...rides again! This is the third build I've done on this frame, and I think I finally got it right. 700C Omega rims on Shimano hubs (it spread to 130 with nary a whimper), Ultegra FD and RD, 9 speed SRAM cassette (it's 11/25 now but am looking for an Ultegra 6500 12/27), Dura Ace shifters, Truvativ Touro triple crankset, Sugino BB, Tektro R538 brakes (an excellent 27"-to-700c conversion option, BTW) and their super-comfy levers, Michelin Dynamics, a Vader saddle, Nitto 100mm stem, Ritchey seatpost and -my first experience with it- red Bike Ribbon.

The campus pedals are to deal with a recurring neuropathy problem...guess it's time to see a podiatrist.

Shifts like buttah, rides like a dream. Built this to ride in the Charlotte 24 Hours of Booty cancer fundraiser the end of July (any C&V'ers gonna be there?).

Nice! That's a pretty intense contrast. You should collect some red anodized parts for that build.

Some day I'm going to have you build me a Cannondale. Keep me in mind when you get something in the 52cm c-c range.

What kind of Cateye is that?

I want one now!

One just arrived in 53. Built 11/88. And...it's a Black Lightning. Unfortunately, there's a young lady who's been hounding me to do a custom build for her...

A Strada. Very minimalist.

Very nice. I like yellow with red accents. Did C-Dale ever run a decal on the down tube during this era? Sort of seems as if it could use one.

After seeing that yellow one I'm not sure I lust after the Black Lightning as much as I used do. I'm really digging this bike.

Sent you a PM.

What model is that? That's an awful lot of clearance for what looks like a regular road, not touring, model.
-Gene-

Gene, it's an ST series (sport/touring) frame. More relaxed geometry than an SR (sport/racing) frame.

Perfect for Gentlemen Of A Certain Age. If you catch my drift. And the 700c's exagerate the clearance somewhat. Strangely enough, with 27's it gets a little tight with a robust 27 X 1 1/14 like a Michelin Continental.

PastorBob, those are actually '85-86 decals on an '87 frame. Cannondales of that era used only top tube and chainstay decals with a teeny one at the top of the seat tube- downtube decals came later on.

Turned out great and looks really nice, but isn't there supposed to be a lot of risk involved with spreading the stays on aluminum frames? Did you go from 126 to 130?

I think this blue decal would provide a nice accent...

Auchen, we must be Bruthas from a Different Mutha- I had the same thought.

Brock, I used to think the same thing until I tried it on a few Cannondale frames. On those frames the difference is really negligible, especially on some of these later 80's ones that seem to be more like 128mm instead of 126- perhaps in anticipation of the coming wider hubs, or maybe because they used the same frame jig over different frame models. Regardless, it just slipped in there, easy as pie, no difficulty whatsoever. I wouldn't try it on a true 120mm aluminum frame and am not at all sure about brands other than Cannondale, but this was much less drama than I expected.

Just got back from my daily early morning 15 mile ride, and I gotta say...this one rides SUPER NICE!!!

Man, that looks great

Beautiful bike. The colors are outstanding.