Calling cannondale know-all’s!
- Thread starter Freddyman90
- Start date
seems to be an SM 500 for the color but updated with newer components
Freddyman90
GT Fan
Fantastic, thanks for all the info. Going to give it a good clean up tomorrow and then decide from there what I’m doing....I’ll keep this post updated as I go along 
2manyoranges
Senior Retro Guru
- Feedback
- View
The first SM600s were 24-26, then by 1986 it was a limited run model, marketed as the original 'Beast of the East' designed with a very high bottom bracket (quote from the catalogue which I remember well) 'for clearing logs'. And 130 spacing at the back. And roller-cam/U brake brake boss positioning. And a 24 inch rear wheel 'for ultra steep climbs'. You have something quite special. They stopped making the 24-26 combination very quickly, since there were so few decent 24 inch tyres available. The Specialised tyres were the only ones available at the time (Schwalbe do some now). Keep the tyres even if they are toast, particularly the 24 inch one.
I can understand that various folk here would like bits from it, but it would be real shame to break up such a special bike. You also have an unusual size frame, they were mostly sold here in the smaller sizes.
I can understand that various folk here would like bits from it, but it would be real shame to break up such a special bike. You also have an unusual size frame, they were mostly sold here in the smaller sizes.
Last edited:
- Feedback
- View
The 600 & 800 both had 24" rear wheel options, there are a few examples.on the forum iirc @clockworkgazz @24pouces I think had some.
The bottom bracket and 800 BotE may have come later?
As it looks the same as a normal 26" height, check with the front wheel and tech specs.
The drop of the rear axle on 24" makes it look funny and raised as the stays have to be like that.
The bottom bracket and 800 BotE may have come later?
As it looks the same as a normal 26" height, check with the front wheel and tech specs.
The drop of the rear axle on 24" makes it look funny and raised as the stays have to be like that.
raidan73
Moderator
Archivist
Retrobike Rider
BoTM Triple Crown
BoTM Winner
Gold Trader
PoTM Winner
98+ BoTM Winner
Rocky Mountain Fan
Brodie Fan
- Feedback
- View
Tim, though a lot of the info you’ve given isn’t far from the mark it’s not strictly correct. Well, maybe the breaking for parts comment 
Believe it or not, Cannondale made high BB and 24” rear wheel bikes for 5 years, from 1984-1988! I don’t think the ‘Beast of the East’ moniker was mentioned in the catalogues until much later on, though I may be wrong on that account.
Cheng Shin, National and IRC tyres were all used on the 24” rear, the. National probably being the coolest, aside from the GC. They’re all hard to find but the 24” Farmer Johns probably come up most often, and is a decent alternative.
Believe it or not, Cannondale made high BB and 24” rear wheel bikes for 5 years, from 1984-1988! I don’t think the ‘Beast of the East’ moniker was mentioned in the catalogues until much later on, though I may be wrong on that account.
Cheng Shin, National and IRC tyres were all used on the 24” rear, the. National probably being the coolest, aside from the GC. They’re all hard to find but the 24” Farmer Johns probably come up most often, and is a decent alternative.
Last edited:
- Feedback
- View
If you wanted to add more interest,
'Dale...moved the range to the low end sm400 lower bottom bracket height and BotE actual went back to the bb height of these old frame (talking 91ish here iirc, my era of bikes)
'Dale...moved the range to the low end sm400 lower bottom bracket height and BotE actual went back to the bb height of these old frame (talking 91ish here iirc, my era of bikes)
2manyoranges
Senior Retro Guru
- Feedback
- View
aargh Radian you're right - didn't become the Beast of the East until 1991 - according to Mombat.....
But I was sure I remembered the phrase when I bought my sm600 in the late 80s - and was warned away from the 24 inch rear-wheeled since tyre choice was so limited....My frame was one of the last 'flat plate' dropout ones, before they introduced the cantilever dropout.
But I was sure I remembered the phrase when I bought my sm600 in the late 80s - and was warned away from the 24 inch rear-wheeled since tyre choice was so limited....My frame was one of the last 'flat plate' dropout ones, before they introduced the cantilever dropout.
raidan73
Moderator
Archivist
Retrobike Rider
BoTM Triple Crown
BoTM Winner
Gold Trader
PoTM Winner
98+ BoTM Winner
Rocky Mountain Fan
Brodie Fan
- Feedback
- View
I’ve seen quite a few examples of the 24/26 models that differ from the catalogues, whether in spec list or colour. I’ve seen a few with Ground Controls and XT which makes me think someone was building them to that spec, even if not Cannondale themselves. I’d love a 24” GC for mine but they rarely come up for sale. Here’s mine, pre-restoration. I’ve got 24/26 Farmer John’s on it now
