Is this Cannondale Black Lightning worth it?
 

Hello,

I found a person offering a Cannondale Black Lightning on CL in my area for $190. I don't like low balling folks, but also don't want to be taken advantage of. It looks like a pretty good deal though. I'm not sure on the year, but here's what I do know: Aluminum frame, 700c wheels, swept back bars, 2x8 drivetrain, Sweet Shimano 600 rear derailleur, and 105 brake calipers. It seems to be in good shape and well taken care of.

I tried looking for it on bicyclebluebook and couldn't find anything. So any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

These are fairly nice basic early to mid 90's budget racing model so few years to old to find a bluebook value for. If everything is in good working order with major issues $190 is a fair price.

There are no original components on it. Too bad.

https://images.craigslist.org/00q0q_...2_1200x900.jpg

Yup, it's a Frankenbike now. Hard to say what it's worth; offer $150 and see if the seller bites.

DD

I'd make sure it fits too. It looks like it may be on the small side.

If you are into parts, probably worth it. If you want a Black Lightning, not worth it. Getting the original black components, particularly the better year (Suntour Sprint) will be. expensive.

For what it is worth, I saw a similar Black Lightning with upright bars, $175, but it had the Sprint derailleurs and crankset, OEM black brake calipers. It was missing the original bar, stem, and brake levers. I passed.

As I recall, they were more like 1988 +/-. Older bikes tend to not show up due to age. Just look at the oldest Cannondale on BBB. I would not be surprised if they put the value under $100 (BBB tends to be low).

OP, As everyone has stated the bike in question has very few original parts still included in the sale......for reference here is a spec sheet for the B.L., some very early ones had Suntour Superbe group installed.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7cfb14f3c2.png
Good Luck with your search, original B.L.'s are worth the effort.
Best, Ben