Lipton

I found an old Cannondale on Craigslist:
Cannondale road bike

As I'm not very knowledgeable on C'dales, I need a little help determining the value of this one.
I know the pictures aren't the greatest, but that's why I need a professional to take a look on this one.
It looks like a R300, probably 1998...The original stem, fork, saddle and brake levers look like they've been replaced.
How much should I offer?

Any input would be appreciated!

datlas 

Wow it looks like it has integrated shifters/brake levers but actual shifting is done by bar-end shifters. Interesting.

Homebrew01

That's a little kooky, but maybe the STI part of the shifter broke, and switched to bar-end ?? Bike is decent, but I would want to verify the STI shifters work. Stick a cable in there and pull on it while clicking through.

jrossbeck

It's a 1998 alright. Right off the bat it looks like new bar tape, seat and possibly a stem...the current stem has a serious upward angle not common to road geometry. So you're already looking north of $300 in actual cost. Not sure what's up with the seat post, and that is probably not the original fork. Just my two cents.

elboGreaze

Kind of a cobbled up mess, I'd pass. As pointed out , wacky stem, painted fork , etc., STI shifters probably not working .

RatMudd

In my opinion, any Cannondale frame is worth $250. Very nice for an errand runner. It's probably a stiff ride so take that into account if you plan on riding it 10+ miles. Make sure the frame isn't cracked. Check wear on chain rings. Needs test rode. It has potential of being an awesome ride with very few dollars put into it. It's probably never been greased since 1998, so a total overhaul is probably due. Looks nice but that's just a picture.

The seller says 5' 8" is tallish. Not really. Make sure it fits. And that Ulock hanging on the spokes is not very kind. I'm assuming the seller also doesn't know anything about bikes.

Lipton

Assuming the STI shifters are functional, are they any other parts that might pose a problem, or need some work?
And what effect would the unusual angle of the stem have on the bike? Would I need to replace them?
Also, if the STI shifters work, then would it be necessary of beneficial to replace the handlebars?
Thanks guys!

Bradleykd

The stem is just a fit issue. You will likely have to replace that on any used bike to make it fit you correctly.

If the STI shifters work, you wouldn't have to replace the bar. You would only have to adjust cable length and hook them to the STIs and put regular bar end plugs where the bar end shifters are now.

I suspect that if they work, they are probably not compatible with either the rear derailleur or the cassette (Probably originally an 8 speed, may be a 9 or 10 speed wheel and cassette on it, or was modified to be 9 or 10 speed but they put the old wheel and cassette back on it). There would be no other reason to go to bar ends in the first place. It has definitely had some changes from factory because it looks like it was originally down-tube shifters.

Homebrew01

Wanna buy my late 1980s frames ?

jrossbeck

That model came with STI shifters. It is possible they went to bar end because the STI is not functional, or any other reason. But the levers are likely stock.

1998 Cannondale R300 - BikePedia

Bradleykd

That's odd. It has DT adapters on it. Maybe they didn't change frame design to a braze-on cable stop yet for the change to STIs. Looks like 96 was the last year for DT shifting. :shrug:

Jiggle

Pass. That bike looks like it's seen some miles and some neglect.

Homebrew01

Waddya want for $250 ?

Jiggle

The problem with buying a beat up bike for cheap is that it turns out to be not so cheap. I'm seeing it needing at least a replacement stem, bar tape, seat post, and seat.

Check this out: "Dawes Lightning Sport" ** ROAD BIKE ** ( Frame Size = 56 cm. )

Or this: Vintage Schwinn Road Bike with New Parts

Both functional machines in good condition for $150.

RatMudd

I would love to seriously think about it. Please shoot me a message so I have you accessible. Perhaps an email and phone # would be nice, in case you ever become a little vacant from bikeforums. I'll be in money after a house is flipped, could be in 2 months, could be in 8 months. I would indeed like to hear what you have and what sizes. Shoot me a message when you have time. Awesome.

Bradleykd

Matter of fact, you might as well post all of this info, and your bank account numbers so we can wire you some money...

Lipton

Cannondale R300 Road Bike

I found this one also, contacted the seller, and he's willing to give them up for 230.
They do have steel wheels, though.

Should I go for it?

LesterOfPuppets

Those rims don't look steel to me.

Lipton

I thought so as well, but the seller insists that they are steel...
Strange, that's not really going to help him...

Jiggle

The spokes are steel.

Lipton

What about the rim itself?
Also, what are the differences between steel and alloy spokes?

Homebrew01

In this case (and 95% of non-junk road bikes)

Rims are aluminum,
Spokes are steel,
nipples are brass.

Higher end expensive wheels are a different animal, and low end department store bikes might have steel rims.

Homebrew01

This bike is older (pre-1990 ?), and does not have STI shifters.
Between the 2, I would get the yellow one, if the shifters work. If they don't, then $75 less.

Jiggle

The rim is extruded aluminum. Aluminum spokes are much thicker than steel because Al has 1/3 the strength and has poorer fatigue endurance. Steel is an ideal spoke material.

Juan Foote

Iirc those are RSX brifters. The age of them caused a lot to gum up and fail. The frame is a stiff but responsive ride. If the wheels are original check for cracks at the nipples.