1994 Mxxx Mystery Frame - NOS

[Trav1s]

This frame appeared in the 1991 SM1000 thread and it seems appropriate to share it with this group.

It was purchased in Bowling Green, Ohio off of FB marketplace. The previous owner intended to build it for himself but it was too small for him. I picked it up because I love vintage Cannondales and I love blue. According to size charts it should be my size and after riding the 18" SM1000 I tend to agree. Also, it seems there was a significant Cannondale dealer in Findlay/Bowling Green but I don't know if it came from there or not.

It still fascinates me due to the lack of model number. Some suggest it was a warranty frame and others suggest it was custom ordered. All I know is I picked up an amazing blue NOS Mxxx frame.

Serial info shows production March 1994 and frame code is 3L5W16.

I’m confident the 16 is the size but not sure about the rest.

 

[Trav1s]

Without packing materials

 

[Trav1s]

A few more after polish and ceramic wax.

 

[Trav1s]

I spent some time on this site when I got the frame. Did I find the model or is it a one off?

 

[Trav1s]

Fork pics - 1.25" steer tube. Seller also said he was frustrated with trying to find a headset. I said I was up for the challenge. You'll see

 

[Trav1s]

These have since been cleaned up and added to the bike.

 

[JohnnyD]

Why am I always denied the chance to pick up gems like this in my part of the country? It's not fair.

 

[Trav1s]

Just wait for the next batch of pictures. It looks even better

 

[JohnnyD]

Just wait for the next batch of pictures. I looks even better

I am already as green with envy as I am going to get.

 

[Trav1s]

1.25" headset used after a previous failed attempt

 

[Trav1s]

Install shots

 

[Trav1s]

Nitto Quill Stem adapter

 

[Trav1s]

Storage along the way.

 

[IdahoBrett]

Stunning! Awesome find!

 

[Trav1s]

Brake install. A matching XTR derailleur would be amazing.

 

[IdahoBrett]

If I were to guess as to why there isn’t a model number it was purchased as a frame only. The model designation denotes components installed.

 

[Trav1s]

I had it set up with the DoubleFighters but borrowed them for another project and eventually made their way to the SM1000 (hence the orange accents). Not sure what tires I will use when I get back to it. Maybe Panaracer CometHardpacks or Specialized Crossroads. The orange accents look out of place on this one.

 

[IdahoBrett]

The color is my favorite shade of blue. It will be one of the best looking bikes on this site once completed.

 

[Trav1s]

The color is my favorite shade of blue. It will be one of the best looking bikes on this site once completed.

With an unlimited budget I would make two orders - one from Thomson (seatpost, stem, bars) and one from Sugino (crank).

 

[JohnnyD]

No matter how complete or incomplete the build is. It's a stunning bike, one I am very envious of as a fan of 3.0 series frames.
I had a lot of trouble finding a good headset to replace my factory one after 30 years. Thankfully I found an XTR one on ebay for a decent price. It fit perfectly and is super smooth. The Nitto stem adapter is a game changer as well. With the metric butt load of threadless stems available , you can really dial in the fit of the bike. Not to mention broadening the selection of handle bars since you can move away from 25.4 mm bars to the much more common 31.8 mm.
Regardless of how long it takes you to finish the bike, I would totally but nothing but XTR components on it. M960 or m970 cranks are some of the best looking cranksets if you want to change it to 3x9 like I did with mine usuing m580 deore LX components.. I do like how it rides now with GRx though, but looks wise XTR is stunning, unless I can find the unobtanium polished GRX parts.