Hey guys I'm currently talking with a guy about trading a bike of mine for an older road bike and here is the info he gave me, I wanted to see if you guys can put year and model out there for me and maybe a picture or two based on this:

"its a mid ninties cannondale not sure what model but its a red aluminum frame and fork. It has oldschool down tube shifters and tubular wheels. The brakes are shimano 600 polished, wheels are mavic g4 and gp28 if i remember right. All of the drive train including the shifters is dura-ace only a 12 speed( man geared). The frame has scatches and the cranks show a little shoe rub. It has a threaded 1 inch headset"

thanks a lot! GO!

cj

I doubt anyone here is good enough to figure that one out - doesn't seem like a lot to go on.

ah ok, thought id at least see, thanks though, you guys are suppose to be pro!

1986 SR500 came in red with Shimano 600 components, six speed cassette, rigida rims. By 1988, they were seven speeds or more. This guy is telling you a story on age, unless he has documentation to go with it (very doubtful since he doesn't even give you model number). SR500 was suntour components in 1985.

1986 SR1000 had all Dura-Ace, including brakes, six speed, GP4 tubular rims, not sure about colors.

Suggest you check the vintage cannondale website (www.vintagecannondale.com). It is a pretty good place to start.


First clue that this is not a mid 90s bike is the six speeds. Thats 1980s technology.

Id'ing a bike without pictures and more info is a guess at best.

Funny that sellers always underestimate age..... Has happened to me a lot, in fact on a similar vintage Cannondale. I had to educate the seller, to help him get more realistic on value.

hmm, so if the bike was made in the 80s do any of you think this kind of bike, on the brief description given, would be a good first road restore bike for me.

Certainly.....If it fits....
I loves me some Cannondale! I have 2 (well one complete Black Lightning and 1 frame in build)! And I would buy more if I could find them in my size. I have loved every single one I have ridden. Others might disagree though...........They have a "mixed" reputation.

And so we are. But young grasshopper must have patience. Dismissive grasshopper gets less advice, and no offers of free parts.

The rims are most like Mavic GP4 and GEL280. If the cranks, hubs and derailleurs/shifters are Dura Ace, They are worth something in themselves.

An 80's Cannondale aluminum frame? I'd recycle it. The Dura Ace cleans up nicely. GP4's and GEL 280's are the cat's meow.

You're buying bits, not a bike, IMO, but I've never been fond of aluminum, but am a big fan of DA and Mavic rims.

If you have experience working on bikes and you have all the specialized tools, access to the tools, or are willing and able to buy them, why not?

If you are naive to bike mechanics, one thing to consider, which I wish I had thought of early in my wrenching career: when you are new at it, regardless of how carefully you read sheldonbrown.com and how careful you are to use the right tools, you will soon ruin at least a small number of erstwhile valuable and functional components and tools. And you'll say to yourself (especially later, after you've realized just how nice those components were before you stripped their threads or broke them in half): Why didn't I start with a rusty Schwinn Varsity?

If you don't have bike mechanics experience, we usually recommend the Schwinn Varsity to start. No special bike tools necessary. Pretty much all nuts and bolts.

So say the pros.

Amen.

Unless you want to remove the kickstand...

Oh, John, the kickstand is easy. A big set of channel locks and plyers to pull the pin.



Complete instructions here:
https://www.bunchobikes.com/kickstand.htm

But I believe the OP has the desire for speed and lightweight in his eye. The allure of Electro Forge Schwinn might not ever bite.

For some reason I've never considered channel locks to be a bicycle tool.

You don't have enough Schwinn's, then

For a restore bike, I prefer a steel frame, like a vintage Trek. You will see them on Craigs List frequently. I picked up a 1987 Trek 330 at Salvation Army a few months back for $18. I only wish it was a larger frame size.

If you are not in a rush, I would start going to garage sales and thrift stores. Seems like some thrift stores commonly have bikes, others never have them. And it is more common to see the Xmart junk than good name brand stuff. Garage sales can be even better. People at garage sales are often just trying to get rid of stuff.

Ok guys here are some shots of the bike, still no full shots but these should help you guys identify the bike! BTW this is my size is a 58cm

Ah, but you don't feel that way about the hacksaw, do you?

They're not. My dad referred to them as "Water Pump Pliers". Something to do with Model T's or plumbing, probably. "Channel Lock" is just the name of a company that became synonymous with the pliers.

Grasshopper-

This may be a task that you yourself must undertake. Mostly because we can't see the headbadge or the serial #.

Look here: https://www.vintagecannondale.com/info.html

Eric

As far as the bike goes, not impressed. Like I said before, not a fan of Aluminum. If I was buying, and really wanted it I would offer $100, and turn my back and walk away, Dura ace and all.

I am a tough sell.

It's at least an '89 (canti rear dropouts).

I have it's near twin as a frameset in my kitchen at this very moment. If I had a chance to get it, I'd definitely try and grab it for $100 or so. Old C-Dales are cool.

But I also have a half dozen or so steelies around to play with if the aluminum gets too harsh.