strobeltom2

I'm brand new so I apologize in advance for any missteps I'll make.
I have a Cannondale SM 500, serial # 52010905222. This number implies the bike was made in 2005, but can't find any mention of the SM500 except in the 1980s. I want to sell the bike but want to know what I have before I do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tom
Austin, Texas

Bianchigirll 

HI strobeltom2 welcome to the forums. from the components I think it looks very late '80s early '90s. OK first there is a dedicated apprasail forum so don't be suprised if a Moderator moves it to there. it is the next one after the Classic and Vintage in the index

can you post some more and better pics? a good overall pic from the drive side and then some better pics of the derailleurs.

Unfortunatly as others here will tell you MTBs usually do not have alot of resale value. if you live near a big college or Metro area that will help both the price and how fast it will sell.

T-Mar

The XCE components indicate it is a 1989 or 1990 model SM500, as this model went to the XC-1 group in 1991. These were mid-range ATBs with an MSL of $530-$585, depending on the exact year.

strobeltom2

Bianchigirll,

Thanks for your response. I've attached a few more pics.......

Tom

strobeltom2

Thanks, T-Mar. What's confusing to me is the serial #52010905222. Doesn't that mean it was built in late 2004 or 2005?
I'm a total rookie so excuse the naive questions!

Sirrus Rider

MTB's are really undervalued based on their capabilities; however, the real killer is the fact that most were ridden hard and just run into the ground.

skyrider

These are very good riding bikes in my opinion American made also I think. I would think twice about selling it. Good to see Tmar around.

T-Mar

I suspect a factory worker accidentally mixed up the placement of the stamps. The last "5" is definitely out of position. If you place that "5" somewhere after the first "2" and before the "9" you get a plausible serial number and a 1990 manufacturing date, indicating a 1990 or 1991 model. This correlates well with the production era for the XCE components and frame characteristics like the cantilever rear dropouts.

I happen to have the 1990 catalog but not the 1991. The 1990 model came in two color schemes, black/white/magneta and Evergreen. Yours looks disctinctly blue, so I assume it's a 1991 model by process of elimination. Outside of the color, it is an excellent match with the catalog.

strobeltom2

Makes sense to me. Thanks for your help!

juanitobanana

Would it be worth to buy one NOS for 350 Euros? seems to me that all parts in SM500 are US-Europe made: I mean not "el cheapoi" handlabour whatever the name they brand on them. If it was good then is it good now?

Thumpic

Those are great bikes. If you are just wanting the most bucks for the least effort, clean it good, tune it up and be patient. Ask 350 take anything over 250.

beanteck

I happened across an 87 this weekend. I bought it as a flipper, but I put on some 700c wheels on to check for clearance and brake reach, and it looks pretty darn good. Now Im looking for 700c wheel sets and dirt drops, instead of prepping it for a sale listing. Darn this bicycle addiction...

oddjob2

Your brake pads are hanging kinda low. I doubt 700c rims would work on a MTB frame.

beanteck

Yeah, those roller cams will likely be sold on ebay to help fund the build. Both bridges are drilled for caliper brakes. I test fit with some light action ones I have lying around, and they line up perfectly on the wheels pictured.