo Fork Slice Ultra Rear Shock N/A Rims Shimano WH-R550 Hubs Shimano WH-R550 Spokes Shimano WH-R550 Tires Hutchinson Top Speed foldable, 700 x 23c Pedals N/A Crank TruVatiV Elita SL, 39/53 Chain Shimano 9-speed Rear Cogs SAM PG-950, 12-26 Bottom Bracket TruVatiV Giga X Pipe Front Derailleur Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra Shifters Shimano 105 Handlebars Cannondale Fire, 31.8 mm Stem Cannondale Fire 3-D Forged Headset FSA Alloy integrated Brakeset Cannondale Theta Brakelevers Shimano 105 Saddle Cannondale Road Seat Post Cannondale Carbon-wrapped Colors Race Red (gloss) (RED), Fine Silver (gloss) (SLV).
Sizes 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63 cm

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maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

pssh no rear shock? what are you thinking haha...



Grant

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Grant
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Please Support CAF every little bit helps http://raceforareason.kintera.org/grantreuter

black is sexy!

---

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Here's the link to the '06 R700. http://www.cannondale.com/...USA/model-6RR7D.html

They're calling the CAAD8 bikes "Optimo" in '07.

what does "rear shock" do? Is that necessary?

I really, really, don't quite know what I'm doing here. I liked the bike I rode this summer (CAAD 5) so I'm looking at a newer one but similar to it! I don't know all these bike terms!

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maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

...and looks do matter. Forget the size and get the one that looks better. You actually might be able to fit on either with the correct components, but really make sure it fit right. IMPORTANT!

good luck,

Larry

TC, as a friend, I implore you. DO NOT GET A BLACK BIKE. They are ugly and have no soul. Racing bikes should ideally be white, but red or blue work well also. Bianchi gets a pass, they must be Celeste.

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Swimming Workout of the Day:

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It does sound like a great deal. I got mine for $650 but it had cheaper components.

As a tip- Consider switching out the saddle on the spot if it's not comfortable. They should credit you the cost of the saddle towards one you like and save you some money. I swapped out for a Terry woman specific saddle when I bought both of my bikes. Very comfortable.

Jodi

he's jerkin yer chain.. rear shock would be for a full suspension mountain bike.

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"I do my best to slay" - Matt Pike

haha sorry i was just kidding... rear shocks are for mountain bikes :)... back to work talk to you tonight.



Grant

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Grant
----------------------------------------------------
Proudly sponsored by Desoto Sports
Please Support CAF every little bit helps http://raceforareason.kintera.org/grantreuter