TheEnthusiast

My uncle gave me this Cannondale yesterday. It doesn't seem to have a factory model decal. It's a 14 speed with very reliable and smooth Suntour components. The frame is fatter than most road bikes I've ever seen but its very light. It also has San Mistral M13 630 aluminum wheels with quick release hubs. Frame is small but fits me just right. Can someone give me any info? I could not find any info online. The serial number on the bottom of the rear dropout reads: 21040987137 and the down tube says 58925.

I also need help on how to air up the tires. It has a valve stem that has a screwable piece.

busdriver1959

I don't know vintage Cannondales very well but I'd guess that you have an 80s era touring model. They have fat tubes because they are aluminum and big diameter with thin walls works well for stiffness and light weight. You have Presta valves on your tire tubes. They are smaller than schraeder valves, the same as on a car. Picture 2 shows the adapter that allows a schraeder pump head to pump up a presta valve. Your pump head will determine whether to use the adapter or not. Either way, the very top of the presta valve is a tiny threaded fitting. Unscrew it. As you pump the tire, greater pressure in the pump will push the small fitting down and open a valve letting air into the tire. The pressure in the tire will close the valve. When done inflating the tire, screw the small fitting back down.

jimmm18 

Nice bike just my size :-)

Here is a link to vintage cannondale catalogs. The screw on piece is an adapter for schrader (like cars) to presta (fancy bicycles) valve heads. You can screw it off. I would go down to a bike shop and I am sure they can help you out with the correct pump if you don't have one now.

Vintage Cannondale - Cannondale Catalogs

OldsCOOL

I see an 87 in your SN you listed. Though I expected maybe '84-ish because of the non-aero brake levers that have the cables out the top of the rubber hoods. Go to Vintage Cannondale - Information and Catalogs for Cannondales and click on "catalog" and then click '87 year. You definately have a touring model and will see those bikes down below the racers that are listed near the top. Nice bike! The paint looks to be in uncharacteristically great shape! Frames are very light, very strong and very stiff. And that's why many of us here are in a cult of sorts.

jjhabbs 

That looks like an 87 ST400

Touring frame, inexpensive suntour, SR and dia compe componants. I don't think the rims are stock. I think they came with Rigida. It existed to reach a pricepoint under $500 at the time.

rccardr 

Yep, serial number confirms it's an 87 ST frame. Parts may have been juggled around since it was originally purchased, but a good, solid bike.

Chombi

The biggest advantage with Presta valves, over Schrader valves, is with the smaller ID opening on them, it is easier to achieve higher than 100psi pressures with bicycle frame and floor pumps. The locking valve also provides more security with the valve's seal during harsh racing conditions...

The Golden Boy 

You've been on a tear, looking at and finding all kinds of bikes!

This Cannondale looks like a good, quality bike.


Best wishes!

TheEnthusiast

Thanks guys! I found out it's actually an SR-500.

catonec 

the tubes are larger because they are aluminum. Cannondale has always been known for its wonderful advancements w/alum and awesome ride quality.

the fork looks to be steel. Unless you are planning on putting some panniers on the front you may want to look into replacing it w/ carbon. Nashbar has a few inexpensive options that would probably make that ride even better. Make sure you buy the right diameter if you get one, probably 1 inch not 1 1/8.
Nashbar - Road Bike Forks

the valves are called presta. most good pumps will have a flip flop head or an adapter to switch between presta and schrader (car tire style).

He gave you the bike?? so you still have the cash you were planning on spending on a bike. Id use it to, replace the foam on the bars w a good wrap. I like fizik's products.
Id invest in clipless pedals and shoes, a second water bottle cage, a seat bag and basic tool kit for on the road repairs, A few extra inner tubes, a frame pump, a floor pump, helmet, blinking light for the rear, gloves, bibs, bottle of chain lube........

depending on how they look, tires, brake pads, new chain, cables/housings

enjoy and ride safe.

qcpmsame 

Please check on this year, the serial number is as noted above, an ST model tourer. The fork has bosses for a rack and the rear drops have 2 fender and rack mounting holes on them. The SR are great crit bicycles, I had a '91 SR300 and loved it dearly. Just don't want you getting bad information. Its a nice bicycle, too.

Bill

shelbyfv

Yes, ST not SR.