verticle

Just wondering how I came out on my recent purchase. I picked it up for 250, all original components, except for the cassette. It is was cleaner then I was expecting, he hadn't posted any images on CL and wasn't much of a computer guy, so I just had to stop by and check it out. Rides fantastic, shifts smooth, no major paint defects, a few chips, but where you would expect (ie, inside part of the frame by the rear wheel). Also, what is a good way to identify the year? I know it is mid-late 80s, but that's about it. Also, what is this bike really worth, 250 seemed fair, i figure if anything it is probably worth a bit more

rothenfield1

I would ride this bike very fast,....at night,....with my eyes closed,.....

I'm not a big fan of black bikes, but this one might turn me around. Someone with more knowledge on the subject then I might disagree, but I think you got a good deal. There is a website devoted to Cannondale catalogs that someone hopefully will have the link to, but I don't think you'll find this bike in any of them. Your assessment of the year range seems right to me. I would guess a late 80's. I'm no expert on Campy, but it looks like it. That and the inscription on the chain stay implies a special edition or a personalized build-up. Regardless, it appears top-shelf for the period and in good shape. I'd say well done!

verticle

From what i understand the "black lightning" was a promotional thing cannondale did, and isn't anything too special (but i don't really know, if anyone knows more about the black lightning thing i'd appreciate some insight), but it is something you don't see every day. I'd love to get a link to the catalogs website, hopefully someone can help out with that.

rothenfield1

Like I said, someone with more knowledge then I would refute my impression of the bike. But, even though it may have not been that special then, If it rides straight and true, it seems well worth 250 in my market. Those components look high-end for the day to me.

Here's the catalog link: www.vintagecannondale.com/catalog.html

rccardr 

Depending on where you live and actual condition, the price is reasonably competitive. Looks like an 88 (pre cantilever rear stays) but you can tell for sure if you flip the bike over and look for the serial number under the chain stays. First two numbers are frame size in cm, next six are date of frame manufacture. Components are Suntour and are actually pretty good considering the period. There's a BL thread on the C&V main thread that has some more information and opinion you may find interesting.

gomango

If the one available locally is an indicator, you won the lottery!

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...696435434.html

wrk101

Very reasonable price IMHO. I know they changed the components over the years on the bike. Does it have the original components? I believe this model will have nice appreciation from here on out.

Poguemahone

Sheesh, That's a crack-pipe price. $1500 for a black lightning, no way. Not even close. Another good example of why not to take CL asking prices as a price guideline.

OP, your bike was priced about right. Somewhere around 250$ is a good value, not earth shattering, but about right. They're quick bikes, a bit stiff in the ride, but fast (I had one for awhile and sold it for right around 250$. I can't even recall how I found it at this point, the bikes are becoming hazier and hazier).

rccardr 

Value depends a lot on size, location and condition. The one I sold was a fully refurbed 58cm and went too quickly for $425.

EjustE

You did great!
A few things that need to be noted:

a. Black Lightning was not a promotional product but one of Cannondale's SR bikes got the designation based on black components
b. in '87 it was an SR800 with Suntour Sprint, in '88 an SR700 (also with Suntour sprint) and ended life as an SR500 in '89 and '90 with Suntour Edge components as Suntour quit producing black components (or many components, really) past then.
c. All Cannondale racing bikes then from SR2000 to SR300 had the same frame and the model number and price changed based on components (pretty much - forks were different in some cases)

Your bike is either an '87 or '88 (based on a. the headbadge changed in '90 and b. the frame changed to 3.0 Crit in '89) so it has the very nice Suntour Sprint components. Very hard to find these black components and the pantographed stem you have. That stem alone is worth about $100-150 and the group would go close to $500.

Killer deal.

verticle

thanks for the catalog link. after looking at the catalog, it looks to be an 87. the rear derailer on the 87 was black with a gold sticker, while the 88 looks to have a mostly gold derailer. thanks for all the info so far!

verticle

very helpful, thanks! what are the differences between the SR800/700/300/200? From what I'm understanding the frame was identical in 87/88, then changed in 89+ (the extended rear).

EjustE

The differences between the SR800/700/300/200 whatever in the same year pre '89 are only in the components. In '89 the Cantilever frames were introduced and some bikes got a 'criterium' version of the frame (SR800, SR600 and SR400 I think) where other got your version of the frame. The numberic designation is component-dependent only. Also in '90 Cannondales got aluminum forks. Yours has an aluminum fork.

roccobike

I just picked up the 90 version of that bike. Yours is way nicer condition than mine and it should have a steel fork where I'm stuck with an aluminum fork.
These are great looking bikes. They have a sense of mystery about them. Actually, they're just another, very nice Cannondale, but the color scheme and components make them really cool.
And we all know cool is worth at least another 2MPH average speed.