Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Cannondale "White Lightning"

I was asked to make an offer on this Cannondale but I really dont know very much about them. This one has Suntour Edge components like those that came on the black lightning with a shimano 105 decal on the chain stay. He says he put new tires on it that cost $100 as well as he put on a blackburn rear rack.

What would be a good offer on this bike?

213857
213858

Judging from the dirt in the hard to reach places, I get a feeling this hasn't been fully serviced recently.

And the Edge stuff is more than a step down from the 105 that frame seems to have come with.

$150 tops.

Ask the seller what he/she has done to it, besides putting on the expensive tires. Are you going to have to service this bike when you get it? That is a huge consideration. There is a sweet spot where the seller is getting a little for their efforts, and you aren't giving up too much in terms of value. It also depends on where you are. In a town where bikes are highly valued, it will go for more than in a town where bikes are garage decorations. Finally, what will you be doing with it? If you want it for a commuter or a trainer bike, and it is clean and fully serviced, you shouldn't feel bad paying a premium. If you are an opportunist looking to sell the bike right away, you don't want one that's tip top anyway, because the seller will have spent himself out of your price range.

If you like it, but it's too rich for you, ask if he'll sell w/o the tires. Also, the component group, as the previous poster mentioned, is not as good as the comparable Shimano goups of the day, but it is still functional (I personally like Suntour accushift). It's not garbage.

...and it's not a White Lightning. Never was.

Thanks temon00. I will take your points into consideration when I talk to this gentleman next.



...and it's not a White Lightning. Never was.

Correct. That was the reason I put it into quotations as I was wondering why there are black lightning components added to a white frame instead of 105. Perhaps the original owner was trying to make his/her own "White Lightning".

I suspect some former owner either took the 105 off to put on a steel frame that had the Edge on it and vice versa.

I certainly would not pay too much. if the tires have miles on them they are no longer worth $100. I agree it looks like it need some heavy cleaning and likely a complete overhaul.

$150 to 175