Cannondale T800 for Road and Paths?
 

Hey,

I am new to this forum and the world of cycling. It's been years since I've done much bike riding, and I don't currently have a bike. I would like to get a used bike for riding around town on roads, and on gravel and paved bike paths. Also, Charlottesville is a fairly hilly area. I've visited the LBS and tried out the Trek FX 7.1 and 7001, and preferred the FX. I've also ridden a friend's Fuji Absolute 2.0 which I liked too, but the tires are road-like and I'm not sure if it will take wider tires. I'm not a super confident rider, so nothing feels great yet. There is a Cannondale T800 touring bike on CL, which has low miles and seems in great shape, for $300. (It may be a 2001.) Would this be good for the bike paths as well as the road? The tires (Continental) are wider and have have more tread than the traditional road bike tire. Is the price good?

Thanks much!

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=253472

I don't usually recommend buying used aluminum bikes, without knowing their histories. However, in this case, the picture of this bike really makes it look almost brand new. Furthermore, the T800 was one my favorite bikes that Cannondale has ever produced. The T800 is still a highly respected bike by many touring cyclists. Therefore, if this bike fits you, and the ride feels comfortable to you, then make the purchase.

Of course, I would advise you to find someone who "knows bikes" so that they can accompany you to make this purchase. Have them inspect the bike both before and after your test ride ( at least a couple of miles).

Offer $200, but bring $300 for this bike. Use your bargaining skills to win!

This bike looks like a great deal!

Good Luck! :thumb:

PS.

If that's a dent in the top tube where the sunshine is reflecting the most, then low ball the bike to $100, or forget it!

No dents or weld issues are acceptable!

Cannondale's A Good Starter Bike, But...
 

If this bike fits you, the price is fair. The frame is a small one. Are you between 5' and 5' 4"? Also, the saddle might not be to your liking if you ride more than 45 minutes or so at a time. Otherwise, if it's not damaged and works properly, this isn't a bad choice. It must fit you, though.

How tall are you? That Cannondale is a small frame size.

Bikes, like shoes, come in sizes. Would you buy a pair of shoes that were the wrong size just because they were cheap? Bikes are the same. People like to flap their mouth about frame material and construction and group sets but, if the bike is the wrong size, none of that matters. A hundred mile ride is a long ride. If you shift more than a couple of times per mile, that's a lot. You don't spend very much time actually shifting. Your fit on the bicycle frame, however, will affect your efficiency, comfort and performance every single minute you are riding the bike. Nothing else even comes close in degree of importance.

When you buy a bike at a shop, you can usually find the style of bike you like in a price range you can tolerate and depend on the shop to fit you with the right size - just like buying shoes. With a CL bike there's usually only one so you have to know ahead of time what size you need and you have to have the discipline to reject everything that's not the right size.

Wear and condition are not something to judge from afar.

I appreciate the advice. That T800 bike is too small. Though I'm kind of liking the idea of a touring type bike.

you may want to consider a cyclocross bike; I say that based on the terrain you are expecting to ride.