1997 Cannondale M500

Archived: 1997 Cannondale M500 · Mountain bike, non-suspension · Published sizes: 14", 16", 18", 20", 22"

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: Cannondale · Chromoly, triple-clamp crown

• Look for dents or shape changes and inspect the edges of welds around the head tube, bottom bracket, seat cluster and suspension mounts for hairline cracks.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.
• Inspect the fork crown, blades, dropouts and visible steerer area. Check that it is straight, securely installed and free of cracks or impact damage.

Archived: Shifters: Grip Shift SRT-400i · Front derailleur: Shimano Alivio top-swing, bottom-pull/clamp-on 31.8 mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano STX · Crankset: Shimano Altus, 24/34/42 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-LP26, 118 mm spindle · Rear cogs: 7-speed, 11 - 28 teeth · Chain: Sachs SC-40, 1/2 x 3/32"

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: Dia-Compe VC-2 brakes, Tektro RBP-365A levers

• Inspect pads and braking surfaces, check the complete cable or hose path, and confirm both controls feel consistent and return cleanly.
• Before riding, test the front and rear brakes separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without the lever reaching the handlebar.

Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Sun Rims AT18, 36-hole · Hubs: Shimano RM-40 · Front tire: 26 x 2.10" IRC Mythos XC

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.

Archived: Headset: 1" Tange-Seiki SE-II · Handlebar: CODA Performance · Stem: Chromoly · Seatpost: Kalloy SP-263, 27.2 mm diameter · Saddle: CODA 700 · Pedals: Wellgo LU-955A w/clips & straps

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.