stykthyn

I found a cannondale r400 on craigslist that I am seriously interested in getting. I know these bikes are a little older but are they worth getting? Heres a link to the bike. I've managed to talk them down some on the price but I dont want to be stuck with a bike that isnt worth the tin that is pounded from.
https://gainesville.craigslist.org/bik/3630736181.html

dtrain

I'd keep shopping.

stykthyn

can you clarify on that?

dtrain

I just think that's too high. Also - on the one you linked - I'd be a little concerned how he got the newer rear wheel to fit in older (narrower) dropouts.

If you are fine with an older bike (DT shifters, etc.) - you should be spending $150-$300 on C-List. I noticed a Centurion further down your C-List page that is a much better deal for the price (IMO).

Personally, I'd budget a touch more and look for Tiagra or 105 STI's. And yes, those deals are out there. I bought a Cannondale this weekend with Mavic's and full 9-speed Ultegra for $500. Here's one closer to your size (but in my neck of the woods) for only $350: https://portland.craigslist.org/clk/bik/3634517483.html

Homebrew01

As long as your arms are bigger than toothpicks, it's not that hard. I've got 130mm wheels on 2 of my old Cannondales.

stykthyn

I was supposed to go for a test ride yesterday but the weather didnt allow. I have them talked down to 300. what really caught my eye was the wheelset. The cheapest I have seen those sell for used is 200, then again road bikes here are crazy popular and everything has a ridiculous mark up.

dtrain

The wheelset is certainly a nice feature and enhances the value. I still think $300 is a touch high, but I'm not a fan of DT shifters and don't know your market/budget. It's a crazy seller's market here later in the spring and during summer - but less so right now. If the rear dropouts aren't an issue, that helps.

chi-james

my 1985-88 sr500 has 130mm dropouts (or so close to not matter)

stykthyn

this is a college town so bikes come and go like crazy and prices do run high. The cheapest LBS used bike would be in the 4-500 range and thats an early 80s fuji or schwinn that still has the DT shifters or likely and added set of bar end shifters and an antiquated shift set. not saying there is anything wrong with those bikes but thats what the market here is like. I am not trying to sound cheap but I am a casual rider. I ride to work when it isnt raining and I do weekend fun rides with the kids. Nothing competative so I dont see the need to spend too much on a bike. Right now I have a walmart schwinn varsity that I picked up used and while I feel it was a good bike for what I paid for it and I like the way it feels the walmart level parts that came on it are leaving me wanting something a little better.

MNTC

https://www.vintagecannondale.com/info.html
If the seller gives you a chance to look at the serial number, you can use this site to determine whether or not the dropouts were spread to accept the new wheels. In many cases using a 130mm wheel in the 126mm Cdales did not cause structural issues but nevertheless misaligned the dropout hanger, impairing shifting performance. In many cases the owners do not know or care, but I imagine you do.

Dilberto

PASS.....move along, nothing to see here.