90s Cannondale or 80s Vitus 979?
#26
Senior Member
That's correct. While not a problem in this forum, for the most part, the gap is shortening in price. And 99% of the public will choose the brifter bike.
Likes For sdn40:
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Indiana
Posts: 592
Bikes: 1984 Fuji Club, Suntour ARX; 2013 Lynskey Peloton, mostly 105 with Ultegra rear derailleur, Enve 2.0 fork; 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c, full Deore with TRP dual piston mech disk brakes
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 324 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times
in
71 Posts
The 90's era Cannondale's were harsh riding; the 80's era Vitus were flexy, is flexy a problem? it wasn't for Sean Kelly who one the TDF on one including a slew of other races he won on the same bike, he didn't seem to complain about it!
Vitus has superior looks over the Cannondale, has more of a vintage look as well, and it has a glorious history behind it. Find some period correct components for it and you would be styling. Cannondale made so many of the exact same looking bike it's difficult to tell what year of a bike you have, with Vitus it's pretty easy to tell. Vitus had some bonding issues when they first came out and for the following 3 years, after that they were solidly bonded. If it were me I would go with the Vitus.
Adrenalin Bikes still sell the 979 NOS! but they cost more than what you're looking at, https://www.adrenalinebikes.com/stor...oductid=126276
Vitus has superior looks over the Cannondale, has more of a vintage look as well, and it has a glorious history behind it. Find some period correct components for it and you would be styling. Cannondale made so many of the exact same looking bike it's difficult to tell what year of a bike you have, with Vitus it's pretty easy to tell. Vitus had some bonding issues when they first came out and for the following 3 years, after that they were solidly bonded. If it were me I would go with the Vitus.
Adrenalin Bikes still sell the 979 NOS! but they cost more than what you're looking at, https://www.adrenalinebikes.com/stor...oductid=126276
Last edited by greatscott; 05-31-20 at 07:53 PM.
Likes For RiddleOfSteel:
#29
Member
Thread Starter
The 90's era Cannondale's were harsh riding; the 80's era Vitus were flexy, is flexy a problem? it wasn't for Sean Kelly who one the TDF on one including a slew of other races he won on the same bike, he didn't seem to complain about it!
Vitus has superior looks over the Cannondale, has more of a vintage look as well, and it has a glorious history behind it. Find some period correct components for it and you would be styling. Cannondale made so many of the exact same looking bike it's difficult to tell what year of a bike you have, with Vitus it's pretty easy to tell. Vitus had some bonding issues when they first came out and for the following 3 years, after that they were solidly bonded. If it were me I would go with the Vitus.
Adrenalin Bikes still sell the 979 NOS! but they cost more than what you're looking at, https://www.adrenalinebikes.com/stor...oductid=126276
Vitus has superior looks over the Cannondale, has more of a vintage look as well, and it has a glorious history behind it. Find some period correct components for it and you would be styling. Cannondale made so many of the exact same looking bike it's difficult to tell what year of a bike you have, with Vitus it's pretty easy to tell. Vitus had some bonding issues when they first came out and for the following 3 years, after that they were solidly bonded. If it were me I would go with the Vitus.
Adrenalin Bikes still sell the 979 NOS! but they cost more than what you're looking at, https://www.adrenalinebikes.com/stor...oductid=126276
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...131992108.html
Last edited by DC City Hauler; 06-01-20 at 06:58 AM.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,438
Bikes: my precious steel boys
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 438 Post(s)
Liked 603 Times
in
359 Posts
Is there a general weight limit people would put on a 979? I know some superlight steel bikes like 531 Pro are very much in the "made for someone with the body of a pro racer" category.
#31
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 341
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
I also am looking for a Cannondale to build up as I have never ridden a rode bike version. I have a Vitus, 60 cm frame and I've heard and read of the frame flex but I haven't experienced it. I'm not a strong rider and at 6'3" 265 lbs I'm probably stressing the frame a bit. I love my Vitus. I don't ride it often but when I do I really enjoy the ride.
Likes For Jmpierce:
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Medford MA
Posts: 2,092
Bikes: Ron Cooper touring, 1959 Jack Taylor 650b ladyback touring tandem, Vitus 979, Joe Bell painted Claud Butler Dalesman, Colin Laing curved tube tandem, heavily-Dilberted 1982 Trek 6xx, René Herse tandem
Mentioned: 80 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 964 Post(s)
Liked 1,450 Times
in
723 Posts
My friend Kevin, a proverbial 225lb gorilla, bought one about a year ago and he's been happy with his. I'll let you know if he breaks it. I'm 175lb when I'm not on a tour, and I've been fine with mine for several years now. Probably depends on your riding style.
__________________
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
Owner & co-founder, Cycles René Hubris. Unfortunately attaching questionable braze-ons to perfectly good frames since about 2015. With style.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,438
Bikes: my precious steel boys
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 438 Post(s)
Liked 603 Times
in
359 Posts
Thanks, those last two posts give me a bit more confidence, hah (6'0'', 200lbs after a no-training winter)
Been looking at someone's gorgeous 979 with a complete Superbe Pro build and lusting after it, but wasn't sure if it was a "flexy frame = no big lads" thing.
Been looking at someone's gorgeous 979 with a complete Superbe Pro build and lusting after it, but wasn't sure if it was a "flexy frame = no big lads" thing.
#34
Dirty Heathen
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: MC-778, 6250 fsw
Posts: 2,188
Bikes: 1997 Cannondale, 1976 Bridgestone, 1998 SoftRide, 1989 Klein, 1989 Black Lightning #0033
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 889 Post(s)
Liked 906 Times
in
534 Posts
I’m partial to Cannondales, myself; the USA-made (pre-06) bikes are, IMHO, some of the best finished mass-market aluminum frames made. I find them to be responsive, good riding bikes; the ‘2.8’ Criterium were and are no-comprises go-fast race bikes, and that reputation definitely colored the reputation of the rest of the lineup.
The later ‘3.0’ and CAAD-2/3 bikes are definitely worthy of upgrading, as Cannondales practice was to use the same frame across several models, just with different components, so a midrange R600 is essentially the same as the top-flight R1000, and makes as good a base to start with if you’re planning a big update.
Because of that practice, during the 6/7/8-sp era, The frames were built at 128mm, so they could use either 126mm FW or 130mm cassette wheels, depending on what model it would be built as.
Finally, Cannondale also built a fair number of XXL 23”-25” frames; I ride with some very large people, and Cannondales are popular with them for that reason.
The later ‘3.0’ and CAAD-2/3 bikes are definitely worthy of upgrading, as Cannondales practice was to use the same frame across several models, just with different components, so a midrange R600 is essentially the same as the top-flight R1000, and makes as good a base to start with if you’re planning a big update.
Because of that practice, during the 6/7/8-sp era, The frames were built at 128mm, so they could use either 126mm FW or 130mm cassette wheels, depending on what model it would be built as.
Finally, Cannondale also built a fair number of XXL 23”-25” frames; I ride with some very large people, and Cannondales are popular with them for that reason.
#35
Member
Thread Starter
I also am looking for a Cannondale to build up as I have never ridden a rode bike version. I have a Vitus, 60 cm frame and I've heard and read of the frame flex but I haven't experienced it. I'm not a strong rider and at 6'3" 265 lbs I'm probably stressing the frame a bit. I love my Vitus. I don't ride it often but when I do I really enjoy the ride.
Re: flex. I'm confident that when you take a Cannondale road bike for a ride, or at least one from the same era as that Vitus, you'll immediately feel the difference. To me, it was like getting in a tight German sports car after riding around in a buick.
#36
Member
Thread Starter
I’m partial to Cannondales, myself; the USA-made (pre-06) bikes are, IMHO, some of the best finished mass-market aluminum frames made. I find them to be responsive, good riding bikes; the ‘2.8’ Criterium were and are no-comprises go-fast race bikes, and that reputation definitely colored the reputation of the rest of the lineup.
The later ‘3.0’ and CAAD-2/3 bikes are definitely worthy of upgrading, as Cannondales practice was to use the same frame across several models, just with different components, so a midrange R600 is essentially the same as the top-flight R1000, and makes as good a base to start with if you’re planning a big update.
Because of that practice, during the 6/7/8-sp era, The frames were built at 128mm, so they could use either 126mm FW or 130mm cassette wheels, depending on what model it would be built as.
Finally, Cannondale also built a fair number of XXL 23”-25” frames; I ride with some very large people, and Cannondales are popular with them for that reason.
The later ‘3.0’ and CAAD-2/3 bikes are definitely worthy of upgrading, as Cannondales practice was to use the same frame across several models, just with different components, so a midrange R600 is essentially the same as the top-flight R1000, and makes as good a base to start with if you’re planning a big update.
Because of that practice, during the 6/7/8-sp era, The frames were built at 128mm, so they could use either 126mm FW or 130mm cassette wheels, depending on what model it would be built as.
Finally, Cannondale also built a fair number of XXL 23”-25” frames; I ride with some very large people, and Cannondales are popular with them for that reason.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,438
Bikes: my precious steel boys
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 438 Post(s)
Liked 603 Times
in
359 Posts
Oh, the Cannondale motocross bike. Good lord.
GT for me is an even sadder story. They absolutely owned the MTB market in the 90s. They should have been as big as Specialized or Trek, instead of dying out and basically being a zombie brand these days.
GT for me is an even sadder story. They absolutely owned the MTB market in the 90s. They should have been as big as Specialized or Trek, instead of dying out and basically being a zombie brand these days.
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Seattle
Posts: 1,438
Bikes: my precious steel boys
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 438 Post(s)
Liked 603 Times
in
359 Posts
Here's the one I was thinking of making an offer on- in my size and very much a love-at-first-site look.
The Suntour Superbe build doesn't hurt either.
The Suntour Superbe build doesn't hurt either.
Likes For sheddle:
#39
Senior Member
Likes For jetboy:
#40
Member
Thread Starter
#41
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 341
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
Man, that bike is gorgeous.
Re: flex. I'm confident that when you take a Cannondale road bike for a ride, or at least one from the same era as that Vitus, you'll immediately feel the difference. To me, it was like getting in a tight German sports car after riding around in a buick.
Re: flex. I'm confident that when you take a Cannondale road bike for a ride, or at least one from the same era as that Vitus, you'll immediately feel the difference. To me, it was like getting in a tight German sports car after riding around in a buick.
#42
Member
Thread Starter
I must confess this listing has me licking my lips. Though I have to ask myself how hard is it really to build a bike from just a frame? I've never done it and have little idea of how much time it would take me.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/cadre-Vitus...wAAOSwaXVe-L0p
https://www.ebay.com/itm/cadre-Vitus...wAAOSwaXVe-L0p
#43
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 341
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
I say go for it, if it's your size.
It's not too hard to build a bike up from a frame if you're at all mechanically inclined. The forum here has many very knowledgeable people who are willing to help and there is always Sheldon's web site.
I bought my Vitus as a frame, fork and headset and went from there. I have to say I've been doing this for awhile.
Also, go to this link it has history of the Vitus 979.
https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/20...vitus-979.html
It's not too hard to build a bike up from a frame if you're at all mechanically inclined. The forum here has many very knowledgeable people who are willing to help and there is always Sheldon's web site.
I bought my Vitus as a frame, fork and headset and went from there. I have to say I've been doing this for awhile.
Also, go to this link it has history of the Vitus 979.
https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/20...vitus-979.html
Last edited by Jmpierce; 07-02-20 at 07:12 AM.
#44
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 341
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
#46
Member
Thread Starter
I say go for it, if it's your size.
It's not too hard to build a bike up from a frame if you're at all mechanically inclined. The forum here has many very knowledgeable people who are willing to help and there is always Sheldon's web site.
I bought my Vitus as a frame, fork and headset and went from there. I have to say I've been doing this for awhile.
Also, go to this link it has history of the Vitus 979.
https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/20...vitus-979.html
It's not too hard to build a bike up from a frame if you're at all mechanically inclined. The forum here has many very knowledgeable people who are willing to help and there is always Sheldon's web site.
I bought my Vitus as a frame, fork and headset and went from there. I have to say I've been doing this for awhile.
Also, go to this link it has history of the Vitus 979.
https://on-the-drops.blogspot.com/20...vitus-979.html
Last edited by DC City Hauler; 07-02-20 at 11:30 AM.
#47
1/2 as far in 2x the time
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Northern Bergen County, NJ
Posts: 1,935
Bikes: Yes, Please.
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 499 Post(s)
Liked 285 Times
in
222 Posts
Cleaned up how? You can polish the lugs, sure. You mean the oozy glue? I guess you could sand or carefully Dremel the glue overflow, but that's not unusual on Vitus frames... Some signs of oxidization will still be visible, when you're done polishing, unless you take off a heck of a lot of metal. But it will probably look pretty good with just a reasonable amount of effort.
Maiden 5 miles and a quick wipe down. Feels a tad small at 54cm. But much better than the 60cm They feel like they ride big. Bottom bracket seems high up.
Tall tires?
Maiden 5 miles and a quick wipe down. Feels a tad small at 54cm. But much better than the 60cm They feel like they ride big. Bottom bracket seems high up.
Tall tires?
__________________
I seem to have lost what little mind I had left before this all started.
I seem to have lost what little mind I had left before this all started.
#48
Full Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: The Lou
Posts: 341
Bikes: 82 Trek 710, 90 Trek 750, 86 Vitus, Nishiki Cervino, 1989 Bianchi CdI, 2 Nashbars, an Italian Steel MTB, Sears Spaceliner, and a 74 Schwinn Speedster. I also manage a fleet of Volcanic Patrol bikes, 83 of them.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 234 Times
in
120 Posts
#49
Groupetto Dragon-Ass
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lostin Austin, TX
Posts: 602
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 412 Post(s)
Liked 762 Times
in
363 Posts
I've never seen a 979 with "sloppy joints". Do you think it's been reglued?
Is that downtube to BB joint with a misshaped downtube?
Is that downtube to BB joint with a misshaped downtube?