SouthFLSteve

Hello, I've got a Cannondale Super V500 full suspension bike that hasn't been ridden in more than 5 years but is in great condition due to not having ridden it much. I'm the original owner and would like to ride again so I'm thinking of fixing it up or buying some low cost hard tail. The tires are original, I figure best not to ride on 20 year old rubber so I'd replace those and the tubes. Aside from that the only other thing it needs is a rear shock. The bike has always bobbed too much for my liking and for the type of riding I do I don't really need rear suspension. Buying it was a mistake from the beginning but I didn't know any better at the time I bought it and was also obsessed with the full suspension. Amazon has a DNM rear air shock with lockout that is not that costly that I would consider buying. The only thing is the bike has a 150mm shock and the shortest one I can get is 165mm. I also don't know if the size would allow it to be mounted to the SuperV's frame. The reason I want the lockout is to get as close a feel to a hard tail as possible for climbing and when the rear suspension isn't necessary.

So what do you folks think...would this shock work out even though it is longer? Is it possible the mounting locations wouldn't accept the new shock? Would I be able to approximate the feel of a hard tail with it? If I were to sell it, what do you guys think I could get for it? I'll post a picture of the bike in a separate post since my post count is too low. Thanks for any advice given, it will be appreciated!

SouthFLSteve

Here's the shock from Amazon I mentioned.

SouthFLSteve

And a picture of the bike

cpach

Seriously, that thing is a money trap and really not a great design. Sell it for whatever you can get and buy a decent hardtail and you'll be a lot happier.

grubetown

JonathanGennick 

Look at that stem! Thinking around geometry has changed so much -- and for the better! -- since that bike was made.

SouthFLSteve

Wow, you guys are hating on this bike more than I expected. Don't really know why. I figured I'd only have to put in about $150 - 175 to get it up and running if I do the work myself (I would). Still would be interested in other opinions too.

Kapusta

grubetown

I don't think we are hating. Sharing the truth about this bike and that it's not a good idea to invest any money into it.

SouthFLSteve

Appreciate the honest responses guys. I guess I'm leaning towards trying to sell it now. Thanks again!

cpach

My strong and terse reaction is also largely because the bike does not naturally meet your stated desires--if you didn't mind the current suspension performance and simply wanted fresh tires and a mechanically functional bike to have fun with, including on moderate trails, I'd happily give you advice in that direction. Modifying that bike to make it ride differently is a terrible investment because it'll be technically difficult, be expensive, and not work very well.

SouthFLSteve

Honestly, if I could replace the shock with a metal rod and do without the rear suspension I'd try it. On other forums people suggested doing the same thing but others advised against it saying it wasn't designed to not have a shock and could cause the frame to fail. So I guess that may not be a good idea, although I really don't know. The rear shock is the only thing I don't like about the bike. It fits me well and when I was riding it I liked it.