Touring - Can't find a Cannondale T800 (small) in Seattle, WA. for 1st week in May

I'm due to arrive in Seattle on 4th May and, after 3 days, was hoping to ride off down the coast on a new Cannondale T800 (small) from a local shop. However, the shop I was dealing with now says that can't get one until mid-May, which is no good for me. They say they will have a search around but my trip will be messed up if I'm without the bike. Anyone know where I can get one from for certain?

Thanks (in advance) for any help received :)

Try REI. In fact, even if they have one at another store thay can ship it to Seattle.

Thanks for the reply. I tried REI a few hours before asking if they (the company, not the store in Seattle) if they have one; they said "...Thank you for contacting REI regarding the Cannodale bike and Blackburn accessories. We are not carrying any of the Cannondale T800 road bikes. We do carry Blackburn racks and fenders. I have provided the links below for the fenders and racks we do carry." So it looks like they don't have them anywhere!

Does anyone know where I could get one for certain in the Seattle (local) area?

Thanks

I bought my 05 there but it looks like they stopped carrying it. Sorry, can't help you then.

What bike shop were you dealing with?

Have you checked with Cannondale directly? They may be able to help you track one down by seeing who they have shipped them to.

According to their web site, Montlake Bicycle has a small '05 T800. Check 'em out at montlakebike.com.

Thanks for finding that for me. I tried them first of all but got no response via e-mail; the same with b-i-cycles on Bainbridge Island. Greggs don't do them but may have alternatives (waiting for them to get back to me). Bikesport (ilovemybike.com) is searching for one.

I'll try them again with another e-mail. Their list of bikes took some finding on their site. They have a Giant OCR Touring (2004) as well my size. Not come across those before. I'll let you know what happens.

Thank you for all the help so far :)

It's getting into the busy season and the weather has been great here in Seattle. I wouldn't put too much faith into them answering your emails in a timely manner. Since you are short on time, it's probably better to call them up.

E-mails sent out again. Calls made to Montlake (none in stock but will keep a look out) and BikeSport (doing the same but they say Cannondale are quoting mid-May) :(

Good job I haven't booked my airplane ticket over yet!

So win this bike and make it work for you. See if you can work out shipping from the seller to a good bike shop at your starting point.

http://cgi.ebay.com/CANNONDALE-T-1000-Touring-Bike-21-Speed_W0QQitemZ7235782604

Once underway, touring is about being out there on a bicycle. Which bicycle you're on doesn't matter that much.

Best of luck to you and have a great trip.




E-mails sent out again. Calls made to Montlake (none in stock but will keep a look out) and BikeSport (doing the same but they say Cannondale are quoting mid-May) :(

Good job I haven't booked my airplane ticket over yet!

Actually that bike looks to be in pretty decent shape, and the seller is a cyclist (see his other bikes for sale) so it has probably been somewhat maintained. Just get rid of some of those, ahem, "accessories" and hit the road. You could have it shipped to a bike shop in Seattle and ask them to look it over and service it. Perhaps some of the Seattle riders know of a good shop you could trust to do it right.

I'm really suprised at the lack of touring bikes available lately - checked Craigslist and a few other spots also - could be the season, or maybe more people are buying them to commute on lately, with gas prices going up. You might also consider looking for a Trek 520 or Novara Randonee (REI). Good luck on your search.

Yeah, I won't point someone in the direction of an auction I wouldn't consider myself. The seller has 33 past sales (almost all bicycles) and a spotless feedback record of nearly 300. The bike has some nice older components and the listing has been viewed pretty often. I wouldn't be surprised if it clears $550 (maybe more), but it's hard to know. Wait until the very last minute of the auction to place your bid. If you put it out there any earlier, others will chip away at it just because it's eating at them. So know what you're willing to pay and place one bid, when in counts. Find out what kind of condition the wheels and other driveline components are. There's a lot to be said by the fact that no one has complained about what he's been selling. Looks like nice stuff.

Cheers,



Actually that bike looks to be in pretty decent shape, and the seller is a cyclist (see his other bikes for sale) so it has probably been somewhat maintained. Just get rid of some of those, ahem, "accessories" and hit the road. You could have it shipped to a bike shop in Seattle and ask them to look it over and service it. Perhaps some of the Seattle riders know of a good shop you could trust to do it right.

I'm really suprised at the lack of touring bikes available lately - checked Craigslist and a few other spots also - could be the season, or maybe more people are buying them to commute on lately, with gas prices going up. You might also consider looking for a Trek 520 or Novara Randonee (REI). Good luck on your search.

Try R&E cycles in the U-District - If you aren't set on a T800 another alternative is Portland if you are set on a Cannondale - Supergo is also in the U-District as well. There are a number of Trek dealers in Seattle so most likely you can find a small 520

Thanks for the additional information. The eBay bike with the sheep on looks fine but I'd be a bit more assured collecting from the seller (which isn't an option in my case). R&E look very nice but the prices are beyond my reach. Supergo looks like it's ceased on-line but maybe the shop's still there. I have looked at the Trek 520 but the Cannondale tops my list. I've been provided with more places to try and have contacted them all. Just waiting! :)

Supergo is still in the U-District - I'll call and see what they have. If you need a bike shop to check out a used bike try Wright Brothers Cycleworks - Also try ReCycled Cycles which is also in the U-Distrct. I will tell you most bike shops are slammed right now in Seattle a combination of the high cost of gas, single speed popularity, and nice weather

Performance bikes bought Supergo - but their shop is still in the U-District. They weren't opened yet when I called. Bicycles West - a Trek dealer said they could order you a 520 and it would be in - in 5 days. Another option is there are several Surly dealers in Seattle who might have a small Long Haul Trucker. Before I go any farther - how small are we talking? Are you already set with Panniers and Racks or do you need those as well or is this a credit card tour and you really don't need a loaded touring bike?

Thanks for that. How small? I'm 5'5" tall and a soccer player so not built like a cyclist! My measurements are: (based on http://cherry.dcwi.com/cherry/info/fitting.html) as a rough guide:-

I'm 5'5" tall (no shoes; not a cyclist-build but a soccer player!)
Inseam (center to floor, no shoes): 75cm
Arm length: (between thumb & finger to shoulder bone that sticks out): 60cm
Thigh length (crotch center to knee far point): 36.5cm
Torso length: (crotch center to base of "v-area" below neck): 67cm
Foot length (no shoes): 24.5cm
Hand size (width): 8cm (medium)

I will be travelling with front & rear panniers (plus a bar bag). Just need a Blackburn CL1 front rack & rack that will fit my 8mm rear pannier fittings. The tent will be in one of them!

Just to mention: I've been really pleased how helpful you people have been. And, also, we pay just under $6.30 for a gallon (US) over here in England. Think yourself lucky! :)

Cheers!

There a small Giant OCR touring bike on ebay that ends in three days - that might be one solution

Performance Bike/Supergos Seattle has Fugi touring bikes in stock $699 - a 49 cc and a 53

Fugi? I'm assuming you mean Fuji? I was thinking of that one as an alternate also, the price certainly is right.

Vosyer, have you called anywhere else? I was going to make a few calls but don't want to duplicate efforts too much here. I checked Center cycle and Kirkland cycle, no small T800s. The fellow at Kirkland suggested the Bianchi Volpe as another choice in the more affordable price range.

Banthevan, are you meeting someone here or planning this trip on your own?

Do you have a way to get around town while you're here?

Thank you to you chaps who are making the calls for me (that probably wouldn't happen in this country). I have seen the Giant OCR and the eBay one. I'm still a bit unsure about buying without checking things over (maybe that's just me!). I'll have a look at the Fujis. Not something we get over here (thanks for that Vosyer). I've checked the Bianchi out. It would be nice to get 105 or XT equipment on my "ideal" bike. I was looking to spend what I would spend over here (but get a lot nicer bike for my money over there ;) ) The Kona Sutra did look attractive a first sight but I've put that out of my mind now. I've had the Ricky Mountain Sherpa mentioned also. Not sure of the prices of those though. It'll be just me on the trip so my feet & the transport system I'll make do with until I'm on that bike!

Cheers!

Old Fart,

I didn't get much time to call around - there's a shop in Fremont that is carrying Surly which I will call tomorrow. I only found them the other day because I needed a 127 bottom bracket and it's not a common size, but they had one. It appeared this chap could order a Trek 520 and it would be here in time. I must admit I am a fan of steel - to bad such short notice could have bought a nice frame on line and built it up in a week or two and saved a few dollars and nicer components.

Thanks once more. Surly sound good but expensive. I'm not really in a position to build up a bike while over there. I'm in England (UK) at the moment & would be in Seattle for 3 days before riding off :) It does appear that the Trek may be the most available option at the moment.

Received a reply from Cannondale, essentially saying "get your shop's rep to source one from another dealer". This is what a couple of shops are doing at the moment so they're no real help. A dealer can get a Rocky Mountain Sherpa for $1399 (just a bit more than I was going to run to). I've not heard much about them but it looks O.K. Just waiting to hear some good news hopefully from somewhere soon! Thanks for the continued help :)

The Trek 520 is really not a bad deal. Put some proper racks, maybe a taller stem. The Bontrager tires mine came with were puncture magnets and one blew out a sidewall in under 1,000 miles. If they still have those tires I would at least carry an extra tire.

If you can get a 520 setup by a dealer with a mtb crankset, you will be in hog heaven. It is a solid, comfortable ride that you can enjoy for touring and everyday use for many years. Almost any dealer should be willing to swap the 105 crankset for an LX, with trekking gears at minimal or no additional cost, since they can sell the 105 crankset easily.

Check this, fast: http://seattle.craigslist.org/bik/155043459.html


-- Mark

I was informed of the craiglist bike earlier today and e-mailed the seller with my details, asking the size etc. I've had no reply but seen with your link (thanks Mark), they have now included the size (medium). I have a stand-over of 75cm so, looking at the specs, it'll be a bit painful :) It looks a nice bike for a leggier person though.

I'm still on the lookout. It may be that I have to travel a week later. Thanks for all the help so far. Cheers! :)

I might have struck lucky with the T800... just waiting for confirmation. I'll keep this updated. Thanks for the help to everyone so far!

Read the reviews on the Kona Sutra before going down the road. Looks like several people have had problems with broken frame welds.

That'll be a definition of "several" meaning two?

Bingo!!! :D With your help, and especially those who dialled round & called into shops on my behalf, I've now secured a new T800 to ride away on next week. It means my trip is now on so I've booked the flights etc and will be there on Thursday evening, picking the bike up a couple of days later. I might even bump into some of you around there! I'll post back on here my experiences with the bike & the trip when possible.

Once again, thanks very much for all your help. It just shows you how valuable these forums can be.

Cheers & all the best! :)

Good for you mate! The weather is turning nice along the west coast - enjoy the trip!

That'll be a definition of "several" meaning two?

A few months back I was deciding on my next bike, the Sutra was on the list. I did a bunch of searching for comments, etc. and was quite sure I had seen references to more than one or two Sutras with frame problems. However, since I can't properly back up my assertion with links, I've edited my previous post

Just to update: Silverdale Cyclery managed to find one so I booked my flights etc and now I'm here (in Elma, WA for tonight). The search for the front rack took a lot out my first day so not managed to camp anywhere yet. Done over 100 miles & no problems at all. Rides very nice. Thanks to DJ who pointed me to Silverdale :)

Cheers!

That's great! Keep us posted on your progress when you can get online.

Banthevan:

where in Nottinghamshire are you from?

Also, I'm curious, why didn't you buy a bike in the UK? Seems to me there are many more touring choices over there -or did you want a Canondale specifically? I know prices are cheaper in the US than the UK, and add to that a possible cost (depending on which airline you fly) of flying it over, and I can see it making more financial sense. Additionally, I'd always be too scared to buy a bike once I'm visiting a place for fear of it not being comfortable or right for me -have you any tips to share on the experience?

Good luck with your ride.