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Submitted by
baggsby
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallahassee, FL USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Cadillac / Tom Brown | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ken's | | Strengths: | HeadShok, lightweight, good component group | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale M800 | | Bike Setup: | '97-'01 Box Stock
'01 upgraded to FirePro XC tires, Avid Ti brakes | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely bulletproof XC bike. Ridden hard for over a decade (North Florida=banging over roots, sugar sand but few drops or jumps).
Light, fast, climbs well. Now I've upgraded to a Scalpel | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arnar Johannsson
a Cross Country Rider
from Reykjavik Iceland
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | good | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Bonney Lake, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | victor falls | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Milton Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | This bike is an excellent climber, it's stiff light frame makes steering almost telepathic. Super fast | | Weaknesses: | I've had trouble with almost every component with the exception of the shimano drive train. The first item to fail me was the cruddy coda disk brakes, they left me hanging in the middle of several rides before i had them replaced with a set from Magura. Works flawlessly now. Then I blew the crank bearing shortly after, for reasons unknown. I wasn't dropping off cliffs or anything like that. Bent the Coda disk rims, had them replaced with Vueltas a little heavier but much more durable. And the nagging problem thats drving me crazy is the leaky head shok. I had it serviced,torn down and rebuilt several times and it always starts leaking air. I maintained this bike not anally but good enough. I made sure crud didn't get under the shok boot, i cleaned and lubed the stantion regularly. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale FR-1000, Gary Fisher Sugar | | Bottom Line: | Other than the crappy cannondale components the bike is great. perhaps this bike is not really suited for the real-mountain environment of the northwest. my freeride is quite up to the task, but then again the twin stanchion fork is built like a tank and the only coda parts are the handlebars, seat and crank. i love the frame, and i would like to replace all the components but coda specs makes this impossible and a new fork would cost almost as much as a new bike. So i hate to say that this is probably my last cannondale. I'll put road tires on it and hope nothing else breaks. Definitely not a bike for west of the Rocky Mountains. Maybe i'll reconsider if cannondale starts using standard head tube and crank dimensions so it's not held hostage to CODA. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Konstantin Levitsky
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Budget Bikes, Madison, WI | | Strengths: | Super light,
Great paint finish (nearly impossible to chip),
Locking head shock,
Great looking bike | | Weaknesses: | Can't think of any. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab and Moab 2
Cannondale F800
Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Shimano XT derailleurs, Mythos XRC tires and rims, fatty-D fork and head shock. | | Bottom Line: | Awsome bike. Excellent on turns and downhils. I have the medium sized one (I'm 6'00", 180lb). The handling on the smaller frame is fantastic. It's a tough bike too. Gravity got the drop on me a few times, I got banged up, but the bike was fine, besides needing some new tubes and the rims trued. People notice the bike everywhere I go and give me the "nice bike". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kristian Ristell
a Downhiller
from Melbourne Australia
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rankins Fireline | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame Finish, very light, tackles trails easily, almost uncrashable. | | Weaknesses: | Standard rims are weak, tires have insufficiant tread to start with. CODA cranks were incompatible, CODA Disc-Brakes went off after 100km. | | Similar Products Used: | Repco K2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but now I have EBC RED disc brake pads in ..Much better. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best Bike I have ever owned, I find myself getting way more air than I thought I could, it`s just so light, I weigh about 75kg and I have bent rims, maybe Im just too hard on the poor thing, Disc-Brakes now pull up like a Formula 1 car, after new pads! The Headshock is cool, This bike turns heads in the city, on the rare occasion that it is there, Cannondale F900 99 is the McLaren of the bush. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Lee
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
AlleyCat | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Color
Stiffness
Weight
Suspension
Handling | | Weaknesses: |
None yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona Cinder Cone
Kona NuNu | | Bike Setup: |
Cad² frameset, Fatty D | | Bottom Line: | I agree with everything Travis said earlier. Im 61 and 178lbs and haven't felt any weakness in the frame or fork. Bike is very tuff, quick and the travel is very hyper active. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Cross-Country Rider
from NH
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fort Rock, Exeter NH | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Price
Weight
Durability
Looks
Cannondale performance! | | Similar Products Used: |
'99 Trek 7000
'99 Schwinn Moab 2
'99 GT Karakoram | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I bought it leftover this year at a significant discount. I have ridden it HARD since I've owned it with no real problems other than the usual wear and tear. I don't know what everyone is talking about with regard to rider weight. I'm 6'6 and a solid 245 pounds and I haven't been able to break it yet. Trust me--I've tried. For the money I paid, I have absolutely no complaints. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
riley
a Cross-Country Rider
from michigan
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
precise steering
great frt suspension
beautiful workmanship
light weight | | Weaknesses: |
top tube slope | | Similar Products Used: |
gt zaskar le
trek 8000
giant atx 880 | | Bike Setup: |
caad3 frameset, fatty d fork | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike! i just bought one of last years frames and built it up with xt components & mavic wheels. i must admit that this frame fits me technically (3 and change, maybe 3.5 standover), i'm just used to a taller frame at the seat cluster. this is not a unique feature to the cannondale, though. i never realized how much my old judy and sx-r flexed. i thought all of the talk of fork flex was a bunch of bunk until i rode this! this fork, i guess it would apply to all of cannondale's forks, is seriously stiff. switching between the (new) sx-r and this is amazing. i can feel that manitou flex and it bothers me. this frame is stout, but compared to the zaskar, it looks underbuilt. this bike truly accelerates faster than anything i've ever ridden. i think i'm hooked. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Shouldn't there be a way to weed out the FAT ASS people who complain about breaking their frame? I own a 97 F500 (that now has full XT drivetrain, Mavic 517 rims, XT hubs, TIME pedals, etc) that has been to hell and back. Numerous crashes, including one 40mph humdinger in which the bike flew at least 40yds through the air, landing in a 10ft deep ditch, with myself landing after about 10yds, has not harmed the frame in the slightest. FAT PEOPLE DO NOT BELONG ON BIKES!!! Go buy yourself a BMX bike that weighs 35 lbs to support your FAT ASS, and stop dragging down the rewiews of perfectly fine AMERICAN MADE Cannondales | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skinny
a weekend warrior
from Small, DT
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
All those !@#$%^&* Fat people who break their bikes or bottom the shock out need to loose some weight before posting here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!CANNONDALES AND HEADSHOCK ARE PRETTY GOOD FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WEIGH IN THE APPROPRIATE RANGE. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas Franz
a cross-country rider
from Misawa AB, Japan
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
My F900 is two years old now and I do not have any complaints. The DD60 is great and I use the lock-out feature on smooth uphills, on my trainer, and when I occasionally put on slicks for a fitness road ride. I am now replacing the drivetrain because it is wearing out but the frame still looks good. I still can't help but smile everytime I pull my bike out and go for a ride. CANNONDALE RULES! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Chatzis
a cross-country rider
from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I,ve had my 98 F900 C'Dale for three months. The bike rules period. The headshock out preforms any other forks out there. It's very responsive and does not flex at all. The parts are great, the bikes lite, stiff and has a cool color. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven Thome
a cross-country rider
from vic
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Cannondale f900 and kona pahoehoe rule the mountain bike kingdom.My cannondale is running fine it's never let me down and the code parts along with the headshok out perform all other brands | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike bayesa
a weekend warrior
from norfolk, va
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My last bike a F500 was stolen and I got a awsome deal on a used F900. This bike plain rips, light, handles great and climbs like a rocky moutain big horn sheep. A definite great !!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bike Moore
a cross-country rider
from Redmond, WA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've obly had my '98 F900 for about a week.... From what I've experienced so far, this bike puts my stolen Mongoose Rockadile to shame. It's stiff, and handles with amazing accuracy. It climbs like a mountain goat. The Fatty DD60 is more responsive than my old Indy XC fork and I really like the lock-out adjustment. Some people complain about the weak paint jobs, but it depends on the type you have. I've got the polar-silver flat finish and it's held strong through flying rocks. Definitely 5 FLAMING chili-peppers....
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arturro Karcini
a weekend warrior
from Mannheim
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Caad3 frame is really nice...
I do a lot of trial/cross-country combinations, so this bike is the best choice!
The head shock works really greate, the bike is light, and easy to handle...
And the best thing is YOU CAN TURN THE HEAD-SHOCK OFF!!!!!!-so you can swtich while you are going between an bike with or without suspension.
I have seen the Caad3 frame cut in two pieces, and i have to tell you it looks as good inside, as outside.
So I really think this bike is a Best BUY!
Carpe Diem! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KC
a cross-country rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the F900 for about a month and I have to say this is the best biku=ing invesment I could have made. This bile is a rocket and goes wherever you point it. The Fatty-D is the best fork that I have ever used, solid as a rock although a little soft for my weight -- a little tuning will solve that.GREAT BIKE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jann
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: September 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have a '97 F900. Since I'm wayyy below 200 pounds (are these guys fat or just incredibly tall or something...) I've had no problems with it. I've crashed it and its still ok. Even the paintjob looks great after all this.If you're over 200 pounds, maybe you should just get a steel bike until you lose some weight. Also, I love the grip shift and the fork. The cornering is incredible thanks to the fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KC
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Shame on you, Cannondaale!!! I just bought a '98 f900. Luv the bike....but how could Cannondale put a cheap, junk, K-mart, crap,did I say junk??, brake lever on this bike?. The levers were not the same ai in the catalog. I e-mailed Cannondale and Rhea repsponed saying, Cannondale has the right to change the spec's on the bikes in their catalog and have the right to substitute a lever of equal quality.....if the levers on my bike are equal, what were the originals like?? She said IF I WANTED NEW LEVERS I COULD GO OUT AND BUY SOME!!!!! The levers don't even have a name on them and when you sqeeze the lever it's like squeezing a handful of butter. Shame on you Cannondale for putting such junk on a bike of this price range. I spent $20.00 today for LX levers....I would have spent $20.00 more for the bike. Oh yea.....everthing else is great with this bike except the cheap....$%#%$*^ing
brake levers!!!!!! Shame on you Cannondale and your customer service???!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GJR
a weekend warrior
from Sherman Oaks, Ca
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a cannondale f1000 Caad 3 With judy XC and shimano XT parts group the only thing LX was the cranks. It rides great and I have had no problems. However I would not have bought it with a headshock or CODA parts.
The best part is I payed $899.00.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Hayes
a weekend warrior
from Westchester NY
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the pleasure of destroying three mountain bikes in recent months (Mongoose, trek and now Cannondale). Of the three the f900 was a nice light frame, and fair handler, within my $$$ means. The frame has not yet cracked, but the rims bent easily. Oddly enough they remain relatively true. The Headshock Fatty D fork doesn't handle a 210 lbs rider very well. It runs out on downhills, bottoms out easily, creaks under pressure, and does not track well at all with my weight. Head Shock says their upgrade parts would resolve my problems. Most forks for are for 160 -180 pounders so I grudgingly accept the fact that MTB engineers are light weights. The Coda 500 pedals are a waste. I upgraded to Time ATACs (great pedal by the way). However, the ATACs are being replaced by Shimano 636's so I can do more Tials play. I am hard on a bike, so I recommend the Cannondale for Weekend Warrior status. It is not ready for the Combat delivered by extreme riders. If you can get a deal on one fine, otherwise save $$$ find a bike with better geometry and higher survivability off the “rack.” The 98 has disk brakes (more maint), and a cad 3 frame instead of the cad 2. I think they dropped the grip shift as well. Anywho, No matter what bike you have, just enjoy the ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt thomas
a cross-country rider
from Iwakuni Japan
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My fourth mountain bike, all hard tails. This is by far the best bike I have owned to date. Got a great deal on a 97. Replaced the pedals with Time ATAC's right off. Light and responsive...stiff as hell. The headshock does a great job for my type of riding, but I would not recommend it for a serious downhiller. If you pay retail for one you prob spent to much,,,but overall a great bike. Next thing to go is the cranks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Bingham
a weekend warrior
from Campbell, CA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Cannondale F900 was my first major mountain bike purchase. I have been very pleased so far. The bike seems to have amazing acceleration, and everything is very smooth. My only problem has been the downshifting was a bit slow, but that was fixed with a minor adjustment. The HeadShok suspension allows the bike to handle very well on the downhills, and the ability to lock it out helps climbing uphill. A little bit steep in price ($1,100+), but well worth it when compared to the Stump Jumper in the same price range. I would recommend this bike to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Liddell
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: July 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my F900 from Canada (I was on holiday over there) and braught it back over to the UK and it worked out to be 1/2 the price they are over here! C'dale are a RIP OFF over here.
Anyway the bike handles brilliantly, flies up hills, it is clearly an XC bike tho. Have had some problems with the Headshok, grouchy noises and inability to lock properly. C'dale have said it is just air in the damping cartrage and it's easy to fix so I've orderd the necisery tools. What are these forks like with the cartrage fixed??Overall a brilliant XC bike. C'dale you loose the 4th chilli 'cause of the prolem with the Headshok. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benson Chong
a weekend warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my bike a month ago for $1,100 with all the parts upgrade to a full sets of XT. I like this bike with the lockable Headshock that help me for climbing a lot. Also the bike is cool in colour, mine is black with yellow logo on it.
My bike was a killer v900, I think it's a little bit different than the F900 but almost the same. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Dangcil
a weekend warrior
from Chatsworth, CA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my 98 F900 about a month ago from Simi Cycling Center for $899. I wasn't looking to spend that much money, but at that closeout price, I couldn't resist. It's the one pictured above and I'm quite pleased with it so far. My only gripe with the bike so far are the pedals...not enough float. Hey, what do you expect on a stock bike? Everything else is just as expected.... WONDERFUL. I need to take it in for a tune up now that I've broken the bike in. I'd recommend this bike to anyone. =) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from maryville, Tn
Date Reviewed: June 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased a 98 F900 for $1,189. Maybe a bit steep in price, but i think it is worth it. I think the frame is excellent, i was looking at a specialized stumpjumper, but the cannondale won me over due to the headshok and the store manager explained to me that the frame was overall better and if i needed i could upgrade the components and still have a better frame and shock than the specialized. Overall good bike, I'd recommend it to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wherdatcumfrom
a weekend warrior
from Cook County, Illinois
Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my first mountain bike, having decided that my road bike doesn't like cracks in the road let alone the technical dirt trails the guys at work had in mind. At first I bought the M500, but returned it later that day since I broke it after 20 minutes over easy terrain (I guess my 200lbs was too much for that seat post). The benefits of dealing with your local bike store... They (Village Cycle Sport) let me trade it in with absolutely no hassles. I didn't have much more luck with the 1998 F900 since I blew both tires on the first ride, but at least nothing was falling off.The head shocks deliver all that is promised, so long as you understand that you get only 60mm of travel which can only be adjusted by changing springs and oils. I really wish the 70mm version with the adjustable dampening was included. Another upgrade on my wish list.Either the front derailleur Shimano STX-RC or the crank CODA CF2, 22/32/42 is a piece of crap. When it finally shifts, I feel like I hit the lottery. However, the rear shifts perfectly!The CODA 500 clipless pedals really suck. I had all kinds of problems with just a little dirt in the cleat. After the first ride, the paint (or whatever) was chipped off and the pedals looked like they had been through a war. Yet another upgrade, but I've been wanting to go clipless on my road bike so I have a home for the 500s.Considering the price and the fact that this is their top-of-the-line built on the CAAD2 frame, I was a little disappointed with some of the parts. Cannondale will get the last chili only when they include the 70mm headshocks and fix the front drivetrain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dennis bennett
a weekend warrior
from redmond wa
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I now have my killer v900ht and so far it has been great. I don't have a car so I bike to work everday and being able to turn the heashock off is an excellant feature. I do have to admit though, my first day in the woods was hell. The rear shifter cable streched out so far that it could only reach tree gears and on some narley singletrack too. oh well, its fixed now and the shit is stinking like a cat after a can of wet food. and you know that's good
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ren
a weekend warrior
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I test road the Stumpjumper, Specialized something-or-other, a Hoo Koo E Koo, C'dale F500, F700 and 1000s today. It was New York City at rush hour. Johnny Depp was smilin for cameras at a premier of his new pix. Not the best place to test ride a mountain bike. But I made sure to hit every pothole and curb with all 6 bikes. C'Dale 1000 and Stumpjumper (large frames) my finalists. Having trouble deciding. Stumpy is $995. F1000 is $1299 (New York prices - yuk!) The C'dale has an extremely stiff frame - perfect for NYC riding and moving off to those Bear Mountain trails and gorges. Love the H'shock. front and rear shifted well. Vbrakes excellent. Stumpy had equal components but the ride was just a little flexier and the Judy was nowhere near the headshock. C'Dale wins out, I think, even at NYC exorbitant pricing (anybody have any ideas for better price?) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a cross-country rider
from Swamps of Jersey
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Up to this point I have always riddin steel....from my gold sting-ray to my steel
stumper with a judy . Steel had been loke a religion to me, thent wo things happened to me. One, I bought my 13 year old son a killerv 500, letting him grad. build up the components around the frame ( He wanted aluminum) and two, I hated the excess lateral flex in the stump/judy fork. I started to research other frames and forks and decided on a Cannondale also due to the superior tracking of the head shock. Was gonna get a super V but did not like the feel of a full susp. bike. The only true ride is one you can feel the trail on your ass, even if sometimes painful. So I settled on a Killer V or a f 1000.
I just got back from my first ride, in the backbay area of barnegat bay N.J,( across from LBI) and this is the ride.........the bike begs to go fast and feels like what I imagine a F-15 fighter jet is like. with the modifications- 9.0 gripshift,Michlen Wildgripper lites, and a shorter stem the bike is a dream..
Cant wait to get to French Creek and Stokes! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a cross-country rider
from KY
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I really do not like this bike. I feel that the best thing about the bike is the HS suspension set. The bike is expensive considering the components you get and the grip ship makes steer a big problem. The bike is very rigid over tough terrain and sounds and feels as if the thing will shake apart. It makes for a very uncomfortable ride and I think all you are really getting is a pretty bike with a HS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis D.
a weekend warrior
from Page, AZ
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the F-900 about 4 months ago...so far it's been without a doubt the BEST bike (frame-set) for the $ and I've had many. I have upgraded most of the hardware; shifters/levers/brakes/wheels/drive etc...( I do think C-Dale could still find a decent price point AND include some upgrades) but the finished combination is exactly what a mtn. bike should be: a pleasure to ride...FUN!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a weekend warrior
from Vacaville, CA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
There's no F-1000 page, so i'm posting here. I've got mixed feelings about this bike, but i bought it new for $950 + shipping, so i'm overall happy.
Bad points: 1. The paint job scratches and chips easily. 2. The headshock takes hard hits great, but feels like a pogo-stick normal riding. 3. the coda stem that came with the bike is like 40 degrees, down too low, reverse too high.
Good points: climbs like a monkey in heat. 2. mavic 221's with IRC mythos are awesome. 3. The headshock/fork really does steer better.
I took this bike all out in the Napa mountains, and it held up better than i did What more can you ask of a bike at this price?
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael McNeely
a weekend warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a black/yellow 97 Large F900 last November for $850 clearance. I had looked at Trek 8000 series, Schwinn Moabs, and Raleighs. After a little research and a few test rides I knew which bike I wanted. The following features either sold me or I've grown to love: 1. The headshok is more than just C-dales attempt to be different - it really works and is super rigid around rooty curves and plenty plush. I've only bottomed it out once when I jumped off a ~5ft drop and hit a boulder with the front tire as I landed (I weigh 165lbs - 6 tall). I've taken it numerous times to Austin hill country (very rocky) and am gaining confidence each time in the headshok's ability to soak up the rocks, roots, rutty downhills, etc.
2. Frame design/geometry - when I test rode it I just felt comfortable. I used to race BMX and wasn't sure how easy it would be to maneuver a larger bike with my CG so much higher, but I feel like the bike was made for my frame and my aggressive riding. It's also one impressive piece of craftsmanship. I know as I upgrade the components I'll never feel like I've got a bum frame (unless it cracks - then I'll be pissed, but appearantly they've greatly improved their weld annealing process).
3. Clearance price. Couldn't get a frame or shock I liked more for less money.
4. It's a complete blast to ride. I cannot get off work enough to hit the hill country outside Austin or Ho Chi Min (sp?) here in Houston. Each time I go I realize this bike rocks. I can't wait to take it on MTB vacations all over the US.
5. The grip shifts/Deor LX are almost instantaneous and a cinch to use.
6. The LX V-brakes are unreal. The levers seem like they were custom made for my pointing finger. Steering, shifting, braking, etc are all like second nature with this setup. (I don't like the 98's brake levers however).Couple of things that bug me:1. The paint has already scratched off in a couple of areas
Seems like if you barely ding the frame the paint jumps right off
2. The front rim edge bent pretty badly on me when I jumped off that drop off.
(I've since then found out the Sun CR-18s are fairly prone to bending)
3. The sales person was pretty arrogant and a lier
4. The chain jumps to the granny gear fairly often when I'm bouncing around off roots or rocks (maybe I need to adjust something?)
5. Old school brake mount welded to frame (like I'd ever switch from V-brakes).
6. The cranks are starting to make a slight grinding sound. I have ridden through some creeks and mud, so maybe I need to maintenance them a little.I'm thinking about upgrading the DD60 to a Fatty SL. As I get more experience and time on this bike I'll post again to let you know if the love affair is lasting.Despite the stuff that bugs me - I gotta go with 5 chili peppers for now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dennis dennett
a weekend warrior
from redmond, wa.
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My 1997 Cannondale KillerV900 is on lay-a-way at my local bike shop and as soon as I get I will try to break it for you all. With a price tag of $879 how could I go wrong. The bike has everything a weekend warrior needs as well as being light as shit. Everytime I make a payment I take it for a spin and just dream of the day when I can ride it. I'm hoping I can pick it up on 4-20-98. Yes, this is a national holiday for all of the buddha lovers and it,s also my birthday. Hopefully I won't fall off from being too fased. 350lbs-wow, do your flabby butt cheeks rub on the rear V-bra | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Janice Pottle
a cross-country rider
from BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I used this page a lot when searching for a new bike about 7 months ago. I finally decided on a '97 Cannondale Killer V 900 (same as the small F900)because it is light, responsive, and I liked the idea of the Headshok and the Coda components - Cannondale seemed different, doing their own thing. And the Headshok seems like a good idea to me in terms of how it works and stuff. Anyway, after buying it and riding it for 7 months I am not disappointed! I have had absolutely ZERO problems... but I have had a lot of fun! I love the shock, it's really neat to be able to turn it off too. The bike really excels at climbing, especially with that shock locked off. Anyway, I don't have that much experience and I haven't tried that many different kinds of bikes, but this one works for me! However, I am pretty light, so maybe it isn't the right bike for everyone, I don't know. Perhaps I'll write another review when I've had it a little longer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Frame
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Cannondales are okay, but nowhere near the refinement of Kleins or other high-end aluminum bikes. The handling is sluggish and the workmanship is mediocre. Plus, that headshok is waay behind the times, as far as technology goes... Okay, Missy and Tink ride em.. The company seems to be headed toward the freeride side of things, which is okay.. Leave hardtails to those who do it best... Two flamin chilis at best. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amanda Huggenkis
a weekend warrior
from Rockford IL
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike about 6 months ago and i know now why they call them Crackenfail. I broke my frame right where the downtube meets the head tube in a crash. The shock is a joke. It makes clunking noises and seems to have a lot of stiction. I've had it serviced three times already. Is this headshock a joke? I would much rather get a regular fork than ride this. also the CODA parts are not as nice as Shimano. I hope that other guys out there aren't having as much problems with their Crackenfails. This was my first mtb also :( | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ron
a cross-country rider
from Elko,NV
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 97 f900 for 825, not 1200 like some whiners on this page. Anyway the bike is beautiful, handles extremely well, and is a great ride. Of cpourse, I do not weigh 350 lbs., but it has been very reliable in the 3 months I have ridden it. Much better than my old bike, and a good deal to boot. Shop around. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexei Pavlov
a cross-country rider
from Anaheim, CA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Im riding 97 F1000. And I'm writing here cause i could not find a category for f100. This bike is excellent except for bottom bracket which makes sqiuckin sound.For that FAT 400 pound guy who wrote that bullshit about cute guys who ride
Cannondales,,, I would say U need to go on the Major Diet you FAT ASS. Mountain bikes designed for people, not for overfeed cattle.Your FAT ASS broke the frame and the bottom bracket HAHAHAHAh i wish seeng you
Landing on your FAT ASS.As far as your aggressivness goes, your wont last a minute On TOP or on THE Bottom because gravitational PULL of your FAT ASS will hold you Down!!!HAHAHAHAH | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Meoph
a weekend warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't understand how so many people can be swept up by this whole Cannondale myth. This bike is not all that great. Bad specs for a bike in this price range. For the same money, I'd buy a Stumpjumper and be happy. Oh well, they will replace your frame for free. And it will break. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My previous bikes were Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koos without suspension. Pretty good bikes for the times. This was a HUGE upgrade. The difference has been telling: guys who left me behind no longer do. When I bought the bike in August of '97, I bargained to have the shop keep the clipless pedals, and in place upgrade the rear derailer to XT, front to LX, and add XT integrated shifter/brakes. Price???: $875. I think this is an appropriate price. I have ridden the bike hard in Colorado, Moab, and in the Chequamagon Nat'l forest with few problems (that would exist on any bike). If you can get the price I (and my girlfriend) got-buy it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craven Morehead
a cross-country rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Overall, this bike is a major step up from my Team Murray 12 speed. I have to say that this bike is probably a little better than my friend's top of the line Huffy too!I do kinda fear that I may bend the rear rim. Also the seat may bend if I wipe out. Overall, this bike is really cool! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trip Daily
a cross-country rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well after reading many reviews and test driving the 97 F900 I finally bought one, even though it's way overpriced for some odd reason... I got the orange one and really like the color. Unfortunatly in the 9 months that I've had this bike I broke the bottom bracket, rear derailler, stripped the grip shift for my front sprockets, broken 3 spokes on the front wheel and 4 on the back, the knobbies ripped off of my back tire on the first ride, the bolt stripped on the cheap ass seatpost, the bolt on my left barend is stripped out so I can't get it tight and the DD headshock is all but useless because when I finally adjusted the preload so that it didn't bottom out, the action is so nonexistant that I usually just turn it off and last but not least, the brake leavers are the cheapest pieces of shit I've ever seen. (I've seen better leavers on a Huffy) Oh well, other than that...... it's a decent ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a weekend warrior
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What can be said, it's a cannondale. This thing flies up hills like they wheren't there. The acceleration is unbelievible, the frame is incredibly stiff. The Stiff frame combined with cannondale's materful headshock provide perfect handling, and plenty of shock absorbance. The only thing that could possibly be wrong with the bike would be the price tag, but hey, if you want to ride one of the best bikes made you gotta pay the price.Oh nearly forgot, this bike besides being a dream to ride it's gotta be one of the best looking bikes on the market. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Hemmerick
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It's an outstanding bike. Fast acceleration. More comfortable than a Klein Attitude. Handsome design. Pretty light. It wins praise from passers-by just because of its looks. I have thought about adding XTR components, but the components it comes with work fine. I can't find anything wrong with this bike, except it the paint scratches easily. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brady
a weekend warrior
from NC
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have only be able to ride for a short while, but this is a strong bike. I am 245-250 lbs. and have jumped
and carved with the thouhgt of braking something but it has not happend yet. The only thing i can say bad
about this bike is that it needs a better rear derailer.. no problems yet but it has freaked once. as for the
head shock i have only had good things to say...........i am 245-250lbs and no prob... the frame is stiff and
strong. i say go for it as a 1st bike can,t beat it....
| | Overall Rating: |
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