How can I figure out what size this Cannondale R600 frame is?

July 26, 2009 4:19 PM

How can I figure out what size bike frame this is, and is it a good choice for me?

I have a line on a Cannondale R600 (yr 2000 model). It is in very good near mint condition given the pictures, but the seller doesn't know what the frame size is. He measured 32" from the ground to the top of the middle bar.. I'm suprised the frame didn't have its size stamped on it somewhere, but this is the information I'm stuck with.. I'm looking for what size it is in cm (officially). Without driving the ~30min out to look at it, is there a way I can guess at what size this is?

Additionally, I'm looking for a good weekend warrior / commuter. A lot of around the town sort of stuff. Is this a good choice for me? I'm in Maine and our roads aren't exactly stellar, even in the downtown (Portland). I've read that this bike can be a bit stiff. Am I going to regret it if I get this?

I had been looking at the new Synapse 5 series (aluminum - hard to justify the price of carbon). I like the slightly more upright position, but as the R600 is a great price, I'm considering it.

I'm 5'8" with a ~30.5" inseam.. I understand that the best way to size a bike is to ride it and see how it feels, but I'm trying to save myself a wasted trip if I can rule it out ahead of time.

I'm welcome to any and all recommendations and advice (other brands, different models)? Thoughts?

posted by mbatch to sports, hobbies, & recreation (11 answers total)

Any pictures?
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 4:34 PM on July 26, 2009

Most bikes will tell you via a label on the seat post.
posted by 2legit2quit at 4:38 PM on July 26, 2009

You can see it here.. http://maine.craigslist.org/bik/1289670843.html

At this point, I'm thinking the price may be a little high for the age of the bike but it's difficult to get a pulse on the used bike market around here.
posted by mbatch at 4:39 PM on July 26, 2009

The measurement given to you sounds like the bike's standover height. According to the encyclopedia of bike wisdom on the internet, sheldonbrown.com, "Conventional wisdom is that the standover height should permit 1-3 inches (2-8 cm) of clearance between the top tube and the crotch of a rider straddling the frame, for road use."

Of course, standover height can only tell you so much. But measure your inseam all the way from your crotch to the floor (not sure if you mean your clothing inseam is 30.5") and you'll at least know if you're in the ballpark.
posted by misskaz at 4:39 PM on July 26, 2009

It may be too big for you. Have the seller measure the seat tube: from the center of the bottom bracket (the axle that the pedal cranks rotate on) to the centerline of the top tube (the tube from the handle bars to the seat). For your height and inseam that should be @21-22 in. You can then compare that with the cannondale sizing chart, or go to a local shop and try similar bikes for size. Another useful measurement is the top tube length: from the center of the steerer tube to the center of the seat tube. This will give you an idea of the 'reach' for your upper body.
posted by TDIpod at 4:57 PM on July 26, 2009 [1 favorite]

This is so overpriced! My recommendation: don't buy it. Basically, this is a 9-year-old bike. What are the components? Ultegra? What are the wheels? Even if it had across the board Dura Ace and the wheels were in perfect condition, it's still an old bike. Cannondale has made great strides in making its frame feel less obnoxiously stiff, so try to avoid their older models. A steel or ti frame will absorb more road chatter, and make you feel as if you haven't been beat up during your ride.

This bike sounds more your speed, but is probably too big.
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 5:24 PM on July 26, 2009

Just eyeballing it, but the bike is maybe a 56 or 58cm.

Two things:

1. If the seller isn't willing to take the time to properly measure the bike from the center of the crank to the top of the seat tube, I wouldn't do business with them.

2. $500 for a nine year old, aluminum framed, mid-level bike isn't a good deal. AL doesn't age well. The components are probably Shimano 105 9-speed, which is a fine group, but for the money you should be able to get something newer. Also, the threaded quill stem limits your handlebar position options.

Don't buy this bike unless, A.) it fits you PERFECTLY, and B.) you can haggle the guy down to $300.
posted by wfrgms at 7:17 PM on July 26, 2009

Oh, and with your height and inseam you'll probably be most comfortable on probably a 54cm bike.

This bike is too large for you.

Generally I'm all in favor of buying used, but only if you know exactly what you need and exactly what you're looking at. It sounds like in this case you're fuzzy on several details.

If I were you, I'd spend sometime at your local bike shop getting fitted and test ridding. Otherwise you're very likely to wind up with a bike that you won't be happy with.
posted by wfrgms at 7:25 PM on July 26, 2009

Chiming in to say that if the steel Bianchi that computech linked fits you, you should jump all over it.
posted by brozek at 7:35 PM on July 26, 2009

Unfortunately, I did see the Bianchi and it is too big for you.

I appreciate all the advice, guys. I've been to several (4) local bike shops and talked at length with their techs. While the advice is generally corroborative, everyone has their own opinions on the sizing thing so it is hard to know what to believe.

To wfrgms: thanks for the info on aging AL frames - that is the sort of information I am looking for. Also, I am sure the seller would measure the crank to the top of the seat tube, the problem was figuring out that is what I needed him to measure! Regardless, it sounds like my intuition was right and the bike is overpriced. Onward and upwards...
posted by mbatch at 8:59 AM on July 27, 2009

*too big for me, doh
posted by mbatch at 8:59 AM on July 27, 2009