MissKristen 

Hi,

I'm BRAND SPANKING NEW to the road (this is obvious, I'm sure) and am looking for a bike to get me out there. My budget is $600. I'm 5'6" tall. I spotted this Cannondale (looks like 3.0 on the frame) on eBay with a starting bid of $100. Just looking for some opinions on this guy or similar bikes... are the components too outdated? I hate purple, but otherwise it looks good to me... but I know close to zero about this stuff, so help is appreciated!!




Cannondale 54cm road bike, upgraded components with dura-ace several years ago, front and rear hubs, derailers, bottom bracket, 8sp shifters, cranks, pedals. Not sure how many miles are on the cassette but I have included a new 12-23. The existing cassette still has miles left in it. Headset is original, probably 105. All aluminum including fork.

Bike has been very well taken care of and barely ridden for the age, certainly less than 5,000mi. Not sure when the bike was purchased but I believe it was 1986 Not ridden for a couple of years. This was my wife's bike and has set idle for some time. Has some age but is a very good road bike.


I apologize if I'm breaking forum guidelines or looking like a complete n00b, but I gotta start somewhere.

Thanks

botto 

a 54 is too big for you.

MissKristen 

Okay, so should I be aiming more for a 52 then?

TempestRS4

Try looking between 48 and 50

wfrogge

I have had that frame in a past life... its too big for you

botto 

if you are indeed a "Miss", then TempestRS4 is closer to the mark.

MissKristen 

Alrighty. Guess I'll venture over to one of my bike stores to get sized correctly before I start throwing money around Thanks guys.

Nanomite

Somebody recently posted this link.... If your bored and have a tape measure then try it. I measured my wife using this last night. She is the same height as you and the competitive fit was ~ 47, Eddy fit ~ 49.5 and the relaxed fit (French) ~ 52 which is the largest appropriate frame size.

I'd still go get fitted.

Fit Calculator

embankmentlb

Not a 1986 frame. 1988 on the frame. Those early dales are some hash riding bikes that will beat you to death. Just something to keep in mind.

gettingold

Depends on the frame. I am about 5'6.5" and was a 52 on a similar Cannondale Black Lightning. Professionally fitted as a 54 on an '09 madone. Also depends on your proportions.

urbanknight

My mom has that same bike, except with 105 components. It's a little outdated, but a very nice starter bike. Since she hasn't used hers since 1995, it's in great shape and we were going to sell it for about $350 if that gives you a good idea of what it is worth.

Back then, Cannondale measured their frames to the top of the seat tube and they used short top tubes, so that bike probably fits like a 50 or 52. My mother is 5'1" and I believe her Cannondale 3.0 is a 49 or 50. I ride a 55/56 and my Cannondale track bike from the same time era was a 58. Of course, the OP should still get fitted and test ride any bike before buying it.