alpharalpha

So it wasn't just me, there is a special feel to those old Cannondales?

cannonride15

Yeah, I think so. But don't try to convince those 'Harsh riding aluminum' guys; leaves more on the market for us in the know!

alpharalpha

What do you think of this one?


Very Nice 1984 Cannondale ST500 Racing Bike

21” as per Cannondale 1984 Catalog

30.5” Standover Height


Rims: Wolber Modele 58 Super Champion

Hubs: Suntour Sealed

Tires: Continental Sport 1000 (will need new)

Front Derailleur: SunTour Cyclone Mark II

Rear Derailleur: SunTour Superbe Tech L

Shifters: SunTour Superbe

Crank: SR Super Apex Triple

Pedals: Ritchey

Brakes: New Grande Compe 500

Levers: Dia-Compe

Handlebar: Belliri, Randonneur

Stem: SR Apex

Headset: Tange Levin

Seat: Avocet Touring I

Post: SR Laprade

Color: Blue

cannonride15

Sounds nice, all the right stuff, not sure why they call it a race bike... ST is 'sport tourer'. But to some anything with drop bars is a race bike! Replace that worn tire with a Continental Ultra Sport II in 32mm (or 27x11/4") can't go wrong with a nice supple, plush ride.

francophile 

I've had my eyes out for an ST500 or ST600 to check out ever since I got this '86 SR500 2½ years ago. https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...80s-cdale.html

Normally I only take it on shorter rides, and I originally only hopped on to ride it to dial-in for resale, but what ended up happening is I really, genuinely enjoy that ride more than my words can express. I thought it looked a little goofy with the bulbous tubing and whatnot, but I really don't care at this point.

I'd ultimately like something a little more relaxed geometry, so the ST bikes seem a bit more interesting. Sadly, I've only seen mid-late 80s Criteriums and more SRs for sale during 2018-2019 and at bargain-barrel pricing ($180-300 range) but none of them are ever my size. I doubt I'd find the Criterium as comfortable.

Anyway, good luck, and my whole point for posting this is, you may actually find an SR equally enjoyable, if you haven't already given one a shot. Unless there's something I missed above as far as equipment/provisions you'll need which aren't on the SR bikes.

alpharalpha

Actually, I don't know if the one I had was an ST as I see now the SR also came in that same yellow color. I also prefer a more relaxed geometry. How tall are you that 23" frame? I have a Fuji that size but while It's comfortable at 6' I'm just clearing the standover height.

francophile 

I'm 6' flat on a good day. With my SR, I'm barely a finger-plus clearance on standover. Sounds like you may be in the same boat. If you happen to be nearby, I'm more than happy to meet up so you can hop on the bike and see how it fits.

alpharalpha

It's been over 25 years (1992) since I had that bike and I purchased it as a used trade in at bike shop so it's older than that. I think it might've had those set back dropouts; can't see why I remember them otherwise; but it was yellow, any idea what it might've been if not an ST?

Lemond1985

IIRC, there was an oddball Cannondale frame version "in the middle" that was not a Crit model, and not a touring model. Can't remember what they called it, maybe a "sport" model?

thumpism 

You can look for an older Klein Performance. My old one is floating around out there somewhere.

alpharalpha

I'm not looking for an identical replacement, just trying to narrow down what I had to find a bike with similar feel. I definitely remember that while it was a fairly large frame there wasn't any space between the down and top tubes where they meet the head tube, but it had a more relaxed frame than say my bianchi which I had to scrunch myself into. I also don't want another yellow one, again that's just a reference point for narrowing down model etc. It seems from what I've been reading that there might have only been a couple different cannondale frames made prior to 1990 with different components, anyone know if this is so? That would be a quick solution.

speedevil 

FYI - my 1989 Cannondale ST600 has 128mm spacing in the back. 126 or 130 hubs will fit with no issues either way. Also, the 1989 models have the dimpled chainstays, which definitely allows for wider tire choices and still has a decent clearance. I have a set of Compass Bon Jon pass 35mm tires on my ST - plenty of clearance and a very nice ride.

clubman 

I firmly believe that frame size influences the feel of any given model. Relying on someone else's opinion or input to identifying similar ride characteristics of any given model is likely a goose chase.

If you want the same ride, find the identical bike, and even then...

ryansu

I would say if your 6 ft then a 21" frame is going to be too small, best thing to do is test ride them and see how they feel, I am 5'11" ish with short legs and a long torso I ride a 58cm frame (23") but not all 58cm frames are created equally there will be changes in tt length, angles etc so ride a range of sizes and models, find one that feels good and then carefully measure the heck out it, seat tube, top tube, stand over, saddle height, reach of stem etc. It all adds up. And I will add to the others have said -look for the Cannondale ST, be patient and persistent and one will likely show up and with this forum you might even be able to enlist a facilitator expand your search. Good luck with the search.

escii_35

For those of us who ride 25in bikes these are just the best commuters. Everything you put into the pedals makes the bike go.

If your roads are chip seal / tar gravel they can be buzzy when unloaded. One of the triple/quad butted miyata's from the same era might be a better choice. As for equivalent ride feel... Klein. Klein's pop up in my area fairly often. The local coop had a 23in sport tour dripping with mavic for $275. It sold in less than a week.