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1983 Cannondale ST-500
I’m excited to have picked up my first Cannondale today. I know these are hit or miss here, but I’m looking forward to trying one for myself. My first impressions are good. The paint looks great and I love the color. The components are a nice mix, including the much hated superbe tech RD. I do love the simple graphics of this era. I can’t believe that there is no decal for the model name. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6b6c87a21.jpeg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7006be87a.jpeg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...543c80438.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9434a9442.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fef37ddde.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5395c4522.jpeg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...edb3a352f.jpeg |
That is cool, a first-generation first model produced. Even has the original first can I computer magnet on the front wheel. Youll like it that bike. Long wheelbase, laid-back head angle but just enough to get out of the saddle. Enjoy
JJ |
Wow, SR Apex with the goofy BCD (I have two of those myself), Superbe Tech rear derailleur, and ... whew! For a second there, I thought that was a Helicomatic rear hub, which would have fit right in beautifully with the other evolutionary dead ends. You have the really wide section rims, too, kind of a nice time capsule. My ST500 was an '86 (I think) and by that time Cannondale had gotten into the habit of cleaning up the welds a bit more, so yours is for sure a real forerunner. Very nice survivor.
Now adjust those bars! My wrists are getting sore just looking at them. :P |
Congrats on getting a second year Cannondale! That color is gorgeous as are the Superbe components. Cannondale during this era differentiated models, visually, via paint color and components. Technically the forks are different grades of steel, but the frames are the same. Many of us like these old Cannondales, and the ST is a great mix of smooth relaxed geometry, with long chain stays for stability and panniers, yet stiff enough to not feel mushy or whippy when needing to climb or accelerate out of the saddle. Comfortable, confidence-inspiring bikes. Enjoy!
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The Spoke-protector is an added Bonus! Those Suntour components should serve you well. Also, if you get the opportunity to look at the inside surface of the (I think Drive-side) dropout, you might see two letters stamped there. (My '85 SM600 has: "TC"). These are supposedly the initials of the person who welded/finished the frame.
Anyone else ever heard of this for this era Cannondales? Is it even true?? |
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Awesome! I’m going to check the initials on mine tonight. I had know idea about the apex cranks being odd. I’ve also never had the Suntour sealed bottom bracket. On the frame side, I’m glad to read the positive comments about the long wheel base and steel fork. I really find this bike asthetically pleasing, so I hope the ride doesn’t ruin that for me! |
Congrats, looks like a keeper. 👍 That one's way too nice for me, lol. 😉
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Serial number is AA, so does that mean it’s an 83? I couldn’t find initials on the nds dropout. The superbe tech RD is in immaculate shape under a layer of grime. I’m getting more and more excited about this bike. The wheels look nice. The Suntour sealed hubs have been excellent in my past experience. I’ve never had Super champion rims. I assume Wolber had bought them out at this point. Can you explain what you mean about wide section rims? |
Cool! That doesn’t change anything, but it’s really cool. It has the original bar tape, which is actually pretty nice. Its such a time capsule that I am debating whether to remove the reflectors... and I really dislike reflectors. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7f1dc8a4d.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c1fa2977a.jpeg |
I took photos of the dropouts. I’m pretty sure my frame is not marked with initials. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...aeafd4fb9.jpeg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...eda0cf8fa.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dfda529aa.jpeg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d1ada486b.jpeg |
I saw the bike too, but I was too lazy to go south. Good price on it. Actually is the second Cannondale for 65$ that I was able to buy, but...
What size is it? |
I think it’s a 23” model. I tried to resist buying the bike at first and sent a casual email. The next day I got myself hyped up and called, texted, texted again. It was a no-haggle price to me. I was happy to pay it. Now I’ve got my Motobecane listed for $65 to pay for the Cannondale. I removed all of the reflectors, computer parts and plastic bolt covers, but I bagged them together and labeled the bag so I’ll remember what bike they are for. I think this bike still has it’s original spec tires. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...53e77240a.jpeg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0f25a8a25.jpeg |
By 'wide section' rims, I just mean boxy rims that are wider than you can find today. Not sure it's an actual accepted term. Common for touring bikes in the early 80s intended for 1 1/4" tires. or bigger. And the rims themselves are about 1 1/4" wide.
I have them on a couple of early 80s touring bikes. Wolber Gentleman 81 and that sort of thing. |
My 86 ST400 came to me with what I believe to be original Rigida 1320 27" rims. It struck me a little odd to spec such noodly rims on an otherwise serious touring bike. For commuting service, I built new wheels with a wider pair of rims.
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Wow. That's a real find, a AA ST in that kind of condition. |
Originally Posted by Lascauxcaveman
(Post 20669100)
By 'wide section' rims, I just mean boxy rims that are wider than you can find today. Not sure it's an actual accepted term. Common for touring bikes in the early 80s intended for 1 1/4" tires. or bigger. And the rims themselves are about 1 1/4" wide.
I have them on a couple of early 80s touring bikes. Wolber Gentleman 81 and that sort of thing.
Originally Posted by rccardr
(Post 20670382)
Wow. That's a real find, a AA ST in that kind of condition. |
Very cool piece of history!
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I am fighting the temptation to strip this bike down for a full blown clean up. It’s not the right time for a project because we are hosting thanksgiving and I don’t want to spend a lot of money on a bike before the holidays. To scratch the itch, I gave the bike a small tuneup last night. I put tri-flow on all pivots and in the brake housing. I cleaned and lubricated the chain and drivetrain. I checked the bearings in the wheels, smooth as butter! Adjusted the derailleurs, the rear wasn’t shifting to the lowest cog. Adjusted the brakes and saddle height. I added the Jim Blackburn rack so I can ride this to work easily. I took the bike out for a quick test ride just a little bit ago. The fit feels very good, at least for a short ride. My first impression of the ride is positive. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6e956d6d5.jpeg Nice handle bar engraving. I like the bend of these bars, at least appearance wise. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...137dff859.jpeg Tasteful bike shop sticker. This one is no longer in business. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e4bb725af.jpeg The hoods and bar tape are in shabby condition https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1c731f325.jpeg Blackburn rack, nice and simple. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...360aff7d9.jpeg Saddle adjusted, fits great! |
When I do the restoration I planned on buying the brown leather bar tape from Velo orange. Any feedback on that product? I see that VO also sells gran Compe hoods too. I will probably buy them, but I wish they didn’t have the anatomic shape to them. |
Originally Posted by jjhabbs
(Post 20667757)
That is cool, a first-generation first model produced. Even has the original first can I computer magnet on the front wheel. Youll like it that bike. Long wheelbase, laid-back head angle but just enough to get out of the saddle. Enjoy
JJ There is a nice CAAD9/4 Handmade in USA bike, at a good price, on CL right now that I am doing my best to not go look at. I don't have a CAAD or red or SRAM Rival Cannondale :) Neat to see you in that other thread linked here about the welder stamps on the frame. I'm going to have to go home and look at mine now. Sadly none of mine will be yours because of the years. fasthair |
Originally Posted by fasthair
(Post 20671562)
I wondered what that was, for lack of a better term' "dork disc" on that front wheel was. There was one of these early STs for sale here (local) not long ago that a grandson was selling his granddad's original bike and it had that disc on it. It was just too big for me or I'm not sure I would have been able to say no to it.
There is a nice CAAD9/4 Handmade in USA bike, at a good price, on CL right now that I am doing my best to not go look at. I don't have a CAAD or red or SRAM Rival Cannondale :) Neat to see you in that other thread linked here about the welder stamps on the frame. I'm going to have to go home and look at mine now. Sadly none of mine will be yours because of the years. fasthair |
Originally Posted by mkeller234
(Post 20671760)
I actually have a complete cateye computer, so I could have a functioning one on the bike. They are kind of neat, but so bulky and a lot of pieces. |
Originally Posted by jjhabbs
(Post 20671925)
That was called the Cateye Velo Correct?
Here is the Velobase listing. The photo is of my computer: VeloBase.com - Component: CatEye CC-1000 cyclometer |
Originally Posted by mkeller234
(Post 20672277)
Yeah, that’s the one. I want to like it, because it’s an interesting piece of history. It’s just so...big. The old avocet computers are so much sleeker looking, Here is the Velobase listing. The photo is of my computer: VeloBase.com - Component: CatEye CC-1000 cyclometer Now that is cool. I'm like you, I kind of want one for my old 1987 Black Lighting if it was period correct for the year. Also like you it is kind of big an ugly so maybe not. :) fasthair |
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