Meet the Aluminati – Paul Legendre

For Paris-based mechanic Paul Legendre, bikes have never been just bikes. What started with building and customizing his own bikes evolved into a career working for the St Michel–Preference Home–Auber93 cycling team. Along the way, Paul developed a deep appreciation for classic aluminum race bikes, especially Cannondale’s iconic CAAD models. As modern road bikes moved toward disc brakes and increasingly complex designs, he found himself drawn to the timeless appeal of older CAAD bikes with their clean lines, classic geometry, and unmistakable aluminum character.

That passion comes to life in his two CAAD projects. First, a carefully restored CAAD3, built over several years with a close friend, celebrates the iconic American race bikes that inspired a whole generation. Then, his latest CAAD14 project, which takes the idea a step further. The goal was simple: create a bike that looks like a classic CAAD while taking full advantage of today’s technology. The result is a unique build that combines contemporary components, wheels, and performance with the traditional geometry and aluminum craftsmanship that define the CAAD legacy.

Filmed at the historic Arenberg coal mine, just a stone's throw from the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. The project also pays tribute to the rich cycling history of Northern France. Watch the interview to hear Paul’s story and philosophy behind the build, then check out the bike build video to see every detail of this modern classic come to life.