gstein

[posted originally in Road Cycling forum, but realized this is the more appropriate forum for my question]

I have an opportunity to purchase a vintage 1987 aluminum Cannondale ST800 for around $450, which appears to be in good condition. I'm not overly knowledgable re: this bike and components and would like thoughts on if this is a good/great bike and one worth purchasing (not for an everyday rider, but a secondary bike for charity rides, ride on Sunday, etc.)?

All stock components minus the Brooks saddle. The components are SunTour Superbe and it has the front and rear fenders and racks for bags.

All the specs can be found in the following Cannondale brouchure page 17:

http://www.vintagecannondale.com/year/1987/1987.pdf

Appreciate any and all feedback. What do you think, make offer or keep looking?

canopus 

I love them. I ride an '86 ST400 and wish I could find an ST800. That said I think 450 is a little over what I would pay. Now admittedly I haven't seen any ST800's for sale. When I was in the shop back then not to many full tourer got sold especially the top end. But I have seen the ST600 and 400's go from 175 to 225 full bike. I purchased my ST400 in F&F for 100. If it was in really good condition I would go 300 to maybe 350. Those are keep prices.

wrk101

Depends on the condition of the bike. Cannondales from that era tended to have really crappy paint, that peeled and chipped a lot. So if the paint looks good, and the bike is in ready to ride condition, then it is worth that price. Vintage touring bikes hold their value really well. Cannondale has a strong following. At the $450 price point, the bike would need to be in awesome condition. Component level on that bike was great. I have seen a nice T600 go for $350, and it probably could have brought a few $$ more. You are not going to find any of the Cannondale touring bikes for under $300, unless you scoop up a deal. And the T800 is pretty high up the food chain.

As an end user, I would not have a problem paying $450 for this bike in great condition, but I would deduct for any/all defects from there.

Bianchigirll 

I agree wigh Bill. can you get some pics? I know my friends that had real touring bikes often had road or sport bikes they rode most of the time. so their touring bikes only got maybe 500 to 700 mi a year depending on the vacation route.

Bianchigirll 

PS like I always say if it is less than 6 months old no one in the other forums care about it. the responders name has been with held for their protection.

""$450 is a lot for a bike that's over 20 years old. I also noticed the bike only have five speeds in the back and 27" wheels. Usually I try to stay away from old ten speed bikes (this has a triple, so 15) and get something with more gears. Also 700c wheels are a lot better to deal with.

IMO, I don't think it's worth it. The Classic and Vintage forum will be able to give you more information though.

Are you looking for a touring bike or a road bike?""

rccardr 

+5
If in very very nice, ready to ride condition and needing nothing, that's a fair price for an exceptional steed. In a hot bike market (DC, SF, SEattle, Portland) the same bike in - again- outstanding condition and needing nothing will go for much more than that.

gstein

Just received a picture from the seller. Bill you were correct, several chips throughout the frame. Also, he says the Brooks seat does not come with the bike (big disappoinment given the replacement cost). The rest of the bike looks in good shape. He did send pictures of the bag racks (front and back), fenders and third water bottle, so I know these items are part of the sell, just not installed on the bike.

I agree with you guys, the asking price of $450 is too steep, especially with the saddle missing (I've seen some Cardiff saddles for around $75 that might make a good replacement seat). I'll probably have to put $200 into the bike to get back to stock condition. I'm going to try to see if he'll come down to around $300, but I don't think I want to offer any more than that.

rccardr 

Even $300 is too high. Figure $100 easy for tires, tubes, cables, housing and bar wrap, plus the cost of a saddle. My butt is fine with saddles that run under $30 but yours may vary. So at $300 plus that you're already at $450 or so without counting the cost of your labor, and that's assuming you can deal with the condition of the paint...and that the drivetrain and chain need to attention other than cleaning, lube and adjustment that (hopefully) you plan on doing yourself.

wrk101

The poor condition of the paint really knocks the value down, as even if you address everything else, you still have the poor paint condition. I would not give $300 for it. I would probably pay a maximum of about $200, and then manage my spending on consumables, to keep the total investment well under the $300 mark. Unfortunately, there may be someone else that will pay more, or the seller may have unrealistic expectations.