I've tried that approach at times but noises bother me. Most annoying thing I've had on a bike was a Tufo tubular tire that had a big high spot - thumped with every revolution. Flatted it the last time I rode, kind of relief to replace it.
So close on the year. Maybe few other clues will help you. The frame isn't only one color originally, it came with these disc brakes.That isn't much to go on. Guessing 2000 model but I can't put Lefty with that color. Closest I can see is Super V700SX
I can kind of make out in the catalog that it says Hayes or Magura. Again though that is a pretty low resolution scan so it is tough to make it out 100%. I am going to keep the Hayes for a little while regardless, although I will be replacing the rotors since I have a new set of Tektro that I have never used that came with a wheelset I bought.I don't recall seeing a CAAD designation on any other dual suspension frame up to that point I was pretty sure that Super Vs never had a CAAD decal. I don't have a 2001 print catalog and our scan of that one is very low quality. Perhaps all the 2001 DS bikes had a CAAD decal. I can't see any on the 2002 DS range. After seeing the whole frame, I'd assume the paint is original. Your explanation of the date stamp is as logical as any. Some years in that era, USA bikes got Hayes and Euro bikes got Magura. I have Hayes on a titanium Serotta and they have been fine. Bought the bike used and the levers don't match, so I assume one was replaced for some reason. Surprised at the weight of the 1000. I don't recall what the Serotta weighs but I would guess under 30 lbs. It doesn't have nearly the rear travel of the Cannondale though.