Touring - Is a used Cannondale T700 worth it?

I have a chance to pick up a 1996 Cannondale T700 fairly cheap, less than $300. Haven't seen the bike yet but it has probably 2000 miles or so on it, 21 speed, and I believe it has brifters. I don't necessarily need the bike for myself, but it would make a good one if I can get one of my older sons to tour a little with me.

Anybody have any feedback on this particular type of bike?

I have a chance to pick up a 1996 Cannondale T700 fairly cheap, less than $300. Haven't seen the bike yet but it has probably 2000 miles or so on it, 21 speed, and I believe it has brifters. I don't necessarily need the bike for myself, but it would make a good one if I can get one of my older sons to tour a little with me.

Anybody have any feedback on this particular type of bike?

The Cannondale touring bikes are great bikes. Sure this one is a bit long in the tooth but for $300 you can't go wrong.

It is WELL worth it. Grab at it while you can get it.

I own an older Cannondale ST700. It's an 8 speed touring bike and I love it. Getting replacement parts may be difficult. My RSX STI shifters are shot and I don't have many options.

I own an older Cannondale ST700. It's an 8 speed touring bike and I love it. Getting replacement parts may be difficult. My RSX STI shifters are shot and I don't have many options.

Sora (http://www.bikemannetwork.com/biking/p/COMPSHRDSH/LD3330) levers are available. They should be a direct replacement for a RSX 8 spd. The only issue is that the Sora (and new shifters) are a bit wider than the RSX. I have an old set of RSX that are very comfortable because they are thinner.

Upgrading to a 9 speed isn't that difficult just a little more expensive. You'd need a new cassette and a new chain. The only other issue would be the freehub body. It might be a 7/8 hub instead of an 8/9 hub. You'd need a new body but that's pretty easy to change too. Sheldon Brown (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/k7.html#transplant) has a pretty good guide on how to do it.

I ride one, and it's never done me wrong. The RSX isn't the most durable system, but it seems to be holding up. The ride is smooth and straight, and the only things that I've heard more than one bad report about are the coda components (if they are on a 96 model) and the original bottom bracket (many people commented on how little mileage they got out of theirs, including myself). I'm in the midst of getting rid of mine (moving to a smaller steel frame) but I have nothing but fond memories of my T700.

I just sold my 1996 T700 on ebay and it was a fabulous bike. It had the RSX shifters and Shimano Deore derailer. I loved that bike. I had to sell it for financial reasons as well as storage. I would have loved to keep it. BTW it had 52 bids and went for $405 so your $300 is a good deal. My bike was in excellent condition (for comparison).

Let us know what you end up doing!

Tracy