Submitted by
Crazy Cycylist
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, Canada Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Light weight. Cool color. Stiff frame.
Weaknesses:
Excuse me? What did you say?
Bike Setup:
I change all most all parts except the frame...
Bottom Line:
This is a truely amazing bike. The frame is great, reliable, and super beautiful! Even I changed almost all parts since I bought, I have never thought buying new bike because beauty of the frame (frame, seat post, and headset are only parts I keep since I bought). They, Cannondale, make such a beautiful frame until today. It's like the art!! I'm sure if I buy a new bike, I'll choose one of Cannondale bikes. Riding cool bike make us feel cool, isn't it??
It's bit sad Cannondale no longer pruduce any regid bike. These days, it's getting hard to get a good regid bike like this. Maybe I was lucky when I met this bike...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tonton palaganas
a Weekend Warrior
from Baguio City, Philippines Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Binga-Ambuklao DAM- Lab-ey Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
from friend cyclist
Strengths:
Oh!!!Amazing very Stiff just let the work on its own.
Weaknesses:
No suupension in front hard on arms specially donwhill off road.
Similar Products Used:
My first Richie is nothing compare to my current.
Bike Setup:
all parts set-up in "XTR"
Bottom Line:
Very cool bike , no brake down, no maintainance, no need to replace, this is my forever bike. Every where bike...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
railtrailbiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Bergen County, NJ Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Old North Jersey Rapid Transit ROW
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$475.00
Purchased At:
Bikeworks, Rochelle Park, NJ
Strengths:
Design, craftsmanship, weight, appearance (paint and lettering), durability, ease of service, overall performance
Weaknesses:
Selected components (rear derailleur)
Bike Setup:
Stock with the exception of an underseat bag, water cage, lock, and mini-pump
Bottom Line:
As the owner of a rigid bike in a world seemingly being taken over by front and/or full suspension models, I often feel very out of place. However, I am very proud of my high gloss-black Cannondale M400. It has served me well for just over 2.5 years. Besides it's great performance, I didn't have to take out a second mortgage on my house to buy it.
The 1999 M400 is fast and predictable when ridden by an experienced rider. Whether cruising off road unpaved paths or riding local streets, I feel safe and in control. The bike climbs wonderfully. Lifting it onto my Thule roof rack is a breeze too.
Braking is fantasic and shifting is very good. Just infrequent problems downshifting; a better rear derailleur would solve this problem. But let's face it, how many friggin' times do you actually shift when out for a ride? Yes, it's a stiff ride but I feel in total control when I can feel the surface under me.
I am sorry that I didn't buy an extra 1999 model and put it into storage for future use. The 2001 M400 model uses far inferior components.
This bike was a great buy. It is indeed the Volkswagen of mountain bikes, but why by a Mercedes except to impress your neighbors and flush your money down the toilet.
Sometimes the best things in life don't cost a fortune.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: April 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
The frame is truly a piece of art. The welds are incredible, it is light, super-stiff, and looks great. It has unlimited upgrade potential, and you don't need to use a headshock, WHICH I DESPISE.
Weaknesses:
All the original components, Alivio/STX just aren't up to hardcore riding/racing.
Bike Setup:
I replaced all orignal parts, the only thing I kept was the frame!
THIS BIKE RULES WHEN SET UP PROPERLY. The frame is really just amazing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oh Bee
a Weekend Warrior
from Colgate University, NY, USA Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the 7+ miles of singletrack at rear end of campus
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The frame on this thing's killer; it's the stiffest thing I've ever ridden, hands down. The frame's not that heavy either. I've always been a fan of the GripShift system, but others would probably disagree. But yes, it's the frame, frame, frame, frame!
Weaknesses:
Just as everyone else says, it's the components. They're not that bad (everything's Shimano), but if you're gonna take it rough, an upgrade would be a good idea. The brakes are also a shade corny.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M200 ('96), Mt. Shasta Fuji ('94)
Bike Setup:
Pulled off Continental tires, replaced w/ Specialized Team Masters. Otherwise everything's the same (for now)
Bottom Line:
As I said before, the M400's CAAD2 frame is ultra-stiff, strong, and not too heavy. I think just the frame's worth the price. I'll be slowly upgrading the components. The Alivio/Deore LX combo doesn't do it for me, considering I used to ride on STX to XTC. I think I'll be ditchin' the brakes and rims as well. But for now, the bike's fine. If you're just cruisin', the setup shouldn't pose any problems. Damn, do I love the frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Jans
a Cross Country Rider
from Plainsboro, NJ Date Reviewed: February 9, 2000
A well made, inexpensive bike that is worthy of upgrading or for use as a stiff, reliable commuter or cruiser.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Atkins
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: February 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
6.9 at mt. fortune
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
awesome bike, handles like a dream, best hardtail money can buy
Weaknesses:
no suspension
Similar Products Used:
Rocky mountain vapour, Cannondale m300
Bike Setup:
normal, putting shocks on next year to eliminate only weakness + repair bag
Bottom Line:
its an awesome bike that can handle almost any terrain in the world! its the best hsndling bike I've ever riden great quality, all round an awesome bike!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toby
a Cross Country Rider
from Carroll Co. MD USA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great Frame, Color
Weaknesses:
Grip Shifters, Brakes
Similar Products Used:
Rock Hooper
Bike Setup:
Serfas Ti Kevlar Seat, Clipless Pedals, Salsa brake booster (rear)
Bottom Line:
Outstanding frame. Something you can build on. However, bike needs better components. Will eventually upgrade everything including adding front suspension. DID NOT WANT THE HEADSHOCK! Great value for the money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Itto
a Cross-Country Rider
from Reseda Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
7240 CANNONDALE AVE.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
Components Installed
Similar Products Used:
Klein Gary Fisher Trek
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi z4 alloy Kore stem 3d lite Mavic crossmax LP handle bar Rock Shox seat post xtr ( cranks, RR der and Frt der and Brakes
Bottom Line:
Awesome Bike!!! This bike is solid in every aspect. You can't go wrong buying this bike. Cannondale has done a good job on the CAD 2 frame. GO CANNONDALE GO!!!!!!!!!! A TRUE CHAMPION!! I'M THE KING OF THE HILL!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
www
a Weekend Warrior
from Pouch Cove, NF Date Reviewed: November 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame, it's light
Weaknesses:
components Grip Shift
Similar Products Used:
Kona Nunu walmart junk
Bike Setup:
nuke proof stem Marzocchi z3 light LX shifters
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money. The components weren't great. I got mine for 700.00 Canadian. Five flaming horses.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, NC Date Reviewed: November 7, 1999
Dropped the grip-shifters for RapidFire shifters, lost the chrome h-bar for a Coda Expert, will be loosing the crap brake set for an XTR brake set (or something similar).
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
As is (basically), for now. Looking for a new suspension fork, any sugestions...
Bottom Line:
Great bike, great price, and has room for growth (some of which is required to make this an outstanding bike). I just wish it came with a better brake set and RapidFire shifters standard. Ah well...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Devon ,Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Secret trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame and V-brakes
Weaknesses:
gears, i don't like grip shift
Bike Setup:
riding so i can cross train for downhill riding.
Bottom Line:
Its a good bike for me to train for downhill and dual shalom riding. I know it seems strange for a downhiller to ride a x-country bike to dual shalom bike but for the money and my set-up it works well
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bunty
a Cross-Country Rider
from Saratoga Springs, NY Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
behind Skidmore college riding stables
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
frame, price.
Weaknesses:
components
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi '99 Z.3 Light
Bottom Line:
great bike. not-so-great components, but not necessary to upgrade them. slap on a Marzocchi front suspension fork, and you've got a sweet ride (esp. for the price!).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Schafler
a Cross-Country Rider
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
The CAAD 2 frame on this bike is an increadible value at $550. It's light, stiff, and fast. The components that come with the bike, however, (Alivio/STX) are really insufficient for hardcore riding. I replaced just about everything but the frame, and my M 400 now ROCKS. It rides better than my brother's F 600 with a Headshock. I hated the Headshock, and this bike avoided it well. I have invested about $1000 in the bike, and with the frame it has, it is well worth it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Huecifer
a Cross-Country Rider
from Syracuse, NY Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This bike has a good frame... It's good quality, good geometry, and good looking. It's also really light.
Weaknesses:
It sucks on the road. It has mediocre components that seem to have problems aging.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Cross Country, Haro Vector
Bike Setup:
Getting some Marzocchi's this year. I haven't changed i tmuch from the original, because it's doing O.K.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great bike for people who ride trails a lot, but with a price. It's road manners are terrible (maybe it's the tires?) and it's kind of expensive considering the components. But, some may say the frame is really worth it, which it is. So, if you can overlook the components (which most people can), it's one hell of a bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Timothy
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great Frame, Good components.
Weaknesses:
I'm not into straps or clipless pedals.
Bike Setup:
Replaced the front folk with a Polished Marzocchi Z.2 BAM. Replaced the pedals with Odessy Black Widow's. Replaces the seat with an anatomically correct ergonmomic seat (male).
Bottom Line:
Cool Fun Bike!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
daoren
a Weekend Warrior
from ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
the frame, good sweet god the frame!
Weaknesses:
everything other than the frame.
Bike Setup:
I added the RockShox seatpost; an excellent addition if I may say so meself; that's about it. (Stupid economic sutuation . . .)
Bottom Line:
The frame gets four guatemalan insanity peppers, the components scrape up one. If this helps anyone, I snagged one for $659.00 Canadian or $450 American (plus the evil taxes).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
henry Dao
a cross-country rider
from sydney,OZ Date Reviewed: December 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a second bike for training on cycle ways and short communting,when i spotted m400 on special for $950 (aussie bucks).Bought it for $900 straight away,the frame is so light and absorb bumps well,component average but works well. Just put RST381r shocks on and i think it handle better than my Giant atx860 which i use for serious XC.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Superman
a cross-country rider
from WASHINGTON Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998
Bottom Line:
Oh my god this bike kicks ass. Okay, so i changed it a bit, seeing as it was the only rigid bike in the '99 line-up and I wanted to avoid Headshok at all costs. I put on XT derailleurs, Mavic 221s with LX hubs, titanium DT spokes, Selle Italia Max Flite seat, new stem, clipless pedals, and new cranks, but the frame is SO light and sweet!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neal Shah
a weekend warrior
from Norman, OK Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just got this bike and I just wanted to be the first one on this page. I'm really excited about it and it seems to be suited to what I need (mainly riding around town, but maybe some off road). Also, I've been told that the frame is worth it even if you don't get such great components (I can't complain about the components, though, because this is essentially the first bike I've purchased that didn't come from walmart). I'll give it a five for now, but I'll reevaluate if my rating of it changes after I've had it for awhile. That's all for now!
$ 542.00
Overall Rating:
