Bicycle experts unite! I need some help/advice/etc!

[Boxerdaddy]

Ok so I just picked up a bike on craigslist. It's a cannondale but I have no idea what model it is. I know it's a little older. It rode nice...the gears shifted flawlessly..with exception of the "high" gear on the gear set with attached to the pedal. I think this just needs adjusted. I did get it into it eventually.

Bike Photos by mingsty | Photobucket

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I didn't want to add all the photos (10 total) in so sorry for the extra link.

The components are Shimano Deore LX. It kind of looks like someone took a mountain bike and put road tires on it. The front brake was removed. Pegs are still there but lever and all cabling is gone for it. I can't find a serial number anywhere....The CAAD3 I know has been around for awhile.

I'm happy with it but just wondering what I actually have. Feel free to ask any questions and if I don't know I can go take a look or some more photos for you.

How much do you think it's worth?

Thanks!

 

[bkassel]

try bikepedia.com

looks more like a commuter or urban hybrid bike. similar to a Marin Muirwoods. Looks like a nice find

Also, I wouldn't worry about how much its worth. Bikes are like cars, the second they leave the showroom, they lose a ton of value. A quick tune-up and new brakes and you got a great bike for getting around town or trails.

happy riding.

 

[bkassel]

looks like it might be an aluminum frame. so no jumping off loading docks.

 

[Boxerdaddy]

I thought it was a hybrid and judging by the frame...it's not the new style obviously with the oblong shaped tubes...but it also doesn't look really old. I'm happy and the components seem to be on the high end of the mountain bike family. I paid $200 and I think I made a great deal even though it's missing a brake..it didn't need it though..It stops fairly quickly. Looks like there were some aftermarket additions and the saddle looks brand new. I can't wait to take it on a long ride!

 

[baller21]

looks like a Bad Boy. new ones retail for 1100-1800 so I think you did good.

 

[Boxerdaddy]

So I found the serial number and I think it's a 2000. I'm still looking thru the models but I checked the serial number and it's not stolen so I'm good haha.

 

[ThatllDoCy]

This is a cyclocross bike turned into a commuter bike. This frameset could get a few hundred or so on ebay I would guess. It is Aluminum so not going to be worth a ton. It is a very good bike however.

What are you going to do with it?

 

[CyCloned]

most likely the front derailleur needs a little adjusting. Some bikes struggle with shifting extremes, IE going on the big cog on the freewheel and the big chain ring (front) at the same time. If you can't get it with an adjustment, there are two small screws on the derailleur, you may need to look at the Derailleur and see if it is hanging straight. Most new bikes the front derailleur doesn't have much lateral movement, older bikes do. Also, you may want to look at the condition of the chain, as a worn chain can cause shifting issues. Also, sometimes the teeth on the rings, front gears, can get worn on bent enough that they don't grab the chain as well. Be sure to look over the frame very carefully as aluminum frames tend to crack if ridden hard. Look at the joints around the head set.

 

[ThatllDoCy]

Here is a link to the Tech Docs for Shimano. They have printable directions for all of their components.

Shimano

Adjusting a front derailleur can be frustrating, but run through it a couple of times and it will be make sense eventually. You are setting the inner and outer limit of the derailleur. If you don't have a bike stand it will be frustrating, but not too hard.

Being a Cyclocross frame this is a essentially a half Road and half Mountain Bike. It should be able to handle any abuse you give to it. If I were you, and I am not, I would swap the stem and handlebar for a road stem and handle bar, toss the deore garbage and put on a Shimano 105 Group, which you could find reasonable on ebay. New brakes obviously, and put on some cyclocross tires and use it for a gravel road/touring bike. If you are going to use it for a commuter it will be very light for that purpose and well suited. The Caad series by Cannondale has a strong following, and it is a well built bike. If you paid less than $300 you got a steal.

 

[Boxerdaddy]

Thanks guys appreciate all the feedback. I paid $200. I thought I did well before hearing from you guys. Do you know is there a way to find out the model by the serial number? I'm guessing they may have used the same frame for similar models so I may be SOL. The "month and Year" stamp says XL. The L is for 2000 but does the month indicator as an "X" has me baffled.

I'm a noob but from what I've seen I don't think it is a cyclocross....The color on the cyclo's wasn't offered in black and while I thought maybe it was just repainted...the closer I looked it doesn't appear to be. The CAAD3 frame was on a few different models..the cyclocrosses being one of them though.

BikePedia

And it is possible all the components were switched out, the cyclos had 105's all the way around. I am so confused. I'm happy...just curious as to it's original model #!

View attachment 21278

Vintage Cannondale - Information and HelpThe

 

[Boxerdaddy]

most likely the front derailleur needs a little adjusting. Some bikes struggle with shifting extremes, IE going on the big cog on the freewheel and the big chain ring (front) at the same time. If you can't get it with an adjustment, there are two small screws on the derailleur, you may need to look at the Derailleur and see if it is hanging straight. Most new bikes the front derailleur doesn't have much lateral movement, older bikes do. Also, you may want to look at the condition of the chain, as a worn chain can cause shifting issues. Also, sometimes the teeth on the rings, front gears, can get worn on bent enough that they don't grab the chain as well. Be sure to look over the frame very carefully as aluminum frames tend to crack if ridden hard. Look at the joints around the head set.

Everything seemed to be in great shape. There is a little surface rust on the inside of the front fork (from the bottom) so I think that may be something other than aluminum. Chain is in great shape...the guy I bought it from said he was the second owner and hardly rode it and I believe it. Everything seems to be well lubed and greased though like it had been serviced recently

 

[Bluffers]

Looks like a nice bike with lots of miles left in it. Do consider upgrading componets as thatlldocy has offered. Brakes, tires, chain at minimum. I have found a good washing and wax is the best way to get to know the frame and any issues which can hide from a quick once over. Most important, ride it and enjoy.

 

[MrPeske]

So if you live in Beaverdale & havent ridden around town... here's a good loop... Beaverdale past Saints/Beaverdale Tap east to the DSM River on the Inter Urban Trail... then south past North High School football stadium, continue past Birdland Marina & the Botanical Center over the new white Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge then south on the western side of the Principal Riverwalk. You can stop numerous places on Court Ave then continue south to Mullets then west on the trail stay south of Grays Lake then roll up the Bill Riley trail across the Water Works Park pedestrian bridge up to Ashworth Pool then climb out of Ashworth Park to Polk Blvd, take 47th St north of University back to Urbandale Ave... Hopefully you didnt already know this that would mean I just wasted my time typing...

The Farmers Mkt is a great morning ride and there is a free bike valet in the parking garage on the SW corner of Court Ave & 2nd Ave...check out the cool newly reopened Levee on Court where the old Buzzard Billy's patio just east of the parking lot... south side of Court Ave..

We ride to the ISU game from downtown... its a 40 miler with all bike trail/lanes...

 

[Boxerdaddy]

Looks like a nice bike with lots of miles left in it. Do consider upgrading componets as thatlldocy has offered. Brakes, tires, chain at minimum. I have found a good washing and wax is the best way to get to know the frame and any issues which can hide from a quick once over. Most important, ride it and enjoy.

I'm going to take it into Barr today just to get their ideas on it. I'll probably have them service it next year but right now it is ready to ride. The Deore's from what I've read are on the upper side of the components though..for mountain bikes. I'll keep them for now but will look into possibly upgrading later.

Also...I think it's a 57cm frame judging by the first two numbers in the serial....I've read anywhere from 54 to 57 for my size but without a professional fitting I won't know. The seat post is set really low but everything feels good. Who knows...I just want to know what I have so if I do want to upgrade as my riding increases, I'll have a better idea of what I can sell it for.

 

[Boxerdaddy]

So if you live in Beaverdale & havent ridden around town... here's a good loop... Beaverdale past Saints/Beaverdale Tap east to the DSM River on the Inter Urban Trail... then south past North High School football stadium, continue past Birdland Marina & the Botanical Center over the new white Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge then south on the western side of the Principal Riverwalk. You can stop numerous places on Court Ave then continue south to Mullets then west on the trail stay south of Grays Lake then roll up the Bill Riley trail across the Water Works Park pedestrian bridge up to Ashworth Pool then climb out of Ashworth Park to Polk Blvd, take 47th St north of University back to Urbandale Ave... Hopefully you didnt already know this that would mean I just wasted my time typing...

The Farmers Mkt is a great morning ride and there is a free bike valet in the parking garage on the SW corner of Court Ave & 2nd Ave...check out the cool newly reopened Levee on Court where the old Buzzard Billy's patio just east of the parking lot... south side of Court Ave..

We ride to the ISU game from downtown... its a 40 miler with all bike trail/lanes...

Awesome ideas thanks! The ride to the game sounds really fun....I'm starting Ferrels on Sept 7 so that would make me feel better about eating/drinking all day on game days! I'll just need to make sure we can get my bike back to town. 40 miles would probably destroy me right now...what time do you leave?

 

[MrPeske]

If you live in Beaverdale, take your bike or at least go visit Ed Veak, owner of Beaverdale Bicycles... dude is very knowledgeable... he has worked on 3 of my bikes installing various racks & generator hubs. This shop is not your normal shop, you will get better service... I'll give Rasmussen Bike Shop a plug too, those guys give me great service

 

[Mtowncyclone13]

Here is a question we just had last week.

When you put it in a low gear (the largest front gear) it's better for going downhill because you get more resistance. If larger gear wheels are better for more resistance than why is the back gear on the smallest gear? I guess to summarize, why is the front gear large and the back gear small when it has the most resistance? What physical property makes it so the back gear doesn't need to be the largest one too?

 

[ThatllDoCy]

Thanks guys appreciate all the feedback. I paid $200. I thought I did well before hearing from you guys. Do you know is there a way to find out the model by the serial number? I'm guessing they may have used the same frame for similar models so I may be SOL. The "month and Year" stamp says XL. The L is for 2000 but does the month indicator as an "X" has me baffled.

I'm a noob but from what I've seen I don't think it is a cyclocross....The color on the cyclo's wasn't offered in black and while I thought maybe it was just repainted...the closer I looked it doesn't appear to be. The CAAD3 frame was on a few different models..the cyclocrosses being one of them though.

BikePedia

And it is possible all the components were switched out, the cyclos had 105's all the way around. I am so confused. I'm happy...just curious as to it's original model #!

View attachment 21278

Vintage Cannondale - Information and HelpThe

The groupset is probably a "Commuter Mix" making this a Commuter bike. The Cyclocross version would come with a "Cyclocross Group". Same frame different components suited to different purposes.

 

[ThatllDoCy]

I'm going to take it into Barr today just to get their ideas on it. I'll probably have them service it next year but right now it is ready to ride. The Deore's from what I've read are on the upper side of the components though..for mountain bikes. I'll keep them for now but will look into possibly upgrading later.

Also...I think it's a 57cm frame judging by the first two numbers in the serial....I've read anywhere from 54 to 57 for my size but without a professional fitting I won't know. The seat post is set really low but everything feels good. Who knows...I just want to know what I have so if I do want to upgrade as my riding increases, I'll have a better idea of what I can sell it for.

Competitive Cyclist's website has a sizing system you can use as long as you have a tape measure. That said, fit is subjective. Depending on what you are using it for fit can be different. A 57cm is a Large or Medium Large Bike. Probably intended for someone 5'10 to 6'2" or so. This will be a traditional design so you can go off or the Top Tube length to determine how long of a stem to get. If you are shorter for the bike a 0 degree seatpost and shorter Stem can get you in a good position. As long as you can stand over it and not castrate yourself you'll be ok. Just move the seat up so you are in good position over the pedal and bring the stem back so you are not too stretched out.

 

[Boxerdaddy]

looks like a Bad Boy. new ones retail for 1100-1800 so I think you did good.

So I am still confused on the serial number but it's definitely an 01 Bad Boy. Now I feel like I got a steal lol. Thanks for all of your help guys. I kept looking at 00 because of what I thoght was the year code but I'm pretty sure the XL is the frame size.
Cannondale Bicycle Corp. - Bad Boy

2001 Cannondale Bad Boy - BikePedia

Also makes me feel a lot better just knowing what it is! Great starter bike for me! But I can already tell after riding as little as I have...I'm going to want a road bike soon!