Submitted by
ukuberv700
a Cross Country Rider
from england
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2011
Strengths: Cannondale make some of the best bikes on the market and this doesn't disappoint.
Weaknesses: Front mech(cannot get it to change down very well hit and miss) rear fox vanilla has been binned in favour of new fox RP23 float air 140x25 and front Judy XL is also been binned for a new single air RS Recon GoldR
Bottom Line:
I used to own another SV700 carbon 12 years ago and this just brings the good times back...this V is a 1996 so 15YO and still performs like it just come out the box, but with the added upgrade on the forks and shock it just excels itself now.
Bike Setup: RS Recon gold R, Fox float rp23, mavic x138 front, mavic D521 rear, Disc front, XT v brake rear,
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Markus
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003
Strengths: Light weight, super robust, reliable, very agile
Weaknesses: Fox Alps 5R Spring-damper element stinks
Bottom Line:
Eversince I started riding thsi bike, I have been deeply convinced, that I won't need another mountain bike. Well, six years and many chains later, I still believe so. The Super V provides enough travel to go a little wilder (no insanities) and can be set up firm enough to go fast on CC courses. C'dale did build a very robust bike wit this one - worth the money, since it's still running strong after almost 7 seasons. There are two things that are negative: The FOX Alps5R in te rear is a piece of s#$t and compared tp newre bike it may be a bit heavy at 25lbs in XL.
Submitted by
john crossen
a Weekend Warrior
from avis, pa usa
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003
Strengths: Bike has been bullet proof. Stock rims to light for my wieght(200). Good quality frame. All components are quality, except fox alps 4 shock. It is a throw away. Headshock could have more travel, but is good enough for my needs. Seat is actually comfortable.
Weaknesses: Fox alps blew out, with no repair parts. Shame onyou fox!You used to be a stand up company! I need to locate a replacement rear sock. Any body have an idea?
Bottom Line:
Good bike, bad fox component. I would buy this bike again, minus the fox shock!
Similar Products Used: Giant, Trek, Jamis, specialized.
Bike Setup: Stock, except for twisty spoked rims.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Randy Victory
a Cross Country Rider
from Cottonwood, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000
Strengths: Company totally stands behind product. Very light bicycle.
Weaknesses: Probably the Headshok could be a little more plush, on the other hand it tracks like an I.R.S. tax investigator. Could've come with a lighter seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Nice bike. I won a buncha Sport class races on my old C'dales, and plan to race the Leadville 100 (my 2nd time) on this one. Set up to race at Leadville (Hutchinson Mosquitos, no Slime) the bike comes in at 24.5 pounds. Actual riding weight here in thorny AZ is more like 26.5 pounds. Either way, respectable for a full-bounce bike w/discs. The Coda discs don't really have any more stopping power than V brakes, but they modulate well, stop great in the wet, don't drag or howl, and look really COOL! I've got the bike set up pretty stiff, and the rear shock is exactly where I want it (took me a few weeks to dial in the exact position). Takes big hits really well. I screwed up and slammed a big rock early on, and the rear shock sucked it up, even set up 75 psi higher than recommended. The single pivot is simple and durable. The Rigida rims that the bike came with didn't seem to work as well as the Ritchey OCR rims - the Ritcheys stay true better, and just look a lot stronger. They really inspire confidence. Anyone who rides disc wheels oughta try 'em. Price is a bit high for the Cannondale - hey, you're paying for a name, American workers, and constant research (yes, I know that includes motorcycles). If you like to go fast, climb, and generally ride like a cross-country-racer-type, this is the bike for you. If you're more of a freerider, try the Lefty, or put a Marzocchi on the front.
Similar Products Used: This is my fourth Cannondale. I'm pretty biased. Why lie about it. But I've also worked in bike shops and thrown a leg over quite a few bikes. So there.
Bike Setup: 2000 Jekyll 900sl; Upgrades: DuraAce BB, Ritchey OCR Disc rims, Ritchey flat handlebar, Race Face XY seatpost, XTR cassette & front derailleur, Grip Shift Attack shifters.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Price
a racer
from midwest USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've owned 4 super V's, I also trade up every year and have been more pleased with each bike. That is until I bought one of the first '99 to hit the market. I was hooked by the increase in travel, that is the typical upgrade in Cannondale's new bikes. The problems started with the new super fatty headshok, the 80mm travel was quickly cut to 20mm just sitting on the bike. I weigh 195 but this has never been a problem with my other bikes. A spring upgrade solved the problem and my LBS didn't charge me a dime. The increase in travel also has a negitive effect on the handeling of the bike(little squirrely). Next was problem with the way the rear deraileur cable was run next to the rear shock pinching it between the the spring and the frame stanchion(small tubes)causing it to wear into the metal. I e-mailed the problem to Cannondale and the where quick to blame the bike shop's setup of the bike. Upon checking several different stores that carry super v's I found this to be accurate. Next was paint bubbling around the rear pair of bottle holders. The LBS mechanic said it was rust. When I asked him how aluminum rusts he called cannondale to find out. They were puzzled sent me a new frame. This all happened in the first 3 months. Overall I'm happy with Cannondale, I race and win with a F900. I think my next bike will be a Raven freeride. I'm giving 5 chillies because all my problems where taken care of quickly and I never missed a ride.
Submitted by
Ragin in AZ
a racer
from Phoenix,AZ USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have owned 3 super v's the all trade ups to my current SVA2000. I've read all the posts, and they are correct, and in general all FS bikes must be setup for the individual rider. I had a Bomber Z1 on it, but now I have it custom painted with a matching Headshok Fatty fork. The ride is incredible, it makes you want to go faster because it is so plush. Cannondale...Best bike...eh?
My buddy has one of these bikes and I feel sorry for him. Sure the thing was cool back in '95 but nowadays it is a total P.O.S. I've ridden it and fail to understand the excitment and hype loyal owners give the design. It is light I'll give it that much but the bio-pacing rear suspension is terrible. I can hear it now, This guy doesn't know what he is talking about, my bike doesn't bio-pace when it is set up correctly. My buddy has used both coil and air shocks, and unless they are stiffened up to the equivlent of a rigid rear end the bike bobs. I suppose back in '95 there wasn't too much to choose from, diehard single pivot guys would have shyed away from the better working FSR's and LTS's. Oh well at least he got it on sale!
Submitted by
Swarty
a cross-country rider
from Rochester NY
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have ridden Cannondale products for the past 4 years, everything that broke I caused or it plain wore out!I have a old style super-v with a fatty 50.It handles awsome! I ride 50mi wk average and don't have any problems. 44 and in my middole ring.Craig,learn how to spell.
I own the SVA 800sl '98 model : I don't ride that much but if you're looking for a comfy CC/Touring bike this is a good choice. My rear shock is a Fox alps 5 air/oil. Once dialed in this works perfect. On the front I have a Fatty D. If you're not happy with Headshok buy a lowlevel Super v and mount A Marzocchi Z1 or whatever you like. It is not the ultimate CC-machine and not the super-downhill shredder but when your back is screwed (like mine) this is a good choice to ride and enjoy the comfort of rear susp. without the wobbling of other designs. I like the Secialized FSR system too but you can't even lower your seatpost on those or you'll damage the rear shock. So besides of the little pricy Headshok system I give it 5 chili's
Submitted by
Nate Gage
a cross-country rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
Forget buying one of these bikes. I just ordered a 98 Mongoose Pro 9.5 for $1700!!! It's got 5 inches of rear travel and is a hundred times better than a comparably priced Cannondale. Plus, it is cheaper and easier to upgrade the Judy XL than the headshock. By the way, Cannondale did warranty the bike I sat on in the bike shop.
Submitted by
AdjuBadju
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
The Super V's are the best mountain bikes available for those of us who like to ride fast with comfort and total control. The lateral stiffness in both the frame and fork allows us to point the bike and it goes exactly where we expect it to go. The is no fork flex so the front wheel turn when the handle bars turn, the rear wheel stays straight and true. The shocks soak up bumps going uphill, on the flats and of course on the downhills. I've ridden many other full suspension bikes and none of them are as plush and exacting in their handling. The Headshok is so good it gets rated the best by the bike mags and now Merlin in putting them on their full suspension bikes. Comfort, handling and all out performance is what Cannondales are all about. Do'nt expect anything else.
Submitted by
Chris ATB
a weekend warrior
from BMTH, England
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
What a fantastic bike, I could not believe how plush it is.... Im not sure whether it`s actually the bike, or there`s somthing wrong with my arse, it aint like ridin a bike anymore. Andway more to the point. The phuqing idiot who wrote the article below this one and took the overall rating down needs a slap, ther`s nothin wrong with this bike, you must be a crud rider.
I purchased a 700 FR in May of this year and have little good to say about it. The rear suspension bobs unless I crank the preload or damping massivily which reduces the ride quality to the point that I might as well have bought a hard tail. My buddys linkage bike doesn't have these problems. The fork is a nightmare to adjust or work on (special tools needed). Rockshox I'll never stray again! Overall I feel these bikes are overpriced and hyped. No chili's.
THIS IS TO THE GUY BELOW THIS POST (JOHN), WHY DID YOU TRADE IN YOUR OLD FRAME AND SPEND AN ADDITIONAL $1000 FOR A FRAMESET W/FORK WHEN YOU CAN BUY AN ENTIRE '98 SUPER V BIKE FOR ABOUT 800 BONES? FATTY UPGRADE IS NOT MUCH, I JUST BOUGHT ONE FOR AROUND EIGHTY BUCKS - THE ONE WITH 5 POSITION DAMPENING. THIS IS NOT CRITICISM, JUST CURIOUS - IS THERE SOMETHING SO SPECTACULAR ABOUT THE FRAME YOU BOUGHT?I Bought a '99 Super V myself, with the fatty upgrade, and the bike is great. Steers like it's on rails, frame/suspension is supple, and it looks better than most bikes out there I feel. Suspension is awesome, just wish the rear Fox coil had some rebound adjustment to it. Might try a Fox air shock later if that's the best way to get good rebound control. Totally love what I've got though. God's been good to me, I love this bike.P.S. Upgrade the wheels if you buy a lower end Super V, Weinman rims are junk. Also upgrade the rear derailleur, then things are great.
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is more a review of a service offered by Cannondale then the particular bike. My wife owns one of the first CDale SV2000, remember the one with the carbon fiber swingarm? Anyway, we have just completed a trade in with Cannondale for a new '98 SV2000 frameset, which includes the fatty sl fork for just over $1000. She loved her old SV2000 but the headshock blew and after some deliberation we decided to trade it in. The '98s have a completely different suspension design and I am anxious to see if she like it as much as the old one. Will post when the verdict is in.Overall, 5 cajun road sausages.
