Cannondale M400

[EightBallFlyer]

Hi,
I'm new to Retrobike from today.
Came here to find out more about a Cannondale M400 that's recently come my way. It's was shipped over from the U.S. with the personal effects of an old friend here, quite some time ago, but he can't ride nowadays and it never saw much use.
This, i assume, is still in American spec, with the front brake lever on the left.
My question is on the frame number, which appears to be etched rather than stamped on, but I can't match it to anything on the vintage cannondale Website.
Can anyone here help to confirm the age.
I'm guessing it's 1983, but I could be way off.
It's an 18" frame.
This will be up for sale soon, as I don't have any use for it.
T.i.a.

 

[Joe_Rides]

An overall photo of the bike would be useful, components can make it easier to date, as well as dropout design on these. etc.

I have a '94 M400 which I bought in 2016. It has probably lived in the UK forever, but still had the brakes the 'wrong' way around when it came to me!

 

[EightBallFlyer]

I see. Very unusual I thought, but its only a cable swap to make it UK spec. It's very much original, hardly used. Tyres will need replacing. But it's been stored well, so not a rusty wreck.
It has combo brake lever/shifters, and the left side front mech changer was seized, and its special bolt has now broken. That's a shame, as they'd need replacing as a pair I guess, or it's going to look odd. I've got close ups now, but I'm not sure if these old parts are still available. Great looking bike, but not for me. Some wild prices on eBay, so not sure how to price when I do put it up.
Regards

 

[Vesatoro]

Part of the serial is probably under the plastic cable router. Alivio/STX means something like 1994->. Certainly not from 80’s. Shimano date code helps too https://vintagecannondale.com/info/shimano/

The cranks are 6/1993.

 

[EightBallFlyer]

Thanks. I'll check some more.

 

[Vesatoro]

1994 catalogue, M400

 

[EightBallFlyer]

1994 catalogue, M400

View attachment 906425

Mine is a dark green colour. So many component changes. Typical of the cycle industry.

 

[Joe_Rides]

Yeah I think '94. It's almost exactly how mine was in terms of spec. Nice bike.

 

[EightBallFlyer]

Yeah I think '94. It's almost exactly how mine was in terms of spec. Nice bike.

Yes, I'm sure your right. My pal confirmed it as circa' 1994 and he still has the sales brochure somewhere.
It's cleaned up well and everything works. Even managed to find a n.o.s ST-MC10 left brake combo shifter, from the very useful Bankrupt Bike Parts, only £14.99.
Just waiting fir a pair of tyres to arrive then it'll be ready for the road.
Looks great in black with the gold decals, same as the one currently on here and eBay for £120.
T.b.h, if I can only get that much for it, I'm likely to keep it. I thought it might be worth at least £200-£250.
The quality of the frame finish and the decals, is top notch. It's looks far better than the frame on my 18 month old Trek FX2.
I also have a mid 90's-on Gazelle, and that too has an amazing, high quality metallic frame finish.
I guess they just don't build to such standards today.

 

[Joe_Rides]

A low milage, good condition, original model like yours is worth more than the one for sale on here (mine!) in my opinion. But hard to tell exactly how much these days, the market is capricious.

I agree with the point about the quality of the frame build and decals etc. And it's still a light bike.

Joe