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Submitted by
Litor Puruit
a Racer
from detroit , michgan
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | all sports | | Strengths: | really good frame light strong ,nice looking bike. easy to climb with , precise steering. | | Weaknesses: | entry level front shock with this type of rigid frame you need better travel for the shock, unless you are just starting out. not good for downhill , not with that shock .
| | Similar Products Used: | Kona , gt , specialized | | Bike Setup: | xt , deore, lx , coda , | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for a beginner to start with but easily be upgraded to a good xc racing bike , The stock spring shock is garbage ,I upgraded the shock to a air sprung kit but kept the same 60mm travel, wrong move I should of just spent more money and bought a super fatty kit, oh well . The shock does not have enough travel plain and simple , I now ride a f600 and the difference is amazing. I would recommend this bike to anyone starting out in mountain biking. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bern
a
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The frame is killer. Pretty light and strong. A good buy in its price range. | | Weaknesses: | Some components are not strong enougne for someone who ride hard (I dont mean jumping, just hard trail riding). | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike. After 2 years of riding I had to change some parts. When I bought it, I changed the seat the brake (for LX, and brake handle for DEORE)and the pedals (for bontrager RE-1). I prefer clipless. Later I changed the handlebar for riser bars. The seat post had to be changed cause the screw retaining the seat stripped and there was no way to tighten it. When I took it off I noticed that it was bent too. After a bad fall, the back wheel bent realy bad, so I just changed them for Mavic F519 with XT hubs.
With those change I now have a good raceable bike.
I would recommend it to anyone.
4 chillis for overall cause it should come with clipless...
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
luke
a Weekend Warrior
from Lovell, ME , USA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the ones in my back yard | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Glenn Trails | | Strengths: | this bike has a very nice frame with clean welds. it is relitivley light, and the xt deraliure is a nice touch. | | Weaknesses: | the price! i got mine cheap, i dont think it is worth the retail. Also the fork is very limited in travel and ajustments(there r none). | | Similar Products Used: | giant xtc,gt zaskar,khs alite 2000&3000, cannondale f700. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is a good bike if u can find a deal on it, it preforms awesome but the price is a little to high. overall a great first or second trail bike. could handel a little racing in the sport of begginer catagory because it is farily light. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Parenteau
a Weekend Warrior
from Nanaimo,BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dumont Rd.area | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great frame and wild color scheme(Blaze).It's comfortable to ride and it climbs great.Brakes are good but the shifters could be better.Contrary to what I've read about the rims,I've found them to be pretty good and I'm a 200 pounder | | Weaknesses: | The saddle doesn't cut it for a 200 pounder.My 12 year old has it on her bike now.I just got tired of straightening it after every ride.
The noises emitting from the Headshok drive me crazy. | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock except for the addition of Wellgo one
sided clipless pedals.BLT lights for night riding. | | Bottom Line: | I've had the bike back to two dealers a total of three times and the Headshok still clunks and rattles.I then had the shok sent back to Cannondale at their own request and was assured that it would come back repaired.No clunking noises or popping noises.Guess what?It's better but it still makes noise.I've been assured by the Cannondale tech support that these shocks should not pop or clunk.Gonna call them back again and ask what they have in mind as far as plan B goes.Is it too much to ask for a bike like this to have a descent front shock.Fortunately I haven't had to fork out a penny of my own yet but then it still isn't fixed.The bottom line is that the shock does work but it's noisy
The shock aside,I love the bike.Great value for the money and i'd reccomend it for any beginner to intermediate rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zion Rastafari
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington, NC
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything Technical - Advanced | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$715.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Durable, stiff, robust, Caad2 frame (F400 2000) | | Weaknesses: | The rest of the components. Must upgrade to have a competitive bike. | | Similar Products Used: | F500, Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Caad2, Avid mag levers, Arch rival breaks, XT Hollow crank, ES70 BB, XT chain cassette, XT mavic 517,Rock Shox susp seatpost, Fatty SL susp | | Bottom Line: | Granted the frame is 300g hevier than a Caad3, but is more durable and better energy transfer. I have shaved the weight where it matters. I have put this bike through a lot of abuse and broken most of the original components. Do not get hung up on the "light frame" fever.
Unless you are racing, you are better of saving the bucks and buying an F300 or F400 and upgrading most of the components tham buying an F900, for example, and getting a fragile Caad4 with discs that. By the way, discs pretty much cancel the weight shaved from the frame. I have raced this bike at 24 lbs. (w/ sus seatpost). I am 188 lbs.
The p-bone fork is definetly for begginers. I updated the spring to a red, but i still busted it. I boght a Fatty SL new on e-bay for $200.
I tried a new F1000 with a Caad5 and it feels very weak. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor Johnston
a Cross Country Rider
from Nepean, Ontario (Canada)
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Don't have one | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Rebec & Kroes (good shop) | | Strengths: | -The steering precision is amazing, no flex or play in the head shock fork.
-Frame is beautiful, especially the welds.
-It is strong, I wiegh 260 pounds and i haven't broke it
-I haven't had any problems with the hubs or rims like some people have, but I don't ride big drop offs and I ride pretty light for my size.
-Colour is nice and so are the emblems
-Allmost all the components work flawlessly together
overall, for the money, this is a well designed package. | | Weaknesses: | -The seat sucks and I will replace it soon
-The chainrings aren't the greatest, but I find that the cranks are good enough for me.
-kind of heavy (27 pounds size large) but for my size I can't put on any stupid light products on the bike cause I would probally break them. | | Similar Products Used: | GT karokoram | | Bike Setup: | Replaced the front derailleur with an xt and I added semislicks | | Bottom Line: | What this product delivers is value, yeah you could spend more on a front suspension bike but you wouldn't get that much better performance, overall this is a very good bike
for the money.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deez Drainer
a
from Akron , OhighO
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vultures Knob | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bisesi's bike shop | | Strengths: | extremly light weight , quality components. | | Weaknesses: | front forks | | Similar Products Used: | giant , gt , mongoose | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The best bike for the money plus a life time warranty.Don't listen to that dude that says the rims bend. I am on my fourth mtn bike and this one has the best stock rims of all of them.I jump alot and go pretty high ! As log as you land right you can't hurt this bike! i have folded rims in half on lesser quality bikes such as giant and mongoose. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex l
a
from victoria
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartland, Victoria | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | fort street cycles | | Strengths: | yo everyone, dont listen to my review below!!!! i actually was riding a '99, and have a heck of a lot less complaints about my friends 2000 | | Weaknesses: | n/a | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | Oopsy-daisy! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex l
a
from victoria
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartland, Victoria | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | fort street cycles | | Strengths: | the frame has a really, really cool color (the blue one, anyway) and a weird shape the makes it look like a moto-x bike | | Weaknesses: | hmmmm, where to start... the fork bites the big one, the whole component grup has screwed up at least once, the rims bend off a 1 foot drop, it says volvo on it (not every bike does)so people call me volvo-boy, the seat is terribly uncomfortable, the grips ripped clean off, u can't ugrade to a riser bar with the grip-shifts, and so on and so on | | Similar Products Used: | kona fire mountain, kona blast, norco charger | | Bike Setup: | more sh!t than a manure ranch | | Bottom Line: | if you see this bike around, RUN AWAY!!! it will only make your life worse!!! if you see someone else riding it, throw rocks at them! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Hawranik
a Cross Country Rider
from Stead
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Birch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia Cycle & Ski | | Strengths: | Graphics were the same as the Sobe Headshox team. Its a Cannondale | | Weaknesses: | It couldn't prevent crashes and it couldn't fly. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 F600 | | Bottom Line: | GREAT overall bike. Either for racing or just enjoying the trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hao Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Clara, CA,
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheelaway | | Strengths: | Super light, durable, kick-ass color and design (super black w/ siver decals). Great deal for entry and upgradable to intermediate level bike. | | Weaknesses: | P-bone's performance is ok but popping sound sucks! Will become very annoying on rough rides. I've read complaints about the deore but have no trouble with it so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Moab 3, Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock right now, but I'm looking to upgrade that damn annoying shock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike so far. If you're gonna buy a beginner bike but want some options to upgrade later on, get this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Mackenzie
a Cross Country Rider
from Vienna
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Attack | | Strengths: | Weight (I've got mine down to 11.3 kilos and my target is just under 11 kilos), geometry, colour, saddle, handle bars, XT rear derailleur and seatpost. Excellent handling and steering. | | Weaknesses: | Rims, hubs, P-bone clunks (now upgraded with suspension block kit), bottom bracket (now upgraded to Deore LX), chain wheel (now upgraded to Deore LX), sprocket, pedals, cranks (now upgraded to Deore LX), tyres (now upgraded to Ritchey Z Max) and shifters (now upgraded to Deore LX). | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | If you ride the bike in the city, get a suspension block kit installed. It costs about $120. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the price, but upgrades are definitely required. Maybe I should have gone for the F600. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lee dutton
a Racer
from auburn,nh usa
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | nh powerlines | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$730.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodales | | Strengths: | Light, durable, works on downhill rocky sections, great brakes, good deralliers | | Weaknesses: | the front derallier, shox don't have enough travel and the irc tires for mud and snow | | Similar Products Used: | moab 2, trek 7000, gary fisher tequila, specialized rockhopper al comp fs | | Bike Setup: | stock except magura brakes, and Raceface cranks | | Bottom Line: | I like it for downhill at the powerlines, the single tracks are perfect for that bike, the up hills on hardpacked dirt are good, the tires are good for hard pack but suck for snow and mud. I got the bike because my friend has the f500 and it almost the same but i didn't have enough money so i got the f400. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fres
a Cross Country Rider
from fads, Daed, USA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | great glenn | | Strengths: | light good frame nice fork and the LX work surprisingly well the grip shift is also good | | Weaknesses: | the toe clips should be swithched for clipless at this price and forks not ajustibul | | Similar Products Used: | F1000, outpost, Nevada | | Bike Setup: | stock, with clipless | | Bottom Line: | this is a great deal on a cannondale especialy for four hundred If u want one call great glen trails they have good deals | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt. Dora, FL
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | local roads and parks, plenty of hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Local bike shop | | Strengths: | Beautifully executed frame, best in the industry, strong and light. HeadShok. Rapid fire shifters. Tektro v-brakes amd levers. CODA CF crank. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals (toeclips). Front derailleur cage scrapes on chain when on outer chainring (only 3 indexes). You can't back off as with grip shifter. This is highly annoying, and I'm sure, wearing on the cage. Rims are in constant need of truing. CODA saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized RockHopper, Schwinn MOAB | | Bike Setup: | Stock drivetrain components. Removed toeclips w/ strap and added Zefal strapless toeclips (I don't like clipless). First item replaced was the saddle. Switched to Serfas RX. Great comfort for this 49 year old butt! | | Bottom Line: | I ride between 75-100 miles a week, primarily on rough roads and some trails. Contrary to popular belief, Florida is not flat as a pancake. This bike handles all I give it. It's the best bike I've owned. I can surely afford a more expensive one, but why? (maybe a Jekyll in the future when I wear this one out). I do find the front derailleur scraping on the cage (when on the outer chainring) very annoying. The rapid-fire shifter has 3 indexes, but I would prefer more so I could "downshift" for clearance like with a grip shifter or older lever shifters. The frame is absolutely awesome. It is beautifully welded and finished. I cried when I got my first scratch in the paint (black). I've also crashed it twice with no mechanical problems (I got pretty beat up though). I've been reading a lot of complaints about "clunking" in the HeadShok. I too experienced this. I went to Cannondales Tech Support and downloaded their info on HeadShok maintainence. My problem was too light of a setting on the springs. I followed their directions for preloading and have not heard the noise anymore, even on rough terrain. It rides a little stiff but still handles the bumps well. Bottom line is it's a great bike for the money and my abilities.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Butler
a Weekend Warrior
from Thunder Bay Canada
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the way to hell | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepath | | Strengths: | Price, frame, drivetrain. | | Weaknesses: | rims, front derailler, brakes, toe clips, P-bone headshok. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing is similar to a cannondale | | Bike Setup: | sadly I rode with stock comp. i added a 2 inch riser for a better fit(im 6foot2) | | Bottom Line: | For reliability you really should upgrade the whole wheelset. The bike is light, stiff, and a great climber. This bike brings joy to me everytime. Nice paint, decent componentry and precisive handling make this bike a great buy. You just cant go wrong for $1300 canadian. If your reading this then you are looking for an entry level xc racer...this bike is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt James
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Shark | | Strengths: | Frame, Drivetrain, Headshok, Very Light | | Weaknesses: | Toe clips suck, Brakes, wheel set | | Similar Products Used: | GT Backwoods, Raleigh M80, Gary fischer Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock but with Time pedals and Michelin Wild Grippers | | Bottom Line: | This Bike is phenomenal. At this price, the frame and fork combo easily surpasses that of Specialized, Scwinn, GT, and TREK. IT is true that the P-BOne is entry level for the headshok, but it performs as well, if not better than a judy xc. It does make a clunking noise, but after reading all these reviews, it seems as if that is standard. The component group is a great starting point, and there is room for a few upgrades. I have had no problems at all and I have given it a thourough beating. It is cool that Cannondale uses the same alluminum for all their CAAD series, so you know the material is quality, unlike other companies who use cheaper materials for their lower end frames. As soon as i ruin them, I will replace the wheels with a Mavic/XTR combo, but the stock have been working fine so far. I will also upgrade the brake setup to XT or XTR, but there is no rush. Basically, this is a great bike for anyone and can be upgrade with a couple hundred dollars to surpass bikes costing twice as much and I would recommend it to anyone in the market for a light,durable, Cross country bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fernando Velasquez
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas, DF, Venezuela
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | La Encantada | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell bikes, Atlanta, GA | | Strengths: | Awesome frame color. Good combination of initial components (better yet, can be upgraded easily with another $350). Stiff, reliable, REALLY AFFORDABLE!!! (at $750 it is difficult to find a better combination of frame and parts). CODA components (although too heavy) are very good. | | Weaknesses: | None so far... maybe, saddle too hard!!! Ahhh... frame is not disc ready -what a bad idea- adding two pieces of metal for the adaptors doesn't mean a lot of money (cannondale) guys!!! and, pedals, pedals, pedals!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 800. | | Bike Setup: | Originaly, overall Deore with XT rear derallieur. Now, overall XT with avid supreme brakes. Specialized MTB Comp saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Very good entry level bike. With a good setup it can outperform many over-2000-dollar bicycles. I invested an additional $350 to change several parts (Front derallieur, Crankset, Shifters, Brake levers, and brakes) and the bike has changed so much that everybody ask me if it cost me about $2000!!!
Its only drawback, maybe, is the fork. The P-Bone is an entry level fork and it performs just like that. Don't expect much from it.
The hubs (XL 98 - Parallax)have been working excellent. They have supported a lot of abuse without any sign of wear.
Finally, the tires performs good enough. IRC Mithos are another real good match for this price level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Sylvia
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn,NH, USA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | powerlines | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$730.00 | | Purchased At: | Goddales Bike and Ski | | Strengths: | Strong , light frame , great rear derailer ,XT, and the deore it pretty good , Looks great w/ the orange / yellow fade ,good shok and best bike in the the price i paid . | | Weaknesses: | the p-bone doesn't have enough travel , but is still good
the seat is hard as rock , replace asap .
| | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Moab 2
2001 Gary Fisher Big sur
2000 Specailized rockhopper A1 comp fs
2000 trek 7000
| | Bike Setup: | TFI - italian leather seat ,deore xt front derailer ,and Cannondale upgrade air-sprung Dl performance kit . | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike . I'm only 14 and I'm noting going bet on it that bad , i usually ride moderate single tracks and powerlines . It has the best frame out of all my friends bikes . I performs very well . It is also very good on the road . It's a awsome climber , too .I'm not planning on racing so this bike is great espailly for a 14 yr. old . The shox are plush , and the upgrade kit is well worth it and i feel makes it = to a judy race . I really , really like this bike and would take it over any of my friends bikes . The only downside is the shok travel , it could really be more , but is still a very good shok . I really recomend it to anyone who is looking for a great mild xc bike . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NY Boy
a Cross Country Rider
from New York City
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Light, Terrific Paint Job, Fast & Takes a beating and keeps asking for more. | | Weaknesses: | Low end components | | Bike Setup: | I transformed this bike from LX and who knows what to XT & Race Face | | Bottom Line: | Heck of a bike once you have the right components. Fast light and easy to work with. I have taken this bike from A-Z and still up to date. Frame hasn't show signs of wear & tear yet. GREAT BIKE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a
from Spokane WA USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | there are too many to have a Favorite | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$724.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Transit | | Strengths: | The bike is light and strong. It flies right up the hills, soemtimes I like I'm cheating. As, for the people who say it is a bad down hill bike I say if you can't ride to the top of the hill you have no right flying down it. The paint job rocks (I have the orange and yellow). Drive train drive train drive train. It is also hand made in the US | | Weaknesses: | The front derailer (LX) kind of sucks, but I only paid 724.00, so it can't be perfect. The pedals are garbage, but looking at the 2,000 bike they don't even have pedals so they were just filling the holes. The wheels seem a little weak. | | Bike Setup: | Well i just ordered a set of pedals from Price point. good deals. I put on some bar ends, and hope buy a front derailer soon. | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a middle of the road good all around bike cross counrty bike, buy it. If you want a bike to ride down the ski hills save your money and buy a lift ticket and a snow board.
Cannondale FOREVER | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
number 4
a
from manchester,ct
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | case mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$740.00 | | Purchased At: | vernon cycle | | Strengths: | Beautiful frame, most components, overall feel | | Weaknesses: | headshock rattling/cluncking | | Similar Products Used: | gt timberline | | Bike Setup: | crossbow saddle, clipless pdls ripped off a raven | | Bottom Line: | This bike just feels good. It's fairly light, the component selection is right on, it performs well and looks good (unless you get the bright orange/yellow one). I have noticed a strange noise from the headshock over rough terrain which makes me nervous, but it doesn't effect performance (yet). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kim
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Palmer Park, Ute Park and Rampart Reservoir | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Strengths: | light, fast, handles great, shifts quickly and smoothly, the headshock, tires are really great in dry conditions, cushy seat, tough paint job, cool color (girl talk!). | | Weaknesses: | The brakes sqeak a bit, wheels a little heavy, tires get really gunked up in mud. The original Coda clipless pedals' release was very unreliable! I'd often wind up with one foot partially stuck for a minute. Scary! | | Similar Products Used: | Hubby has a Schwinn Moab II, also tried the Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | XT and deore, IRC mythos tires, headshock, put on Time pedals, gripshift | | Bottom Line: | A very fun bike. This bike was a great beginner bike and continues to be a fantastic bike as I've developed more intermediate skills. It's fast, climbs well, turns easily and takes all the fun stuff I give it. The tires aren't meant for mud. The time atac pedals are fabulous in mud compared to the coda pedals I had on it. The coda pedals it came with wouldn't release sometimes. I'd wind up with one foot partialy stuck for a minute. This bike has a great "feel" to it. The other bikes I've tried are nice too but this one I just didn't want to get off of. I definitely recommend this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TCUBULL
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Worth, TX
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Joe Pool Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Great frame and frame geometry. I am a big man at over 260 lbs. and the bike has help up well. Shimano XT rear deralieur. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap plastic cage pedals. Brakes should be upgraded to LX or XT. Headshok mysterious noises. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Zex X (demo only) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Coda bar ends and new pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great beginner bike for someone who is willing to spend good money. Also a great bike for someone with special needs. (250 lbs. +) A good overall product with a great frame and good component setup. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jacob Gunter
a Weekend Warrior
from Battle Mountain, NV 89820
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | That one that my friend and I made | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$585.00 | | Purchased At: | T-Rix Mountain Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I think that Cannondale makes good bikes. The F400 is a light bike that has a lot of gears (most of which I do not use)and good suspension. I never owned or even ridden a bike with head shox before I purchased the F400 | | Weaknesses: | It needs to come with bar ends. I would also like to see it come in a larger frame size. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | ???? | | Bottom Line: | Not bad at all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Lesley
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Tx
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | frame and most components | | Weaknesses: | Front shock, brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000/6500, Specialized Rockhopper, Raleigh M80 | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | Great bike and quite a step up from my old Trek 830. I probably would have gone for a different bike (most likely the Raleigh M 80), except I got lucky with a super sale at REI of all places. 60 mm of travel is pretty low for bike like this, but otherwise I have no complaints. The bike is particularly good at climbing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MUD Team Member
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest Park Leif Erikson Dr/Saltzman Rd | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Bicycles, Portland OR | | Strengths: | Great Frame, Awesome Color, Excellent Handling, Mono Shock System | | Weaknesses: | Knocking P-bone Shock, Pedals, Wheels | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Trek, Klein, Schwinn | | Bike Setup: | CAAD 2 Frame, Coda CF Crank, Shimano components, Tektro Brake System | | Bottom Line: | I have enjoy this bike, but have the same knocking noise in the P-Bone Shock. I have taken it to the bike shop twice, but they can't seem to find any problems with it. I think it may be the front hub which is not a top of the line component. I will, in time change that out. I have upgraded the pedals to TIME Clipless. Also, I will be upgrading the brakes and wheels in the future. I have been road biking for the 16 years and just got into MTB in the past 3 months. It is awesome. The bike is great and I will keep it for years. The frame is quality and isn't that where a bike should really shine. If someone reading this finds out about the knocking shock or front area noise problem please let me and others know. It would be greatly appreciated. This is a good bike for those who are just starting out with mountain biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ho Su Mon
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Stone Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$730.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bikes | | Strengths: | Shimano XT rear deralieur, light, very affordable bike, Cool colors (mine is black glossy). | | Weaknesses: | Frontal derallieur (deore), cheap brakes (Tektro), original handlebar is not very nice with overall geometry. Not designed to allow disk brakes (althought adaptors are available in the market). Alert, Coda cranksets are having many quality problems! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 6000, (tested on demo only) | | Bike Setup: | Overall XT components (deralieurs, crankset, shifters, brakes, brake levers). Riser bar Coda. | | Bottom Line: | Very afordable bicycle with a very good configuration at this price. For about $300 additional, I could rise the configuration of my bike and now has a much better group than any other bike priced on the $1600 - $2000 range.
I only have a serious problem with the original Coda crankset when it cracked at its arm base, but the warranty department solved my problem in an acceptable time. However, I decided to change the crankset for a new XT.
Good bicycle!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Murray Jarman
a Weekend Warrior
from White Rock, BC
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the Shed | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | White Rock Cycle | | Strengths: | light, decent components for the price, smokin paint job, low maintenance headshok | | Weaknesses: | noises and clunks from the headshok, cage pedals with clips, cheapo brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | 2" riser bar, IRC Mythos XC Slicks, everything else stock | | Bottom Line: | It works for me, decent handling and performance for what I ride. Probably should have sprung a few hundred more for the F700 with discs, or the F800 with Caad3 frame, but oh well. Love the paint job, looks great with the IRC XC slicks - great tires, lots of grip even off-road, way nice on pavement (for those who have to commute using their dirt bike). For the money, two thumbs up...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose Rodriguez
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Chatahooche River Bike Track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$730.00 | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycling Store | | Strengths: | Very strong frame, stability, very good rear derailleur (XT) and overall components. | | Weaknesses: | Frontal derailleur (Deore), Clip Pedals, brakes, frontal fork, rear tire... nothing bad but could be better. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4000, 6000, 7000. Specialized HardRock Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Frontal derailleur XT, Brakes Avid Arch Rival 50. Rest, original equipment. | | Bottom Line: | Excelent bicycle for a begginer who is not afraid to visit a real bike store and spend over the $500 lower limit for a good bike (forget those department store MTB, there are worthless), very good for those who want to enjoy the excitement of the hard-trail experience. However, I don't advice anybody to use it for Downhill!!! (I had my own bad experience).
Load yourself with this bike, plenty of water, a good air pump (and some tools), and gains, and you will enjoy an excelent experience!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Kaiser
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Valley, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Mountain Creek Ski Resort | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$895.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft- Chester, NJ | | Strengths: | Comes in cool SOBE racing team colors
Headshock
Rapid fire | | Weaknesses: | stock Front derailer ROTS, got messed up in the first month of riding
Stock pedals have cheezy plastic foot cages | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for new clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | GREAT BIKE!! This bike has very few problems that i have found, except for the front derailer and pedals. I would recommend this bike to any XC rider. IT IS NOT A DOWNHILL BIKE by any means. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wally meehan
a Weekend Warrior
from east meadow,NY
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | It is light and comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | who wants to have to get there foot in the peddal clips on the downhill. I bent the rims slightly on the downhill in one day. It felt unstable on the slopes and I didn't feel the brakes did the job, could be because of the machined rims I am not sure I am considering replacing them. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | I removed the peddal clips took all of 5 minute and didn't have to buy a new set. | | Bottom Line: | I think the bike is great for X-country riding and makes climbing easy. It is very week on the downhill couldn't handle the ski slopes well but I might need a little more time getting used to the bike. I don't think I would buy it again. I have tried friends bikes that cost less and were just as nice or at least a better value. That is not to say I don't enjoy the bike I just think I could be enjoying a better money value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave kornmeyer
a Racer
from new york
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Good tires frame head shox xt derailer climbs well and is fast light | | Weaknesses: | deore parts no name v brakes and my chain was junk in 2 weeks the wheels | | Similar Products Used: | 98 f400 trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | deore parts with xt rear derailer | | Bottom Line: | the bike is very good for racing becouse its light and has a great fork put a xt front derailer bar ends and new v brakes maybe a nice wheel set the bikew would be great the bike is great people looking to get a new bike in this price range should look hard at the f400 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bernard
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | its light, it look good, the head shock can handle the smallest things and the biggest too. Its so easy too climb with this bike. | | Weaknesses: | I didnt like the seat so I changed it, I changed the pedal too for clipless. I'm not sure about the rims, they feel funny with their machined sidewalls. | | Similar Products Used: | I had a mongoose alta sx with a rockshox quadra 21R. | | Bike Setup: | All deore except XT back derailleur and coda crank set. Paralax Hubs. I've add Lx v-brake with deore levers and I changed the handlebars for riser bar.This add a lot of comfort and control. I didnt think it would make that much difference. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules!!! It feel realy great either on pavement or in the trails. The suspension is so efective that you dont feel the small bumps or rock that you have to absorb with your wrist on other chucks(RS, Zocchi, etc). Of course its not a downhill bike, it got a 63mm of travel but you can change the stifness of the chuck by changing the springs inside it, like other kind of forks. Still, it is a very good cross country bike. It climb like a demon and accelerate very well. The rapid fire shifters works great I would'nt go back to grip shift. Before to buy it I choosed a bike in every brand there is for the price I wanted and this bike had the best value for the quality. I could'nt believe what people and salesman told me about those bikes but all I can say is TRY IT YOU'LL LOVE IT!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Cassel
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM US
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Embudito | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Nicely finished frame. Headshock | | Weaknesses: | Salesman made a big fuss over the XT rear deraileur which is fine, but the rest of the components aren't so hot. IMO, you are paying for the frame and the name. | | Similar Products Used: | Bianchi lower end bikes | | Bike Setup: | Added Shimano clipless pedals. Other than that, it's stock. | | Bottom Line: | There is some mystery to this bike. The dealer had three in stock. Before I met the salesman, I spent some time with the enthusiast wrench who was VERY informative. He inspected the three F400's noting that they were set up differently and the one I chose was the best. Beats me why three bikes of the same color, model and year should sport different components, but these did. The front brake pulses which I attribute to an out of true wheel which I'll have addressed as the first tune up, but IMO, this bike should not have been out the door with compromised brakes. The bike works well on all but high speed dirt roads with washboard which I suppose nothing works well on. Keep in mind that I'm a newbie, but I find this bike a serious improvement over my previous bottom of the line Bianchi. I also believe that I could have gotten a better technical deal with a Giant that I also shopped, but I traded some component value for that beautiful frame and that US name. Stupid? Maybe, but then you are free to choose differently. IMO a good general bike for riders up to intermediate level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren
a Weekend Warrior
from Spruce Grove, Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Terwiliger | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | V-brakes, rear XT derailer, lightweight CAAD2 frame. | | Weaknesses: | chain, front clogs. P-bone shock when lifting front wheel. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano Deore shifters. XT rear, Deore front. aumboeba riser bar, Weinmann Zac19 rims. | | Bottom Line: | Every thing seems to feel just great. Except for my chain sticking in the lower clogs all the time when going up hill. There is a slight howl from the front hub when exceding maximum speed on downhills. The P-bone shock is entry level for sure. Im not quite used to the sucking sound it makes when I lift the front wheel. But all in all I have been happy with this bike. Got this puppy for $1009 Can, which isnt too bad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodmere, New York
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Nice frame
XT rear derailer
IRC Tires
| | Weaknesses: | Rims
Pedals
Fork
Shifters - mine didn't come with grip shifters | | Bottom Line: | An OK bike if you get a good deal. On a number of occasions, I have seen this bike sell, brand new, on E-Bay for less than $675. If your'e thinking of upgrading rims, fork, pedals, seat... Just buy a better equiped bike. its cheaper. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Caledonia,ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | weight,frame,xt derailer, | | Weaknesses: | wheels,wheels,wheels, pedals | | Bike Setup: | stock Large | | Bottom Line: | I got it at a great price 1020 (Can) and it is very light but the first time out i bent my rim and put a flat spot on it and had to put a brand new one on. I didn't even do anything to it either it was just weak and i am only 170.
Everything else has been great except for the pedals need clipless | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Sharrar
a Weekend Warrior
from State College, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The F400 is an excellent, lively climbing bike. It makes hills seem shorter than they used to be. It replaces an older Cannondale frame based mountain bike I "pieced together" with great emphasis on weight savings. I should have just bought one stock. Cannondale really does a great job spending money on the bike where it benefits most. While there are no truely outstanding components (other than Cannondale's frame/fork combination) the F400 exudes quality and solidity. And it looks really cool too (these things matter). My wife and I each got one, hers a small frame in orange/yellow, mine a medium in black. Being an engineer I get an inherent joy out of things that just seem to work the way they should. I love this bike! | | Weaknesses: | I'm not crazy about the plasticky toe clips, they will be gone soon. I've also noticed that during high speed hard braking the front wheel has a shimmy. This is disturbing because the stock wheels are trumpeted as being "machined". How can this be? So I can't say it's the perfect bike, but it is one of the best values I have seen yet for a front suspension bike. Other than that no gripes. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a fast, nimble bike that also does a good job on the rough stuff I whole heartedly recommend an F400. It's truely a joy to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from Sierra Vista AZ
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | FRAME! Head Shock with easy pre-load adjustment. Reasonably good component mix for price. XT rear derailer. Good IRC Mythos tires. | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable seat. Pedals. Brakes. No name hubs. | | Similar Products Used: | Older (1996 I think) Schwinn Moab
Tested a 1998 F900 and the 2000 F400. Both had the CAAD2 frame. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced seat with a Serfas with cutout. Replaced pedals with CODA 500 clipless. Replaced stock 22 degree stem with a 45 degree stem for a less bent over position. | | Bottom Line: | I also had a rattle in the P Bone head shock. Manual said do not ride with a rattle. Dealer, whom I trust, took the Headshock completely apart, inspected it and could not find anything wrong. I sent an E mail to Cannondale. Pleasant and fast repsonse said that noise in the mechanically dampened Headshocks is not uncommon. Have ridden the bike many miles, and over rocky trails and roads without a problem. Mt wife just bought a new F400; the small Killer V frame really fits women with a short reach well. Her Headshock makes no noise. Hers also came with Shimano Parralax hubs. Looks at the components when you buy the bike; the same model may have minor differences. The Tektro brakes are just OK. The stock saddle was heavy and uncomfortable. The $25 Serfas, a bargain I think, was a little lighter and much more comfortable. The headshock has very little stiction and handles both small and large hits very well. Overall I think I got my money's worth. But, In retrospect, I think the F700 offers the best value and there may be one in my future. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
xenobia
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | light, the grip shifter, great frame, the headshock, very easy to maneuver, comfy seat :-). The Mythos IRC tires rock in the desert! | | Weaknesses: | So far, only the toe clips but I ditched them for clipless. | | Similar Products Used: | humble beginnings on a huffy
Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | P bone headshock, XT, grift shifters, Coda 500 clipless pedals, mythos IRC tires | | Bottom Line: | It's a really sweet bike. I've been having a blast since I got it. I haven't had any problems with it. I liked the Trek 7000 too. I chose the Cannondale because I liked how it felt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Katzman
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, CA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Weight, Component mix | | Weaknesses: | P-Bone M Headshock, Non-Disc Brake Uprgradeable | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Giant Rainier
2000 Giant XtC 2
2000 Cannondale F500
1999 Schwinn Moab 1 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a very responsive and very comfortable bike to ride. It climbs hills effortlessly while maintaining great control. Unfortunately, you don't get a lot for your money.
The headshock on this Cannondale cannot be upgraded in any way. This means that you can't buy the DD60 add on kit or anything to upgrade to an air/oil shock that will perform better. The only outlet for upgrade is to completely replace the existing shock on the bike which can be very spendy. Also, the frame is a CAAD2 frame which is not compatible for disc brake upgrades. However, one benefit you do get is that the CAAD2 frame is warrantied for life whereas the CAAD3, CAAD4, and CAAD5 frames are not.
My suggestion is to spend a little more money and buy the F500. It rides even better than the F400 and has all the capacities for upgrades that you could ever want. Plus, you upgrade to a CAAD3 frame which is 3/4 of a pound lighter, clipless pedals, upgraded SRAM components, a better crankset and better hubs. All this for only $100 extra.
All in all, still a good riding bike. Happy riding! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
xenobia
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | trails in the desert! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | everything so far! | | Weaknesses: | the toe clips...they rot. | | Similar Products Used: | Humble beginnings on a Huffy!
Tried a Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | stock setup, added clipless pedals | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike! I'm having a blast! It can go almost anywhere. My only complaint has been those aweful toeclips, I replaced them with clipless. I also tried the Trek 7000. That is also a nice bike, it was just missing that mystical feeling of rightness of my F400. I have the Afterburner Orange--I get lots of compliments. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SH
a Cross-Country Rider
from South Dakota
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Newton Hills | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
headshok
decent component mix
frame
Grip Shift (personal opinion) | | Weaknesses: |
pedals | | Similar Products Used: |
99 Schwinn Moab 1
00 Cannondale F300 | | Bike Setup: |
Stock Large frame with Sachs shifters | | Bottom Line: | This is a really responsive, comfortable bike. I like the headshok more than any of the Rock Shox forks that I have ridden, and the component mix is a strong improvement over last years. The seat was one of the few that I didn't notice as being something I would need to replace or get used to. That must be a good thing. I look forward to upgrading a few components (pedals, adding bar ends, etc.) I am a little sad that the pedals aren't clipless, but otherwise, I am thrilled with the F400. I will give another review later after I have taken it to hell and back, but for now, I am very impressed. I have to give it 5 flaming rats from hell. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J. Rivers
a Weekend Warrior
from Graysville, AL
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Weight | | Weaknesses: |
P-Bone Shock | | Similar Products Used: |
Pacific | | Bottom Line: | I can't say that my experience dealing with Cannondale products has been very satisfying. First time on the trail the P-Bone shock making a loud rattling noise. Manual says Don't Ride if Shock Makes Rattling noise. The shop took the shock apart and could not figure out what the problem was. On the trail again. Same problem. Put bike back in shop. Follow me here, I just paid almost $900 for a bike that I can't ride. I sent Cannondale email and let them know I wasn't satisfied. Cannondale seems to take the offensive with confronted with a quality issue. They just say we stand behind our bikes and equipment. That's good don't get me wrong, but with the price of thier bicycles they should have better quality control and when there is problems they should respond like they are a little more connected with the customer. Also another complaint with Cannondale is that the equipment that is stated to be on a particular model on their web site doesn't necessarily mean it will be on the same model on display at you local shop. When I got home with mine and started checking it out I found the rims, pedals and shifters were different. Cannondale's answer to this was they quoted their disclaimer on their web site that states they can change specs at any time. So, if you purchase a Cannondale please check it out carefully or you may be dissappointed. I don't think I got $900 worth of bicycle and I don't think I got the service that Cannondale is always bragging about. I plan to email this address to Cannondale to show them what happens when a customer gets a bum bike off the showroom. Maybe they will figure it out. Some of you may think I'm being hard on Cannondale but it was my $900. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J. Rivers
a Weekend Warrior
from Graysville, AL
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Oak Mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Weight | | Weaknesses: |
P-Bone Shock | | Similar Products Used: |
Pacific | | Bottom Line: | Somewhat satisfied. | | Overall Rating: |
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