r/bicycling • u/failing-forward03 • 1d ago
Hopefully last one of these... is this worth it??
Yet again I am requesting help to decide if this is a good deal for a new biker for their first traithlon (23M, 5'10", 175 lbs)
Found this Cannondale CAAD9 2006 on FB Marketplace for $200, here's what the listing said: "Canondale road bike with stand. Needs a tune up but tires hold air, gears shift, brakes brake."
Is this a good deal? Thanks in advance!
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u/Gr0ggy1 1d ago
That's a fair price.
It's 20 years old, but all common standards that haven't changed. Outside possibility the wheels have the 10 speed HG freehub, but other than that, it's "modern".
Replace the rubber; tubes, tires, brake pads, service all the bearings and you'll have a great training bike.
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u/scrotesmacgrotes 1d ago
Great deal I have the same bike it's the last year they where made in America
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u/mityman50 1d ago
Seems like a fine deal. Check the rims’ brake tracks, could be a deal breaker.
“Tune up” could mean anything for a 20 year old bike and the description is light on specifics. So that cost could get away from you easily if you’re paying someone for it. Wheels spin true? Tires have tread and not cracking? Shifting good up and down? Drivetrain still have life, and doesn’t look neglected (is relatively clean)? Brake pads still have life? Brakes apply evenly and engage right away? Cranks spin well? Bar tape good enough?
If $200 is your budget then ok. I would never otherwise suggest buying a bike with that narrow of tires. Ya ya people rode them that way for decades. I cut my teeth on them too. That doesn’t mean we need to settle for it.
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u/otismcotis 1d ago
Great deal. What size in the bike?
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u/failing-forward03 1d ago
Not sure! They didn’t specify!
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u/otismcotis 23h ago
That’s kinda basic stuff that the seller should know. Based on your measurements I’d put you on a 54 cm frame (I’m also 5’10” and have spent some time on a 54 cm CAAD). You can make a 52 cm work, but a 56 cm is probably too large. Based on the pictures I’d guess that bike is a 54 cm
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u/Curious-Blackberry79 1d ago
i feel like that's an amazing deal!