DVC45

I've been correspoding with the seller of this bike https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/1600938412.html since yesterday.
The seller couldn't provide any photo, but says it was never used for touring (just local bike trails)and its in great condition. The owner is 5'6" in height, so it should fit me (I'm 5'7"). Is this a good price at $300? She's firm with her price.
If I buy it, its going to be a keeper, I have no intention of flipping it.

miamijim

28" standover is borderline small for a 5' 7" rider. I'm 5'8" with a 29" inseam for my blue jeans and find 54cm frames with 30" standovers most comfortable.

If it fits $300 is on the high end of retail street value but acceptable if the condition is good and its ride ready.

wrk101

Assuming it is super clean, thats a nice bike for $300. I sold a super clean 1987 T600 last year for more than that. That model had some really nice Shimano 600 components.

Small frame size makes it an even better deal. IMHO, Cannondales run on the big side for a given size. For example, my 23 inch Miyata touring bike fits great, the 23 inch Cannondale touring bike was way too big for me. So the bike could be just right for you. I am 5-11, and find myself between a 21 inch and a 23 inch Cannondale.

Check the frame for typical crappy paint. That is in the middle of the crappy paint era for Cannondale. Mine was pretty good, particularly for that era.

DVC45

Thanks guys! I'll have a chance to see it tomorrow. More likely, I'll pick it up.

corkscrew

Decent deal assuming its WAY clean, although I wouldn't pay more for it.

I considered myself lucky when I picked up my '93 T700 for $175. Was in great shape, just needed a cleaning and new bar tape. Mine's a 25" in model though.

DVC45

I'm excited to see it. Hopefully it is, what the seller says it is.

How about this one? https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/1605496428.html

Which is a better deal? I know both can fit me. With the Cannondale, I might have to lenghten the stem. This one is probably just right.

Chicago Al 

That Passage has been listed over and over for months. The seller must want every bit of his asking price, $375. Pretty bike, and you won't see another one out there.

bibliobob

Prices are fair for both, I'd say, though not giveaways. I sold an ST 400 for round $325 last year, during the winter. Are you going to do any loaded touring, or commuting with panniers? If so, I wouldn't worry about the ride of aluminum. If you're going to ride without carrying anything, I'd prefer the Passage. And, as always, fit should drive all purchasing.

Good luck! Keep us posted.

sickmtbnutcase

Get the ST Like mentioned before, fair price if it's clean. I love mine.

wrk101

I love this sentence in the Cannondale ad: "moving bike needs to go".

I smell a deal. Take cash with you, if its really clean and fits, offer $250, maybe a tad less, and you will probably be taking it home with you.

I just noticed it is a 1990 (I didn't read close enough). That is good news as you might be past the crap paint period.

If the bike is nice and clean, it would not last long during riding season.

EjustE

The other difference with the 90s is that the fork is aluminum unlike the older bikes. A '90 Cannondale frame that passed through my hands had the paint issues but not that bad, plus it was black.

DVC45

Yup, so there might be some room for negotiation, huh?
I will hold off on bargaining, though, til I get there.

The bike will be for trail rides, commuting and yes, maybe touring, if time and finances allows me to do it someday... hopefully when I'm still able.

wrk101

Assuming you are in the Chicago area, one thing that is really great is the huge trail system. I did some riding on the trails a year ago. They just about connect all of the suburbs, then I caught the I & M canal and the Hennepin Canal towpaths. So you can ride pretty much across the state on the trails. I grew up in the area, got out as fast as I could, but will probably do some more of it on the next inlaw visit.

+1 Don't bargain via email with the seller. Bargain in person, with cash in hand. I ignore email offers, most Craigs List "buyers" are no shows, so I don't waste the time. But once the buyer shows up, let the bargaining begin.