TXsailor

[QUOTE=Ironfish653;21148165]I don’t know why you wouldn’t trust a Cannondale welded aluminum fork any less than a welded aluminum chainstay.
It’s a long way away from the cast, bonded Viscount forks from the ‘70s that the steel-is-real crowd likes to trot out as proof that all aluminum bikes are ticking
time bombs.

I didn't know it wasn't the "death fork" you made me a lot happier with my purchase. I do like the ride of my steel bikes but I have aluminum & a carbon fiber bike that I ride too. I'm not going to ride the Cannondale until I can service it. Its probably my next project.

TXsailor

BTW what is the difference in the SR and the R models?

RobbieTunes 

The ST and the Klein Performance are the two frames I'd use to build a tourer. The ST is cheaper, and a lot more plentiful, without the baggage the Klein has in tubing size, BB, seatpost size, and in some models, shifter placement/cable routing. Is all that a plug for the ST? You betcha.

I've had a Super Criterium 800, and let me say, it is no less a crit bike than my Wraith Hustle. Once the crit is over, though, you put it away because it's made for quickness and speed, not a century. It's as good as any crit bike out there, even today, in my opinion, and since the Wraith podiums regularly, (not under me) that's a qualified opinion.

I had an R800 that I could not stand. It was too big, and if you are going to suffer a harsh, stiff ride, do it on a bike that is too small, not too big. Enough about that one.

Cannondale listens to their buyers. The CAAD series never stopped getting better, and the CAAD 9's and 10's were and are outstanding values. I also owned a Six13, and holy cow, that was the nicest mix of carbon and aluminum I've ever been on. Smooth as grease through a goose.

While the harshness of some models is not understated, the positive attributes of many others are also greatly understated. Cannondale does things very well, and has. The fact we're even talking about them is a point to make.

TiHabanero

Back in the day I am so glad we had the Miyata 1000 to sell against the Cdale touring rigs. The Cdales are probably the best loaded touring bikes made. The new one is not the same at the old ST models. They were simply superb as touring bikes.

fasthair

Would you guys stop it please? Last thing I need is another Cannondale (N=6 all old Handmade in USA) and every time I see a ST pop up on CL I just pretend I didn't see the ad. Must admit though I have lusted after a nice ST for some time now and it would complete the stable. 4 road bikes, 1 mountain and 1 hybrid so the only thing left is one of these... I guess darn it..

fasthair

TXsailor

Here's the R400 It has the complete RX100 groupset. One owner before me. It was sold new in 91.


R400

OldsCOOL

Having the ‘88 Criterium Series with lightweight wheelset and 23’s, there is no such thing as a casual ride. This bike demands absolute attention yet seems to steer intuitively. Cornering is sheer joy.

Marylander

I loved the 1990 crit frame I had. I wish I still had it. Great bikes.

Whit51 

I think the super harsh reputation may have come from the super skinny tires some of the crit/race were set up with.

Chr0m0ly 

I have two ST's and I sold my Black Lightning. It was beautiful, the '87 with Suntour Sprint in black and gold. It's an awesome bike, but not for me. It made the rides more about the bike than the ride. Plus it was in amazing shape, I couldn't stand to lock it up anywear. I'm happy to have experienced one, and happy it's gone to someone who'll appreciate it.
The ST's though! Just as snappy and light, but they carve turns instead of cutting turns. I've come to the conclusion that for myself, I like being between the wheels more than on top of the wheels. The ST frame does that and it's stiff, but with the steel fork not too much. And if your frame is stuff you can tune it with wheelsets and tire width and pressure.
I have a '90 ST 600 in red, like the earlier posting, and an '86 ST500 frame hanging in the Chaos Lab. The 600 has clearance for wider tires than the '86, (I think in '87 or maybe '88 Cannondale started dimpeling the chain stays, that's the pinch point for rubber) so the 600 is the loaded tourer, and the 500 is being built into a high zoot version of a typical do it all sports bike/rando bike.

OTS 

Ouch That is so HOT!

qcpmsame 

Looks so much like my '91 SR300 did, makes me miss it even more just seeing yours, kudos sir. Different component level, had SunTour items, couldn't stretch the budget with two little children, but it was sure fun racing it.

Bill

Hudson308 

Been wondering that myself!

RiddleOfSteel

Early racing Cannondales were listed as SR (racing geometry) or SC (criterium geometry) until the early '90s or so. After that they went to the R prefix until the CAAD designations fully took over (after being blended in with the Rx00 model name). A few solo C-prefix model names were also present during that early '90s period.

SR's had standard road geometry with longer trail numbers (63.5mm or so). SC's had bonkers crit geometry (especially for 63cm and 66cm frames) with trail at a normal 56mm. Neither had any undue tendencies and my 66cm SC800 only got twitchy steering-input-wise when I used narrower bars. Once a slightly wider bar was used, it was incredibly docile. SR's take a corner beautifully. SC's have a super fast rear triangle and you feel that rear wheel right under you.

I've been meaning to find a 2.8-era frame in good shape to try. I get along great with the big ST's but the SR's and SC's don't have that out of saddle spring like steel frames do--something that I really like. Of course, on the flats, they're great. I also want to get a pre-'88 SR again. Can't quit these things!

DC Bike Blogger

For hybrid bikes, I have never had any problems with a Cannondale. I owned six different Cannondales built in the U.S. (1985 Continental Blue Cannondale SC300 Town and Country, 1996 Deep Teal Cannondale H200, 1996 Really Blue Cannondale H300, 1997 Galaxy Red Cannondale H500 CAD3 Hybrid, 1997 Bordeaux Cannondale H700 CAD2 Hybrid, and 2008 Mediterranean Blue Cannondale Street Tandem), and one newer urban bike built in Taiwan/People's Republic of China (2016 Grey and Ultra Blue Cannondale Contro 4).