Vintage Cannondale – Serial Numbers
The serial number is the key to finding out what year cannondale you have. Once finding out the year, cross reference with the correct catalog to find out which model you have. Determine with the color (USA and Europe have different colors) and parts in the catalog. Remember, a bicycle can be made the year before for the following year. “example” A 1987 could be made in late 86 for the 87 year.
1983-1985
AA = 1983
BB = 1984
CC = 1985
1986-1992
During 1986-1992 cannondale used 2 different formats.
(Version 1)
56 020588 132
56 = Frame Size
020588 = Production Date
132 = Sequence Number
SN#56020588132 indicates a 56 cm frame, built on February 5, 1988, #132
(Version 2)
5 18 0392 0847
5 = Rear dropout spacing
18 = Frame Size
0392 = Production Date
0847 = Sequence Number
“Rear dropout spacing”
0 = 130mm
0 = 120mm track
5 = 135mm
6 = 126mm
SN#51803920847 indicates a 135mm dropout, 18” frame, built in March 1992
1993-1999
E = 1993, F = 1994, G = 1995, H = 1996, I = 1997, J = 1998, K = 1999
A = January, B = Febuary, C = March, D = April, E = May, F = June, G = July, H= August, I = September, J = October, K = November, L = December
2000-2001
L= 2000, M = 2001
2002-Current
The first letter indicates year.
N = 2002, O = 2003, P = 2004, Q = 2005, R = 2006, S = 2007
All Ravens 1998-2001
2 Alpha-Characters are the serial numbers year and month.
J = 1998, K = 1999, L = 2000, M = 2001
The “Head Badge”
1983-1989
1990-1996
1997-1999
2000-2007+