Cycling Forums - View Single Post - Fixing up an 85 Cannondale, Please advise!

07-18-2004, 06:49 AM

On 18 Jul 2004 01:56:42 -0700, wildphatdisc@hotmail.com (Reggie)
wrote:

>So earlier I posted a question about possibly forgoing buying a bike,
>and just borrowing an old friend's 85 cannondale road bike. I finally
>picked up the bike today to see if it's in shape for a round-trip 24
>mile commute, and I must say I was amazed at how beautiful a bike from
>1985 could be.
>
>Anyway, I'm new to cycling entirely, and was wondering whether I
>should spend 700 on a new bike, or should i just consider changing
>some of the components on this older model (brakes in front are a
>little bit uneven, i probably ought to take it to a shop that can fit
>the bike to me...). What are the big changes that took place between
>then and now? Do I just stick with what I have?
>
>If i got a new bike, i was leaning towards touring. Although with the
>quality of the roads on the way to work (multi-potholes) perhaps I
>would be best doing it with a hybrid.
>
>Thoughts on repairs/upgrades? Let's say you had 200 bucks with an 85
>cannondale (tuned up 2 years ago). What do you do?
>
>Side question: How does one get used to that forward position that
>drop handlebars seem to require? Do I ride in a parking lot to get
>acclimated? How long does that usually take?

Hi, if the bike is basically the right size, I would fix just what is
necessary and ride it. In a few months, you will have a much better
idea of what you need and want.

Yes, take it to a shop and get new tubes, tires, and brake shoes. Get
a basic tune up and have them check the chain. Have them raise the
stem/handlebars and adjust the saddle to the general area of correct
height. Two options would be a new saddle, get an inexpensive one, for
now, and new handlebar tape.

If you are uncomfortable on streets and paths, then, go where there is
an open area and practice. If the bike is of a reasonable fit, and you
are in reasonable physical condition, you will get used to it.

Here read the info at this link:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html
Lots of good info for the beginner and for the rest of us;-)

Life is Good!
Jeff

07-18-2004, 06:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
Jeff Starr Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Fixing up an 85 Cannondale, Please advise! On 18 Jul 2004 01:56:42 -0700, wildphatdisc@hotmail.com (Reggie) wrote: >So earlier I posted a question about possibly forgoing buying a bike, >and just borrowing an old friend's 85 cannondale road bike. I finally >picked up the bike today to see if it's in shape for a round-trip 24 >mile commute, and I must say I was amazed at how beautiful a bike from >1985 could be. > >Anyway, I'm new to cycling entirely, and was wondering whether I >should spend 700 on a new bike, or should i just consider changing >some of the components on this older model (brakes in front are a >little bit uneven, i probably ought to take it to a shop that can fit >the bike to me...). What are the big changes that took place between >then and now? Do I just stick with what I have? > >If i got a new bike, i was leaning towards touring. Although with the >quality of the roads on the way to work (multi-potholes) perhaps I >would be best doing it with a hybrid. > >Thoughts on repairs/upgrades? Let's say you had 200 bucks with an 85 >cannondale (tuned up 2 years ago). What do you do? > >Side question: How does one get used to that forward position that >drop handlebars seem to require? Do I ride in a parking lot to get >acclimated? How long does that usually take? Hi, if the bike is basically the right size, I would fix just what is necessary and ride it. In a few months, you will have a much better idea of what you need and want. Yes, take it to a shop and get new tubes, tires, and brake shoes. Get a basic tune up and have them check the chain. Have them raise the stem/handlebars and adjust the saddle to the general area of correct height. Two options would be a new saddle, get an inexpensive one, for now, and new handlebar tape. If you are uncomfortable on streets and paths, then, go where there is an open area and practice. If the bike is of a reasonable fit, and you are in reasonable physical condition, you will get used to it. Here read the info at this link: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html Lots of good info for the beginner and for the rest of us;-) Life is Good! Jeff