Velopedia Bicycle Archive
1993 Giant Cadex ALR-1
Road race & triathlon bicycle from the Velopedia specification archive.
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- Original MSRP
- $800.00
- Sizes
- 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61
- Weight
- 23 lb
- Geometry
- Legacy reference · Ride analysis
- Archive ID
- 43517
Current market
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Velopedia analysis
What the specifications mean
The 177% cassette range describes the available gearing more clearly than the component-group name alone. On the alloy frame, dents and hairline cracks around welds matter more than cosmetic scratches. Pay closest attention near the head tube, bottom bracket shell, dropouts and other heavily loaded junctions. The archive lists a published weight of 23 lb. Treat it as a reference for the documented build because frame size, pedals, tire setup and production substitutions can change the actual scale reading.
Used-bike inspection
If you’re buying this bike used
Before any test ride: both brakes should stop the bike firmly and release cleanly; both wheels should run true and be securely attached; tires should have no casing damage; and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals should have no looseness or play.
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →- FrameLook closely for dents and hairline cracks around welds, the head tube and bottom-bracket area. Cosmetic scratches matter less than a change in shape or a crack line.Inspect the frame and fork →
- BrakesTest each brake separately and confirm it stops firmly and releases cleanly. Inspect the pads and braking surfaces for wear or contamination, and check the cables or hoses for damage.Inspect the brakes →
- DrivetrainShift through every gear under light load and measure chain wear. Confirm that the shifter, derailleur, chain and cassette belong to the same 8-speed system.Check drivetrain wear →
- Wheels & tiresSpin both wheels and watch the rims for side-to-side or vertical movement. Check for dents, cracks, loose or uneven spokes and hub play, then inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking or exposed threads.Check wheels and tires →
Bike-specific inspection checklist 19 checks based on 5 archived component groups Open checklistClose checklist
This checklist uses the archived equipment for this bike. It cannot confirm the condition, service history or later component changes of the example in front of you.
Identity and fit
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Archived: 1993 Giant Cadex ALR-1 · Road race & triathlon · Published sizes: 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61
Frame and fork
Inspect the frame and fork →Archived: Frame: Bonded aluminum · Fork: Cadex aluminum
Drivetrain
Check drivetrain wear →Archived: Group: Shimano 105SC · Shifters: Shimano 105SC downtube · Front derailleur: Shimano 105SC · Rear derailleur: Shimano 105SC · Crankset: Shimano 105SC, 39/53 teeth · Rear cogs: 8-speed, 13 - 23 teeth · Chain: Shimano CN-HG70
Brakes
Inspect the brakes →Archived: Brakes: Shimano 105SC brakes, levers
Wheels and tires
Check wheels and tires →Archived: Rims: Campagnolo Omicron, 32-hole · Hubs: Shimano 105SC · Front tire: Michelin Select Sport
Controls and contact points
Archived: Handlebar: SR/Modolo 6 Bend · Stem: Giant SL Heat Treated Cr-Mo · Seatpost: Polygon PM-301 · Saddle: Giant G-2 Racing · Pedals: Look (clipless)
Before and during the test ride
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Interpretation based on the archived manufacturer specifications. Confirm exact fit and standards before ordering parts or performing service.
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Frameset
| Frame Construction | Bonded aluminum |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Giant aluminum 7005 |
| Fork | Cadex aluminum |
Drivetrain
| Component Group | Shimano 105SC |
|---|---|
| Shifters | Shimano 105SC downtube |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 105SC |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 105SC |
| Crankset | Shimano 105SC, 39/53 teeth |
| Rear Cogs | 8-speed, 13 - 23 teeth |
| Chain | Shimano CN-HG70 |
| Pedals | Look (clipless) |
Brakes
| Brakes | Shimano 105SC brakes, levers |
|---|
Cockpit & Contact Points
| Handlebar | SR/Modolo 6 Bend |
|---|---|
| Stem | Giant SL Heat Treated Cr-Mo |
| Saddle | Giant G-2 Racing |
| Seatpost | Polygon PM-301 |
Wheels & Tires
| Hubs | Shimano 105SC |
|---|---|
| Rims | Campagnolo Omicron, 32-hole |
| Front Tire | Michelin Select Sport |
Historical reference geometry
Geometry
Historical model-level geometry recovered from Velopedia’s original archive database. The source does not identify which listed frame size this reference describes, so fit interpretation is intentionally limited and no size-normalized Archive Context is generated.
| Measurement | Legacy reference |
|---|---|
| Top tube | 555 mm |
| Head-tube angle | 73° |
| Seat-tube angle | 73° |
| Chainstay / rear center | 412 mm |
| Wheelbase | 990 mm |
| Fork offset / rake | 45 mm |
Geometry source: Historical archive database — model-level reference geometry. The historical source provides one model-level geometry set and does not identify the corresponding frame size.
Geometry interpretation
What this geometry means
Legacy reference geometry
Fit reference
The historical source lists a 555 mm top-tube length, but it does not identify which frame size this model-level reference describes or whether the historical field was measured horizontally. Treat it as an archival frame reference rather than a size-specific fit recommendation. Its 73° seat-tube angle describes the reference frame’s seat-line orientation. Actual seated position still depends on frame size, saddle height and fore-aft adjustment.
Handling tendencies
The 73° head angle points to moderate steering geometry. Wheelbase is listed at 990 mm, but because the historical source does not identify frame size, it is retained as a model reference rather than used for a size-normalized handling conclusion. Fork offset is listed at 45 mm. Offset works with head angle and wheel size to determine trail, so it is useful steering evidence even though the archive does not provide enough information here to calculate trail reliably.
Period context
At 73°, the head angle sits somewhat slacker than typical among road geometries represented in Velopedia for this period. Its 73° seat angle is somewhat more relaxed than typical among the same-period road references.
This is historical model-level reference geometry, not a known frame-size geometry table or a ride test. Frame size, rider proportions, cockpit setup, tires, suspension and components can materially change fit and handling.
Specifications are presented as a reference. Components may vary by market, size, production run, or later manufacturer revisions.