My 1988 Cannondale ST400 needs some love!
 

I am the original owner of this bike, black frame with red letters and white seat. Even though my beater mountain bikes have come and go, I still just love the ride of this old sport touring machine and I simply cannot part with it. But just like my 52 year-old knees she is beginning to show her age, and I would really appreciate some advice on renovation upgrades. So if you have the knowledge and and can share it I would be very grateful.

Specifically:
1. I have the basic 12 speed model with Sugino cranks and two front chainrings + six gears in back. I don't know if it's freewheel or cassette-- whazzat? Derailleurs and shifts are all Suntour. I would like to upgrade to 3 chainrings in front to help on the hills, and to replace the Suntour downtube shifters with something higher up on my flat handle bars. What should I look for on a donor bike? Are there new parts I should consider?

2. The bottom bracket is now showing the slightest wobble... How do I find out the necessary information to overhaul or replace it? Is this worth the energy?

3. Any suggestions for getting a better wheel in back-- the cheap 27 rims that the LBS have been putting on only last a few years before the spokes start to rot, even though my front wheel is original and A-ok. I'm fine to switch to 700c if there is a suitable donor, or to build a new rear wheel if needed. But I am clueless about what hub will fit in a 126mm dropout space and what cassette I can use to match the rest of the upgrade that I want to do. Where do I even start? C-l-u-e-l-e-s-s.

4. Last and actually least important, an LBS guy once told me my fork is slightly bent. It would be nice to put something newer up there if that is practical. I have heard of people switching to threadless headsets but i don't fully understand the pros and cons.

Many thanks for any advice!!

:foo::thumb:

Welcome to Bike Forums.

Seeing as this is our Introductions forum, most of the members who can help you aren't going to see your post. I suggest reposting your questions in our Classic & Vintage forum.

Welcome to Bike Forums. Another vote for checking in with the folks in the Classic & Vintage forum. They will be a great help to you.

welcome to the forums...

Thanks everyone for the welcome and de-direction!

Welcome and have fun!!

Welcome aboard!

I just bought an ST400 this year to use as my townie bike!
https://photos.smugmug.com/Bikes/Can...IMG_8799-L.jpg

I think mine might be a bit older than yours, but I was able to throw on 700c wheels (not pictured) with a modern hub without any issue - slid right into the dropouts. I've been told to watch the spreading since the frame is aluminum, but no spreading was needed on mine. Then I just got some Tektro long reach brakes to accommodate the wheels. I also threw on an 8spd cassette since it's friction shifting. The rear derailleur isn't a fan of the biggest gear, but my top speed around town on the bike is about 12mph, so it does ok for that.

I'm not sure if I got lucky, or I just don't know what I'm doing and have done something incredibly wrong, but so far so good!

I'm sure the guys in the Classic & Vintage subforum will help get you situated.

Gorgeous, thanks so much for the info!

Welcome to the BF family, and another vote for posting in the C&V Forum, lots of love for the original ST 'Dales there, you'll get some good information and a lot of tips on it there.

Bill

WElcome Beachdaze,addressing #4 Bike Nashbar in Ohio has new cromoly forks for around$60-70 if you decide to not go with used

Cheers!