Bike Rebel

A co-worker learned that I work on old bikes and offered me his dad's old Cannondale. I have determined it is a 1987 ST400 (it's white with orange lettering. I looked through all the old Cannondale catalogs and 87' ST400 is the only one I found in that color scheme.) He wants me to give him an offer. Of course I want it cheap without being an a$$hole. I've seen a picture only and it appears to be in good shape for a 30 year old bike. I'd say it is a 23 or 25 inch frame based on description of his dad only. What is a reasonable offer assuming I'll change out the cables, brake pads, tires & tubes along with all my labor?

rccardr 

Totally depemds on two things: condition and intention.

Condition: even a well cared for/not abused ST will require a total teardown and bearng service, plus replacement of all of the 30+ year old worn out cables, housing, bar tape, also very possibly the saddle, as well as tires, tubes and a chain. That assumes that the gears, freewheel, and other metallic bits are usable. I've reconditioned dozens of ST's and generally assume that I'll be tossing everything but the seat post, stem, bars and frame. So take the cost of all that into consideration when thinking about...

Intention: Are you going to ride this, or sell it? If a rider, then make sure it fits and the seatpost isn't stuck, then repair and upgrade as needed. If selling, find out what a good example is selling for in Arkansas and make sure you don't overspend getting it into sellable condition.

turkey9186

Second the stuck seat post and check the stem.
Here in the SF Bay area, a complete ST400 or 500 will bring 200-400 (ready to ride) depending on condition.

oddjob2

I paid $40 for below and kept most of the parts.


Refurbished below

Bike Rebel

I will check the seat post and stem first thing. You only have to learn that lesson once. If the size is correct then I plan to keep it as my commuter and sell my Univega I'm currently using as a commuter. If it doesn't fit I will sell locally on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

Bike Rebel

I ended up giving $80 for the bike with a rear rack and front pannier racks. The bike is completely original and everything works so I think I did OK. It's been stored indoors but there is several places missing paint so it's far from mint but pretty good for 31 years old. Unfortunately it is a 25 inch frame and although I can ride the bike comfortably it isn't my size.

xiaoman1 

I think you did well..congrats.