Submitted by
Erich Harvey
a Cross Country Rider
from Cranston, RI Date Reviewed: July 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Tom - Arcadia
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Lombardi's in San Fran
Strengths:
Super light, strong and stiff frame, Excellent climber, Avid V-brakes (work great when new), XT front derailleur, XTR rear derailleur, awesome looks.
Weaknesses:
Headshock (not a lot of travel and difficult to replace), Coda Pedals, Grip Shift, Stock tires
Similar Products Used:
94 Specialized Rockhopper 96 Trek 8000 hardtail, 96 Cannondale M800 (built up with aftermarket parts)
Bike Setup:
this review is pre- upgrades except for XTR seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! If you are looking for a light weight, high quality bike under 2k, This is will fit the bill.
The CAAD 4 Frame is strong, stiff and beautiful. But if I was building this bike from scratch would make a few changes. First, replace grip shift with XT or XTR index shifters. (It is too difficult to switch gears in a corner while braking.) Second, I would pick Shimano clipless pedals. The coda pedals never really felt secure and now that they are 5 years old, they loosen up on each ride. (What do you expect after 5 years though??) 3rd, I would prefer a Rock Shock fork or similar that can easily be swapped out with another aftermarket fork to suit your terrain and/or riding style. (The headshock can be replaced, but I hear it will change your ride height and mess up you geometry.)
Besides regular maintenance, I have only had to replace the seat post. I bought the large size frame and am 6'2". Because of the dramatic sloping top tube, I have had to extend the seat post pretty far out of the seat tube. 225lbs is a bit too heavy for the coda seat post extended this far out of the tube, and I bent it. I replaced it with an XTR post and have had no more problems. (If you are tall and heavy - look for a XL frame.)
Besides the seat post and regular maintenance, this bike has been flawless! I have not experienced any splitting of the rims and the Coda Hubs and radial laced front wheel have been superb! (I haven't had to true them at all!)
I would have given this bike a 5 for value if it included index shifters, better pedals, and more aggressive tires.
I would have given a 5 for overall rating but it would take a longer travel fork, Disc Brakes, Index shifters, Shimano pedals, a stronger seat post, and grippy tires to be perfect. Still the bike is fantastic and I can not go lower than 4 flaming chilies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chester Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Vilseck, Germany Date Reviewed: December 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Leo Jobst Weg, Pottenstein Ge
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Red River Cyclery, Alex. La
Strengths:
Stiff, Light, very FAST. Excellent customer service.
I've owned this bike for about three years and have ridden it all over the world and I love it. It climbs like a scared monkey and just flat out flies everywhere else. It's almost like cheating. I like the head shok but it would be nice to have more options and I eat a headset about every year. Whoever says the hard tail is dead hasn't ridden my bike. There are less priced bikes out there but are they as sexy, I think not.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Pyle
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway Date Reviewed: June 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Nordmarka
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Oslo Sportslager
Strengths:
Light weight, quality of finish
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Fizik saddle, Thompson Elite seatpost, mostly XTR components
Bottom Line:
In the two years I have owned my Cannondale F1000SL, I have learned what a quality bike is - like so many others. In addition, they have a terrific service organisation. So in the theoretical sense, its five flaming chilis from me!
My gripe is that perhaps this was not the bike that suited me and my needs - and maybe the shop where I bought it shoud have been more helpful in guiding me.
I was bitten by this sport five years ago. I am a heavy rider - 240 lbs. The shop did not provide me with any advice as to whether this was the bike for me or not. They just wanted to make a sale.
After two years I must say that the Ultra DL headshock is not designed for heavier riders like me. I have had it overhauled a couple of times and replaced a month ago. I ride 50/50 offroad/road and thus have a need to use both lockout and shock. The weakness seems to be that that in lockout position, the shock does not bear my weight, especially when I am biking agressively.
So no matter how great the bike is inherently - and this one is - it is only great as it relates to me. Am I right? Does anyone out there have a viewpoint on this?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CA Morris
a Cross Country Rider
from Lubbock, Texas Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything with trees and tight corners
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Boone, NC
Strengths:
Weight, responsiveness, power transfer, handling, Fork adjustability
Weaknesses:
Coda Brakes, Coda seatpost, Coda handle bar, Coda seat
Easton Carbon bar, salsa seat post, Avid carbon v-brakes, Sella ergo seat (a must if you do not want a suspen-post)
Bottom Line:
Changing to a carbon bar and better seat will take a lot of the the bum beating you get from the lighter frame. People who complain about the handling on rocks and roots can fix these problems by changin the setup. I do not ride a lot of rock gardens or bad roots, so the seat takes care of my problem, but I have ridden simular frame with a suspension seat post and it was much nicer to my bum.
As with most bikes and riders this bike is much better profomrer than I am, but it will make an average cyclist perform above average. It is so repsonsive that at first I actually steered the bike off the trail. Coming from my old cromoly moab that handling took some adjustment.
Test ride before you buy, and get a pump to adjust the fork. Setup is everything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Omar
a Cross Country Rider
from Mexico Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
ProBike
Strengths:
Very light, super stiff frame, great fork
Weaknesses:
Pedals (Coda) and Hutchinson Mosquito tires
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 8500
Bike Setup:
Changed wheels for mavic cross max non-UST, Phyton tires, avid arch rival brakes, Selle Italia Flite Ti saddle, Time Atac Carbon pedals
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money, very light weight just 22 lb with the cross max on it. The fork is super stiff and I bealive that no other fork in this range could compare to it. The frame is super stiff and climbs better than any other bike I've tried. Coda pedals suck, so change them as soon as you can.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tech50
a Weekend Warrior
from Monroe,LA,USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lincoln Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Excellent Frame and fork,Light,quick,good climber
Weaknesses:
Coda components,paints chips
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Trek
Bike Setup:
XT rear, LX front,coda crankset
Bottom Line:
I've been very pleased with the bike. Especially since I found it at a pawn shop for $400 in mint condition. It didn't burn me when test road it so I figured it was ok. Its a little hairy downhill. Not as comfortable as my old Specialized but a better performer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Kunz
a Cross Country Rider
from Monrovia, MD Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any and all!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Mt Airy Bicycles
Strengths:
Agile, climbs well, well made.
Weaknesses:
Mavic rims. Over time, they develop cracks or split inside (you can tell when they split because your brakes start to go thump-thump as the pass the spot that's split...).
Similar Products Used:
GT, Specialized, Trek, Kline
Bike Setup:
Replaced drivetrain with all XTR as I wore things out. Lucked into a used lefty fork a month ago :).
Bottom Line:
I've put over 10k miles on this bike. I ride a lot 40-70 miles almost every day -- road, dirt road, trail, mountain trail, rocky mountain trail. This is an amazing bike that I would recommend to everyone. It's light, maneuverable, turns on a dime, climbs like a goat and is a solid performer. And, you can lock out the forks when you're on the road riding to the trails. As I've worn things out, I've gradually upgraded to XTR components, but the stock components were fine. The only weakness is the mavic rear rims -- the alloy used is too brittle and over time they develop stress cracks or split. I've gone through 3 in the year that I've had the bike -- all replaced under warranty. But, since it's now out of warranty, I'll be using something other than Mavic!!! Also, I loved that Ultra Fatty head shock. Light, responsive, can be locked out. And, if you're careful, you can turn the lock-out just a little and get a stiffer fork for the times when you want just a little damping. But, the lefty that I just got is truly amazing. It just eats up the trial and the adjustable damping lets me tune the ride for the conditions -- ON THE FLY :).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from West Hartford, CT Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Cycling Concepts
Strengths:
Great product spec. Light weight. Climbs like a beast.
I set out to purchase a 2001 F600 disc, which turned out to be the same price. The dealer had this 2000 leftover and made me a deal I couldn't refuse. For racing, the CAAD 4 frame is as about as good as it gets at this price range. In addition to the F600 disc, I tried the Klien Attitude Comp. To be honest, it ended up being a tossup between the Klein and the Cannondale. Lets be honest, you can't go wrong with either. The Cannondale seemed to have a slightly better component mix, while the Klein has the superior frame (not that the F1000 frame is bad). Klein is just in another universe when it comes to frame design. No major manufacturer can touch them in my humble opinion.
But back to the Cannondale..... Like I said, I love the bike. It suits my needs for racing. Contrary to some of the other reviews I have read, the bike really does perform well on rocky, rooty, technical singletrack. The headshok is a great suspension fork. I don't know if I'll ever buy another Judy or SID.
If you want a well made bike that is light and fast look no further.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tan Thiam Hock
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bukit Timah
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
Ultralight weight, fast...very fast, nice color and stiff. Good front suspension.
Weaknesses:
Seatpost, and some of the lower end components.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8500, GT zaskar and Specialised M4
Bike Setup:
All originals except for easton carbon seatpost and XTR front der.
Bottom Line:
I think its the best hardtail at any price. Its so light that it makes peddling so easy. Tried my friend's Specialised M4 , although good but it isn't as fast or smooth as the F1000sl. The GT and Trek simply couldn't match the F1000sl.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Memphis Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
outdoors inc
Strengths:
light, nice geometry, good compononents and 2X9 is great. Also love the headshock.
Weaknesses:
Not much. So far the CODA Expert parts are holding up great. Crank arm bolt started loosening and caused an awful creak, but a few twists of the allen wrench and all is well.
Similar Products Used:
Had an IronHorse ARS 8.0 The Cannondale is much lighter.
Bike Setup:
All stock except for an Easton seatpost, Johnny Tomac Profile bar, Selle Italia Ti seat. IRC Mythos XC Tires
Bottom Line:
The bike is ultralight and ultra fast. For $1100 is was hands down the best dealout there. Looked at Trek 8500 and Klein Attitude but couldn't see paying the extra 400-500$ for more weight. The lockout is great and when I want to ride on the road, I throw some Ritchey Tom Slicks on, flip the stem and ride the road. This is a great bike for XC riding and for training on the road. I haven't riden on tight singletrack yet but I have a hunce it will handle well there too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary, NC Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
New Light
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
As stiff a hardtail as I've ever ridden; Confidence inspiring in tight, twisty, singletrack; Feather-light; Excellent climber
Weaknesses:
Sketchy in rocky, rooty singletrack - primarily a problem in descents; stiffness really puts a pounding on your back; matte-finish paint rubs off on your legs
Similar Products Used:
Klein Attitude HT; Mongoose HT
Bike Setup:
2x9 drivetrain; XTC Mythos tires
Bottom Line:
I thought my Klein was stiff until I rode the F1000sl. This bike is made for racing on smooth hardpack - it would also work great as a commuter bike. It accelerates as well as any bike when the going is smooth. If you ride primarily rock and root filled singletrack it's not the ideal choice - I'd go for something with a little more "give" in the back. For it's designed purposes it's an excellent bike, athough I think C-Dale could have spec'd it a little better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Brigham
a Racer
from Milton, Vermont Date Reviewed: April 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Catamount
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1399.00
Purchased At:
Ski Rack
Strengths:
Super strong, ultra stiff frame is as light as you could ever want or need. Ultra Head Shok rocks, this bike climbs and decends FAST.
Weaknesses:
Sketchy handling with stock tires, LX front derailer is out of place on this bike
Similar Products Used:
C-Dale Super V, Trek 950 (old style)
Bike Setup:
Full XTR set-up, CODA tarantula cranks, Syncros post and Flite titanium seat.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a ROCKET. If there is a faster bike out there, you can't buy it for this little money. This bike is a steal at $1650.00. I picked mine up for $1399.00 and felt like I was stealing it. There is a reason there are so many of these on the racing circuit. You haven't ridden a truley fast hard tail until you've ridden a CAAD 4 frame set. The Ultra DL Head Shok eats up the small hits. If you can get by with 70MM of travel, it's the best fork out there. GET ONE NOW. Your wife or girl friend will just have to get over it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Edwards
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Western Australia Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mundaring/Kalamunda
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Entrepeneur
Strengths:
Geometry, quality of construction/welds, headshock
Weaknesses:
Paint job, crappy LX gear up front, coda disc pads wear out too quickly
Similar Products Used:
C'dale 1000 (98), C'dale 900 (2000), Spec. Rockhoppers, Klein Attitude Pro/Race, BMW Q5, Avanti Aggressor
Bike Setup:
Bit of mongrel this one - scavenged coda discs from my previous F900, XT all round, Thompson Elite seat post, 9x3 chain ring set from F900, Hutchison Mosquitos
Bottom Line:
I've entered the last chance saloon with Cannondale after my F900 frame fractured at the rear drop out after mediocre use as well as suffering from a nasty Friday afternoon job on throwing the componentry on the bike. A sharp e-mail to C'dale (USA - don't haggle with the importers) saw a replacement with a F1000SL (avec Fatty Ultra) frame. It now actually rides like I expect. Demon quick along the flats and gets to work on the climbs with no questions asked(although the Mosquitos struggle on gravel and grit). Handles like a road bike in its accuracy and placement. I'm always having to 'top' up my headshok (can never seem to maintain 150psi) so maybe means a leak somewhere. Coda discs are fine but pads wear quickly and go AWOL without too much warning. Overall a good machine itching for greatness. Limited by a few choice components. I may, just, stick with Cannondale after all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A G
a Racer
from Milwaukee, WI - USA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Southern Kettle
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1975.00
Strengths:
Price, HeadShock, Rims, Paint (Custom)
Weaknesses:
Some CODA components, LX front
Similar Products Used:
'94 Fisher Montare (old reliable)
Bike Setup:
XT Hollow Tech Cranks, Easton CT2 post, ESP 9.0SL, Selle Italia Ti Seat, Latex Tubes, Conti Double Fighters, M858 Pedals, Salsa Ti skewers
Bottom Line:
Well, after I was able to get a custom painted frame, the deal was on. Had to lose most of the CODA stuff, not that it's bad, but wanted better. For the price, it's a steal, the lock out fork, it's a dream. Bike handles better than I thought. Was old school, didn't want to go to a HeadShock, but rode one, liked it, went for the deal. Gotta admit, probably will never go back to a standard "Rock Shok" type of fork. So I guess I stay with Cannondale. This gets the ultimate flame - 5,000 BTU's!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Malcolm McIntyre
a Weekend Warrior
from United Kingdom Date Reviewed: October 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
road use only
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Medway Cycles
Strengths:
Light, fast, nimble
Weaknesses:
Soft paint finish (brown matt) scratches very easily. some Coda components too heavy/low spec.
Similar Products Used:
Dawes Kickback, Dawes Off-limits
Bike Setup:
Specialized Nexus EX road tyres. Race face seat post. Shimano top range SPD pedals.
Bottom Line:
Excellent fast urban commuter, 9x2 gearing suits road use. Short travel adjustable suspension ideal for poorly maintained urban road surfaces. You don't have to be an off-roader to get the best out of this bike. Soft matte paint finish on 2000 model needs to be changed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Pyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nordmarka
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Oslo Sportslager
Strengths:
Light weight; strength, finish
Weaknesses:
The LX stuff seems a bit out of place on a bike in this class
Similar Products Used:
Local brand aluminum hardtail w/ all XT.
Bike Setup:
Standard; Michelin Wildgripper Sprint tires
Bottom Line:
Never thought I'd spend so much on a bicycle, but after only a couple of rides there's no way back. This bike handles beautifully and climbs like a dream. It is unbelievably strong and handles my own large frame with no problems. I love the quality of craftsmanship, e.g. the paint job and the frame construction. The Hutchinson Mosquito tires had to go as I ride on both asphalt and forest trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Milton Gil
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Weight, xtr RD, Lock out shock
Weaknesses:
Tires, Front DR
Similar Products Used:
TREK 6500, GT reobound
Bike Setup:
Rolf Sat. wheels Sram gripshift
Bottom Line:
This bike is super light. It climbs great, the lockout works great for climbs. This bike is cross country rides and people who like to climb. I like to climb, and this bike is strong and steady, while being very light. My bike weighs 23lbs (Large), with pedals, bottle cage, air pump, bar ends and under the seat pack. With my street tires on the bike can't stay still, it itchs to be run fast, I can't see anyone being disappointed with this bike. Great Job Cannondale. Now I understand why Cannondale are so desired and respected. From my experince and research and talking to folks. I really don't I will ever buy another Brand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cross Country
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Super light; great frame ; good front suspension ; attention grapper.
Weaknesses:
I guess the brakes, seatpost and shifter is a little bit of a let down considering its overall performance. But then its only a minor upgrade.
Similar Products Used:
Most hardtails above US$1500.
Bike Setup:
everything in stock except for ESP 9.0sl shifters and brakes. Seatpost replaced with Easton CT
Bottom Line:
Great bike to get if speed is the ultimate criteria. It really so easy to climb that at times I can understand why Cannondale choose 9x2 Chainring; there is simply no need for the granny gear. I think its difficult to find a better hardtail at any price unless the technology changes so much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ARILD
a Cross Country Rider
from GJOVIK, NORWAY Date Reviewed: August 14, 2000
XTR, XT FRONT + BRAKES. SYNCROS POST, SELLE ITALIA FLITE TITANIUM.
Bottom Line:
This is the fastest, lightest bike i have ever tried. Some problems to tighten the krank, but shop fixed it. The 2 ring system is great, but sometimes the chain could fall off if you don`t adjust it properly. I think the price is a little to high when you get LX front and low-end brakes, seatpost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vossie
a Cross Country Rider
from The Netherlands Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lightweight, frame, looks, excellent handling
Weaknesses:
Quite expensive, no fork-pump provided with bike, LX components in stock-setup
Similar Products Used:
C'dale M900, Specialized fsr-xc
Bike Setup:
XTR front and rear derailleur, XTR shifters, XTR V-brakes, Mavic Crossride wheels.
Bottom Line:
If you look for a fast-riding lightweigth xc-bike, this bike might be something for you. At first the 2*9 speed drivetrain takes some getting used to. Since it needs more front-shifts than 3*9, upgrading to LX or XTR front-derailleur is a good investment. I personaly think that the the LX components in the stock-setup are too low for such a lightweigth bike. The bike had a really good acceleration (especially with the crossride wheels) and climbing with this bike is very good, though you meigth want to choose other tires for better grip in soft sand. The lock-out on the fork is the easiest on the market (together with the lockout on the pace-racing 38 fork). The fork needs some tuning to get the optimal air-pressure for your purposes. It's a bit lame that no air-pump is provided with the bike, cause you really need a good fork-pump. Because of the racy frame-geometry, the bike handels excellent in downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dane
a Cross Country Rider
from rocklin, california, usa Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
very light and stiff frame, i love the fork, and the two front chain ring idea is awesome, and especially the xtr rear derailer
Weaknesses:
other than the the skinny tires there are none
Similar Products Used:
trek
Bike Setup:
xtr rear derailer, lx front derailer, lx shifters, and some coda components, (all stock)
Bottom Line:
this is on eof the best bikes for its price. I was always told that cannondales were not worth the money but this bike obviously is worth every penny. this bike has the best acceleration and ability to climb than any other bike ive riden. take my word and if you are even considering buying this bike get it and you will be completely satisfied with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Young Sung Bae
a Cross Country Rider
from Seoul, Korea Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
None so far, with the exception of tires. (I need to change tires after riding for three months.)
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche, SDK
Bike Setup:
As offered by Cannondale, with the exception of clipless pedal by other brand.
Bottom Line:
I'm fully satisfied with Cannondale F 1000 SL (which I regard as MTB Mercedes class). I average 150 km per week on the river bank of Han River and hilly area, mostly on week ends, and the Headshock on the flylock up just serve my purpose perfectly. It responds well to your desire in every respect (acceleration, smooth riding on the bumpy area, easy ascending on the hilly area), so just grab it ! One Comment to Cannondale, since Koreans don't know whether the official dealer of Cannondale is availble in Korea, do some marketing work in Korea.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Cross Country Rider
from NC Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hobby Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything, CAAD 4 frame is awesome. No name brakes???!!!??! Weighs 22 pounds, probably lightest bike for $1600.
Weaknesses:
None so far, had it for a few days.
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh M-80, Jekyl 900SX
Bike Setup:
Stock except w/ barends and rock shok post.
Bottom Line:
Buy it NOW! Deffinetly worth more than 5 flaming chillis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jimmy
a Cross Country Rider
from england Date Reviewed: May 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
fast; rigid; very light and great front suspension.
Weaknesses:
none really .
Similar Products Used:
most hardtails like GT, TREK and gary fisher.
Bike Setup:
everything stock.
Bottom Line:
I simply love this bike; its so easy to climb like many for the reviewers below I think it difficult to find a better bike in this price range. Do yourself a favour test it yourself if you don't believe me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim
a Weekend Warrior
from new zealand Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
everything just works perfectly
Weaknesses:
none at the moment
Similar Products Used:
klein; k2 ; GT zaskar Le; rock-mountain
Bike Setup:
bike - stock; simply fantastic
Bottom Line:
I simply love the feel of the bike; it so easy to climb. Very light weight without burning a hole in your pocket. Front suspension is excellent. Gear shifting for 2x9 is the best I have come across. Give it a test ride if you don't believe me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ronnie tam
a Cross Country Rider
from malaysia Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all terrain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
very light; fast; super 2x9 drivetrain; headshok is the best.
Weaknesses:
I don't think there is any at this price.
Similar Products Used:
trek 8500; gary fisher mt.tam; klein attitude race; gaint mcm SE1; GT Zaskar; cannondale f1000sl; kona kula.
Bike Setup:
stock except seatpost change to ct-2
Bottom Line:
I am a very choosy buyer; when I buy buy a product I would go all out to find if I got the best for the price.So in this price range its either trek 8500; gary fisher mt.tam; klein attitude race; gaint mcm SE1; GT Zaskar; cannondale f1000sl; kona kula. After intensive testing of the above mentioned bikes from my friends or friend-friends; the best bike is the Cannondale F1000SL. Its simply is the best; superb in every department, what more could you ask; its also an eye-catcher. "Best- buy"; highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Cross Country Rider
from Moore, SC US Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Lightweight, Name, XTR rear, Ultra Fatty
Weaknesses:
Cranks have some off twice in 2 weeks and now BB sounds like Chitti Chitti BANG BANG, 2 chainring setup seems hard to adjust 4th gear and 9th gear in the 1st ring is useless, Coda stuff,
Similar Products Used:
96 Trek 7000 tough as nails
Bike Setup:
Sweet Afterburner Color with Yella Mosquito Tires, SRAM attack shifters, Xtra Large frame, Mavic X 225
Bottom Line:
Had the bike a month spent more time in the shop in 1 month than all the damage I did to the Trek in 3 years. Bottom Line at least the F1000SL is lighter to push back to the car
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Champ
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, Ga, usa Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything on this puppy is GREAT!!!
Weaknesses:
what weaknesses???
Similar Products Used:
Specialized M2 and Giant 890
Bike Setup:
I've got this baby stock except i put a CT2 bar on
Bottom Line:
This baby rocks! it climbs, tracks and does everything perfectly. it feels like its an extention to my body. i feel like a world champ wheneva i hop on this machine. if youve got the money get this bike, it kicks seriouse arse!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr Cannondale
a Racer
from Australia Date Reviewed: May 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Headshok, frame, just about everything!
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar, Cannondale F900
Bike Setup:
Stock except i put a CT2 handlebar and seatpost on
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! i race cross country and this is the fastest bike i've ever riden. it tracks straight and puts the power down like a Dodge Viper!
Get one NOW!!! do yourself a favour by buying this beauty!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
faizan ong
a Weekend Warrior
from singapore Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very light; good front suspension; geometry is excellent; components reasonably good; crank is light but stiff.
Weaknesses:
seatpost; brakes
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher paragon; k2 razorblade ;klein attitude race and specialised m4
Bike Setup:
replace with xtr -v brakes + shifter and easton ct seatpost
Bottom Line:
Found f1000sl to be a very fast and fantastic climber. I think its the best bike for the money. Buy it without hesitation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronald Tan
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All Terrain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very light(22lbs),Super plush Headshock, great 2x9 chainring,very fast and quickhandling.
I think it the best bike at this price range. Highly recommended to anyone who ride fast and aggressively. The sobe team color is nice. The weight is superlight even with magura rim brake and booster.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rainer Steffl
a Cross Country Rider
from Vienna, Austria,Europe Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light, headshok SL is much better than any other fork
Weaknesses:
tires and coda saddle(compared to my old selle italia flite)
Similar Products Used:
f700
Bike Setup:
stock (XTR, Coda parts, 3 chainrings) + IRC tires
Bottom Line:
great bike because of the weight and the headshok fork - don't forget to change the tires before buying the bike
i used to ride my old headshok SL for more than 4 years - no problems no complainings at all
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland, Ga, usa Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This bike kicks, It rides great, handles great, and all I can say that it is the best. I would recomend it.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8900 hardtail
Bike Setup:
On this badboy I've got an XTR rear derailer, XT front, XT shifter and brakes. Coda expert hardware. and botranger clipless pedals. It rock
Bottom Line:
All I've got to say is that I think this is the best bike for the money. I'll give it a five.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin Daechsel
a Racer
from Penticton, B.C, Canada Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame Geometry, Wheels, 2X9 rules!! very light shock,
Weaknesses:
Pedals, el cheapo breaks and seatpost, LX front der and LX shifters seem weird with XTR rear der
Similar Products Used:
Nothing quite like this one
Bike Setup:
Everything stock. still... i only got it 3 weeks ago gimme a break..
Bottom Line:
This bike deserves 5 flaming turds, and i'll give you 5 good reasons
1. The bike is whopping 22.2 lbs!!! 2. Its the greatest deal ever. $2200 canadian 3. The part selection is great, they made some compromises but the overall package is great 4. Its a Cannondale, you can expect great customer service 5. Last but not least the paint job is oh so tacky! :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000
Some components look slightly low end(LX shifters,generic V brakes)but the only real weakness is probably the pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Various high end hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Time pedals, Quadrapivot seatpost, 3X drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
This is by far the fastest & best climbing bike that I have ever ridden. The Headshock is a great suspension. The Caad 4 frame has awesome geometry. The forks are lighter, track Way better, and are more tunable than any other fork design. They also have not leaked air like other air forks that I have tried. Bottom line: if you want a fast,light, bike that climbs great this is a must try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slider
a Racer
from AZ City Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Casa Grande Mountain, AZ
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
VERY light, 22lbs out the door, pedals and all VERY fast
Weaknesses:
Seatpost, front shifting.
Similar Products Used:
Trek VRX-300 (Incredible fun) Test rode various C-Dales and Treks
Bike Setup:
Stock + Shimano 535 clipless and Easton EA70 seatpost.
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a true race machine for under $2000, this is the bike. To prove to myself that I had indeed made a made a wise choice by switching from my VRX-300 (The most fun and comfortable bike in the world) I ran my shiny new F1000 around the Indian Hills race track and compared the time with prior times. Believe it or not, by simply switching bikes, I knocked 10 minutes off of my prior best time! On my full squishy bike, I averaged between 35th and 40th place at the races. My first race on the F1000 placed me at 23rd, well above the guys who usually smoke me.
On to the problems: 1. Seat needed to be adjusted after every ride. No matter how much I torqued the post bolt, it still came loose. I replaced the seatpost with the EA70 (Trick looking, and light), and now I'm happy.
2. The throw on the front Derailleur is way to long. You have to take a deep stab to get up on the second ring. I'll live with this I guess, I love the two ring idea and would never go back. Besides, we all spend 90% of our riding time on the big rings, right? : )
3. Brakes and neck. Due to the fact that I am a techno freak, I expect brand names to be displayed on my expensive new bike! I accept this only because they work great and it's not THAT expensive by way of relative measure.
If not for problems 1 and 2, I would have awarded 5 flamers for the overall rating. No regrets, I'd do it again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton Date Reviewed: March 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Marin County
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, Race Ready, Serious ride
Weaknesses:
Serious ride
Similar Products Used:
killer-v
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This isn't the funnest bike to ride but it earns your trust with it's ability to accelerate and go fast (on relatively smooth stuff). I'd say it's biggest strength is it's French mountain climbing attitude. I've climbed hills that would be hard to hike up with this bike. Like the below post I too have dented the bike. A relatively large dent above the bottom bracket but that's too expect I guess when riding off road. Do you want a fast, nimble, race ready Mountain goat of a bike? Then buy this one. One other thing is the color chioces: Tacky yellow or boring silver not too fashionable. Ok, I'm done.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LoLo
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Date Reviewed: February 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff CAAD4 frame, Ultra fork, 2X9 drivetrain.
Weaknesses:
CAAD4 frame = thin tubing = easy 2 dent.
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar
Bike Setup:
Dumped the LX shifters & Coda brakes for Full XT setup w/XTR rear.
Bottom Line:
You better like a hardtail. Fast, efficient, light ride. Ultra lockout is a plus. On the downside, nickel size dent in tubing from log wreck that my GT would have laughed at...u pay 4 the weight in more ways than one. The value rating would have been higher but who specs an XTR rear w/LX shifters? = LAME! Overall would have been a 5 chilis if not for the dent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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