Submitted by
willhouse207
a Weekend Warrior
from Gray Maine
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2011
Strengths: very light, good geo, 1-1/8 headset
Bottom Line:
Pretty awesome bike. Very very light since its fully ridged AL. I bought it on a trip to NC, wanted to bike while i was down there and it was cheaper to buy this than fly my ellsworth down and back. This bike brought me back, 21 speed, pedal cages, no suspension. I had a blast on the bike. I still have it, and although I don't ride it often, I doubt I will ever give it up
Submitted by
love2mtnbike8888
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2009
Strengths: Very lightweight, responsive, rigid and durable frame. Easily climbs mountain trails. Paint work is fantastic. I've had this bike for 16 years and have had absolutely no problems! Will never give this bike up!
Weaknesses: Components were so-so. I've upgraded to XTRs, Avids 7, Mavics tires and it is fantastic now!
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line: I have owned this bike for 16 years and have do not regret getting this bike. Everyone I meet knows about this bike and yearns to own one. Met a man with his $5,000 carbon Cannondale and he told me he wish he could get his M500 back and sell his carbon bike. If you want a quality XC bike, this is one of the best as far as a number of my friends say.
Favorite Trail: Any single tracks! Hard to find tho
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At: Costco
Similar Products Used: mid-level KHS, mid-level Diamondback, and cheap-level Skykomish (I think right spelling)
Bike Setup: XTRs drive components including crankset, both derailleurs and 8-speed free wheels, Avids 7 V-brakes, SRAM speed shifters, Carbon JudyRox Shocks suspension forks, Velociraptor tires, working on changing seat and seat post.
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Value Rating:
Submitted by
rcloud
a Cross Country Rider
from Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2009
Strengths: Superb lightweight, responsive, rigid and durable frame. Climbs like a mountain goat.
Weaknesses: The paintwork chips relatively easily. I was led to believe that the Cannondale paintwork was almost bomb proof but perhaps I was just unlucky or perhaps 1993 was not a good year
Bottom Line:
I have owned this bike for almost 16 years and although I have bought other MTBs since I keep coming back to this one as it seems to suit me much better. When equiped with the Big Apple tyres and pannier rack it is a superb touring bike that still handles well even when laden with my tent and other equipment.
Bike Setup: Original Shimano Altus groupset but replaced saddle as frame is very rigid and I needed something that was a bit more comfortable. For road and light trail use I also utilize the superb Schwalbe Big Apple replaced tyres, which are fast, great for cornering and almost puncture proof
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Eitan Avner
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006
Strengths: Great rigid frame, light and durable. Great finish.
Weaknesses: Parts. Frame can be too stiff for long ridings.
Bottom Line:
I have used my bikes in the past 13 years since I bought them on most of riding style: City, Cross Country, All Mountain, tried some Urban (had to change the seat post due to no experience though ;-) Most of my riding were ~30-40 km (~18-25 miles) with some exceptions of ~75-80 miles. Great frame (Sometimes too stiff ;-), very good on climbing, fast and responsive. Finish is great no paint chip (I guess if I kept it for 13 years I keep it forever ;-) I am planning to replace the gearing to Speed-hub system. If you are looking for an all purpose bikes, give Cannondale a chance, this bike can handle almost any terrain, and I have tried some rough terrains.
Bike Setup: Original 1993 setup + rear Cannondale carrier. I changed the chain and the shifters once.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Dano
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005
Strengths: fantastic frame, durability, frame stiffness, climbing, and smooth as silk cruising
Weaknesses: stock wheels and hubs, deraileurs both front and rear especially the front
Bottom Line:
this bike is an awesome ride, fully rigid frame is really responsive and precise. The caad 2 frame is bulletproof, upgrade the components and this bike is the most reliable off road machine made. the high quality ride of this bike will last forever.
Bike Setup: shimano m system brake pads on STX canti's, STX rc front deraileur, STX rear deraileur, turbocat qr 25 lighting system (kicks ass) and m 520 shimano clipless pedals
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Submitted by
PAUL WITT
a Cross Country Rider
from MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2004
Strengths: SUPER LIGHT, ULTRA DURABLE (4 DIGGERS AND NO DENTS IN THE FRAME)EASY TO FIND ACCESSORIES FOR...
Weaknesses: WEAK COMPONENTS, THEY ALL PROBABLY NEED TO BE REPLACED
Bottom Line:
FOR THE PRICE I PAID AND HAVE USED, THIS BIKE IS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD, ULTRA DURABLE, NO MAJOR REPAIRS HAVE EVER BEEN NEEDED, I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BIKE TO A FIRST TIME BUYER, I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING BUT CANNONDALE, GO USA!
Bike Setup: ROCK SHOX, CODA SEAT, KALITE POST, FACTORY SHIFTING,
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Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston, WV
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Strengths: Withstood the test of time. Super stiff frame.
Weaknesses: Super stiff frame.
Bottom Line:
Bike purchased new in 1996. It is showing its age now, but I could not have asked any more from it over the years. I plan on my next mountain bike being a Cannondale.
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Beach, VA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001
Strengths: Light Durable Built to last
Weaknesses: Stand-over height Components
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike used for $140. I don't think I'll ever find a better deal. The frame is outstanding and strong. When I bought it I weighted 225 lbs and it handled the weight very well. It has taken York River and Waller Mill in Williamsburg with no problems. The components are being replaced as fast as my wife and checkbook will allow. Great frame to build on. I would recommend this bike to anyone.
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Winston-Salem, NC
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2000
Strengths: durable, light, and FAST.
Weaknesses: components
Bottom Line:
a great value when i got it in 1995 - i have ridden mine HARD for the past 5 years, and it still rides well. the components suck, and are outdated, but the frame is rock solid. handles tight corners well, fast downhill. a good starter hardtail...point it and hang on.
Bike Setup: STX front and rear, manitou x-vert front fork, rolf satellites w/conti tires 7 speed grip shift
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Submitted by
Donovan
a Cross Country Rider
from Bedford, VA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000
Strengths: Good Paint Strong Durable
Weaknesses: Not as light as you'd think
Bottom Line:
I've ridden this bike for two years offroad. Check out the trails around Lynchburg/Roanoke VA to see what terrain this bike has survived. The Imron paint has held up well. Cannondale makes a great bike- too bad they're so into these wacky front shock and full suspension concepts, otherwise I'd buy another when I eventually retire the M500, which won't be anytime soon.
Bike Setup: Sun Rims, Marzocchi Front Shock, STX/LX components, Wellgo Clipless
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Submitted by
Lisa
a Weekend Warrior
from Holliston, MA USA
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2000
Strengths: Sturdy frame, lightweight. The 14" frame is a perfect fit for a petite rider (under 5') like me!
Weaknesses: None as of yet
Bottom Line:
I was worried about paying so much for this bike, but my worries were unfounded. This bike is nice and lightweight, making it easy for me to travel with it. It has stood the test of two hard years biking in Vietnam (check the reviews of this trail!) and hasn't broke yet!
Similar Products Used: None, had a cheapo Walmart version previously
Bike Setup: Just the standard M500
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cdale
a Cross-Country Rider
from pittsburgh,Pa
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1999
Strengths: strong lightweight good price
Weaknesses: not the greatest stand over hight coda parts suck
Bottom Line:
This bike has a great frame light and Incredibly strong. It is a bit flexy but I don't care. I broke all the coda parts and I weigh 125. Its a good frame to build on.
Submitted by
Rus
a Cross-Country Rider
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999
Strengths: Well-balanced, visually appealing, durability. High-quality finishes/coats. Canny's blow the competition away. My '94 model still looks new!
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Nice frame for the money. Cannondale is pricey, but, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. All Canny's are well-built and ride like Cadillacs.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockhopper, Cannondale F-400.
Bike Setup: Upgraded to XT, 24-speed, Ritchey rims.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Green 13
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Jo
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999
Strengths: solid frame, big ass AMERICAN FLAG
Weaknesses: rear end tends to wash out. cheap parts, expensive brand name
Bottom Line:
This is a light frame and very strong, it can take the abuse without sharing it to your arms. The back tire tends to wash, but if your conscience of this it is not a problem. With the right upgrades this can be a fine XC bike. Don't pay the money for shotty coda products,coda sucks like a sorority bimbo out for love.
Gooday everyone, or anyone,
I need help from someone who knows something about bike components.
I have an old 1995 Cannondale M500. I would like to get a new set of wheels - Read More »
* Edited to correct missing part name.
I just bought a used Cannondale M500 that needs a little brake work. Specifically, one of the rear bosses are missing. My LBS says it's Read More »
Can anyone tell me the part number or location I can order a brake boss for my M500? The few Cannondale dealers I've called in FL have been useless.
Or better, does anyone have Read More »
I have a 1995 Cannondale M500 that seems to be creaking down near the crank. I was going to look into taking it apart but my buddy who has the exact same "horse" said a bike shop t Read More »
