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Cannondale F900 SL

MSRP $ 1653.99
# of Reviews 16
Average Rating 4.19/5
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Submitted by adam prince a Cross Country Rider from scarborough
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:dalby forest
Duration Product Used:6 months
Price Paid: $1200.00
Purchased At:ebay
Strengths:all round very strong bike
loving the caad5 system i have the cream coloured paint job its better looking than the orange one
Weaknesses:the knob for the suspension is a naff idea mine has split so now it wont stay up and the deore gear system what is that all about
Similar Products Used:only rode carrera before
Bike Setup:carbon seat post, hayes nine brakes, panaracer 2.1 tyres
Bottom Line:mint bike its the best i have ever ridden would recommend it too any one
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Aaron a Weekend Warrior from Ellicott City, MD
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:Sandia Peak to bottom (Albuquereque, NM)
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $600.00
Purchased At:Some guy in PA
Strengths:Frames great, and the lockout is perfect for the variety of riding i do (an hour road ride to get to where hit the trails).
Weaknesses:Limited suspension travel, and the stock 2x9 gearing was anoyying.
Bike Setup:BMX petals and a shimano deore crankset
Bottom Line:An ideal mountain bike for folks like me who need to take the roads to get to the trails. If you can find it for the the price I got it at, by all means go for it. $1600 new is a bit steep, though. (my value rating is based on my price)
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by LIN a Weekend Warrior from SoCal
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Price Paid: $770.00
Purchased At:Got Connections
Strengths:Potential to be a very light racing bike. Loved the frame and the lockout suspension.
Weaknesses:orange, funny color. coda components. my crank became squeaky after riding 2 months or so. the seat post and handlebars are as heavy as steel.
Similar Products Used:jamis dakota xc. gt alvanche.
Bike Setup:stock. saving money for upgrade.
Bottom Line:Rides well and comfortable bike. faster than my old bikes.
Components for a bike with $1600 msrp should have xtr or more xt. the coda parts are like walmart bikes. after im done with my upgrades, the bike should weigh under 21lbs.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:4

Submitted by John Doe a Downhiller from Arkensaw, USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:Coed-y-Brenin (when im in wales!)
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $1600.00
Purchased At:Boneshakers Cycles, Ripon, UK
Strengths:Components are of superior quality to other makes.
Weaknesses:Frame is a bag of Sh1t!
Similar Products Used:Kona Hahanna, Kona Cindercone, GT palomar!!!!!!!!!!
Bike Setup:STD!
Bottom Line:This bike is not worth $1600 and i am gona do something to "GAZ"(the weekend warrior from wetherby) for reccomending it to me on this site.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Gaz Roberts a Weekend Warrior from Wetherby, Yorkshire, England
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:mbr trail, Coed-y-Brenin, Wales
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $1500.00
Strengths:CAAD5 frame is one of the best you can buy. Top quality finishing and amazing stiffness. Climbs better than a mountain goat.
Weaknesses:Cheap components.
Disc beakes are sh1t, my old Avid Arch Rival 50 V Brakes have more power.
Similar Products Used:92 Marin Eldridge Grade. A proper STEEL bike.
Bike Setup:Carbon bars and shorter stem with more rise. Other than that standard need to save more money to get the setup i really want.
Bottom Line:Quality Frame. Components need upgrading to do the frame proud. Get Hope Minis put on in the shop when you buy it (quality Yorkshire stopping power).
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Bobby Bahn a from Newport Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:Whiting
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $869.00
Purchased At:Supergo
Strengths:Caad5 frame, awesome climbing ability, frame finish, and Cannondale's support of the product (in spite of their chapter 11 filing, they should still back the frames for a while)
Weaknesses:Headshock, inabibility to easily change the headset and stem, coda hydraulic brakes, Deore shifters, seat and crankset.
Similar Products Used:Giant Rainier, GT Zaskar.
Bike Setup:Stock, but planning to upgrade almost all components.
Bottom Line:I got the bike because of the great price. I essentially got it for half of its original price and, according to Supergo, below their dealer cost. As users, critics, and pros can attest, the frame is one of the best hardtails out in the market. Get it if you want a frame that you want to build upon and if you can get a sweet deal on it.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Jeff a Cross Country Rider from Modesto, California, USA
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:Local:Red Hills Overall:Toads
Duration Product Used:6 months
Price Paid: $1000.00
Purchased At:Fun Sports
Strengths:Stiff, fast and light. Great paint. Lock-out fork. It's a Cannondale.
Weaknesses:Cheap parts, but they can be upgraded. It just seems like when you drop $1,600 on a bike, it shouldn't say 'Deore' ANYWHERE ON THE BIKE!!!!
Continental Explorer tires suck- I've NEVER had a pinch flat in 15 years of MTBing, I've had two in six months with these. No center pull brake mounts (why not put both on the bike?)
Similar Products Used:'89 Cannondale
Bike Setup:Stock except I put my xt cranks and answer bars on.
Bottom Line:Cannondale backs their goods:

I broke my '89 after 12 years of abuse (this in itself is amazing given the stupid hucking I used to do on that thing). I called my LBS, the called Cannondale. Cannondale gave me $500.00 towards a new bike. I paid $500.00 dollars for the bike in '89! I basically rode for 12 years free!

Anyone that loves efficient climbing will live this bike. If you want to fly on DH, then get a Jeykl.

I have to mention too, the paint is amazing- I had it standing up in the back of my truck, it fell all the way over and hit the side of my bed really hard. I picked it up to see the expected chip, but I couldn't even find where it hit!

So the bottom line: There may be better components on other $1,500+ XC bikes out there, but if you're a recreational MTBer, Cannondale can't be beat. Great customer service, beatiful frame and the smartest fork designs in the business.



Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by rich sutton a from madrid spain
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1400.00
Purchased At:karacol
Strengths:frame and forks.hubs which have cartridge bearings.brakes are hot now i have changed pads to ebc reds
Weaknesses:saddle,cheap plastic afair
Bike Setup:as stock except for flite trans am saddle.coda aint so bad
Bottom Line:this bike is light as stock and goes great.i aint going to knock it
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by rob ferguson a Weekend Warrior from glasgow
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:pentlands
Duration Product Used:6 months
Price Paid: $1500.00
Purchased At:ebs
Strengths:its a cannondale.your not just buying a bike your getting a lifetime frame of the highest quality and probably the strongest mtb brand in the world.
Weaknesses:poor spec components compared to brands in a similar price range.but this allows upgrade and customisation to create a monster!
Similar Products Used:i used to have a steel rockhopper '01.
Bike Setup:stock.
Bottom Line:frame is spectacular and ready to be a 20 Ilb racer. finish and weight is exceptional - even for the money.the fork is easy, reliable and efficient. handling is superb. im totally in love with it and wont hear a bad word said against it.its not a bike its art.if your really a pro hacker you can change the spec but your always safe with that beast of a frame.a great and exclusive bike.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Henrik Ludvigsson a Cross Country Rider from Gothenburg, Sweden
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:Bocksten-trail, western Sweden
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1950.00
Purchased At:Östers Cykel, Sweden
Strengths:"Climbability", weight and suspension performance
Weaknesses:As many others have written, CODA parts... BUT!! They are easy to change to better stuff, so why complain? I have only the crank set left that is no good...
Similar Products Used:Kona Kula -97, until stolen this winter
Bike Setup:As stock, except for: Shimano deore disc (hydr.), deore hubs, mavic disc rims and some gadgets here&there
Bottom Line:This bike is d#mn good for this price, please start supporting your local bike store instead of buying via mail order (YES lower price but no service)...

What I mean is that I think it is stupid to by this kind of bike without personalizing the equipment at all. Don't complain about loose spokes os sh#t like that, these are things that have nothing to do with the bike - only the level of professionalism of your dealer...
CODA brakes etc are crap, my dealer for example, does not at all sell this bike without changing brakes first!

The thing that surprised me, even compared to my old Kona Kula which I really loved riding, was the liveliness and the great performance when climbing steep ascents. The bike is a dream on technical trails, but with the fork locked out the road riding is a piece of cake as well.

The bike is great for cross-country racing and recreational riding, both endurance races and the usual sprint-like get-togethers. Buy it if you have physique enough to let your legs act as rear suspensioning!
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Tony a Weekend Warrior from Ridgewood, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:Old Croton Aqueduct Historic State Park Trail
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1600.00
Purchased At:Bikeworks, Rochelle Park, NJ
Strengths:Appearance, ride quality, weight
Weaknesses:Manufacturer supplied component mix, price performance
Similar Products Used:Cannondale M400
Bike Setup:Cannondale 2002 F900SL with SRAM 2002 Rocket Shorty Shifters, Sun-Ringle DS1-XC Rims, IRC Mythos XC Tires, Wellgo Pedals w/straps, mini pump, bottle cage, underseat bag, and pinger - all other components stock from Cannondale
Bottom Line:The CAAD5 mountain frame in conjunction with the Super Fatty Ultra DL HeadShok offers a very, very plush ride; I have two CADD2 framed bikes and there is a night and day difference. The front shock lock out feature is great for climbing and smooth surfaces. This bike is very light for having both front suspension and disc brakes.

My LBS swapped out the stock pedals, rims, shifters, and tires for components of my choice at no additional charge. I got the exact bike I wanted for the cost of a stock F900SL. The bike would have been way overpriced if not for the customer focused attitude of my LBS.

This is a great bike for XC riding. Downhillers would not be satisfied with the lightweight frame and short travel suspension.

Check out the reviews for Coda disc brakes before you make your final buy decision.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Justin Burger a from Katy,Texas
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:Bluff creek RANCH
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $999.00
Purchased At:Sun & Ski sports
Strengths:Very light, very fast, Awsome front shock. Good rear and front deralure(?Sp?). Good cornering , excelent climbing ability. Breaks well - not hydrolic. Ok on down hills.
Weaknesses:Coda stinks. Coda stinks.Coda stinks. The spokes on wheels loosened on my first ride. Swich the coda components to something better. Especialy the seat- murder on your but in long bike races.
Bike Setup:Stock-but not for long
Bottom Line:Great bike, but when you buy this bike buy it for the frame and put all Xt components on it. This is the best bike i have ever ridden and is great for racing.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Keith a Racer from Tallahassee FL Leon
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Price Paid: $1175.00
Purchased At:EBAY Baby!!!!
Strengths:Yes this bike retails for the high 1,ooo's. I paid 1175 off ebay and have been happy ever since. Check out everyone else view about the components. The drivetrain and shifters are fine. All their in-house manufactured items (Coda) is crap. I've never used worse brakes than these. I had the same problems as others with my wheels not having been tightened enough--take them to your local bike shop and save yourself a big headache of ruining a perfectly good wheel. This bike is an off the shelf racer. The coda items really are an eyesore on a bike this beautiful. I have a friend who purchased this as a frame only and bought an XT group. I highly recomend this bike as a frame only purchase. Mine is a '01--stay away from the '02 and their disk brakes. I heard the Coda's leak fluid. Another fine Coda product. Cannondale Pay Attention ** spend the exta couple of bucks and outsource some of your components to reputable part makers!
Weaknesses:COOODDADAAA SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS
Similar Products Used:This bike was spec'd the way I needed for XC, and was priced in my ballpark.
Bike Setup:If it says CODA, i've either replaced it or it's on its way out the door!
Bottom Line:BUY THIS WONDERFUL BIKE AS A FRAME SET ONLY...then rush out and purchase an XTR group and CrossMax wheels and be the envy of all your friends!
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Lorcan Gavin a Weekend Warrior from Stafford, Uk.
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1883.00
Purchased At:Samways, Derby.
Strengths:FOLLOW UP
Weaknesses:Tyres. Puncture on first 20 minute ride round the woods.
Utter rubbish.
Bike Setup:Still stock.
Bottom Line:I've had time to wear this bike in now and having seen the review above this one I cant believe how much I paid for it.

Why oh why are we Europeans charged more than DOUBLE what Americans pay for the same bikes? I'll never buy one here again.

The bike ...

Its light. Its firm. The tyres are rubbish and whoever did the rims wants shooting. My spokes werent even tightenend enough to prevent deformation on the second ride. Some service at Samways. Sheesh. Not to worry tho, they'll be getting it back in 3 weeks and they'll be fixing it for free or they can have the fscking thing back.

For £1300 dont buy this. Its just not worth it.
If you can get it for about £800 next year - bargain.

My revised review is a hard as nails 1 chili for value.
Overall 3.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Lorcan Gavin a Weekend Warrior from Staffordshire, England.
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:NA
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $1883.00
Purchased At:Samways, Derby.
Strengths:Very, very light frame. Probably the best you can get in alu. The butting is right on the edge.
Weaknesses:Hard on your butt. Its a firm ride. The stock saddle is EVIL get rid of it before you leave the shop. Continental tyres are a bit rubish too. Havent really given the CODA disk brakes a tough run yet but they look simple enough - lightweight, fragile etc.
Similar Products Used:Scott Comp Racer Pro.
Bike Setup:Stock: Cannondale Expert Hubs, Crank, Front Mech, CODA Disk, Headset, Super Fatty Ultra etc. XT rear mech. Mavic 223 disk rims Deore rapid fire shifters.
Bottom Line:The bottom line? This bike is disgustingly over-priced for what you actually get. When I inquired after this model the good people in Samways told me point blank I could expect to pay a lot over the odds for anything Cannondale. I asked why. They said: 'All your money goes into the frame really.' That at the time satisfied me, and the frame certainly is a masterpiece of welding to be so incredibly light and still be tough. HOWEVER - come on people. For £1000 (pounds) you can buy a titanium allow frame and put cheap rubbish Deore and LX parts on it for about what this bike costs off the rack.

If you are looking for a weekend warrior bike, this is too fragile and unforgiving: I suggest you spend approximately 50% less money on a Scott Comp Racer Pro. If however you want a cross country race bike and money is no limit, this is easily the best out there.

The bottom line: Only SERIOUS fitness fanatics should be looking into these. And they probably have sponsorship.

Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Landy adkins a Weekend Warrior from midalnd,tx
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $875.00
Purchased At:Peytons bikes
Strengths:awsome frame and fork, very siff and very very fast. light wieght
Weaknesses:component group, cannondale components stink....
Similar Products Used:none
Bike Setup:cannondale, mavic, alien, hutchinson, easton, xtr-lx, raceface, cannondale hydro. disc.
Bottom Line:in this bike you pay the price for the awsome frame and fork, and it is worth it. However, with any other bike for the price you would get better components than this. but i do not regret paying the price. thr bottom line is that i love this bike.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5






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