Submitted by
DEVIN
a Cross Country Rider
from TEXADA ISL.B.C [CANADA[
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002
Strengths: PRETTY MUTCH EVERY THING
Weaknesses: THE STOCK BRAKES
Bottom Line:
I REALLY ENJOY RIDING THIS BIKE.I'M 250LBS AND AN AGGRESSIVE RIDER,NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS.I HAVE 5 POSITION DAMP ON MY SUPPER FATTY D,NICE FEATURE.THE CHANGE IN BRAKES WAS A MUST.I NEVER HAVE A PROBLEM BRAKING,NO MATTER WHAT THE RIDDING CONDITIONS ARE.HAPPY TO HAVE BOUGHT THIS BIKE,NICE COLOR SCHEME,REAL HEAD TURNER.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi 2000 z.2 atom 80 fork. Sachs twist shifters. Shimano XT drivetrain including disc brakes and hubs. kore stem. easton handlebar with onza bar ends. Fox Vanilla RC
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Submitted by
Olav van Doorn
a Cross Country Rider
from Huizen, The Netherlands
Awesome strong and durable bike. Very, very fast on difficult bumpy tracks. Great lockout function for the headshok suspension. To much chain-suck, I changed the complete drive-train setup without results. Overall a great full suspension for worry free hardcore biking. 4 Chilis because of the chain suck, otherwise 5 Chilis.
Similar Products Used: Proflex with Girvin Vector.
Bike Setup: Magura's, Deore XT, Vanilla rear shock, IRC Mythos.
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Submitted by
tweet
a Cross Country Rider
from Cowlumbus, Ohio
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Strengths: Rock Solid Frame! Very durable paint job. Magura Louise discs holdin' up fine.
Weaknesses: Headshok Sucks - no travel (80mm yea right), blows out. Like most bikes, there are few stock parts left, esp. coda. (except the crank)
Bottom Line:
My SuperV has seen a lot of trails in the 2 full years i've had it and I have no complants about it once the Marzocchi Jr. T found it's way onto the front. This is one sweet ride!
I was not prepared for the amount of attention the bike would and still does get. Time tested design, turns heads.
I guess it's the last call for the SuperV. There's only the 800 left on the 2001 c-dale lineup. I'm reveiwing now it encase someone's still looking into one. I would not buy another bike with a Headshok but would buy a SuperV again in an instant with a Marzocchi up front!
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Jr. T replaced the headshok and there is no comparison here in the bike's performance. Why are they still putting that headshok on thier bikes? The Magura Louise discs have settled in and I'm still on my second set of pads.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
TOM (BO BROS.)
a Weekend Warrior
from PITTSBURGH PA.,
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000
Strengths: the frame is very strong, very strong !!
Weaknesses: magura brakes could be better but very easy to adjust..not the best climber but ok.
Bottom Line:
I'm 240 lbs and beat the tar out of my bike. I've been riding a super v for 5 years now and love it. the bike can take all that i give it. There is no coda parts on the bike and if you are buying one I can only reccommend you do the same.on my first s.v. the only trouble I had was with coda parts.If I changed any more parts now , the magura's would go and hayes would come..just to expensive to do without reason! maguras are ok ..just hayes are the best. if you want a great bike that can jump logs, eat rocks & protects your butt, buy a cannondale super v...you won't be sorry
Similar Products Used: this is my second super v. 3rd cannandale
Bike Setup: xt, cook bros. easton c2t, rock ring, magura irc mythos, 26.5 lbs.
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Submitted by
Jerome Cros
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000
Strengths: -Frame:*Bombproof. I rode mine since 1994 at least 2 months a year in the french Alps. I changed everything on it except the frame!!!! *Super rigid for a FS bike. A real pleasure to ride on forest trails.
Weaknesses: Front suspension. I guess the new ones are better but back then they sucked!
Bottom Line:
This bike has an incredible look (do not say you don't care!!!) even five year after!!! It's the most polyvalent bike I ever rode. You can ride hard with it in the worst downhills (if you had changed the fromt suspension and the brake system (otherwise you are already dead and you can't read this review!!)) and being extremely happy in the technical XC. Everything will die onit but you can keep the frame your life time!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used: Sbike FS DH (does someone remember??)
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Submitted by
G
a Cross Country Rider
from British Columbia
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2000
Strengths: I think anyone looking for a strong, stiff and reliable rear suspension design should take a ride on a Super V. Absolutely no flex, and bulletproof reliability from the swingarm. I can't say enough about the brakes. Not only do you get consistent powerful braking, the adjustments are a snap, and I never have to worry about going through a set of pads on a long winter ride. I've also had good treatment from Cannondale when I e-mailed their product support dept. I've ridden the bike in Moab, all over California and British Columbia, and have had very few problems. I think the geometry is just about perfect for someone who with my skills (rather puny) and the bike fit is spot-on (XL frame, 6'2" rider)
Weaknesses: I have two real complaints about the bike, the headshock and the weight. I realize that to get that incredible tracking, you need the headshock, but frankly, I'm thinking about switching to a Bomber. This is not to say that the headshock's a bad product, but with over 5 inches of travel out back and 3 up front, I find the bike a little unbalanced, and I feel like the front end is holding things up on fast descents. I did blow up my first headshock, but it was replaced with no problems, and the new one is fine. I would argue a five inch travel rear needs at least 4 inches of travel up front (Hey Cannondale, how about a deal on a Lefty?). Weight is the other issue. Dead stock, the bike was 32 lbs on the scale at the shop. With a Kujo up front, an ElGato out back, Shimano DH pedals and a Race Face riser, it's almost 38. A lot of that is tires, granted, but the bike begs for aggressive rubber, and around here, you need something wide. At that kinda heft, I want a super plush, long travel front end, and I'm not getting it. To be fair, that weight provides incredible strength, and the bike has NEVER creaked, groaned or flexed.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, but I wish it had a little more travel up front. The rear suspension is the way to go if you don't want your bike in the shop every few weeks. I rode the specialized designs, and sure they work great, but I didn't want the hassle of bushing replacements and constant maintenance. I've never felt the swingarm design was a liability, and I'm stoked that after one year with some pretty good rides on it, it's never been apart. Race bike? Nope, too heavy with too much travel out back. Downhill bike? Nope, not enough travel in the headshok. Go anywhere, ride-all-day, comfortable, reliable, 4 seasons bike? You bet. The more I ride the bike, the more I appreciate it. There are certainly more advanced designs out there, but if love to ride, want a fair price on a good bike and don't want to worry about the frame breaking, get on a Cannondale.
Similar Products Used: Specialized FSR Big Hit, Specialized FSR XC, Specialized FSR.
Bike Setup: Shimano DH pedals, Kujo/ElGato tires, Raceface riser bar, Oury Grips (Hey, don't laugh, they make a difference, at least to a hacker like me)
Strengths: Lightweight, Disc Brakes, Paint, Shocks, Wheel Set
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
What more could you ask for. I was torn between Hardtail and full suspension but after pricing and component comparisons i saved the extra money and went for the SuperV900. Best move i ever made, i will not have to upgrade components ever. Spend now and save later. Race Ready. One of the other guys said that he weighed his and it was 29 pounds but i had mine on a digital scale yesterday and totally stock weighed in at a mere 27.5 lbs. Maybe Cannondale is right. Frame weight does vary depending on who hand made it at the factory. This thing rocks. Solid and Lightweight. The specialized FSR sucked, it was to spongy, ugly, and cheap. My Cannondale often gives me the impression of a hardtail. I dont think i will ever own another hardtail. V900 Suspension is solid for 200lbs. Took it off some nice dropoffs and i felt like i was on my Yamaha YZ250. Smooth landing with no bottoming out. Cant wait to ride some more this weekend and thrash.
Submitted by
Dean Morgan
a Cross Country Rider
from Tasmania
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2000
Strengths: handling, Magura Disks, overall quality of bike
Weaknesses: Front air shock adjustment need special pump Std rear shock (Fox Vanilla)
Bottom Line:
Brilliant bike. The more I ride it, the more impressed I am. I upgraded the front & rear shocks to have adjustable damping and It makes a huge difference to the handling once you get it set right. After the magura pads wore out, I replaced them with EBC aftermarket ones, and they improved the braking & feel from brilliant to just stunning. I ride lots of thick mud, and there is also no sign of disk wear at all.
Bike Setup: Std, with Tioga seat, EBC disk pads, upgraded front forks with adjustable damping, RST rear shock with adjustable compression & rebound damping
Strengths: This Bike is the pouse, it is amazingly stiff and you can chuck around and have a wicked time, wether im dropping off my dads transit van or going outr training it is great. Shock is great and headshox rule.
Similar Products Used: Trek, marin, fluffy gingers stink.
Bike Setup: Fox air n oil, headshox, gonzzalia 3" tires, Hope four pot discs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Sherman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Boulder, Colorado
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999
Strengths: Frame, it is really durable and can with stand anything. Head shok cuts out the small bumps that just vibrat your bike.
Weaknesses: Head shok can be a hassle sometimes but only if you use it every day and make it work it's @$$ off!
Bottom Line:
This bike was worth every penny a thirteen year old can save up. I thoguht it was worth it to work and save up some money and IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. I love the bike it is responsive and has great traction and control and it isnt as heavy as the other dual suspentions.
Similar Products Used: Giant ATX 980, Specialized FSR, GT(They can't beat the quality of cannondale)
Bike Setup: Stock but with 2.35' wheels
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rodney
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Canada
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1999
Strengths: The rear shock, frame is good and strong brakes stop right now
Weaknesses: The head shock is junk the pads on the brakes on my secound set 60$ cdn grip shift is not the best
Bottom Line:
The head shock sucks no one likes the dam thing mine makes a grinding noise the shop took in apart and re greased it still make nosie they told me their must be water in it. The grip shifts don't work if it gets mud on the cables or cable housing. I'am 200 pound I use a set of pads after 2 months of hard riding one day at a ski hiil used 30% of the pads. I wish Dale would make a better shock up front or not use their stuff. It realy hurts the bike to put the bad head shock on it. Change the grip to rapid fire. It would make the bike hole lot better. Email me what you think of the head shock I would like to see if iam the only one with this problem. Change the head shock and the grip shifts this bike would get a 5 for the price its a ok bike.
Similar Products Used: first bike that is not a hardtail
Bike Setup: stock
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Henniker, NH
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1999
Strengths: A light design and construction. Rear swingarm attachment is way better than other brands I have checked out. Very sturdy construction.
Weaknesses: I bought a demo bike..dealer claims it was only taken out 6 times. But I have since blown out the head shock and the Magura discs have to be bled. Well, it's the end of the season, and I did have an awesome time with it. Time to tune it up. Would rather see more options for front ends than just Cannondaler stuff.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is I got a good deal buying used. Would never have paid the retail $2100 or whatever. Just be sure you want to go to a soft-tail and know what you are getting into. ask around to people who have used them. I ride everywhere and this bike is perfect for all-around use. PS. Had I know what was coming out around the corner, I would have bought a Raven!
Similar Products Used: None really. My last was a Cannondale hardtail.
Bike Setup: Stock everything. The specs are at C-dale's web site.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad The Geezer
a Downhiller
from Suffolk England
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999
Strengths: MMMM... Can not really think of any. I suppose a good paintwork.
Weaknesses: Rear swing arm, is prone to snapping, when jumping of your garage!
Bottom Line:
Well I am on my 5th frame! The f***ing thing keeps snapping. One day I will be able to get off of the garage roof without it breaking! My mates VRX, can drop of everything! Even our Garage! Twice even and it still has not snapped apart from a big crack down the main frame and seatpost. Buy a VRX, I am going to get my money back from Dale and buy one. P.S. Hope 4 pot Discs are rubbish. Buy V brakes.
A mecanic at my local bike shop has a sweet frame that he's selling, the Cannondale 1999 Super V 900. However, he would not sell the frame to me alone because he doesn't think I ca Read More »
I am looking at one online that is a medium. It looks good, but I don't want to make the trip if a medium isn't even in the ball park for size. I am 5'11", 180 lbs. Pretty much you Read More »
