Help dating a Cannondale mtn bike

[12boy]

I have a M400 3.8 series cannondale mtn bike, mostly stock, with date letters under the BB of EC, which I understand means it was made May 93. Looking in a 93 catalog I see 3.0 series only. This bike has a level top tube, altus front and rear derailleurs, Deore shifters and a steel seatpost. Can anyone help me find the appropriate catalog or tell me more? I have never seen a 'Dale mtn bike with a level top tube other than this one. Thanks, Ron

 

[Hugh Manatee]

1995 shows black as a colour option. STX rear mech though.

 

[12boy]

Close in terms of color but the top tube ain't level. Thanks though.

 

[classic33]

http://community.vintagecannondale.com/showcase/m400-3-8-series.663/

93 / 94?

 

[12boy]

Wish I could find it in the catalog....seems 3.8 series is later than 94. I once had an 87 400 Dale with a sloping top tube I have passed on to friend, but I've always liked level top tubes best. This one is fairly filthy as its been my snow/ice bike with studded tires the last month or so, but when its clean the welds are very nice, like filleted frames . Just seemed so odd they would make a mtn bike this way when the top tubes have been slanted for so long. I am going to do some gravel riding for sure this summer.