So I have the option on a local CL to pick up either an SR300 for $200 or a Klein Quantum for $350. Im new into riding and am looking for a good used entry bike. Also on a budget as a college student and am looking for some help on what people think, are these good deals? Worth Buying for the Price?

Any help would be great Thanks!

What is going on with the super long chain stay on that Klein? And the seat? Cannondale seems like a safer bet. Both have downtube shifters, so keep that in mind.

You don't indicate where you are located, so it's a bit difficult to say if these are good deals or not. Here in western canuckistan, those prices would be considered pretty fair. As far as the bikes are concerned, they are both from about the same era when aluminum bikes were becoming commonplace but still had some issues to work out - they rode pretty rough and many frames developed cracks.

I would give them a ride and a careful look. The cannondale is (obviously) the better deal, but if you get the klein ditch that abomination of a saddle.

Sorry, Im in Milwaukee Wisconsin. The saddle on the Klein would be replaced with a much more traditional saddle. Probably would try to ebay the one on it for a few bucks. Was researching them and they run like 100 new. Definitely need to check them both out for cracks. I know they ride hard, but I kind of like the stiffer ride.

Also, for what I can afford and am seeing around the area right now, downtube is all i'm really seeing. Won't be a long term bike... just something until i'm actually making money instead of paying tons for school.

thanks for the replies.

If the Klein fits, I would go for it. You might like it and want to ultimately keep it. They have a cult-like love for the bikes by some people. Put some better wheels on it later, do some probably minor maintenance, and you might sell it for much more than you paid.

I think they're both pretty cool bikes. The Cannondale is a budget racing model. It's a few sizes bigger than the Klein. I was curious about the Klein because of the recent cool find over in C&V. This one is likely a Performance model, an early sport touring model from the late 80's-earl 90's which explains the long chainstays, and it's going to be more stable and less nimble. But that seat! My God. Who buys a Klein and worries about comfort?

I typed "Klein red chrome" into Google image search and did not get the sort of results I was expecting! Whew!

Seems like your height should make that decision for you. I'm gonna guess you should be at least 5' 10" for the Cannondale. If you are shorter, the Klein may work. Sizing is important. If it's a little small you can do some things to adapt, but forget it if it's too big.

The Cannondale looks a little bigger than I remember my 56cm so it's a 58 or 60cm. How tall are you. I'm 5'10". My first Cannondale was the SR300 back in '85. It looked very similar. It came with Suntour Sprint components if I remember correctly. I of course would go for the Cannondale if it fits. Good luck.

I am a 6' rider, with a 32 inch inseam, I was figuring a 56 with adjustments could work, or a 58. the Klein in a 56, Cannondale is a 58. Still not sure what i'm leaning towards, but am going to ride both of them tomorrow.

A couple of notes on the Cannondale. He has it described as a 3.0. It's not. 3.0's were first released in '89 and had cantilevered rear dropouts. I would guess that this is an '85-88 model. You can ask for the serial #'s to check. Go to vintagecannondale.com to look up the #'s. He looks like a seller of lots of bikes so you can use that info to get him down a little bit. Although $200 doesn't sound bad though if it is in good shape. I had one and loved it. It's ride was a little rough but I was on 19-21mm tires back then so I am sure todays wider tires would tame a bit of the rough ride. 23 would definitely fit and 25's might. I still have and ride my 3.0 regularly on 25's. At 6' I think the 58cm should be a good fit unless you have freaky proportions. Good luck.

Klein looks like "touring" geometry, vs "racing" geometry on the Cannondale.
The Klein has some braze-ons for rack mounts and/or fenders.

Seller: "I know what this bicycle is going for on the market and ebay so please don't try to low ball me."

Then he should list a reasonable price.

Correct