Craigslist Cannondale R300 CAAD2
04-21-18, 08:54 PM
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Craigslist Cannondale R300 CAAD2
Hi All, I know zero about bikes but someone suggested I buy this - is it worth $275 (includes delivery)? Just need something for weekends - short & long distance leisure rides. Thanks for helping!
"Canondale R300 50cm - all tuned up - 24 speed" - that's the only info in the craigslist ad...
"Canondale R300 50cm - all tuned up - 24 speed" - that's the only info in the craigslist ad...
04-21-18, 09:18 PM
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It looks like a 1999 Cannondale R300 Triple that’s been converted to a flat bar setup.
In the bike’s original state, which would’ve included a drop bar and STI integrated brake/shift levers, I think the asking price is a bit optimistic. With the flat bar conversion and what I’m guessing are cheap friction thumb shifters, the asking price is too high in my opinion.
Also, how tall are you? 50 cm is a small frame and would likely fit someone who’s roughly 5’2” to 5’4” or so.
In the bike’s original state, which would’ve included a drop bar and STI integrated brake/shift levers, I think the asking price is a bit optimistic. With the flat bar conversion and what I’m guessing are cheap friction thumb shifters, the asking price is too high in my opinion.
Also, how tall are you? 50 cm is a small frame and would likely fit someone who’s roughly 5’2” to 5’4” or so.
04-22-18, 06:24 AM
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Those Rapid Fire shifter pods look like the push-push ones from the early 90's (Shimano ST-M050-S). My question would be: can 7-speed index shifters be made to work with an 8 speed cassette?
04-22-18, 09:00 AM
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This generation of RapidFire shifters was never particularly robust, and won't work with the 8-speed cluster. Whoever did this cheaped out, perhaps stripped the brifters and sold them to defray the purchase cost.
If the bike still had its original brifters & drop bars, and assuming the brifters were fully functional (lubed/ready to go), $275 is a reasonable ask. As presented, I'd be hard pressed to pay more than $150.
If the bike still had its original brifters & drop bars, and assuming the brifters were fully functional (lubed/ready to go), $275 is a reasonable ask. As presented, I'd be hard pressed to pay more than $150.
04-22-18, 09:40 AM
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I'm a little surprised you'd find a 50 to be too big. As far as I'm aware, most brands' sizing charts, including Trek's would put someone your height on a 52. And my 5'2" daughter could comfortably ride a 50. But I know as well as anyone that we're all a little different when it comes to sizing preferences. I'm about 5'10" and my most comfortable road bike is a 53 -- supposedly a little on the small side for me.
08-07-19, 12:45 PM
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Topping this because there is one of these close by me for sale for $175 - what's the tire clearance like? Could I use this as a gravel bike or is it strictly thinner tires? I can't find much on the specs online.
I did find a lot of reviews that said it's stiff but really uncomfortably chattery ride because of the aluminum frame.
It's the triple up front model, and I'd probably over time replace pretty uch everything.
Question: is it worth it? Was going to offer only $140 because that seems to be the top value I found online. If I can't put 28s or wider tires on it I probably won't bother anyway, thoguh...
Anyone have any insights?
I did find a lot of reviews that said it's stiff but really uncomfortably chattery ride because of the aluminum frame.
It's the triple up front model, and I'd probably over time replace pretty uch everything.
Question: is it worth it? Was going to offer only $140 because that seems to be the top value I found online. If I can't put 28s or wider tires on it I probably won't bother anyway, thoguh...
Anyone have any insights?
08-07-19, 01:57 PM
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I'm pretty sure 28's will present no problem on late 90's C-dale road frames, but wider than that is iffy at best.
I don't agree that the baseline ride on a late 90's road frame C-dale is stiff/chattery. Of all the C-dales I've owned, the worst offender there was an '02 R5000Si. My gawd, I thought my fillings would fall out on that one. Bought at a distance without a test ride, the last time I did that!
The late 90's alu frames are nice rides IMHO. Mine showed little BB deflection when standing on the pedals, but was still comfortable enough for all-day rides.
At $140, it's worth a test ride. Let us know how it works out.
I don't agree that the baseline ride on a late 90's road frame C-dale is stiff/chattery. Of all the C-dales I've owned, the worst offender there was an '02 R5000Si. My gawd, I thought my fillings would fall out on that one. Bought at a distance without a test ride, the last time I did that!
The late 90's alu frames are nice rides IMHO. Mine showed little BB deflection when standing on the pedals, but was still comfortable enough for all-day rides.
At $140, it's worth a test ride. Let us know how it works out.
08-07-19, 07:49 PM
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Build this up for my son few years ago. 700x28 fit easy. Went to flat bar and he had a blast on it. 
08-08-19, 10:55 AM
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^^^^ Not weird but a later Dale change (canti -rear stays).
Best, Ben
Best, Ben
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08-08-19, 11:04 AM
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He was fine with the shifters. My plans were to go back to drops when I sold it, but when advertised it like this, it sold in a hour and the new owner was happy about the set up.
08-08-19, 01:09 PM
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If it's still unsold by Saturday, I'm going to go take a look at it, maybe bring a wheel with some wider tires and see if it fits. If I bring it home, one of the first things to go will be that stem. yikes.
08-08-19, 04:59 PM
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Thats one of the coolest bikes for a kid I’ve ever seen! I have a 1st-gen SR that I also have set up with flat bars and I did 28s as well; it was tight though. No way i could get fenders on mine. It’s before they did the cantilevered stays. Love these bikes!
08-10-19, 05:18 PM
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Going to check this bike out tomorrow.
I suppose there really isn't a way to make it a single speed is there, because of it's lack of adjustable dropouts in the rear?
I suppose there really isn't a way to make it a single speed is there, because of it's lack of adjustable dropouts in the rear?
08-10-19, 07:06 PM
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I had an R300 from around 2000 that took 28 tires just fine, though I agree anything larger might be tight.
And yes, single speed would be tough without a chain tensioner added on, though you might get lucky and find a gear combo that works for the chain length and your riding. Eccentric bottom bracket is alternative solution that looks better than a chain tensioner but is more of a hassle
And yes, single speed would be tough without a chain tensioner added on, though you might get lucky and find a gear combo that works for the chain length and your riding. Eccentric bottom bracket is alternative solution that looks better than a chain tensioner but is more of a hassle
08-10-19, 10:26 PM
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I had an R300 from around 2000 that took 28 tires just fine, though I agree anything larger might be tight.
And yes, single speed would be tough without a chain tensioner added on, though you might get lucky and find a gear combo that works for the chain length and your riding. Eccentric bottom bracket is alternative solution that looks better than a chain tensioner but is more of a hassle
And yes, single speed would be tough without a chain tensioner added on, though you might get lucky and find a gear combo that works for the chain length and your riding. Eccentric bottom bracket is alternative solution that looks better than a chain tensioner but is more of a hassle
Though that would leave the downtube cable guide on one side just kinda hangin out there doin nothing...
this all assumes it even fits me and I get it lol
