hockeyguy

Any thoughts? It is either a 1998 Cannondale R4000 Cad 3 Team Saeco or a 2014 full carbon from bikes direct, Motobecane Sprintour CF Shimano 30 speed

Save Up To 60% Off Road Bikes- Motobecane Sprintour

Man, it is so hard to pick a bike with so many flipping options out there!

tom25

The CAAD3 is the cool choice, but BD offers a lot of value. That is a tough one. I suppose it comes down to what you want out of a bike. For example I love riding my CAAD10, but my vintage bikes get more compliments.

AndyK 

Choose the one that speaks to you. Cheap carbon, or, hand made in the USA aluminum?

bjreichmuth

I love my 1999 CAAD3. I find every reason I can to take that bike out for a spin.

rms13

With the CAAD he'd get the best of both worlds. The riding experience of CAAD and the compliments for having a cool vintage bike.

Important question is how much for the CAAD?

bikemig 

The Cannondale is the cooler bike but we're talking apples and oranges here and not just because one bike is vintage and the other is not. It sounds like you need (or want a triple), in which case the BD bike is the better choice.

Bluechip

I've had a few pre CAAD frames and now I have a CAAD4 and 9. I've loved all of them. Going back and riding the older ones can be fun but they do ride a little harshly. I'm not sure when the transition to a more comfortable ride took place but I think it was the 4. It all comes down to components and price. More info is needed.

Jazzy Hands

I have a 1998 R1000. Reviews peg it as one of the harshest/stiffest Al frames Cannondale has made, but I find it rides very similar to my CAAD9 in terms of stiffness. Although both of them are harsh compared to my carbon bike, which is just as stiff if not more so. I have no experience with BD.

Also consider you may have to replace worn out parts on used bikes and the BD bike might need some assembly/tune up as well.

hockeyguy

350.00. Full dura-ace

hockeyguy

Full Dura Ace components. $350.00

rms13

I would not hesitate to buy it if it's in nice condition. Where I live that is a good price, market where you are might be different. Doesn't hurt to make a lower offer but I would buy it for $350 immediately and I don't need another bike

hockeyguy

I am supposed to check it out tomorrow. It sounds and looks like it is in nice condition.

Bluechip

If it's in pretty good shape then I would get the Cannondale. I think that was one of the first years for 9speed. At that price you could ride it for a while and if you didn't love it you could resell it for about the same price and lose nothing. Offer $300 and see if he budges.

tom25

$350 is a good buy if it fits. The CAAD3 with DA is 99% of a new bike. I see very little performance improvment going from my 1985 Ironman to my 2013 CAAD 10. Maybe a mile per hour more average over 30mi.

rms13

For comparison, there is a 1999 R600 CAAD3 with 105 on ebay right now. Current bid is $355 with $80 shipping and it will go for more since there is 11 hours left. I would assume it will sell for $400+

1999 Cannondale R600 CAAD3 Blue Aluminum Road Bike 54cm | eBay

hockeyguy

Got it for 300. Wow. I am really happy with that deal. It is super light and responsive. The only thing it "needs" is a new cable for the left shifter. Any idea what I need to buy to replace that? I might as well replace the cable for the right shifter too and the brake lines too, although they are OK for now. I was trying to post a pic, but it said upload of file failed. I don't know if the size is too big.

goenrdoug

Congrats on the new ride! Sounds like you scored a good deal. This is BF, we DO expect pics as soon as humanly possible!

My LBS sells the bare cables from their shop supply for $5. You may also want housing, however, which would probably run you another $10-$20.

You can also find 'kits' available with enough housing and cabling to replace it all in the $25-$45 range at your LBS or online.

dleccord

nice post some pics breh.

hockeyguy

Thanks!

tom25

Congtats! You made a Great choice!

Pibber

Crazy grab! Well done!

Unless you're getting out in the road immediately, and have some time, do a full cable/housing swap. Velomine usually has full cable sets for pretty reasonable prices.

Full DA for $300. Jelly.

thehammerdog

Budget...what do you want to spend.
BD offers a great price but often the small stuff is junky. BB, brakes, hubs, wheels but you get a groupo and Chinese frame.
C-dale is a great bike....If it fits and works go that way

rms13

Congrats. Probably a good idea to change all cables. Buy a kit because you'll want to do housing too and need ferrels and crimps for the end. You also need a bike cable cutter like Park one for another $30. I highly recommend learning to work your own bike but if not comfortable you might check what your lbs charges for the work

Bluechip

I agree with a set of new cables. Alway nice to start fresh. Also check the chain for any sign of rust or binding. If you see any then a new chain is a good idea. Check the tires for any wear or deterioration.

I'd say you did well. It looks great. My CAAD4 is also a Saeco replica. It's a nice bike but I grew tired of the red/yellow color so I found a blue CAAD9 frame on ebay. I can't really say that there is any performance advantage in the newer bike.

hockeyguy

New cable set is done and I did it myself. Cleaned the chain, wheelset, and all other pieces of the group. It looks like new. I can't believe how she shined up. Putting the new cable set on went pretty well, but may need f and r derailleur adjustments. I will find out in the am when I take it out.

what kind of bar tape does everyone use?

whats a good way to remove reflective tape?

tires could use a replacement soon. There are Kevlar tires on there now. Any recs on tires and tubes?