80's/Early 90's Cannondales
#26
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
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seriously though full Mavic would be sick. Or full Sachs.
Didn't Shin move and divest himself of his worldly possessions?
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#27
Dropped
Anyway, if a Black Lightning with Suntour Sprint shows up in our size on CL, you're gonna have to fight me for it! Maybe we can do bike joust and the first to fall loses out.
#28
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
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Truthfully I'm not all that hot for the Black Lightning's
I think I'm the only one though.
I'm kinda hot and heavy for this, and I could pick it up locally, but I think its priced a bit high.
https://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-R2000...item588e081b0f

I'm kinda hot and heavy for this, and I could pick it up locally, but I think its priced a bit high.
https://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-R2000...item588e081b0f
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#29
Dropped
Truthfully I'm not all that hot for the Black Lightning's
I think I'm the only one though.
I'm kinda hot and heavy for this, and I could pick it up locally, but I think its priced a bit high.
https://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-R2000...item588e081b0f

I'm kinda hot and heavy for this, and I could pick it up locally, but I think its priced a bit high.
https://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-R2000...item588e081b0f
#30
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no no the eye roll was about your age the question was seperate. were Cannondales on the road in 1980?
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#31
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
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Thanks for the ID on that bike JunkYard. I've been messaging the seller on eBay but he won't give up the serial number....he claims "Its their policy not to make public the serial numbers" ...whatever.
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#32
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I got me an '86. Tange steel fork. Upgraded to 7sp 105 around 1990 and STI shifters stuck on over this winter. It's a bit harsh, but climbs like the dickens!
#33
Senior Member
ZB, Not too bad a price for a CAAD4.
The CAAD4 is essentially a CAAD3 with splayed seatstays, the CAAD3 is a 2.8 with non cantilevered seatstays, the 2.8 is a major improvement of the 3.0, the 3.0 is different from the original road frame with cantilevered seatstays and a butted seat tube. Both the original crit and the 3.0 crit bikes have a +74 deg. head tube angle and a non tapered down tube.
Brad
The CAAD4 is essentially a CAAD3 with splayed seatstays, the CAAD3 is a 2.8 with non cantilevered seatstays, the 2.8 is a major improvement of the 3.0, the 3.0 is different from the original road frame with cantilevered seatstays and a butted seat tube. Both the original crit and the 3.0 crit bikes have a +74 deg. head tube angle and a non tapered down tube.
Brad
#34
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2.8 SR's - tapered and modified tubes, notice tapered downtube even in the photos - top tube is ovalized on both ends. Mine are "Road Race" geometry instead of Crit. Want something else from that time with similarly modified tubes? How about Serotta Colorado or Merckx MXL?

Chuck you stole my bike! I built this thing new for crit racing back in the day back when Cannondale was having a trade in a bike for $50.00 sale for frames. Found a 16" kid's bike in the trash.

Chuck you stole my bike! I built this thing new for crit racing back in the day back when Cannondale was having a trade in a bike for $50.00 sale for frames. Found a 16" kid's bike in the trash.

#36
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3 weeks ago there was a SR300 on CL for $50, I couldn't dial fast enough, I didn't get it.
#37
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These are the three late '80s and '90s Cannondales I wrenched over the winter.
An '88 ST400 touring with steel fork, a '93 R600 with an aluminum fork, and a '96 SR500 with Headshok. The last two are 2.8 frames. They cost me $200, $175, and $150, respectively. The '96 was a frameset so I have more in the entire build.
I've not had the opportunity to ride the '93. The ST400 hit the roads back in February and was a real pleasure to ride through the slop and mess of spring. The SR500 began seeing action in early April and has been the only bike I've ridden since.
The Headshok is a delight!
Both the '93 & '96 are equipped with full Shimano 105 Groups.





I've not had the opportunity to ride the '93. The ST400 hit the roads back in February and was a real pleasure to ride through the slop and mess of spring. The SR500 began seeing action in early April and has been the only bike I've ridden since.







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#38
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I have always wanted a Cannondale but I really never searched one out, I drool over the new one we still have at the shop 2.8 R2000 silver into purple fade full Dura Ace 8spd w/STI's but even at 50% off it is still to pricey for my blood. I have a 85 ST500 that needs a full make over but it is just a little to small for me and I don't trust the front fork due to some heavy rust on it.
Glenn
Glenn
#39
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^^^ He's like your personal bike broker. (EDIT: JohnnyBee that is)
The other thing to consider is the period when they went to aluminum forks. I think that is what gives them the reputation as teeth chatterers. I had a 2.8 frame with the cantilever dropouts and aluminum fork, and the thing was a rocket. A little sad I sold it, as I too am persuaded by the late 80's/early 90's 'Fresh Prince' styling cues.
You might also want to check with Machin Shin, if you can contact him. He had a SR800 (I think) with a full Mavic group. It was sweet!
The other thing to consider is the period when they went to aluminum forks. I think that is what gives them the reputation as teeth chatterers. I had a 2.8 frame with the cantilever dropouts and aluminum fork, and the thing was a rocket. A little sad I sold it, as I too am persuaded by the late 80's/early 90's 'Fresh Prince' styling cues.

You might also want to check with Machin Shin, if you can contact him. He had a SR800 (I think) with a full Mavic group. It was sweet!
Yep, that be me *lol* Gotta keep ZB ridin in style. I bought a new 300 (black) in 1983 and it was
decent. Wasn't quite the Crit bike my Fuji Opus was, but a good road bike. I prefer the
3.0's and 2.8's over the newer Dale's. Ahhhh...... nothin like a good "beer can" *lol*
Johnnybee.
#40
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I had 2.8 in the most exquisite polished finish. They did that around 95. It was an excellent bike, and I would have kept it if it was a 56:


The best part was, that you could rub this thing with Mothers and boy, would it gleam!


The best part was, that you could rub this thing with Mothers and boy, would it gleam!
Last edited by rat fink; 06-07-11 at 12:17 PM.
#41
Senior Member
I like 'em older. The older the stiffer. Not that I put out that much power anymore but back then you could tell the difference.
Also the older ones, say '86 and before tended to have cable guides and, I use the term loosely, "braze ons" made ofl either machined aluminum or metal that was riveted to the frame. I least I don't have to worry about cable guides that you can't get anymore.
My '84 even has riveted Down Tube lever bosses which I absolutely love compared to the through bolted ones used later.
One of the selling points we used back then was the fact that the frames were the same from model to model (SR's anyway) with the only differences being that components. "You can always purchase this one and start racing and upgrade later on".
Also the older ones, say '86 and before tended to have cable guides and, I use the term loosely, "braze ons" made ofl either machined aluminum or metal that was riveted to the frame. I least I don't have to worry about cable guides that you can't get anymore.
My '84 even has riveted Down Tube lever bosses which I absolutely love compared to the through bolted ones used later.
One of the selling points we used back then was the fact that the frames were the same from model to model (SR's anyway) with the only differences being that components. "You can always purchase this one and start racing and upgrade later on".
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1984 Cannondale ST
1985 Cannondale SR300
1980 Gary Littlejohn Cruiser
1984 Trek 760
1981 Trek 710
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1984 Cannondale ST
1985 Cannondale SR300
1980 Gary Littlejohn Cruiser
1984 Trek 760
1981 Trek 710
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#42
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Cantilevered dropouts were supposed to be a little compliant while making the frame lighter and stiffer. Some folks just rant about them (and Cannonball ride in general). I always thought they were a no-op and Cannonball ride was just fine. Maybe smooth Texas roads and a lard butt mellow it out.
Back then, if the stiff ride had been on an Italian bike folks would have paid double to get it.
I'd say the Crit models have the highest collector appeal since it was a great way to get a competitive bike for Cat. racing in the late 80's, followed by the early models.
The touring bikes are exceptional for back then too - made my Dawes Galaxy feel like a noodle.
Back then, if the stiff ride had been on an Italian bike folks would have paid double to get it.
I'd say the Crit models have the highest collector appeal since it was a great way to get a competitive bike for Cat. racing in the late 80's, followed by the early models.
The touring bikes are exceptional for back then too - made my Dawes Galaxy feel like a noodle.
The reality is that a Cannondale is stiff, certainly. However, it most certainly is not overly or uncomfortably stiff. It is also not a wet noodle like a lugged steel lightweight.
A vintage Cannondale is a veritable rocket bike, and it is funny how many people are picking up a vintage aluminum C'dale to use as a bad weather commuter, only to find that when they build up with modern components the bike becomes amongst the fastest of the bikes in their stable. When they swap out the heavier commuting bits for other modern high end components (carbon fork, carbon post, etc.) they discover that their Craigslist C'dale is the best bike in their stable (over their prized Serotta, Colnago etc.).
A vintage Cannondale will flat out outsprint anything, and outclimb almost any other frame out there. They become lighter but less efficient and stiff with each CAAD iteration. The funny thing is you will never see a steel bike in a gran tour again, yet the misinformation about early Cannondales still persists.
If Cannondales had been made in Italy, vintage Cannondales would be over $1000 a frame today. Count on it.
#43
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Those C'Dales look fun to ride.
At the moment I am second in line to buy a black lightning for 125. My fingers are crossed but I doubt the first guy is going to pass it up.
At the moment I am second in line to buy a black lightning for 125. My fingers are crossed but I doubt the first guy is going to pass it up.
#45
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Can any of you Cannondale aficionados tell me anything about the Killer V? What kind of following, if any, do they have? I picked up a complete but largely dismantled one from the LBS. It polished up nice (bare aluminum finish) and came with a Case fork & Magura hydro rim brakes. Seemed to ride pretty well, and the brakes are absolutely amazing. My daughter has it in Philly now, took it out for a MB ride and found it good, but a little too large. Should I snatch it back from her?
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#46
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I remember well when Cannondale pretty much had a frame and the difference was the group hung on it. I wanted a new one really bad but the local Cannondale dealer was a guy I wouldn't take free gold from.
#47
Freewheel Medic
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Can any of you Cannondale aficionados tell me anything about the Killer V? What kind of following, if any, do they have? I picked up a complete but largely dismantled one from the LBS. It polished up nice (bare aluminum finish) and came with a Case fork & Magura hydro rim brakes. Seemed to ride pretty well, and the brakes are absolutely amazing. My daughter has it in Philly now, took it out for a MB ride and found it good, but a little too large. Should I snatch it back from her?
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#48
PanGalacticGargleBlaster
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Yep. Or maybe a klein
Honestly even though you guys have pointed out the differences between the frames it seems to me that the basic aluminum road frame didn't really change a ton from the design in the early 80's. It just sorta went by different names at different times.
I think the main thing I'm not sure about is whether to look for Road or Crit geometry. I assume Road because I'm not racing Crit, but i'm not really basing that on anything
Honestly even though you guys have pointed out the differences between the frames it seems to me that the basic aluminum road frame didn't really change a ton from the design in the early 80's. It just sorta went by different names at different times.
I think the main thing I'm not sure about is whether to look for Road or Crit geometry. I assume Road because I'm not racing Crit, but i'm not really basing that on anything
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#49
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OR...a Sport/Touring (ST) frame from 83-88. Slightly more relaxed geometry than the SR, still plenty nimble for Normal Human Riders, excellent descenders. Came with 27" wheels but easily converted to 700c's with a pair of Tektro R556 brake calipers and a drill to make the frame take the inset nuts. Awesome ride, will easily take a 130mm rear axle, so 8/9/10 speeds. Clamp on derailleur so you can easily use either a compact, a standard double or a triple cranksetup front. ST frames of that era came measured in inches (who knows why), so 23" = 58cm +/-. Best thing to do is find a frame and build it up, since most everything else will get tossed.
And, yes, since you will ask, I have two 23" frames in storage: one newly powder coated in white (an '83 AA series) and an 84 BB series in original metalflake blue that is in desperate need of refinishing.
See these lovely examples below (the white one's a 25"):


And, yes, since you will ask, I have two 23" frames in storage: one newly powder coated in white (an '83 AA series) and an 84 BB series in original metalflake blue that is in desperate need of refinishing.
See these lovely examples below (the white one's a 25"):



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