Bike Setup: White Industries hubs, stock fork and braking gear, Mavic wheels
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Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from New York City USA
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2007
Strengths: Amazing acceleration, super fast and efficient, super light, beautiful to look at, nice BB clearance, great geometry for aggressive technical riding, and for urban handling. I have had this bike for a year, I bought it used and stock (but pristine)for 400, and have since decked it out, hence the $1200 price.
Weaknesses: Some would say the ride is harsh. I would say it is responsive and direct. A bit twitchy with a flat bar, I would recommend a riser. Not a good bike for those who prefer to leave their butt on the saddle and let suspension do all the work.
Bottom Line:
This bike is beautiful, unique, and amazingly fun to ride. It is the most pure hardtail I have ever ridden, and the way it accellerates and responds to your body's most subtle handling cues must be felt to be believed.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Killer V 900, Specialized Stumpjumper M2 comp
Bike Setup: 95 red Beast of the East with yellow lettering, rigid pepperoni fork, 9 speed XT, dt hugi wheels, magura HS11 front brakes, avid arch rival rear, kooka cranks, syncros hinged stem, syncros seat post, san marco no slip seat, azonic riser bars
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Submitted by
Paul Crawford
a Cross Country Rider
from Vassalboro,ME,USA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2006
Strengths: Stiff, light, strong, standard measurements, any aftermarket part fits...
Weaknesses: Paint chips a little...
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike with heavy but serviceable Sugino and Suntour parts, and have since replaced nearly every part on it with carbon, titanium, or alloy everywhere but the drivetrain, which is a Wippermann stainless chain on a Surly stainless chainwheel and Gussett stainless cog. This is THE setup for singlespeeds. Super smooth... you can not hear the drivetrain, no matter how hard you smash.
Similar Products Used: NOt too similar, but Ibis Szazbo w/ mostly Ti parts, Nukeproof Hubset, H-bars, etc. Cook Bros. E-Cranks
Bike Setup: LP Composites, Paul's Components, AC Racing, Phil Wood, Gussett, Surly, Mavic, Selle San Marco, Salsa, etc. about 16 lbs. total
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Submitted by
Viktor
a Weekend Warrior
from Prague, Czech rep
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2004
Strengths: Design, weight.
Weaknesses: I bought a too small frame... arrrgh
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, even it is smaller than it should be. I felt in love in 1998. i bought just one of the last pieces probably. It is the bike, which makes me happy to ride, which is fun to ride. I will try Scalpel soon, but i feel, M900 is the deep love, nothing cannot beat my beast..
Bike Setup: original cannondale´s setup (XT, LX, Mavic...)
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Submitted by
shawn
a Downhiller
from vancouver, bc
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004
Strengths: Totally original, geeky cool, and stiff, stiff, stiff. A technical trail weapon of unparalleled fabulousness.
Weaknesses: If you corner it too fast on a rocky non-tech descent, it'll kill you (I think this is particularly true for us tall fellers)....That and the fact that they don't make it any more...
Bottom Line:
If you want nine inches of plushness or rock-solid downhill handling then this is the worst bike you could possibly buy.If, however,you're in the market for the niftiest technical trail bike ever built, this is your baby. I grew up on the North Shore and continue to ride there on a regular basis, and while i don't have the ability (or balls)to huck my particular bike off a twenty foot drop, it handles everything else with aplomb.The thirteen-inch-high bb makes the situation a tad skittery at speed but for freaky-tight trails and steeps this bike rocks.All ya gotta do is remember to look where you want to go and keep your butt well behind the saddle...the beast takes care of the rest! The best part is it doesn't matter how long, steep, or tech the climb to the trail head is, you'll always arrive refreshed and ready for more...
Bike Setup: old skool: chro-mo cannondale fork (came with theframe...love 'em), suntour shifters (pre-sis) and xc-comp r-der, 22-34 f-cogs with envy chain guard on a pair of 180mm 1986 shimano xt cranks...weeeeeeee! (I bought the frame only so i don't know about the regular parts spec)
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, SC
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2003
Strengths: Ground clearance, crisp handling, stiffness, geometry (for us taller folks), durability, light weight (for the time), I could go on...
Weaknesses: Age of rig, "unfashionable" look, can beat you up if you have no skill on a rigid bike...
Bottom Line:
This bike has been bullet-proof for me! I bought it used in 95 and I've ridden it both as a MTB and a beater since then, replacing only the seatpost/saddle and the cassette/chain and middle chainring. It still has the Pepperoni fork, so it's not a forgiving rig, but I run a low pressure front tire to give it a little extra cushion. I'm 6'4", and the large frame is perfect for me. I ride a C'dale road frame, too (I'm really a roadie), and I love the products, though if I were 5'8" I would feel different!
On the good local trails here, Lost Creek and Spider Woman in Harbison Forest, the bike performs admirably, and in these days of disposable bikes (and everything else, too), it's a comfort to know this bike isn't going to break on me. I would consider updgrading to a Rock Shox fork, but the Pepperoni requires more skill, a satisfaction after a technical ride, and the alluminum fork isn't completely without flex after all, remember.
Although it's difficult to find a rigid bike these days, much less a truck-like Beast frame, a bike like this will make you a better rider. I see a lot of people on full suspension rigs who can't ride a bike. Riding a rigid bike reminds me that the whole point of being out there is for the challenge - not to make it as smooth and easy as possible. People rode trails for decades with no suspension and never complained. The other person here who compared bikes to BMW's and Cadillacs is spot on. If you want a rougher, more technical and challenging ride, simply by virtue of the bike itself, then check out a Beast or something equivalent. There are some things you would never use it for, but for 95% of what you are going to do, it will be there for you.
Favorite Trail: Lost Creek/Spider Woman (Harbison)
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At: Local Shop
Similar Products Used: other bikes, suspended, etc
Bike Setup: 93 Red BotE frame (LG), Campy Stheno rims on Exage hubs, LX components, Control Tech stem, bull horns, Rock Shox suspension post (set pretty stiff).
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Submitted by
Otto Hammad
a Cross Country Rider
from Avon, CO
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002
Strengths: Stiff, Super High BB Clearance, Cool Colors
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I love Cannondale. This is my second M800 "Beast of the East" frame / fork set, and I only had to replace it because some bimbo in Willmington, NC nailed me crossing the highway at 50 mph and bent the rear chain stay side-ways! Needless to say, Cannondale would not warranty it. I have rode this machine on carzy single track in West Virginia for 4 years, sick down hilling in Vail, CO. for a year, as a beach cruiser in Willmington, NC for a summer, commuted crazy New Brunswick, NJ for several years and now ride it about 60 miles a week, mostly jumping stairs and at the skate park by my house. She has never let me down! Sure I snap off rear deraillures like they are going out of style and have to build new wheels on occasion, but I don't buy crazy expensive parts. Some of the best riders I have ever know, I have seen out ride these guys on their $2,000 + bikes, with old school $150 mountain bikes, now that is embarassing! So, when I walk into a bike shop and some punk is judging me by my Suntour shifters, and eluding to the fact that you ain't SH#T unless your riding a full suspension bike with a Chris King headset and this that and the other thing, all I hear is bla bla bla bla bla.... yeah, you really need all that here in Jersey, what are you gonna do the sick 60 foot vertical drop at the landfill! I'm just sorry I can no longer buy my Suntour shifter! I am in the process of switching over to 9 speed technology and reducing my headtube to 1 1/8" so I can put a decent fork up front, which I am looking forward to. Stay loyal!
Similar Products Used: I've ridden this frame since it came out in 90ish? Had a Fuji before it.
Bike Setup: Flite seat, home built Mavic Wheels, Suntour Shifters, cheap deraillures, Very crappy Rock Shocx Quadra 1 1/4" Shock the chick at my LBS talked me into, it sucks. The BB cartridge is about 10 years old and still ticking with several thousand miles on it.
Strengths: Great frame - takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Stiff, responsive, stiff, geometry is awesome for XC riding, stiff, this machine climbs like there's no tomorrow, did I say stiff? Decent components.
Weaknesses: Force 40 brakes are kind of mushy (but this was pre V-brakes.) Old head-tube size (1 1/4" - you have to get an adapater to put a new fork on...)
Bottom Line:
After nine years I can say this bike has definitely served me well and has stood up to lots of abuse. This is a great bike for XC riding - it handles extremely well and has great BB clearance. And man does this thing climb! If you're looking for a great handling XC machine, definitely consider this bike (or Cannondale's latest incarnation of it.) Yeah, it doesn't handle or ride like a full suspension bike but this baby keeps you in control and glued to the trail. Comparing hard tails to full suspension is like comparing a BMW to a Cadillac - they are two totally different beasts. The Cadillac has that plush, marshmallow ride while the BMW has that (almost) harsh handling that sports car drivers love. Same with hard tail vs. full suspension. With full suspension you trade some of the handling capabilities for a smoother ride. So it depends on what you're looking for and what type of rider you are. If you like a responsive, although sometimes harsh ride, hardtail is for you - and the Beast of the East is a great contender. Taking this downhilling, though, will be quite the adventure - hold on for your life. I, being pretty much exclusively a XC rider, love this bike. That said, my only gripe with Cannondale is that they often use odd sizes and/or proprietary components (i.e. Headshox) which makes it difficult to add or upgrade components to anything other than Cannondale components. And since the frame lasts so long, years down the line when you need to replace or upgrade something it can be tough to find a part or you end up buying adapters, etc... But that's not insurmountable, so 5 flamin' chilis all around.
Bike Setup: In the course of the 9 years the main things I've replaced are: saddle, fork (added Rockshox suspension), pedals (clipless) and the usual stuff that wears out (i.e. chain, cassette, ...)
Strengths: High BB makes technical stuff a breeze. Suprisingly durable (with powder coat)
Weaknesses: Mine wasn't suspension compensated so the fork made things odd, and the 1 1/4 HD didn't last, had to convert my King for a 1 1/8 fork.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I've worked in the industry for 14 years (since I was a wee shop rat) and the bike has made several conversions with me since 93 but it's riden from Moab to VT, Flagg, sedona, NH, ME, NC, and everywhere in between. With the fork on she has over 16" on bb clearence. Top that. Sure it's a freak bike and has taken a lot of getting used to with the high center of gravity, the harsh rear end, freakish head tube angle, and the long wheelbase, but the fact is that I've had several lifetimes worth of fun on this bike. I love it to peices. I'm about to get a Seven Sola, which I know will be amazing, but I'm a bit afraid to hang up my baby. It may live out it's years as a ridgid single speed.
Strengths: Shiny, shiny, shiny. I know I shouldn't have bought a frame just cos it looked nice in the shop window, but I did so there. Regrets? Not a chance.
Weaknesses: The yellow decals clash with my cycling shoes
Bottom Line:
I bought the frame because it looked good and because someone took my old pride and joy alu framed bike away from me over the garden wall... so I went out and bought bits that I thought would look good bolted to the frame, disregarded all notions of geometry, ignored warnings about putting a 130mm travel fork on a hardtail, and by god does it ride!! Anyone looking for a bike they can fire at the trail with wanton disregard for whatever is coming the other way, something that you can just point in more or less the right direction and come out the other side grinning like a crazy then email me and I'll send you the full spec cos I am doing all of the above. in fact its well after dark here and I've just finished charging my Cateye stadium 80w+ lights, off to BURN up some singletrack...
Similar Products Used: Like anything could be similar
Bike Setup: 2002 Marzocchi Z1 drop off (130mm), azonics doublewalled riser bar, raceface stem, FSA headset, mavic crossride UST wheelset, XT and XTR bits.
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Submitted by
Fletch
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Strengths: Lightweight, bombproof frame. High bottom bracket geometry. stiff frame
Weaknesses: nothing major, few crap stock components
Bottom Line:
I have ridden and raced my '92 M800 for 9 years. The only things which remain original now are the frame, crank arm, thumbshifters and levers (dia compe ss7's are the best levers ever!). I have hammered the hell out of this bike year in year out, and the only things that have broke have been aftermarket items, and some of the cheaper stock parts. High bb and stiff as hell frame make it excellent in twisty singletrack. Gets the power down brilliantly, nice and light so you can throw it about, very responsive. Clearance over rocks and logs is a great advantage (laugh as your mates come off on the same rock!) Original pepperoni forks got recalled due to dodgy alu steerer tube, and replacement rock shox quadra 10's are crap. Other than that, no complaints. I bought it because it had a quality lightweight frame that i could upgrade with components of my choice, and chose the geometry because of all the technical singletrack i ride. Yes the ride's a little harsh on rocky descents, but you don't buy a 'Beast' for that. Everything else has been fantastic. One question: IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE HIGH BB, WHY THE HELL BUY A 'BEAST OF THE EAST'?
Similar Products Used: M600, Delta V900, Kona, Gary Fisher
Bike Setup: Rock shox quadra 10 forks, Hope ti hubs on mavic 517's, flite ti saddle, profile bars, dia compe ss7's levers
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Submitted by
Bill Francis
a Cross Country Rider
from MA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000
Strengths: Love the 13 inches clearance from the chainring to the ground, makes you feel safe from those jagged rocks. Very lightweight, components arent bad.
Weaknesses: Crappy brakes. Derailuers are a bit slow, proably because they are 3 years old! Other than that great bike!
Bottom Line:
This is a quality bike for those of you out there who just like to bike XC up on the mountain on the weekends. I used it for trials riding and XC, both of those are beautiful with this bike. I recomend this bike from beginners to intermediate. Wish they would continue the product!!!
Strengths: Excellent frame geometry for northeast technical riding. As with other cannondales, very little energy loss due to flex giving greta responsiveness in tight spots.
Weaknesses: Mix of XT & LX components left something to be desired, an upgrade is needed right from the start. Brakes work great when the planets all line up and you can actually get them adjusted properly. CODA bar ends.
Bottom Line:
Overall, a great bike for technical/trials riding.
Weaknesses: High BB. This makes the riding position feel strange for everyday riding, especally after riding other bikes with a normal BB height
Bottom Line:
The high BB gives a very different feel, and a different riding position. But gives brilliant clearance for Trials. Jumping and DH isn't too bad, although any fork with more than 80mm jacks up the front end and the bb height.
So Ive got a 97 Beast of the East and its still rigid right now but Im going to be putting front suspension on it. I have a pair of rock shox judy xc but the steerer tube is longer Read More »
Just got back from a good ride, the sunlight was good for some photos, so here goes.
I have a strange affection for this bike... probably because it's one of the first nice thin Read More »
I have a 1996 Cannondale M800 that I just recently started riding again. I've been thinking of adding a riser bar and shorter stem to it to make the riding position a bit more com Read More »
Hey does anybody know what size headset the SM800 uses? Its from the late 80s and I cant find any exact specs on it outside of bikepedia.
I would like to convert it to a thread Read More »
Hi guys..gals,
I,m picking up a 1992 Cannondale M800 Beast of the East. It has been stored" outside for some time but the frame is mint!I i'm giving $100.00! What do ya think?! I Read More »
