2018 Cannondale CAAD Optimo Sora

Archived: 2018 Cannondale CAAD Optimo Sora · Road · Published sizes: 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 63

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: CAAD Optimo, SmartForm C2 Alloy, SAVE · Fork: Cannondale Ultra, Carbon blades, 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" steerer · Carbon

• Look for dents or shape changes and inspect the edges of welds around the head tube, bottom bracket, seat cluster and suspension mounts for hairline cracks.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.
• Inspect the fork crown, blades, dropouts and visible steerer area. Check that it is straight, securely installed and free of cracks or impact damage.

Archived: Shifters: Shimano Sora · Front derailleur: Shimano Sora, 31.8 clamp · Rear derailleur: Shimano Sora GS · Crankset: FSA Vero 50/34 · Bottom bracket: FSA 68mm cartridge · Rear cogs: Shimano HG50, 12-27, 9-speed · Chain: KMC Z99, 9-speed

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Cannondale C4, dual pivot, cartridge pad

• Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: 700c · Rims: RS 3.0, 24H Front, 28H Rear · Hubs: Alloy, sealed, loose ball bearings, QR, 28h · Front tire: Schwalbe Lugano, 700x25c · Rear tire: Schwalbe Lugano, 700x25c

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.

Archived: Headset: FSA Integrated, 1-1/4" lower bearing, 25mm top cap · Handlebar: Cannondale C4 Compact, 6061 Alloy · Stem: Cannondale C4, 31.8, 6 deg. · Seatpost: Cannondale C4, Alloy, 27.2x300mm (44-51), 350mm (54-63) · Saddle: Cannondale Stage Ergo · Pedals: Wellgo w/ Clip and Strap

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.