Josher

Hello everyone, I recently got a job as a bike delivery guy and I need a super fast and affordable road bike. I can spend $400 to $700 (preferably closer to the lower end of that range). I have been advised to go used, rather than new.

This one was just posted on Craigslist and I'm wondering if it is worth the price:

https://dayton.craigslist.org/bik/1365832978.html

Also, I am 6' tall with a 30-32" pant inseam. Do you think this bike is the right size for me?

Thanks for any help or advice you can offer.

Homebrew01

I would say it's about the right size. I'm 5' 10" with the same inseam & ride a 56. Bike looks to be in good shape from the 1 picture.

Phantoj

I think you should get something else.

This bike is old and the components aren't amazing, but the price is pretty steep. It's expensive, IMO, because it's a kinda cool, kinda classic bike in great condition. But you just want a fast bike to bash about as a delivery person, so give this bike a pass and let a Cannondale fanatic pick it up.

Mael

It doesnt depend on the bike how fast it is but on you. You can suck even on the best bike ever.

cshell

It's pretty!

robotkiller

Can't give you an expert opinion on whether it's worth it (though the asking price sounds about right), but that is a pretty cool looking bike in what looks like great condition. 56cm should fit you.

Phantoj

It's awesome! And it would be a shame for it to get beat up.

Josher

Well I know that the speed ultimately depends on how fast my legs are--I've been cycling 10 years on a single-speed cruiser but it's not up to the task. I am mostly concerned about the cycle's weight and it's components.

Thanks everybody.

cshell

It's a 1988 model.

But he bought it new in 1990?

Do LBS's keep new bikes that long?

I realize, it may come to the shop late in 1988, But then it would be about 2 years old by the time this guy actually bought it?

enjoi

for a solid bike that will have minimal breakable parts, friction shifters are second only to single speed/ fixed.

I think the price is a little high, but I'm not familiar with your market. As a collectors bike it is certainly priced well, but as a tool, it is a little outdated and therefor over priced.

Offer the guy 350 and work from there.

woodchuck69

Warning: make sure you put in a little time demoing that thing before you buy it. Those bikes were sold as criterium racers and they are mega stiff. My friend had that same bike and it rode like it was going to rattle your teeth out compared to my italian steel.

It would be wicked quick and nimble for street delivery, but forget doing any long distance stuff on it.

That Cinelli Volare saddle would sell for a bunch on ebay.

robotkiller

+1

Don't buy this bike if it's going to be a beater.

RitterJD

I live in the Dayton area and saw this bike as well. I think that the price is a little high but not ridiculously so.

I think that it will be a little small for you, but you will have to try it. I am about the same size as you and ride a 58cm Cannondale from that era. I have a 91 R800 with full Shimano 600 and I have been considering letting it go for less than that.

MCODave

This is not the right bike for a "bike delivery job" (by which I assume you mean bike messenger). This is a nice collectable not a beater and the price reflects that. That would be like buying a mint chrome-bumper MGB to deliver pizza's.

rugerben

That's way too much for that bike. Awesome bike though, and perfect tool for the job you are describing. If you can get it for $300-325 take it. Otherwise, move on. A better deal will come along shortly.

wanders

mint is right. i wish it were closer to me.

91MF

thats a hot bike. $300 would be ok.
if it was a 60cm i'd be figuring shipping to canada now. i have cannondale problem.

edit: also, as stated above, if you think you want it, make sure to test ride for more than 5 minutes. these things are ass-hatchets.

ImRael

No factory gold chain?

I test rode one right out of the box in 1988. Heed Woodchuck69's warning.

Unagidon

If lugged steel, with Ultegra 600, then a good deal.

Tortuga!

Nice classic rig...and the MGB/pizza analogy is right on.

I'd lean more towards a SS, even a (dare I say it) BD SS. Simple, new, and no big whoop when it gets banged up.

I'm no tax expert...but I believe if you're able to itemize, you can claim the bike, maintenance, and bike clothing? on your taxes.

ok_commuter

i'm presuming the dude is selling it b/c he couldn't figure out why he kept sliding off the seat?

BikeWise1

The name "Cannondale" and the term "lugged steel" are diametrically opposed.

That bike should go to a collector. It's too nice to ride, especially with all that old SunTour stuff.

Josher

I'd lean more towards a SS, even a (dare I say it) BD SS.[/QUOTE]

Pardon my newbieness, but what's a BD SS?

gettingold

I have the same bike. Great bike but that is too much $.

helmut

I just picked up a Panasonic DX-6000 for my wife. Similar Suntour drivetrain, Sugino bits here and there. It rides great and shifts perfectly. It's about the same vintage. It has the Tange Premier tubing I think, instead of aluminum. However, I only paid $150 for it, so you might be getting shafted at $420.