Submitted by
gtrdave
a Weekend Warrior
from Pike Creek, DE
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2010
Strengths: It's a Cannondale. The geometry is perfect for me. The mixed components, while not top-end at all, have held up well over the year with only a minor rear disc issue being my sole problem. My LBS fixed it and I was good to go. The Continental Race Kings are a good all around tire and the low knobs make it easy to street-ride to the trail head, drop in, blast and then road ride home.
Weaknesses: It's heavy. The Dart 3 shock alone is almost 6lbs, but it does work. The original seat was not to my liking, so it got changed, as did the original toe clip pedals. Yeah, the 6" discs seem undersized for this bike, but they have never failed to stop me.
Bottom Line:
This bike works for me. It fits me and it handles great. The frame is the same quality as the Caffeine 1 which makes future component upgrades worth while. Cannondale is quality...or was quality...let's hope that the new owners down ruin a great reputation in bikes.
The bottom line: this is a great 29er for the money.
Similar Products Used: I tested the GF Mamba, Kona Kahuna, Access XCL 9.5 and looked at a few other entry-level 29ers before deciding on the C-dale. For me, none of them matched the ride quality and flickability of the Caffeine.
Bike Setup: Stock w/ Specialized BG seat, Shimano 545 pedals and Lizard Skins locking grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
stevez
a Cross Country Rider
from Clarkston,MI,USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2010
Strengths: Solid frame. I'm a 245lb rider. I paid $20 extra (when i bought the bike) to beef up the Dart 3 fork and boy is it nice for cross-country. Even with a big rider like myself dropping 3-5 foot drops.
The juicy 5 brakes are amazingly smooth. I have not had any problems with them.
The Sram X5 shifters are tight with only having to add one click for cable stretch in 500 miles.
Frame handmade in the USA.
Weaknesses: The wheel set is the weakest link by far. The weight is "heavy". I've broken the free hub 3 times. Cannondale has fixed it every time for free.
Moving frame production out of USA in 2010.
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this 29er to any XCer that likes monster trucks. This bike will roll over anything in the trail. Just ask if you can upgrade the wheelset before you buy.
Submitted by
Turp
a Cross Country Rider
from Danville,Va. USA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2009
Strengths: Frame geometry and attention to details (paint and beautiful weld joints), trail worthy components, hydraulic brakes, and tires. Has held up under well under a heavy rider on fairly technical trails.
Weaknesses: Rear freehub cogs went fast. However, the replacement has done fine.
Bottom Line:
Great bike and very good component set. I ride at least 1-3 times a week on a fairly technical trail with lots of roots and rock gardens. The bike (29er) is very forgiving on obstacles. It has also held up well under my 200+ weight and has yet to need adjustment. The only glitch has been a free hub which is fine now. This is a great bike for enthusiasts looking for a very good introduction into 29ers. I'll likely run it as is until something breaks with the exception of possibly buying a spare wheelset.
Similar Products Used: No 29ers but previous ride was a rigid Specialized Expedition. I did also demo'd a Trek 6000 26 inch when I bought the 29er. The Cannondale fit better.
Bike Setup: Stock. Avid juicy 3 brakes, Rock Shox Dart 3, SRAM X5 shifters and rear D. Shimano Deore Front D. Shimano Deore wheel hubs.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
turpster
a Weekend Warrior
from Danville, Va, USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2009
Strengths: Frame quality and geometry.
Weaknesses: Hubs. I have had problems with freehub failures. I am on my third.
Bottom Line:
This is a great riding bike. I ride 2-3 times a week and love this bike. The stock setup is okay for entry level riders looking for the next step. The components work well and are solid performers. The only issue I am having is the free hubs which are not well suited for cross country on 700 sized wheels and a heavier rider. I will likely upgrade to XT. All in all, a nice package on a great frame.
Submitted by
TheUsualSusp3ct
a Weekend Warrior
from Brackenridge, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2009
Strengths: Good frame & stock components for the money. The Avid Juicy 3 brakes, SRAM shifters, drivetrain, & wheels/tires are all good quality. So far, I've had no problems with the RoxShox Dart 3 fork, either. All-in-all it handles, climbs, and rolls very well.
Looks great, too. Black & Seafoam green - the white AVID Juicy 3 brakes are a sweet accent.
Weaknesses: Front brake disc overheats/warps - you can feel it unevenly grab . My LBS explained that this is a common problem with these smaller discs and with this bike's setup I can't just put on larger discs to rectify the problem. I think they're like 180mm. They warrantied the discs and replaced them for free, but the same thing happened (warping) the very next ride. I'm no downhill bomber, either, just you're average 210 lb rider. I've just been ignoring it for now.
Bottom Line:
This was my first 29er and I haven't been disappointed with my purchase. I've really put this bike through some tests this summer - four mtb races, a few epic rides, and tons of less strenuous XC rides @ my local park . It's withstood a few wrecks too with minimum damage. I think this machine is worth the money. A good step-up at the right price for me.
Favorite Trail: Moraine State Park, Laurel Mountain
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At: Gatto's Cycle Shop
Bike Setup: Stock, except for the pedals. I'll probably be looking into upgrading/changing the brake system for next season.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
FooserX
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2009
Strengths: All the components seem to be working great. For the first few rides, the shifting was absolutely flawless...but then it started ghost shifting...took it in...fixed!
Price is cheap for what you get in my mind.
Weaknesses: Heavier than what I'm used to, but that's normal for the price and a 29er and an XL size.
Brakes were sqeaking bad but the cycle shop fixed them for free.
The clearance is less than I'm used to, but that's because of the 29er wheels. I love riding it, but one crash had me coming down hard on the bar which sucked bad. It was a pretty unique fall though - but still...
Also don't like the wires underneath the top tube...it makes it awkward to hold sometimes when moving it up and down my stairs.
Bottom Line:
My budget was $1000...so I knew I wasn't going to get some top of the line bike that people are going to be envious of. When I tried out the 29'er, it felt so much better than the 26" tires, so I went with this. For $800, it seemed like a nice entry bike.
The brakes are awesome, the Dart 3 fork is getting horrible reviews, but so far it's been perfect for me. The tires aren't knobby...so I think the traction is lacking at times, but that could just be my experience or needing to upgrade to better tires.
I've put on some good rides on technical trails, and have to say - I absolutely LOVE this bike. I love the way it feels, especially when my legs are fresh and I can roll up big boulders. I'm a beginner, but I still love how it handles and goes over rocks. It definitely keeps going once it's going too. And yes, I'm noticing the less nimble steering, but that's just going to come with time too. I can't say anything really bad about the bike's performance because I'm just a noob...but I can say it feels great to ride.
The first week was great with it...then I found myself doubting the bike because I just don't know enough to compare it too...but then once I put in more trail time, I can't get enough of riding.
I would like to see the weight come down a bit, but everything's working so far perfectly, so I am not going to fork out more money to bring it down 4 pounds. All in all...if you're looking for a nice bike to start at to see if you want to get into mtb, this is a great buy! Also want to give props to Littleton Cyclery for having the cheapest price...cheaper than REI...and all the nice customer support/maintenance.
Submitted by
Thrillseeker123
a Cross Country Rider
from Buford,GA US
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2008
Strengths: Canonndale 29er's....you can't go wrong with that. This bike is insanely strong and fast. I'm 6'1, 180lbs frame is the BEEF...wait more like BISON.
Climbs excellent, rolls over everything and I did some 4ft drops with out any problems.
Weaknesses: Dart 3 fork has to go, brakes are very good but I will have to upgrade to 8" rotors for better stopping power.
Bottom Line:
You gotta have it! I love the color and the looks on this bike...it's definitely an eye-catcher.
Overall this bike is monster I'm very satisfied!
Similar Products Used: K2 ZED 4.0
Motobecane fly team
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
rossyo14
a Weekend Warrior
from Morgantown, WV, USA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2008
Strengths: Love the frame. Can't go wrong w/ Cannondale. Made in USA. Disc brakes work great. Shifts very smoothly. Climbs well, just rolls over rocks and trees. Great bike for the price at only $1000.
Weaknesses: I've noticed a lot fewer reviews of this bike than I saw before. My only complaint with this bike is the shock. It worked well for a few weeks but then started leaking oil and the lockout stopped working. From what I read before this is not an isolated incident. Fortunately RockShox responded quickly to the problem and my local bike shop is fixing it.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the price. For more serious riders I would upgrade; if you have the money I would at least go w/ the Cannondale 29er 3 Caffeine to get the lefty fork and a little nicer specs. If I had the money I would have. Other than the shock though, I love this bike.
Submitted by
slbrook
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2008
Strengths: Comfortable bike, a great ride. Picks up momentum and goes. Enjoy the larger size. Just rolls over dirt.
Weaknesses: Sometimes hard to find parts (not all lbs stock 29er tires, etc, looked hard to find a rear rack that works with 29 and disc brakes). That should change. Just barely fits on bus rack.
Bottom Line:
This is a perfect bike for me. I commute, ride trails and enjoy the great outdoors. Wheels are even bigger than my road bike. Have gotten quite a bit of attention from this bike. I considered a commuter instead, but once I rode this bike and considered my desire for off-road, I have not turned back. Found that PlanetBike Eco rack for disc brakes fits nicely on rear. Others were too short. Old Man Mountain probably could have fixed me up too, but Planet Bike Eco rack is cheaper and works great.
Similar Products Used: hard tail 26 and full suspension 26.
Bike Setup: Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Scott G
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola, Florida
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2008
Strengths: Made in USA. Looks slick (black w/black wheels looks awesome). Non-lefty fork. Nice wheels and tires. Hydraulic brakes. SRAM thumb shifters hook up well. The bike is fast, responsive, yet sucks up the bumps. Bunny hops like a 26er but climbs like a mountain goat.
Weaknesses: No weakness with the frame. The components bought new makes the bike a bit heavy. The grips are not the best.
Bottom Line:
Cannondale has a winner with this bike. Its performance for the price is amazing!
I am in the market for a new mountain bike and would like some input. I get a good discount on Cannondales (which is why I've narrowed it down to these two models). I'm 5'11, 245 Read More »
I haven't seen much (if any) threads on it so I was wondering if it is decent bike for the price range. It's one on my list that I have been thinking about. Really don't want to Read More »
Hi,
Since of all the mud this season I tried to mount a 2.4 inch tire. It failed.
is there any one owning a caffeine having mounted a 2.4 inch tire on the rear? Did it work?
Read More »
Hi all,
these two bikes differ a lot in price but I am total beginner and would appreciate your opinion what is better to get me started:
05 or 06 used Trek 6700 with upgrade Read More »
