Road Cycling - Advice on Cannondale, anyone?

Anyone have an opinion on the 1997 Cannondale R600 (here's a link: http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/97/97_r600.html)? I have an opportunity to buy one that's barely been used for a great price. I'm just getting back into road cycling, and while I'm hoping to work my way up to some racing some day in the future, for right now I'm just trying to ride hard and fast and get in as good cycling shape as I can. Basically, I don't think I need a killer bike (yet)--and I can't spend the $1,200 or so on the new 2003 R600 that was recommended to me at a good LBS.

Here's what I really want to know: Would people not recommend spending ANY $ on a used 1997 bike? Is it too old and outdated, even though it hasn't been used all that much? I wouldn't think that would matter, but I'm not sure. Also, I don't know much about the Shimano RX100 group. Is it sort of crap, or does it rival, say, the Shimano 105 of today? Is it worth me riding this bike for a couple of years until I get more experience, or should I just hold out a while longer and try to spend some more on a newer bike? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

The caad3 frame was a stiff,reasonably light, but decent platform.The current caad4 and better supposedly ride a bit better due to the redesigned seatstays. It's 8 speed .Current stuff is 9 speed.RX-100 was 105 with a different finish.It sold for a few dollars less than 105 and many liked the rx-100 finish better.It's functional. The older components just don't campare directly to the new stuff.Even 9 speed 105 is much better in many ways compared to the 8 speed 105.If condition is great, it fits and the price is right,you could do alot worse. The frame is worth upgrading later on if you really end up liking it.

How much are they selling it for? That is the determining factor.

Ah yes, that is a crucial factor. Well, she wants $500 for it, but I think I can get her to do less, say $450 or so. Is it worth it? It's certainly more manageable for me than $1,200--at least for right now. But I wouldn't want to waste ANY money on a dud (although it doesn't sound like it is one).

Thea't reasonable.But, it it doesn't fit it's worth nothing.

Originally posted by idland
Ah yes, that is a crucial factor. Well, she wants $500 for it, but I think I can get her to do less, say $450 or so. Is it worth it? It's certainly more manageable for me than $1,200--at least for right now. But I wouldn't want to waste ANY money on a dud (although it doesn't sound like it is one).

In all honesty, Id say pass.

Heres why:

Considering that its an old shimano gruppo, and its 8speed, you are probably going to want to upgrade to 9spd. Plus the newer shimano (and campy for that matter) stuff is light years ahead of the old stuff.

The frame is the only part of this bike that is really worth paying for but honestly, you could get a Cadd4 on a brand new R400 for not a whole lot more money.

If she went down to around 400 Id say maybe do it. But 450-500 is too much.

Im currently selling a 96 cannondale M500 (mountain) to my friend and Im asking $250. I know you want a bike but I think in the long run you should either wait, or look for a better deal. Try to find a place that does used or recycled bikes, my roomate runs a place like this in DC and you could get a far superior bike for a lot less money.

Or save a bit and spring for a new bike.

Originally posted by H20.1


my roomate runs a place like this in DC and you could get a far superior bike for a lot less money.

Or save a bit and spring for a new bike.

Thanks for the answer. What's the place in D.C.? I'll be down there fairly soon.

Originally posted by idland


Thanks for the answer. What's the place in D.C.? I'll be down there fairly soon.


The place is called Chain Reaction...they are a branch of a social welfare type group called Shaw Eco- Village.

They recycle bikes and try to get urban kids (particuarly at risk youth) involved. Anyone can buy a bike there though.

I was there last week and they had a nice older Marin and a number of frames lying around. Im not saying youll find your dream bike but they have a lot of old parts, frames, and some complete bikes that are pretty decent there. Not to mention you will spend far less than 500 bucks. If you stop in they may be able to help you out. I considered buying the old Marin before I plunked down 1400 bucks on my new Bianchi.

Might have something to get you going again. I think they are located on 14th and R...but you might want to check.

Sounds cool. I guess I should look around some more before I decide on this bike.

And I see alot of $20-100 dollar bikes at garage sales and thrift stores too.If one knows what one is doing,one can cob something together.Not worth the trouble and expense for most others though.A Caad3 frame in excellent condition will sell for $250 and I have seen them advertized for more.You figure it out.

Yeah. I don't think I want to get into going to garage sales to build up my bike. Just not for me.

It sounds like the bike is about what I guessed it was: a six-year-old model with fairly old parts. Not a great deal and not a horrendous one either. I suppose I could do better with some patience.

There ia a concept called reality.Don't expect to find good framesets with current 9 speed of 105 or better being given away. Many sellers think their used stuff is worth more than it really is,considering what new or NOS can be bought for on sale or clearance.

Originally posted by pokey
There ia a concept called reality.

That's very good point. I hadn't thought of that.:)

Originally posted by pokey
There ia a concept called reality.Don't expect to find good framesets with current 9 speed of 105 or better being given away. Many sellers think their used stuff is worth more than it really is,considering what new or NOS can be bought for on sale or clearance.

Just wanted to add, I partially agree with what pokey is saying.

Its a decent frameset and the components will definitely be functional and provide you with a good ride. That Marin I was referring to at my friends shop was a decent bike too...probably around the same age, some components were really good stuff (ultegra) some were pieced on there...its a recycled bike, but it was also selling for about 150.00 and thats a steal. All Im saying is that Id shoot for a price of around 400 bucks for this bike you are talking about. Unless its in phenominal shape and you dont think you will get upgrade fever anytime soon....then it might possibly be worth a bit more. Its your call ultimately.

All very sound advice. Exactly the food for thought I needed. Thanks Pokey and H20.1. It's been helpful.

All very sound advice. Exactly the food for thought I needed. Thanks Pokey and H20.1. It's been helpful.

I have a 1998 CANNONDALE R600 with 14,000+ miles on it. Great bike for anyone who does not mind a STIFF ride. The Cadd 3 frame is very stiff even the composit fork does not help very much. As to the value, you must decide. It will last a very long time and is basically bullet proof! Ride on! Ed

Well, we can end this thread. I brought the bike to a good shop and the frame is too big, so I passed. I think I'll just scrounge for dough and buy a new bike. Scoping for used is too much effort right now. Thanks for all the input.

Originally posted by idland
Well, we can end this thread. I brought the bike to a good shop and the frame is too big, so I passed. I think I'll just scrounge for dough and buy a new bike. Scoping for used is too much effort right now. Thanks for all the input.

Oh well,

good luck.:beer: