AstoriaCyclist

so...found a bike advertised on craigslist...63cm Cannondale road bike. haven't seen it yet, but the seller says everything is in good shape, and just had a tune-up, selling for $350. photo seems like it's off white, seller says it's actually a light powder blue. anyone know specifics on this? and just in general, anyone have opinions on older cannondales? a friend of mine had a nice older frame that rode beautifully. this bike would be used for racing in central park, prospect park next year. any input is appreciated.

Mike552

If it's a 1987, it's probably worth closer to $35... not $350.

patentcad

Actually, as of Jan. 1, it's 20 years old, which qualifies it for 'classic bike' status, and it will be worth $3500....

AstoriaCyclist

any reason in particular, assuming the components are not the same age? is the frame just not good quality?

barba

That is a pretty old bike, but given that it is a 63 (and assuming you are really that tall) you may be limited in the used market do to your height. I would try to negotiate the price a little.

Bockman

63 is an enormous frame... just sayin'.

AstoriaCyclist

yeah, i'm 6'2" with long limbs.

barba

I would take it for as long a test ride as you can. I am just a tad over 6'1" and ride a 58cm Cannondale.

AstoriaCyclist

he's right near a park with plenty of room for running. used is my alternative to $700 on a new entry level bike.

Mike552

Actually, I would say that if you're looking for a 63, you should have much more quality stuff available in the used market, since the average height is 5'10 and 54-56cm quality bikes are the ones that are hard to find as everyone is looking for one. Just my 0.02

As far as spending $700, that is not true this time of year. There are plenty of online dealers offering bikes for half that price. Hell, even the local bike shop is clearing stuff out this time of year. You should have no problem getting a Sora equipped bike in the $450 range, especially with the oddball size. I'll bet there's one sitting on a shelf somewhere in your area...

DrPete 

I had a '98 CAAD3 and that frame was stiff as a board. Great if you never wanted to ride more than 40-50 miles, but painful beyond that. If you want an all-day bike, look elsewhere.

AstoriaCyclist

i'm looking for a racer.

mollusk

I depends on what is hanging on the frame. If it has all Suntour Superbe Pro and it is in decent shape, then $350 is a good deal. I'd buy it just for the parts. If it has lower end bits hanging on the frame and it works OK, then $350 is too much. Something closer to $100 to $150 would be reasonable if everything works.

same time

I had a 1986 Cannondale, and rode it around New York City quite a bit. Lots of laps in Central and Prospect parks... I miss that.

If the bike is in good shape, maybe offer 300 for it. Cannondales from back then were very durable, as were the Shimano parts on them. (I still use a lot of the parts that came on mine, including the hubs.) Geometry was tight, ride was a bit harsh, mostly due to short chainstays and wheelbase. I had toe overlap on my 56cm frame.

Couple of things to consider: The rear dropout spacing will be 126mm, old standard for 6 speed wheels. Modern wheels won't fit, and the aluminum rear triangle can't be easily re-spaced. Fork will be steel, 1" threaded. Tire clearance was minescule - I could barely fit 700 x 25's. Shifters on the downtube.

If you like the bike as is, and don't want to replace/modernize any parts, then go for it. It's certainly up to the task of racing around the parks. But, if you think you'll want a modern racing bike with a ten speed cassette and brifters in the future, save your money up for that.

Good luck!

edit: Hey, I forgot that it's a large size. Those are harder to sell, you can probably get it for 200 - 250.

botto 

try riding multiple 80+ mile rides on a 13 year old c'dale 2.8

i did. never realized how harsh it was until i went back on it 2 months ago (it's my winter bike).

AstoriaCyclist

thanks for all the input. didn't realize that i wouldn't be able to use new wheels or even a 9sp cassette. throws a real wrench in my works.

Phantoj

I'd be thinking $100-150. Old bikes with downtube shifters don't go for much $$$. Maybe more if it had high-end components with some collector status.



I like all Cannondales, even older ones. I believe that the "harsh ride" they are associated with is due to the placebo (nocebo?) effect...

botto 

unless they're a steel colnago, pinarello, basso, merckx, etc w/campagnolo

ImprezaDrvr

I've got a CAAD 3 from '97 and it's stiff, but not that bad. Like everything else, it all depends on the rider. I still have that bike and it's a lot of fun to hammer on.

AstoriaCyclist

thank you all for all of your input.

tekhna

I'm 6'4" and on a 60cm. I'd test a 63 carefully, that might be way too big.

Mooo

I 'bayed my '88 'Dale with 2 sets of wheels and an amusing mix of Campy and other components a couple 3-4 years ago. Was a 54cm and went for 270, I think.

The '87 will have a little longer wheelbase than the 89 and up. I did a couple of centuries, a bunch of club rides, and a bit of racing on it. Always thought it was a pretty honest bike.
[sarcasm]What's really nice about those Cannondales is that they were built when everyone knew and accepted that aluminum gave a stiffer but more comfortable ride than steel - "ever see an aluminum bell?" was the tagline. So the earlier bike won't be harsh, right? [/sarcasm] (OT: I wonder what will be said of CF in years to come?).

Nessism

An old Cannondale is a great choice for begining crit racing. Contrary to what was said before, you can slam a 9 speed wheel in there - you will just have to spread the rear stays a smig before it will fit (not good for fast wheel changes).

As far as the price goes, it depends on the condition and the components. Cannondale used basically the same frame for many of their models but fit better components as you went up the ladder.

Good luck.

stevecaz

Is it this bike:



I had this bike, and CrimsonKarter21 still does (this is his). Well, I only refer to the frame as this one has been modified many times. Mine originally came with full Shimano 600 6-speed group, white Moser saddle, Wolber rims, and Avocet tires.

AstoriaCyclist

i dont' think so...this one is very close to white looking.