Submitted by
Serlab
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec Date Reviewed: September 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Vermont
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Montreal North
Strengths:
Light and fast. The lefty is amazing.
Weaknesses:
Handle bar too wide, saddle not comfy for long ride, tires not good in muddy condition, the rear cables are not all fully cover, and the color is too flashy, but I am being picky.
Bike Setup:
So far I only change the Maxxis Ridgeline tire for Kenda Nevegal 2.1 Fr and 1.95 back and the seat for a Tioga Spyder.
Bottom Line:
After testing and riding many bikes, I choose this one and do not regret it. I spend way more time riding it than my previous Kona Kula.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bubuli
a Weekend Warrior
from Monroe NJ Date Reviewed: August 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
Halter's Cycles
Strengths:
Great Ride.
Cool-looking.
Lefty is awesome.
Stock components are good.
Weaknesses:
None.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Shimano XT clipless pedals
Bottom Line:
Yes, we're in the era where people would push you to buy a FS 26-incher. To buy a decent FS 26-incher you need to blow around 2K. Consider your biking habits: Do you really need an FS? I say buy a real nice HT than get a okay FS. CDale Caffeines are REALLY NICE HTs.
With the F2, the stock components are good enough not warranting an upgrade...except maybe for the pedals depending on what you're used to.
The handlebar IS wider than most bikes i tried...it's usually recommended to cut off at least half-an-inch from each end...but I would recommend to try first before cutting...and I am glad I did not cut right away because I prefer the handle bar the way it is; it is much more maneuverable in technical trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Maple Grove, MN USA Date Reviewed: October 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Santa Ana River Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Black Mountain Bicycles
Strengths:
Light, nimble, and climbs like a goat on crack. This is my first brand new bike and my first Lefty, and I think it's amazing. Plenty of travel, tracks perfectly. Can be a little rough on the big rock gardens, but I like the challenge. I can't recommend this bike enough.
Weaknesses:
Handlebars were waaaay too wide, but it wasn't a problem to cut them down.
Similar Products Used:
98 Cannondale F500, 92 Specialized Stumpjumper stiff bike.
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
This was such a step up from my old bike, sometimes I don't even know how I got around on that thing. If you like hardtails, get this bike. If you don't like hardtails, get this bike and give it to someone who does.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from St Kilda, VIC, Australia Date Reviewed: July 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2450.00
Purchased At:
Ivanhoe Cycles
Strengths:
The first time I rode this bike I was in love. Having only ridden full suss in the past, the Caffeine blew me away. It almost felt like it was pedalling for me. Light, super sharp handling on the single track, the Caffeine improved my skill and endurance by 25% (if that makes any sense). I am certainly no pro, but was now able to keep up with much better riders in the climbs. It really does make that much difference. I took my full suss (prophet 1000) out a while ago and it seriously felt like it had square wheels and flat tyres. The bike is still stock. I planned to upgrade parts, but honestly it all works so well that theres just no need. Finish on the frame is superb and the bike looks as sharp as it rides. My second lefty, but this ones got lockout which I find pretty handy on the really flat stuff.
Weaknesses:
None. Make sure you get a feel for the hardtail before you ride flat stick down your favourite trails. I found out the hard way (within 100m) that they're nowhere near as forgiving as a full susser on the way down. That said, when your skills improves they are even more fun.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Prophet (yes I'm a 'dale fan). Still love it but the Caffeine is the number one son.
Bike Setup:
Stock. XT rear, LX front and LX brakes.
Bottom Line:
If you ride single track, there is no other option. Caffeine is for you. They may be pricey for what you get, but they just handle and pedal so sweet. Brings a permanent smile to my face just thinking about it. The best fun I've had riding....ever!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pmt011
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Great bike, this is my third cannondale (I think I have a Fleet now) and I am as happy with it as I could be. Very light and stiff with good braking and suspension. This is my first experience with a lefty fork, but its done surprisingly well and I have no complaints about it. Absolutely a great ride, expensive, but you get what you pay for. Its break in trial was a 150 mile charity bike ride, handled great and even outran a few roadies with it.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Hardtails Smith & Wesson Police bikes
Bike Setup:
Sella San Marco Arami Gellaround saddle Sweetskins tires
$
Overall Rating:
