1988 Cannondale Red Shred SM1000 [finished]

[raidan73]

Big claims from Cannondale in their 1988 catalogue. I loved a 'dale back then and I always wanted a Red Shred (as well as the one modded for Trials in the catalogue). As it happened I never owned a single Cannondale until joining Retrobike. I recently took a punt on one that was for sale on the forum. The seller was a new member but shared loads of photo's so I knew what to expect. A friendly forum member (cheers Joe) came to my rescue and collected the bike and shipped it to me. Remarkably it's still very close to full catalogue spec. Only the grips, tyres, brake levers and bar have changed, plus the Hite Rite and clips and straps mentioned in the catalogue aren't present. The bar has been changed from the original white one to a black one - a plus for me as I never liked the white bar much.

There's patina and then there's this thing but I love it. Everything needs adjusting, regreasing etc etc but other than that is should be good to go. I'll have some suitable amberwalls and will find some decent grips. Rather than buy a pair of four finger XT levers I think I'll use the Dia Compe 'Batwings' I have in stock, as used by Cannondale on a couple of other models. I'll probably add clips and straps and may add a Hite Rite if I can find one in the drawer.


Here she is, as purchased....

 

[raidan73]

And an MBUK article when they rode it in Sardinia...…

 

[narcotitlan]

Re: Red Shred

Very cool! Similar to my brothers from Hayle Cycles back in the day - they used to specialise in ‘dales

 

[sinnerman]

You gotta love an early Cannondale.

Im so pleased the cable guides are intact.

good Score...

 

[raidan73]

Re: Red Shred

Very cool! Similar to my brothers from Hayle Cycles back in the day - they used to specialise in ‘dales

Hayle Cycles are still there mate

 

[raidan73]

You gotta love an early Cannondale.

Im so pleased the cable guides are intact.

good Score...

Thanks Carl. I was pleased, and surprised, to see the cable guides intact too. I had some spares but they wouldn’t match the colour of those!

 

[24pouces]

Re:

Those eighties 'dales are so cool !
They are a bit strange to ride (because of the high BB) but they always give fun feelings !

 

[mynchiboy]

Re:

It was a pleasure to help with this one Adrian!

I'll admit to ending up riding around 20 miles on this in it's current state (including lethal tyres), just to get it from A to B for posting on. Funnily enough, It was also the first Cannondale I've ever ridden.

I can see what they're coveted, they handle really nicely indeed and are impressively light for a 30 year old bike. I even got some compliments on Holloway Road! Plus they have one of the best head tube decals ever...

I will look forward to seeing how this one evolves

 

[raidan73]

Coming up for two years after I got this, it's pretty much finished. I may add some clips and straps and trim down the excess binder bolt, on show after the Hite Rite was installed. This one will be reserved for summer cruising I think (no, it's not the same bike)

 

[pliche]

very cool bike, great work, congrats