Jaxxx

Gonna go see a used cannondale f300 2003, looks like its in good condition, how much should I offer??

offrdmania

Brand new back in 03, the bike sold for about $450. Condition will depict the value. Id say that if it was a garage queen and only ridden a few times then about $200 at the absolute max. And then down from there the lesser the condition. The frame is the only thing of value. The drivetrain, stem, bars, fork, etc are all crap and you will end up swapping them out anyways so the lower you can get it for then the bigger of a budget you will have to upgrade it with good components.

Jaxxx

I ended up getting the bike for $110, a few scratches here and there but bike rides fine.. Just needs a tune up.
But wow, the frame is pretty nice, prob the frame alone is worth almost $100.

Chain seems a bit loose though ( there's quite a bit of bounce up and down), how can I fix this?

Until I get a new chain.

offrdmania

Chain is probably stretched to its max. Not much you can do until you get a new one. Post pic of the bike and the cleanup so that we can see your progress.

Jaxxx

Here's some pics before clean up

Jaxxx

Just took it out for a 6 mile ride and so far she rides fine.. Shifts are pretty smooth , the brakes are fine but needs some adjustments.

What size chain do I need? Any videos on how to do a tune up and install chains?
I can pay a shop to do it but I rather learn.

roccobike

To install a chain, you need a chain breaker. The same tool is used to install the new chain. You want to check out Sheldon Brown's website where they discuss checking the length of the chain. While you have the old chain on, see if when you are on the small cog rear, small cog front is the rear derailer pulling the chain taught or is it slack. If it's slack your old chain is too long. If it's taught, you want to keep the chain length the same.
Also, keep in mind that for mechanical questions, like installing a chain, you might want to post over in the bike mechanic forum.
EDIT: When replacing the chain, don't go on the cheap to Wally World. You want a SRAM, KMC or Shimano chain. Their entry level chain will be good enough, but no department store, off brand chains.