Submitted by
jcolef4z
a Cross Country Rider
from australia Date Reviewed: November 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
you yangs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
berettas bike hub
Strengths:
gearing is fast and reliable, the suspension is great. the other strength is the price, you get rockshox, sram, and fisic on such a cheap bike. i also love the tyres
Weaknesses:
the grips are too slippery for my liking.
Similar Products Used:
scott aspect 45
Bottom Line:
i recommend this bike to anyone who wants a great bike that is cheap and realiable. it is ready to race and is very very fast. if you are looking for a fast cheap realiable bike this should be your first choice. the custemer service at berettas bike hub in geelong, australia was exellent. i recommened them and the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
darren1970
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape town South Africa Date Reviewed: October 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
tokai forrest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
olympic cycles
Strengths:
good bang for buck
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
giant anthem 1
Bike Setup:
changed to a shorter stem and clips
Bottom Line:
a good bike for single track and have done some technical routes it took a while to get set up properly hence changing the stem all the componennts are good quality have tried various tyres went up to 2.4 mountain kings but have gone back to hutchi pythons the bike did a good job of getting me hooked have moved onto an anthem 1 so use the f4 as a spare
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hjworton
a Cross Country Rider
from Folkestone, Kent, UK Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Pilgrims Way
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Renham Cycles, Folke
Strengths:
Frame looks like a keeper, handles well, quite fast and light handling. I am a convert to the Headshok too - I love the feel and how light it is.
Weaknesses:
The screaming brakes are a pain - I cannot really blame that on the bike, all the discs I've used do it. Shok leaking air slowly over time - keep on top of this, it's easy to not notice, go ride and have no damping action at all. Also: Mine is a 'Made in Taiwan' model - 2008 ? Slightly disappointed but performance is no different.
Similar Products Used:
2005 Rocky Mountain Hammer
Bike Setup:
Stock for the moment - crank, saddle, brakes will change if I keep it for any length of time.
Bottom Line:
The actual bottom line is all about the headshok - some loathe it, some adore it. Do test one out before purchase, it's nothing like a conventional fork.
This bike does pretty much just what I want it to. The only trouble is I find myself comparing it to the Rocky Mountain, which is stupid because the RM was about $500 dollars more expensive. I guess, considering this small fact, the F4 come out very well. Not sure you can do much better for the money. Also: I deliberately bought this bike from my LBS even though I could've got a much better deal online or in a bigger town/city. I want my shop to be successful, so I support them. You should do the same.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dono
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, VA USA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Rigid, fast, sturdy, light for the price, front shock lock-out
Weaknesses:
Brakes are noisy and provide below average stopping power
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper Comp full suspension, Trek 7000 full rigid
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
For urban trail riding this is a fast bike. Rigid frame and lockout front fork make it a strong climber. Front shock adequate for roots bumps and the odd log. It lacks any adjustment other than locked/unlocked. It is pretty soft when unlocked - that works fine given the rigid frame but will not allow for nuanced downhill rides. On rough cross country you would take a beating on this bike.
Sram shifting is excellent. The shifters are close together and took a little getting used to. The handle bars on mine were quite wide and it seemed as though the clearance with the cranks down was a little low.
The disk brakes are the only real weakness on this hard tail. These are the first disk brakes I have used for a long ride and I was surprised at how loud they were (I had to apologize to a mom and her baby in a jogger they were so damn loud). The braking was very poor. I would take my rim brakes any day over these.
All that said, for an inexpensive bike you can really move on the flats and up hills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
simonblaine
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: July 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere with mud
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Revolution Cycle
Strengths:
Light weight
Weaknesses:
Juicy 3 brakes (noisy, constant rubbing), headshock (had to have replaced 3 times)
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300, Stumpy, Santa Cruz Superlight Frankenbike
Bike Setup:
Stock Caffeine, except for adding clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
I am not sure if the issues I had with this bike were due to it just being THIS bike. Sometimes there is the one part that is not built or installed quite right and bad things happen. Considering the previous reviews I think this may be the case. In three months of riding, I had the headshock go on me 3 times. The brakes went on me once due to a faulty piston but constantly rubbed and needed adjusting. I live 75 miles from my LBS and during the ownership period I put 200 miles on the bike. During that same time frame I put 950 miles on my truck taking the bike in for service and picking it up. The last time in (for the brake piston) I took it for a short test ride and when I came back the headshock blew for the third time. The managers and owners from the store I bought it from seemed to want to blame me for it (I MUST have been doing 10 ft drops on it with the headshock locked out) but the mechanics at the LBS knew that there was just issues with the bike. Anyway, I got it fixed again by the LBS, took it to another bike shop, traded the F4 in and bought my current bike.
Summary:
3 months owned
Headshock serviced once and replaced 2 times
Brakes - rebuilt once and adjusted numerous times with very temporary results.
200 miles put on bike, 900+ put on truck taking it in for repair.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DennisK
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, Greece Date Reviewed: July 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hymettus
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1380.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
It's a 2009 F4Z with a pair of Rockshox Toras up front. It's light and very fast. Very easy to ride uphill with too. It comes in two colors - black and white - I got the white one which I think looks great. Paint quality and overall finish are I think exceptional - and I love the "handmade in the USA" sticker on it.
Weaknesses:
Frame wise none so far. The Toras are fine for my type of riding. The shifters have been giving me a bit of a headache. The brakes are squeaky but good performers otherwise. The tires are good too both on and off road. Saddle took some getting used to but I think it's OK now - still I prefer the WTB Rocket V I have on the GT.
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar, GT Outpost
Bike Setup:
Caffeine frame, RockShox Tora SL shocks, SRAM x5 shifters, Shimano Deore front DRLR, SRAM X9 rear DRLR, AVID Juicy 3's front and back, Hutchinson TORO tires. Fizic Nysene saddle.
Bottom Line:
A great bike so far. I've ridden close to 1000 km's with it and loved every single one of them. I'd certainly recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Strive215
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresh Meadows, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2009
Stock (just changed handlebars), gonna change pedals and waiting for my thudbuster
Bottom Line:
(This review is for 2009 model)
- Front rotor was warped and made some horrible shearing noise when going fast OR turning front wheel...took it back to shop to "bend" it back...now the rotor doesn't seem to hit the breaks, but i still get "metal on ceramic" noise when i turn at higher speeds =(
Inexcusable for a $1000.00 purchase...
But other than that, I love the bike =)
- Shifts seamlessly and feels light, breaks work well (when not making a metallic noise), headshock is awesome on light trails
4/5 Chilis because of the crappy front break
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tomis8819
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasco, WA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
State Patrol
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$770.00
Purchased At:
local
Strengths:
Solid frame, headshok, decent components for the most part.
Weaknesses:
Avid BB5 mechanical discs (2007 model), stock grips, stock seat, heavy sun black eye rims, isoflow cranks
Bike Setup:
shimano LX crankset, stock bars cut down 3.5 inches, esi grips, fizik saddle
Bottom Line:
This is bike is a solid starting point for a good cross country ride. It comes with some components that may eventually want to be upgraded (brakes, cranks, and wheels mainly) but that is to be expected when paying $1000 for a cannondale mountain bike. I've found the bike to be a very fun ride on winding desert single track, very directable, reminds me of my BMX riding days, and pretty quick. If you're willing to pay a bit more the caffeine series may be worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
iflyprops
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Big Creek, Blankets Creek etc
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Atlanta Cycling
Strengths:
Very well built bike with great components.
Weaknesses:
Would like to see tubeless compatible rims on this bike. Stock chain. Stock Pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Stock, 85psi on Headshock, 32psi in tires.
Bottom Line:
Great bang for the buck. The F4 is a very well built bike with excellent components. For those with squeaky brakes, wipe down the rotors every few rides with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth, keeps the brakes quiet.
I'm also not totally sold on the headshock, but it is growing on me. I would still like to see it have more travel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rickstr
a Weekend Warrior
from Western Mass Date Reviewed: March 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Up the moutain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Edge
Strengths:
Solid bike. Love the Headshok. Great to lock out when climbing.
Weaknesses:
rims
Similar Products Used:
Marin Bobcat trail (my 1st MTB)
Bike Setup:
stock, but new rims on the way
Bottom Line:
Love my Cannondale. Shopped long and hard for bikes after I committed to an Adventure (bike, kayak, hike) race. Between the F4 and a Giant. Made in the USA sold me. Only issue is I took it in for a tune/true and was informed I had cracked the rear rim. I am 6' 180 and not a horribly aggressive rider, though I do get out over the roots and rocks of New England, I kicked the crap out of my Marin and never broke anything serious. It's still rideable, but I'll have new rims for this season. 4 chilis cuz of the rims, but otherwise, I love my F4.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
582fresh
a Racer
from Raleigh, NC, USA Date Reviewed: December 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
whichever one is not at my desk at work
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Chain
Strengths:
Value. Stiffness. Looks fast sitting still.
Weaknesses:
wank-R saddle, just "OK" wheels, but look at the price
I'm an XC racer and ordered a Cannondale Taurine carbon hardtail but it will not arrive until February so I anteed up and got the F4 (2009 version http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9FS4.html) in the meantime, lets just say it is awesome. Totally raceable out of the box and with some light wheels it would be crazy fast. If you are looking at $1000 hardtails stop looking and buy this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spauley
a Downhiller
from Morgantown WV United States Date Reviewed: September 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Pathfinder in Morgan
Strengths:
This bike is VERY light! The brakes are very powerful. Living in Morgantown there are tons of hills and these brake stop automatically!...The mechanic at the store said in about a month it will get even more powerful!..Also the gears are very smooth! The one thing i like the most is the lockout feature...it is very convenient and works very well... and the fact that it was handmade in the USA!!
Weaknesses:
i havent really found any yet
Similar Products Used:
trek 4500 hardtail
Bike Setup:
stock super fatty dl front suspension...
Bottom Line:
This bike is perfect for the money! My brother bought the F5 which is another very good bike, but for two hundred more dollars you get a handmade bike from USA with hydraulic brakes and a better suspension so honestly spend the extra 200 dollars and get this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Old Dude 2
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, Ga Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
neighborhood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Atlanta
Strengths:
Components, frame geometry, high quality
Weaknesses:
None, so far
Similar Products Used:
Various entry level mountain bikes
Bike Setup:
Stock set up
Bottom Line:
I am not a serious trail rider, rather a middle age dad that likes to ride with his kids. My previous mountain bikes were entry level models, bought used. The F4 is probably more bike than I need. Way nicer than anything I have owned previously. I bought it because of brand loyalty (I also have a older Cannondale road bike), the dealer, frame fit and value.
I have been very pleased with it so far. Mostly riding it on streets, parks and light trails. Brakes and derailers are huge upgrades over components on past bikes I have owned. As I previously stated, I didn't need a bike this nice, but am glad I spent the extra couple hundred bucks and got it. If I were climbing boulders and jumping off cliffs, my opinion might be different.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donny31
a Weekend Warrior
from Holland, MI, United States Date Reviewed: July 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Road
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Alger IN Grand Rapid
Strengths:
*Frame and fork
Weaknesses:
*All disc brakes suck and are worthless!
*misc. parts are all really cheap made.
*within 500miles had to take it in for a tuneup (including but not limited to complete new brake system)
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Mesa
Bottom Line:
*Pretty much you are only getting a frame and fork, the rest of the parts and everything else that makes up the bike is junk!!!
*For the price that you are paying, you should be getting a much better quality bike!
*Pay a hundred more and get a better bike (Cannondale Caffeine).
*If you are looking for a bike to ride every now and then, this is the bike for you. But if you are an extreme biker, then, you may want to rethink this bike.
*Honestly? This is an okay bike, but I was EXTREMELY disapointed in it. I was expecting much much better!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daddywho
a Downhiller
from Sydney,Australia Date Reviewed: July 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any fast down hill single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Inner City Cycles,Gl
Strengths:
Great head shock with good travel.Nice rigid frame.Good SRAM components and drive train.The bike can accelerate very quickly from go to whoa!
Weaknesses:
The disc brakes are crap,very noisy!On hard climbs, you have to stay over the front end to keep the balance, otherwise the front comes up big time. Very twitchy in the loose.The Callebero tyres are junk,the side walls are too thin and puncture like crazy.Today I did a 50Km urban ride and punctured twice,only running 65psi front & rear for rolling speed.
Similar Products Used:
Kona down hiller...
Bike Setup:
Out of the box from Cannondale.
Bottom Line:
This is my second Cannondale bike.My first was a M400 rigid frame,built in 1989 and gave me 15 years of riding and racing, I guess I put more than 100,000km on the frame and it didn't break,me,two AC separated shoulders, busted knee,broken arm, but hey, that's racing!My old frame was size large, so I now have a medium and the frame geometry is a bit different to get used to. I'm very happy with the new beast,got some serious noise coming from the crank set which we will fix this week at service.Apart from the noisy brakes, she is a great little machine to ride either socially or on the single track..I'm going to change the tyres for harder side walls and will start putting some titanium bits into the frame...Good Cannondale to start with..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daddywho
a Downhiller
from Sydney,Australia Date Reviewed: July 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any fast down hill single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Inner City Cycles,Gl
Strengths:
Great head shock with good travel.Nice rigid frame.Good SRAM components and drive train.The bike can accelerate very quickly from go to whoa!
Weaknesses:
The disc brakes are crap,very noisy!On hard climbs, you have to stay over the front end to keep the balance, otherwise the front comes up big time. Very twitchy in the loose.The Callebero tyres are junk,the side walls are too thin and puncture like crazy.Today I did a 50Km urban ride and punctured twice,only running 65psi front & rear for rolling speed.
Similar Products Used:
Kona down hiller...
Bike Setup:
Out of the box from Cannondale.
Bottom Line:
This is my second Cannondale bike.My first was a M400 rigid frame,built in 1989 and gave me 15 years of riding and racing, I guess I put more than 100,000km on the frame and it didn't break,me,two AC separated shoulders, busted knee,broken arm, but hey, that's racing!My old frame was size large, so I now have a medium and the frame geometry is a bit different to get used to. I'm very happy with the new beast,got some serious noise coming from the crank set which we will fix this week at service.Apart from the noisy brakes, she is a great little machine to ride either socially or on the single track..I'm going to change the tyres for harder side walls and will start putting some titanium bits into the frame...Good Cannondale to start with..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darrell Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Lake Mary Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$880.00
Strengths:
Great Head shock and smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
The front brake will not allow the wheel to spin freely. The rear brake makes a very loud horn noise each time I used it. It sounds like stepping on a duck. It's heavy compare to a road bike, a Cadillac, a street bus or an oil tanker. The gear lever is as long as a slot machine Handle and works like one too. You never know what gear you're going to get. For nearly a grand, Cannondale can do better.
Similar Products Used:
Commuting to work.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike today and I'm thinking about returning it. It rides like a bike you would buy from Wal Mart. I have in the past owned two different road bikes from Cannondale and love them both. But now I question Cannondale's ability to make a good bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City MO Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Landahl
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Cycle City
Strengths:
Headshock, handling, weight, drivetrain, price.
Weaknesses:
Brakes.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Mesa, Gary Fisher Piranha & Marlin
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano m520 pedals
Bottom Line:
I'm quite pleased with this purchase and have yet to have one ounce of buyers remorse. Point the bike, and it goes exactly where it should. I was very impressed with the drivetrain, made a SRAM believer out of me after many years with Shimano. The headshock is smooth and responsive and steering is incredibly accurate. I was a little concerned that 80mm wouldn't cut it but has been perfect for my riding style and location. My only gripe is the brakes. They function exactly as they should but have a horrible grind/squeal under hard braking. It has yet to affect the performance aside from the fear of an intimate introduction to oncoming tree's. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a
from Elizabethtown Kentucky Date Reviewed: May 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Garage Indy
Strengths:
The bike is incredibly smooth riding and fast
Weaknesses:
None.
Bottom Line:
I just bought this bike but have already had a blast riding it. It is really smooth and a HUGE upgrade from the F5. I can't wait to get it out to some of the trails in the mountains of Kentucky!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver Spring, Maryland, USA Date Reviewed: April 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco - Avalon area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Bike Doctor
Strengths:
Light frame, durable and nimble. Never had any major issues with any of the components. This is a well designed bike. I've only been riding for 1 year so I dont know the benefits of the higher end ($2000+) bikes but this one is definitely a winner.
Weaknesses:
Not necessarily a weakness but you definitely need to maintain the chain, and gears. Clean and oil them after each ride. One thing I noticed is that if I didn't my gears would slip like mad on my next ride.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Boulder SE (owned for 1 month before upgrading to F4)
Bike Setup:
Oury grips, rest is stock
Bottom Line:
Excellent climber, great quality and perfect price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wade
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln, NE Date Reviewed: March 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
dirt ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$835.00
Purchased At:
Bike Rack-Lincoln
Strengths:
solid feel, great geometry, headshock rocks!
Weaknesses:
grips had to go, seat possibly soon, tires?
Similar Products Used:
Schwin, Specialized, KHS, Diamond Back, Fisher, other Cannondale, Giant
Bike Setup:
XT clipless pedals, pedros chili peppers grips, stock
Bottom Line:
only had it a week, but love it. Other bikes felt solid too, but the headshock took the prize.. very little flex when climbing hard and easy lockout right on top. Love it! Go get yours!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob Mathews
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: January 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ute/ Palmer Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
Lock out on headshock works very well. Stable at all speeds, very responsive. Can easily maneuver over sizeable boulders and rock faces Sram derailleurs and shifters are very smooth and don't derail easily. Responsive brakes.
Weaknesses:
Wide handlebars are tricky on single tracks. Long frame, center of gravity shifts easily, will tip forward if rider is not paying attention.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Gary Fisher hard tails
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F4, Spec. BG Pro Carbon shoes, Shimano PD-M424 Pedals
Bottom Line:
Very good bike for downhill riders who don't want to break the bank on a full suspension. Size takes getting used to, but end result is outstanding. Great bike for frequent riders who ride in varying conditions and terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ANTHONY R
a Weekend Warrior
from RED HOOK, NY, USA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
ANY
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
HICKORY & TWEED
Strengths:
IT'S A CANNONDALE!!! FRAME IS NICE AND LITE. HEADSHOK IS NICE.
Weaknesses:
GRIPS ARE DOOKIE.
Bottom Line:
LOVE THE BIKE, IT SHIFTS NICE AND SMOOTH AND IS VERY LITE. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BIKE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ashley
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit, MI Date Reviewed: August 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
The F4 is a solid Cannondale design. It corners on a dime. Fast climber compared to FS. Frame is light and agile. The white paint job is SWEET looking!
Weaknesses:
-Grips keep falling off -SX5 shifter broke but Sram replaced it -Wheelset is HEAVY
Bike Setup:
Stock plus WTB seat post and Crank Bro's egg beaters
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a bike to build onto this is your bike. My plan is to replace componetry when it breaks. I want to save up and replace wheelset as quickly as possible. I absolutely love the F4 and have enjoyed many rides on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN Date Reviewed: July 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything fast and flowy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Light frame for me, Lifetime warranty on frame, looks good in Brown (did not think it would), Headshok works well and is light. Brakes and groupo are good for the price. Solid bike to use and to upgrade on. Its not full suspension, so no loss of power. Lock out really locks it out.
Weaknesses:
Seat keeps slipping. Thinking about a new seatpost. Tires are OK. A little bit pricey, but not bad for a solid upgrade. Its not full suspension.
Similar Products Used:
GT Karakoram.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for a water bottle holder, cat eye micro wireless, Ergo grips (highly recommend) Shimano PD-M424 pedals.
Bottom Line:
This is a really precise handling bike that looks great and feels great. I didnt get a full suspension because in this price range, I could not find a full suspension that I liked the feel of. So this being a hard tail, you can take a whacking. I would definitely recommend this to someone looking for a good hard tail for single track and fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakeside, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Mania
Strengths:
Great looks, relatively light frame, good components, rims, Headshok
Weaknesses:
Not really sure yet, tire size is a bit narrow for a mtb
Similar Products Used:
Giant, Specialized, Schwinn
Bike Setup:
The only changes from stock is to a 1.5 inch shorter handlebar stem
Bottom Line:
Great bike, I enjoy riding it. Does well on teh trails here and not bad on the street. Like the front lockout on the street. Changed the stem for a more upright riding position, wasn't big on being stretched out for what I do with the bike. Cannondale makes a well put together bike, the frame is very cool and I like the Headshok. The components are good for the price too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corey
a Weekend Warrior
from Missouri Date Reviewed: May 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Big Shark Bike Shop
Strengths:
Headshock, it's a cannondale
Weaknesses:
little heavy but it is and XL
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Stock w/eggbeaters
Bottom Line:
Great bike, love the headshok. Components aren't the best but you can always upgrade when they break.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Šime
a Racer
from CROATIA Date Reviewed: January 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Strengths:
I bought this bike and i didnt like it very much but when i put MAVIC CROSSMAX XL, carbon FSA seatpost, SELLE ITALIA and now it is great it climbs like a monster i must say that i am very pleased with HEADSHOK DL it is great frame is lightweight I will maybe change drivetrain.
Weaknesses:
Brakes are very weak and main parts are terrible but after some changes it is great.
Similar Products Used:
CORRATEC SUPERBOW RACE CANNONDALE F600
Bottom Line:
After some changes bike is great Price is normal for cannondale, you get wat you have paid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Lauderdale Date Reviewed: December 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$870.00
Purchased At:
Fort Lauderdale
Strengths:
Solid frame, good quality. Fork locking is very good. Lifetime frame warranty.
Weaknesses:
Comes with very cheap: 1. Saddle 2. Seatpost 3. Pedals 4. Handlebar 5. Tires Price is a bit high.
Bottom Line:
A bit heavy. Good bas for upgrades, frame and fork are solid. If you change saddle, seatpost, pedals, handlebar and tires bike is good. All the rest is good for its money.
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