UKFan4Sure

OK, so I will pick this up tomorrow from a local LBS. Right off the bat I see I mis-titled this thread R400. Duh, sorry. I "think" it's a 1999 model. I got a pretty good discount off the asking, but maybe not as much as some might say was prudent. That said, even if my wallet was larger than my common sense, I called them back after I left and asked them to hold it for me and they obliged. I love the color and an unblemished frame is hard to find in my neck of the woods. Besides, the only bikes I've ever regretted are the ones I wanted and walked away from.

https://louisville.craigslist.org/bi...040278261.html

I had an R300 one time before with the red/yellow fade paint scheme, but sold it pretty quick when some lady I randomly met asked if I wanted to sell it. I made $200, so I didn't complain. It was a $75 purchase.

I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find any info on (at least with my Google skilz...):
1. What are the differences in the numbers after the "R", such as 300, 400, 500, etc. Was it simply an upgrade in the component levels or where each one's frame significantly different also?.
2. I have sort of deduced what the R, H, M, and T letters mean, but what is SR? Are those the ones with steerer tube shock?
3. Will 28's fit this bike, or does anyone have any experience with that. I have read "no", but not about the R300 specifically.
4. Lastly, what are people's opinions on the RSX group? I had it on a Trek back in the late 90's, but back then I wasn't riding much and it was a garage hanging impulse buy that reminded me each time I walked by it.

Thanks to all in advance. Please excuse my ignorance on all things Cannondale of those years.

*EDIT*
I am placing the CL photos below due to the fact the ad will probably be taken down by the LBS any time now.

morri869 

You are buying what looks to be a super clean Cannondale! I have had a few pass through and I have always thought they ride great.

In response to your questions:
1. For most years in the 90's and earlier all the bikes of a certain series (Sr, sh, st...) had the same frame. As you climb up on model numbers generally the components got better and you may have gotten a carbon fork on some later models.

2. These designate the intended style of the bike. SR= racing, SH=hybrid, SM= mountain, and ST= touring

3. It looks like there are 25 mm tires on the bike you linked to already and clearance for 28's could be very tight. I don't have experience with the 1999 model year but I would say chances are slim that 28's will fit well.

4. I have personally had the RSX group on a few bikes and it works really nice. I believe the RSX group was a step below 105 when it was released, but the only difference you might notice is the components are a little heavier. The shifters can sometimes get gummed up from old grease but they are some of the few that are able to be dismantled and cleaned, which is a plus.

Overall you are getting a solid bike for what seems like a good, ready to ride price. Get out there and have fun!

stardognine

That was the model that started my unhealthy obsession with Cannondales, lol. 😁😉 I got a nice deal on an R400 frameset, that was never built up before, and learned the hard way how expensive that can get. 🙄

I still loved that bike, but mostly it was a great learning experience. 😉

UKFan4Sure

THANK YOU! I saw my post sinking like the Titanic down the list and figured everyone was giving me the cold shoulder asking such rudimentary questions. Or maybe because it had brifters, which is about where C&V draw the line in the sand.

squirtdad

looking at that bike if you got a good discount from the $329, I think you got a decent buy...... let us know how it rides for you congrats

UKFan4Sure

$289. But then Uncle Kentucky got his share at 6%. So... a tad over $300. I plan on taking the triple off and putting on 600 Tricolor 8-speed (53/39).

The ride is nice, but it's the first bike I've owned with severe toe overlap. I'm going to have to be careful at low speed until I get used to it.

qcpmsame 

RSX is nice stuff, I have most of the group that came on my R500T still. Enjoy the ride, I loved the R500T, and my daughter rode it until she got her Bianchi last year. The triple crankset and brifter should sell easily.

Bill

the sci guy 

I just completed a rebuild of an R300 myself. I posted here, similarly, with a few Q's too. The thread is here: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...300-caad2.html
Pics of the finished product and a pretty complete parts list are toward the bottom (it's just a single page). It shined up quite nice.
If you want to see pics of all the work (old parts, removing old stuff, putting on the new) a complete album of the rebuild is here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rattle...57710249815572
Sneak peek:


Yes, 28s will fit. I have a set of 700x28 Kendas on my R300 currently.
So far, the RSX has been great. Brakes are strong, and the rear derailleur is pretty smooth. I went to a 1x8, so I can't speak to the operation of the front derailleur. But the trigger shifter I have travels up and down the cassette with ease. Quite impressed.

Good luck - looking forward to seeing your final product!

UKFan4Sure

Hey, thanks! You're ride looks awesome! What an amazing job your did! Good to know 28's will fit. I think those are in my future as I've heard these bikes can be pretty stiff. Also, it appears I was indeed correct that this is a 1999 model, by the look of yours. You really had a good eye and you tastefully modded yours. So cool....

the sci guy 

Thanks. It rides pretty alright. Yes, sorry, I forgot to say it's a 1999. Here's the catalog from that year that has all the models https://vintagecannondale.com/year/1999/1999V2.pdf
The bike is on page 53. Specs are on page 91. Geometry/sizing on page 95.
Good luck@

trailmix

Will 28s fit? Yes and no. I have dozens of Cannondales and one of my favorites is a 1998 R1000 and certain brands of 28s will fit and some are just a little too tight. Also it helps to have the wheels trued if they have any movement. I have found that the newer (mid-late 90s+) R series bikes can usually get away with a slightly larger tire than the bikes from the 80s and very early 90s. Also Panaracer makes a few 26mm width tires like the gravel king that may be an option too.

UKFan4Sure

OK, I've updated the bike from triple RSX to 600 Ultegra Tri-Color double. Replaced the bar tape also.

Just thought I'd update the photos for everyone to have a look:

ryansu

That looks super clean, if it fits and you like the ride then paying a premium isn't a big deal IMHO I usually buy a ratty version but then fork out for tires chain bar wrap etc not to mention my labor so I am probably $300 all by the time I am finished. I started my adult cycling journey on a 99 R800 so I have a soft spot for late 90s Cannondales, Enjoy


R800 now long gone

the sci guy 

Pics of the new crankset?

UKFan4Sure

I had to use a different bolt due to the fact my caps are missing the rubber washers. I have no idea what happened to those as the package was sealed.

I have bookmarked your build photos on my computer. I like what you did with the stem on your bike. Very nice build and well done indeed!

UKFan4Sure

So SAD that that one is gone! Wow! What a beautiful ride!!

ryansu

It only took me a decade to figure out 54cm was too small! I ride a 58cm in C&V and have about 5 bikes now that keep me busy plus a few projects, I do occasionally look for old Cannondales though,,,,,,

UKFan4Sure

It's funny you say that, I am only 5'9" and prefer a 23 inch, even though I shouldn't be riding one. On smaller frames, I feel cramped up.

the sci guy 

Wonderful looking crank. That's a really nice groupset - did you find it on eBay?

I knew I wanted a certain look, and while I could have got the Nitto bars in a clamp width typical for old quill stems (which is what these threaded headsets take), I decided to try the adapter and use a more modern stem, especially since the frame tubing is wide enough to match the new stem and not look weird. I did run into some spacing issues - I couldn't add another spacer on the headset itself as it left hardly any threads on the fork exposed, so that's why the spacer ended up on top of the adapter. The barrel of the adapter is just a tad taller than the clamping area of the Ritchey stem, and it looks really bad leaving any gaps. So I moved it as far down as possible, and the black space fit just perfect on top.
I was concerned about how the transition from the top nut on the threaded headset to the modern stem would look since they aren't necessarily the same shape or diameter, and thankfully after it was all spaced properly, it turned out not looking too bad.

UKFan4Sure

There is something to be said for the thought that goes into trying to make something fit and look right. Some people don't really care about looks and concern themselves with function only. Your bike looks great, sci guy! Well done!

I did indeed get this set off eBay, from Canada. Very nice seller. He originally sent the wrong FD, but sent another one immediately and told me to keep the old one. Then, he threw in the UN-55 bottom bracket for free also. I like these because they are no fuss. Don't need an Ultegra 600 Italian BB do you?

qcpmsame 

You made that one a really nice ride, very nicely done sir.

Bill

JayGK927

Great build! I just stumbled upon a 2003 R400 frame for a song on craigslist. Needs a lot of love but I want to bring it back to life and your build is definitely inspiring me to get started!

UKFan4Sure

I always look for good bones in a bike, like the paint and general condition of the wheelset. The rest is all bolt-ons and can be changed. It's hard to fix an ugly frame though. Good luck with the R400. Inspiration seems to be thriving around here!

ryansu

I have the legs of my 5' 8" brothers but with a long torso that got me to 5' 11" so my stand over is cramped on a 23" frame but the TT length is spot on for me.

zjrog

I've got a 98 CAD2 R200. RSX 2x7 originally. Swapped in 105 triple crankset and FD.


Never mind the seat angle. This bike is on trainer duty at present.

I'm kind of looking at a 97 R300, but it is quite a way from here. I had someone headed that way to go snag it for me. But his plans changed.

You got a sweet ride!