older Cannondale I.D. and valuation help

[PaMtbRider]

My neighbor passed away a few years ago and his widow is ready to start cleaning out the garage and asked for help with the bikes. She doesn't want to sell his Schwinn Paramount but their are several others that need to go. To be honest none of them are high dollar bikes and I hope to sell a few of them for her locally.

Could you please give me some help identifying model and approximate worth with these first two Cannondales. I didn't see frame sizes on either bike but the newer one I am pretty sure is a 58 cm based on his height and a quick look at the bike. He was very meticulous and both bikes are in excellent condition.

Thanks for any help you can give.

Cannondale 1 is an early to mid 80's bike I think based on the biopace chainrings.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50251893141_b45ae7046e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jyA65H)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50251244473_7851c884bc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jywLfM)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50251244808_57a0dbd10a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jywLmy)

Bike two to be honest I have no idea of year or model other than it is obviously a Synapse with 105 10 speed.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50251241378_8e3ff68b21_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jywKkq)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50252082582_f5b025c7da_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jyB4oW)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50252082322_61d256ef29_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jyB4js)

[jb_11]

I'd guess the first one is probably a 1985 SR500 in Plum. Maybe the crankset was changed out from the original spec at some point:
https://vintagecannondale.com/year/1985/1985.pdf

The second one is probably a 2010 Synapse 5 (although the color is not identical to the catalog, the logo/stripe layout is the same):
https://www.cannondale.com/-/media/files/manual-uploads/manuals/10_CUSA_English.pdf

[rccardr]

Those look like plastic top tube cable guides; combined with that decal means 86-early 87. Earlier frames had metal top tube guides.

If later than 85, number, frame size and date of manufacture will be stamped into the DS chainstay, often (but not always) on the top.

[AngryScientist]

it's a popular time for people to be buying bicycles with the pandemic fever and all. i wouldnt get too bogged down in listing the details for a local sale.

spitballing, i'd price bike #1 at 350 and bike #2 at 500 and just list the basic details including what height range of person you estimate should ride them. i bet they will go quick as they are complete and in ridable condition.

[PaMtbRider]

Thank you very much for the link to the pdf. Looking at the component specs I would definitely agree that the newer one is a 2010 Synapse 5. Bicycle Blue Book lists this in excellent condition private party for $250 This actually seems low to me, thoughts?

Does the 86? Cannondale have a similar value?

[jb_11]

Those look like plastic top tube cable guides; combined with that decal means 86-early 87. Earlier frames had metal top tube guides.

If later than 85, number, frame size and date of manufacture will be stamped into the DS chainstay, often (but not always) on the top.

Good call on the cable guides. I just didn't see anything with Suntour Cyclone past 86, and the only similar color was a navy SR400 in 86. Possibly a late 86 with Cyclone and the plastic guides? Looks like biopace appeared on the 87 SR500. Maybe a tweener?

Probably doesn't make a hill of beans difference in the valuation. 85-87 SR400/500.

Angry's prices are probably a good place to start.

If it was an 87 SR600 size 54.5 in Blueberry, I'd be giving you a call (Dad's bike) :)

[WNC rider]

The first Cannondale looks larger than a 58. My guess is a 60 at least. That's "Cannondale size". Yes, look for the serial number, on the chainstay (the ones I've had and seen have all been on the underside of the chainstay).
How to interpret the numbers: https://vintagecannondale.com/info/serial_numbers/
The color (kinda) matching Silca w/Campagnolo head is a nice touch.
I agree that $350 would be a relatively good place to start on that one. Looks pretty clean.
The second bike is too new for me, so I can't give any opinion on it.

[prototoast]

Thank you very much for the link to the pdf. Looking at the component specs I would definitely agree that the newer one is a 2010 Synapse 5. Bicycle Blue Book lists this in excellent condition private party for $250 This actually seems low to me, thoughts?


That was probably what you'd get for it a year ago before bike shops were running out of entry level bikes. Right now, it looks to be in decent shape and I'd think you could get $5-700 for it if everything works.

[oliver1850]

Thank you very much for the link to the pdf. Looking at the component specs I would definitely agree that the newer one is a 2010 Synapse 5. Bicycle Blue Book lists this in excellent condition private party for $250 This actually seems low to me, thoughts?

Does the 86? Cannondale have a similar value?

BBB lists everything way low. They buy used bikes and list them on their site and eBay. Here are some of their private sale valuations:

1999 Moser Pro Evolution with 6500, $265

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/product/85975

1995 CSI with Chorus, $520

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/product/34171/

1994 Bianchi EL-OS with Chorus, $350

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/product/17014/

2001 VaMoots with Record 10, $807

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/value-guide/product/36246/

[oliver1850]

I think the Synapse is worth considerably more than $500.

Here's an AL Synapse with 105 that sold for $985 + shipping:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cannondale-Synapse-SAVE-road-bike-51-cm-Ultra-Carbon-Fiber-Fork-/254678942225?hash=item3b4c0c4211%3Ag%3A5%7EEAAOSw0 m1fB2VD&nma=true&si=JlCZXAP%252BORjordnFZm46EmgYdxU%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[PaMtbRider]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I just took a couple of quick pictures of these two before I left for work today. This gives me a ballpark number I can give to her. I will probably suggest listing the Synapse for $700 and the SR400/500 for $350 and go from there. He had 5 or 6 more bikes I need to take a closer look at. I think out of those, an early 80's Bridgestone 500 in a smaller size is the only other bike of real interest. There is a mint condition Paramount, but she doesn't want to part with that one.

[Hilltopperny]

Hey Dan,

If they are looking to sell them hassle free then I would suggest around $500 for the Synapse as I doubt even if there was an outlier that it will sell for anything above that unless you are in a major city with a lot of demand and the other is priced well at $350. The above Synapse did not sell at $975 and has been relisted. I think people are overshooting valuations on bikes because the market was hot for a few months. I still think it is a sellers market, but nobody is paying over a grand shipped for an early model aluminum Synapse.

I bought a similar Synapse for $250 like New Years back for my daughter, so even given current conditions $500 is more than reasonable. Also it looks like the 105 group has external cables, so likely 9spd? I thought 10spd has the more modern internal at the brifters cabling, but I could be wrong.


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[oliver1850]

Hey Dan,

If they are looking to sell them hassle free then I would suggest around $500 for the Synapse as I doubt even if there was an outlier that it will sell for anything above that unless you are in a major city with a lot of demand and the other is priced well at $350. The above Synapse did not sell at $975 and has been relisted. I think people are overshooting valuations on bikes because the market was hot for a few months. I still think it is a sellers market, but nobody is paying over a grand shipped for an early model aluminum Synapse.

I bought a similar Synapse for $250 like New Years back for my daughter, so even given current conditions $500 is more than reasonable. Also it looks like the 105 group has external cables, so likely 9spd? I thought 10spd has the more modern internal at the brifters cabling, but I could be wrong.


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I searched sold listings on eBay, but I guess that doesn't mean that the winning bidder actually paid, hence the relisting. Still think $500 is too cheap for that bike.

I think the first generation 10 speed STI had exposed shift cables, 2nd generation routed along handlebar.

[trener1]

I am not sure if where you are located, but if you are in/near any mid size to large city, post that Synapse on Facebook marketplace for $750, I bet you get 20 messages in one day.
Don't give it away for $500.

[Hilltopperny]

I don’t think $500 is giving it away. This is the nearest I can find on eBay sold listings and between PayPal and eBay fees this person got around $550-575. This one is an Ultegra/105 mix which is a step up and the size is similar. They also have to box and ship it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2008-Cannondale-Synapse-Alloy-Ultegra-105-carbon-forks-seatpost-60cm/283967045807?hash=item421dc140af:g:ydEAAOSwxYBfJw4 7


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[PaMtbRider]

I posted the Synapse today on Facebook for $600. We will see what happens. Surprisingly, after a few measurements it is only a 54cm. I remembered him being taller and didn't look to closely at the bike last week.

[PaMtbRider]

The Synapse sold for $600 I had a couple low ball offers. Guy from Baltimore drove an hour to buy it. Told him the price was firm because I had a couple people waiting for a response if it was still available.

[Hilltopperny]

The Synapse sold for $600 I had a couple low ball offers. Guy from Baltimore drove an hour to buy it. Told him the price was firm because I had a couple people waiting for a response if it was still available.


Good deal!


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[John H.]

Wash them, lube them, air up the tires and make sure everything works.
Ask $500 for each of them on Craigslist and accept anything $250 or more.