Getting my 1984 ST-500 ready to ride again

S

Steven Chain

Member
I live in NW Arkansas in the Ozarks (Eureka Springs). In 1984 I splurged and bought myself a hot new touring bike, a Cannondale ST-500 for the sum of $595. It has been my main bike for many years but needs a bit of work after being stored for the last 8 years. Here in this part of the Ozarks the roads are narrow, steep and windy. There are no shoulders and the white line is also the end of the asphalt which drops off either into a deep rocky ditch or just drops off the side of the mountain for a 100 ft. or so. So when I moved here I put my bikes in storage. Now it is time to get the Cannondale out and in shape to ride. Most of the bike is original. The rear derailleur, front wheel and seat have been replaced but otherwise it is original.
My biggest adventure with the bike was riding in the 1st Ride the Rockies, a 300 mile +, 6 day ride from the Western Slope of the Rockies over two 12,000 ft. passes and one 11,000. That ride is still and annual event in Colorado. I have lived in the Ozarks long enough to learn where it is safe to ride so I'm getting the bike and myself in shape.
 
Brian

Brian

Administrator
Staff member
Welcome! Lets get you and that bike back on the road. If you need help, post questions and we are here to help. :)
 
S

Steven Chain

Member
black lightning 1987 said:
Let me know if you need anything. Lots of vintage stuff here. Too bad the RD is gone. It's about $80 on ebay.
Click to expand...
The original rear derailleur on my bike was a bad match, never worked well and finally wrapped up in the spokes while I was descending Vail Pass. The dealer replaced it with a different one. But, thanks for the info. The rear derailleur has always been a bit of a problem on this bike. It must be the one the dealer put on the replace the original. It is a Suntour XC which was designed for mountain bikes and it does not have a good rep. So I anyone with a ST500 has a good match in rear derailleurs I am all ears. I'll put up a separate post.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top