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Submitted by
Shane Gouldthread
a Racer
from Weedville
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | buddy | | Strengths: | lighter frame, headshox. | | Weaknesses: | the rear tri is narrow and mudd gathers fast when its nasty on the course, geomtry not made for racing specs, longer wheel base than others, frame dents easy. | | Similar Products Used: | other c-dales, treks, Titus Riddler.. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 F700, Mavic 317 wheelset, avid mechs, all 2003 XT, Ritchey seat post, WTB saddle, Mosqiutos tires(BEST EVER) | | Bottom Line: | this bike did all it was intended for me. my first year of racing and couple years of riding/ i was sold for cannondale. it was all i would buy and look at. if it wasnt a c-dale i hated it. until i got racing for Team Speedgoat and found out what real bikes are. my teammates laughed at me joking and picked on me for it at the 24 hrs of 7 springs. until i rode a Titus HCR, Titus Raxer-X, Moots Rigamortis, and Santa Cruz Superlight!
the last series of races where all muddy and mess. gotta love that stuff! but i had so many problems with mud in the frame, im not so crzy about the geomtry of it for racing. i mean its a good bike for someone just staring off. but if you into racing id look else where. its really not NORBA racing quality. so i was forced to buy a new rig from the sponsor's. i hate that haha. i have a Titus HCR, all X.0, Tompson seat post and stem,WTB Shadow V saddle w/ti rails, Avid Single Digit Ultimate V's, FOX 80 RLT, and Mavic Crossmax's XL wheels!! i will review it in a month or so. so happy trails guys and gals!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason W
a Cross Country Rider
from Bentonville AR
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Devils Den | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | not tellin! | | Strengths: | Frame and fork design | | Weaknesses: | Coda rims and tire choice... | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to XT front and rear der. Upgraded brakes from Magura Clara, to Julie. | | Bottom Line: | I love this Hardtail. The frame has held up to MUCH ABUSE. The lefty is not only sweet looking, but PLUSH!!! Never a single problem with it. The rims however don't handle aggressive XC, And it's expensive finding a replacement rim for a lefty. The mosquito's wore QUICKLY, but those were the only issues I've had with the bike in 3 years. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Hatch
a Cross Country Rider
from Guilford, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Westwoods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Nemba email list | | Strengths: | Unbelievable! The frame is ridiculously resiliant. For a 23 lb pound bike, it is a capable dh'er and fr'er-5 ft drops, dhing at mt snow (and not going slow at all!) Good racer, too-won my first race ever on this bike! | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness is that somehow a groove got worn into the drive side dropout so now the wheel pulls to the non drive side when i crank. Mino, but annoying all the same. i will still give it 5 chilis! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized hardrock, s-works hardtail, C-dale jekyll, scalpel, caad5 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | xtr hubs, brakes, brake levers, and rear derailleur, xt cranks, bb, shifters, and front derailleur, mavic x517 rims, headshok fatty sl fork w/rebound adjustment, easton ea70 handlebar, selle san marco saddle, hutchinson rubber (alligator rear, Python air lite front) | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike! I wouldn't sell it for the world! I don't know why the guy i bought it from sold it in the first place! Who needs a new bike when you have a bike this good?!?! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from Valdosta, GA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bridge to Bridge FL | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | E-Bay | | Strengths: | Well built frame, light weight, lock-out fork | | Weaknesses: | Coda parts | | Similar Products Used: | Other C-dales, Specialized | | Bottom Line: | Don't pay full price for your bikes! Go to E-Bay and shop. I picked up this C-dale for $800.00 with all the crappy componants up-graded. To have this same bike built up would have cost about $1600.00
I have a great set up for my style of ridding, just about everything is XT except for the wheel set. (I liked the wheel set, strong and decent weight) I did add a Cane creek thudbuster seat post, (very nice) and a nashbar seat. (try this and your but will love to ride)
I also changed out the peddles to specialized Ti SPD's.
Over all a cost effective all (xc-road) around bike. If you want to hit the big bumps and jumps, go FS. I have one of each due to one bike can't do everything and be good at it.
Try the 2" road slicks on this bike and the miles just pass you by. Nice change from just single track, and great for training.
Over all, you get what you pay for, do you home work before you buy, and up-grading is just part of the game, you will learn as you go, and be able to fix your own bike.
I would recomend this bike, and would buy again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian no
a Downhiller
from hamilton, ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | HARDWOOD HILLS!!!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | pierek's cycle | | Strengths: | the frame is super strong, but because of it being ment for a xc person, it can only fit i think like a 2.4 in the back, pretty disapointing for me, oh well. teh coda disk is alright but definatly needs to improve power. | | Weaknesses: | the space between the frame for a larger tire
limited fork selection, fatty fatty dl, lefty and tahts all
unless u get an adaptor which is really pointless | | Similar Products Used: | i donno | | Bike Setup: | im not a dh'er, i freeride and trial but that wasnt in the option above, so im running an alex supra-pro in the back for a rim, WICKED!!, a small seat, risers and hydro v's on the back for breaks. this bike is really versitile and truly rips if u dont hold back. | | Bottom Line: | if ur into xc hardcore (like i was) go for this bike, it has everything u need, super light, good parts and relatively cheap. But if ur more of a freerider, u can use it but the forks will eventually just crap out on ya, like they did to me. Anywho, i have had only small problems with my 700 and for riding hard im pretty proud of my cdale. later | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
H.A Guenther
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Leemkule (NL) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Totaal, Zwolle | | Strengths: | Nice stiff frame (CAD 3) beautyful craftmanship
Handles great on road and off-road
point and shoot driving
nice geometry (for me)
good price | | Weaknesses: | The Headshok needs some finetuning. Broke it and gained 20mm travel in one year.
poor paintjob, rear a bit lateral flex
original setup no good | | Similar Products Used: | Koga Myata, GT LTS, American Eagle | | Bike Setup: | XTR/XT, Mavic Crossland and some beauty parts | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Nothing beats a cannondale although i did (broke it, but manufact.-error. Just sent it away, hope to get a new frame.
Coda parts are indeed dull.
I've never had a versitile bike like this. for road use you lock off the fork (if it works) and ofroad the fork is the best (if it aint broken) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Harrisonburg, VA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | backside of Massanutten | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Blueridge Cycle works | | Strengths: | Love the headshock- very responsive, good frame, like the front disk brake, XT rear derailer is awesome! the clipless peals are nice. Got the bike at an awesome deal(on sale from $1200)! | | Weaknesses: | Front derailer not very responsive, have had to take the disk brake in for fixing, the seat is a big kick in the butt!- not very comfortable, and the steam seems a bit short for my riding style. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 6000 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, its my first big upgrade from a crappy ridged bike, haven't had any major problems, handles great on the trails and can take a descent beating, I'll most likely upgrade the front derailer to LX and get a more comfortable seat, overall its a great bike for someone who wants a mid-level mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a Weekend Warrior
from Eagle, CO
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Peddlers Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, excellent hydraulic brakes, fatty shock very tunable with lock out. | | Weaknesses: | None for me. I'm a recreational rider. My only problem is I was sold a frame size too small :( I must sell it. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike! Highly recommended for riders like myself. Recreational rides, single track, pulling a burly with my son. Other reviewers have commented on poor coda components. I'm pretty careful & don't abuse it (very meticulous maintenance). Given that, everything has performed flawlessly. It is smooth, has never let me down & has been easy to tune | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KitKat
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | - Looks good
- Stiff frame
- Light frame
- Lockout on fork | | Weaknesses: | - Components that came with the bike
- Stiffness on road too
- 70mm fork isn't quite enough
- Perhaps the bike isn't light enough because of components | | Similar Products Used: | 1997 Shogun TBIII, Kmart bikes | | Bike Setup: | Original Stuff: CAAD3 frame, Fatty DL fork, Weinmann rims, Coda Expert hubs
New stuff: Hutchinson Top Slick or Python tyres, XT cranks + cassette, Avid Single Digit 7 brakes, Time ATAC Alium pedals, Serfas Lola saddle | | Bottom Line: |
The bike is brilliant!!! As I posted last year when I bought it . . .
But the bike has stood the test of time & the components haven't. Bad points to Cannondale for speccing the truly horrible Coda components on this bike - it completely ruins an otherwise brilliant bike. It is stiff and VERY fast. It is a brilliant climber. However it isn't light - I weighed it at 26.2 pounds but nothing lighter components won't fix.
70mm of travel just doesn't cut the mustard any more - I'm left feeling a little disappointed on some trails - I think I'm gonna upgrade to Super Fatty soon.
As you could see from above - there is a lot of new bits that I have had to replace on the bike & most of the Coda stuff is gone. Disc brakes are also gone as they were truly horrible too.
All in all, I think I've made the bike EVEN BETTER than when I first bought it, & I hope it'll stay with me for a very long time yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
*!!!greenthumb!!!*
a Racer
from unknown
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | -*fawn-skin*- | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | a friend | | Strengths: | everything! shocks,dics brakes,fast very fast!!!! | | Weaknesses: | none if u know what to look for n if u know how to fix somthin right! | | Similar Products Used: | other c*dales | | Bike Setup: | xt-xtr | | Bottom Line: | shes a winner! i ride with some guys n we ride hard very
crazy!!! n we ride 65-75 miles all the time! n we go to races lot if they have any!!! its handles great climin
n awnsome down hill she gets bookin real easy(im very glad)! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Piet Saman
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Brakes, frame-stifness, steering,
build-quality, styling, the coda-expert rims are
very strong, jumbo-size. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals are bad. It's difficult to keep the barbeque-black paint in good condition (after a wash, the paint turns from black into darkgrey, when I spray it with silicon-spray, the paint is beautiful again). The front-suspension is a bit hard. The standard tires (Hutchinson Mosquito) are
worn out after just 2 months.
| | Similar Products Used: | B1, specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | I drive my bike every day for about 15 miles,
with a year-range of 4000 miles, and it's very reliable.
The worst thing about the bike is the barbque-black paint,
which is nice, but becomes ugly after a time.
I'm sorry for the bad spelling, but i'm only a Dutchman. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richie Valens
a Cross Country Rider
from Barreiro, Portugal
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Arrábida | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2306.00 | | Purchased At: | BTTrilhos - Portugal | | Strengths: | Lightweight; performance; stiffness | | Weaknesses: | The same stiffness on hard ground... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 LT; Atlas Nível 3; | | Bike Setup: | Changed shifters from Deore to XT; changed Magura Julie to Magura Louise; changed rear deraileur from XT to XTR; changed saddle post from 350 mm to 450 mm | | Bottom Line: | The bike is perfect for someone who love riding fast through good ground. On a trail wth lots of big rocks, or you just hav a spectacular arm strenght or you are out. On these tracks, it's easy to loose balance and speed. Meanwhile, on the way up no one can catch you. You just block your Fatty and go...
Great stability and ideal for riding in fast, bumpy and closed trails. You just want more and more.
Disadvantage: It's hard to stay more than 3 hours on the bike. Your ass and your back just can't handle it (at least I'm hurt from it)... But i woukd buy it again, and again, and again..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Station Flats | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$925.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Bike City | | Strengths: | Looks great! Red frame, Black components.
lite weight & nimble.
comfortable riding position.
Magura Julies work well (F700SX)
Lefty with 4" travel yahoo!
Coda seat (once my but was broken-in) | | Weaknesses: | Deore shifters fair, (will upgrade to 'XT' next year)
Deore 'LX' front derailleur was crap. (now 'XT')
Coda chain rings, vague chain movement under load.
very noisy freewheel.
IRC XC tires, very rapid wear.
| | Similar Products Used: | Norco 'Nitro'
Rocky Mountain 'Hammer Race'
| | Bike Setup: | Longer Kalloy seatpost.
'XT' front derailleur .
Otherwise 'stock'. | | Bottom Line: | I hurt my back a few years ago, this is the first time in almost 6 years that I've done any serious riding.
The upright XC position on my F700SX is ideal.
This bike is a blast to ride. It climbs like crazy & is a blast on the downhills.
Though I like the Coda seat, I'm not overly impressed with the rest of the Coda components that are on the bike. The pedals will do for now. However the chain rings & freewheel will be gone as soon as I can afford Shimano/ or Race Face.
I got a great deal buying a new "last years" bike. I paid $1400 CDN (approx $925 US). You can't get a 4" travel front suspension bike with hydraulic discs for anywhere near this price. It's too bad it's no longer available. If I'd payed full pop, $2100 CDN I would have been a little disappointed in the components on the bike. With the deal I got I'm very happy with the bike & glad to be out riding again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Padgett
a Weekend Warrior
from Alabama
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | This review is actually for the 2000 F700SX.
Lefty Fork: Big bonus. Very light, tracks superb, very tight on the turns, 100mm of travel!, wonderful articulation.
Magura Hydro Discs: Very strong, yet extremely progressive. Works in ANY condition. You've got to play with them everytime you take the wheels off, but it's a small price to pay..., silent and sibmissive.
Weight: Very light weight frame
Asthetics: Ok, this is totally personal, but this is an attractive bike. My setup is a solid red frame with solid black accesories. Very nice.
I've not experienced the hib problems that every keeps talking about, though I've only had the bike about 3 months and I'm not in this to trash my new toy. | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | My assortments of Huffy's as a kid | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Good bike. I got a pretty good deal on the closout. I've been extremely happy with the bike. Needed something to actually go OFF road with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jasi
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The frame is a beauty, the headshox is great, together they make the bike feel special. Great looks too. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals were terrible, I have just changed to Speedplay frogs. The rear hub is so noisy it is almost embarassing to freewheel when people are around - considering the stealth look of the bike it feels strange to have a hub broadcast your location to everybody within 3 miles :-) | | Similar Products Used: | Orange P7, Rocky Mountain Soul, lots of others. | | Bike Setup: | USE XCR seatpost, XT rear mech and shifters, Bontrager Revolt tyres, rear disc brake. I had all of the mods done at the time of purchase, I wanted to avoid upgrading a few weeks later. | | Bottom Line: | This was my first new bike for a few years and I tried just about everything before deciding on the Cannondale. It just felt right even though it was more than I hoped to pay with the mods. A couple of weeks later I broke my leg(not cycling) and it has been sitting there for months taunting me...
Now that I can finally ride it again it reminds me why I purchased it, it feels great and even without my being able to hammer it at the moment, it gives a feeling of confidence and feels worth the money.
One of the most impressive things is how much lighter it feels when you ride it than most similar bikes and how well it accelerates when you put a little power on.
I can only give 3 for value because most of the mods I made were stock on similar bikes at the same price. That said I have no problem with a 5 overall just because it feels, looks and works great.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SuperLite MM
a Weekend Warrior
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good frame
Stiff fork, nervous
blah blah | | Weaknesses: | Pedals = crap
fork maintenance and wear, seem to have a life of it's own
seatpost = good until recently (creaking noises)
| | Bottom Line: | After a year of moderate usage, I thought it would be nice to share how the bike is holding up.
Well I'm still amazed everytime of the lightning quick response of the frame and fork. A+
The fork is loosing air every now and then (same for my friend's Fatty ultra...) and seems to have a different travel stroke every three months... I discovered in the meantime that it doesn't offer enough travel for the type of riding I feel confortable with, can't blame Cdale but be aware of its limitations before buying!
The Coda pedals are pure crap, they just died on me and look like they are "third-hand give-aways" (after only a year of riding, my friend's 858 look like new...). Constant problems with the ball bearings.
The kalloy seatpost start to show signs of wear, it might be loosing the war against my Flite's titanium rails and creak like a crazy cricket (most annoying), even with copious amounts of grease wherever needed.
Most of the initial Coda components swaps I made when I bought the bike are ok, apart for a broken chain (my fault) that bent the rear derailleur in the process. I can't imagine the state of the Coda products after a year of normal abuse, they are a disgrace to the biking community
:-)
Anyway, it'll be my first and last Cannondale.
Value : 3 flamin chilis for poor parts specs (considering there is nothing hardly left from the original setup)
overall : 4 Chilis for the awesome quality of the frame.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from Annandale, NJ, USA!
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | light weight, like the headshock and lockout feature | | Weaknesses: | Cannondale dealer and Cannondale area rep. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel- other C-dales | | Bike Setup: | Stock, unfortunately | | Bottom Line: | Bought new 2001 F700 last fall, bike has beenin shop 4 times, Finally took bike to another shop where they sat on it for pver two weeks, area rep told me I should be patient becasue they are doing me favor to fix the bike. Unfortunately, I have purhcased 3 other C-dales, this will be my last. Do yourself a favor and buy something else. Nothing is worse than spending $1,400 for a bike that you can't use. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sigurd Leithe
a Cross Country Rider
from Tromsoe
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Intersport Tromsoe | | Strengths: | Cool black / gray design. Light but strong frame. Excellent geometry, just point it and go. Behaves beautifully going either uphill or down, is maneuverable yet steady. Fatty shock is reliable and smooth. Lock-out very handy when climbing. Hubs and wheels are fairly light and excellent quality, and thankfully come prepared for disc brakes. Generally strong and problem-free components and frame, even in heavy snow, slush, and very low temperatures (-15 C). | | Weaknesses: | Paint a bit thin. Rear Magura rim brakes work well but should have come with a booster arch. The Deore front derailleur is absolute sh** and WILL be replaced soon - even after exhaustive adjustments it keeps mis-shifting and throwing the chain off the inner chainring. Why did C-Dale go cheap on this tiny and inexpensive component? The Coda pedals are teensy-weensy and badly designed - a nightmare to clip in/out, and painful to pedal on when unclipped. The down-tube routing of shifter cables necessitate frequent cleaning. | | Similar Products Used: | DBS Intruder LX with Zokes shocks. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for: Ritchey clipless pedals. Sigma dual headlights w/rechargable battery. Nokian Extreme snow tires (296 studs). | | Bottom Line: | Riding my XC bike is my main mode of transport as well as my favoured pastime. This bike has provided me with many hours and miles of enjoyable riding. It was good value for money (terrible $ / NKr exchange rate included) and has served me well through a blustery autumn and a long, cold winter. The frame and nearly all the key components are of excellent quality. With a couple of small, inexpensive upgrades you'll have a strong, light and well-designed bike for any off-road capers you crave. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michel V.
a Weekend Warrior
from Sainte-Foy (Québec)Canada
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mont Ste-Anne Québec | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Québec | | Strengths: | Realy good pall... Do exactly what I wanted to do.
Frame... Géométrie... Suspension... Nice feeling. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes... Magura not enought power. | | Bike Setup: | Original... + Nokian bleu tire (very very good) Shimano mecanical rear disk brake... new saddle... | | Bottom Line: | You have to get one of those. With little modification... It's a winner.
I'm looking to put a Lefty on it.
I'm the type of rider who need all around bike. Mud.. dry... sand... rocks... Rain... Everything... Even snow.
I do put a limitation... thought. I don't wear football kit.
I'm not that crazy... yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon The Judge
a Weekend Warrior
from Williamstown, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | On the way to anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Geelong Mountain Bikes | | Strengths: | Exquisitely finished,lightweight frame;Magura Claras;That fabulous Lefty(I have the SX) | | Weaknesses: | Price in Australia due to our lousy A$. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose,Dodsun crap bikes | | Bike Setup: | Zoom suspension seat post;Hutchinson City Slicks. | | Bottom Line: | I really should have described myself as a Weekend Wanker because I have no right to own such a high spec bike for the type of riding I do, but after falling in love with the concept and look of the "lefty" I just had to have one! The 700SX has such a beautifully finished frame and cycle parts that it is almost a work of art to look at and is a real headturner in public( mine is deep blue fade with yellow graphics); full marks to the craftsmen at Cannondale.The "lefty" works really well and has so far had no downside. I can't really concieve of anyone but a serious racer needing the lockout-electric or manual- in the real world. The setup on the Claras makes me wonder what all the fuss has been about because I can't fault them for feel, power, and simplicity. I know the seatpost adds weight but my 50 year old butt needs all the help it can get, and the "ZOOM" post has been with me for 3 years and provides a good ride and lacks the sloppiness of other types I've seen. It's a shame that Cannondale has cut its 2001 range so drastically because a "lefty" spec bike would now be right out of my range, at over A$4,000,00. I think I'll be keeping my "Rolls Royce" of bikes for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Enoch
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fields behind house | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Pawn Shop | | Strengths: | Light weight, stiff frame, front disc brake | | Weaknesses: | The seat is torture, and as everyone recomends, buy a replacement immediately! I don't like the switch for the headshock. Can be hard to manipulate while riding. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock, except changed to comfort seat. Cateye 2 computer, Blackburn Mamoth air pump, two water bottles, and topeak tools in bag behind seat. | | Bottom Line: | I came across this bike at my local pawn shop. A guy bought it, then was hurting for money, and borrowed money against it. He didn't pay it back in time, so... his lost was my gain!!!
The bike was brand new, and set up with lots of extra's. It seems like everything is very high quality on this bike. I thought the seat was painful, not anything like my leather recliner. It's been a long time since I've biked at all. It will take some getting used to, but I'm excited!
The shifters take some getting used to, as does shifting. This bike seems finicky about shifting while pedaling, but maybe they're all like that. The manual recomends not shifting under full power.
I wish it was a 2001 model with dual disc brakes. The disc is twice as effective as the rear, especially if your in mud.
I like the headshock setup, just air it up to the firmness that you want. You'll want to buy a shock pump, (Shwinn makes a very nice one for the money) I don't like the knob to turn headshock off and on with. It sucks! I saw some other Cannandale bikes, F2000, that have better knob, that you can get some leverage with. I'm going to machine a custom aluminum knob per my own specs.
My rating is for my personal buy, $600, including tax, and the accessories included.
I ordered a Bell Rubicon helment, from one of the bike places in Mountain Bike mag. $39. Sounded like a great price since local shop wants $99.99 for theirs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phillip
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland Oregon
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Lighter than other bikes near the same price. Disc stops on a dime. | | Weaknesses: | Back brakes need booster and when installed require lots of disassembly to get rear wheel off. Drive system a bit clunky. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Timberline, Klein Adroit, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo. | | Bottom Line: | I had tested many bikes prior to purchasing this one and it came up on super sale so I picked it up. Cannondale/REI has a great repair policy so that hasn't been a problem but there have been too many repairs required. Head Shok went flat (blew out), back brakes leaked fluid and lost all power on a ride, clunky drive system needs work and dialing-in. I would say that when you finally get everything setup and fixed its a great ride but don't retail price, it will need an extra $100 to get it to where it needs to be. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richie Vales
a Cross Country Rider
from Lisboa, Portugal
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Arrábida | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2190.00 | | Purchased At: | BTTrilhos | | Strengths: | Talking about F700 2001 model: The frame, the brakes (changed from Magura Julie to Magura Louise), the stiffness, the all terrain performance!
Love it with MUD!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | The extra US Dollar i had to pay due to exchange... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 850 SHX, I owned it for 4 years with Alivio spec's and it worked allways fine, but it was heavy...
Tested other bikes from steel, aluminium, titanium and carbon... | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Model: F700. Stock except: Rear cogs from 11-34 LX to 11-32 XT; Rear derailleur from XT to XTR; shifters from Deore to XT; Disk brakes from Magura Julie to Magura Louise | | Bottom Line: | After two rides with it, i can tell it's a devil's machine! Outstanding in the mud (due to the disk brakes), we can ride all over without having to stop because of the mud in the brakes.
Lightweight, very useful in the singletracks and in the climbs. We do want we want with it, it's so permissive.
No questions about the hardness of the aluminium frame. It's tough but it won't break your back.
Problems: After two rides, i got some painting falling from the suspension, next to the suction pipe. No worries about the warranty, the suspension was changed. Another reason to buy Cannondale, you don't even care about the support. It's there (at least here in Portugal)...
I give 4 chilis because of the relation pleasure/price...
Good ride... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from London, Ontario
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kain Road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | All Season Sports | | Strengths: | Light
Stiff, good power transfer
Amazing Handling
Team Blue Fade is the most beautiful paint (short of Klein) | | Weaknesses: | downtube cable routing gets all muddy
shifter cable housing is cut halfway through by bottom fork crown (Lefty)
don't want to get it dirty!
IRC notos, (sorta) | | Similar Products Used: | Wheeler steel hardtail, Proflex 4000 (was stolen, right outta my house!) | | Bike Setup: | Stock F700SX:
Lefty, Claras, XT/LX/Deore/Coda Coda Hubs, Coda Pedals (wellgo 800's)coda riser bar, IRC Notos tires, Coda seat. | | Bottom Line: | (F700 SX) This is so far the most enjoyable bike I've ever owned. First of all, it's a thing of beaty. The paint is dark blue metallic at the head tube, which fades to a sort of royal blue for the rest of the bike, with bright yellow decals, all clearcoated. I keep it in my living room, so now I can't watch TV, I just have to go and ride it every time I see it.
The stiffness of the frame is unbelievable. I can't believe the power I can put on the ground compared to the PF. If I stomp on the pedals, I can make the back tire slip on dry pavement. Climbing ability is great, every ounce of effort goes right to the ground. After full suspension I have to get used to riding a hardtail again, but the ride is forgiving enough due to slightly curved seat stay.
Again, Climbing ability is totally unbelievable. I don't know if it's the geometry or the frame construction, but on really steep hills, this thing is so balanced. I can just crouch and keep cranking, and the front wheel just sort hovers an inch above the trail, and the bike tracks totally true, with almost no conscious effort.
The brakes are great, at first the front brake pads had some oil on them, so the power wasn't so great, but I switched them with the rear pads and now power is amazing, but not as amazing as the modulation. On the rear break, when you grab a handful , you can just apply enough until you hear it right about to slip, and then just hold it there till you've slowed down. No need to continuously adjust finger pressure like v-brakes. Not to mention the wet and mud performance.
About the tires: they're weird. I'm not gonna change them right now, but I don't think I'd buy them again. Climbing on hardpack and dry loose dirt is unequalled, but they're kinda scary at speed. On cornering, they slide out totally unexpectly, especially in off camber turns. And on steep rocky/rutted downhills, you can feel them searching and wandering all over the trail, not very reassuring.
The Lefty performance great. This is the coil spring, MCU version, but performance is still amazing. As all cannondale owners know, single shock means no independent leg movement, and needle bearings means absolutely no stiction. Also, this fork is 3 times as tortionally stiff as Sids, and pretty light for a 4 incher. ( the new one's even lighter with the air spring and titanium lower unit, and the one used by Alison Sydor and Eva Epifanova in the Olympics have carbon fibre lower legs, and weight less than 3 pounds) It's also the coolest looking fork out there, especially with the yellow boot, and ELO
Mounting a computer was a little hard, I had to put the magnet on the brake rotor.
Anyways, anyone looking for a hardtail for racing or just bashing around would be well advised to look at this one. The handling is amazing, but I'm not sure why, best not to question it. It's light yet not twitchy, totally effortless.
best of all, I got the deal of the century on this. My old proflex I paid $1500 for, new, at a sports mega store, because it was two year old stock. When it got stolen, the insurance quote was 3300 for it, so when I got the new one for 1900, I walked away with $1400 cash, ie. total out of pocket? $100 Cdn.
value: 73.9 sunburned cucumbers
overall: 68.33709
What? this only goes up to five? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Van LaPointe
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kelso, Durham Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$988.00 | | Purchased At: | Duke's Cycle | | Strengths: | Strong light frame. Great mix of components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Noisy crank, uncomfortable seat, initial gear change troubles, and didn't like the Coda pedals. Ditched the seat, dealer adjusted the cranks and derailleur. Note that my chain busted a few months after I got the bike, and once I took out 2 links to fix it the gear changes were immediately more noticeably crisp. The dealer adjustment after that set things totally right. | | Similar Products Used: | various Specialized, GT | | Bike Setup: | stock except for Shimano pedals, Specialized body geometry saddle, BLT lights, one of those velcroed-on front mudflap thingies...keeps the mud off of the shifter cables. | | Bottom Line: | I'd reached the point riding my old rigid bike where I was outriding it and needed a more serious piece of equipment. I also wanted to try my hand at some cross country races. I wanted a light hardtail for not more than $1500 Canadian dollars. After test riding a few bikes, I took out the C'dale and was immediately impressed: climbed like anything, accelerated quickly, and stopped like you wouldn't believe. The Magura disk is nothing short of amazing in terms of stopping power, feel, and modulation, and worth the slight weight penalty. Duke's, where I bought the bike, are an excellent dealer. They had a huge selection of different brands to compare, and have a first rate service department. Oh yeah: loved the flat black finish on this...very stealthy/cool.
Side note: one thing that freaked me out after I got the bike was the way the shifter cables cross each other in an "x" underneath the frame. I was told by the guy at Duke's that this is normal for C'dales.
I'd recommend this bike to anyone who wants a light, well equipped bike. Make sure the shop you buy from knows how to service it. I wouldn't recommend this bike to the guys I race against. ;-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Mukilteo, WA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Jap Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | MtbReview Classified! | | Strengths: | Light weight!, Headshock lockout, great breaks (sometimes too good), frame quality, climbing ability, 27 speed. | | Weaknesses: | Rims (Weinnman Zac-19 - already upgrading to Sun DS1-XC in front),
Hubs - CODA so far no problems, but rear is kind of noisy next upgrade!),
Shifters (Deore Rapidfire - looks cheap)
Chain (broken twice - must be shimano) | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock Cannondale 2000 F700. Except for Rockshok seatpost (a worthy upgrade! | | Bottom Line: | Great value for what I paid (Thanks Matt!). I wouldn't have gotten for this bike at the retail price (hence three chilis). Cannondale was wise to spec the front disc with the P.O.S. rims, that way you can limp back to the car when you've got a serious wobble in front. The Magura disc needs a lot of adjustment, but it is simple and worth it. The suspension seatpost is a must. Alot of people have complained about the Hutchinson mosquito tires, they may wear out quickly, but for now I find that there is plenty of traction. However the rains haven't come to Western Washington yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Contarino
a Weekend Warrior
from Annandale
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | doesn' matter- Sedona AZ I guess | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Garden State Bicycle | | Strengths: | This is a review for the 2001 F700-
Great Frame Awesome Breaks-cool color (Golden rod , kind of a burnt yellow with blue lettering)
AWESOME SUPER FATTY SI (DL) 80 MM
Front and rear Claras - (spec'd at Julie)I'll always take a free upgrade! | | Weaknesses: | Rims-Suns'
rear cassette (srams) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000 (2001)
The 2000 is spec'd better!!!!! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except traded out handlebar for riser bar- much more comfortable- looks better too! | | Bottom Line: | Great bike- light frame- very comfortable geometry- great breaks except that later models shipped will have "JULIE" Maguras. This bike came with CLaras which are better.
Bike is spec'd w/
Deore shifters
LX front derailluers
XT rears
Sram rear cassette (don't like , but will tolerate until it breaks)
Sun Rims- Come On C-dale you can do better than that!
Clara's front and back- still have crappy plastic levers
AWesome CAAD4 frame
CODA seat- not sure of level but I thought it was comfortable
NEW SUPER FATTY SI FORK- 80 MM- Excellent performance- I think this is the same or near to the Super Fatty DL. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Grindrod
a Weekend Warrior
from Germany
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport extrem | | Strengths: | Frame, lighteness,acceleration,looks | | Weaknesses: | Brakes,badley set up gears,clueless arrogant german bike shop | | Similar Products Used: | any bike under 1oo bucks! | | Bike Setup: | std, save SRAM shifters & decent (michelin tyres) | | Bottom Line: | At 32 I can finally afford a good bike & I chose a cannondale because i thought they were the best. Well it may be but I wouldn't know as my bike has been unrideable since day one, poor mushy brakes, frankly appalling gear set up etc etc. As a novice i set a budget and was guided by the shop who seemed friendly enuff. well I have not raised a spanner on a bike in 15 years but i swear i could do better than this shower. these bikes are techy bits of kit and need competant setting up, I was given a half finished bike and told to get on with it and then made to feel stupid when i moan about my new bike (an F700 costs 1750 bucks over here) not being what i expected. I am still not sure what you should expect from such an expensive product but I do know that cannondale are unbeleivably arrogant and seem to me well a bit cheap and nasty......
Are they really that bad, cannondale bikes seem to enjoy an excellent reputation so if anyone who knows about these things (ie NOT cannondale) please email me on pgrin@compuserve.com and tell me where I've gone wrong. oh and cannondale have so far refused to help me and shied away from buying the bike back.......... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseville, CA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere with rocks | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Real stiff frame. Good control. | | Weaknesses: | Some minor problems with the claras. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 950 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except XTR rear and XT shifters | | Bottom Line: | I was real happy with this bike on the hills. Good climbing ability and reasonable downhill control. I had some initial problems with the clara disc whacking itself out of allignment, but nothing an allen wrench can't fix. I felt the claras worked as well as the CODAs I tested, so I was very happy with the braking. It'd be nice to have a disc on the back, after all the frame was designed for it... what's up with that Cannondale? The headshok rules - I've yet to find anyone who didn't like them. Having deore shifters stock is pretty lame - those definately had to go. I also slapped an XTR deraileur on the back for fun, although XT is reasonably matched. The black matte frame color is trip! The only hit against this bike is the price, which, as Cannondale tradition goes is too high. Nonetheless, I think it's worth the cash. So, survey says: 4 sizlin' hot dogs for value and 5 overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie Wang (Though I'm Caucasion)
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR, 97202
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Rock Candy Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This is the 2001 model I am reviewing. There was not a spot to review this model, but I wanted to get the info out on this bike. It is AWESOME! Ok, strengths:
CAAD4 Frame (Yes, CAAD4)
Front & BACK Clara Disc Brakes
Super Fatty Head Shock (80 mm travel!)
Improved Crank and Seat
Paint Job : Blue/Yellow which I picked,
Or some sort of gold color. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Last set-up was a Trek 930. I guess anything would be better than that. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2001 Cannondale F700. The only thing I changed was the pedals. | | Bottom Line: | If you're thinking of buying a 2000 F700, STOP RIGHT NOW AND WAIT FOR THE 2001 MODELS!!! Like I said in the "Strengths" Box, Better frame, TWO disc brakes, better shock, better crank and seat.
I'd give this bike 5 flamin' chilis all the way across, except for the fact that to buy the 2001 F700 right now, it's a bit more money than the 2000 F700, even though ALL of it is WORTH IT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed S
a Cross Country Rider
from Gloucestershire, UK
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in the Forest of Dean | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light weight, Headshock lockout, acceleration | | Weaknesses: | Nothing really...the noisy rear hub is a bit irritating. Magura's have had some teething problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Various from Specialized, Marin | | Bike Setup: | Stock (incl. Claras in the UK) except swapped straight bar for a Titec Riser (done for free at the 1 month service by Noah's Ark bike shop - I recommend them to anyone). Retained the bar ends which is a bit uncool I know, but I love the choice of riding positions. Also, swapped the lockout twister-thingy to the higher spec version. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first venture into mountain biking having been a roadie for some time. I haven't touched my road bike since I bought the F700!! What a bike!
What stood out about it when I was testing bikes was the fact that it seemed to accelerate so much quicker than the cometitors and almost to 'push' me along. The feel was involved, with enough forgiveness coming from the headshock to make up for my inexperience over bumps. The CAAD3 frame is a work of art.
This bike just loves to climb, and the lockout is a stunning feature for this, although I have been known to forget to switch it off on the way down. Downhill it is just as competent, and I have enjoyed the extra control from the riser swap.
Had some early problems with the front Clara which suddenly lost all pressure. Bike shop bled the system and sorted it. Can't fault the Clara's otherwise.
Re. previous comments, I find the perch very comfortable, so I'm not sure if my bum is a strange shape of we have a different spec in the UK to the USA.
If your looking for a fast, light cruiser that can take a bit of rough, this bike is a must on any shortlist at this price point. 5 steaming carrots!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andi Baumgartner
a Cross Country Rider
from Berne, IN, 46711
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | like i would know what its called, its in Wooster, Ohio | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Lets see... Um....very good shock, wonderful lockout, the frame is beautifully done, well put together frame, and very very light! Its a dream to ride uphill. Nice brakes. | | Weaknesses: | There are a few, the saddle is terrible, get a new one right when you start riding, and what is up with all of the XT rear deraillear, and deore shifters, its an ok match, but cannondale shouldve went all out on LX components. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS-5 (highly modified), its a 97 | | Bike Setup: | seat bag, ritchey pedals, easton riser bar, new stem, LX shifters, new seat, sus. seat post, new derailear pulleys, gore-tex cables | | Bottom Line: | AWESOME BIKE, cant get a better frame, unless you want to spend an extra 3 grand for a litespeed. IT woops all over my GT, and ive ridden that GT for three years, i wish i wouldve found out about this baby earlier, i would recommend it to anyone who wants a nice bike, that rides fast, and climbs easy, did i mention that it was light as crap? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew L
a Weekend Warrior
from Urbana, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Whatever I am on at the moment... | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Frame Quality & Workmanship, Headshock Lockout, Light Weight, Good Looking | | Weaknesses: | Brake Differences (Disc Front vs. Magura Rear)
Kalloy Seatpost
Uncomfortable Coda Saddle
Dealer Representation- Really Bad! | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Attitude Comp
Trek 8000
Schwinn Homegrown
Specialized Stumpjumper
| | Bike Setup: | Stock Setup with a Kore Elite Seatpost and A Brontrager FS+10 Saddle
Huchinson Mosquito Gold Wall tires | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this bike after many years of Trek and Specialized use. I will be the first one to admit that I wasn't as impressed with the selection of components on this bike as I was with others, but I also do not fall for the rear derailleur trick. I decided to try it because I had many friends that liked the Headshock lockout and the overall quality of the frame.
First, the frame is very nice! The paint jobs is complete, uses quality colors and coating, and the welds are much more refined than your average Aluminum frame. It is an American-Made frame, and that does mean something to me. Also, the top-tube length is something that not everyone is going to have a problem with. I simply added an extra 10 mm to the stem and found it to be the best fitting bike I have owned.
The drivetrain is decent but effective. You will find better componentry on other bike that are similarly priced or as much as $300 dollars less, but you will find other areas where they have cut back. I just want things to work, and they do.
The wheels have had no problems since I have started riding. The only concern I had was a slight fit problem with the Coda disc up front. The disc itself was not fitting properly, but that is because the bike shop that I purchased it from made a mistake in setting up the bike. Discs take some getting used to, but they are worth it (see my trip to Durango. Wow!).
The Coda bar, stem, and bar-ends are all very acceptable and don't hold a weight difference to anything else. Like I said above, the only thing I was really disappointed was the seatpost. It is as if it was an afterthought when putting this bike together. I would have also liked the bike to have discs on both ends, but they have been very effective in stopping power and feel.
If there was anything that I would tell Cannondale, it is that they could get much more business if they were to lower their prices slightly. This bike fit best out of all of them and had the ride I was looking for, so I bought it. I believe more people would do so if there were some outlets that featured Cannondale technology without the higher price.
One more thing, the Headshock is great. It doesn't have as much travel as some others, but I have found that the steering is better, and I use the lockout constantly. My friends are envious that their forks don't have the same thing. Also, the bike shop that I purchased this bike from is clueless. Be careful where you buy from.
Bottom Line: I really love riding this bike. It is the first time that I feel that the bike is willing to go as fast as I want to. It has more acceleration, a strong frame, good layout, and is definitely a looker on the trails. If you want a Cannondale, go ahead and get one. You will feel the difference.
P.S.- If you are talented with tools and setup, you can get the CAAD 4 frame for a trade in. It is @$670.00, but that is Frame AND FORK. Go to a mag and buy your own parts set. You can minimize cost. Good luck!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas Schiller
a Cross Country Rider
from Sultan, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | blue mountain loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Precise handling, Fatty Headshock, light and stiff. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap parts (hubs, shifters, bar, cranks... etc) and stiff. | | Bike Setup: | XT shifters, XTR cassette, CODA expert rear disc, Flite saddle, Easton CT2 bar and seatpost, Raceface crank and b.b. and LP bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | I had an initial problem with the bike, the rear wheel refused to stay in the dropout, Cannondale replaced both the frame and the rear wheel, fixed the problem.
After replacing some of the weaker parts (the flexy crank, the seized Deore shifters and the prone to breakage CODA handlebar) and trading the rear rim brake to a disc to match the front, it has turned out to be a true off road worthy bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN HOPSON
a Weekend Warrior
from WIESBADEN GERMANY
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | MOUNTAINS OF GERMANY | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | CLIMBING OUT THE YING YANG. SPEED IS INCREDIBLE AND DURABIBLITY OF THE BIKE IS BEYOND REPROACH. PERFORMS SO WELL THAT I HAVE STARTED TRAINING FOR MY FIRST CROSS COUNTRY RACE. THE COLOR AND NO BULL LOOKS ARE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRENDY. | | Weaknesses: | CODA EXPERT REAR HUB HAD TO BE REPLACED WITHING FIRST TWO WEEKS. BEARINGS BIT THE DUST. | | Similar Products Used: | SPECIALIZED FSR | | Bike Setup: | STOCK BABY, BABY | | Bottom Line: | I RIDE TO WORK EVERYDAY AND IT PERFORMS WELL ENOUGH ON HARDBALL FOR MY 20 MILE ROUNDTRIP THAT I GIVE ROADBIKERS HELL. ON THE TRAIL SEASONED WEEKEND WARRIORS ARE EATING DUST. THE BIKE IS AN ANIMAL AND WITH A FEW MOD'S IT WILL BE TOP CLASS. PLUS, YOU CANT BEAT THE SERVICE OR THE LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR THE FRAME. THAT ALONE SAYS ALOT ABOUT THIS PRODUCT. I'VE BEEN OPENING UP CANS OF WHOOPASS ON ALL BY FRIENDS. ONE OWNS A V700 COMP AND THE OTHER AN M500, AND A ROCKY MOUNTAIN. THEY ARE TOAST. IF YOU WANT TO EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS THEN THIS BIKE IS FOR YOU. WHETHER YOU ARE A HARDCORE RIDER OR JUST TRYING TO GET PHYSICALLY FIT. IT'S AN EASY RIDER AND IS WELL WORTH THE MONEY. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Malcolm
a
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Superb frame, very strong, lightweight, good brakes, very accurate handling | | Weaknesses: | None seen so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose, Trek similar proced models - test ridden | | Bike Setup: | Standard as divered in Australia - this includes Magura Clara disks front and back | | Bottom Line: | Very impressed with this bike. Have been on it nearly every day. XT rear and LX front derailers faultless. Deore shifters work fine with this combo. Only name snobs would complain.
At 92 kilos I'm no lightweight and yet the bike seems to fly up hills. XL frame handles my weight and height very well, (though I did get a shorter stem than the 140mm that comes standard - now it's much more comfortable).
Once bedded in the Clara's are more than adequate - especially in the wet and the mud. Use both front and back in perfect symphony and you can haul up as if Gods just attached a dozen bungee cords to your seatpost.
All this and it comes in matt balck as well - for those of us who dont feel we have to turn the world technicolour.
I fully recommend this bike to anyone who wants a good, fast, light, well made, responsive bike that would competitive in races as well as fun in the outback dirt or down a mountain trail. Like all Cannondales - it's not cheap - but it's certainly worth the money if you're prepared to spend it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Pettens
a Cross Country Rider
from Tremelo - Belgium
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rillaar | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Precision steering, brakes, good ergonomics, great looks - love this bike !
| | Weaknesses: | noise rear cogs and resonance of frame, black paint very thin | | Similar Products Used: | Scott | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to XT-shifters, LX front and XT rear | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely great bike - if only my legs were more powerful so that I could keep going for ever ...
Very good bike shop "Bike sportive" in Haacht. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from San Mateo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | El Corte de Madera | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Headshok, Comfortable ride, Beautiful frame (and black paint), Light weight, Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Noisy rear hub, unforgiving saddle, cable placement | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Trek, Specialized, GT | | Bike Setup: | OEM | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike! After testing many other bikes, I felt completely comfortable on the F700. If you are shopping around, do not hesitate to test the Cannondale.
The only problems to report have been stated before; poor cable placement (fixed with a zip tie), unforgiving saddle, and the prevalent tick tick tick from the rear hub.
Every other aspect of the bike has thrilled me. My confidence soars when I am on this bike! It is so smooth going downhill as well as back up the hill, that the trip home has become as much fun as the ride in. Finally I have found a bike that reacts effortlessly to my every move and can take anything I throw at it. I am 100% satisfied with my purchase of this bike and encourage everyone to test the F700 before purchasing a bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden, CO
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light weight, good mix of components, comfortable ride, very easy to shift. Excellent easy-to-control brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Poor routing of some cables, I've had to use duct tape to keep them from sitting on top of the front tire. Chain sometimes slips off smallest front chainwheel. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested some other brands at various bike shops. First bike in a very long time. | | Bike Setup: | Stock but had real pedals/clips put on in place of the clipless things. | | Bottom Line: | As with John, below, it has been about 20 years since I've ridden a bike. I too have added more weight than I should have (are these univeral truths?). The F700 was the easiest to ride for me, it seemed more stable and smoother than the others I tried.
After a month of weekend riding on Forest Service roads and simple wide trails, I can say that I am satisfied. Some things have annoyed me. As noted, the cables are very poorly routed, I should not have to fix problems with duct tape on an $1100 bike. It is still "twichy", but that could be me more than the bike.
All in all, the F700 has suffered the abuse of a rider who has lost the skills of 20 years ago, it has accepted without complaint my extra weight, and hasn't had anything break when I've hit obstacles too often and/or too fast. A good value.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David K
a Weekend Warrior
from chippewa Falls, WI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North-South trail at LBL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | weight, color, front disk brake, shock (and lockout) | | Weaknesses: | Rear hub is noisy. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK, Gary Fisher, Giant | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for a better seat. | | Bottom Line: | I have enjoyed owning this bike, so far. I did have a little problem with the rear brake. It stopped releasing. Took it into my dealer and they fixed it. Also, I had a "clunking" noise coming from the crank. My dealer pulled the crank and complained that there was no grease in there. He added some grease and now all is quiet. Even though there have been a couple of problems, my dealer makes up for it with great service (kudos to Anybody's bike shop in E.C. WI)
I am not a seasoned cyclist, just a person with a little extra cash to buy a bike. For my experience level, I am very pleased with the bike. I have put a couple hundred miles on it so far and I am not bored with it.
The bike stops great, rides comfortably and moves pretty fast on the trail. I took it to LBL in KY with some friends. Often, they would have to stop and walk the hill, but this bike kept on going. It gives you a great deal of confidence. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max Ford
a Weekend Warrior
from Twin Cities, MN, US
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Headshock lockout fork, great frame(and color), Magura brakes | | Weaknesses: | Seats not great, pedals seemed cheap and received poor reviews here, the rear hub is really noisy. | | Similar Products Used: | Own and old Cannondale and tested lots of others in this price range | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike's great. The lock out shock and basic black color sold me. Also I have another Cannondale thats 10 years old, and while the components are worn out the frame's like new. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light weight, front disk brakes, solid smooth ride. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur balky once in a while. Bright red with yellow decals, hmmm. | | Similar Products Used: | Various demo rides: Specialized, Trek, Raleigh | | Bike Setup: | As supplied except for more comfortable seat and pedals with clips. | | Bottom Line: | I stopped riding bikes about 20 years ago but decided to get into it again. I approached this purchase being totally unfamiliar with modern bike technology.
The Cannondale was my choice for several reasons. For one, I have put on much more than a little weight in 20 years. The Cannondale seemed to be fine with that while the other bikes tended to be harsh." The bike felt right, turns and stops seemed smoother and more controlled than the others. The local Cannondale dealer was much more willing to talk to me, rather than talking down to me, than the other dealers.
Over the last 1.5 months, this bike has proven itself excellent for what I do: forest roads, jeep trails, errands and commuting. This bike is so much different than the road bikes I used in the 70s and early 80s. I can't tell you about the merits of the components, the frame, or the cost vs value. I can tell you that the bike does what it is supposed to do, it's a lot of fun, rather than work, to ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethlehem, PA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Gemini Bridges (UT) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Headshok Lockout!, beautiful stiff frame, nice components (except-see below). | | Weaknesses: | Would've liked a little better shifters. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Paramount (oldie) | | Bike Setup: | OEM except upgraded front disc break. | | Bottom Line: | I thought the headshok would be hard to get used to because it SEEMED stiffer and with less travel (than forks) at the shop. But, it tracks GREAT in the rough & the lockout feature rules. The XT rear D is the right spec. for the bike. Good Job!
It's not quite as light as I would've liked, but hey, I shouldn't carry around that 10lb bag of flour I have strapped to my waist. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M.J. SMITH
a Weekend Warrior
from LOS ANGELES
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ANY WILL DO!!!!!!!! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | THE FRAME & FORK COMBO IS AWESOME. LIGHTWEIGHT FRAME & LIGHTWEIGHT FORK THAT PERFORM AS WELL AS ANY OTHER OUT.... AND BELIEVE ME I'VE RIDDEN THEM ALL!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | FOR THE MONEY SPENT CANNONDALE COULD HAVE SPEC'D BETTER SHIFTERS & FRONT DERAILLEUR. DEORE PARTS AREN'T EXACTLY AWE INSPIRING SO I UPGRADED TO XT IN BOTH INSTANCES RIGHT OFF THE BAT. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK, GARY FISHER, SPECIALIZED, KLEIN, GIANT, KONA, SCHWINN, GT, & TOO MANY OTHERS TO LIST!!!!!! | | Bike Setup: | THE BIKE IS OEM SPEC'D EXCEPT FOR THE XT SHIFTERS & FRONT DERAILLEUR I HAD THE SHOP PUT ON........ AS I MENTIONED
DEORE DON'T EXACTLY INSPIRE CONFIDENCE..... FOR THE MONEY CANNONDALE SHOULD HAVE ATLEAST PUT LX ON THE BIKE! I DON'T THINK THAT'S ASKING TOO MUCH GUYS..... ANYONE AT CANNONDALE LISTENING? | | Bottom Line: | I HAD A F900 (YEAR 2000) FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS & THEN I GOT STOLEN. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS PISSED! SO I SAVED UP BUT COULD ONLY AFFORD THE F700 THIS TIME AROUND. HAPPY TO SAY THIS BIKE KICKS ASS REGARDLESS OF PRICE RANGE! I COULD HAVE GONE THIS ROUTE THE FIRST TIME AROUND & SAVED A FEW BUCKS BUT THAT'S WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE........... BOTTOM LINE IS THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BIKE TO ANYONE WHO WANTS A RACE READY/WEEKEND WARRIOR COMBO FOR AROUND $1000. I SHOPPED AROUND AND FOUND ONE AS CHEAP AS $949 BRAND NEW! SHOP AROUND, YOU CAN SAVE A FEW BUCKS AND STILL GET THE BIKE YOU WANT!!!! I'D GIVE IT 5 CHILIS ALL THE WAY AROUND BUT THE DEORE CRAP HAS TO GO! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nigel Leviss
a Cross Country Rider
from Reading, Berkshire, England
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lookout (Windsor Forest) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The frame is light years ahead, extremely rigid and yet remarkable light. Brakes are stunning, as is the shock. | | Weaknesses: | Can get my head around the Deore shifters and XT rear mechanism, but the mix works fine. Might get some LX shifters to make me feel better, doesn't cost much. Some problem with chain sticking around front chainset (could just be set up). Saddle is just a bit too hard for my liking. | | Similar Products Used: | Scott and Giant | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | You feel like you've got the hand of God pushing you up the hills when you ride. Feel much more confident on the steep downhill bits, and when you think you can't keep on going the bike rides on through. Equipment odd in places but it does work well.
I had no intention of buying a new bike. I dropped off my old bike for a service and the sales men offered me a try. I liked the bike so much it was impossible to stop the credit card leaving my wallet. A couple of minutes after trying the bike it was mine!
Very last word, just buy it. It's a star bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr Hankey
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The frame!! Light, very stiff but comfortable.
The Fatty fork, on the fly lock-out, rigid. | | Weaknesses: | The bike's specs (Deore shifters and an XT rear mech???)
Kalloy seatpost (not bad but c'mon Cannondale you can do better than that...).
If you want to match the brakes like i did, you have to deal with two different rims (the rear one is a standard rim for the HS-11 and the front one is disc specific.)
Didn't want to try the front disc and rear hydraulic (hs-11) combo. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | XT crancks and derailleur + bottom bracket
Deore shifters lx front mech
Panaracer fire xc 1.85
Flite saddle
Magura clara's front and rear. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks, it's a pitty that the specs are so weird, but the frame and fork just erase any other quirks you could have. This bike really shines in the dirt, it will take you were you point it with the greatest of ease. It's a solid foundation for future upgrades, and the killer stealth matte black paint job is really stunning!
Recommended for any serious mountain biker looking for performance without cashing out too much money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cadel Evans :-p
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lane Cove River; the one where Lord Cadel will win GOLD in the Olympics | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great frame (soooooooooooo light)
Headshok suspension esp with lockout
The disc brakes . . . | | Weaknesses: | Hmmmmmmmmmmm that's a hard one . . . maybe the component mix should be better for the price . . . XT rear derailleur is overkill . . . why not just go for full Deore groupset???
Apart from that don't really like the CODA Performance saddle or the dumb curvy bar-ends | | Similar Products Used: | 1997 Shogun TrailBreaker 3 rigid | | Bike Setup: | Ritchey Speedmax tyres
Cat-Eye Enduro 2 computer (completely sux but then again I didn't really pay for it)
Zoom bar-ends . . . otherwise completely standard | | Bottom Line: | The bike is light, stiff & climbs very very well. The acceleration is phenomenal. The Headshok is great (the lockout is excellent if the bike is used for road & off-road). It gives so much confidence for cornering & descents. The disc brakes are great! I don't think I can go back to cable v-brakes again! But Cannondale being Cannondale the component mix is not brilliant (most other bikes in the price range have at least LX groupset & better discs - take Giant for example).
Thing is, the CAAD3 frame is beautiful! I love my baby!
*KISS* haha :-p | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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