Giant Cadex 980C - Carbon Vintage Racing Bike - Campagnolo Athena - 1990s

History:

With the introduction of the Cadex models in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Taiwanese bicycle giant Giant revolutionized the production of road bike frames. The Cadex 980C belongs to the pioneers of the commercial carbon era. In a time when most professionals still relied exclusively on steel, Giant demonstrated how carbon fiber could be processed on a large scale. The construction of round carbon tubes, which were bonded with high strength into aluminum lugs at the factory, offered groundbreaking damping combined with high stiffness. This concept paved the way for modern frame building and made high-end carbon technology accessible to ambitious amateurs and racers for the first time. Today, a first-generation Cadex is considered a sought-after milestone in the evolution of materials in cycling.

Description:

This Giant Cadex 980C draws its visual and technical fascination from the combination of pioneering frame technology and classic Italian mechanics. A striking design feature of this frame is the distinctive monostay rear triangle, where the seat stays merge into a central tube above the tire and blend elegantly into the seat tube lug area. The visible carbon of the tubes harmonizes excellently with the polished aluminum lugs and the original decals.

The componentry consists of a complete first-generation Campagnolo Athena groupset. Mechanical control is traditionally handled by downtube-mounted, 7-speed indexed shifters, which guarantee crisp and precise gear changes. The undisputed technical gem of the groupset is the beautifully sculpted Athena Monoplaner brakes, which enjoy absolute cult status among collectors due to their unique, interlocking brake arm design. The cockpit is assembled with a 3TTT stem and a 3TTT Competizione handlebar. Matching the setup, an exclusive black perforated leather handlebar tape has been wrapped. The legendary Selle Italia Flite saddle and the dark, hard-anodized Mavic Open 4 CD rims perfectly round off the harmonious appearance of this lightweight racing machine.

Condition:

Used. This Giant Cadex 980C is in very good and extremely well-maintained overall condition. In the workshop of Goldensteelcycles, the bike was completely disassembled and professionally rebuilt as part of a comprehensive overhaul. The carbon-aluminum composite frame is absolutely intact; the bonding areas of the lugs were meticulously inspected and show no defects whatsoever. All Campagnolo Athena components were disassembled, thoroughly cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, and reinstalled with fresh lubricant. All bearings run silkily smooth and have been precisely adjusted. A perfectly functioning modern classic that completely convinces both visually and technically, and is immediately ready to ride.

Details: