I picked up a 1985 Cannondale, but can't figure out if it's a ST400 or ST500. Is there a way to determine model, there is no marking on bike except Cannondale on top tube and frame sizing on right rear seat stay. Serial number is 21093085177 on left chainstay. It has Shimano 600 components with half-step chainrings. Light blue in color. Will have pics up tomorrow morning.

Its a ST400; the ST500 had Suntour components. Have a look here: https://sanaandterry.com/cannondale/year/1985/1985.pdf

thanks, I just found the catalog also. So it's a ST400.

Nice find! I have a 85 ST500 and enjoy it. As mentioned, the ST500 for 85 came with sealed bearing suntour hubs, Huret duopar rd, cyclone fd, Sugino AT crankset, modelo brakes (i.e., no shimano). Same frame as the ST400, however.

updated pics

Looking good!

Say what you want about Aluminum but I love how my T700 rides. It is more crisp then a steel bike but it in no way is objectionable to me.

I did a Metric with it a week ago in the rain with full fenders and a MTX bag. The roadies that gave me crap the first 20 miles were dropping by the last 20. The full race position killing them. the 42/52 cranks and corn cob killing them on the hills, water slinging in their faces and back side.

Cannondale touring bikes are Just a great all around bike for general riding. Its the bike the preceded the LHT as far as I am concerned and still every bit as good to this day even the early ones. The Geometry is just right.

Keep it as long as you can. I bumped mine up to 9speed with STI's. Just made it that much more enjoyable with the hills I ride.


Ohh yeah I don't know if you found this site yet. https://www.vintagecannondale.com/

Thx for the comment, I plan to keep this one. I rode it this morning on our Sunday Social 11.5 miles. Will need a different saddle and shorter stem. Bike shifted great, brakes need fine tuning. I still need to do other basic adjustmented.

Now I need to flip of my BikesDirect Motobecane.

Cannondales do seem to be long. I have 3 and all three I put shorter stems on even when I bought them a little short for my long legs (I can flat foot a 35 inch stand over but I have a short torso)

I was thinking about putting a threaded to threadless adapter on, that way I can try different stems until I find something that feels ok. Also, I would like to find a Brooks to top it off .

T600 built from bare frame with assortment of primarily Shimano components.

Agree with your comments, As with you bumped to 12-36 9 speed. I find with 32 or 35mm tires the bike runs very smoothly not harsh at all. At the same time very responsive to putting power down on climbs. Plan to use as a possible Rando/touring machine.

Nice bike.