1986 Cannondale?
 

I found a cute cannondale that is just my size on craigslist recently. What is the likelihood that buying this bike would be a good investment? I do not know much about aluminum bikes. What would I expect the life expectancy of this bike to be? Is it worth the price? I also have another, a tad bit unrelated. I found another bicycle with a 700c rear wheel and 24in front wheel. Is it possible to replace the front wheel with a different sized wheel? Or would I need to replace the fork with one capable to adapting to a 700c wheel.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/916957692.html

Thanks for anyone's advice.

I would never pay $550 for that bike. As for the wheel - yes, you would need to buy a new fork.

Early Cannondales had a problem with frame life. I don't know when that was corrected, but I believe that from the early 90's on they were pretty reliable. I don't know about the 86, though.

The problem with old aluminum frames is that when they get enough stress cycles on them, they crack. It would be impossible knowing the expected lifespan of the Cannondale in your photo without knowing more about how much it was ridden before you bought it.

However, in my opinion, this is *way* too expensive for an 86 Cannondale. For $550 you could get a much newer bike, or get a vintage bike with a lot more character than this. IMHO this is a $100 bike, at most, *after* I got a Cannondale expert to tell me that the 86's were OK.

Over priced for $550. IMHO You should be able to get a much better bike for $550.

I figured enough. Thanks for the help. Stupid overpriced bikes in the bay area. I also found this specialized sequoia, but I am unsure of the year. The guy that owns it says it is probably 90s. Is it really worth this much? It has reynolds 531 tubing also. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/917729939.html

Thanks.

550 is way high. As for the other bike, changing the fork to one that will take a 700 wheel will radically change the handling. The smaller wheel is there for a reason.

It is 80s, not 90s and also overpriced.

When a bicycle has a 24 in wheel can that be a bad or a good thing, depending on the bike, in terms of handling? Are those wheels/tires hard to find?

Does it even really matter that it has a 24in wheel?

I would be more inclined to check out this Faggin in your size. Interesting old Italian bike.

Lousy photo, though - often lousy photos mean lousy bikes. But if this bike is in good shape it might be an interesting bike (for a bit less money, though).

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/922153054.html

Is it a Terry?

In the 80s this was a somewhat common women specific design. I allows for a smaller framed bike to still have a regular 700c back wheel.

The wheels and tires shouldn't be too hard to find. Any bike shop will be able to get them but won't have them in stock and you can order them online without a problem. For me the big negative is that you have to carry extra spare tubes.

For $500 you should be able to pick up something like this:http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/922149054.html
Its not your size but keep looking.

It's a Centurion Dave Scott Expert. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/917706967.html

I just thought the wheel size was quite interesting. I've never seen that.

You can find 24" tires, but they aren't common.

The Centurion is a nice bike. Japanese-made, steel, lugged frame. Seems somewhat pricey to me but the unusual wheel sizes will either make it very hard to sell or very desirable to someone who wants that - who knows?

Here in Seattle 80's Japanese bikes (Univega, Fuji, Centurion, Lotus, Sekai) go for $50 to $300, depending on equipment and condition. I personally really like the 80's Japanese bikes and would look seriously at the Centurion (if you like the color, which I do).

Just remember that on an 80's bike, even if it's been a "garage queen," you are likely to need to replace the tires, tubes, brake pads, and handlebar tape, just from age if nothing else. Brake hoods might be cracked. While you are at it, plan on replacing brake and derailleur cables. And, if you want to ride with clipless pedals, you'll want new pedals. Finally, the saddle is probably junk.

That's why older bikes should sell for so little - you're looking at a fair amount of money just to get many of them in riding condition, even if they are in "good" condition when you buy them.

you should go see the TCR

A user here (Easthill) rides that same bike. It's a better bike than either the Cannondale or the Sequoia, but still overpriced.

As ridiculous as those San Francisco CL prices are, you might want to start looking on ebay.

I really like the way it looks, but it is hard to get used to the look of a big wheel in back and small in front. Does it look like it was originally meant to have a 24in wheel in the rear as well? Are there even decent 24 inch road tires out there?

I feel like ebay has less than what SF has to offer, but the prices really are more reasonable. The only good thing I found so far was a trek frame set for $50. I have all the parts to a vintage bike (my frame very recently was damaged beyond repair from an accident, all other parts remain in perfect condition minus the rear derailleur. However, it seems that it was already sold and the seller was too lazy to delete the ad. Is there anywhere else to look for good, reasonably priced frames or complete bikes besides, CL, ebay, and an LBS? I also found this: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/922075714.html but I don't know anything about the decency of this bike either. I couldn't find much information on it.

Personally I think the Centurion is very cool. Pricey, but cool.

As for 24-inchers, most of the 24-inch tires on the market today are for kid bikes or (I think) some sizes of BMX bikes.

But there are some "performance" 24's out there. Look at the Schwalbe folding tires here -
http://www.everybicycletire.com/Shopping/c-17-24.aspx

Schwalbe has a very detailed website, you should look at their website, too.

If I was not in Portland I would check it out myself. If it doesnt fit flip it. You can part it out for more then $495.

Yikes, that seems pricey. Even though lots of people love old Schwinns they shouldn't sell for this much (unless they are Paramounts).

Used bike prices are totally insane right now in the Bay Area. I sold my 80's Peugeot Versailles for $200 a few weeks ago. I bought it two years ago for $70.

What size of bike would actually fit you? Most of the bikes on the thread look like they are very different sizes.

If you're looking at getting a good deal on an old bike you might want to check out your local bike co-op, I'm sure san francisco has at least one.

I can fit anywhere from a 48-51. As long as the stand isn't more than 30 inches, I feel comfortable on bikes ranging from these sizes.

That is high. I own a 1986 R300 Cannondale, I was the original owner, sold it, after two other owners I got it back. back then the model numbers actually denoted Price. Hence R300 was 300.00. I'd check around ebay, or craigs list (not SF). mine is 53cm, But you can find something cheaper, just make sure that it is in good working condition. What ever used bike you buy, check it out for fit. Also the classics forum is a great resource for parts, information.

You might be better buying new lower end road bike, unless you enjoy fixing up old bikes. It is a labor of love, but from a financial standpoint, it may not make sense. Happy Hunting!

I raced the snot out of those '80's Cannondales. Still got one ... no problems. But I agree that $500 is way too much, same for the Sequoia