Weaknesses: the Coda components, replaced them all.
Bottom Line:
Checking back after 9 years.
I know own a 2010 Trek 9.9 Fuel EX but I still keep this cannondale around. I was going to sell it but with all the climbs in the race season I find that the ~18Lb hardtail climbs like nothing else. I weigh 155 when racing and removing another 8 pounds of weight (vs my trek) including 3.5 pounds in the wheels and tires alone, makes for a climbing machine. Now for the Cross country races I use the trek but like any toolbox you use the right tool for the job and the Cannondale still has its uses.
Bike Setup: F4000SL Frame, XTR components, Koobi saddle, Stans Crest wheels (scary light) stans tires or WTB race tires with sealant. Magura Marta SL brakes, upgraded front rotor to 180mm.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Thomas Herbert
a Cross Country Rider
from El Paso
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001
Strengths: Very light Disc Brakes Headshock
Weaknesses: Brakes Squeal
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks ass! It inspires me to ride harder than ever. I point and it follows. It is very light and I have had no difficulties with it at all. The Headshock is perfect, and if they can quiet down the brakes it will be the perfect Hardtail. Buy one if you can.
Strengths: Everything on the bike, I've seen that a few people have had problems with the Coda brakes, and i work at a bikeshop, so i know how to work them and keep them from leaking, so the problem isn't the brakes its your skills with the brakes.
Weaknesses: It's to fast and too light, it's like a dream come true, and we all know that sucks(not)
Bottom Line:
This bike is the Sh*t it rides better than my K2 coudl ever dream of, it's smoother faster, the brakes work awesome if you know how to use them, its over all badass, check for me on the podium of the GAP circuit next year, with my Bike Tech racing jersey, this bike is very awesome, has added 4 mph to my ave. speed, and I haven't even gotten used to the new geotmetry yet, it is a bit expensive for those who dont get employee discounts fomr the bike shop though
Similar Products Used: have ridden on some pretty nice stuff, I own a K2, but it's now my dual-suspension single-speed
Bike Setup: full XTR, ultegra BB, ct2 bar, Titec Magnesium barends, Coda Competion/Hugi hubs w/ mavic 317s, shimano pedals
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Submitted by
Ming Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001
Strengths: Light fast bike, beautiful frame, great welding job. I've switched to Avid mechanical disc brake setup, I would say that this setup is very powerful and fade free. i wish there was a little more modulation because you can accidentally squeeze too hard and end up over the bars.
Weaknesses: expensive, and.... the brakes SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know where to begin... anyhow no more hydraulic stuff for this guy. I've switched it over to AVID mechanical XTR lever combo, no more problems, no more worrying about seeing oil leaking no more worries!
Bottom Line:
Had a previous review awhile back with only a month or so of usage with the F4000. Going back and reading my review I thought it only fair to give an update. I have since changed my mind, i do prefer hardtails and wouldn't switch to a cross country full suspension. Simply the hardtail has less maintenance, lively ride, more controllable and fun. i purchased a raven and sold it after a month, boring. if you see one in the shop ask to see if you can get a different set up for the disc brakes, DON'T USE CODA! Avid or Hayes HMX will be much better and they should give you an even trade. Safe riding everyone.. Ming
Favorite Trail: tai mo sha (english Large mountain)
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At: Flying Ball
Similar Products Used: none
Bike Setup: Avid mechanical, wow these things are so darn powerful. XTR levers, easton C2 carbon handle bars, XTR derailleurs..seatpost(easton actually).
Strengths: Good frame, components, craftsmanship, behavior and looks.
Weaknesses: Saddle, so-so tire, seatpost (see below) and steep "retail" price
Bottom Line:
This bike is light, fast and the Coda brakes have been great so far. My only complaint so far is brutally hard saddle and seatpost. Seatpost itself is very durable but nose angle adjustment of your saddle beyond minimum increment, is nearly impossible due to short bolts. Two bolts design on a seatpost is smart but it's not the most user friendly design when it comes to assembling/dissembling. Especially if you have big hands.
Overall this is a great bike with superb handling and climbing capability but I can't justify anyone plunking down full retail price ($3,200+) for this setup. The bikeshop I've purchased from, gave me a TREMENDOUS discount that I couldn't refuse... and for the price I've paid, I'm giving all 5 flaming chilis for values and 4 for overall rating.
If you're bike-shopping around NY Metro area pay a visit, they have the BEST staff among all the shops I've been to.
Similar Products Used: Klein Adroit Race, M2 Stumpjumper Pro and Trek 8500
Bike Setup: Stock plus bar-ends.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from seattle, wa
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000
Strengths: very light and stiff. nice component package.
Weaknesses: rear coda disc brake squeals like hell! stock hutchinson mosquito tires should not be used on pavement unless you want to replace them often.
Bottom Line:
great bike if you have the dough to shell out but dont expect to be trouble free just cuz your wallet is now empty. better off to spend a lot less on a comparable frameset like the f1000 (caad4)and use the rest of the money on your upgrades. the f1000 also has the good front disc brake and a rear linear pull. the hard seat is good for some but i am looking at replacing it.
Similar Products Used: none really. trek 900 w/o suspension.
Bike Setup: added barends. changed tires. sacrificed low weight of the nice thompson seat post for a little cushion from a coda suspension post (might change it back tho, like i said LITTLE cushion)
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Submitted by
Ming Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000
Strengths: Very light, agile bike, very fast through single track. Really light so it's easy to do technical stuff with, over stumps, around rocky sections
Weaknesses: hard saddle, Coda Competition brakes, they've given me a lot of problems. I've had to take them back to the shop, count it, 3 times already. i've lost confidence in them, first leaked oil on the lever, then leaked inside the caliper, then leaked on the outside of the caliper. pissed i tell you!
Bottom Line:
Nice bike, although after doing a lot of reading and even more riding out here in hong kong, would rather get a full suspension. looking at getting 99 model year used Raven to compliment the hardtail depending on the trail i'm going to ride. Points to consider, really, really loves to climb, although the steering is very quick on steep uphills. when brakes are working they really work great. Not sure why the shift levers aren't XTR, there Shimano but nothing i've ever seen before.
Strengths: Light, very light, disk breaks, wheelset. 2 X 9 drivtrain
Overall rides very nice. Made for climbing and singltrack. Have not seen more than one other guy with the same bike (model)
Weaknesses: The first week I got it the big chainring, (one of the two) broke. Then for two weeks ir sqeeked like hell. I greeced the bottom bracket and it works perfest now. Oh, and the seet broke! I was surprised because it was a coda made by selle italia. Tires weren't good in mud, so I just pulled some off my old wheels.
Bottom Line:
This is a damn good bike. It climbs and rides like a bat out of hell. This is a true race ready machine. My one complaint is it seems to have a short top tube, which makes for great, climbing and riding, and fits me well. (I am 5' 9" 155) but you feel like you can go over the bars at any momement on steep downhills. Shock lock-out works well, and if you keep the right air pressure in the shock it too is nice.
I give it 4 boomers, because I am very glad I bought it, and it rides amazingly. But I think there are still some better machines on the market. (if your willing to pay)
