shoota 

Ok so I'm looking at getting this Cannondale https://markpatton.smugmug.com/Other/...6718&k=Z9gKfrq

However, the Cannondale logo doesn't match what I'm seeing on Google.
Example, https://www.vintagecannondale.com/year/1985/1985.pdf

Should this be a cause for concern?

mapleleafs-13 

To me it honestly looks like a cannondale, i don't remember too many other companies that would be making aluminum frames like that. The fork is chromoly though just so you know.

shoota 

Is that bad? Sorry, I'm still learning the older bike stuff.

LesterOfPuppets

Looks legit to me. I remember the outline-only font style. Looks like '85 was all silver with black outline for every model.

shoota 

I think you're looking at the wrong link. My '85 isn't silver with black outline.. which makes me wonder why.

canyoneagle

Definitely looks legit to me. Very nice bike.
LOL at the way he has set the stem though - it's a race bike, not a randonneur.

rccardr 

Definitely a Cannondale, date of manufacture and plastic top tube cable guides = very early 86 model year production. Not an '85, which would have had metal top tube cable guides with the same logo.

shoota 

Yeah I'll be fixing that

One thing I read is that the brake cable bosses were metal in '85 but black plastic in '86 (even tough the catalog picture sows metal...)

shoota 

AH you beat me

Now, what would you guys pay for this bike?

canyoneagle

The seller could probably get $700-900 for it on Ebay with some patience - maybe even a grand or more with really nice photos and write up. It would be a solid deal (IMO) at $450-$500, a steal at $350-400.

That's just my take on it, which could be way off.

shoota 

Man I hope you're right. Although I doubt I will be selling it
Am i correct that the SR900 was the top of the line racing bike in '85? I know in '86 there was a SR1000.

pastorbobnlnh 

Since it is equipped with Campagnolo bits that appear to be in good shape, its value is higher. Did you notice the $400 difference in the original prices between the R900 and the R500/600? The Campy bits are what made the difference since the frames were identical other than paint. Nice find!

shoota 

Thanks! I did notice that actually. I've been searching for a vintage 58cm road bike with Campy bits so I was excited to see this one. The icing on the cake is that my mom has a Red Cannondale from the same time frame so we're gonna match

LesterOfPuppets

I was looking at the catalog link you posted and afterwards deduced that the red and yellow bike was not from that year. I totally remember the decal style of the red / yellow bike, though, and presume that all the ones I've seen with it arent fake cannondales.

Your OP kinda seemed like you were concerned it was fake.

shoota 

Ok I see what you're saying. The problem is that googling gives me no results with an '86 SR900 that has the Cannondale logo that is on my bike. So yeah I was wondering if was fake/repainted/or otherwise altered/not original. Are you saying the hollow gold logo on my bike looks to be the right one?

shoota 

Ok I found a couple '86s that match so now I feel better. https://velospace.org/node/38944

Thanks for your help guys!

LesterOfPuppets

OH, I thought the only question was "Is this a Cannondale?"

Serial indicates a 1985, but a very late in the year December 16th, 1985. Funny things happen on the cusp of production years. I think I'd call it a 1986 model year.

shoota 

I concur. I appreciate your help very much! I cannot wait to get it tonight.

shoota 

Woot! I picked it up tonight for $225! It's beautiful. The seller was the original owner, he bought it new in '86 in Seattle. Said he did triathlons on it. It was cool to get the history of it.

canyoneagle

That, sir, is a screaming deal! Congratulations!

shoota 

I have a feeling I will be selling it back to the original owner in 15 years when he wishes he still had it

canyoneagle

I'd give it a year. He'll want it back. Start at $500 and add $100 per year afterwards.

shoota 

Haha. I hope it's more than a year, I need more time with her than that

canyoneagle

If it were mine, the first thing I'd do would be to strip it down to the frame, get everything cleaned up, fresh cables/housings, new brake pads, new chain plus an evaluation of the chainrings and freewheel for wear. A quick rebuild of the derailleur pulleys and possibly brakes...
Then I'd put her back together with fresh grease, oil, and handlebar tape, and go for a nice, long ride.

Enjoy it!

shoota 

If I knew how to do all that stuff I would be all over it! Maybe my buddy and I can figure it out. I can't wait to go for a nice leisurely ride with her.