Vintage Cannondale Decals
 

Was this style of decal found on the 1st generation Cannondale Bikes? Can't seem to find this font style in the Vintage "Dale" Catalogues. Velocals doesn't seem to have anything quite like it either.https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...02f84b3271.jpg

Pre-87.
Metal top tube cable guides mean 83-86.

Yes, first generation. Here’s what they looked like on my 85 SR.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...da6b54fd7.jpeg

Thats 85/86, I believe, but you can confirm in the catalogs at vintagecannondale.com. Then in 87 they went to a slightly more horizontally-elongated typeface that you see more often.

I checked 85 & 86 catalogues, & the decals don't seem to match. The font is the same, but the lettering in the catalogues is filled in like yours, whereas my photo shows just the silhouette of the letters.

I see what you mean - haven't seen one in the catalogs I've looked through either. What type of Cannondale is it? Serial # / componentry on it?
Maybe it's a first-gen bike that someone got a set of replacement decals for (and they just happened to be (mostly) clear vinyl.

The decals are newer replacements. They started putting the R for 'Registered Trademark' above the d in 87 or 88. Earlier decals didn't have that.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b57a80111b.jpg
Head tube decal has the same font style.

What's the serial number?
83-84-85 frames have AA-BB-CC stamped on the bottom of the BB, often under the cable guide.
Later frames typically on the DS chainstay, some on the DS seatstay. Those are easier to see with a flashlight as they are often lightly stamped.

I saw this recently on a popular Auction Site. Seller reports 1986.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f8445c09cd.jpg

Yep, 1986. The bike in question is an 86 ST400. I was able to confirm via the serial #...thanks!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c3424b5e38.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d5aaf646d4.jpg
Picked up the Cannondale ST400 for $60, which included front & rear racks. Pics are before I even had a chance to wipe it down. My son in Austin, TX recently had his bike stolen, so after I dial it in, I will be sending it his way.

That is a steal of a deal for an excellent ride

Nice score!!

I've had several early Cannondales, these have come with both solid or open decals. I suspect that all were filled in silver color within the outer margins you show, that wear and wax made fade away. Here is an 1984 I had.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1394222689.jpg

Thought I’d try on this old thread. Any way to save or get a replacement on this sm700 decal?
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...da766a51a.jpeg