YAB(icycle)T: 1997 Cannondale R800 road bike

[kumanchu]

in good working condition, but has been put through about 1000 miles a year.

any thoughts? i am thinking about buying it used. i will be using it as a city bike / commuter and i am not an experienced road bike person, though i've done a fair bit of mountain biking

 

[DrPizza]

Pretty good bike. Good price?

 

[DaShen]

What is the price and what are the components?

 

[Dirigible]

Think of it like a '97 car. Whether it's a good deal depends on what shape it's in. The frame could be straight and the wheels in good shape, and the drivetrain replaced fairly recently, in which case it could be a good bike. Or it could have a slightly bent frame, wheels with spokes about to pop, and a badly worn drivetrain that'll all have to replaced for $$$$.

If it's really cheap and seems to work ok, you might just go for it. At least take a look to see that the gears aren't worn and the chain isn't stretched. 12 chain links should measure 12". 1/8" greater than that, and the gears are likely damaged. Gear teeth should be even, not hooked. Make sure it shifts nicely into all the gears.

Edit: Oh, and assuming it fits and is in decent shape, the bike should be fine for your intended use.

 

[LS20]

350-400$

 

[kumanchu]

its a stock r800 with the shimano 105 group

how would i measure the chain with it on the bike? is there any objective way of seeing if the frame is bent other than by looking and guessing? how do you check spokes aside from how true the wheel looks?

the bike (by measurements) would fit me. i'm a little taller than 5'10" and it is a 56cm frame. i think it will need new tires.

 

[arrfep]

For a commuter bike, you could do better if you're in the $300+ range. You are buying an aluminum framed bike that is effectively 11 years old. Too risky to me. Yes, it is a road bike and may have not been abused, but it is still quite old for an AL frame, and especially a Cannondale of that vintage. They don't call them CrackandFail's for nothing. My vote: stay away.

 

[oboeguy]

Originally posted by: arrfep
For a commuter bike, you could do better if you're in the $300+ range. You are buying an aluminum framed bike that is effectively 11 years old. Too risky to me. Yes, it is a road bike and may have not been abused, but it is still quite old for an AL frame, and especially a Cannondale of that vintage. They don't call them CrackandFail's for nothing. My vote: stay away.

Gotta agree, look elsewhere.

 

[Dirigible]

Originally posted by: kumanchu
its a stock r800 with the shimano 105 group

how would i measure the chain with it on the bike? is there any objective way of seeing if the frame is bent other than by looking and guessing? how do you check spokes aside from how true the wheel looks?

the bike (by measurements) would fit me. i'm a little taller than 5'10" and it is a 56cm frame. i think it will need new tires.

56cm is probably roughly correct for you, although it depends on your proportions. I'm 5'9" and ride a 56cm Calfee. However, a 56cm Trek doesn't fit me right and a 55cm Bianchi is too small for me.

Measure the chain - there should be a stretch of 12 inches of chain showing between the rings and cogs. Just measure it there. No need to remove from the bike.

I wouldn't actually worry much about the bent frame thing. I was setting forth a worst case scenario to make a point that it's all about the condition.

And I agree with the other posters. If you're spending a few hundred bucks, you should go elsewhere. I thought this might be cheaper. My commuter/errand bike is a mid-'80s steel bike with downtube friction shifters. It's great for its intended purpose and I won't cry if it's stolen.

Also, if you're looking for commuting/errands you may want to look for eyelets on the rear so you can attach a rack to carry stuff easier.

 

[kumanchu]

i did some more research because i was afraid of the cracked frame thing. i'm a heavy guy (240 lbs) and i was afraid i was going to break the frame on the crappy roads of chicago. yes i'm heavy, no i'm not round, and i don't need the worries of breaking a frame going through my mind. the bike was being sold for $200

 

[kumanchu]

oh yeah, and thanks for all of the helpful responses, i appreciate it.