tomio

Hi, so I came across this posting on craigslist... There are no actual pictures of the bike, just of another criterium. I'm trying to buy a bike for my girlfriend for Christmas. So my real question is, seeing as neither my girlfriend or I have any experience with putting together bikes, is it worth buying this for $50? Is it possible to bring the parts in to a shop and have them put it together? I don't know how disassembled it is, but we are checking it out tonight. Besides the obvious parts like derailleurs etc..., what should I be looking for?

The seller states that it was boxed up to be shipped out, but decided against it.

CL Posting

Cannondale criterium road racing bike for sale. Frame size unknown but appropriate for riders in the 5' 5"- 5' 8" range.

The aluminum racing frame has very aggressive, criterium-appropriate geometry. It has an oversized downtube, and a characteristically stiff ride. Bike believed to have been purchased in the early 90s.

Specs:
- aluminum frame
- criterium geometry
- Shimano 105 package (12 speed)
- Mavic wheels
- Blue paint with yellow highlights

This is a great bike but has not been ridden in years. I'm selling as I am moving out of the country. Bike is in a box and not in rideable condition, but you are free to examine everything.

Note: this photo is not the exact bike, but is the closest photo I could find. The frame is almost exactly what is shown (but in blue).

Bianchigirll 

Hello well if there was atleast a pic or two so you could see for sure that the wheels and frame are OK $50 for a cannondale and a 12spd 105 group isn't too bad if you can rebuild it. I don't know where this bike is but for a few more dollars you can likely find something rideable. also a cannondal bike is a very stiff 'racy' ride is this what your GF wants?

is we know where you lived some C&V who cleans and resells beikes for fun might be able to help you either get this and build it or sell you something ready to roll

wrk101

What would I look for? I would look for enough parts to justify the price (won't take much), then I would gladly give the guy $50 and leave. Don't expect perfection. But a decent set of wheels and a handful of 105 components put you well over the $50 mark.

All of this is assuming you have the ability to assemble and repair the bike. If not, I would pass on it.

If you take a box of parts to a shop, don't be surprised if it costs you $150 to $200 to get the bike road worthy. Doing it yourself, and you should be able to do it for $50. The difference: the shop has to cover its overhead and labor.

I normally buy project bikes, in a condition similar to what you describe. I just look for enough information that I know the asking price is covered, and I buy it. I don't really quibble over defects. I am buying parts at that point. Of course, I hope that the frame is straight, and everything is in top condition. But the deals often are projects, which include defects. I have two such Cannondale projects right now, one a Criterium.

If you are going to take it to a shop, then the frame really needs to be in top notch condition. Inspect it carefully for defects: dents, dings, stuck seat post or stem, etc.

But in the end, bicycle projects are really best suited for do it yourselfers.

abarth

Yeah it is a great deal as long as there are no dents or bent frame. I wrote the seller last night but have not heard anything back. It is probably gone by now.

tomio

I will let you guys know about any further developments on this. As always, you guys have been very helpful.

rccardr 

Blue frame with yellow highlights, 12 speed is most probably a 1988 SR500. Shimano 105 group, very durable, sweet bike. Pic of one of these I refurbed and sold is below.
Hard to judge without knowiing the size bike you want or what your mechg skills are, but for $50, well...I'd buy it. But then I have boxes of old Shimano parts from that era and anything that's broken or screwed up I can just replace.

tomio

Got the bike. My girlfriends loves (the look of) it. It was just disassembled for shipping, so we put it together in a few minutes. Awesome deal... Now going to take it to the shop and have it tuned. Thanks for all of your help!