Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - '84, '85, or '86 Cannondale SR, unsure of model

I found this bike on CL, and am looking at whether it is a good buy for my GF looking for her first road bike.

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik/2998131300.html

I went through vintagecannondale.com and looked through their catalogs, and have narrowed it down to either a '84, '85, or '86 SR, mostly through reading other threads here. The seller said that he had it tuned up 2 years ago, but it would need new tires and is asking $199, which I think might be a little high considering the paint is roughed up and it needs new tires.

I am going to check it out tomorrow night and was looking for any additional info anyone may be able to give.

Thanks,
Paul

Some of those old C'Dales are pretty stiff and ride accordingly. Are you sure that's what you want for her first road bike?

I've read that a lot about the older C'dales, but without ever having ridden one myself I'm not sure how stiff the ride actually is. I'm taking her with on Wednesday to make sure that it is the correct size and all. Really I'm just looking for more info about the bike and whether its worth the money.

Plus, if its too big for her, it might turn into a commuter bike for me.

Looks more like a 52-53cm to me. Definitely not a 56. Bring a tape measure.

The old Cannondales still go for money, as they were nice bikes when new (Cannondale didn't make bottom barrel junk.) So normally I'd say $200 for that bike would be a good price. But considering the condition, I wouldn't pay more than $150. The stem, pedals, and saddle are not original and really bad downgrades IMO so that would be a big negative for me.

Probably a 48-50cm, you can tell by the way the top tube connects with the downtube and the super short head tube. Definitely an 83-4-5 because of the metal top tube cable guides (that's good). It's an ST model, also good for a first timer, very nice ride with the steel fork. Hard to tell from the picture angle, but I would carefully check the fork to make sure it isn't bent- there ought to be a generous amount of space between the front tire and down tube when it's straight ahead. Components are most likely Sugino double crank and BB, Suntour FD/RD/shifters and DiaCompe brakes and levers. Not bad stuff, but IMHO those old DC brakesets need at least new pads to actually stop things instead of just slowing down. 27" wheelset, so take that into consideration with regard to tires.

I agree that does look small for a 56ish frame. I also agre this is a stiff ride! I had a '89/90 frame I used for a commuter one year and no matter what wheels I put on it it was a harsh ride.

The pice is so so you should try and get it for $150 like Jake says, new decent tires will be a $50 easy and set of pedals to atleast take toeclips wil be another $15-25

http://images.craigslist.org/5Eb5F15J63K23G93m0c5557e4ca69655e1203.jpg

I would be interested to know more about the parts.

Probably a 48-50cm, you can tell by the way the top tube connects with the downtube and the super short head tube. Definitely an 83-4-5 because of the metal top tube cable guides (that's good). It's an ST model, also good for a first timer, very nice ride with the steel fork. Hard to tell from the picture angle, but I would carefully check the fork to make sure it isn't bent- there ought to be a generous amount of space between the front tire and down tube when it's straight ahead. Components are most likely Sugino double crank and BB, Suntour FD/RD/shifters and DiaCompe brakes and levers. Not bad stuff, but IMHO those old DC brakesets need at least new pads to actually stop things instead of just slowing down. 27" wheelset, so take that into consideration with regard to tires.

Just curious, how can you tell that it is a ST vs an SR?


I would be interested to know more about the parts.\

I'll take more pictures tomorrow and let you know what I find out and how it goes.

Here's website, might help to check the model year: http://www.vintagecannondale.com/info.html

I agree with you, roughed paint and tires, maybe some other problems, you could end up dropping another couple hundred into it. I don't like the stem mods on that one, does GF like having the upright ride? And, as mentioned, those old Cannondales can be stiff.
I think it's not the best choice for girlfriend's first roadie. Assuming you buy this and dump a couple hundred into it, why not swing by a bike shop as you could probably get her a shiny new Cannondale flat-bar roadie for under $500?

Is Polk City far? if it fits, this might be worth a look but the price should be closer to 200. http://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik/3030254299.html

A good used Nishiki Road bike $300 or best offer call 712-790-two four eight five

http://images.craigslist.org/5N35Q65M73G33Mc3J6c5lf70a48041b1f1654.jpg

4130 triple butted main tubes, and I think that is a "Green" 105 group so... 6spd index?

Is Polk City far? if it fits, this might be worth a look but the price should be closer to 200. http://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik/3030254299.html

A good used Nishiki Road bike $300 or best offer call 712-790-two four eight five

http://images.craigslist.org/5N35Q65M73G33Mc3J6c5lf70a48041b1f1654.jpg

4130 triple butted main tubes, and I think that is a "Green" 105 group so... 6spd index?

No, Polk City isn't too far at all, but I think that may be a bit too large for her. She is only about 5'5 or 5'6 so I was thinking maybe a 52cm?

ST's have a rack mount on the seat stays and more space between the rear wheel and the seat tube due to the longer chainstays.
SR = no rack mount, wheel is right up against the FD and seat tube.

Ok thanks, still new to this and working on finding those differences.

Dr. C'Dale, as far as the 27" wheelset goes, what do I need to look out for? Just the size of the replacement wheels for the bike?

Chances are the wheels are fine. The hubs may need repacking, but that's no big deal. There's just a larger selection of 700C tires than 27's out there.
My wife's Trek 420 mixte uses 27's and she runs Vittoria's.

Ok thanks, still new to this and working on finding those differences.

Dr. C'Dale, as far as the 27" wheelset goes, what do I need to look out for? Just the size of the replacement wheels for the bike?

If you're new to the 27" v. 700c, this: http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

In short, that bike has 27" wheels, so you'll need 27" rubber (not 700C size tires), as Dr.C pointed out, they're rare in bike shops nowadays but you can order them online pretty easily.