1986 Cannondale SR800 - "Pink Lightning" build questions
 

I picked up this pink (Cannondale calls it "coral") 1986 SR800 frame/fork/headset/bb last weekend. While pondering options for the build, I tried to search for this model online and only found 2, so I think it's a fairly rare model. As such, I figured I'd start a new thread. The SR800 in '86 was offered in two colors - coral and black, and the SR800 would go on to become the Black Lightning model, so I figured I'd call this one "Pink Lightning."

I have built/rebuilt a decent number of bikes at this point, but I've never started with a bare frame and picked my own parts before, so I guess I'm just looking for suggestions. The bike was originally specced with Superbe Pro. Literally the day before I bought this frame, I picked up a bike for parts that had a nice wheelset with Suntour Superbe Pro hubs. I also have a set of Superbe Pro Accushift 6 speed shifters. No other Superbe parts though. I do have a set of 6 speed indexed Shimano 600 shifters/rear derailleur. As far as brakes, I have Shimano 105 single pivot calipers and aero levers or Modolo Equipe calipers with non-aero levers. Need to find a crankset to use also. Any suggestions on the build would be appreciated.

Besides general suggestions, I also have a more specific question: Which model of Superbe Pro rear derailleur would I need to work with the Accushift 6 speed shifters? I've done some searching, but it seems like the ones I'm finding are either friction only models or the 7/8 speed ones, unless I have it wrong.

Finally, does anyone else have a coral SR800 or have you seen any? I've searched the Cannondale threads here, and I just can't find any. I would love to see others if they are out there.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1540/...5e9f7e14_b.jpg

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https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1445/...85bbab93_b.jpg

Bump. I will get corrected if I am wrong, but any Superbe Pro derailleur should work. The indexing is in the shifters. And you could just set the limit screws on a 7/8 speed der. to match the range of the 6 and you'll be fine.

Interesting color. Never had a coral one pass through The Lab, but have had at least one actual pink SR (pretty sure they called it Rose) which I think was a replacement frame color. And it was really pink.

Bet that would look nice with yellow saddle, bar tape and cable housing...

My love for most Cannondales is, well, not, but that thing is cool.
If it has Doc Cannondale's seal of approval, has to be good.

Gorgeous. I love the coral!

I am building an older Trek 660 right now, and I am putting Suntour components on it, along with a Sugino crank. You can find a great selection on eBay for not too much, and they would fit with your other parts.

VictorKnox, I can't remember seeing any Coral or Rose Cannondales around here, just in photos. Good score!

I'm not a good person to advise you on the build as my two Cannondale SRs have been updated to 8S and 9S drivetrains. ;) If your bike has the plastic rear brake cable housing guides, I suggest aero brake levers to reduce any strain to the front, and now brittle with age front guide.

Brad

Breast cancer awareness bike. So yes very cool.:cool:

Try your various set of shifters on the frame because not all shifters will fit unless you have the curved backing plates needed.

Looks like you'll need a mounting bracket for a braze on FD.
Call the outfit below, they usually have them available.
Cannondale Experts | Parts, tools, + accessories for Cannondale

I built an 86 SR800 up for my Velo Cheapo ride. It is a 105 drivetrain and RGC brakes. You can kind of see the FD setup below.
https://dl.dropbox.com/s/gceegw1132s...800c.jpeg?dl=0

its salmon. and pretty cool.

Thanks for the input, everyone. Also, nice bikes @Chuckk and @oddjob2

The bike that I got the wheels from was also an older cannondale (with a broken frame, so I stripped it for parts.) So, I do have all the little parts and guides and things needed for the build, like the front derailleur plate. As @oddjob2 mentioned, I do still need to track down some of the backing plates for the Suntour shifters with the flat backs because the ones I have are curved for steel frames.

@Aubergine which Sugino crankset are you using? I'm really not familiar with the different models of Sugino cranksets, so don't really know what to look for that would be a good match with the Superbe stuff.

I just picked up this today at a bike swap:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1637/...7dae221c_b.jpg

Now, I just need to figure out a crankset and front derailleur. I have two cranksets in my parts bin right now: a Campagnolo Nuovo Record and an old (1st or 2nd gen?) Dura Ace with mismatched rings. I'm not sure either would really fit with the aesthetics of the rest of the bike. The only braze on front derailleur I have is an Ofmega Premier. I'm just trying to weigh using what I have against going all out and tracking down all Superbe Pro components. Should I just use what I've got? Thanks again for the help and advice, I can't wait to get this thing going!

I am sorry, but I don't know what model it is. I had it sitting around after I pulled it off a different bike. However, it looks like a Campy C-Record era crank. It is smoother and looks a bit beefier than the Nuovo Record crank you are using. It looks pretty nice with the Suntour stuff.

(EDIT: the crank looks very similar to the one in rccardr's photos below. Looks nice, doesn't it?)

I knew I had a picture of Big Pink somewhere...
http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/y...psbpjelvkh.jpg

That's what I did when fitting Shimano 7sp index shifters. I grabbed some pliers and had a visit with the bench grinder.

Otherwise, those shifters will stick out like elephant ears. :)

Where would bikeforums be without garage doors? Nice contrast.

Got the last few pieces of the puzzle today. Superbe Pro crankset w/bottom bracket and a set of Dia Compe Royal Gran Compe calipers. Time to get this thing together...

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1451/...914590e9_b.jpgDSC_0757

Done!

1986 Cannondale SR800, 58cm
All Superbe Pro drivetrain, including 6 speed Accushift shifters. Royal Gran Compe calipers with Aero Gran Compe levers. Superbe Pro hubs laced to Araya rims.

Still needs some little things like cable ends, and I have new tires coming. Will have to wait until this weekend for the maiden voyage...

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https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1564/...3d96fe86_b.jpgDSC_0008

My wife's bike that's been in the basement for the last 22 years is that Coral color. It's the smallest frame Cannondale made and as I remember has a low end Suntour setup on it. I'll have to dig the basement bikes out once the weather improves.

VictorKnow, When I saw what you had bought in post 15, I felt this would be an extremely attractive build, and it is. Congrats!

Brad

Hello. I have this bike! Ive beaten it up a bit over the years using a big chain lock that chipped the paint off in areas, and there is some rust as I kept it covered outside for a few years, but it's an incredible bike. I love riding it! How do I add a photo?

I used to have one of the coral ones that I picked up from a friend for $40 somebody
 

Yeah I downloaded the catalog for 1986 and it talks about all the specs and stuff inside of there and what each bike was Was completed with as far as what type of Hannah bars all those things when anyways the bike was called corral the color for the SR 800 they only made 2 colors the corral and I'm black with a yellow. But what was also nice to see was that in 1986 the 1000 had actually won events at the Olympics..