Fixing up an 85 Cannondale, Please advise! - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

07-18-2004, 01:56 AM

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?

07-18-2004, 06:24 AM

"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?

There are several things for you to consider. In order of importance, you
need to determine:

1) Is the the bike the right size for you? Even if you and your friend are
close to the same height, you may be proportioned differently. And there's
no guarrantee this bike was the right size for your friend in the first
place. (There's much more to fit than straddling the top tube.) If the bike
isn't the proper size for you, don't invest any money in it.

2) Do you really want a road bike? It sounds like you're not comfortable on
it. That may be because it's the wrong size or set up improperly. Or maybe
you'd be better off with a hybrid that offers a more upright postion.

3) Maintenance issues. At least for now concentrate on fit issues and
making the bike functional. You probably need new brake/derailleur cables
and housings, new brake pads, new tires, new chain, etc. Don't know what you
mean by "brakes not even." That could just mean the pads aren't aligned or
the caliper isn't centered. Or it could mean the wheel is out of true.

4) Upgrades. I'm guessing this bike has a 7-speed cassette and downtube
shifters. That's good enough for now. Modern road bikes have combined
brake/shift levers and 9 or 10 speed cassettes. Upgrading can be expensive,
and spreading the rear dropouts of an aluminum frame to accomodate more
gears is not a good idea.

If you're primarily interested in touring/commuting, go with slightly wider
tires (700 x 25 or 700 x 28) if they fit the frame.

Bring the bike to a good shop and get their opinion. They will let you know
if the bike is the right size, help adjust the fit, and take care of
whatever maintenance is required. While you're there, test ride a hybrid to
see if you prefer that type of bike.

Art Harris

07-18-2004, 06:24 AM

"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?

There are several things for you to consider. In order of importance, you
need to determine:

1) Is the the bike the right size for you? Even if you and your friend are
close to the same height, you may be proportioned differently. And there's
no guarrantee this bike was the right size for your friend in the first
place. (There's much more to fit than straddling the top tube.) If the bike
isn't the proper size for you, don't invest any money in it.

2) Do you really want a road bike? It sounds like you're not comfortable on
it. That may be because it's the wrong size or set up improperly. Or maybe
you'd be better off with a hybrid that offers a more upright postion.

3) Maintenance issues. At least for now concentrate on fit issues and
making the bike functional. You probably need new brake/derailleur cables
and housings, new brake pads, new tires, new chain, etc. Don't know what you
mean by "brakes not even." That could just mean the pads aren't aligned or
the caliper isn't centered. Or it could mean the wheel is out of true.

4) Upgrades. I'm guessing this bike has a 7-speed cassette and downtube
shifters. That's good enough for now. Modern road bikes have combined
brake/shift levers and 9 or 10 speed cassettes. Upgrading can be expensive,
and spreading the rear dropouts of an aluminum frame to accomodate more
gears is not a good idea.

If you're primarily interested in touring/commuting, go with slightly wider
tires (700 x 25 or 700 x 28) if they fit the frame.

Bring the bike to a good shop and get their opinion. They will let you know
if the bike is the right size, help adjust the fit, and take care of
whatever maintenance is required. While you're there, test ride a hybrid to
see if you prefer that type of bike.

Art Harris

07-18-2004, 06:24 AM

"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?

There are several things for you to consider. In order of importance, you
need to determine:

1) Is the the bike the right size for you? Even if you and your friend are
close to the same height, you may be proportioned differently. And there's
no guarrantee this bike was the right size for your friend in the first
place. (There's much more to fit than straddling the top tube.) If the bike
isn't the proper size for you, don't invest any money in it.

2) Do you really want a road bike? It sounds like you're not comfortable on
it. That may be because it's the wrong size or set up improperly. Or maybe
you'd be better off with a hybrid that offers a more upright postion.

3) Maintenance issues. At least for now concentrate on fit issues and
making the bike functional. You probably need new brake/derailleur cables
and housings, new brake pads, new tires, new chain, etc. Don't know what you
mean by "brakes not even." That could just mean the pads aren't aligned or
the caliper isn't centered. Or it could mean the wheel is out of true.

4) Upgrades. I'm guessing this bike has a 7-speed cassette and downtube
shifters. That's good enough for now. Modern road bikes have combined
brake/shift levers and 9 or 10 speed cassettes. Upgrading can be expensive,
and spreading the rear dropouts of an aluminum frame to accomodate more
gears is not a good idea.

If you're primarily interested in touring/commuting, go with slightly wider
tires (700 x 25 or 700 x 28) if they fit the frame.

Bring the bike to a good shop and get their opinion. They will let you know
if the bike is the right size, help adjust the fit, and take care of
whatever maintenance is required. While you're there, test ride a hybrid to
see if you prefer that type of bike.

Art Harris

07-18-2004, 06:24 AM

"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?

There are several things for you to consider. In order of importance, you
need to determine:

1) Is the the bike the right size for you? Even if you and your friend are
close to the same height, you may be proportioned differently. And there's
no guarrantee this bike was the right size for your friend in the first
place. (There's much more to fit than straddling the top tube.) If the bike
isn't the proper size for you, don't invest any money in it.

2) Do you really want a road bike? It sounds like you're not comfortable on
it. That may be because it's the wrong size or set up improperly. Or maybe
you'd be better off with a hybrid that offers a more upright postion.

3) Maintenance issues. At least for now concentrate on fit issues and
making the bike functional. You probably need new brake/derailleur cables
and housings, new brake pads, new tires, new chain, etc. Don't know what you
mean by "brakes not even." That could just mean the pads aren't aligned or
the caliper isn't centered. Or it could mean the wheel is out of true.

4) Upgrades. I'm guessing this bike has a 7-speed cassette and downtube
shifters. That's good enough for now. Modern road bikes have combined
brake/shift levers and 9 or 10 speed cassettes. Upgrading can be expensive,
and spreading the rear dropouts of an aluminum frame to accomodate more
gears is not a good idea.

If you're primarily interested in touring/commuting, go with slightly wider
tires (700 x 25 or 700 x 28) if they fit the frame.

Bring the bike to a good shop and get their opinion. They will let you know
if the bike is the right size, help adjust the fit, and take care of
whatever maintenance is required. While you're there, test ride a hybrid to
see if you prefer that type of bike.

Art Harris

07-18-2004, 06:24 AM

"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?

There are several things for you to consider. In order of importance, you
need to determine:

1) Is the the bike the right size for you? Even if you and your friend are
close to the same height, you may be proportioned differently. And there's
no guarrantee this bike was the right size for your friend in the first
place. (There's much more to fit than straddling the top tube.) If the bike
isn't the proper size for you, don't invest any money in it.

2) Do you really want a road bike? It sounds like you're not comfortable on
it. That may be because it's the wrong size or set up improperly. Or maybe
you'd be better off with a hybrid that offers a more upright postion.

3) Maintenance issues. At least for now concentrate on fit issues and
making the bike functional. You probably need new brake/derailleur cables
and housings, new brake pads, new tires, new chain, etc. Don't know what you
mean by "brakes not even." That could just mean the pads aren't aligned or
the caliper isn't centered. Or it could mean the wheel is out of true.

4) Upgrades. I'm guessing this bike has a 7-speed cassette and downtube
shifters. That's good enough for now. Modern road bikes have combined
brake/shift levers and 9 or 10 speed cassettes. Upgrading can be expensive,
and spreading the rear dropouts of an aluminum frame to accomodate more
gears is not a good idea.

If you're primarily interested in touring/commuting, go with slightly wider
tires (700 x 25 or 700 x 28) if they fit the frame.

Bring the bike to a good shop and get their opinion. They will let you know
if the bike is the right size, help adjust the fit, and take care of
whatever maintenance is required. While you're there, test ride a hybrid to
see if you prefer that type of bike.

Art Harris

07-18-2004, 06:49 AM

On 18 Jul 2004 01:56:42 -0700, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (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:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Lots of good info for the beginner and for the rest of us;-)

Life is Good!
Jeff

07-18-2004, 06:49 AM

On 18 Jul 2004 01:56:42 -0700, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (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:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Lots of good info for the beginner and for the rest of us;-)

Life is Good!
Jeff

07-18-2004, 06:49 AM

On 18 Jul 2004 01:56:42 -0700, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (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:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Lots of good info for the beginner and for the rest of us;-)

Life is Good!
Jeff

07-18-2004, 06:49 AM

On 18 Jul 2004 01:56:42 -0700, [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (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:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Lots of good info for the beginner and for the rest of us;-)

Life is Good!
Jeff