Cannondale started out in the '70s (or the '60s?) making cycling clothing and accessories and began making aluminum bikes (at first, just touring bikes) right here in the bad ol' US of A in 1983. My latest acquisition is an early specimen, made in '84 but spec'ed in '85. At the time, it was the company's top-of-the-line tourer and tipped the scales at an impressive 22 lbs, pretty amazing for a touring bike. While the '85 ST500 doesn't have the cantilever bosses that we've come to associate with touring bikes, it's got ample clearance for fenders, a lengthy wheelbase, double eyelets front and rear, and a few other things that suit it well for long hauls.
It's worth noting that the original Huret Duopar Eco derailleur shifted beautifully, but I replaced it anyway with the Cyclone MkII unit below because of a concern over the durability of the dainty Huret gear-changer.
I have the exact same bike (in blue) and I absolutely love it. Even though it's not my weekend warrior, its more my daily commuter now, I enjoy riding this one the most out of all the bikes I own
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I didn't get to hang on to this one for long--I recall only one spirited ride on it--but it's new owner, like you, uses it for everyday commuting. I think it's great for that use, particularly in my hilly milieu, since it combines serious carrying capacity with a triple crankset while staying light enough to shlep up and down the stairs when you need to travel by subway. I'm by no means a weight weenie but I mean, 22lbs for a touring bike? That's remarkable.
DeleteI just picked up this bike in blue at a garage sale. It's going to be my winter restoration project. Hopefully it comes out as good as yours did.
ReplyDeleteI sure wish I could find a nice condition ST500 (27" Please).. so if you see or have one- could you let me know?
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance, I'll pay shipping- no problem!
Todd in Everson, Washington (state) 98247
Contact me at ramy_zed@hotmail.com
DeleteI bought the very same bike in this blog and made some adjustments to it.
Hello not sure if you ever found your 27 inch bike or not. I have a 26 inch which I thought was the biggest that they make that apparently not. LOL
DeleteI have a 26" as well
ReplyDeleteHow easy would it be to convert this bike to 700C rims and can this bike accommodate hub widths bigger than 126 mm?
ReplyDeleteHave a Cannondale ST500, needs work, make offer. chetshuty@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have a 1987 ST600 25" Frame Grey 27" Tires 43" Wheelbase Looks new FOR sale in Albany NY
ReplyDeleteI have a 1985 i was told its in good condition tires say made in france and i dont know how to air up it has leather straps on peddles and seat says cannondale its metal flake grey has headlight taillight runs off motor on peddles its real lite weight real skinny tires works great im wanting to sell
ReplyDeleteSorry i was told it isa st500 it says suntour m11 500 i dont know much about bikes im wanting to sell im not in good shape to ride it so someone who wants and would ride it im hoping mite be interested buying or telling me where to sell i can send pucs
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled onto this site. Back in the early eighties, Joe Montgomery (owner of Cannondale) was guest speaker at my university (SJSU). At the time his company was manufacturing panniers and shoes for bicycles. He mentioned that his company was in the process of expanding into building aluminum bicycles. In 1982, the only company building a welded aluminum frame was Kline and they wer selling for over $2,000 back then. In 1983 Cannondale released the ST500. I purchased mine at the end of 1983 for under $700. It did not handles high speeds, but it handled well. I had it for 35 years before I gave it to my son who sold it for drugs shortly afterwards. I missed that bike!!
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