cannondale r300

Hi Evelyn,

a friend of mine has this bike and I would say it's better than a lot of others you could get. It has Sora shifters and the rest are probably Tiagra components. She didn't like the shifters and upgraded to Tiagra. (Probably shoulda gone to 105's while she was at it)

It's a good all around entry level bike, and if I recall it was about $1000 new in 2000. Just make sure it fits! It's not worth a nickel if you can't ride it or get comfortable on it!

Thanks. I know the bike is 47cm, which is supposed to be my size. I am 5'3.5" and that is the size of the lady that is selling it. I am awaiting pictures via email, then will decide whether to drive to Albany to try it out. In the meantime, I am going to a bike shop to make sure I am correct on the measurements.
I'll let you know how I do. Don't plan on riding it until Mid-March, due to her being on vacation.
Evelyn

that's so weird....I am exactly 5'3.5" and ride a 47cm so I'd guess you'll be ok. Still, go to the bike shop, there are a lot of adjustments to make.

That is a coincidence. It's hard to find a used 47 cm bike. I know I've been looking all over CT and the Net. But your right, I'm going to pilates and swimming this AM, then its off to the bike shop for some fitting and education.
Evelyn

Cannondale makes a great bike. As long as it fits, it sounds like a good deal.

It is a good enough entry level bike. I would try to talk her down on the price, but that is up to you.

I have an R4000 which is an OK bike and it cost about 4K when it was new. I personally don't care for Cannondale bikes that much but some people really like them. Like everyone has said the fit is the most important thing, you can always change the stem and small things like that to make the fit a little better. I would talk her down from what she is asking you should have been able to buy a new r300 in 2000 for about $600 at a good store, and I would pay more than $300 for that bike now. Also check to see if it has any damage to the frame or derailers. You should ask her if the bike has ever been laid down at all (crashes, with or without a driver). You should also look at the cogs to make sure that they don't need to be replaced right away. Check the bottom bracket to make sure that it isn't rough. Ask her for maintance records, she should have some unless she does all the work herself or has never really ridden the bike. Good luck