Submitted by
Adam Masonbrink
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairway, kansas U.S.
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001
Strengths: This bike has a very strong frame! The brakes worked very well for me after I bought new brake pads. The grip-shift seemed cool at the time, but everyone now knows that they suck for any major biking. The RST shocks work well for around the city biking, but don't dare getting them cold or wet. I am replacing them with Rock-shox judy xc.
Bike Setup: stock, except for new shocks and break pads
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Capozzi
a Cross Country Rider
from Ocean Grove
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000
Strengths: Light, responsive, lock-out fatty head shock, X-T components.
Weaknesses: Seat, chain
Bottom Line:
This bike is excellent for the price. Very light, tight and stiff. It is great in the tight single track between the trees. With the lock-out head shock it makes climing the sandy trails much more efficient. I would recommend to anyone buying the bike to change out the shock lock-out knob with the one from the lefty. The thumb lever makes it easier when locking/unlocking on the fly. Anyone looking for a bike in this price range needs to check out this F-800. I've never riden better.
Submitted by
Dave Whatson
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto,Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2000
Strengths: Very stiff, very strong, very light. Well co-opertive set of components (lx front, lx breakes, xt rear, avid levers) and a decent price.
Weaknesses: It is a cannondale with a fatty so the geo is messed up. The step is on an angle so the front is even higher, getting an angleless step would help.
Bottom Line:
Very stiff, very strong, very light. Well co-opertive set of components (lx front, lx breakes, xt rear, avid levers) and a decent price.It is a cannondale with a fatty so the geo is messed up. The stem is on an angle so the front is even higher, getting an angleless step would help. Perfect bike to show off (looks really cool) and kicks ass in xc races.
Submitted by
cory
a Cross Country Rider
from Kent OH USA
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2000
Strengths: low weight, stiffness, lockable front shock, sealed bearings
Weaknesses: sealed bearings (non-servicable)
Bottom Line:
it's a great bike. i work at a bike shop so i got a particularly good deal, but it's still worth the sticker price, though it can be a little high for the parts you get. i've only ridden it a few times, being cold in the winter, but so far it's been great. i've had a problem with the smoothness of the front wheel, i can feel the seam and other spots where the rim is thinner. i have trued the wheel again, but i think it will need to be replaced. i love the parts pick, though i would have like the 2x9 set up on the F1000. the front shock is smooth and can be locked out during road riding, which i do frequently. that is the main reason i bought this bike. overall, a great bike. very fast, very stiff.
Submitted by
Geoff P. Ovens
a Cross-Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999
Strengths: Light Weight, XT/LX, CAAD 3 Frame, Cool Team Blue Color.
Weaknesses: no-name seatpost
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. It has to be the best spec'ed, lighest, strongest bike for the money. Seems like everyone has something against cannondale. Wonder if it's just jealousy. The F800 is pretty much replacing the '99 F700. Most of the componetry is very similiar. Hubs are an obvious change F700 had stx-rc F800 has CODA expert which so far seem really nice, cartridge bearings black anodized finish nice laser etched logo etc. Few other items have been replaced with CODA components all seem very dirt worthy. Rear der. is an XT. Front is an LX. Shifters are LX. Brake levers are Avid SD 1.9. Actual brakes have nothing on them, but have cartridge pads and work extremely well. Naturalyt the HeadShock Fatty DL is a cross country dream. Irc notos Kevlar tires really hook up in a variety of conditions. Soon i hope to make the following upgrades: Greenlite tubes, LP carbon seatpost and handle bar, XT front der. XT shifters. this upgrade should shed some eight on an already very light bike. bottom line is if your budget is limited to around $1200 and you like a light bike this is the one for you!
