Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Orem, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
from a friend
Strengths:
Light, Lefty Shock, has taken quite a beating
Weaknesses:
The rims are weak, the brakes are the worst I have ridden, the pedals are shotty, the front derailer shifts on its own
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000 (the old one), and multiple jamis and rocky mountain modles
Bike Setup:
I have changed the tires the rims the pedals and the brakes.
Bottom Line:
Take off every CODA component on the bike and switch it for anything else. Get yourself some beefier rims too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: March 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
I think that everything on the bike is great. Haven't had really any problems with the bike since I have got it.
Weaknesses:
The front shifter gave me a little problem but that was easily fixed. Other than that I don't think that anything is a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
Various bikes from different manufacturers.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for shimano shifters.
Bottom Line:
I think that the bike is the best. I don't think that I have to upgrade because I don't race anymore and the 25 pounds that it is at is good enough. The only problem was when the shifter refused to shift but that needed to be lubed up and adjusted. Nothing else on the bike has broken, bent or failed in any way. Now that I am in college it is a perfect bike to ride around on campus with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Weekend Warrior
from albuquerque Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bike World
Strengths:
Jumbo size frame, headshock
Weaknesses:
coda disc system, coda clipless pedals
Bike Setup:
Shimano XT disc brakes and hubs
Bottom Line:
I had to replace the Coda brakes with Shimano XT discs and hubs. The Codas would not completely stop me on steep inclines and howled like air brakes on an 18 wheeler. The XT's work great.
With the Jumbo frame size I had a correctly sized bike for the first time in my life. Unfortunately my bike was stolen today and it looks like Cannondale has discontinued the Jumbo size.
Headshock is great and has none of that squirmy feeling of Rockshock style front suspensions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gen
a Weekend Warrior
from Byfield, MA, USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Exeter, NH
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Used from friend
Strengths:
Great frame and discs. Headshock has great steering precision and never needed maintinence. Great flat black paint job. It's a Cannondale!
Weaknesses:
Gripshift shifters not as good as rapidfire. Could go for a more comfortable seat. Shock could use more travel.
This is a great bike if you can find it used in good shape. Low weight, great steering, reliable bike. Makes you a faster rider. The CAAD4 frame on the F2000 is a bit better in the handling department and shock absorption but for almost a grand more you can't complain with a CAAD3. Magura Lousie are better than the CODA disks on the F2000.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Bowe
a Cross Country Rider
from Helena, Montana, USA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
cave gulch, big belt mountains
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Great Divide Cyclery
Strengths:
preciscely designed and handbuilt american frame, durable and strong preforming shimano and grip shift deralliurs and shifters
Weaknesses:
everything coda, particularly disc brakes and fatty SL fork (my fork came upgraded from the fatty D)
Similar Products Used:
releigh hardtail
Bike Setup:
well soon after purchasing the bike the disc brakes started to weaken just as they should have been breaking in and getting powerful, thus were replaced by sweet shimano XT hydros. The fork, even with the 3 inch SL upgrade was never plush enough and lacked any real adjustability, thus was replaced recently by a marazoochi Z3 air which has significantly improved the ride from a quick climber but uncomfortable descender to a fast capable climber with freeriding capabilities. These aftermarket changes have had a noticable impact on my wallet as well as the bike as the rad cannondale frames capibilites are only experienced when riding with equally superior componets. After my afer market changes I have probabally spent $2100 on the bike making it a poor value though is finally a swell preformer.
Bottom Line:
buy this bike frame only and build it yourself. the frame is well suited for climbing and descending but is stimied by the weak coda components.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howard Peel
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Aber to Drum, North Wales.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Cliff Pratt Cycles, Hull.
Strengths:
Frames is rigid and responsive. Lock out facility is really useful.
Weaknesses:
Headshock system is unresponsive and tops out constantly causing a very annoying clunk. Partially sorted by fitting a more expensive air shock at my own cost. (There is still a degree of slop in the system when the lockout facility is used). The Coda equipment is largely garbage. Chainset was poorly machined so that the rings would not let go of the chain, even when it was perfectly clean and being turned over by hand. (Replaced under warrently with my dealer fitting a Shimano unit). Rear hub bearings failed constantly. Cannondale claimed that this was down to poor bearings. It is not, the problem is that the housings in the hub are not machined deeply enough so that when the QR is done up side load is placed on the bearings. (Replaced at my own expense with a Shimano XT hub). I can see no reason why a 27.2mm seat pin is used. The design of the frame requires a lot of seat pin out, a thicker pin would teke the load better and look more in balance with the rest of the frame. Disk brakes need careful setting up to avoid drag or sponginess at the lever.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh LX equipped MTB which was great until finally ridden into the ground after 7 years use.
Bottom Line:
Frame concept is good but flawed by details such as ill sorted shock system (especially the damping and rebound arrangement) and a needlessly thin seat pin. Much of the Coda equipment is garbage, especially the rear hub. You will be expected to sort this out at your own expense unless you are happy with the subsititution of a similarly poorly designed piece of replacement Coda kit. With many manufacturers now supplying forks with a lock out facility, I would recommend thinking hard before you bought a similar Cannondale, especially if you have the aptitude to build up a bike from scratch with decent Shimano components. Having said that, it does climb superbly, but my enjoyment has been spoilt somewhat by all the hassle I had getting the thing to work properly and reliably
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from Northampton, England Date Reviewed: March 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sherwood Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Leisure lakes
Strengths:
Fantastic frame & shock.Disc brakes are incredible in the UK mud!!!
Weaknesses:
Coda hubs/wheelset have been disgraceful.You would not believe how many bearings,freehubs,cassettes and discs I have been through in 12 months.The shop have been wonderful and replaced everything without quibble but a bike at that price should have far superior quality than I have experienced.
Similar Products Used:
Other much less expensive hardtails without the breakdowns.
Bike Setup:
New wheelset.I am now running Hope XC hubs on Mavic X317 rims.
Bottom Line:
The new wheelsets have transformed the bike in terms of quality and reliabilty.This is the way the bike should have run since new.It's a beaut. SHAME ON YOU CANNONDALE. THIS IS APPALLING QUALITY FROM YOU. YOU TOOK MY HARD EARNED POUNDS AND TOOK THE PISS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
I think that all the things on the bike are the strengths.
Weaknesses:
I don't think that it has any weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
Hard tails from various companies
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I think that the bike is a great performer. I haven't had any troubles with anything on it. I have ridden it pretty hard in the last 2 years except during the winter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilmington, NC Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lake Crabtree loop 3 (Raleigh)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
used (2 years old)
Strengths:
Lite (for bike w/ discs), Precise steering, Fast, Braking power
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
Louise discs, full XT, new seat
Bottom Line:
Expected more trouble from a used 2-yr old bike. Discs bent but were very easy to true. May need headshock work done in the future, but otherwise bike is reliable. Performs better than expected, also looks and feels ready for 2 more trouble-free years. great cross-country bike, Will update in a few months after i get a chance to take it to the mountains
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Elkton, Maryland, USA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
crackhead bob
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1675.00
Purchased At:
wooden wheels (newark, de)
Strengths:
well guy/gals, i love the frame. the paint is sick, i have no real scratches except on the fork.
Weaknesses:
here's the list that cannondale just doesn't want you to know. the rims (coda experts) bend like crazy, i'm a 160lb guy, and i've had to relace them three times ($$$, time). next. the brakes stink. they feel like linears, and have more power, but the hopes i've tested are far superior. headshock... uhh, the point of a cannondale. well, it tops out and drives me nuts. rear derailleur... umm, chain ghost shifts (this is xt too) and snaps the rear spokes, 15 so far. other odds and ends... (spec'd hutchy mosquito's stink, no traction but light), coda seat is hard and ideal only for short sprinting off the saddle. seatpost bent. other than that...
Similar Products Used:
have a schwinn moab 3 (1999), much more reliable at a lower price.
Bike Setup:
my f-900 is now upgraded to xtr rear, easton carbon seatpost and flatbars, and selle flight saddle.
Bottom Line:
well, i started racing a lot this year. the cannondale is my race rig. i mean to uprade to shimano xt disks, full xtr, thompson seat post (easton slips), race face next lp's... lot of stuff... i think i should have just sprung for a race model and been done with it. all in all, i would not discourage a lighter, novice racer such as myself from buying this rig. expect to unload some cash to make it into a race worthy machine. but for the weekend warrior or occasional spead freak, i think the gig is decent. not a nike for a seasoned racer, but they all know this anyway... p.s. this company is known in some circles as crack and fail. well, my frame has had some rather rough falls to its credit. i tend to crash when i try to do rocky descents. but the frame is still intact.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Hollidaysburg, PA, USA Date Reviewed: July 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Awesome Orange color (scares small children)... Great fork and disks (Coda). Stiff and responsive.
Weaknesses:
Seat has to go, pedal are crap and the cranks are questionable. Shifters (wish it just came with pods). Finish scratches very easily.
The Headshock is awesome. The ability to easily lock-out the fork on demand is a great idea. The bike accelerates, climbs and descends well. Had some problems with the rear caliper but that was fixed free by my LBS. Rain or shine the bike stops on a dime. Bike could be lighter and could do without the coda crap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david dixon
a Weekend Warrior
from emporium, pa. U.S. Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
plenty
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
braking capibilties and smooth tracking on the downhills. high gearing for any type of climb
Weaknesses:
i blew my shock in less than a year, heavy rear cog set that is geared too high. must change seat!
Similar Products Used:
most hardtails
Bike Setup:
front rear derailers xt, shifters sachs plasma grip shift, coda hubs, coda cf1 crank, coda bars and new michelin hot s tires
Bottom Line:
good bike for the major hillclimber but for having 27 gears it should be geared lower in the late gears
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake
a Cross Country Rider
from G-Town,TN USA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tour de Wolf
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Stiff Frame Cool flat black paint (chips easily) Very controlable down steep hills
Weaknesses:
Fatty D shock sucks (does not lock-out anymore) Magura Louise Disc Brakes are pieces of junk Cheap Mavic X223 disc rims bend easily
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale SuperV 700 Specilaized S-Works M4 (my new bike)
Bike Setup:
XT Cranks,XT Rapid-Fire Shifters, XTR Front & Rear Der., XT Cassette, Mavic X517 rims,Easton Monkey Lite Carbon Handlebar, Easton CT-2 Carbon Seat Post, XT Hydraulic Disc Brakes,Ride-On Gore-Tex Shifter Cables, Time ATAC Carbon Pedals
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome with the new components I have put on it. Great bike for anyone who wants a mid priced race bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jessica
a Racer
from B.C. Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
I don't know, there are to many
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Head shock, raped fire, light wieght, strong and the color
Weaknesses:
I don't think there are any!!
Similar Products Used:
Giant
Bike Setup:
no disc breaks
Bottom Line:
I have only been racing for two years, and one year with this bike. I think that racing with a the F900 Cannondale has made me do better in races. I really like the head shock idea and I would recomend this bike to any racer. Wit my Cannondale I feel like I can go up or down any hill or mountian. The dull black color I real like, cause it gives it that I'll beat you all look. I love going to races and showing off my bike, because no one else has Cannondales at our races excpt for my sister and I. Over all this is the best bike I have ever owned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from Cambridge UK Date Reviewed: April 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Still looking!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light frame, headshock, stiff and responsive, people drool over it.
Weaknesses:
The hubs died after 3 weeks of UK weather! now waiting to see if Leasure Lakes (UK bike shop) will replace them. Coda Expert discs are pants! my old XT V's are lighter and more powerful. Cheap Kalloy post. Useless Coda pedals Stems only come in 3 lengths and none of them suit me!
Similar Products Used:
Klein Specialised
Bike Setup:
Stock except: New pedals - XT, Seatpost - USE XCR, new tyres
Bottom Line:
Ok it rides really well, super responsive, stiff, climbs really well. But the faults are just too big to ignore.....Coda parts are crap, front ride height is too high and stem choice is limited and paint quality is poor. Now we will see what the aftermarket service is like in the UK!
More soon.......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Guertin
a Cross Country Rider
from Woonsocket, RI USA Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Providence/Boston Streets
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Tough looking Matte Black. Stiff. Light.
Weaknesses:
Seat is not so comfy. I wish I could remove the decals....
Similar Products Used:
other Hardtails
Bike Setup:
1.50 Touring tires 26 by 1.50 Touring tires. Removed the bar ends too.....
Bottom Line:
I used this bike off road a few times but put on street tires and run them at like 85psi. Mainly I do street/city riding and wanted a moutain bike base. This bike is light and tough. I've never ridden a stiffer bike and it takes a beating. The headshock is great for what I do but I could see trail riders upgrading it for the longer travel, although it turns like there is no suspension fork at all. Matte Black finish scratches very easily but looks SO tough. Maybe a new seat in the future......?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slamigo
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anywhere in the Gatz
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
lightweight for the price - [approx 26lbs with Disc brakes] geometry, handling, responsive - [this thing feels like a BMX sometimes-that's good] service and durability [Rebec&Kroes in Ottawa is THE bike shop for Cannondales] excellent value for $dollars$ [only paid $1846 Cdn and that included CODA disc brakes instead of Magura Louise]
Weaknesses:
Coda clipless pedals - these are junk, replace them before you take possession of the bike. Disc brakes required some fine-tuning by the shop [free]. Head shock required new cartridge[free].
Similar Products Used:
rockymountain, f-2000(tested a friend's)
Bike Setup:
stock except for pedal change--->535spd shimano, you'll never have a problem with them.
Bottom Line:
O.K., this is the follow up review to my original post. After riding this bike for a year I am still impressed with how agile it is. The headshock leaked and was replaced free of charge by the shop[Rebec&Kroes], and the disc brakes needed some adjustment as well. The brakes do not have problems getting them wet, in fact, it is when they have too much dust that you will get into trouble. Most of the time, rubbing mud on the discs made them work better. As the pads wear down you need to tinker with them a bit to get back the original performance, but other than that they work amazingly well. I actually liked the gripshifts, and now that I am used to them, I won't switch back. These shifters do not miss shifts either, they are very accurate and reliable. Overall, I am extremely pleased with this bike and the only thing that I would wish for now is a bit more travel from the headshock. This bike rocks cross-country but if you are not careful, you can bottom out, and it's not fun. Keep in mind that this is a XC bike, which can handle technical riding really well, and climbs aggresively. It will not enjoy cascading at 70km/h downhill through rocks, so ride to your skill level. If you are used to racing BMX or freestyle BMX, than this bike will suit you. It is very responsive. Also, I thought the seat was really comfortable...I guess some people have more delicate butts. If you think you might belong to that category, have the shop switch the seat to an ergo[antinutcracker]nomically designed seat, (probably at no extra cost). I give this bike 5 flaming peppers cuz it looks even meaner with scratches and I still have room to become a better rider without needing a better bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Line
a Racer
from Los Angeles, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All around the world
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
EXCUSE ME???I don´t think that there´s anyone...
Weaknesses:
THE FRAME ITSELF AND CODA COMPONENTS
Similar Products Used:
SPECIALIZED M4(the one I use now)
Bike Setup:
SPECIALIZED M4 XTR
Bottom Line:
CODA COMPONENTS AND THE CANNONDALE FRAME DIDN´T GIVE ME THE WAY I WAS EXPECTING THEM TO DO. IF YOU ARE BEGINNIG IN THE CROSS COUNTRY MAYBE THE F900 IS A GOOD ONE. BUT NOT FOR PROFESSIONAL USE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: February 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I think that it is a great bike.
Weaknesses:
not really anything
Similar Products Used:
hardtails from different companies
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
It is a great bike from what I have rode. I think that they shouldn't really change anything for the 2000 year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George A. Pandoff
a Racer
from Germany/Utah next Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Headshok,Magura Louise Disc,Stiff ride
Weaknesses:
CODA riser bar (heavy), CODA rear hub (clunking)
Similar Products Used:
Alot
Bike Setup:
Replaced the handlebars with Race Face Air Alloy, Replace CODA pedals with Time ATAC, Will replace the heavy CODA crank with Race Face
Bottom Line:
Raced the bike for a season and very happy with it. Especially the Headshok.Cannondale Warranty support is all but non-existant in Europe. I would advise against anyone buying one in Europe.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lonnie Nathan
a Racer
from Cambell River, BC Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Oprah's Crack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
good stiff frame xlr8's, climbs and tracks well. comes spec's with disks (louise)Nice light feel, decent modulation and great stopping power.
Weaknesses:
thankfully this bike was spec'd with magura disks. I've tried the Codas and one word describes them SPONGE
Similar Products Used:
brodie sovereign rocky mountain avalanche nishiki timbuk II norco rampage kona explosif
Bike Setup:
Fatty D headshock, time atack pedals, flite saddle, oury grips, continental tires
Bottom Line:
Fork is best I've tried to date due to rigidity providing excellent tracking and the lockout feature, although not needed, is an absolute joy providing a unique setup 'on the fly' option. This is my first aluminum ride and I'm happy to say it's been nothing but a positive experience.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laurence Wilks
a Cross-Country Rider
from Southampton, Hampshire Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Elan Valley, Wales
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great Lefty fork Good brakes Reasonable weight Super stiff superb tyres as standard
Weaknesses:
Nasty feel to brake levers Scratches easily
Similar Products Used:
Parkpre Pro Elite Ti GT STS Custom Hope brakes
Bike Setup:
Standard except USE seatpin and Flite saddle
Bottom Line:
A great bike only marred by slight overweight and poor feel to the rear brake
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt Rocker
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mont Seymour
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff frame, very responsive awesome disc brakes (Bike came with magura louise disc brakes0
Weaknesses:
coda crank
Similar Products Used:
giant , trek and moongoose hard Tails
Bike Setup:
upgrades done: thomson seatpost flite carbon selle italia saddle profile carbon handlebar shimano deore xt crank & front derrailleur shimano 747 pedals
Bottom Line:
i am very pleased with this bike in every riding situation and it handles very well in every terrain i choose to ride on its a 5 star after upgrading
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross-Country Rider
from Medway MA Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great brakes (Codas). Stiff frame. Great fork (love the lockout feature). IRC mythos tires work better than anything that I have used
Weaknesses:
Scratches easily. Not terribly light. The crank creak somthimes. The front der ghost shifts.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for a few things such as pedals and such
Bottom Line:
I absolutly love this bike. For the type of riding that I do it is great. At first I was a little worried that with the type of riding that I do that I would crack the frame and it is still too early to tell but the frame seems quit strong. One place where I had heard that it cracked alot was on te downtube so I sliced open a grip and facined it near the bottom bracket. It just makes me feel better. The Coda brakes work great. While I have to say that they do not have the same raw stopping power of XTR v's, they are much more consistent and are not affected by mud so far that I have seen. To tell the truth I only have a few major problems with the bike and that is the LX front der and the coda crank. I also heard that the coda pedals suck but I replaced those with Times and they are needless to say the best I have ever used.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Woosta MA Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
I have too many
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
A very determined ride, meaning you point and go. Excellent steering response. Excellent Brake response. Very capable shock asorbsion.
Weaknesses:
The SPD style pedals. Gripshifts. Drivetrain components. I'm constantly de-ringing out of the granny ring. Seat is hard on my ___ .
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8900 LT, My ole red Cann M800 Beast of the East
Bike Setup:
As advertised. Fatty D (Very Capable)
Bottom Line:
After riding this for the first time, I'm glad I went with this frame over the Trek 8900 LT. I'm convinced that double tube shocks are extremely overated and illogical. Why pay for all that maintenance and extra weight? Two tubes means one more chance for something to go wrong! The Fatty D is simple and incorperated into the already lightweight bike Frame. For Rocks and Roots and hills, Cannondale has always had this feature correct! Since purchasing I've upgraded the seat to the Specialize MTB (medically approved) seat and will switch to TIME ATACs presently. The standard Magura's are sweet! Would give it a 4.5 chili if possible, but I'll give it a 4, only for the seat, pedals and gripshifts.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raymond Mitchell
a Cross-Country Rider
from Germantown, MD Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Schaffer, Surgarloaf, Seneca Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The bike gets over everything and it climbs a lot better than my old M500. Great Louise Disc Brakes, I'm stopping on a dime now days.
I broke the frame on my old C-Dale M500 and Cannondale gave me a $300.00 credit that I used to purchase the F900. If your looking for a dependable bike and a company that has a great warranty, pick Cannondale.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: August 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame Headshok
Weaknesses:
Saddle Coda Brakes Coda Pedals
Bike Setup:
Coda Discs, Fatty D, Coda Seat, LX fd, XT rd
Bottom Line:
The brakes...What brakes? I weigh around 220 lbs and life is scary on these brakes. They work fine until after riding them in the rain; The pads have to be replaced then broken in again. I LIVE IN SEATTLE!! I replaced the seat with a KOOBI (very nice!). Replaced pedals with TIME ATAC (very nice!). AM currently waiting for replacement coda brakes but not expecting any miracles. Will probably sell and look into HOPES since I am stuck with discs unless I want to spend even more $$$$. Love the frame and ride when brakes are working but due to restriction to street, flat dirt roads.....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cory Uyede
a Cross-Country Rider
from North Vancouver B.C. Date Reviewed: August 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
???
Weaknesses:
???
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
???
Bottom Line:
I know the price is posted for this bike, but it is the older model. Can someone please tell me how much the new F900-SX one costs (with the lefty fork) ??......thanx alothaven't tried the bike, but 5 chillies for looking hot....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross-Country Rider
from Waterbury CT Date Reviewed: August 7, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I love my bike. It turns on a dime with a good front end setup. It climbs like a goat, and descends very well. It's light weight with good braking which makes it great for tight areas.
Weaknesses:
Hard narrow seat. Tires not good for my area. I heard the coda clipless pedals bite but I haven't used them yet to attet to that.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Zig'
Bike Setup:
Standard out of the factory cept' for Moab trail tires and took off the clipless pedals till I get shoes.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, takes some time to get used to though. Careful about the frame it's possible to dent it- other than that- you can do it all with this bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt turner
a Racer
from milton keynes Date Reviewed: August 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
wendover
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
good, light frame with steep aggressive head angle. light, stiff and plush lefty fork. suspension seat post. disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
crap saddle recall on fork crown and disc brakes lx components slipping middle ring
Similar Products Used:
i had a klein attitude but it was knicked
Bike Setup:
riser bar, bonty revolt tyres. raceface taperlock cromo bb.
Bottom Line:
out of the box this bike was a load of crap. no brakes and the chain kept jumping off the middle ring under any load. the fork crown was recalled and replaced and the brakes are bedding in but need new calipers due to dodgy o-rings. the coda chainring was replaced by a middleburn which is perfect and now the bike works. I raced today at wendover which is super steep and technical and this bike handles like a dream, it's not that light but it climbs well with the lefty lockout on. conclusion is that this bike(f900sx)has loas of problems so only scores 3stars. get the problems sorted and it rules! Thanks to Clive Gosling at Cannondale Uk for lending us a bike for the national chamionships.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Timothy James
a Weekend Warrior
from Torrance CA Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light Weight, Great Brakes, wheels, tires Acceleration and Awesome looks!
Weaknesses:
Skinny hard as rock seat. Replace saddle.
Similar Products Used:
Other Hard tails
Bike Setup:
Stock set up. New Serfas Seat.
Bottom Line:
Great for cross country and climbs. Climbs like a billy goat on an elevator. Almost maintenance free. More fun each time you ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Beale AFB Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
pretty lite for disc brake bike around 25-26 lbs. Stealth BBQ color. IRC tires rule. Shock lock out feature.
Weaknesses:
Heavy seat post,bottom bracket. Grip shift only with CODA Disc brakes. Brakes leak!!
Similar Products Used:
Replaced 99 Schwinn MOAB 2. What a waste of money. 28lbs heavy.
Bike Setup:
Stock w/limited edition CODA Discs, Syncros seat post, Real bottom bracket.
Bottom Line:
Over all a great performer. Climbs/accelerates well. Fatty shocks are great, zero flex makes a big difference, just point and shoot. It could use a little more travel, 60mm is not enough. I guess you have to upgrade to 70mm cartridge for $160. Shaved some weight (3/4lb) by replacing seat post/bottom bracket. C-dale recalled Coda disc brakes w/date codes 8L and 9A cause the seals leak. Contacted my LBS and they ordered a brand new set of brake calpiers from c-dale at no cost to me. As with all new products there are always some problems to fix. Overall I am stoked about my f900. I rate it 5 chilies due bikes performance, components, features, and for C-dales customer svc/warranty program.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from albany, ny Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Anything at Mt. Snow
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very stiff Affordable Awsome Discs
Weaknesses:
Some crank probs
Similar Products Used:
Fisher X-Caliber
Bike Setup:
Fatty D Coda Discs Tarantula Cranks
Bottom Line:
Very fast due to the stiffness. All racer friends have C'Dales. No crack probs like all the other dudes wrote. Brakes are sweet as hell.Very affordable. Love the negative rise stem.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: June 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tussey MT. Trail
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
fairly light weight brakes value
Weaknesses:
a little heavy some stx rc parts- shouldn't be on a bike of this caliber
Similar Products Used:
F 700
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I was wondering of anybody knows the retail price of the F-900 SX the new one with the CAAD 4 frame and lefty fork. If you know how much this bike cost could you please e-mail me. Thanx
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Atkinson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: May 29, 1999
Am F-900 with the special deal, it came with Coda Disc Brakes for limited time. I love it will never let go.
Bottom Line:
The F-900 is great, the Coda Disc brakes are wonderful and stop on a dime, I wouldn't trade them for anything. Its great on the trails and if you take it to a BMX course its alot of fun to. I would recomend this bike to anyone and there brother. I give it 5 stars
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Weekend Warrior
from Connecticut Date Reviewed: May 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
overall quality, headshock w/ lock-out feature, Magura Louise Disc Brakes, light,fast, strong, matte black paint gives this bike a wonderful don't mess with me look
Weaknesses:
haven't found any other than the HIGH PRICE and the less than comfortable seat, but I hate to quibble over details
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F700, various Trek models
Bike Setup:
stock F900 w/ Magura Louise Brakes
Bottom Line:
After several years of not riding at all, I was shocked to see how much bike technology had progressed. This is a wonderful thing except that it made choosing a new bike a daunting task. I did extensive research, reading every possible review I could find on the web and elsewhere. I also test rode several bikes on and off-road. Being over 6' tall, weighing 200+ pounds, and planning to ride off-road at least 50% of the time made the choice of a HARDTAIL WITH DISC BRAKES a priority. The F900 looks and feels very well made and is even wickedly fast on paved roads. The headshock w/ lock-out wins out over regular fork shocks in the command and control department, and the Magura Brakes feel as if they could even stop a 400 pound rider! The only major change I have made to the bike is the addition of a Coda Suspension Seatpost and a Serfas Tailbones gel seat which has made certain parts of me much happier. This is a wonderful bike!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slamigo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere in the Gats
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Ultra responsive, excellent brakes, same geometry as the new cadd4 frames, lock-out feature on the shock, looks damn mean in BBQ Black.
Weaknesses:
Stock Pedals are tempermental, will give you fits.
Similar Products Used:
F-2000
Bike Setup:
Stock set up except I had them install the Coda disc brakes instead. Replaced the pedals with Shimano.
Bottom Line:
This bike is race ready right out of the box. There are some areas where you might want to upgrade before you take possession of the bike...get the shop to switch pedals to shimano or something proven, and if you are really concerned about bike weight, have them swap a lighter seat post and peripheral accessories. Once you change the pedals this is an awesome bike. The disc brakes are very powerful!!!! I just got mine so I don't really have any durability answers but I'll do a follow up review at the end of the season. This bike is fast, looks fast, and will empty your wallet fast. But it is worth every penny if you can get a deal (I only paid $1846.00 CDN, and that's with Coda's). This is a very trick ride if you can scrape the coin together, and it looks mean as hell in black. Five stars so far (after pedal replacement) P.S. Please don't review stuff you don't own or ride, and don't complain about an older bike in a new bike review etc. You end up reading a whole review and then realize the guy is talking about his four year old bike. Thanks.
Stiff Bike. Very responsive. Fast! Overall set up was good.
Weaknesses:
Colour Sucks. Wish it's red!
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose hardtail. I kept this bike in my car.
Bike Setup:
Don't really know cos I am new to biking. Still learning.
Bottom Line:
I like the bike very much. My riding buddy ate my dust all the time. He is having a Cannondale F300. Think he is getting a F1000, OOOoop!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stevie
a Cross-Country Rider
from brisbane, australia Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
this bike looks very, very, mean -- matte black and finished superbly
Weaknesses:
quite heavy compared to trek, and I don't like the dodgy coda disc brakes -- also madly overpriced
Similar Products Used:
trek 8900 -- a far better product, it's worth checking out the other price range
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I would love this baby to cruise around town on. 5 chillies for the looks, 3 for the weight, 3 for the brakes (HAYES !! NOT CODA !!), but I'd have to say 4 overall. One mean-ass looking bike, but I'd really have to thrash it on some trails to give a more comprehensive review. I also like the low standover height, but the headshok geometry is weird.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
I think that it is a great cross country bike.
Weaknesses:
My front deraluir does not want to shift right. Tried everything to fix it.
Similar Products Used:
Other hard tails from various companies.
Bike Setup:
stock setup
Bottom Line:
I think that the bike is a great perfrormer. On cross country it handles with the best of them. I think that my fron deraluir could be a little better. But hey there are always lemmons out there. I love the front shock on this thing. I also got the Magura Louise disk brakes instead of the coda. MBA magazine said that the return springs on the coda were to stiff. And earlier they said that the Louise's are one of the best brakes out there.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Butch
a Weekend Warrior
from CT Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Indian Ledge (Trumbull)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great for XC racing. Handles really well - fast and nimble.
Weaknesses:
The head shock keeps crapping out on me - sometimes locks out by itself?!? The angle of the Head shock makes short steep climbs very tricky to balance on with out spinning the rear wheel.
Similar Products Used:
Other hard tails.
Bike Setup:
XTR, Raceface
Bottom Line:
On a nice smooth single track with small roots and not too many rocks - this bike rocks! It's great for today's type of XC race coarses. Any more technical than that - this bike will beat you up - even throw you off. A solution may be to opt for the larger side of their frame range (eg large medium) 5 Stars for XC and 3 for technical = 4 overall
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: April 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Good set up
Weaknesses:
I thoght that it had no weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I thouhgt that it was a solid performer i think that nothing should be changed. They make the other bikes the same way. (that is what i heard)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shuya Yamada
a racer
from Champaign, IL Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have 97' F900 totally modified. 23lb. Flight Ti seat, Control Tech post, XTR-517CD rear wheel, CT Ti skewers, Ritchy Ti pedals, Crossland front, drilled out LX brakes, paint stripped and polished frame and fork! I raced last fall for U of I and it's really stiff, light and FAST! I am now getting CAAD4 and XTR to built my own!!!If you want to know how to strip/polish your Dale, let me know. Shark...
Overall Rating:
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