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Cannondale M500

MSRP $ 500.00
# of Reviews 15
Average Rating 4.53/5
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Submitted by love2mtnbike8888 a Cross Country Rider from Los Angeles, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:Any single tracks! Hard to find tho
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $800.00
Purchased At:Costco
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!
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.
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.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by rcloud a Cross Country Rider from Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2009
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $800.00
Purchased At:Edinburgh Bicycle Co
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
Similar Products Used:M900
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
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.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Eitan Avner a Cross Country Rider from Israel
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:Any
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $900.00
Purchased At:Cannondale dealer Israel
Strengths:Great rigid frame, light and durable. Great finish.
Weaknesses:Parts. Frame can be too stiff for long ridings.
Bike Setup:Original 1993 setup + rear Cannondale carrier. I changed the chain and the shifters once.
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.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Dano a Cross Country Rider from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:power lines
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $800.00
Purchased At:Cycle Therapy Burnt Hills, NY
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
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
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.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by PAUL WITT a Cross Country Rider from MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:RED CEDAR, MENOMONIE WI
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $385.00
Purchased At:EBAY
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
Similar Products Used:CANNONDALE M300
Bike Setup:ROCK SHOX, CODA SEAT, KALITE POST, FACTORY SHIFTING,
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!
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Michael a Cross Country Rider from Charleston, WV
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $800.00
Purchased At:Charleston Bicycle Center
Strengths:Withstood the test of time. Super stiff frame.
Weaknesses:Super stiff frame.
Similar Products Used:none
Bike Setup:Marz Bomber Z2 Fork
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.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Scott a Cross Country Rider from Virginia Beach, VA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:York River
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $140.00
Strengths:Light
Durable
Built to last
Weaknesses:Stand-over height
Components
Bike Setup:Rock Shox, LX
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.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Jason a Cross Country Rider from Winston-Salem, NC
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:anything in pisgah
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $800.00
Strengths:durable, light, and FAST.
Weaknesses:components
Similar Products Used:specialized stumpjumper
Bike Setup:STX front and rear, manitou x-vert front fork,
rolf satellites w/conti tires
7 speed grip shift
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.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Donovan a Cross Country Rider from Bedford, VA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:Pedlar ATVs
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Strengths:Good Paint
Strong
Durable
Weaknesses:Not as light as you'd think
Similar Products Used:OLD Raleigh Mtn Bike
Bike Setup:Sun Rims, Marzocchi Front Shock, STX/LX components, Wellgo Clipless
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.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Lisa a Weekend Warrior from Holliston, MA USA
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:Vietnam
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Strengths:Sturdy frame, lightweight. The 14" frame is a perfect fit for a petite rider (under 5') like me!
Weaknesses:None as of yet
Similar Products Used:None, had a cheapo Walmart version previously
Bike Setup:Just the standard M500
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!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by cdale a Cross-Country Rider from pittsburgh,Pa
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
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.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Rus a Cross-Country Rider from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Well-balanced, visually appealing, durability. High-quality finishes/coats. Canny's blow the competition away. My '94 model still looks new!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, Cannondale F-400.
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to XT, 24-speed, Ritchey rims.
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.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Green 13 a Cross-Country Rider from San Jo
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
your park yard
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
solid frame, big ass AMERICAN FLAG
Weaknesses:
rear end tends to wash out. cheap parts, expensive brand name
Similar Products Used:
your bike and your brothers
Bike Setup:
M500, w/LX and XT, Sid XL,
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.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by James Flower a Cross-Country Rider from Chepstow
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Brilliant quailty frame
light and responsive
Good basis for building up
Weaknesses:
none as yet...
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000
Bike Setup:
riser bars and off road tyres - smooth ride
Bottom Line:A good solid bike with a winning frame design. For the money a solid buy which is unrivalled in terms of quality and value.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Richard Harris a Cross-Country Rider from Birmingham, UK
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
The 96 M500 is fantastic. With a caad 3 frame which feels great and suits my style.
Weaknesses:
Spec fairly low but can be upgraded easily
Bike Setup:
RST mozo pro 3.5' forks
Bottom Line:I can say that the caad 3 frame is the best frame I have ever ridden. Buy one.
Overall Rating:5






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