Double AA serial number

[Robby]

Apparently serial #AA01959 is a 1983 first year bike. But cannot find any info on what the numbers indicate on model. Anyone know? I heard ST500 once? Its the blue model. I also heard there was only one model for this first year in three colors. I have a blue one all original. Model confirmation anyone?

 

[black lightning 1987]

I don't know if Cannondale would have made as many as 1959 frames the first year, but as far as I know there is no date or frame information in the early serial numbers. What we don't know is if they started the run with numeral 1 or some random number.

Great to find an original 1983 bike. If it has the Superbe Tech rear derailleur, SR Apex triple crank, and Wolber model 58 rims, it's surely an ST-500. How about some pictures?

 

[Robby]

I don't know if Cannondale would have made as many as 1959 frames the first year, but as far as I know there is no date or frame information in the early serial numbers. What we don't know is if they started the run with numeral 1 or some random number.

Great to find an original 1983 bike. If it has the Superbe Tech rear derailleur, SR Apex triple crank, and Wolber model 58 rims, it's surely an ST-500. How about some pictures?

Thanks for the reply! Here are some pics. Seems to me only the seat is not original?

 

[black lightning 1987]

Brake calipers, crank, front derailleur, bar, stem, look right for an ST500. Rims/hubs: I can't tell but they look original. Rear derailleur is not the Superbe Tech that the catalog specifies.

 

[Robby]

You're right, I see that now. My rear derailleur says Le Pree. Here is a pic of the sticker on wheel. They have the Super Champ sticker. So my rear derailleur appears to be the only thing not stock... and seat.

 

[black lightning 1987]

I believe you have it right. I am not an expert on Wolber rims of that vintage but they look original. Velobase doesn't have an entry for those rims, but they do have the earlier Super Champion rims listed. They are likely the same as the Wolber branded ones except for the decal.

http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=D0582062-EC3E-42D6-958F-FCDD68EED8BB&Enum=107&AbsPos=3

 

[black lightning 1987]

The Superbe Tech RD is kind of a desirable part, unique and nice to look at. I have never seen one except in pictures, have no idea if it functions as well as it looks.

http://velobase.com/ViewComponent.aspx?ID=EC298789-FDBD-4F4F-AC6D-2F9E88B9D5C9&Enum=108&AbsPos=74

 

[black lightning 1987]

The LePree is also unusual as it has three jockey wheels instead of the usual two. It looks like a nicely made and finished part but I'm not sure where it fits in SunTour line.

 

[Robby]

The LePree is also unusual as it has three jockey wheels instead of the usual two. It looks like a nicely made and finished part but I'm not sure where it fits in SunTour line.

Nice work, sir! And thank you for the time spent helping out! Our Cannondale dealer is still here from the beginning because I noticed them listed in the early catalogs as a dealer. We believe its likely a local purchase based on info i got from the guy I bought it from. Curfmans Cycle is run by the Son now and a very nice reputable shop. He thought the right guy would pay maybe $200 for the bike as is. Im riding it and had to kinda get used to the shifters, lol.

 

[black lightning 1987]

Good to know of another long term Cannondale dealer.

Does it have friction shifters? I wouldn't cost much to upgrade to indexed down tube shifters such as 6 speed Cyclone. I'm guessing that it would also require a SunTour Accushift compatible rear derailleur.