Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Need help on this Cannondale

Can you guys tell what model, year is this Cannondale? Seller is asking $300, does it worth that kind of value? Also it's a 25" frame, could that be too big for a 6'3 man which has 98cm (38.5") inseam?


Bike Description:

Cannondale Race Bike USA

for the tall man I believe 25" frame good condition older model bike crank, suntour derilier,dia-compo breaks Sugino


http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/090912/903r2/06092k5_20.jpeg

http://img1.classistatic.com/cps/kj/090912/904r3/3364ek0_20.jpeg

It's a mid to late 80's ST400, Cannondale's touring bike series. Double front means it's the lower end model (mid and upper level had triples) but all frames were the same within series. Not a racing bike, more relaxed geometry than the Criterium series, and has braze-ons for fenders, racks, etc. should you have thoughts in that direction.

Aluminum frame, very stiff, and although others have reported problems with frames cracking, I have not had that trouble on any of the five (!) that I presently own. Those DC brakes are not particularly strong, however- even with new pads.

It's the right frame for someone your size and the price is very good ($300 C being somewhat less than that in Amerobucks) assuming it presents as well in person as it does in the picture.

It's a mid to late 80's ST400, Cannondale's touring bike series. Double front means it's the lower end model (mid and upper level had triples) but all frames were the same within series. Not a racing bike, more relaxed geometry than the Criterium series, and has braze-ons for fenders, racks, etc. should you have thoughts in that direction.

Aluminum frame, very stiff, and although others have reported problems with frames cracking, I have not had that trouble on any of the five (!) that I presently own. Those DC brakes are not particularly strong, however- even with new pads.

It's the right frame for someone your size and the price is very good ($300 C being somewhat less than that in Amerobucks) assuming it presents as well in person as it does in the picture.

Thank you for you very detailed info. However when I looked at the first picture, I see a dent/bent? around the chainstay area. Does it affects the bike performance and still worth the $300?! That looks very nasty

And I guess this bike is much better than a 85' Miyata Ninety, an entry level road bike?

That is not a dent, that is how the bike was made. Its so the crank arms/pedals will clear the chain stay.

I believe yours is a 1988 model.

Here's a close-up from my 1985 ST500 (one model up). Note, this crankset is not original. Bike came with a very similar crankset, but former owner buggered it up. Barcons are not original either.

No comparison between a Cannondale and your Miyata 90, other than they both are bicycles.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3856721889_fff8f90218_o.jpg

Note, the ST400 and ST500 are pretty similar, but the ST500 has a triple crankset. Go to the vintage Cannondale site and learn more.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3856721577_e45a9db357_o.jpg

Ahh good to know. Thanks wrk101. Since you have the bike, will you consider the bike heavy or light?

Ahh good to know. Thanks wrk101. Since you have the bike, will you consider the bike heavy or light?
Its light for a touring bike. Cannondales are surprisingly light, compared to other bikes from that era. The web site probably lists the weight.

Realize that touring bikes in general are heavier than road/racing bikes. They are made to carry a load, where the bike weight itself is less critical. So if you are looking for something super light, I would not look at touring bikes.

I currently have three touring bikes, so I guess I like them pretty well!

I'm presently in the mood to add a touring bike to the line up so I'd say pounce on it. As touring bikes go, that is very light. It's actually pretty light compared to road bikes of its era. Unless you are going to actually race, like with entry fees and numbers this bike is as light and fast as you'll want or need. The steering and handling are a bit more cruiser than sports car but again unless you're racing, that's a good thing.

That bike is as perfectly sized for you as you could ask for an off the shelf purchase.

Just FYI, another of these 25 inch babies -also a black one- was recently posted on eBay. Bid price is still quite attractive.

ANd yet another 25 incher on eBay- this one a yellow '87 ST400 (listed as an ST600) with the factory handpainted graphics. Looks like it's in very nice shape. If it were a 23 I'd be all over it.