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Submitted by
oldman santiago
a Weekend Warrior
from Wasilla, Alaska
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Wissahickon Park, Philadelphia | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | yard sale | | Strengths: | bike is light as a feather | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this bike today at a yard sale. How much would anybody pay me for the Cannondale M800? It's missing the chain and needs new brakes. The frame looks like it's in good shape though. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rups
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensburg, PA USA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Laurel mountains | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | GAttos Cycle | | Strengths: | The bottom bracket heigth. Easy to manuver in tight areas | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing compares | | Bike Setup: | All XT groupo, Rock Shock Mag 10, Panaracer Smoke rear tire, Ritchy Mega-Bite Front tire. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the frame separate in 1991 and had an all XT groupo put on, with thunb shifters that I still love, with a rock shock mag10. Althougth I have a new full suspension bike I still love and ride my Cannondale. It is also ridden by friends who ride with me that do not have a bike. The bike along with all the components has been ridden since 1991, mostly rocky muddy trails, and its still going strong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad K.
a Cross Country Rider
from Greater Seattle Washington area USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Most | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | A friends garden she | | Strengths: | Like the clearance and the weight is cool. Also like the balance even though I see many complaints; you just gotta adjust, remember your riding the bike not the other way around! Ride it don't fight it!! | | Weaknesses: | Stock Ritchey forks are kinda lame; I added a Zoke to it and it opened up the bike as far as size in the height and length of the thing much better the flat style neck was lame as well. Weak bottom brackets at entry level "wobblw-wobble"hee-hee..." | | Similar Products Used: | Trek and cannondale m-1000 Raleigh m80;shogun??? | | Bike Setup: | Mavik rims and the stoxk crank-set; zoke frnt shock and shimano gears and shifters v-brake upgrade | | Bottom Line: | This bike "rocks" for what it is try to beat it for the price and for the thing being nearly 20 yrs. old it still contends. All the hype on full-suspension pogo stik bykes is overdone.. Most the guys riding all the new stuff are "poseurs" anyways!! How many roll 30-50 miles a day 4-5 days a week??? Better yet "how many are capable?" This is a great bike I'll keep it as long as it wants to hold together!!! Rock-on and keep it safe!! See-Ya Brad K. Seattle, Washington USA | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Crawford
a Cross Country Rider
from Vassalboro,ME,USA
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Appalachian | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | everywhere that sells parts? | | Strengths: | Light, agile. | | Weaknesses: | It's aluminum. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Judy FSX fork w/springs and Ti bolts, Pauls brakes and levers, AC carbon cranks, DT rims, White Industries MI-5 hubs, LP Composites bars and seatpost, SRAM X-O thumbshifters and rear derailleur, X-Gen front derailleur, Wippermann 9x1 chain, Action Tec Ti cogset and chainrings, TastyNuts and SRP Ti bolts in literally everything, Crank Bros. Cobalt Ti bottom bracket and Eggbeater SL pedals, Hope stem, seatclamp QR, and QR skewers, Selle San Marco Aspide Ti Carbon saddle, ODI/Oury lock-on grips, Nokon cables, King headset | | Bottom Line: | It's the same frame as listed below, but I couldn't stand being on a singlespeed anymore, so rather than buy a new bike, I rebuilt this one. The wheels match now! It isn't significantly heavier, about 18.5 lbs, being as everything down to the brake studs have been refitted with Ti bolts. I found those carbon AC cranks hiding somewhere, they are still available new in the box from AC, with square or ISIS BB mounts, but they are not advertised. The last pair were AC's, but forged and square taper. I'm liking ISIS a bit better. Action Tec rings and cogset are superlight, and shift nicely. Range is huge too, with 48 and 24 tooth big and little up front, and 11-34 in the back. My derailleurs are kinda complainant if I am too far crossed on the chainline, but get it right, and do anything. The frame is still great after 11 years of serious beatings. 4 lbs was great for a frame of it's era. Even Yeti's were 3.7 lbs. I'd give it a total of 5 peppers if I wasn't about to strip the whole thing and build a Ti frame. 3 lbs even for this new frame. I might beat 18 lbs with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Crawford
a Cross Country Rider
from Vassalboro,ME,USA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Appalachian | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | everywhere that sells parts? | | Strengths: | light, stiff, nice paint, everything fits even though it has huge oversized tubing | | Weaknesses: | derailleur hanger | | Similar Products Used: | none... it's a Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Chris King headset, Hope stem, LP Composites handlebar and bar ends, Paul's Components Love Levers Compact, Nokon cable, Paul's Components Motolite Z V-brakes, Phil Wood Ti bottom bracket, AC XTLopro cranks, Wippermann chain, AC DHHoleshot chainwheel, Mavic 517 rims, Wheelsmith spokes, Mavic hubs (32 rear 3x drive, radial nondrive, 24 radial front), Continental Cross Country 26x1.5 Pro tires, Salsa Flyweight tubes, Rox rimstrips, Crank Bros. Egg Beater SL pedals, LP Composites seatpost, Selle Carbon Ti saddle, it's a singlespeed... Chris King alloy Kog with a mix of a Gussett 1'er and a Spot Brand singlespeed kit, to get that chainline laser straight, Kore skewers, Cannondale P-Bone fork... I replaced every bolt in the bike with titanium, including a King baseplate for the headset. SRP Ti kit in the cranks, bottom bracket, seatpost, seatclamp (AC Hextreme), brake calipers, barends, and stem) | | Bottom Line: | The bike weighs about 12 pounds. It's geared with aluminum cog and chainwheel, with a stainless chain, so there's ZERO friction in the drivetrain, and it's the stiffest stuff around. It accelerates like mad, climbs like no 24 speed mtn. bike I've ridden, and you should all build one. I smoke 24 speeders, especially with all that suspension stuff... on a 12 lb. bike, suspension forks just bounce around anyway. If you've got to use V-brakes, Paul's work nicely, and Nokon's all metal cable is mega stiff (and lighter than vinyl coated stuff)... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, Adirondack Mtns
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the one I ride next | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | stupid friend paid $1200 | | Strengths: | lt weight, strong, adgile... | | Weaknesses: | stock parts | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Nishki | | Bike Setup: | I like the stock alum fork, real light front great for climbing, but I put a ManitouSX on it anyway, that raised the front so I also added a Profile stem with a lower degree of angle to bring the bars back down...RitcheyRock440 strongest lightest best wheels ever made... | | Bottom Line: | 95 M800 BEAST OF THE EAST
I've owned it since 96
I bought it off a friend who had to have fully suspended(pogo stick)
The bike likes upgrades, the stock CODA cam brakes are garbage, you could steal the brakes off your sisters Huffy and have an upgrade there...The rest of the bike is not too bad 'out of the box' light as hell (23.5) stock.
The bike is a real climber, rocks, logs, mud, pine trees...
Unless someone really beat the hell it, this is a great thought out design, made with the north east riding in mind, I've put slick tires on and blasted through city streets, and I've taken it UP & down Killington and Snow...
If you know where there is one for sale, Buy it... you will not be sorry...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Davenport, IA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail after a rain | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | High bottom bracket, stiff and light | | Weaknesses: | still haven't upgraded the Bio-pace!
ugly paint | | Bike Setup: | Old School. XT thumb mount shifters, DiaComp 990 rear brake, Girvin suspension fork, Dart/Smoke tires | | Bottom Line: | Fun bike! I've been though mud trails, technical trails, and fast trails, no problems! I don't know the year of my bike, but it has the house on the head, and has an ugly white and blue paintjob with some purple and pink on it. I couldn't sell it, and don't want to paint it, but wouldn't mind adding a Chase to the stable!
Here is a pic:http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL326/815976/1747806/20875473.jpg
email me if you know the year! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sczott
a Weekend Warrior
from Spartanburg,SC,USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | The Great Escape | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry | | Weaknesses: | High Speed Stability-Lacking | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Sid XC, Rolf Urancos, Full xtr 27 Speed/xt, Race Face-(cranks,rings,post,bars) bontrager seat,easton stem | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike spring of '92. It has survived my early riding excitment, college and suburban riding. I rebuilt the bike in 2001 with a complete kit. I had to do some adjustments concerning the headtube size and a new fork, but everything is working fine. I absolutely love this bike and do not care for anything else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robin Wallman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Goteborg, Sweden
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Pong Dim Dan, Thailand | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Laterally stiff, BB height | | Weaknesses: |
Componentry, Rear triangle stiffness
Idiotic allen screws in silly places | | Similar Products Used: |
Litespeed, Specialized, Diamond Back | | Bike Setup: |
Judy XC, Judd springs, USE seat post (taller)
Lots of parts changed as they wore out | | Bottom Line: | Bike has worker well, even the rear brakes after installing a booster.
Finally broke the frame at the screw holes (for attaching rack ??) at the top of the rear wishbone stay. Now it remains to be seen what C-dale says when they recieve the frame....
I guess i´ve been happy with handeling of the bike and especially the extra BB height.
Like the Alu frame a lot more than steel ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from chicago, il
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
palos | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | W A R N I N G , READ THIS BEFORE BUYING A CANNONDALE!!!!!! I have a Cannondale M900, it’s a couple of years old now but when bought it was one of their higher end frames. Recently I discovered a place in the frame tubing where the welder or someone at the factory had burnt a hole in the tubing & patched it with bondo. This was then painted over & you could not see it until the paint had chipped away much later. I contacted Cannondale & their field rep informed me that this is a common occurrence at Cannondale & in no way considered a defect. I’ve tried to talk to someone else in the company but keep getting the run-around. That hand-built American quality & attention to detail Cannondale advertises is BULLSHIT!! I WAS SOLD DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE & THE COMPANY REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM.
| Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
t
a Cross-Country Rider
from nc
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
whoa... sampson, back in the day, before they logged it... | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
frame = stiff
climb like nothing I've ever been on
great at slow speeds
amazing clearance
lightern' hell | | Weaknesses: |
High center of gravity = squirrley | | Similar Products Used: |
A Beast back in the 80's w/ a 24 rear wheel
Trek 8000
Cdale F800 | | Bike Setup: |
assorted XT
some old Sugino POC crank (Anybody got a 189 Race Face?)
V-Brakes
Rock Shox
Bontranger Wheels
Tioga stem | | Bottom Line: | This thing is fast, accelerates like a sling shot... Handling can get sketchy at high speed in the rough... a new shox would help (seat post suspension?)... climbs like nothing else on the planet...I've got long legs (34inseam) so I have to crank the seat post way up... I'm going to go w/a 180mm crank and a shorter, steeper stem to bring my riding position back and down a bit... I hope this helps the stability at speed... i'm just getting back into MTB after being away for 5 years, My Bud Horton hooked me with this sled after he up graded... this things been around Boone getting the shit ridden out of it for yrs. before that I'm sure... still, i't a very tight frame and the v-brakes make the thing a little more secure at speed... I look forward to building this thing as a race bike and upgrading to a newer cross country bike for the comfort on the long haul... but if the stem and crank work who knows?... all in all, after a few weeks in the saddle I thing this thing definitely fills a niche for fast woods riding. if anybody out there has set-up beta to share on this thing send me a post... parts as well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light, strong frame. It can take a pounding without flinching. | | Weaknesses: |
Components heavy and of questionable quality for a bike in this class (price range).
Heavy, but indestructable, wheelset (Ritchey w/36 14-guage spokes) | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek and Specialized in the same price range. | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou Mach 5 XC-Pro
Ringle Zooka stem
Ringle Moby seatpost
MKS clipless pedals
Scott AT-2 LF handlebar
SRP titanium wheel skewers (non-quick release)
SRP seat binder bolt (non-quick release)
SRP stem hardware
Bontrager saddle
CODA Thin Lizzard grips
Onza Chill Pills
Carmichael aluminum pulleys | | Bottom Line: | I bought my bike back in '91 when it was still called the SM800. Like I said above, I felt that the worst thing about the bike were its components. I bought this bike with the intent on keeping it for many years but upgrading the components to lighter pieces. It rides great and is very responsive but a little squirly with a shock (raises an already high center of gravity). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan T
a Cross-Country Rider
from Reston, VA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Poison Spider--Moab | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
High Bottom Bracket (13 of rock clearing fun)
Stiff little BMX stunt bike frame | | Weaknesses: |
My 90 Red Shread had a rear U-Brake mount, no ability to upgrame to V's..
Finally killed it in '96 broke rear chainstays after huge dropoff. Still miss it though.
1 diameter strerer tube, no room for new technology (stem choices limited.
Originally spec'd w/ Rapidfire levers (first generation sucked!!) switched to thumbshifter's. | | Similar Products Used: |
Killer V900, Trek 7000
Proflex 856, Super V 700
Ok but no match for the technical trail wizardry Beast of the East | | Bike Setup: |
Originally delivered w/ Rigid Richey Cro-Mo fork upgraded to Mag-21
XT Drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | The M800 is the bike to get of your riding strengths are on tight rocky, loggy technical trails. I always amazed my riding bud's with its ability to peel over just about anything within reason. I rode mine for 5 years hard before cracking the chainstays in '96. Now I ride the new Cdale GP racer CAD3 F3000. I still miss the ground clearance of the M800 though.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Gittes
a Weekend Warrior
from Johnstown, PA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Cheap | | Weaknesses: |
There's a reason why it's cheap | | Bottom Line: | I should have read this first. The wishbone rear triangle is super-weak. Brakes don't work.Maybe the original ones were good but the new ones suck. Already sold it back and bought a Salsa. Don't buy this piece. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave levy
a cross-country rider
from Cambridge, MD
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Best bike in the world. I have had my M800 for 7 years and have loved it from day 1. Finally installed a pair of 98 Manitou sx's and love it even more. The suspension really took the edge off the bike making it much more comfortable for my older degrading body. It is the best climbing bike I have ever ridden and because of its weight, it can do anything. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Wilson
a racer
from Oswego, NY 13126
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this bike. The geometry of the frame is awesome. It was in need of a few upgrades though. Suspension, some V-brakes (XT), clipless, and a rear brake booster. But the frame rocks. I have raced the hell out of this frame and it can take a beating. It's also very light. Great build up bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sieb
a weekend warrior
from Hawaii
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a M700 back in 92. I just cant understand these
people with all their belly aching about these frames? I
have beat the living crap out of this bike since day one!
Ask anyone who has rode with me. I'm a super technical
type, on the edge of the trials spectrum. And I have bashed
this bike into more rocks, cement, and steel than the
average 4X4. The only things that have needed re-work has
been the components. You fuss and moan, I'm going
riding.... 5 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Slovacek
a cross-country rider
from Prague, Czech Republic
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Beast of the East in 1993. The reasons were: high bottom bracket, Coda w40 brakes, light weight and anticipated frame building quality. I have never been disappointed. The bike shines in trials, tight singletracks, in climbs and on vertical obstacles. The cam powered brakes provide excellent modulation and I think they were the best rim brakes before the V brake era. With a low pressure fat front tire (2.2 and more) the bike is not that bad even on downhills. New models with monostay surprised me though with huge seatstay flex when break pads touched the rim. I broke one handlebar, front axle, destroyed many rims on jumps, but the frame and fork(Pepperoni with aluminium steerer (out of recall period)) have never had any problem. My evaluation is from the point of view of the single track and trial rider. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neil maguire
a weekend warrior
from liverpool england
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i have a cannondale beast of the east and i have to say that the m800 is a sad effort . this bike is to stiff everywhere!!! the downtube decals litrally flaked away after a few rides and it was rubbish.I was out on this bike in wet conditions and the grip of the treads was appauling icant count the number of times(never mind the bruisers ) icame off this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ric
a weekend warrior
from GA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had an original '91 RedShred M800 and loved it. Sure the Geometry is steep and not well suited to fast descents but if DH'ing is what you want try a superV. Don't like the harsh aluminum ride???? Guess you should of done some research. I compare all my bikes with the RedShred...2 pro schwinns, a stumpjumper, and an a1 comp rockhopper. None hold a candle to its Incredible Cross Country handling...Even my '94 KillerV900 I ride now isn't up to the standard and it has all the goodies!!Dont like your M800? Maybe you have an original RedShred in good shape? E-Mail me...perhaps we can work something out...2000 invested into my KillerV for even a stock M800 RedSred in excellent shape could be very tempting...write me...we'll talk | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Zinser
a weekend warrior
from Wilmington, Ohio
Date Reviewed: January 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A poor excuse for a trials bike. The frame is stiff in all the wrong places and has mind-numbingly poor flex in the rear triangle. Sold it after two rides. There's a reason why every bike shop I've ever been to has had these on closeout. Sucks. Not worth the $550 I paid. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Burke
a cross-country rider
from Miami, FL (really)
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Before I say anything about this bike, I should mention two things: A)I'm a recent ATB convert (long-time roadie), and B)I bought this bike used for $700 from a bike mechanic who did a nice job of upgrading it--Manitou Three fork, '97 XTR everything, Shimano 747s, Mavic 217s--so it's not really a stock M800.That said, I've grown to like this bike quite a bit--with a few reservations. The biggest advantage has to be weight; I'd estimate this bike at less than 25 pounds. (In fact, the only mountain bike I've ever run across that's lighter is my sister's boyfriend's custom titanium jobbie, and that was $3,000+.) It's also very stiff--and you gotta love those box-sectioned chainstays!The result is a bike that's amazingly fast on singletrack and an excellent climber. The high bottom bracket is great for the local terrain, which is pretty flat, but extremely technical, and the tight geometry has been terrific in gnarley, narrow switchbacks. An excellent Florida bike.Paradoxically, some of things I like best about the bike are also what I like least about the bike. For instance, while very light and maneuverable, I've found this bike to be hellish on descents; the twitchy handling makes it damn near impossible to hold a line. The stiff frame is also brutal on my ass; an hour on this thing is like being paddled by your drunken stepdaddy with a 2x4.Another quibble is the top tube--it's a bit short for me. I'm 6'0 and riding an 18 frame, which should be about right, but I find the riding position more cramped and upright then I like, with the gravity a little too high and forward. The result is that in fast corners, I don't quite trust its feel. However, this may have a lot to do with my stem/bar combo, and I'm still used to the more stretched-out, low-gravity feel of a road bike.My only other complaint is the decals--why weren't they clearcoated? Both of the logos on the downtubes are almost totally trashed at this point. Minor, yes, but annoying.I haven't owned it long enough to give it a reliability test, but it seems pretty beefy. I've also got an '86, that's right, '86 Cannondale road frame that is still 100 percent correct after about a zillion miles, so that's encouraging.So overall, I'd say this is excellent bike for weight-freak XC racers and East Coast-style general riders, but not one I'd recommend for a West Coast downhill bomber. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
smitty
a cross-country rider
from maryland
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I really am not a cross country rider, mainly my bike is used for observed trials. Some of the components on the bike cold be better, but for the money this is a great bike. I like the higher bottom bracket, especially for what i do with the bike. I upgraded to maguras which helped out a lot! I would not get rid of mine and i highly reccommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a bike for stock trials riding.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Boswell
a racer
from Columbus, OH
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the worst bike I have ever purchased. The seat stays are so weak, the brake cannot put adequate force on the rims. Worse than that, Cannondale has been completely unresponsive to my pleas for help. Be warned. If you buy this bike, no brake system or brake brace will make this bike perform anything like a mountain trials bike. Please don't make my mistake. Avoid! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a cross-country rider
from Skaneateles NY
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After much research, Ibought the M800 for 3 reasons: the high BB, the efficiency of the aluminum frame, and the lifetime warranty of the frame. I've been more than pleased with the first two aspects-I love this bike! But when the frame developed acrack at the headtube/ downtube juncture, C'dale wouldn't warranty it. So now it's my commuter bike which I check the crack progress regularly. I still think C'dale makes a great frame/Product(component spec IS getting weak,though) and am thinking I may want to get another, but I will now understand that the frame warranty is meaningless. Caveat emptor! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tring
a cross-country rider
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I was very much anti-aluminum for the first four years of my biking days for the same reasons others complain about......you feel every bump and it is hard to find a frame made of aluminum that someone will warranty for life. I recently purchased a '96 cannandale beast of the east.....what a sweet ride. Ilove the response i get when I get on the pedals, it takes right off. No energy lost into the frame because it is so stiff.The deciding factor in the purchase was that cannondale warranties their CAD3 and CAD2 frames for life. That makes me feel good that a company will stand behond their product. Other manufacturers who will remain nameless would at best only stand behind their aluminum frames for 5 years. Cannandale is made in the USA which is good BUT more importantly they are the smoothest bike i've ever ridden. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great Bike loved very much, People couldnt keep me off the thing, 1994 model,
Never had one problem with it...!
Untill it got stolen. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim bugbee
a weekend warrior
from no. andover, ma
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
the M800 (back then called the chameleon, complete w/ pepperoni fork) was my first off-road bike, and lasted me about 4 years until a crack developed at the head tube/down tube junction. cannondale replaced my frame at no cost (an M800 frame), which was cool. i think that people are really used to getting a free frame regardless of how long they've had it or what kind of abuse it's been through. i think those days will be over soon.anyway, the frame was a very solid purchase. everyone squawks about the shitty components that comes on it, but please- you can change those! just wait until the stuff wears out or breaks and replace it- stop whining! after about 5 years, i had one original piece left on the bike - the suntour front derailleur. the bike handles nice (although i probably could have used a slightly smaller frame) and is really suited for the type of riding i like - pure east coast, rocky, rooty singletrack. ditch the bar ends, get some good brakes, and start w/ the perma-grin.on the downside, this thing is brutal on your ass. on long, bumpy trails the seat stays feel like an anal thermometer the size of, well, use your imagination. i'd think about getting a USE post or other suspension seatpost if i still rode it. alas, it's become a road bike/screw around bike now that the wojcik fully has arrived. it did have a distinguished career, though, and i think that cannondale not only makes a good product but they stand behind it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a racer
from Menlo Park, California
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a used 1994 model. It is just as stable on downhills as
bikes not designed for Eastern riding but kicks some ass at trials
and technical section because of the high bottom bracket and
bombproof downhill components. The only problem is that I
have a little trouble with running starts because the bikes is so
high off of the ground. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erkle
a cross-country rider
from Smalltown, SC
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got a '95 18 inch M800 w/ a Manitou Mach 5 SX. At 24.5 pounds with XT/LX I consider it quite light. Problem is that the trusted shop owner allowed me to buy a frame to small for my height. Assuming the same size as my '94 M400 would be just fine I thought the raised bottom bracket and sloping top tube would give me a lower center of gravity for better control. It did but the geometry makes my back ache like hell after 6 miles or more. Coda anything stinks in my opinion(and several friends agree). I asked a shop to set up my new brake pads with the Coda's and the told me they would rather me do it than PAY them to. After an hour I asked again. I bought LX for the front and had them set up in 10 minutes! I'm now looking for a new frame, I'm tired of being beat up by the aluminum and not the trail. You will feel every bump, but if stiff is what you want then the CAN O' ALE will deliver. (Just get the right frame size). | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Petter Vestly
a weekend warrior
from Norway
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The handling is great, just like big bmx. I have outfitted it with a Judy and some hi-rise bars, and i have replaced the coda brakes with some maguras. It is aligthning down fast singletracks and a blast on the REALLY tech stuff. But i would not recommend it for pure xc, it is just too high. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Dunlap
a weekend warrior
from Titusville, FL
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The geometry of the bike is excelent for trials and tight trails. I am upset with the downgrades for this model. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a cross-country rider
from nikiski, alaska
Date Reviewed: January 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
in a world of racer, wannabe clones you have to love the M800. i still bust a gut when i can get a friend to follow me over a cemment parking barrier. M800 - clean! trek - clink!!! oops, sorry about that chainring!
when cannondale recalled my rigid fork and replaced it with a quadra; what a mistake! that heavy, flexy, ineffective p.o.s.... i may never buy another suspension fork.
my gripe with my M800 is that loud popping from the bottom bracket when i start mashing the peddles. my yellow cannondale go-fast road bike is starting to suffer the same affliction.
my M800 is a '92. i ride to and fro everyday. that bike doesn't do to bad at -35F. the rear rack holds the gear and we spend the weekend in the mountains. not only is that high bottom bracket great on parking barriers and logs, but its nice when the snow starts piling up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a cross-country rider
from Sunnyvale California
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I own two bikes, a five year old M800 and a two year old Steelman. Their
worlds apart. For cross country riding, this bike shines on single track, light
easily thrown around. on climbs, or any extended period in the saddle, it is less than ideal. The front end is hard to keep down, and because BB is so high,
can have very twitchy handeling. This bike was made for single track, mud,
clearing logs, etc. Very function specific design. Not my first choice for a
comfortable, long varied terrain, ride.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Lo
a cross-country rider
from suisun city, ca . usa
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
My M800 has a Manitou mach 5 sx it's great bike, stiff and good handling, extra hi bottom bracket for technical stuff. I've got 3,400 mi. on it and it still runs strong!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lars Andersen
a weekend warrior
from Denmark
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm riding a M800 '96. I've owned a M800 '94 too and for sure i can feel the improvements of the newer version. It's light, it's stiff,it's sticked to the ground, but i can follow those who claim that its not aggressive. I'm covinced it depends on your way of driving. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bradley McCormick
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride a '95 M800 with the addition of a Manitou Pro XC fork this bike handles beautifully for me - very stiff, very light and an agressive riding position. Great for CC racing. This bike was made for climbing, and the high bottom bracket allows alot of clearance. By the way, YES Cannondales really do shift better when the derailer cables cross on the down tube. I don't care much for the CODA brake levers, but I believe they've made some improvements, and the OnZa pedals can go, but I guess they have. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Camiel Rouweler
a cross-country rider
from the Netherlands
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the '96 model of this bike which came equipped with LX-derailleurs
(LBS swapped rear for '95 XTR to lure me into the buy) and Magura HS-11
hydraulic brakes. The frame is light and quite stiff. However, only after
a few rides I discovered that the high BB and the geometry make this bike
hard to get around the corner. The high position I have on this bike is
no problem, except when I have to stop for a traffic light on my way to the
trail. You just can't put your foot on the ground when seated.
I am sure this is a great bike, but not for me. I have a '97 F700 now (I
was forced to buy I new bike when the M800 was stolen) and it is a lot better
suited for XC. I guess the M800 is better for trials. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas Schickler
a cross-country rider
from Hamburg, Germany
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an excellent bike. I fell in love with it on my very first climb. I bought a '94 model with the idea of getting a great frame and when I break parts, I'd get XTR. Only a new front hub has been necessary. I too put a shock up front, which hurt the climbing performance with the geometry change and flexibility. I think it also made the whole bike a tiny bit too big for me. If you are 6'-1 and right between the 18 and 20 frame sizes, get the 18! Can't beat the craftmanship or warranty with a stick. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Ruhland
a weekend warrior
from Tempe AZ
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great bike! The extra clearance really helps under technical
conditions, and it is truly the Beast of the East (I used to live in West Virginia).
In my opinion, it is the best designed frame that Cannondale builds. Once a suspension is put on
this frame, it is a monster. However, the components that come stock on this
bike are really lousy, but the just the frame makes it well worth the price. Combine that with
a lifetime frame warranty and you've got yourself a bike!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William H. Safranek, iv
a cross-country
from Athens, Ohio
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Upside of Bike:
Great Clearance and a fantasticly rigid frame make this bike a great xcountry and climbing bike. If the bike came as listed in Bikealog then it would be a good bike for a fair price. The bike is fairly light and easy to move underneath you.
Dounside of Bike:
The fork rake of 1.8 inches and headtube angel of 71 dgrees should make it feel a little slow at turning (never has bothered me though). Go for this bike with the intent of suspension (of course who doesn't anymore, wimps). Most suspension forks have less fork rake. Unfortunately the bike probably doesn't come as listed at Bikealog but as listed at Cannondale and yet for similar price. I got mine for $779 in January 1994. Mine had all lx components except for the ones that were Coda, and the rear derailer was xt. The present bike also has a slightly different rear triangle but that shouldn't change the feel to much.
I would probably only give the present M800 2.5 stars at most but it can realy depend upon the price you have to pay for it and the components included. I would give my own M800 a 3.5 star rating at least. Cannondales are great frames but why have the parts become the lower end stuff? If one is looking for a bike like this (light quality aluminum)then they should also look at the new Specialized A1 or consider building the bike up from a frame only. | | Overall Rating: |
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