Choosing bikes: cannondale m300, trek 721, giant x2000?

[talbay]

Hi all, I'm pretty new to all this but I wanted to pick up a reconditioned bike on a budget. I can't really find too much info on these three bikes: cannondale m300, trek 721, giant x2000 (the giant is probably not so retro...does 1999 count?)
Has anyone had any of these before? Any insights on how well they run? Thanks in advance

 

[CTK]

How well they run would be mainly to do with condition. Pick whichever is in the best condition.

 

[Titiritero]

Re:

I have a Trek 721. Not sure if it's the same you have seen as Trek recycles the numbers but then changes the bike (Trek 920 is now an "adventure" bike while in the 90's was a rigid mtb).

Mine is from 2001, so not "retro", although by design it would fit in. Chromoly in the main tubes and fork, probably hi-ten steel the rest. 700 (28") wheels, 1" headset, threaded fork.

The PROs:
-super versatile bike. Commuter, tourer, can accept up to 2" tires without mudguards or about 1.75 with them, so it's able to do mild offroad too (gravel they call it now ;-))
-all the eyelets needed for proper touring, will take racks front and rear, 2 bottle cages, etc.
-very upright position. This can be changed if desired, but also lets itself to a drop bar conversion if preferred

The CONs.
-heavy
-crappy original wheels, rear with freewheel instead of freehub
-original components all fairly basic, but still ok for the price

 

[Joe_Rides]

Re:

I ride a Cannondale M400 from 1994 as my everyday / commute bike and it is absolutely bombproof, however when I bought it I fitted a couple of new parts - Chain, cassette....and since then it's had a new bottom bracket.

As above, just depends what sort of a life it's had and what has / hasn't been replaced during its lifespan.