120mm of balanced front and rear travel combined with impeccably refined handling make the light, efficient RZ platform the perfect bike for long trail rides or your favorite marathon event.
Submitted by
Bgreer
a Weekend Warrior
from cpl.tass@yahoo.com
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2011
Strengths: Lefty Fork, Makes it easy to bounce over roots when climbing tech. singletrack
Weaknesses: Front Derailer, Wheelsets, rear derailer
Bottom Line:
Cannondale tried to make it right at the begining by giving me a new rear wheel,new front derailer,etc....but the bottom line is almost every time I ride it something isn't right and needs replaced. I know that stuff brakes, but really....every ride!!!!! Cannondale refused to call it a, "Lemon" when I asked for a trade in, or my $$$$ back after only having the bike 3 months and had to replace almost everything. I WILL NEVER BY CANNONDALE AGAIN. I can't wait to get rid of this thing at the end of the season!
Strengths: This bike is a 2010 bike through and through, unlikely to look dated as cannondale don't alter things all the time just get it right first time. Supple suspension which stiffens as you pedal down, sram gearing which is superior in my opinion, lightweight and excellent climber yet chuckable too. A confidence inspiring ride
Weaknesses: Stem too long and bars too thin unless you're a racer, Schwalbe Rocket ron's might be fast but not mud friendly, should have lock on grips as standard really, 1800 pound bikes should have sealed bearing hubs surely
Bottom Line:
The difference betwen this and the award winning, 2005 Scott Genius MC50 highlights the advancements that have been made in such a short time. This bike is stiffer, racier, lighter, the parts are superior (might cost more but prices have gone up) except for the hubs, though functionally they're similar anyway. Definitely could do with a shorter stem and some bigger bars as it's stretched and this would make it a better trail centre tamer as opposed to racer. It's a bike for life though and people who don't replace every year should look here, just upgrade as you feel as the frame is worth it and you'll have a top quality steed.
Bike Setup: Stock except Odi lock-on grips, Gusset slim jim magnesium pedals, X9 shifters, Maxxis Ardent tyres
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Esteban Quiros
a Cross Country Rider
from Plantation, Florida, USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2010
Strengths: Great strong bike for climbs, like my old cannondales gets the job done (Scapel& Rush)
Weaknesses: Crank had to be updated to FSA afterburner also braves and shifters all replaced to X-9 scram.Seatand handle bar were replaced to carbon bontrager handle bar and easton seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike , if you are a MTB rider looking for the a great bike with the basic setup.
Submitted by
PuckWild
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, Alaska
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2010
Strengths: The construction is super stiff, along with the Lefty gives you extra confidence that this thing can take nearly anything you find on the trails, in all it makes for an awesome XC ride. Lockout is a definite plus.
Weaknesses: The Lefty, I know it may sound like lunacy but I've had some trouble mounting my computer sensor on the fork (yes even with the lefty computer mount that Cdale makes) makes for really awkward mounting of the sensor and the magnet. Wish I had gone for a PBR instead of a DLR Lefty but not to say I'm not happy with it's performance anyway.
The seat isn't my cup of tea get a bit on your taint's nerves after a while, need to make the groove in the center deeper. The Noby Nick that come on it are a little sketchy when cornering on loose gravel but most riders should be able to manage.
Bottom Line:
This is definitely an XC/Marathon bike despite the seat issue I have with it, I could still ride all day on it without much complaint. Very pleased with the frame construction. I would only change the things that I mentioned in the weakness block and possibly change the setup to a 2X10 drivetrain. It's gonna be a great summer for riding and I honestly can't leave the damn thing alone (when I'm done riding I want to go back out again)
Cannondale Lefty's are somewhat proprietary so be warned if you plan on getting a roof rack for it or have one already buy the adapter (20$).
If you've an XC rider you will love this, if you're looking for more travel maybe the One Forty might by more for you but give this one a shot first you might be surprised.
Similar Products Used: Trek Liquid Twenty 2003 (stock)
Bike Setup: Stock except for Shimano M-520 pedals and Ergon GX1 grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
filesk
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, Co, USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2010
Strengths: Stiff frame, great suspension feel, clean paint, great geometry, decent parts; comes with lock on grips and actual Candy pedals rather than low end Smartys.
Weaknesses: Brakes are a bit cheap; although they work just fine; XT hub would be better than a Deore at this price
Bottom Line:
The frame build quality, geometry, and the new lefty are outstanding. The parts are decent, except I'd expect nicer brakes for the $2600 retail price. Weight is at 28.5 including heavy pedals for size L. Rides smooth and the suspension is very predictable and balanced; considerably more so than my last FSR bike. The rear shock, Rockshox Monarch 3.3 is easy to use and feels efficient. Overall, the good suspension, handmade in USA frame, ride quality and high end aluminum; probably outweigh some of the cheaper parts; and it's BB30 compatible. Great frame to upgrade in the future.
Anyone have one of these? comments to pass along? I can get a dealer's price on this bike but won't be able to try in advance. I know this is a no-no, but any advice on which would Read More »
Hey all,
I need some help. The wife would like a bike , but I’m in the middle of
what to get.
LBS can order this from C’dale they still have some 2009 in stock
[url]http://ww Read More »
Please help me choose between these two bikes...
[IMG]http://www.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/2011/xl/fuelex6_silver.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://cannondalemountainbike.com/wp-content/up Read More »
Hello,
I thought I'd hit up my fellow Cannondalers to see if anyone knew of a local bike shop that has a 2010 RZ One Twenty 3 (Large Frame - Red) in stock? I just missed one on Read More »
After an 8 year hiatus I'm looking to get back in the saddle. My last bike was a Cannodale that I built from the frame up. I'm wondering what you guys think about this bike? My Read More »
