Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Cannondale Criterium

I'm looking at a Cannondale Criterium on ebay currently. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the link since according to the forum rules I'm not supposed to if it is my auction, but it isn't mine. And since I'm new here, I'd rather not take the risk and get banned. If ya'll think I can post the link I will.

Poor college student here, trying to buy a decent bike for under 250 if possible.

But yeah, here's what the listing states:

Shimano 105 rear derailleur
Shimano 105 front derailleur
Shimano 105 shift levers
Shimano 105 brakes
Shimano 105 brake levers
Shimano 105 hubs
Shimano Bio Pace cranks
Wobler (700) front rim
Zac 19 (700) rear rim
12 Speeds
Vetta C-15 computer(not working)
Seat tube: 57 cm center to center
Top tube: 57 cm center to center
Stand over height: 33 1/2 inches.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/bigtruckguy3500/untitled-1.jpg

Any suggestions on what I should be willing to go up to on the auction? Shipping is $50.

Apples and oranges, man!

This is a very different beast than the Trek. The Trek has relaxed angles, a longer wheelbase, and a compliant steel frame, good for comfortable long distance (but still efficient) riding on various road surfaces, with the ability to take fat tires, fenders and a rack.

This Cannondale is a spirited rocket, good for fast club rides (okay, well, maybe in 1987), zooming around campus or the city, and intense training rides. But over long distances it will beat up your body a bit more, and it will be jittery over rough surfaces (though a skilled rider can avoid pitfalls and control any bike). Not the best commuting or utility bike, though I'm sure it could be pressed into that duty if necessary.

What are you looking for?

Anyway, Cannondales, like Treks, sell for more than comparable bikes. I'd stick to your budget however ($200 + $50 shipping). It's likely to sell for that or more. Don't get in a bid war...it's not worth it. It looks to be in good condition, but expect to pay a little above and beyond the final price. It doesn't appear the owner has done any recent service to it. May need new tires (dry rot), possibly new brake pads, possibly cables and housing, though there's no visible sign of frayed cables. You would also probably want to repack all bearings, which you can do yourself inexpensively. The saddle sucks, so expect you'll need to find a replacement, unless you plan very short trips on campus or around town.

Oh, and you're allowed to link to auctions, but keep in mind there are vultures lurking who might decide to bid as well. Unlikely, but possible.

As JYB said stick to your budget. If you can get it for $200 plus shipping I'd say go for it.

Whats your ideal frame size?

I would recommend a poor college student hit the garage sale/thrift store circuit. That plus local pickup only auctions on ebay are where many of the best deals can be found.

A nice Cannondale with reasonable shipping like this one will likely go for full market value.

As JYB said stick to your budget. If you can get it for $200 plus shipping I'd say go for it. Whats your ideal frame size? Ideally I'm I think I'm looking for about a 57-58cm bike with a 33" standover, give or take a half inch or so. My height is right at about 6', so that's what I'm figuring. My old mountain bike is 22.5", or 57 cm, and I've grown about 2 inches since I got it. But from what I understand, road bike geometry is a little different. I have a friend with a new Specialized Sirrus that is 55cm (virtual top tube measurement, since they are sloped), and his bike is semi comfy, but I don't get enough extension w/ my legs.

That's an 88 SR500, looks like a 60cm frame. Tires & bar tape have been replaced. I have one of those in Blueberry with the factory custom graphics. It's my favorite ride (I have 3 Cannondale's from that period) and I'm just under 6 feet with longish legs. Biopace cranks are easier on my (older) knees on the hills than round chainrings- not an issue for a college guy like yourself, but still. Biggest difference to me over buying something else is that you could probably buy that, ride it for a few years and sell it for as much or more than you paid if you keep it up. And if the brake pads haven't already been replaced that should be purchase #1.