Road Cycling - HELP... cannondale R800 temptation

any advice would be appreciated... but hurry, email me if you want.

I am going to look at a used 1999 bought in 2000 R800 tomorrow at the bike shop. The bike has about 500 mi on it and the owner is just getting out of the sport.

it has a bolt on areo-bar... not sure if I want that?
a look cycle computer
look clipless pedals
and of course bottles and cages.
full 105 components

the dealer will let us deal direct since he in not interested in commision, he says it needs new tires,

asking $800... I think he'll take 7.

Does it fit? That's the big question.

Clip on bars, take 'em off, save them for later if you like. Price? I'm guessing you shouldn't spend over 70% of what he paid.

My $0.02

I wonder why the need for tires? I've always got 3-4k out of mine. R800 I assume has a carbon fork? that, you would like vs. aluminum. the 105 components on my raliegh have performed flawlessly. As always its about, the fit, the fit, the fit. Sounds like a sweet ride. anyhoo, keep us informed. ride long and prosper. Stan

Hi S_Boy!

First of all, I have to comment on Cannondales. I have an R2000si and it is sooooooooooooo smooth. I love it, even though they are being sold at err, Costco, but that's another story! :mad:

Check out this link regarding the 1999 R800, it got a 4.55 out of 5.00:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/reviews/Bike_road/product_20106.asp

I am also wondering why there is a need to replace the tires. If there is only 500 miles on the bike, why do you need to replace the tires? I heard tires should be rotated (switching the front over to the back) after approximately 1000 miles.

Anyway, good luck and like the above posts, the fit is the most important factor!

Stumbled onto this add for an R900, something to look at regarding the market:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/market/bikes/messages/32410.shtml

Originally posted by Marcy S
I heard tires should be rotated (switching the front over to the back) after approximately 1000 miles.

Sheldon Brown (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris.html) makes a thoughtful case for not rotating tires at least in most cases. It's worth reading...

The bike is awesome... yellow fading to red. It is a 56cm which is my my size. I straddled it and the fit is right on so this surely must be a sign from God (I wonder why He forgot to tell s_girl :) ).

The tires... the dealer said this bike (a '99) sat in his showroom for a year and was bought brand new by this fellow a year ago during a closeout sale. For the past year the bike has been garaged... collecting dust (it needs a good wiping down). It has continental tires and the tread is fine but the sides are dried out bad...?

The seat has 1 small ding and I don't like his taste in handlebar wrap. I would probably hang onto the aero bar until another day. Thanks for the feedback guys... I may offer $7bills to see if he bites... that would surely be an incredible deal.

Originally posted by dirtsqueezer
Stumbled onto this add for an R900, something to look at regarding the market:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/market/bikes/messages/32410.shtml

good perspective to work with... I emailed this seller immediately. Tennessee is close enough for a deal like this.

thanks!

Originally posted by Marcy S
Hi S_Boy!

Check out this link regarding the 1999 R800, it got a 4.55 out of 5.00:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/reviews/Bike_road/product_20106.asp



Good reviews, but I saw some warnings in a few regarding riding over rough roads... of which I have plenty to ride on :(. My hybrid is CRMo and has 700x38 road tires... so it takes the roads very well. I just wish it was lighter/ faster.

thanks!

Originally posted by Marcy S
I am also wondering why there is a need to replace the tires. If there is only 500 miles on the bike, why do you need to replace the tires? I heard tires should be rotated (switching the front over to the back) after approximately 1000 miles.

Good catch, Marcy. Even without rotation, the tires shouldn't be worn out after 500 miles no matter what kind of tires they are or what kind of surface.

Still, the magic of bikes is they can put on a lot of miles before they start to devaluate due to mileage. From a practical standpoint, bikes and cars are different in that regard. There are a lot fewer parts to wear out on a bicycle than on a car.

If the bike fits and you love it, and it is in good condition, why not get it?

HOWEVER, I think that dirtsqueezer was too kind with his 70% value retention figure. I wouldn't go over 50% for a used three year old bike. The components may be super, but the color and style will be out of fashion quick. It won't bother you, but it will make the bike less sell-able and the seller is keenly aware of it.

Show genuine interest and tell the seller you are trying to decide between his bike and another one across town.

Make him an offer that would tickle you to your toes if he said "Yes". Offer him cash right there on the spot. You can even show him the money.

If he says "No", then shuffle, Hm and Haw, and look interested, but...

...head for the door. Just as you are about to leave, turn around and say, "I sure would like to do some business with you today. I've got to decide which of the bikes to get quick because I'm going on a ride this weekend".

If he still says no, leave him your phone number in case he changes his mind.

Remember, though, if he says "yes", you are ethically bound to hand him the cash right there and seal the deal.

Chances are you will become the owner of that bike.

Take it from a professional sales manager (me). I have seen some excellent buyers use this kind of technique on my colleagues and it actually works. I chuckle when I see it happen, but by gosh, it even works on the seasoned sales guys who should know better.

Since you need a 56cm frame, check out the below post from my NYCC message board.

Just so you know, I emailed the same link to Joe Pozer, since I know he is interested in a C-Dale road bike as well.

Good luck,

Marcy



Posted by Rob on July 11, 2001 at 02:10:41:

Cannondale R900 Road bike. 56 cm frame. Look carbon fork. Full Shimano 600 SIS.
Sella San Marco/Pirelli/Ti saddle. Mavic Reflex 622x13 rims. ITM Ahead stem. Ride On performance cable system. 8 sp rear cassette (12/13/14/15/17/19/21/23). 39/53 front chain rings. Vetta C-15 computer. Gorgeous dark maroon w/ gold lettering. Originally built by Halters Cycles, Princeton. Used 3 seasons then stored. Needs pre-season tune up but bike is in EXCELLENT condition. Asking $700 or b/o. Photo available. email robcimino@aol.com

Thanks for sending me the e-mail Marcy. Unfortunately the bike is too big for me. I ride a 54cm bike.

s-boy,
hope as of this writing your already a proud owner of a Cannondale Bike, and as Mike has said wag the Dollar Bills infront of Him I think he will not be able to resist the temptation

haven't bought it (as of yet anyway)... I followed up on the Cannondale 900, via Dirtsqueezer, with the Campy Veloce group and its more bike... even less money

same thing though it needs new tires so it must be common among low use bikes.

we are negotiating via email at the moment.