Hi guys

I am looking for some original information on a recent purchase ... It is a Cannondale CAAD2 Silkpath Series.

I gather it would have been built in late 80s but cant find this specific Silkpath Series Hybrid bike in any of the old Cannondale catalogs - there are no numbers on the bike eg. Silkpath 300, or 500 numbers - just has Silkpath Series on the frame

It is a really interesting bike as it has the Shimano Nexave backward (rapid rise) rear derailleur together with Nexave roller brakes and the HeadShok fork suspension system.

It has been really well maintained, in mint condition without scratches and rides like new.

Any info on this specific bike much appreciated

Russell

I acquired one this past winter from the original owner. With exception to the Headshock it was nasty dirty and needed consumables. After a thorough service plus replacement rubber and pads, I decided to convert it to a road drop bar with brifters. That involved locating a very specific shorty stem. (Scored on ebay $12)

Its now a mint bike. Very impressive, big 700c tire machine. By far the smoothest and plush ride. Recently removed the pogo seat post and went zero offset plus Brooks C17. Added front panniers rack that works perfect on this suspended fork.

These bikes have lower end cranks, shift group but it suffices.

Its a very well made frameset, USA production. So far I'm lucky the Headshock is working flawlessly but read they may cause issues if leaving in the locked out setting.

That said, its beastly heavy and I find it an ugly looking design. But an awesome utilitarian capable machine.

Acquired mine too cheap I'm almost embarrassed to disclose. Even after its conversion. These bikes are sleeper bargains.

Silk Path was the name of a specific type of front suspension used on Cannondale's H-series hybrid bikes.

You probably have an H-series hybrid. First ones I find are in 1996, H800 and H600, and then go on from there.

In the 1996 catalog, take a look at the spec pages near the end of the brochure: https://vintagecannondale.com/year/1996/1996.pdf

crank_addict.. sound like you have done a major conversion .. I am not sure how standard mine is ... were the Roller Brakes ever standard..?
bargainguy... .. still cant find it in the brochure. Were there European variations as I bought it in Switzerland.

No clue as to whether export versions were made. But a serial number will help determine year, and that will assist your research as far as model.

Lookup for serial numbers here: Vintage Cannondale ? Serial Numbers & Information | VintageCannondale.com

I've determined mine is a 1998 H300 / USA market.
Here's a link (HOPEFULLY) depicting it as I rode this past winter. Have since changed seatpost, saddle and added front panniers rack, quick detach mudguards. Sorry for the poor images.

https://flic.kr/s/aHsme7epGD

Do believe cannondale offered different spec models for export.