Old Cannondales
08-17-23, 06:41 AM
#2
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I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
08-17-23, 06:42 AM
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I don't know if there is a backstory to the 80s Cannondale ST 400s but I do know my 1985 Cannondale ST 400 is one of the finest bikes I have ever ridden. The catalog says "Maybe the finest all around bicycle ever made." Not exactly as it is not an all roads bike but it is a terrific, all around road bike. It is a long wheelbase bike at 42 inches with stable handling characteristics but because it is overbuilt, it also transmits energy like a good racing bike. It can take a 32c tire and the 3 water bottle braze ons are a plus.
The rack, seatpost, brake calipers, and headset are original to the bike.
The rack, seatpost, brake calipers, and headset are original to the bike.
Last edited by bikemig; 08-17-23 at 07:23 AM.
08-17-23, 06:57 AM
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Excellent bikes. Some were 27" but an easy conversion to 700c.
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08-17-23, 07:00 AM
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Somewhere on this site there's a reproduction of a Bicycling! magazine review of the ST-400. In it, they raved about the bike and said that they considered it a game-changer. Which is exactly what it turned out to be, since all the major bike manufacturers soon began introducing their own aluminum-framed models, to compete with Cannondale.
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08-17-23, 07:23 AM
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Somewhere on this site there's a reproduction of a Bicycling! magazine review of the ST-400. In it, they raved about the bike and said that they considered it a game-changer. Which is exactly what it turned out to be, since all the major bike manufacturers soon began introducing their own aluminum-framed models, to compete with Cannondale.
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08-17-23, 10:46 AM
#7
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@ Colorado Kid
These bikes are indeed special.
There are many threads on the subject in the C&V forum, and a wealth of information.
Regarding the old ones, I have a 25" ST 600 from 1987 and there is a build thread. I mention it not because it's mine, but because in that thread, I received a lot of information and support from folks who know more than I do. Since you're interested in these bikes, it should be worth a look.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ld-thread.html
Don't be stuck on the ST400 -- there are differences in how they are equipped, including different forks in some years, but the basic frame is the same for all the STs until the 1992 (?) redo.
For touring as in "biking & camping", the STs will work but you'll want to keep the load light. The T*00 models of later years are better suited to that, but they lack the quick handling and have ugly unicrown forks. I have both and prefer to ride the ST so long as I can keep the load light, though the handling of my T400 is not sluggish, it's just a little more deliberate.
For some reason, I believe it's because of the changes in bike fit, the 25" ST models are readily available and often inexpensive. The 23-inchers aren't exactly rare but seem to sell a lot quicker. At 6' with an average build I can happily ride either size; my T400 is a 23 and it's probably the bicycle I would keep if I could only have one. It fits 36 mm (actual) tires with fenders easily. My ST was built for 27" wheels and runs 700x32 mm with little room to spare at the chain stays. With the right rear calipers, fenders should be possible.
cheers -mathias
These bikes are indeed special.
There are many threads on the subject in the C&V forum, and a wealth of information.
Regarding the old ones, I have a 25" ST 600 from 1987 and there is a build thread. I mention it not because it's mine, but because in that thread, I received a lot of information and support from folks who know more than I do. Since you're interested in these bikes, it should be worth a look.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ld-thread.html
Don't be stuck on the ST400 -- there are differences in how they are equipped, including different forks in some years, but the basic frame is the same for all the STs until the 1992 (?) redo.
For touring as in "biking & camping", the STs will work but you'll want to keep the load light. The T*00 models of later years are better suited to that, but they lack the quick handling and have ugly unicrown forks. I have both and prefer to ride the ST so long as I can keep the load light, though the handling of my T400 is not sluggish, it's just a little more deliberate.
For some reason, I believe it's because of the changes in bike fit, the 25" ST models are readily available and often inexpensive. The 23-inchers aren't exactly rare but seem to sell a lot quicker. At 6' with an average build I can happily ride either size; my T400 is a 23 and it's probably the bicycle I would keep if I could only have one. It fits 36 mm (actual) tires with fenders easily. My ST was built for 27" wheels and runs 700x32 mm with little room to spare at the chain stays. With the right rear calipers, fenders should be possible.
cheers -mathias
