1986.5 Cannondale SM600

[DrGooGoo]

Picked up this frame for 60$ US. The serial number indicates that it was made in 1986, but it is painted in a 1987 color. I did some research. This one came out in the second half of 1986. The ones in this color that came out in 1987 had some graphics painted on the seat tube. In the second half of 1986 they were offered in this lime color green and bubble gum pink. I think I'm gonna repaint this one bubblegum pink since it will be ridden mostly by my girlfriend. I currently have a 1986 SM600 in yellow (posted below) that she loves and I want back! So building this one to match (Suntour XC). I found a Suntour XC stem and Nitto bars from an old stumjumper that cleaned up nicely. Also, I cleaned up a Sakae seatpost from my parts bin that fits perfectly. Got the decals and reproduction top tube cable clips from the Vintage Cannondale website. Gonna be a slow build. Busy at work now

 

[DrGooGoo]

Got the cockpit sorted out.

 

[raidan73]

Really nice. Looking forward to seeing the progress. I have the pink one but, like yours, it’s likely a mid year as the spec is from the previous year to the colour

 

[DrGooGoo]

The Suntour XC Roller-Cam brake calipers that came with the frame cleaned up nicely. Also, I'm happy I have these Suntour XC derailleurs and generic cables that I purchased as extras from my previous build (the price was right at the time). The rear derailleur is an XC Pro and the front derailleur is an XC Comp.

 

[DrGooGoo]

I was going to strip and repaint the frame myself with Spray.bike paint system, but decided to send it out for a professional paint job. I'm more mechanically inclined than artistic and want it done right. Also, if you for count larbor and buying strippers, primer, paint and topcoat I think it is a justified cost. Anyone who has painted a frame in their home shop will know the deal. The last frame I painted (years ago) took me three weeks.

 

[DrGooGoo]

More parts after polishing.
Suntour XC expert cranks and Suntour Power Rings!

 

[DrGooGoo]

Small Bits!

 

[DrGooGoo]

I had these Araya RX-7 wheels from another bike. They are a bit more narrow than the Araya RM-20's that this bike was originally spec'd with, but they are certainly stiffer and stronger. Hubs are Joytech from the early 90's from my parts bin. I had to decide between these or Shimano Deore DX, but I chose these because they were anodized black. Went with non-retro standard Shimano 7-speed freewheel for simplicity. Also, non-retro Continental Race King tires cause I like the way they ride on my other SM600 and I'm building this one to match.

 

[DrGooGoo]

Accessories!
Just waiting for the frame and forks to come back from the paint shop.
I can't wait to assemble !

 

[DrGooGoo]

Pictures just arrived from the paint shop