Submitted by
Garrett Bash
a Downhiller
from Placerville, California, El Dorado Date Reviewed: March 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lake Tahoe, Folsom
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$165.00
Purchased At:
Jason's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Nice feel, Huge Disc Break's from Hayes Break Company, Light even though it's a burley Downhill Bike? The Fox Shox(Vinnilla Air Float)
Weaknesses:
Mine does not have very many weakness the Super-V is a good bike because I own 2, 2003 Cannondale Supr-V 800(Red/Yellow/Black) Special Edition, and my $5,500 Downhill Bike that I bought for $160.00 a Super-V 1000SL(Metalic Purple/Yellow/and Black) and their both the best bikes I have ever riden. My Parent's both have Super-V's also my dad has a Super-V 500(Metalic Blue/Silver) and my mom has a Super-V 400(Gloss Bright Green/ Black). I'm planning on buying a Brand new Gemini 900 or a Prophat 2000.
Similar Products Used:
My other Super-V and my Parents
Bike Setup:
Hayes Disc Breaks, MTB Hand made Handel Bars,Thomas Seat Post/Helmet, Rear Fox Racing Shox Air Vinnilla Shox.
Bottom Line:
That I wish that Cannondale could kept the Super-V in their line up. But if I get a Gemini 900 or the Prophat 2000 I will come back wiht my reveiw on those.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Red Knight
a Weekend Warrior
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: August 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Belgium and French Ardennes
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Rob Akkermans in Elsloo
Strengths:
The position on the bike is excellent for cross country tours as well for one day raids. The suspensions have little impact on the efforts
Weaknesses:
The bike is relatively heavy. Therefore it is not suitable for competition. Steep climbing involves a constant movement on the saddle to prevent the front wheel from leaving the chosen path.
The price for experiencing the emotion of riding a Cannondale is high as the bike is expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX 850 Competition adjusted for competions with adequate for fork and Magura brakes
Bike Setup:
Adjustments made were CODA Expert Diskbrakes with Mavic Cross Max wheels
Bottom Line:
A very comfortable bike for non-competative tours.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gabe chuck
a Downhiller
from marion mass usa Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything with jumps and technical stuff
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
new in bike store
Strengths:
this bike is a XC bike. it does not fit my riding needs. i got in 1998 as a 1995 left over. i liked it but i am a more hardcore rider for the bike. the rear shock was great (fox alp 4) the bike rides nice. it climbs ok.
Weaknesses:
it is constatly breaking when i do drops of rocks (etc.) this bike is not a good freeriding bike. it is made for XC. the coda stock parts stink. the handle bars bent after droping a couple times. it comes with bull horns and the bars that i dont like. tires are very nice and i have rode this bike for 3 years and they still are good. the pedels are really dull. seat ripes after a year of use.i dont care for the headshock
Similar Products Used:
i like speazilzed P3 that what iam getting next they can take anything
Bike Setup:
i got new bars cause the codas bent :-( but oi got richey rizers. i got new pedels (bmx pedels) need new tires. i dont really want to but much into it cause i want a p3
Bottom Line:
good XC some poor parts but works VERY nice for some single track.not good for freeriding
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Javier Garza
a Cross Country Rider
from Alice,TX Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mathis trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Bike Shop/Corpus Christi TX
Strengths:
The strength i have to say was that coming across ditches,logs,or what ever the rut was this bike was very capable of getting you out.
Weaknesses:
acceleration,out of the seat was a little damp,and climbs felt a bit springy.
Similar Products Used:
No, similar products used. My first full suspension!!!
Bike Setup:
This bike was red/yellow with yellow decals,this bike had spins for the wheel set,xtr rear deraileur with gripshift shiftnig,ride-on gortex (yellow) cables xtr bottom bracket,Kore stem,Kore seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This Bike was my first Full suspension i had ever owned and will be the last cannondale i will ever own. However Cannondale has out better full suspension bikes The JEKYL. Overall the bike was not a bad bike. I ended up selliing this bike complete for 1200 on mtbr.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mountain Biker
a Weekend Warrior
from Salem, Ma Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
bow ridge at lynn
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Strong frame, good components.
Weaknesses:
The oversized nut at the pivot of my swingarm comes lose.
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
i have a triple crown fork with 5" of travel, and a fox 5R with 5" in the rear.
Bottom Line:
Bike is setup for downhill, since the headshok is not adequate for this, you need a triple crown fork with more travel. this increases the weight of the bike which is already up there. Great for dual slalom and dh, not for xc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Viddo Paparazzi
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hardwood Hills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Front fork. Lots of travel. Very smooth. Very sexy. I traded-in my girlfriend for this bike.
Weaknesses:
Weight. Stock rims can't take downhill abuse: need constant truing. Coda cranks suffer from chain suck.
Bike Setup:
Stock Super-V 1000, with a Moto FR fork.
Bottom Line:
This was my first full-suspension bike, and it took me a while to find the correct set-up. During the first few rides I thought that I had made a mistake, and that maybe I should go back to a hard-tail. The additional weight of the huge front fork and my improper set-up made climbs a real pig. After much fiddling with the preload on the Fox Vanilla rear shock, I finally found the settings that gave me a plush ride on the downhill while maintaining good contact and power-transfer on the climbs.
The bike is incredibly fun to ride. On the downhill, take your hands off the brakes and steer: the bike will do the rest.
I was amazed to read that some people have experienced problems with their front forks. Unlike the Rock Shox Mag 21s and Judy SLs from my previous bikes, this fork has been extremely reliable. I have beaten the you-know-what out of my Moto FRs, and they simply refuse to break. Despite inches of mud, hard-core downhill, and plenty of 2-to-4' drops, the forks show no serious signs of wear.
Chaffing from the cables takes the paint off in a hurry. I resorted to using black electrical tape to protect the problem areas.
I purchased the bike at the end of the season and only paid $2000 CDN (a-boot $1300 US) for the bike, so it has been an incredible value for me.
Two thumbs up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bond-baby
a
from HERSHEY, Pennsylvania, USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ALL
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No matter what trail, no matter what condition this beauty rides better than most bikes I have ever riden or tested. Very smooth on rocks, smooth on downhills and not very bobby on the uphills. (love the beefy tubes man!)
Weaknesses:
I think that the fatty headshock forks are meant for little string bean, cross country looking guys who weigh in around 100 lbs. I don't think they hold up long and don't like wasting money into something that I really don't like. Prefer to use a Judy or SID and that bike is ready for war baby! Coda components are getting better, still have a way. Over all, sweet damn ride.
Similar Products Used:
FSR, Joshua, (heavy) HECKLER, etc.
Bike Setup:
Judy, XTR comp. with a few LX wheelsets for obvious reasons
Bottom Line:
RIDE IT, FEEL IT, LOVE IT, MARRY IT...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave jarm
a
from tokyo,japan Date Reviewed: February 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
great feel ,response and frame.
Weaknesses:
front fork could use an upgrade to 80mm.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike . I've ridden it long and very hard and she hasn't let me down over the years .Always gives me satisfaction anywhere I take her . Better than most of my ex-girlfriends .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from NY Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
cooll looking
Weaknesses:
weak frame
Bottom Line:
it's a decent bike, but too expensive
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K Date Reviewed: October 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cannock chase
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Rigid and fun, fun, fun
Weaknesses:
Headshock? Coda Cranks! attracts attention
Similar Products Used:
Mt Vision, VRX , SBC Enduro
Bike Setup:
Super Fatty D, Loiuse Disks, crosslink wheels
Bottom Line:
This is an update. After only 200 miles the super fatty D decided to give up on me! It did not leave me stranded but started to leak slowly losing all its pressure in a few days, very poor. I'm hoping this is just a one of. On the plus side Leisure Lakes in Nottingham where I purchased the bike from, got it sorted in just 2 days...in the middle of summer. As for the rest, i've relented and put on some risers, this has improved the high speed handling, useful as i'm going so much faster downhill hill. Talking of speed the louise discs are great lots of power and when i'd got em set up just right no maintenance, I love Disc brakes. The rear fox vanilla shock is a gem really plush and relliable. The bearings in the front crosslink wheel needed tighning after a couple of weeks and the coda chain rings took an age to wear in ( i'd rather have a full shimano set up). The gripshift has exceded my expectations the rear shift is the best i've ever tried, dont like the front cus you need to twist too much though. The handling is so rigid it rides over just about anything and shrugs it off, it does bob under full power but it's worth it for 120mm of PLUSH travel. This bike just wants to have fun, it's not the most efficient of fastest accross country but it will do anything that you ask and put a big grin on your face. But then again my old steel hardtail does as well
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robbo
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Part 2 of previous review Geat Looks & plush ride
Weaknesses:
Head Shock, Anything Coda Selling it for an FSR xc Comp
Bottom Line:
Get rid of Coda
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Puppy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Clearwater, FL Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Prop's Run-WVA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light and quick. Plush on the rocks & roots. Climbs good. Very solid, yet smooth ride. Just spin, baby!!
Weaknesses:
Paint is bubbling near water bottle bolts. Pretty sad for a $2000 bike. Seat & post. Get new ones!!!
Similar Products Used:
Spec'zed FSR's, Joshua's, Schwinn dualies.
Bike Setup:
Super V1000, SuperFatty SL headshock, FOX Vanilla Float R rear, XT/XTR, Avid Arch Rival 50's, Easton CT2 seatpost, Spec'zed Geometry Comp saddle.
Bottom Line:
Great bike, light and easy to drop another 2 lbs. w/ minor swaps. Smooth, efficient and solid. Will last for many years of abuse, I think. I have orange. The 'Flyin' Pumpkin' lives!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter McCann
a Racer
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all the fast ones
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
design
Weaknesses:
assembly
Similar Products Used:
off road bikes since 1984
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
WEB REVIEW 8/7/99 -PROBLEMS!!!! FRAME&FORK
On 2/25/99 I purchased a new $2000.00 Cannondale full suspension bike (3rd C-dale in ten years). After a couple of months, I noticed that the frame seemed out of alignment. C-dale rep agreed (the seat tube was skewed to one side) and in a couple of weeks, they replaced the front triangle of the frame. The day I picked up the bike from the LBS I noticed that the bottom bracket shell wasn't centered on the main tube (off by 3mm or 1/8 in.), and showed it to the rep. He sent it to the factory to be checked. I also asked them to touch up some paint flaws on the new triangle. Five weeks later, the frame shows up back at the LBS. Cannondales' response was that all alignment specs are well within tolerances. My request for their tolerance spec on how far off center on the main tube that the bottom bracket shell could be was never answered. I measured the bottom bracket shell very carefully, checking it several times. The off center condition is very obvious, and is reflected when measurements are taken between the braking surfaces of the rear wheel and the inside of the crank arms (I had the wheel checked for proper dish). Apparently, Cannondale takes the phrase HAND MADE IN USA to mean sloppy frame assembly. I won't even go into the component failures here. The frame was returned over a week ago, minus the upper and lower fork bearing cups, upper fork bearing and shock/swing arm bolt, but with the paint flaws intact. In addition, while unpacking the frame, I noticed that something was rattling around inside the fork boot. When I removed the zip tie to investigate, needle bearings and pieces of bearing housing fell out. Called C-dale customer service about the fork 8 days ago and have not heard back. I've been bikeless for 9 weeks of the 5 months since I bought this bike, and if I ever get it put back together, I'm getting rid of it. Any business that expects customers to spend 2K and accept this kind of shoddy product and customer service won't be seeing any more of my money. If you have had a similar experience with this company (or want to buy a framethat's almost assembled right), email me at phm14@flash.net.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter mccann
a Racer
from houston, tx Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
design
Weaknesses:
sloppy frame assembly
Similar Products Used:
off road bikes since '82
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Cannonodale sold me a $2000 bike with a seat tube skewed to one side. They warranteed that frame with one that has a bottom bracket shell 3mm off center on the main tube (wheel not on center between cranks). Have had no bike for 2 of the 6 months since I bought it. Look your frame over very carefully. Apparently Cannondale finds these conditions are acceptable. Warranty frame had paint flaws and very sloppy welds as well. Andmade in USA should not mean sloppy assembly. Looking for new bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jubbi
a Cross-Country Rider
from usa Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all tech trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
style, components, light
Weaknesses:
some design factors in frame and front susp
Similar Products Used:
Many full susp (k2, trek, specialized, schwinn, klein, cannondale, santa cruz--they're all mostly crap, except K2/Proflex)
Bottom Line:
The cannondale Super V line is not so bad, like the Trek, Klein, Schwinn S-works lines (all amount to expensive seat post suspensions only). But the head shock is not as good as a K2 crosslink with smart shock. the crosslink is a single shock, electronic brain suspension. The cannondale also makes their carbon frames with an aluminum spine. K2 does it much better with all carbon. For the money, I would still go with something besides cannondale.Two chilies for not being a seat post susp.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TJL
a Weekend Warrior
from medford ore Date Reviewed: July 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
mega adjustable suspension,smooth ride on 40 year old body
Weaknesses:
climbing
Similar Products Used:
super v-500
Bike Setup:
xtr/xtr super fatty sl front/fox vanilla float r rear
Bottom Line:
bought his and hers after we decided to up grade from the super-v 500; no comparison these are great bikes, maybe not the best downhill or crosscountry but a good compromise for an all around,plus we got a good deal so for the componetry its a good value
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick henty
a Downhiller
from stoke Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
parkhall hills
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
suspension
Weaknesses:
seat
Bottom Line:
genrally good
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robbo
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland N.Z Date Reviewed: July 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
42nd Traverse
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush Downhill Climbs like a climbing thing Rutts, what rutts?
Weaknesses:
Crap Avid Arch 50's (OK good in dry, nothing in the wet)
Similar Products Used:
Only my old Hardtail and few softies around the car park
Bike Setup:
Super V1000, Fatty Super SL Fork, XT & XTR rear.
Bottom Line:
Apart from lack of stop and a clunk in the front end (into shop tomorrow) I love it. Rear Tyre got swapped for a Conti Traction Pro for winter mud.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Weekend Warrior
from crystal, mn Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
soft ride quick
Similar Products Used:
own a schwinn moab
Bike Setup:
police package semi-slicks flat black powder coat silent hubs
Bottom Line:
great bike beats the old no suspension treks we had
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kimmo
a Racer
from Helsinki Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Old body model, rear suspension has change many time and many way. Fork, super fatty sl, when in works. First one broke in 3 weeks..
Weaknesses:
Too much work before riding. Gas shocks weaks too much. Breaks are poor (Promax px-2 comp). Frame is heavy for xc use. Stem in size way too short. Painting is too soft + too heavy. Service here in Europe promise more what they can do, it´s slow and quite poor. You never know when or what you get when ordering products from Netherland/Holland.
Similar Products Used:
Mantra. FSR, GT LTS, Haro EX2, Kona Mokomoko,
Bike Setup:
Euromodel 1000 sl. Easton handlebar,
Bottom Line:
Cannondale is big name at moment and it have been a years. Own coda components are not in same level as bike frame. Coda is a bulk/ supermarket brand. This bike gives for me what I need, good practise machine. Not big suprises.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Steering, brakes and handling
Weaknesses:
Expensive
Similar Products Used:
FSR, VRX300, MT Vision
Bike Setup:
SV1000 disc
Bottom Line:
Gorgeous to ride, the steering is incredibly accurate and inspires confidence downhill. Very plush and adjustable suspension, not to heavy and excellent brakes (louise). A really enjoyable, fast and active bike that packs a solid sprint and is jack of all trades. Dont like CODA transmission, the cranks give chain slip untill they are run in and chain suck when they are. Headshock is alot more rigid than the bombers on my last bike and is well sealed against the mud. My only gripes are the Coda saddle (razor) and the really light weight inner tubes. I wasn't keen on the narrow bars at first but you dont need risers on this baby, and the grip shift shifts as well as XT. The only bike you'll ever need, just dont pay full price when you can get a demo or end of season bike with a big discount.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julie
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dillon Montana Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
All of them **
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This bike is the best I have ever ridden. The Avid Brakes are a real plus. Downhills are a breeze and the uphills aren't so bad either. This bike is just like a dream. I am only five foot one so it was one of the only few full suspensions I had to choose from. This one obviously being the best.
Weaknesses:
To many shimano componants. But other than that it ROCKS!!
Similar Products Used:
Trek 800 and the Dagger FSI
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is Cannondale is the best bike company making THE BEST FULL SUSPENSION BIKES!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Nottingham Date Reviewed: May 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very plush ride and great steering
Weaknesses:
Any parts have to come from Holland which is slow and hence frustrating
Similar Products Used:
FSR, Klein Mantra
Bike Setup:
V1000 disc
Bottom Line:
Good bike shame about the poor service Europe receives from Cannondale Holland. Would you wait 10 days for a car part and not complain?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Huff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Morrow, Ga. Date Reviewed: April 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
like 'em all
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
handling, solid feel, steering accuracy,
Weaknesses:
Cannondale doesn't make the stem that I need 130mm 5deg rise.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
95 Zaskar, USE susp. seat post and Judy SL fork 80 mm, mostly XT components.
Bottom Line:
Love it, it's a blast to ride, feels a little heavy on climps but on a role it rules. Steers better than my old bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross-Country Rider
from Suisun, CA Date Reviewed: April 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Flume Trail, Lake Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR.
Bike Setup:
GT hardtail with Rockshox
Bottom Line:
The bike is great. Climbs better than any hardtail I've ever rode. Decents are a breeze. Point and shoot. Don't have to worry about picking out a good line to follow.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ed
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike is awesome, what a sweet sweet ride.
Weaknesses:
The headshok is a little sticky, but the action is still pretty good. Comparable to most RockShox I've tried/owned. What you give up in suppleness, you gain in steering accuracy and solidity. No slightly loose feeling. So...ya takes yer pick...which do you want?
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y, Gary Fisher Level betty, GT
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Surprisingly light, and rides even lighter! You hardly notice the weight, its infinitely preferable to a hardtail (I've ridden/owned Rocky Mountain, GT's Gary Fisher's and Cdale hardtails) This is one sweet ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom C
a weekend warrior
from Peoria, AZ Date Reviewed: January 28, 1999
Bottom Line:
Last weekend a friend from San Diego came over to ride. He and his wife had new Nishiki hardtails. We stopped by a bike shop to get a tire gauge for him. He surprised me by buying me a '99 Cannondale Super V1000! I use to ride a Raleigh M-80. The Super V1000 is sweet. I have read many FS articles about plush riding bikes. This one really is. We took it to trail 100 and the bike just flew on the trails. It's my first FS bike and my first Cannondale. The bike rocks and the shop, Southwest bicycle in Glendale, AZ , is great! I suggest this bike to anyone that wants to switch from hardtail to FS. Ride on!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Golic
a cross-country rider
from North Bend Washington Date Reviewed: January 26, 1999
Bottom Line:
The Raven is a fun bike to ride, it is incredible on single track. It is rigid and feels very effecient climbing. I weigh 205lbs and have owned a Pro Flex and have ridden a 98 Specialized FSR in Moab. I think the Raven is a lot tighter feeling. No play and flex in the rear end. The Headshock provides excellent precission steering. The Top tube clearance is great. I had some early problems with the chainrings, but switched to Race Face rings and the 9 speed has been working great since, even in the mud. It is the most fun bike I have been on.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy B
a weekend warrior
from Springfield, IL Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
It is a nice bike. Needs better pedals 900 not 500... It is a smooth with 9speed. But it will wear out alot faster than 8speed and more work it needs allot of cleaning... But overall this is a bike that can take a beating. Why do I say this well, I am 250 pound guy who plays hard on trails and road have set slicks and ride it to work.... Also this bike is set up disk brakes.. If by chance you do want to some day upgrade. Also the Avid brakes are little week like xt better.... Will change this soon....The only reason why I did not buy 2000 is that I have set of Spinergy. Not disk brake ready..... But back to the bike in one simple word it is a Cannondale and it takes a beating!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 2384.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
