Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Canada Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
LIGHT! This thing floats down the trail and corners like its on rails. I LOVE it.
Weaknesses:
Coda Breaks
Similar Products Used:
Rockey Mountain Products
Bottom Line:
This is a wicked bike. The set up as always needs to be adjusted to the rider, but once you've found your sweet spot this bike is a dream. I've done a LOT of racing and this has by far been my favorite ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Gren
a Racer
from Silverdale, WA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Greenie
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Killer Frame, best shock around, frame and shock are the best 1-2 punch around...The Coda Components suck BIG TIME!!!! I replaced all coda crap with Shimano XTR and Easton Ti to include bottom bracket and wheelset/hubs. After I did that, I had the most killer bike around. Supa' Fast, light, and climbed like a billygoat....I won races with that set up...as a reminder though, get rid of the coda crap...cuz it will piss you off after a month
Weaknesses:
Coda, coda, coda......replace immediately!! How the frame and shock got stuck with this crap is un-reeeaal. Again, once you have quality on the frame and fork, you have the best bike around.
Bike Setup:
XTR, Mavic, Easton.....only the frame and shock is Cannondale. It's the only solid set up you can have going with Cannondale. Coda ruins everything.
Bottom Line:
Buy the frame and shock, upgrade all the components and you'll have such a killer bike...Probably the best in the market and race worthy. If you go w/frame, fork and coda, be prepared for frustration.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nutter
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin, MA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Foxboro SF and Vietnam (Milford)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Bike Masters in Tempe AZ
Strengths:
Light, strong, Coda Disc brakes after a year are pretty good, climbing ability
Weaknesses:
Coda Disc Brakes, Flexy frame at BB, Coda Cranks
Similar Products Used:
Still just the Fuji Thrill
Bike Setup:
Marz. Z1 BAM 130 mm Shock Titec Hell bent risers 747 pedals Salsa Stem 80 mm 10° rise Plasma Grip shift XT/XTR f/r deraillers Coda Competition Disc Brakes Continental Tires And soon Truvativ Hussefelt Cranks w/ Sealex Splined BB
Bottom Line:
Where to start. I reviewd this bike about 2 years ago and loved it. The chain suck was a major problem and the gear shifting was also problematic. The chain still drops from the higher front chainring to the lower at any given time. But that is because the frame flexes when I go up hill. I am a 250 lbs rider and tend to put a lot of stress on the cranks and BB. I had to adjust my riding style, and everything fixed itself. I added a lot of freeride components to this thing and love the way it descends now. Up hill is a little tougher with out the head shock, but who cares. It just takes a little more pedal power. The disc brakes are OK. They don't lock up at all, but I think that could be a good thing, prevents me from skidding. The stopping power is OK too, but sometimes I need to stop NOW, and that doesn't happen. The cranks suck. The chain rings are terrible. But all in all, I really like this bike. I'll give it a 4 for over all, but a 5 for the bike I put together for value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Vancouver BC Canada Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light... too light... the race face parts I upgraded to are nice... MY HAYES DISKS ROCK... my '99 had a wicked after burner paint job... stock cranks are nice... good steering fork
Weaknesses:
CODA DISKS SUCKED... months of useless brakes... not much travel... lets see... the #$%^ing frames keep failing... I don't ride very hard... but something happens to the drop outs and the wheel wont stay in... I've tried lots of diff. QR's nothing works...
Similar Products Used:
F-1000,... I've tired a bunch of FS bikes... but nothing really like my Crack-N'-Fail
Bike Setup:
HAYES DISKS... stock stuff... race face post & BB... S&M pedals... Mav 521's... Intense 2.35" tires... short CODA stem... Pedro's Radial Grips (they rule)
Bottom Line:
I've had A LOT of problems... but up to last month Cannondale was really good... my LBS and Cannondale were really good about replacing brakes and brake components when they failed (I was very patient)... but when I took my frame in the first time to get the drop outs checked the Rep tried to tell me it was my fault... that my QR didn't work that I was using my bike for something I should'nt... Finally I got it replaced after being degraded by some over stuffed @ss from C-DAle... then it happened again with my '01... it's been in the shop for two weeks... heard nothing... I would have given them a 4 for effort and a good ride... now they get a 1 and if I could I'd give C-DAle a good kick in the nuts to go with... I'll never buy one of their products again...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vinnie mastro
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas nevada Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
boulder city
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
bike masters
Strengths:
light weight. head shock. stiff frame.cockpit layout climbing. disk brakes.trail manners . tracks streight
Weaknesses:
disk brakes . sterilizer seat . shifting . dealer customer support . parts availability...stock inner tubes
Similar Products Used:
garry fisher full susp
Bike Setup:
specialized comfort seat. rock shox seat post .xtr medium cage deralur r rise.. shorten xtr chain..
Bottom Line:
excellent frame n fork .. tracks streight goes where you point it .. climbs like a mountain goat .. layed out cockpit (bike fits me nicely) shifting was ok at best lots of chain suck.. after snapping rear deralur replaced it w a short cage xtr r rise. shortened the chain .. this cured the chain suck problem .(i cant guarante this fix but it worked for me ).the brakes were a nightmare..after 3 mos of not having a rear brake (leak contaminated the pads )and my bike being in the shop for 3 weeks at a time (cannondale back ordered the pads ) i finally have brakes that work . even with the above problems this is the best frame n fork combo ive ridden..the barrs stem and wheels are top notch as is the crank and chainrings ..the after purchase rock shox seat post rules.. the coda clipless pedals didnt work at all until i figured out that some chain lube makes them work great.the knobs on the mythos xc tires chunked off early . the innertubes were thinner than suran wrap ..the head shock is the only way to go the steering precision is incredible. it will spoil you .. wont ride a twin leg fork unless i go hardcore dh.. now if only i can figure out how to bleed the brakes myself.. would i buy another one ? yes but only if my dealer will let me punch everyone in the face if they cant get parts for a month or they cant fix my bike correctly the first time..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sandman
a Cross Country Rider
from Nepean, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
wolf, Gatineau Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Rebec's
Strengths:
-strong frame -super smooth head shock -light weight
Weaknesses:
-coda disc brakes (didn't see that coming) -coda clipless pedals
Similar Products Used:
96 Gary Fisher Big Sur, 92 Rocky Mountain
Bike Setup:
stock + shminano 747 pedals
Bottom Line:
With the F-2000 I got a fast bike with good geometry. It's excellent for climbing and the head shock tracks perfectly, with no play or wiggle. The ride feels very stiff and light and I must add the paint job turns heads. The disc brakes were problematic - very sensitive to oil contamination- and seem to contaminate themselves. Otherwise, I can see this bike approaching perfection once the components get up to par with the frame and fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Gordon
a Cross Country Rider
from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000
Grip Shift shifters don't work well with XTR rear derailleur IRC Tires CODA clipless pedals
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
'99 Cannondale F2000 with Hutchinson Mosquito Gold Tires (26X1.85), saddle Selle Italia Mythos Trans Am
Bottom Line:
This bike is very enjoyable to ride and I love the compliments I get about this bike. Everyone I meet love the paint job on this bike. The Frame and Headshok are very good. But, one of the major downfalls with this bike is the shifting, I don't think that the grip shift works very well with the XTR. I'm going to switch to the XTR rapidfire shifters and then give you another review with how I think of the switch. I don't like the clipless pedals either. If Cannondale didn't have the CAAD frame and the integrated Headshok, I would be riding something different.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steveo Turner innit
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Delamere Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The bike in question is a Scott Blackstone has an amazing structure. Its particulary good for jumps and I have no regrets about purchasing this item. In my local Reatiler (John Hales, Heaton Moor) they stated it was better than a Yecora and a Kokomo, the forks are good but not highly rated and a good pair of Bombers Z1 wouldn't go a miss.
Weaknesses:
Poor forks apparently.
Similar Products Used:
Yecora, Giant Alu Boulder Shock, Kokomo, FX4, Cannondale 900
Bike Setup:
Unsure but still bloody good.
Bottom Line:
Buy this baby, she'll satisfy you intensely. Or a Giant Boulder Alu Shock which are superb aswell. I only paid £300 and I had forks added.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Webster
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
number 7 to 18 Gatineaus
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
-light frame -quick climber -disc brakes
Weaknesses:
-CODA Tarantula crankset
Similar Products Used:
-'98 Specialezed S-Works -'97 CAAD3 frame with Z2 and XT mix
Bike Setup:
stock........only changed tires to Michelin once IRC's wore out. Changed chains.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. There're some guys here complaing about chain suck, and shifting problems. Working at a shop, and riding avidly, I can tell you, it wasn't all C'dale's fault. It was the new Shimano 9-speed, mixed with the Tarantual crank. They needed to do a bit mroe testing on the super narow chain before releasing the bike with thier own crank. Shimano's drivetrains work best when you've got it all.
Though I love the ride, I feel the need to try dually. Next season, I'm going Big Hit. So, if you wanna buy my ride, check the market place.
Dan (Rebec & Kroes Cycle & Sport, Ottawa)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kalamazoo, Michigan Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000
This bike is a great climber and goes where you point it. I am amazed at how much better the CAAD 4 handles than my '97 CAAD 2. This bike is very agile and awesome in the single track. The disc brakes are overkill here in Michigan, but when I rode in Pennsylvania last spring they were incredible on the wet trails. I have only one complaint. The drive train that Cannondale spec'd blows! I spent the entire season trying to straighten out my shifting woes. I finally went back to 8 speed and the Sachs Quartz shifters. This seemed to solve most of my problems. My dealer(Village Cyclery, Schoolcraft, Michigan) was very helpful in this matter. I only wish I could say the same for Cannondale. I e-mailed Cannondale several times on this matter, trying to get them to swap out my brakes so I could switch to rapid fire. They basically told me tough *#@!. I noticed that Cannondale has now changed their spec's on the new models. If they didn't have Headshok and such great frames I would be riding something different. Before I solved the shifting mystery I would give the bike 2 Chile's, after the fix, 5.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nutter
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix (MA native though) Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mormon-National
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light Disc Brakes are really cool looking, and stop on a dime(learned the hard way, up and over the bars I went) Climbs climbs climbs!!! Risers make for great handling. Getting use to the 9 speed too
Weaknesses:
Dents! But what do you expect from Aluminum. Skewers - the Codas suck. The ends are slanted and there are threads on both sides. Tires - IRC Mythos XC, not for rocky AZ riding. Noisy front shock. Squeaks.
Similar Products Used:
Fuji Thrill
Bike Setup:
Fatty SL 70 mm (upgrading soon) Titec Hell-bent Risers Plasma Grip XT (f) XTR (r) Nashbar clipless pedals Panaracer Fire DH Pro on the rear LX Skewers.
Bottom Line:
First off, Dave from Marlboro, MA. How is Vietnam these days? Heard its getting easier?Any way, I absolutely love this bike. I had alot of trouble with the shifting in the beginning and alot of concerns when the chain would strip off the front cogs. But the guys at Bike Masters in Tempe were patient and fixed it up right. Kudos to those guys. Any who, this thing climbs great and descends just as well. I ride National and Mormon out here in AZ(up mormon, down national), and this bike has given me the confidence I need to go up and down those technical sections. No problems any more with shifting. Weird though, Rapid rise XTR with grip shifts. If you want to spend the cash and get a great bike go here. Also, if you are a large rider like me (6'2 240 mix of muscle and fat) with long ass arms and long torso, the F2000's cock-pit is the one for you. I don't think I will ever buy any thing else. I am a C'dale owner for life. Ride Long, Ride hard and remember, its not a ride unless someone falls and blood is drawn!5 for the ride, but have to take one away for poor Coda skewers and all the drive train trouble.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthias Siebert
a Racer
from Kalamazoo, MI Date Reviewed: September 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Fort Custer Rec Area
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fatty SL and CAAD 4 frame, awesome combination and unbelieveable stiff. The disc brakes are amazing!!!
A great bike. You might have noticed that I wrote the exact opposite a couple messages down but that was back then. Although I requested it, MTBR hasn't taken the other review off which was written after two really frustrating DNF's within a week which wasn't a problem with the bike itself. The only reason were the Shimano 9 speed. I'm gonna give it a 5 since it's out of the bike company's control if the component manufaturer messes up.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Siebert
a Racer
from Kalamazoo, MI Date Reviewed: September 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Fort Custer
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No strenghts at all!!!!
Weaknesses:
Terrible chain suck due to Shiman 27 speed. Annoying dragging of the brakes. Brakes not compatible with Rapidfire.
Bottom Line:
A bike that fits a recreational rider but is not qualified for cross country racing. For that price I expected a lot more.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cedric
a Racer
from fredericton Date Reviewed: September 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
mont saint anne
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
good light frame, works well with the components the head shock is great.
Weaknesses:
sram 9.0 shifter , are good, but i like more the rapide fire
Similar Products Used:
trek 8900, trek 6500, kona lava dome
Bike Setup:
xtr/xt , xt shifter, head shok(sweet)
Bottom Line:
the bike is great it climbs well handle's well evrey thig is great. it is light and agile.a should get bike .
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
All of South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Light All components
Weaknesses:
??
Similar Products Used:
Fuji Thrill
Bike Setup:
Stock w/ Titec Hell-bent riser bars 80 mm travel headshock
Bottom Line:
Wow what an upgrade. Entry level brand-X components to top-of-the-line hardtail.First, Klein guy, your an idiot. Frame has a Lifetime warranty!!True, it says that I have only tested this bike. But, I also bought it. This review is to try and offset stupid Klein guy. I will give my honest review after I have hit the trail. Also, for the owners of this site, can you give us weekend/weekday warriors our own classification. We are not racers but we ride more than just on the weekends. Thanks
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Douglas Burn
a Weekend Warrior
from Anchorage, Alaska Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999
Vibration and noise from front brake, really hard seat!
Similar Products Used:
F400, F1000, Super V 800
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! It's light, agile, and climbs just about anything. The rear derailleur shifts instantly; (guess mine must be set up just right). I can't say enough about the way the brakes feel. Deceleration is smooth and sure. Maybe I don't ride as hard as some of the other folks rating this bike, but I've taken it on some pretty rugged trails up here, and it hasn't disappointed me.
Killer fork, great parts, light, agile, climbs like a monkey, draws lotso looks, and everybody wants to try it.
Weaknesses:
Draws lotso looks and everybody wants to try it. Hard grips. No 8 spd option.
Similar Products Used:
Stumper
Bike Setup:
Stock F2000SX
Bottom Line:
Picked up this F2000SX Lefty I named Sally Ann, last Friday July 23 99 from my fave LBS South Bay Bikes on Highland Ave. in National City. Rode it yesterday for 21 miles and today for 25 miles. Mileage for each day was split 60/40 between road and trail (I rode the bike to the local trails). Here is my review.*Price: $1999.00*Frame: Cannondale gives you a stiff CAAD4 frame. It abuses you on rough sections coz of the stiffness, but it is also this quality that makes it a monster climber like an M2 Stumpjumper, bottom line is, if you don't like getting beaten up, the CAAD4 is not for you. It's also a disc brake only affair... there are no bosses for rim brakes. The top tube is short for the large size I have, which makes the bike agile on tight turns. Loads of standover.*Fork: Headshok Lefty, you've seen it, you've read about it, 4 inches of typical Headshok smoothness (with the attendant Headshok maintenance pains too I am sure), air sprung, on the fly lockout and damping controls, very smooth, so rigid you won't notice the missing leg (unless you have a fork mount roof rack, in which case you will miss the right leg), stayed on course well while going down loose rocky slopes. Obviously you cannot have rim brakes on it too.*Drivetrain (9 spd): XT shifters, cassette (11-34) and f.d., XTR r.d. and b.b., HG-90 chain and Coda's top of the line splined Coda Tarantula Competition cranks (44-32-22). You already know Shimano's stuff works, the Coda cranks are stiff and light like my old RaceFace. Pedals are Coda Competition. The pedals were rough out of the store but a shot of WD-40 on the mechanism smoothed them out right away. I shoulda twisted Steve's arm for an 8 spd swap out.*Brake system: The newer Coda Expert hydraulic discs. Mushy at first, but nothing a half mile long downhill ride with brakes on can't break in. Like most discs it's kinda lacking in modulation, almost like they are either on or off. Very powerful though. Levers are Codas too.*Wheelset:Sun DS-1 32H rims, DT Comp 15/16 DB spokes, alloy nipples, Coda Expert hubs, IRC Notos 1.95s f and r. Hard to upgrade front wheel, coz nobody else makes hubs for it 'cept Coda. You also can't lace em radially coz of the forces a disc brake generates. Swapped out the front tire before purchase for a 2.1 WTB Velociraptor. The rear Notos hooked up well on my fave loose climb, and the Velo in front tracked beautifully going down.*Cockpit: Azonic riser bar, Coda stem (looks like 110x10), grips(these gotta go), suspension seatpost (Only when I am dead!!! I swapped it for a Thomson Elite), and saddle (I slapped on my old Flite). I've never tried risers before, but this I like. Missed barends for a few seconds while climbing but I can adapt.*Weight: With a 4 inch travel fork, disc brakes and not so top of the line drivetrain and wheels, I was surprised when it came in at exactly 25 pounds (that was before I replaced the susp. seatpost). Amazing.*Summary: This bike draws some odd stares everywhere you take it, and expect a lot of people to ask you if they can take it for a spin. The bike is behaved but nimble. Responsive but easy to rein in if you make the wrong input. You get good parts for the money, and a long travel fork to help you on those rough descents. Keep the rubber side down and may your next bike be a hardtail. Will update if anything significant happens.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Skitch Mobley
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pittsburgh Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
South Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The CAAD 4 frame simply rules.The Fatty SL fork is the most precise piece of machinery out there.
Weaknesses:
Disc brakes aren't that powerful and have had problems warping rear rotors.
Similar Products Used:
CAAD3 and Gt Zaskar
Bike Setup:
Stock bike except for an Easton seatpost and handlebar, ATAC pedals and Fire Pro 1.8 tires.
Bottom Line:
This is truly a terrific bike. You can take the rig to its limits confidently. It performed beyond my expectations at the 24 hours of Canaan, except for twisting the hell out of the factory-built wheels. Can't get all the wobbles out. I've had no problems with the drive train or frame. The disc brakes a re little dissapointing. Especially after riding a set of Hayes. They aren't powerful enough. In fac, I'm questioning if my front brake isn't defective. The rear rototr was replaced under warranty because it warped. It still drags like hell. I'd probably opt for a set of Avid Arch 50s. Any how this is a true race bike. It beats you up, but's it's a blast to ride. If only I could get my discs as powerful as the Hayes.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Sprague
a Cross-Country Rider
from Melbourne Australia Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Any single track
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Awesome frame, great specs, disc brakes, light weight, great steering response, smooth gear changes etc etc....
Weaknesses:
Front brake pads at high speed ping on the discs - cause magnetic backing not strong enough, wind causes brake pads to lift out from calipers.
Similar Products Used:
Previous model C-Dale F500.
Bike Setup:
Fatty SL Headshock.
Bottom Line:
Very fast light weight stiff ride. Rides with stealth ie NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) minimal. Great looking top quality frame and mix of components. Sram Plasma 9 speed shifters work really well once Derailler dialled in - almost undetectable gear changes. Would recommend this bike to any serious Rider - EXPECT TO PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR TOP BIKE!! Any advice on preventing brake pads from pinging discs at high speed 40kmh (30mph)would be appreciated.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave S.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Melbourne Victoria Aus Date Reviewed: May 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Any single track
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
None yet
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
'98 Cannondale F500
Bottom Line:
In the process of negotiating with my Bike shop the price RRP Aus$4,999 (=US$3,250 @ US$.65)will end up paying Aus$4250 (US$2,762) still way higher than US$2,275 RRP. Anyway that's the problem with exchange rates, import duty, sales tax etc etc.. Despite high price this Bike looks the goods and can't seem to fault it based on spec level, Caad 4 frame, coda disc brakes, and that awesome paint job.Coming off an F500 Caad 2 Viper Red model with STX-RC set up this should be a big step up. Anyway since I'm mere hours away on making the big decision would appreciate any feedback (see email address) on Rally Good points and Really bad points.CheersDave S. Australia
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DTS
a Cross-Country Rider
from ATL, GA Date Reviewed: May 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great Frame & Shock Brakes (no modulation, very smooth control, no drag, easy config.)
Weaknesses:
Brakes (limited braking power) XTR Components don't work well with the frame
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Gary
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I have always loved Cannondales for the frame quality, stiffness, integrated headshok and style. The F2000 sticks to that tradition, however,
Three Major problems: 1) CODA Brakes - after two months of use, excessive squeal developed and the braking power softened. Resolution - C'dale replaced the brake pad and rotors which lessen the noise, but the power is still lacking. I am not sure if it is brake pad materials and/or the disc surface area.2) Rear Skewer/Rear Drop-out Angle w/ Disc Brakes - on hard stops or moderate braking after a jump, the rear wheel would come OUT of the drive-train side of the drop-out. Resolution - C'dale replaced the skewer which has seemed to fix the problem. I think they just put in a stronger skewer to fix an incorrect drop-out angle in relation to the force the disc brake creates.3) XTR Derailleur - the gears rarely hit correctly. Under stress, the chain will skip. Resolution - Naturally, I and the bike mechanics adjusted, cleaned and re-adjusted the XTR. C'dale replaced the entire rear wheel, however, still a problem. I believe the XTR derailleur is not well suited for the angles on the C'dale.Overall, the Cannondale rep. & bike shop here in Atlanta have been very proactive on fixing the problems. This is the only reason I can justify three stars. The bike on it's own with the $2200 price tag, and I give it two stars. Lower the price below $2K and/or improve the components' quality, and I would give it four stars, maybe even five!Oh one minor point, the CAD4 lacks rack weld-on's - not that you want a rack on this frame, but if you ever get the urge to go on a xc trip for a weekend, gotta have a trailer.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Friendly advice
a Cross-Country Rider
from houston Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
To the person who asked about c'dale paying klein to make their bikes. You are right c'dale does all their welding, geometry, and painting BUT to use the CONCEPT of oversized aluminum - they have to pay KLEIN like everyone else who uses oversized aluminum for their frame.The update on my buddy who cracked his frame in the beginning of march - 2 months have passed his bike is still in the bike shop - he has not talked to c'dale - the c'dale representative has not stopped by the bike shop & has only returned the bike shops call onceSo where does this leave my friend - with out a hardtail but luckely he has a full suspension to ride. A little promising news - the dealer said that he most likely will get a new frame ( he has a 96 killer V) - so that is a big plus
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
I have been having a *lot* of trouble with my XTR shifting. I was talking to a friend who has a F3000 and is experiencing the same trouble. I love the Dale but its getting a little frustrating. Anyone out there having the same trouble?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross-Country Rider
from PA Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Bottom Line:
To the Klein fan: I would love to hear more on C-dale paying Klein to build their bikes. I can attest that C-dale is handmade right in Bedford, PA. How do I know? I have talked to those who have welded the CAAD frames themsleves. 5 stars for one great ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Marlboro, Ma Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam in Mass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The bike Climbs like no other I have ever ridden. The disc brakes work awsome. I would recommend it to anyone.
Weaknesses:
None that i have found yet, but I hate the saddle and the fact that the CODA pedals use there own cleat
Similar Products Used:
Specialized M4 Klein Mantra
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar Pro
Bottom Line:
Great Bike for the high end cross country rider or racer
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, CANADA Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999
Bottom Line:
Hi! I'm the one looking at buying a 98' F2000. Thanks to the previous submitt but I still want to hear from anyone who has one. I'm looking a the one with the chameleon (sp?) brown paint job. What do you think of that colour? I haven't seen it but I'm getting a good deal. I love the 99F3000 but thats a wee bit $$$$ for this biker.Please advise!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Amy
a weekend warrior
from Boone, NC Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love my new Cannondale F2000! I recieved it as a gift to replace my previous F500, and I am on cloud nine. The frame is dramatically lighter and easier to lug up our wet mountain trails and the Fatty SL fork definitely beats my old Rock Shock. Now I am actually able to steer and turn without wobbling around - before I wasn't able to steer with one hand without tipping over! Thanks Ed.....and Cannondale :)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jmaxx
a cross-country rider
from Illinois Date Reviewed: March 11, 1999
Bottom Line:
I periodically check out the bike reviews, but have never felt a need to submit one. After reading previous reviews, I felt like I should clarify a few things though. Because I actually own one of these bicycles and have ridden one, I believe my perspective has far greater merit. First off this is a first class ride. Plenty stiff, yet adequately compliant. It is ultraresponsive and climbs like a dream. The brakes are powerful and exhibit very good modulation. There really isn't a thing to dislike about the ride of the bike and the construction is first rate. As for the filed welds on Cannondale bicycles. This is done not only for cosmetic reasons, but to eliminate stress risers. As for the warrantee issue, all Cannondale aluminum bicycles carry a LIFETIME warrantee to the original owner. This is not a rumor, this is fact. I did not hear this, I got this in writing from a Cannondale service representative. If anyone would like any more info from an objective point(read: not unfoundly biased against any company that might produce a better bike than what reviewer might own)feel free to email me. J
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Submitted by
HT
a racer
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999
Bottom Line:
I know, before you all say we bought the Olympics I will say you are right, your point? Anyway the Cannondale is perhaps the most srtaight forward example of a racers bike. The simple truth is it works, it works well and Cannondale should be proud of it. And for the record, Cannondale's (Including CAAD 4)now all come with a LIFETIME warranty against manufacturers defects effective Feb. 1 and it is also retroactive........
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Submitted by
ed
a racer
from porland Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999
Bottom Line:
hello too phat, maybe i took the joke to far and offended your sensibilities on my ha ha ha letter, sorry i hurt your feelings. the sombering ( punchline ) ? is this a return to the late 80's/early 90's era of stupid light? ( yes ,that is a real term used by riders back then ). back then components were cnc'ed down to the minimum to try to get sales from the gram counters. b.b.'s/cranks/stems/chains/ ect. snapped and everyone caled b.s. on the industry ( that is why forging is back in style). c'dale did the right thing to state a 5 year warranty about 4 years ago to counter the effect schwinn had on the industry with the marketing move of the life time warranty. companies tried to use c'dales move to move their units by saying something must be wrong w/ c'dale . but lo and behold shortly afterwords 5 years is now pretty much industry standard on the uper offerings. will the 2 year become the indusrty standard in time? remember, you tell the i.b.d.'s what is o.k. with your pocket book. companies listen to sales figures and in turn plot future trends. the bike industry is the prototypical cottage indusrty that reacts quickly to sales trends ( remember purple parts? ) and they are very reactive to what you tell them to do. companies would love to offer the public less coverage and charge more, less $ for one department to be channeled to other departments such as advertising or profit for the shareholders. so you see too phat, i made a point w/o attacking you or insulting your intelligence. i am 35, 160lbs, healthy, this will be my 14th year on mnt bikes and plan to grow old with them. funny thing about this forum is that each person out there is the wooliest cat on the block so personal attacks are hollow since meeting each other at a base of a hill climb runs a low chance in the near future. bye and thanks for letting me ramble
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Submitted by
Too PHAT
a cross-country rider
from NYC Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999
Bottom Line:
ED, you f**king pig!!! If you weren't a 300lbs shut-in loser, maybe you would be able to ride a C'Dale. Maybe if you didn't waste your $$ stuffing your fat ass, maybe you could learn how to ride bike instead of breaking one & worry about the warrantee. Maggot. By the way, your last name isn't McMahon is it?? You waste of flesh!!
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Submitted by
Skitch Mobley
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh Date Reviewed: December 21, 1998
Bottom Line:
What's not to like about this rig. The paint job rocks and oh baby those CODA disc brakes!I owned a couple CAAD 3s in the past and loved their climbing and excelleration. The CAAD 4 continues this tradition while handling the increased stressors of disc brakes. The CAAD 4 has a longer top tube so you can use a shorter stem, which means better handling. This bike will kick your ass (in a good way). It jolts the hell out of you but goes exactly where you want it due to the loveley Fatty SL fork. Bar none, Headshocks are the best X-country forks out there. This fork is very adjustable via an air spring. Anyone who argues otherwise has either never ridden one or had an earlier model before Cdale perfected these forks. So getting back to the brakes. It's been dry in Pittsburgh for the past couple months, but December has proven a sloppy month and the discs are simply beautiful. Quality construction and performance that simply isn't affected by the elements. The 9-speed Shimano stiff doesn't jamb in the mud (counter to popular rumors). I've had this bike covered with mud. Also, it has excellent mud clearance since the fork arches and seat stays are clear of brakes. The Sram shifters are nice, but the throws are a little close. I'm still getting used to the Rapid Rise XTR deraillure. The jury is out on its true effectiveness. All together, this is a phenomenal bike for the money. It is speced well and looks like a million bucks. For those wanting a comfy ride, look elsewhere. This rig is meant for those of us who enjoy the long, hard climbs and love descending in the slop.
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Submitted by
Craig
a racer
from Blue Springs, MO Date Reviewed: December 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've only had my F-2000 for about 3 weeks so far, but I absolutely love it. I have had several 'dales in the past along with many other makers. This is by far my favorite. I will probably always ride disc brakes from now on. They modulate so well. This was my second experience with SRAM. Because of the disc brake levers you cannot currently use RapidFire shifters. My first experience with SRAM was very unpleasant, but so far, I really like the Plasma shifters. The bike(large frame)weighed 23.75lb stock . With just a few mods (tires,seatpost,grips,removed barends,pedals) it is already under 23lbs, and it still has the crummy UN-52 bb. In the spring I will treat myself to a new bb if I've been good and trained wisely. Comparing my old C-dale to my new one. I figure the discs add about 1/4lb.
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Submitted by
Juergen
a cross-country rider
from Stuttgart, Germany Date Reviewed: December 1, 1998
Bottom Line:
Perfect CAAD 4 frame to climb on the toughest hills. Nice frame solution for the rear disc brake mount. Perfect Coda Disc Brake with excellent brake power. Good components mix. High price but worth it. I love Cannondale.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Thompson
a racer
from Dillsburg, Pa Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! The Disc brakes are the bomb! It is a great climber because it is very stiff. This is no dought a race machine not a Freeride or I want to try Mountain biking kind of bike it is a fast Stiff racing machine! The nine speed works great and the Fatty is PHAT! If you LOVE Cannondale and you want a race bike with Disc breaks this is it. Nicer paint than the F4000. The matte finish never looks clean once it gets dirty. Afterburner is a head turner . Go see one in person. Keep the Rubber Side Down.
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