Mountain Biking - What to do with Old Cannondale?

Years ago I use to ride pretty heavy. I rode a 1997 Cannondale F700 and I still have it. I recently got back in to biking and I still have been using this bike but it is getting worn out.

A few years back I picked up a 2000 Cannondale Super V 800 barely used and I got a great deal on it. I never road it and it just sat in my garage. I want to start riding this bike but I have a few issues with it.

I don't exactly like the back shock on it. It is an old Fox Vanilla with only a presag adjustment. It bobs a little but not to bad. My main issue with this bike is the Super Fatty D headshock. Something is not right about it. It is not nearly as plush as my headshock on my F700 and when it is locked out I can feel movement like the whole thing is loose. Also the boot seems to be stretched out.

I plan on bringing into a shop to get it checked out and possibly replace the back shock. I feel it is worth putting a few bucks into since I did get it for so cheap and it has pretty good components on it.

How much should I expect to spend if the headshock just needs some maintenance and also if I have to replace it? Also what should I expect to pay for a descent back shock?

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Eric

"What to do with Old Cannondale?"

give it to me :p

If you need the Headshock serviced, they now mail it back to Cannondale, unless you can find a qualified mechanic from those days and still has some spare parts in the shop. A sent back and rebuild will probably cost you close to $75 to $100, depending on what is needed. New Cannondale fork, about $350.

Or, you can buy reducer cups and run ANY 1-1/8" fork on the bike.

You can find new shocks on ebay for cheap! Just measure the eye to eye and then find the stroke. It's proabably a 6.5" eye to eye, with a 1.25" stroke. Just guessing!

The spring may have some writing on it to indicate. usually two numbers, the first being the spring rate then the second the stroke. i.e. 600 x 1.62 or something.

L8R

If you want the specs for mounting the shock then you can e-mail cannondale.

here is the specs from my 99' super V 500 frame:

The eye to eye on a 1999 Super V frame was 6.5 inch.

Application 99' Super VA 100SL
Type/material Welded Aluminum
Brake type(s) Cantilever / Disc
Travel 120mm
Shock eye to eye 6.50"
Derailer hanger Std. Mt.
Drop-out spacing 135mm
Bearing 6052 A417
Pivot A459
Weight 2.38lbs.
Max. tire width 2.25"
Front derailer 31.8mm BP

I am with A2 go buy the reducers, headset, stem, and new fork.