AK404

So there's a fella on CL who's trying to sell of a 2002 CDale R2000 Si, but wants the buyer to "make an offer."

2002 Cannondale R2000 Si - BikePedia

Now, it's a red CDale that got me interested in road bikes in the first place - the CDale CAAD5 Saeco replica, to be exact - and it's always been a goal to get a CDale like it because it was the ride I could never afford, but I don't want my bike lust to override my common sense.

Here's the part where I need some guidance: I've never spent more than $500 on a used bicycle before (certainly not one as old as this), but I'm not a lowballer, either. I've done a little research, read the reviews, checked out the flaws with the bike, and have taken note of what parts have been swapped out - new handlebars, new crankset, new BB, new wheels - and the things I'm really wondering are:

Is the price in the BBB the absolute upper-end for this bike? The original price of this bike was $2,300, and that was more than a decade ago. If the owner wants even close to half that, of course I'm going to walk, but is the Blue Book value a fair one? When negotiating a price, what arguments would justify lowering the cost?

2002 Cannondale R2000 Si - New and Used Bike Value

I haven't looked over the bike yet, but what should I be looking for when it comes to damage?

Can the frame accommodate newer components - like say, a 10-speed cassette, SRAM componentry, newer BB configurations - with minimal fuss? (In other words, I'd like to put a 10 spd SRAM setup on this bike.)

The wheels were replaced with Spinergy Xaero; I'm not exactly familiar with this brand. Are they any good?

AK404

And I posted in this in the wrong forum. Reported myself, requested a move to Appraisals and Inquiries.

no1mad 

Welcome to C & V Appraisals from C & V.

AK404

Thanks. Come to think, I'm not even sure a 2002 counts as a C&V bike.

howsteepisit

Best augment for lower the price is that you have cash in hand, are there, and are only willing to pay X amount. Without detailed pictures and component lists no-one can make an intelligent guess as to value. Also, prices are very seasonally and location driven. The price in the BBB is mostly crap. Many posts and threads on this, use the search feature.

elboGreaze

I've seen the ad ; personally , I wouldnt make contact without a listed price . Suggest looking for a newer CAAD 9 or 10 . Good luck !

AK404

Yeah, that's the idea: shoot a semi-lowball price at the seller, wait for a response, decide whether or not it's worth it. Honestly, if I can't update the component set on the frame I'm not going to bother.

bargainguy

I bought a R5000Si in '02 used for $2400 when retail was $5K. Big mistake to buy this one without riding it first...easily the stiffest, most uncomfortable bike I've ever ridden, and I've had a few C-dales in my day so I should have known better. Sold it a couple years later for half what I paid. Don't do what I did.

AK404

Yeah, I know CDales alu frames are stiff, it's one of the reasons I like them, but yes, I'd like to take this for a test spin first.