2005 Cannondale CAAD 5 R500 Triple price?

Question

I will be the first person able to check out this bike tomorrow afternoon when the owner gets back from a vacation, and I want to know if this is a good price to pay since I'm not super familiar with road bikes.  It is an '05 Cannondale CAAD 5 R500 Triple (52cm) with Shimano 105 components all around (brakes, shifters, derailleurs, and 9-speed in the rear).  It seems to be in near mint condition and the owner said he'd let it go for $550.  

I currently have a GT mountain bike that I ride 30 miles a day, almost every day.  It is a little large for me and obviously not the best choice for long distance riding, so I want to upgrade.  I want something that will allow me to do 100+ mile rides, and I like the triple crank because my route includes some serious hills.  So, is this a good deal or should I look for something else?  I am about 5' 9" and 160lbs.  

Here is a link to the craigslist ad: http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/3182477175.html

Mtrlpqbiker · Accepted Answer

It is probably this bike: http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Cannondale&Model=R500+Triple&Type=bike#.UCavFUS9WA9
It would be a 2004, not a 2005 model. Sold new for about $950. It is now 8 years old. The price is high for the age of the bike, but it could be a good buy if it really has as little mileage as the owner says. The only this with a bike that has been sitting so long is that grease in all the bearings could be dried out and gummed up. The bike should have a complete overhaul, all bearings should be cleaned and repacked. Tires should be checked to see if the rubber isn't dried out, inner tubes as well. Riding the bike without a full overhaul could result in bearings wearing out prematurely. If you can't do this work yourself, figure in that cost. For someone who is able to do this work himself, this bike could be a pretty good buy, if you have to pay to have it done, figure on spending another $100. The bike is also a bit small for you at your height

Anonymous · Answer

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RE:
2005 Cannondale CAAD 5 R500 Triple price?
I will be the first person able to check out this bike tomorrow afternoon when the owner gets back from a vacation, and I want to know if this is a good price to pay since I&#39;m not super familiar with road bikes.  It is an &#39;05 Cannondale CAAD 5 R500 Triple (52cm) with Shimano 105 components...

Ride!Urban · Answer

If it was truly ridden that little and the drivetrain isn't worn, then that's a pretty fair price.  It may be a tad small for you, though.  Since it already has a pretty long stem and a setback seatpost, you won't want to try to make it stretch out any more because handling and comfort will still suffer.  Try it out and see what you think.  I wouldn't worry about bearing grease being dry...the greases used today last a very long time and we repack them out of habit/preventative maintenance, or contamination - not because they dry up (the days of white grease in bearings is over, thankfully).  Not a bad idea to check and/or service them, but I wouldn't let it be a concern...unless he stored it outside or something, but it looks like it was well cared for.  It's a nice frame for sure, so if it fits you and you're happy with the package, I'd say it's a good deal.

pat · Answer

Cannondale Caad5

2005 Cannondale CAAD 5 R500 Triple price?

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