Frames and Framebuilding (1986) CANNONDALE
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Frames and Framebuilding (1986) CANNONDALE




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WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
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WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
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1987. Cannondale bicycles were cool, fresh, new, excellently designed and American made!
What do you do with all that success? Build a motorcycle.
A lesson is in there somewhere.
What do you do with all that success? Build a motorcycle.
A lesson is in there somewhere.
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I still love my 99 R4000. Those CAAD aluminum frames were, and are, the heat.
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Although the early ST and SR bikes were fast and stiff, the finish work -especially around the seat and head tube junctions- was very crude in comparison to the 87-88 and later aluminum frames.
Interesting to read that they recognized the problem and worked to improve that last 10%.
Interesting to read that they recognized the problem and worked to improve that last 10%.
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Although the early ST and SR bikes were fast and stiff, the finish work -especially around the seat and head tube junctions- was very crude in comparison to the 87-88 and later aluminum frames.
Interesting to read that they recognized the problem and worked to improve that last 10%.
Interesting to read that they recognized the problem and worked to improve that last 10%.

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I've got two 85's and agree that the head tube and seat tube finishing is UGLY. Head tube finish especially since the joined tubes are larger in diameter than the head tube.
But they feel just great.


My personal favorite frames are the 2.8, both for the ride and looking at the manipulated tubing.
But they feel just great.


My personal favorite frames are the 2.8, both for the ride and looking at the manipulated tubing.

Last edited by Chuckk; 08-05-22 at 07:10 PM.
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Seeing the 1985 catalog with the top SR900 with Campy NR, you just can't help but think 1) the frame and components really don't go together aesthetically 2) Cannondale is onto something, and that something is the future. What a time to see a "changing of the guard."
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In 1986 I bought a new SR400.
A few years later a shop was blowing out Cannondale frame, supposedly due to the Klein lawsuit. Picked up a new 1988 Criterium frame and steel fork for $100.
Built it up with some 7400 parts I already had. It’s gone through a number of changes. It is now a triple (3x8) running M900 derailleurs. Only 7400 parts left are the brake calipers and pedals.
I never could find a replacement that was as much fun. Still riding it at 70.
John
A few years later a shop was blowing out Cannondale frame, supposedly due to the Klein lawsuit. Picked up a new 1988 Criterium frame and steel fork for $100.
Built it up with some 7400 parts I already had. It’s gone through a number of changes. It is now a triple (3x8) running M900 derailleurs. Only 7400 parts left are the brake calipers and pedals.
I never could find a replacement that was as much fun. Still riding it at 70.
John
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About ten years ago I had a 86 SR withe a mix of parts on it. It rode pretty well, but was on the small side for me.
Last winter I came across a 66cm 1989 road frame built up with later parts. The welds on this were definitely more appealing to the eye.
Last winter I came across a 66cm 1989 road frame built up with later parts. The welds on this were definitely more appealing to the eye.

Last edited by Roger M; 08-06-22 at 07:15 PM.