Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - looking for thoughts on this used bike opportunity

hey all-

I have an opportunity on this bike: http://bikersandsellers.com/search/ad.php?id=941&category=race

I know the owner, and know that it was cared for impeccably. I am looking for a road/road race bike, and like the looks of this offer so far. I am going to check it out later this week.

Any thoughts? Any of you out there riding similar?

It's a nice bike, and if it fits you properly, I'd say yeah. The price isn't too terribly bad, given its equipment.

If it fits, it's not a bad deal. It's not a great deal, but it's a good deal.

One thing for sure, you wouldn't touch a similary equipped bike for anywhere near three to four times that price new. Veloce is the fourth line down from the top for Campy, and Athena is essentially Chorus for the crank.

A tip on touching up paint nicks. Nail Polish with a clear nail polish cover.

It has Lance's favorite saddle. He doesn't ride anyting else........

I agree, it's a nice bike, not a great deal, but a good deal, if it is indeed your frame size.

One word of caution: Are you sure this is the type of bike you're looking for? The only reason I ask is because we're her in the Clydesdale forum. I have a Cannondale Race Bike, and I haven't ridden it in about fifteen years. Once I topped about 230 lbs. the wheels just wouldn't stand up to the abuse. I started busting spokes like crazy. I promised that I wouldn't ride it again until I broke 200 lbs. again. I haven't done that yet, but I'm on my way, and I hope to do it by the end of this year.

So, that said, are you sure you want a race frame? If the answer is yes, then go for it. However, if you are truly a Clydesdale, you might want to consider something a little sturdier, e.g. a touring or commuter frame.

JMHO. I hope you take my suggestions in the spirit they were given. Good luck.

The size should be good for me. I am ~5'10". I sat on a friends 58, and it felt a bit too big. As for the spoke issue, good point. I am 235 but on the way down.
One of the primary things about this bike is that I know its history from the time it was purchased, and know how this guy takes care of his rides, so I know that it has been very well cared for. That said, it needs to be the right bike. A good or great deal is useless if it is not the right fit for me.

I owned a R300 that had a brutally stiff ride. I think it's the same frame.You may wind up replacing the wheels. Find out the spacing on the rear hub. Cannondale used an odd size for a while, I think it was 122, and finding a replacement wheel was a nightmare. They don't make them any more. If it's got the oddball spacing.....

Personally, I think it's worth half what he's asking at most. And that assumes
it was made late enough that it doesn't have the oddball spacing.

If you do get it, it will take a larger tire, and you will want it.

If it's a 1990, it should be 126mm in the rear for spacing. I'm on my second 'dale of that era and both are/were 126.

It's also worth noting that yoiu can run a 130 spaced rear wheel on these frames. You can't cold set the frame, but you are only flexing the stays 2mm each if you manually spread them to put a 130 wheel in there. I have done it, and know guys who have done it for years, and had no ill effects from any type of frame fatigue or stress.

Most Cannondales came with insanely narrow rims and 32 spokes back then. Great race wheels, but maybe not the best every day wheel for a larger rider (like me). The good news is, you can use a 130 wheel and the gap will allow you up to 28 width tire, maybe a 32 but that would be pushing it.

I owned a R300 that had a brutally stiff ride. I think it's the same frame.You may wind up replacing the wheels. Find out the spacing on the rear hub. Cannondale used an odd size for a while, I think it was 122, and finding a replacement wheel was a nightmare. They don't make them any more. If it's got the oddball spacing.....

Personally, I think it's worth half what he's asking at most. And that assumes
it was made late enough that it doesn't have the oddball spacing.

If you do get it, it will take a larger tire, and you will want it.

The price is pretty market competitive in my area. A regular 105 equipped Criterium or 300 will run close to $300 here if it is in good shape. Like I said, it's a good deal, just not a great deal.

It would be an awseome find for $400 with the Veloce in my area, but knowing it's origins and upkeep history would maybe worth a few bucks to me as well.

If it's a 1990, it should be 126mm in the rear for spacing. I'm on my second 'dale of that era and both are/were 126.


It is a 1996. Not sure if you meant a 90's, or specifically 1990, if that helps.

How many speeds does it have?

9x2

Ok,
my first impression was that it was older than that, and my comments were
based on that. I'd still try to knock the price down a bit. I'd also get some nice smooth riding tires for it in 25-28c. At some point you'll prob want to replace the wheels. There are a few out there with a rep for having a smooth ride.

It is a 1996. Not sure if you meant a 90's, or specifically 1990, if that helps.

Yep, I meant 1990's.

Edit: Being a 1996, it is already spaced at 130 in the rear.

A reasonable price given you know the history and owner. If it is the bike you want, in a size you want, go for it. But its all about size, fit and geometry. The price is high enough that it shouldn't be a try it out bike (one that you try for a while, see how you like it, and sell it if you don't). I only buy used, you are on the right track. A similar bike new would cost well in excess of $1000.

Personally, I stick with steel bikes. But you should get what you want.

My bud has a 2.8 R600. He paid $500 brand new back in 96. I think the price is too steep. MY bud also swapped the crank only cause it had a funky setup as far as the gearing.

Another thing that I wouldn't care for is this frame has the shortened rear triangle. The rear chain stay meets the seat stays in front of the rear axle. A design used by Cannondale in an attempt to make the frame stiffer and more responsive. From what I understand, there was problem with the design. The stays were cracking in the mentioned area. After the 2.8, Cannondale returned to the traditional set up and come out with the CAAD3 design for that reason. Hmmm, wonder why they don't make frames with the shortened stays anymore?:D

Thx for all of the input and feedback-it has been well-recieved and has given me a lot to think about. I am going to take a look at the bike tomorrow, and have a list of questions to ask. From there , I think that I am going to have to think about it a bit. While this style of bike is what I want for the upcoming riding season, I am not committed to this bike speficially.