Not another Black Lightning Thread...
07-15-14 | 06:56 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
Likes: 105
From: Long Island, NY
Remember...when you have a bike like this and do upgrades, make sure to keep ALL original components. Don't be tempted to say "I'm not using them, so I'll toss them". If ever you decide to sell the bike, these help keep the price up there. Also, I'm a Purist. Even if it's broken I'll still keep the part.
07-15-14 | 07:06 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
Likes: 105
From: Long Island, NY
As you can see, I replaced the saddle with a Body Geometry (that I have on all of my road bikes). Also, I removed the straps on the pedals. Straps and saddle are in a box labeled Black Lightning and tucked away.
07-15-14 | 08:06 AM
#29
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Joined: Jul 2014
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07-15-14 | 08:15 AM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
I echo the recommendations of keeping the parts tucked away. Otherwise, the frame is not regarded as limited edition since it was used with various grouppo options.
07-16-14 | 09:55 AM
#31
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Joined: Jul 2014
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By the way...just saw a black lightning on CL in Memphis...looks like it was wrecked and was converted to fixed gear. Looks like it has the saddle and a few other parts, though. Just sitting here praying I don't get an itch to go driving today.
07-16-14 | 11:24 AM
#32
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
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From: Long Island, NY
07-16-14 | 12:04 PM
#35
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Likes: 4
First off never too many BL threads,
Looking at the bike, it looks in prime shape, and getting the dt shifters and gears was great!!
$300 nice price..
I paid $225 for my 89, it has a sweet, surefooted ride! Harsh to some.
We need to either turn this into a BL picture thread or somebody start one...
Looking at the bike, it looks in prime shape, and getting the dt shifters and gears was great!!
$300 nice price..
I paid $225 for my 89, it has a sweet, surefooted ride! Harsh to some.
We need to either turn this into a BL picture thread or somebody start one...
07-16-14 | 01:01 PM
#36
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
Likes: 105
From: Long Island, NY
07-16-14 | 01:07 PM
#37
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
Likes: 105
From: Long Island, NY
Here's the Thread I started last year when I got mine...
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ought-one.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ought-one.html
07-17-14 | 11:30 AM
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Decided to tinker last night and grabbed chain whip and mega wrench and and FR tool. Removed the 13-28? freewheel cassette that the owner had installed to replace the original 7 speed cassette that was on the BL. The original cassette has a more narrow gear range. Just wanted to try out the original - you ask why, perhaps. Can't a dude tinker around for no reason?
After the fight of removing the cassette, I was able to easily install the original. Of course, it did not result in a huge shift (pun intended) of difference, just don't have a couple of the larger cogs for climbing hills. Placebo effect was that I could hammer the hell out the bike and go faster. This cassette yielded a nearly silent coast/ride also.
Almost want to put the original RD back on, but it's got the rSX brifters up top and I can only imagine what that'd do. I only know enough to be dangerous.
Great...another photo (original cassette installed):
After the fight of removing the cassette, I was able to easily install the original. Of course, it did not result in a huge shift (pun intended) of difference, just don't have a couple of the larger cogs for climbing hills. Placebo effect was that I could hammer the hell out the bike and go faster. This cassette yielded a nearly silent coast/ride also.
Almost want to put the original RD back on, but it's got the rSX brifters up top and I can only imagine what that'd do. I only know enough to be dangerous.
Great...another photo (original cassette installed):
I put a 12-28 on mine.
07-18-14 | 06:18 AM
#39
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Likes: 4
This thread is super!!
At one time, I was thinking about going to brifters on my 89 BL, however, since I have been riding it commuting for the last 3 months, I am almost sure, I am going to stay with the beautiful index downtube shifters and Edge components. I have changed the seat to a Brooks clone, with copper rivets, tires, yellow and black, gold toe clips, everything else is original. I must admit, I do have a set of black wheels with black spokes and gold decals, that I have to go on, but want to make sure I am able to keep the stock freewheel!!
Yes, if I see another BL for a good price and my size, I will get it!!
At one time, I was thinking about going to brifters on my 89 BL, however, since I have been riding it commuting for the last 3 months, I am almost sure, I am going to stay with the beautiful index downtube shifters and Edge components. I have changed the seat to a Brooks clone, with copper rivets, tires, yellow and black, gold toe clips, everything else is original. I must admit, I do have a set of black wheels with black spokes and gold decals, that I have to go on, but want to make sure I am able to keep the stock freewheel!!
Yes, if I see another BL for a good price and my size, I will get it!!
07-18-14 | 10:57 AM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 6
From: Pearland, Texas
Bikes: Cannondale, Trek, Raleigh, Santana
Decided to tinker last night and grabbed chain whip and mega wrench and and FR tool. Removed the 13-28? freewheel cassette that the owner had installed to replace the original 7 speed cassette that was on the BL. The original cassette has a more narrow gear range. Just wanted to try out the original - you ask why, perhaps. Can't a dude tinker around for no reason?
After the fight of removing the cassette, I was able to easily install the original. Of course, it did not result in a huge shift (pun intended) of difference, just don't have a couple of the larger cogs for climbing hills. Placebo effect was that I could hammer the hell out the bike and go faster. This cassette yielded a nearly silent coast/ride also.
Almost want to put the original RD back on, but it's got the rSX brifters up top and I can only imagine what that'd do. I only know enough to be dangerous.
Great...another photo (original cassette installed):
After the fight of removing the cassette, I was able to easily install the original. Of course, it did not result in a huge shift (pun intended) of difference, just don't have a couple of the larger cogs for climbing hills. Placebo effect was that I could hammer the hell out the bike and go faster. This cassette yielded a nearly silent coast/ride also.
Almost want to put the original RD back on, but it's got the rSX brifters up top and I can only imagine what that'd do. I only know enough to be dangerous.
Great...another photo (original cassette installed):
Tinkering is a great tool to gain experience and to enjoy your bike. Check for a bicycle co-op in your area as many offer maintenance classes.
Brad
07-18-14 | 05:26 PM
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Brad! Thanks so much. I'm learning a ton from you guys here everyday (reading and searching around the forums - overwhelming).
Probably going to throw that other aftermarket cassette with wider range on it back on the bike for now, just wanted to try this original cassette. The other one helps more with the hills. Found that out the hard way yesterday.
Also, even though I plan to replace the stem and make some other adjustments up top, I supported an LBS in a town I visited yesterday and bought a few smaller items, one being a set of black bar tape that was a lower end sort, just to practice wrapping bars. Tape isn't bad, but I'll try another sort when I get everything set up later. Nice to see black tape instead of that skin-tone tan.
(you guys go ahead and give me **** about the eggbeaters. The old Ritchey's that were on the bike failed, and these were all I had to install for now - they work fine.)
Probably going to throw that other aftermarket cassette with wider range on it back on the bike for now, just wanted to try this original cassette. The other one helps more with the hills. Found that out the hard way yesterday.
Also, even though I plan to replace the stem and make some other adjustments up top, I supported an LBS in a town I visited yesterday and bought a few smaller items, one being a set of black bar tape that was a lower end sort, just to practice wrapping bars. Tape isn't bad, but I'll try another sort when I get everything set up later. Nice to see black tape instead of that skin-tone tan.
(you guys go ahead and give me **** about the eggbeaters. The old Ritchey's that were on the bike failed, and these were all I had to install for now - they work fine.)
07-22-14 | 11:18 AM
#43
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
You guys...what am I looking at to possibly upgrade the bottom bracket and crankset on this thing (ok, shoot me)? I mean in terms of specs...not price. I know nothing about these bottom brackets, etc. for this bike. I know the first question you will ask is "but WHY on earth would you change it out?" I know, if it works, don't change it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I agree, but....just wondering. I hear you....whoever that was who just told me to put down the wrench and step away slowly. Might even tinker with the brake set - got a guy locally who has a set of new-ish 105 6700 brakes. Could be a fun experiment. Purists calm down, not letting go of any original components.
Just feeling evil.
I agree, but....just wondering. I hear you....whoever that was who just told me to put down the wrench and step away slowly. Might even tinker with the brake set - got a guy locally who has a set of new-ish 105 6700 brakes. Could be a fun experiment. Purists calm down, not letting go of any original components.
Just feeling evil.
Last edited by ThirdCog; 07-22-14 at 11:25 AM.
07-22-14 | 12:03 PM
#44
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 659
Likes: 105
From: Long Island, NY
ThirdCog...in my humble opinion, leave as much original as possible. Actually, EVERYTHING if you can! This model is not the typical CANNONDALE model that has upgrades done to it for various reasons. It's a limited run, no matter what year it was made, and finding original black parts for it is like finding hens teeth.
If you want to tinker...do it to a regular CANNONDALE model. There are tons out there. But leave the Black Lighting original.
If you want to tinker...do it to a regular CANNONDALE model. There are tons out there. But leave the Black Lighting original.
07-22-14 | 12:15 PM
#46
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
You guys...what am I looking at to possibly upgrade the bottom bracket and crankset on this thing (ok, shoot me)? I mean in terms of specs...not price. I know nothing about these bottom brackets, etc. for this bike. I know the first question you will ask is "but WHY on earth would you change it out?" I know, if it works, don't change it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I agree, but....just wondering. I hear you....whoever that was who just told me to put down the wrench and step away slowly. Might even tinker with the brake set - got a guy locally who has a set of new-ish 105 6700 brakes. Could be a fun experiment. Purists calm down, not letting go of any original components. Just feeling evil.
I agree, but....just wondering. I hear you....whoever that was who just told me to put down the wrench and step away slowly. Might even tinker with the brake set - got a guy locally who has a set of new-ish 105 6700 brakes. Could be a fun experiment. Purists calm down, not letting go of any original components.
Just feeling evil.
07-22-14 | 01:46 PM
#48
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Uh-oh. This is how it starts. You are catching on to what I did. I shaved a bunch of weight off mine by putting an ISIS BB in, then finding a light road double. Black Lightnings and Criterium Series bikes were not light. Mine weighs sub-18 with the wheels and could easily lose another pound without resorting to carbon fiber.
Thanks for the info (I'm still hammering the search feature, too). ISIS BB, that's what I was remembering from one of your threads.
Most any new experimentation with components will not be permanent, just learning curve work until next frame pops up and I move it over and restore the BL to original.
If I even do any of this, anyway.
07-22-14 | 04:58 PM
#50
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 13,358
Likes: 665
From: northern michigan
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
See! oldsCOOL, this is mostly your fault.
Thanks for the info (I'm still hammering the search feature, too). ISIS BB, that's what I was remembering from one of your threads.
Most any new experimentation with components will not be permanent, just learning curve work until next frame pops up and I move it over and restore the BL to original.
If I even do any of this, anyway.
Thanks for the info (I'm still hammering the search feature, too). ISIS BB, that's what I was remembering from one of your threads.
Most any new experimentation with components will not be permanent, just learning curve work until next frame pops up and I move it over and restore the BL to original.
If I even do any of this, anyway.