1993? M500 color identification?

[zarky]

So I've recently been getting back into mountain bikes and i've wanted the 90s cannondale I couldn't afford as a kid.
I can find frames in my size, but i fell in love with a (seemingly) one year, one model color that I just cannot find in my size, and I can't find any information on this color. I'd like to be able to replicate it with my own paint job on a different frame.

The most information I can find is in one sales brochure for 1993, and I think it's "Purple with blue pearl hyper-highlight (PPH)" and only on the M500, but i cant find any confirmation, and i can't find a paint recipe.

Can any of you all help me match this color so I can paint my own?



Pictures are all found online.

 

[black lightning 1987]

I have a bunch of frames from that era but none are that color. Closest I have is a 1995 M900 that is Diamond Black Metallic with Violet Pearl Hyper-Highlight. It looks to be a darker purple when it's in good light. I assume that you have been through the paint codes. The only way I know to come close is to find a frame or fork in that color and have a paint supplier try to match it.

 

[zarky]

Yeah from everything i can find (which isnt much) I think its a 1993 only color, and only on the M500.

 

[zarky]

Also apparently came on whatever this is? I don't think this is an M500

cannondale M500 タイヤ パープルカラー Shimano 3x7s 21速 CT42cm オールド マウンテンバイク「中古」の落札価格｜Mサイズ｜Yahoo!オークション(旧ヤフオク!) 落札相場- オークファン（aucfan.com）

cannondale M500 タイヤ パープルカラー Shimano 3x7s 21速 CT42cm オールド マウンテンバイク(Yahoo!オークション(旧ヤフオク!) )は60件の入札を集めて、2022/03/19 00:15に落札されました。

aucview.aucfan.com

 

[black lightning 1987]

In some years the smallest frame size was the Killer V style, while all the larger sizes were conventional frames. I'm not sure what year that frame is but it's newer than 1993 as it has a threadless fork. I think the color is more blue than the 1993 color. I think it might be a 1995 Killer V500 in Mako Blue Metallic.

 

[zarky]

Fairly sure its the same color, you're just getting more of the pearl from the lighting.

 

[black lightning 1987]

If it's the same color, it was used for several years.

 

[IdahoBrett]

I’m new here and found myself reading older posts.

Having said that, I just bought a 93 M500 in this color. Did @zarky ever find a paint code? Or other solution?

I’ve got some nicks and scratches that would be nice to touch up. If not I’ll live with it.

 

[JohnnyD]

There are a list of dupont paint codes/formula on the vintagecannondale website itself. They are located under the restorations tab.
However, they aren't really that helpful and Cannondale was (as usual) secretive about their paint so they never offered touch up paint or really released too much info to duplicate their paint. Their idea is that they just wanted you to just buy a NEW bike if you old one got a few scratches.

 

[IdahoBrett]

Thanks @JohnnyD for pointing out the list. Unfortunately the above mentioned purple isn’t on the list. Touching up scratches was one idea. The other is that there is a pepperoni fork on ebay. It is purple, but in need of repaint/touch up. Other than a stouter look, not sure Of the benefit. Another topic probably suited for discussion elsewhere.

 

[black lightning 1987]

You might come close by mixing purples or adding blue or red to purple to get close. Hard to duplicate the Hyper-Highlight though, which I assume was a tinted clear coat.

 

[zarky]

i know its a multi-stage paint job with a blue pearl, but beyond that, nope. I did find a powdercoat color that is very close though.

 

[Vintage_bike_basement]

This color was I believe offered in 2 different bikes but I think only in 93. It definitely has a heavy shift in color with correct lighting. It came in the m500 and also the H400. What size are you looking for?

 

[zarky]

Large size for MTB (18-21 by standard MTB sizing, i forget how cannondale does it), and 56-58cm for road. Would love to find an H400 in that color, for sure. That would be ideal.
A friend of mine on the opposite site of the country did find an M500 in my size in that color, but its missing its fork., and its also on the other side of the country.