conflicting? serial numbers - help sought

kickflip

Active Member
So i have an RZ140 - which as far as i can tell from catalogues was only produced in 2009 & 2010.
Although it was the RIZE before that and the RZ120 after that.
RIZE and RZ140 - USA made.
RZ120 - Taiwan made.
But the serial numbers don't match up - if i am understanding serial numbering correctly?
The frame stamp appears to suggest 2010(V) February (B).
The sticker appears to suggest 2009 (U).
The bike is a 2010 - according to the catalogue and does appear to be USA made.
It occurred to me that it easy to stick a sticker on, but that seems odd - given that the sticker predates the stamp.
I appreciate that this is probably one of those bikes - on the cusp of USA/Taiwan.
Could anyone shed any light on the conundrum?
I have attached several images.
Many thanks!

RZ140_1.jpg

RZ140_2.jpg

RZ140_3.jpg

RZ140_4.jpg
 

JohnnyD

Well-Known Member
2009-2010 were the crazy times for frame production and model releases. The transistion from making frames in the USA and Taiwan wasn't a smooth one for sure.. According to the press releases, 2010 models were supposed to all produced in Taiwan. I recall reading a post on another forum where someones CAAD9 frame had similar confusing markings. I'd say that yours in one of those that were made in Bedford PA, and and were a carry over model during the transition and to help differentiate between USA and Taiwan made frames they gave all USA made ones 2009 serial numbers.

It's not all that uncommon to have a frame stamp that is different that the model year of the bike. For instance, my 2001 Jekyll 2000 has a frame code from Nov of 1999.
 

black lightning 1987

Moderator
Staff member
My guess is a 2010 model made in 2009. The 2009 USA catalog shows only Rize 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 with the 1 and 2 being carbon. All the photos show One, Two, etc. on the side of the top tube. The 2010 catalog I have shows 5 RZ One Forty models with the 1 and 2 being carbon.
Interesting that you have a BB30 decal but the frame has threaded cups. I had a CAAD 9 road frame that had a threaded sleeve bonded into the frame. I don't know if that was done at the factory or by the dealer.
 

JohnnyD

Well-Known Member
My guess is a 2010 model made in 2009. The 2009 USA catalog shows only Rize 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 with the 1 and 2 being carbon. All the photos show One, Two, etc. on the side of the top tube. The 2010 catalog I have shows 5 RZ One Forty models with the 1 and 2 being carbon.
Interesting that you have a BB30 decal but the frame has threaded cups. I had a CAAD 9 road frame that had a threaded sleeve bonded into the frame. I don't know if that was done at the factory or by the dealer.
Cannondale did offer a BB30 to BSA adapter, KF365 if my memory serves me. Rare as dinosaur poop now, but I believe FSA and Wheels Mfg. also make them still.
 

kickflip

Active Member
Many thanks for the replies.
The general consensus appears to be correct - that is - it is a 2010 model, made in 2009 - in the USA.
As pointed out - this bike only exists in this guise as a 2010.
2009 it was was the RIZE1, 2 etc, 2011 it was the RZ120.
My bike doesn't match any of the specs listed in the catalogue, but that's hardly surprising as parts have been replaced over the years.
Cannondale (whoever that is now) suggest 2010 bikes were made starting June 2009.
I think 'trading standards' dictate that the decals have to be accurate - in as much 'made' dictates that it was 'created' (in the USA), as opposed to 'designed' (in the USA) which would suggest that the bike was created elsewhere (Taiwan for instance).
Yes, the bottom bracket has a BB30-Shimao adaptor/converter.
I think i can be confident that the RZ140's were some of the last Handmade in USA bikes?
RZ140_4.jpg

RZ140_5.jpg

RZ140_6.jpg

RZ140_7.jpg
 

kickflip

Active Member
As an aside.....
I'm considering (sympathetically) removing the paint around the stamped serial number - with the aim of making the characters clearer. The actual number itself is readable as it is, but there are a series of characters above the number that are indistinct due to the paint.
Anyone know if these characters will reveal anything further?
RZ140_8.jpg
 
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