Cannondale

Rumierider

Hi!
Newbie here, been running marathon's, 1/2 marathon's etc. giving the joints a break. Just bought a used Cannondale for 250, bike looks like it was well taken care of. Any tips to continue that trend? LOL, I haven't ridden a bike in years, lol...

Tony-J

Don't over do the distance at first you will still need to build the correct muscles I suspect. Pic of the bike if you can. Let the steely eyes on here see. Buy cycling mitts to protect the nerves in your hands. SPD pedals and cycling shoes, padded shorts or longs. Cycle computer you're probably into the info, I find it helps myself. Spare inner and levers. Ride safe mate.

smidsy

I too have an older alu Cannondale and there is no problem with the longevity if looked after.

No magical formula really you just need to keep everything properly adjusted, lubricated and set up.

Keeping everything clean is essential to long term reliabilty so you should de-gunk the chain, sprokect, mechs ect regularly (say at least 4 times a year) but this obviously depends on use and how dirty things get.

If you ride in the rain wash it down straight after and dry it off - helps keep the salt attack etc at bay.

If you struggle for time use babywipes to get the worst off and wash it with proper water+products when you get chance.

Enjoy - the Cannondales are great bikes.

JoshMcIntyre

I bought a used Cannondale about 2 years ago and it's still in good nick. Be sure to store it somewhere dry. And as others have said keep it clean and well lubicrated.

Rumierider

Tony-J wrote:

Don't over do the distance at first you will still need to build the correct muscles I suspect. Pic of the bike if you can. Let the steely eyes on here see. Buy cycling mitts to protect the nerves in your hands. SPD pedals and cycling shoes, padded shorts or longs. Cycle computer you're probably into the info, I find it helps myself. Spare inner and levers. Ride safe mate.

Rumierider

Thanx all for all the tips, its Friday PM in Fl. USA, plan on a 5-8 miler tomorrow and get to know 'er! I'll let ya know about the experience!! 8)

unixnerd

Another member of the used Cannondale club here :-)

Once you're used to the bike get clip-in pedals, they're wonderful - but you need to be confident on the bike first. Also go and get all the lycra gear, folk wear it for a reason (other than being show offs). Get a track pump or won't get the tyres hard enough.

Just enjoy the bike and get some miles in. The rest comes with experience.

Rumierider

UPDATE: Decided to modify w/new handlebars, sea, it's now technically a roadie, but I really think I've made it kind of a hybrid. Thoughts, do I keep the tires or change them too for completeness, lol...



http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/809/arld42zcmaejozt.jpg/

Crankbrother

That makes me want to cry ... If you had ran down a small child in your car I'd care less ...

ShutUpLegs

Crankbrother wrote:

That makes me want to cry ... If you had ran down a small child in your car I'd care less ...

I'm just waiting for the 'I'm gonna stick wiv MTB's'

snoopsmydogg

that hurts my eyes :shock:

Rumierider

LOL, I appreciate the constructive criticism, lol. Up til now my experience on this forum has been really positive. I guess you fellers , "can't think outside the box". Peace my brothers

migrantwing

Rumierider wrote:

LOL, I appreciate the constructive criticism, lol. Up til now my experience on this forum has been really positive. I guess you fellers , "can't think outside the box". Peace my brothers

Don't worry 'bout it. Ignore the criticism, you'll find a**holes are everywhere Just enjoy your bike/riding! Put it this way, I'd much rather be riding YOUR bike in Florida than a £5000 carbon beauty in this dump of a country

MountainMonster

Don't listen to them mate, a bike is a bike, and as long as you are happy, all is good! Enjoy riding, maybe it will kick off a new obsession!

migrantwing

MountainMonster wrote:

Don't listen to them mate, a bike is a bike, and as long as you are happy, all is good! Enjoy riding, maybe it will kick off a new obsession!

Nice one, MM There really are some sheep-like w*nkers on here.

MountainMonster

migrantwing wrote:

MountainMonster wrote:

Don't listen to them mate, a bike is a bike, and as long as you are happy, all is good! Enjoy riding, maybe it will kick off a new obsession!

Nice one, MM There really are some sheep-like w*nkers on here.

I seem to only ever find them on the road section, tbf.

On MTB when someone posts up a pic of a old/cheap bike, most peoples reaction is along the lines of "good enough to see if you like the sport, then maybe upgrade at some point"

In the road section, it's much more of a your poorer, go away thing. Rediculous.

migrantwing

MountainMonster wrote:

migrantwing wrote:

MountainMonster wrote:

Don't listen to them mate, a bike is a bike, and as long as you are happy, all is good! Enjoy riding, maybe it will kick off a new obsession!

Nice one, MM There really are some sheep-like w*nkers on here.

I seem to only ever find them on the road section, tbf.

On MTB when someone posts up a pic of a old/cheap bike, most peoples reaction is along the lines of "good enough to see if you like the sport, then maybe upgrade at some point"

In the road section, it's much more of a your poorer, go away thing. Rediculous.

Totally agree, my friend. It is very immature and annoying. I'm sure that if there wasn't the option of these 'Cycle To Work' schemes, many of the posters who think they are above others wouldn't have such nice bikes themselves :!:

snoopsmydogg

MountainMonster wrote:

migrantwing wrote:

MountainMonster wrote:

Don't listen to them mate, a bike is a bike, and as long as you are happy, all is good! Enjoy riding, maybe it will kick off a new obsession!

Nice one, MM There really are some sheep-like w*nkers on here.

I seem to only ever find them on the road section, tbf.

On MTB when someone posts up a pic of a old/cheap bike, most peoples reaction is along the lines of "good enough to see if you like the sport, then maybe upgrade at some point"

In the road section, it's much more of a your poorer, go away thing. Rediculous.

its nothing to do with the age/cost of the bike and the OP received compliments about the original.

It wasnt until the OP took a lovely looking road bike and put a wide a** seat, adjustable stem and cow bars on it that the comments followed. Great thing about the internet is you get good and bad comments about what you post.

But clubbing together to call others sheep? oh the irony

migrantwing

I was defending the guy, as I thought it a tad unfair what a few people had posted. If he wants his bike like that, let it be. I also preferred it before the changes, but that's his choice. Anyway, why the 'internet tough guy' post? You've said what you wanted to say, I've said what I wanted to say. It's a forum, that's what people do. Also, when I used the word 'sheep', I was making a general, sweeping statement in reply to the OP's post where he said 'I guess you fellers , "can't think outside the box".' and about how some people 'talk' to other people on here and the ignorant/arrogant comments made regarding others' bikes, if they are different or deem them inferior to their own.

Rumierider

Thanx for the support guys, as far as the negative remarks go, they just could have been a little less abrasive, I mean C'mon "it hurts my eyes, and I would care less if u hit a child " C'mon dudes. A simple "I'm not crazy about it, or not my style would have done.

migrantwing

Rumierider wrote:

Thanx for the support guys, as far as the negative remarks go, they just could have been a little less abrasive, I mean C'mon "it hurts my eyes, and I would care less if u hit a child " C'mon dudes. A simple "I'm not crazy about it, or not my style would have done.

No problem I agree wholeheartedly. Abrasive is an understatement.

Where in FL are you, if you don't mind me asking? I was in Ft Myers/Sanibel and Captiva this time last year. Loved it!

migrantwing

Double post...

Crankbrother

Having owned 10+ 'dales in our house I feel I'm justified in stating my dislike when asked for opinion ... As another poster said, lovely retro bike that needed a little tlc ruined ...

The OP no doubt loves it and will enjoy riding it, and all luck to him ... But posting in a road bike forum evidence of his vandalism is nver gonna work out ...

letap73

"That makes me want to cry ... If you had ran down a small child in your car I'd care less ..."
Then you posted:
"Having owned 10+ 'dales in our house I feel I'm justified in stating my dislike when asked for opinion ... As another poster said, lovely retro bike that needed a little tlc ruined ...

The OP no doubt loves it and will enjoy riding it, and all luck to him ... But posting in a road bike forum evidence of his vandalism is nver gonna work out ..."

TBH You do not come across very well here either, the first comment above is of poor taste, not particularly funny and the op has posted nothing that would warrant such a response. I don't think he has made the best of his bike and would advise that he return the bike closer to its former glory, however if he likes it that way then thats fine by me - it is afterall just a bike.

migrantwing

Perfectly put, letap!

I wouldn't have made those changes to the bike either, crankbrother, but that's the way it is.

Instead of negativity, maybe we could offer advice to the OP on how to get the bike restored to its former glory? Maybe, as has been said already, it will revive/awaken an interest in cycling for the OP.

Now can we all play nice?

Rumierider

http://youtu.be/bIbyKlW8D9w
Well Fellas, Hindsight being 20-20, I think the Hybrid would have been a better choice for my first bike. Long story short, the bike shop where I purchased the Cannondale was kind enough to swap out bikes with me for just 50 more dollars. This makes my grand total bike purchase of 300$ for a used (but well kept "Bianchi". I will post pic later, and was also wondering if I should stay in this forum subgroup, or move over to Mountain Bike(I didn't see a "Hybrid Bike" forum)?
Rumierider

http://theruminativerunner.blogspot.com/

Gizmo_

So, you took a perfectly nice bike, fitted a mishmash of odd-fitting parts to it and then decided that it wasn't very good?

Well, you live and learn I guess.

Rumierider

Gizmo_ wrote:

So, you took a perfectly nice bike, fitted a mishmash of odd-fitting parts to it and then decided that it wasn't very good?

Well, you live and learn I guess.

For whatever it's worth, The odd fitting parts will be taken off, the original seat, stem and handlebars will be restored. The Fact that it was a new venture for me justifies your comment above. But if, and only if you mean it in sincerity, if it is sarcastic, I feel sorry for you. One does live and learn, I am doing so, and is you have nothing constructive to offer, than go be sarcastic somewhere else, I'm here for advice, sharing learning, as a newbie...

Talk to ya later Gizmo (or not)

migrantwing

As long as YOU are happy, Norm, (don't know about the purists ) then that's all that matters. For 300 bucks all in, I think it's a bargain. Cute kid in the vid, too

Happy trails.

Lloydy

fast as fupp

them bars need tassels on 'em

and one of those big electric horns (chrome plated)

mattshrops

Some people really need to lighten up. sorry but that turd is not polishable.

Ooh check me out i'm all offended-jeez