1991 SM1000 Project

[Trav1s]

Details were initially shared in this post and it seems more appropriate to document the work in the proper section.

I got the bike home yesterday and it's on the stand for a good clean up and a few minor (reversible) upgrades. Other than the pavement friendly tires (that I gifted to the friend who brokered the deal), it is amazingly original.

As shared in the other thread, I've decided on Continental DoubleFighter III 1.9" installed on the original Suntour wheelset.

I have a SDG BelAir that I'll run and put the original Cannondale saddle up for safe keeping.

Chain is has a fair amount of stretch so I'll replace it with a KMC or SRAM 7 speed chain. Also planning to replace cables and install orange cable tips for an additional splash of color. I have a set of black RaceFace Chesters to replace the original cage pedals but might eventually install some orange Raceface Chester pedals and Ergon grips.

 

[Trav1s]

Did some work over lunch today. Worked the frame with Mothers Aluminum and mag wheel polish followed by Mothers Cleaner Paste wax. Bike has minimal scratches and cleaned up very well. It's also interesting it was sold new in NW Ohio where I grew up and picked up in the Akron area.

After cleaning and polish before wax.

After wax

Glamour shot!

Also installed the DoubleFighter III 1.9 tires on the original wheelset. I'll clean them up along with the brake/drivetrain components with the polish and wax routine I used on the paint. Chain and cable will also be replaced while I am at it. The original saddle, pedals, and grips will be stored safely for future use if desired.

 

[Trav1s]

 

[JohnnyD]

Why do I feel as green as the Hulk with envy right now. I thought it was an awesome looking bike to begin with, but it's even more stunning in these more detailed pictures. Again I have to ask, was the bike ever ridden before you scored the deal of a lifetime.

 

[Trav1s]

There was definitely previous saddle time but it was either not much or the owner was OCD about the condition of it. I'll post a few pics of the handgrips - they show minimal wear like the rest of the bike.

After unloading an extra trombone (my other obsession), I have some parts money to finish this one and a flip bike that was gifted to me. For this one, I need a chain and grips. I have a pair of new black RaceFace Chesters that will go on it too.

 

[Trav1s]

A bit more lunchtime cleaning!

First step was remove the Suntour BB and clean up related areas. It's worth noting the entire bike has white lithium grease. I am wondering if the BB has ever been removed and would guess it has not.

Next was cleaning up the derailluers and wheelset. I had an upload debacle and the pics got reordered. The top pic has been cleaned. Next three pics are before and the remainders are after the same process used on the frame. I'll upload wheel pics in another post.

 

[Trav1s]

Wheelset!

 

[JohnnyD]

My jealously grows..
I love 3.0 series frames, likely because my M700 is my first Cannondale and is the only one I will keep until the end when I can no longer ride.

 

[Trav1s]

I really like the '88 SM500 but the 3.0 Series frames are an entirely different level of Cannondale goodness.

Speaking of 3.0 Series frame, there is the NOS beauty that’s waiting for a big budget to build.

 

[JohnnyD]

I really like the '88 SM500 but the 3.0 Series frames are an entirely different level of Cannondale goodness.

Speaking of 3.0 Series frame, there is the NOS beauty that’s waiting for a big budget to build. View attachment 15719

How do you find such gems.. almost all the 3.0 series I've come across are beat to poop, too small for me, or WAY over priced. Pity too, since I happen to have a very nice comeplete GRX 2x11 speed with flat bar shifters that is just waiting on the right bike.

 

[Trav1s]

How do you find such gems.. almost all the 3.0 series I've come across are beat to poop, too small for me, or WAY over priced. Pity too, since I happen to have a very nice comeplete GRX 2x11 speed with flat bar shifters that is just waiting on the right bike.

Both were on FB marketplace. The blue one was received as a bare frame and fork still attached to the original shipping materials.

I considered GRX810 2x11 flatbar* for it but will be going with some type of XTR to match the XTR vbrakes. So many choices, so little cash.

I put the GRX on a Trek 750 Multitrack.

 

[JohnnyD]

Both were on FB marketplace. The blue one was received as a bare frame and fork still attached to the original shipping materials.

I considered GRX810 2x11 flatbar* for it but will be going with some type of XTR to match the XTR vbrakes. So many choices, so little cash.

I put the GRX on a Trek 750 Multitrack.

Nothing wrong with a XTR of that era. Probably the best looking mtb groupset from Shimano TBH.

I know how you feel about too many choices and not enough cash when it comes to bike projects.

 

[Trav1s]

Nothing wrong with a XTR of that era. Probably the best looking mtb groupset from Shimano TBH.

I know how you feel about too many choices and not enough cash when it comes to bike projects.

I sold a trombone and and one bike this week so have the funds to get parts to finish another flip, finish a bike for my sister, and get the few parts for this one plus go after the credit card balance. Hoping to move another two this weekend... this one is a keeper so others must go. The 750 with GRX is up for debate but it's such a comfortable ride.

 

[Trav1s]

Removed the Suntour crank and original BB over the weekend. Today I installed a VO BB followed by a silver New Albion 165mm crank with the Suntour gears and black RF Chesters pedals. Original crank is safe with the other takeoff parts. Need a chain and grips to make it ride ready.

 

[JohnnyD]

Removed the Suntour crank and original BB over the weekend. Today I installed a VO BB followed by a silver New Albion 165mm crank with the Suntour gears and black RF Chesters pedals. Original crank is safe with the other takeoff parts. Need a chain and grips to make it ride ready.


View attachment 15723View attachment 15722

I love the New Albion crankset, just with it were easier to find silver chainrings for them. The black does look fantastic your bike though.

 

[Trav1s]

I love the New Albion crankset, just with it were easier to find silver chainrings for them. The black does look fantastic your bike though.

I have the silver NA rings to go with it but opted to go with the black Suntour pieces to match the original vibe. I also have the NA crank in black with black rings. Definitely a favorite of mine!

 

[Trav1s]

Did a little work on the bike yesterday - swapped the Blackburn MTN rack from the SM500 over to the SM1000/. The Ergon GP3 grips and KMC chain are scheduled for delivery tomorrow but having a regular history with items that pass through the USPS Indy distribution center, they will likely arrive on Tuesday.

 

[JohnnyD]

Did a little work on the bike yesterday - swapped the Blackburn MTN rack from the SM500 over to the SM1000/. The Ergon GP3 grips and KMC chain are scheduled for delivery tomorrow but having a regular history with items that pass through the USPS Indy distribution center, they will likely arrive on Tuesday.

View attachment 15759

I still haven't put my rear rack back on my M700, but it is useful at times.

I have similar history with the USPS Dallas distribution center, curiously not the one in Ft. Worth or in Coppell. Go figure.

 

[Trav1s]

I still haven't put my rear rack back on my M700, but it is useful at times.

I have similar history with the USPS Dallas distribution center, curiously not the one in Ft. Worth or in Coppell. Go figure.

It arrived in town today so I might get lucky after all. I’m excited to ride it but not sure if current weather patterns will allow for it.

Monday update - Out for delivery!

 

[Trav1s]

Parts arrived and I installed the SRAM chain but cannot get the shifting/indexing right. This is my first dance with Suntour components and I’m questioning my decision to stick with it.im also not loving the grip shifters… at all.