Had a final go tonight at fettling the Cannondale, it rides and stops but no gear changing at present (cos no cables).
I hadn't planned on changing the brakes but the cheapie Taiwanese V brakes were playing up. Had a root around in the spares boxes and found my Shimano LX V brakes and levers (circa 1994) so much more in keeping.
In fact I found lots of period bits in the back of the garage, so it actually turned into an almost complete rebuild and now sports a lot of its original kit.
After getting that all sorted I just ran out of time to get onto the gears.
changes include:
Selle Italia Flite Titanium saddle.
1991 XT Chainset (it had L & M Stardrive cranks as a single speeder 1997ish so far too new)
1991 XT rear mech
XT front mech of indeterminate age (I know its not original, possibly '96)
1991 XT 7 speeder Thumbies
Onza porky paw grips (in red so they clash horribly with the green Specialised forks - must get the Quadras sorted)
1993 DX SPD's
Black Onza Porkies (cos I put my skinny mud tyres on the Spesh)
And I fitted my almost original wheels, Black 1991 XT seven speed hubs, DT Swiss spokes and (retro fitted in 1993), Mavic 231 rims.
Oh heck this retro thing is really getting to me!