Submitted by
Cedric Cassini
a Racer
from Charleston, WV Date Reviewed: December 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wildcat Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Charleston bike shop
Strengths:
Stiff frame, P-Bone shock adds adequate travel on both uphills and descents.
Weaknesses:
Components.
Similar Products Used:
GT Aggressor, Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup:
P-Bone headshok, Raceface Crankarms, Shimano Deore Derraillurs and brakes.
Bottom Line:
I'm also a trials rider, so this bike rocks as both a trials rig and race bike. The crankarms arm was slightly weak when it comes to trials, but an upgrade works wonders. Racing wise, I feel comfortable doing ghetto-style east coast switchbacks on this rig, and it dances through the woods as fast as you want it to. Trialsinners, this is Cannondale's perfect bike for you, and all you aspiring racers, learn to climb and descend and this bike will not leave you hanging.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frost
a Weekend Warrior
from staten island,N.Y. Date Reviewed: January 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any I can ride on
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
bennets (thanx to art)
Strengths:
hand built U.S. frame, front suspension,
Weaknesses:
wheels,front der,shock inners, crank, cramped top tube,no bar ends.
Similar Products Used:
specialized, klein, ironhorse,gt.
Bike Setup:
99 f-400 jet black .upgrades:bar ends,dd-60 hydraulically damped shock with lockout,xt crank,coda clipless pedals,xt wheelset,suspension seatpost, fliped the stem
Bottom Line:
this bike feels and corners like hi-end bike the bike is a little cramped but with a few adjustments of the seat & stem you"ll be allright.the frame is light,stiff and lively but not backbone breakin stiff(I do recomend useing a suspension seatpost on any hardtail)most of the components are cheap but rideable.The only part of the bike that gets a failing mark is the wheelset. They"re pretty light but just do not hold up to offroad rideing.stock headshock was way to bouncy for rideing fast on the trails the upgrade was a good move.the front der sucks. the headshock boot has an annoying sound as the fork ends its travel on big hits.overall this is a fun bike to ride, that you wanna ride hard. it turns and climbs beautifully and decends accurately.this bike is an excellent all purpose bike it even has rack mounts. this is a good bike great frame great feel not so great components, but it's still one of the best if not the best bikes at this price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grover Draughon
a Weekend Warrior
from FL Date Reviewed: November 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
Schwinn of Ormond, FL
Strengths:
Excellent price for this bike. The store was replacing their Cannondale's with Specialized bikes and had a clearance. The frame is very strong, lightweight, and of course no weld marks. The majority of the stock components are good for entry-level to medium experienced moutain bikers.
Weaknesses:
None really. I got what I paid for. The spokes need to be adjusted after some really hard hits to the wheel. Eventaully I will replace a few heavier things like the crank, rims, etc...
Great mountain bike for the price and for my skill level(entry-level - medium). With the right upgraded components this bike should be awesome for an advanced moutain biker. If you'd like more information on this bike just visit this link. http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/usa/99bikes/model-9FS4.html
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cyrus Kangarloo
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cox Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Frame, fork.
Weaknesses:
Components. Some things on this bike are absolutely WAY to heavy. I replaced the handlebars with a cheap pair i found for $5 and that took off about 1lb on the bike. The crankset is pretty much the same as Shimano alivio replacing it with anything will make the bike so much lighter and shift better. The rims are REALLY easy to taco.
Similar Products Used:
Norco Nitro, Norco Rampage.
Bike Setup:
XTR rear derailleur, XT front, LX hubs, LX shifters and v-brakes. Sun Rhino-lites
Bottom Line:
I expected more from Cannondale. I can't believe they put something that ressembles a lead pipe on this bike as a handlebar. This is my second review of this bike just to inform people that upgrades on this bike make a world of a difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a Weekend Warrior
from Sugar Land, TX Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great frame. I have the Police setup and got an upgraded drivetrain to XTR on front and rear. I got rid of the grip shifters and went with the XTR rapid fire. The silent rear hub is also nice when you are alone on the trails. The bike is super light compared to my work bike (Raleigh M400). I like the tuneable headshok.
Weaknesses:
The silent rear hub has a lot of slack in it in low gear, but it's not Cannondale's fault. The bike itself is great.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh M400 - if you want to call that similar.
Bike Setup:
XTR front & rear drivetrain, XTR rapid fires, got rid of the Town & Country tires and put some knobbys on it, Niterider dual beam light, Shimano SPDs.
Bottom Line:
A great bike for the buck. I don't know if the average Joe can get the police setup, but I like the flat black paint job as well as the silent hub. The only difference in the basic bike is the paint, I think. I've been more than happy with it. With a quick change of tires, its a great patrol or road bike, but can hang with most hardtails off road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kellen
a Cross Country Rider
from Ramona Ca USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ANY
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The frame is sweet & stiff. The F-400 doesnt look like it does in that picture at all. My F-400 has the team replica paint. People think its a VOLVO.
Weaknesses:
Theres quite a few crappy parts on this bike it comes entery level but is upgradable to a worthy race bike. Plan to get a new seat...on a long up hill this seat makes your lower back hurt, the suspension works but makes huffing noises and is very stiff, the front der. sucks, make sure to wrap up the chain stay with wireing tape..onece the chain starts slappin it the paint chips away very rapidly, the pedals also suck, as do the cranks.. im planning to upgrade those soon
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Large Frame, XTR hubs w/valient rims,8spd Sram 9.0sl shifters and der.,XTR front der.,Serfas Lola seet,Hutichon Python tires, otherwise stalk
Bottom Line:
Its a sweet bike once its upgraded...if u plan to do races or long rides with out upgrading do not buy this bike!!! Its almost not worth it. Otherwise it works great the steering is sharp and its a good beginner to intermediate bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000
upgraded to lx BB, bontrager race wheel set, cateye puter, coda grips and bar ends
Bottom Line:
Damn good bike for the buck. Frame can hang with just about manuf. out there. You cant even see where the welds start or end! Upgrades are definitely needed though. I think Cannondale robbed a Roadmaster plant, stole all their Weinnman 519's, and threw 'em on the their low end bikes. They should take those damn things back to the Taco Hut because that is about all their worth. Bottom Bracket is no good, but one can live with a crappy front deraulier. I upgraded to some Bontrager Race wheelsets and it felt like night and day out on the trails. I plan to go to xt cranks pretty soon because the generic ones cannondale gives you are mucho heavio. Brakes are so so, but who needs brakes when you have trees!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Noah Jacobs
a
from Albany, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
4th St., Berkeley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
frame
Weaknesses:
some components
Similar Products Used:
replace 1980 SR road bike
Bike Setup:
stock except for saddle and tires
Bottom Line:
I bought this a commuter bike. The streets around here are dreadful, and I wanted somthing softer than my old steel road bike. The headshok is very nice; much more precise than other low-end front suspensions I tried. The frame is great. Other components are, well...time will tell. The dealer swapped out the nobby tires for some slicks that make for a more quiet and efficient ride. I took off the horrible saddle after about ten minutes and put in my old Ideale leather seat. Now it's a very nice commuter for crummy roads.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from Trent, SD, USA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
oakwood lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
100% suspension lockout on the fly is awesome especially when out of the saddle climbing. Instead of bouncing up and down you actually get somewhere.
WIth the suspension lockout it behaves exactly like a rigid bike. It is much more rigid than my previous bike a 1994 Marin Muirwoods Chrome-Moly.
Similar Products Used:
1994 Marin Muirwoods (no-suspension)
Bike Setup:
Replaced foam suspension cartridge with oil charged.
Bottom Line:
You won't be dissappointed if you get this bike. I was initially hesitant at the price but now that I have ridden it I am very happy with it. It sat in the garage all winter and last weekend I rode it 28 miles with no problem whatsoever.
I ride it mainly on dirt roads but I take some shortcuts off road. It's nice to lock out the suspension when pushing for speed and then turn it on when things get rough. Once I caked it with mud pretty good and it cleaned up well and rode perfectly after that.
If you want a mix of on-road and off road, this bike is nice. If you are going to ride on bike trails at the park this bike is overkill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Ames Date Reviewed: February 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Headshok, Frame, Geometry,
Weaknesses:
Asst. stock parts
Similar Products Used:
Various Cannondale models from F300-F800
Bottom Line:
Cannondale makes a great bike for the price. I do think that the headshok fork is supperior to all other forks for the price. I have tried riding other bikes in the same price range but all of them do not "feel" right when riding. Very agile geometry is great for tight spaces on trails where I ride, bike moves under me nicely. Just be reminded that this bike is not a downhill bomber, it was made for trails and XC dirt work. Will upgrade components when they break. If you look around, you can find year old models at great prices.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laura
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, Ca Date Reviewed: January 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame Geometry It's a Cannondale!
Weaknesses:
Derailers
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price, will replave the front and rear derailers, I've already added a Rockshox suspension seat post
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Lauderdale, FL Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
headshok, continental atlanta tires, frame, stem, shifters
Weaknesses:
DERAILLEURS!!!! rims, brakes, bottom bracket,
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000 - i hate the judy and the bike in general i could tell the craftmenship wasn't as good (if you get a chance look at the weld job!!) UGLY!!
Bike Setup:
CAAD2, P-Bone M
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent bike for the buck. It could use a few upgrades. My main dissapointment was the front derailuer it's a Shimano Alivio :-| It takes a while to shift gears. The rear derailleur is an LX, i wish it came with an XT. But that's not any thing a little $$$$$$$$ can't fix!!!! -RIDE ON!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: December 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
great frame-wildberry p bone m headshok value
Weaknesses:
components
Bike Setup:
upgraded to clipless pedals, susp seatpost and barends
Bottom Line:
great bike! i really like the way it performs. i had a C'dale M300se so this is step up. it was b/n the 99 f400 or the 00 f300 but i liked the way the f400 felt, plus it looked better and i like the old logo better than the new one!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cyrus
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: November 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Saturday Night Loop in Jasper
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
GREAT frame and weight, fast up and down hill. P-bone M is a perfect shock for this bike!
Weaknesses:
Some components need definate upgrading; grip shift, toeclips and rims (rims are not sturdy at all!)
Similar Products Used:
Schwin Moab 2 - Does not match up to this baby. Cannondale F500 - This is practically the same bike.
Bike Setup:
CAAD2 frame, P-bone M, LX
Bottom Line:
After upgrading a few components this bike blows away everything else i've tried. For the price you this is definately your best bet.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray Black
a Cross-Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great great great great frame. Agressive and light-weight. Headshok is smooth and comfy. Components are not any better than wha somet other bikes will have in this price range, but they're better than many. SACHS chain, nice touch. Nice rims, tires.
Weaknesses:
Non-clipless pedals. Heavy cranks. Hubs, front deraileur could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Manufacturers I tried (test rode) before I bought the Cannondale: Gary Fisher (came close to buying this one instead) Specialized Trek GT SchwinnSorry, I forget all of the model names.
Bike Setup:
Everything standard, except that I've added a new saddle (it was just TOO comfy) and some Shimano 636s.
Bottom Line:
For this price range, only the Gary Fisher came close, but my local Cannondale bike shop (Bicycles East, if you're in Charlotte, they're the best) had the bike for $660, and it was critical that I get the bike for less than $700, so that gave me breathing room enough to look at upgrades. Long and short, though, best deal at this price range, with LX rear deraileur (won't get any better for $700), nice Judy-class shock, etc. etc. etc. There were a couple of things that made this better than initial purchase. I wanted clipless pedals, and the guys at Bicycles East offered to cut me a nice deal on pedals and shoes when I was ready to upgrade. Second, I got a Medium-sized frame, just a little small for me (the Large was way too big, though), and the short little stem they include just didn't help. So the guys at B.E. called Cannondale directly, got me a much longer stem at less of an angle, and I had it on before I ever took it on the trail. Nice job by the bike shop and Cannondale to get that done for me.I should add that the bike has performed flawlessly over the past few months. It corners exceptionally well, the shock absorbs all of the small bumps that can kill your hands with some of the longer-travel forks (such as the z2 BAM, which my riding buddy uses), it climbs really well, and is very fast. But, just like any Aluminum frames, you may want to look into a suspension seatpost, because it'll hammer your butt/spine like mad. The saddle that comes on it is quite plush and comfy, and that helps somewhat, but I've replaced that with one that's a little less so, and I notice the rigidity moreso now.Final word: If you're in the $700 price range, look briefly at the Specialized, look at the GT if you're big (I'm only 150lbs), look at the Gary Fisher, and look at the Cannondale. I chose the Cannondale because it fits my riding style, and it mystically felt right. It was the perfect choice for me, it's a great ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wag
a Weekend Warrior
from Statesboro, GA Date Reviewed: October 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Asheville , NC area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Frame seat headshock
Weaknesses:
COMPONENTS RIMS
Similar Products Used:
Trek 800 Giant 9000
Bottom Line:
This was my first REAL bike. I am a 36 yr old that is going back to school. I have about 1300 miles on it in a year. I love the headshock having the lock-out fatty would make a difference. Don't think that this bike is upgradeable for minimum costs. I snagged my rear derailler on a stick and bent it. replacement is $25.00 to upgrade $100. Front chainrings are not interchangeable. Cost for upgrade is more than $125. Rims do not take to curb hops and roots. Crank arms creak due to dissimilar metal fatigue according to my saleman. It is a great looking bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: August 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Stiff aluminum frame!
Weaknesses:
Overall components
Bottom Line:
A classic Cannondale--excellent frame that has room for improvement. Overall, a good bike for the money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rock
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Rail Trails / Greenways
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Cannondale frame....what more can I say? Made in USA, big plus. Great ride, love the headshock. Exceptional quality and engineering. LBS Cannondale dealer is great.
Weaknesses:
The Weinmann-519 rims leave a bit to be desired. Alivio front derailleur could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Trek, GT, Iron Horse, and loads of store brands
Bottom Line:
This is an early review of a 2000 F-400 SRB. Just traded up from a 1999 M-300. I'm 41 years old and until the past year, hadn't done much riding since I was 16. First I tried a couple of store brands, a Trek-830, then a Cannondale M-300. In this part of Florida it is very flat and we don't have rocks so, the bike hasn't been torture tested. Most of my riding consists of rail trails, greenways, and soft sand single tracks. I also do quite a bit of riding on cobblestone streets. Thats why I chose the SRB model. I really loved my M-300 but, the head shock makes a huge difference in comfort. The only complaint I have so far is the Alivio front derailleur and Weinmann wheels. I ride about 150 miles per week and after almost a month of use and over 600 miles, the only problem has been that the front wheel is slightly out of true. The Continental Town&Country tires are fantastic for my purposes. The only upgrades I've made so far is changing out the Post Moderne suspension seat post for a Rock Shox unit and the addition of Shimano clipless pedals. Future plans call for upgraded rims, derailleurs, and possibly brakes. Overall I love this bike. It suits my riding style very well and I'm very pleased. The color is Charcoal Metallic and looks fantastic!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a Cross-Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame!
Weaknesses:
rims, gripshift
Bottom Line:
I just bought this bike and it kicks @SS!! Sooo much better than my cromoly Giant. For a CAAD 2 it's extremely light...no need for CAAD 3 or 4 P-Bone shock is very plush
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul paras
a Cross-Country Rider
from Beale AFB CA Date Reviewed: June 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent frame, Great craftsman ship
Weaknesses:
Shoddy components for the price.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000, Schwinn MOAB 2
Bike Setup:
Stock set-up, not too pleased with components. There are better bikes out ther for the buck.
Bottom Line:
Cannondale is a great product but they can't compete with some of the other manufactures. Components used don't match the quality of the beautiful frame. If you can't spend more for better components, go buy Schwinn's MOAB 2. For the buck it's hard to find a better bargain than the MOAB 2.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good starting bike
Weaknesses:
I needed to upgrade some components ASAP
Bike Setup:
stock bike with: Dean Ti seatpost Avocet gelflex saddle LP composite handlebar Mavic D521 rims, XT hubs, Wildgripper Hot S tires
Bottom Line:
Great place to start. You can get going with the bike as is and then upgrade components as budget and needs dictate. At 230lbs I'm no lightweight and I thrash around the trails but have had no breakages or other difficulties. The 1.5 steer tube *really* limits your options, but I get along with the HeadShok and existing stem just fine. (BTW, this bike comes with a steel handlebar that weighs something like 585gm - switching to the LP bar took exactly one pound off the bike weigh.)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Twiggy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Nova Scotia Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything! The Fork, Lx Derailer, frame, warrentee :)
Weaknesses:
none !
Similar Products Used:
Kona Nu Nu, Trek 6500, Rocky Mountain Soul, Gary Fisher Kaitai, Norco Sasquatch
Bike Setup:
Stock F400 (Except for added LX brakes) P-Bone M fork lx and alivio derailers
Bottom Line:
I am 100% satisfied by this bike, both frame wise and component wise. I am soooo glad that I chose it over the other bikes that I looked at because I love it. You can feel the excellent quality of this frame when you ride it! The fork is almost flawless and is much butter than telescoping-leg fors which cost alot more (my friend's $800 AtomBomb for example) You will not be disappointed with this bike! BUY IT!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington DC Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999
This bike is worth evey penny. I paid a little under 700 bucks. Get it you wont be disappointed!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Pounder Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great frame, good component mix, very good front suspension.
Weaknesses:
Mediocre rims, completely upgradeable though.
Bottom Line:
Great bike! A whole lot of bang for the buck. I'm very happy with this purchase.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Twiggy
a cross-country rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: February 13, 1999
Bottom Line:
I just test-drove this bike today and I love it! The P-bone M is great...I also test drove a Rockey Mountain Vapor and the F400 kicks it's ass for $250 less! I think I may even buy this F400. Before when I thought about buying it I thought I would probably have to upgrade the headshok after seeing the picture of it....but after riding the bike I have concluded that it has all the travel I need! It kicked the ass off of the Bomber Z5's on the Vapor! I give this bike 5 Flaming chilis+ because this bike not only kicks ass but It is great for the price too!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sky Bartels
a cross-country rider
from Seneca Falls NY USA Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
This thing totally whoops my old Chromo rigid. I can bomb down hills and hop stuff I never would have touched before. The headshok fork is just awesome, precise steering, plenty of travel (don't let anyone tell you otherwise) and it's upgradeable. Also the super light frame is nice, you really will notice the difference. About the only upgrade I plan to make is to get rid of the toeclips and get some Time ATACs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cavin Mckinley
a cross-country rider
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: November 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome! It is a hundred times better than the '98 F400. The headshok fork has a lot more travel, and the ride is much smoother. It is a great deal for the money. The only problem I had was some slight bends in the rims. With an upgrade to some better ones, though, this bike could take it all. Highest rating!
Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 759.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
