So this is my first road bike and it has shifters on the down tube. It is a 1987 cannondale and It has indexing clicking on the right and the left is just smooth for two rings. I can’t seem to get it quite right but a few gears without it grinding while riding. What am I doing wrong? I have the left set to the small gear and when I switch between the clicks on the right they grind while riding. I don’t believe it’s a derailer issue because I just got the bike from a bike shop that took it apart and redid stuff before they sold it.

Thanks for the replies! I’ll def try the suggestions. When you guys say “trimming” do you mean that I click into a gear with the right stick then I have to move the left one slightly sometimes to smooth it out? Also another question I have is looking at the serial number “23092587092”. Does that mean that it is a 30 Inch frame meant for 6’4” people? It seems to fit me fine and I’m not 6’4”

So it seems I have been paying so much attention to the rear that the front could be the one grinding the whole time. I will have to play with it when I get off work. Do you guys have any thoughts on the serial number I provided? I’m just wanting to know the specs and if I’m reading it right. 23092587092 is the number. Is that 30 size, made in 9/25/87?

It is a road bike. I’m not sure what you mean when you say SIS position but when I looked up derailer adjustment not many of the vids came up with down tube shifters.

okay I see. Even though mine are suntour and not shimano I would guess it’s the same. So is it possible that I could mess with the left shifter a tad and it would stop grinding? I just find it hard to believe that the LBS I got it from wouldn’t align everything correctly when putting it back together. I feel like it is some dumb mistake I am making. But to make sure. The right one can’t be wrong with me since it is not friction correct?

thanks! This is exactly the info I was looking for in regards to the model. I really like the way it looks. Is there any diff in speed in reality to a touring vs a racing old cannondale? I originally got this for triathlons and such. Either way it should be faster than my mountain bike lol.




I was going to answer earlier but apparently you have to wait 24 hours after your first 5 posts on here.. smh

It's a fact that for the recreational rider, the ST properly outfitted is every bit as fast as an SR. I have owned multiple versions of both, and keep detailed records of my riding and training times. On my usual 32 mile training loop, which I do an average of three times a week, my nicely equipped SR gets me around in 1:55. Doesn't sound very fast, only in the 16's mph-wise, but there are ten interval quality hills that will slow you down.

Just got back from doing the same 32 mile loop on my ST, on a mid 90's day with hig humidity and a shifting headwind. It's set up as a go-anywhere, ride anywhere travel bike and goes all over the country with me. We're riding in Palouse this weekend and in Wisconsin a few weeks later. Elapsed time was 1:55, same as my SR.

Admittedly, my ST has been heavily modified: yellow powder coated frame, Ultegra/Mavic Open Pro wheelset, Deore derailleurs, a compact Sugino crankset, ten speed DA down tube shifters, 11-34 cassette, C3 seatpost, stem and shallow bars, and a Sella Italia saddle. Tires are Conti Grand Prix 4000 SII in size 28. Regardless, just goes to show that a 22 pouund touring bike, properly set up, can still bake your cookies. So to speak.

That’s great to hear that they are pretty much the same speed. For what I will use it for at least. I will try the different things you guys said on my ride this evening. I really like this bike. It’s literally owning a piece of history. I thought about when I got it I might change it to the shifters being by my hands but that will be a while down the road since I’m not sure how to even do it.