|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Essex, UK
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | My local forest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Shop in Benfleet, Essex? | | Strengths: | Very smooth a stiff action, with very little flex. It acts like a rigid straight blade fork, but with 60mm of travel! | | Weaknesses: | Rubber boot split after a year of riding off road, but still works fine. Started leaking oil after five years. Lock out has started getting loose after seven years! | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Cannondale F1000 UK spec. Standard spec apart from a new XT Chainset due to CODA crank arm breaking and resulting in a gashed calf! | | Bottom Line: | It's a brilliant fork, I just wished it had 100~120mm of travel and it was easier to service.
Note: I've never had mine serviced and I want to see how far it goes before I kill it!! I've done over 4,000 miles to date and thers oil coming out and the boot is split in six places! Well beated up, but it's still going strong!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil
a Cross Country Rider
from uk
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | lumpy | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | When it's working it's great,stiff, plush lovely ride | | Weaknesses: | TOP-OUT,
Lack of mechanics who can do proper services,unavailability of info and tools to enable home servicing,
hates bad weather.
Don't fall off in stream as I did as the internals soon rust.Daaaamned expensive to have serviced.Bloody unreliable.short travel | | Bike Setup: | 01 Jekyll 600. | | Bottom Line: | Wish I'd got a fork that I could strip down myself......If I had to buy a replacement headshock it would cost me £570,gotta be kidding,
When it's knackered next time it's gonna get swapped for conventional fork.
Anybody able to service one of these who can post a video of how on the web???? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Holger
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | various | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Hatfield Cycles | | Strengths: | Cannondale reputation and quality. On the move adjustment. Torsional strength of the forks and frame. Have had no problems, would like to know how to adjust for more or less travel using the air pressure input, never really been able to use that feature. | | Weaknesses: | Exclusive Agent's serviceability | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | On Delta V 1500 ex 1993 | | Bottom Line: | Happy with the product, though I have not used it as much as I would have liked to. I am certain there are similar products/Bikes on the market that would live up to this product, but then I have not had to look at those yet as mine has served me reliably! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, WA USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All the big, local bumps | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | town | | Strengths: | Very stiff, smooth dampening, no fork play whatsoever (unlike so many others), and maintenance-free--so long as you periodically clean and relube the leg (once every 2 mos. in this rainy muddy climate). Also good to be able to support a US company with a sound vision that treats its workers well. | | Weaknesses: | Requires special tools--I'd prefer to be able to do all of my own work. Maybe could use a few more travelling mms. | | Similar Products Used: | Indy, Judy, Marzocchi | | Bike Setup: | F700, Coda, XT, Raceface | | Bottom Line: | Now going on the third year on this shock, at an average of 12hrs per week on some brutal singletrack with nary a problem or failure. It is NOT a DH shock--this should be obvious from the 60mm of travel offered. However, it will take some solid punishment--including 3 footers--without begging for mercy. Its stiff responsiveness allows the rider to point and shoot; this bike is Fast. The lock out is AOK for the flats, and the bike simply rolls up steep technical sections. This shock is excellent for any skilled XC rider that knows how to use their arms and legs to properly negotiate terrain, rather than relying upon the "store bought" skills that so many new bikes offer at the price of extra weight and sloppy--sorry--"cushy" response. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX USA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any and all!! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | sun,ski,&sports | | Strengths: | lock out feature... saving grace for this piece of SH*t!! Most of my riding has been on this feature!!! | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't last, can't stand the weather!! | | Similar Products Used: | I dont have another bike. | | Bike Setup: | Can-a-whale Delta700, all XT; grip shift,vbrakes,front/rear derailer. 185 lb average rider, did try sport entry level racing, but found more fun with just riding. | | Bottom Line: | Well it did last the first 6 months and this was on Dallas,TX trails (flat yall!!)...oh boy! Afterwards, gotten #2 replacement, it worked for about a 1 year. Then #3 for a month, and #4 for about 2 years. Then I started to go to some difficult places in the next few years - aka New Zealand, Durango, and Moab- #5,#6,#7 came in. After the seventh replacement the dam thing finally held up for now about 1.5 years but my riding has slow down a lot. I'm heading for arkansas and lawton in 2003 and am now changing out for a marzocchi or rockshok judy. I had enough! C-dale is lucky I cant fine their asss (service line just goes to answer machine - I think they have caller ID!?!?!) and dont ram this shock down their poor quality throats!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zxc
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | used, over mtbr classifieds | | Bike Setup: | '99 KVF900 | | Bottom Line: | I am referring to a DD60.
I want to be able to open it up myself!!
I just got the bike used. and the fork is in bad shape. rough. i just need to get grease to the needle bearings.
I bought a pin wrench Park SPA-1, after reading this guide:
http://www.fastglass.net/bike/headshok/repair.html (written for a generic, prolly older? headshok)
And after unscrewing the top cap, I find that the insides of my DD60 is different from that pictured in that guide.
There are no flats as there are in the first pic.
And the castle nut looks different in my DD60.
Any ideas?? Need help! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Ayers
a
from Lake Worth
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta River | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | The Bicyclery | | Strengths: | Ultra low maintenance!! The Review a few down must have been a fluke. Precise steering, very stout fork used it in at chirakoa mauntain range at 47 mph and performed like it should have given its travel restrictions, takes big hits relentless big hits and keeps comin back for more. lockout is definately a nice bonus no complaints there im ashamed to admit it kinda but ive used it on a few urban assault break aways. solid suspension system with a solid company behind it. Fenominal performance for its classification. solid balanced forgiving versitile system that is great for cross country and the ocassional (dare I even suggest it)freeride. I have used it for freeriding and survived just fine, not the big bomber or nothing likt that but it is tough enoug for it if you got the skills to huck a short travel bike down the mountain and not get broken!! | | Weaknesses: | Short travel very very cross country oriented, so is the jekyll though its only a weakness if you like big sh-t. rubber sleeve tends to get pinch tears in it if you abuse the bottom out stopper in it, once again if you like big sh-t, special tools needed for the true do it yourselfer who actually enjoys working on his-her own bike (*I*) 120 bucks or so, shim has moved down on me once not effecting performance one bit but it still should have stayed in its place(once again moved down from excessively hard hits) fixed it myself no prob!! needs a little tlc if your gonna beet on it constantly but for the accasional ruffling of its feathers it will do just great. You can use this all year round at xc trails and do 2-3 trips to the mountains a year without any unscheduled maintenance.had it 3 years and its been a rough life for it and it is still goin strong with only the shim sliding down once and hehe 2 tourn hehe rubbers ahem xcuse mua it dont suck | | Similar Products Used: | rst, judy | | Bike Setup: | stock jekyll700 xt, julie discs and big fat geax hooks and warps. | | Bottom Line: | Great setup for race or serious rider alike, focused on the xc side of it but will definately take a beating without bustin on yah, great reliable predictable precise stiff fork that does all it should and more for the x-country (sometimes freeride) urban ridin 200 pounder in most of us.
perfect in every way if I had the tools to service it:-) for that I take away a chille on the value side
whapisshhhhhh | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a Cross Country Rider
from Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tyrolean mountainbike trails | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Neuner | | Strengths: | stiff
lightweight
excellent response
on-the-fly lockout
needle bearings (no stiction like Rock Shox) | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Jett T2 and Judy XC, tested Marzocchi | | Bike Setup: | '98 F-1000 | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic fork, the stiffest around there. The response to bumps is excellent, the lockout mechanism is quite useful when driving on roads. Very good fork for cross country riding. Enough travel for me, as I'm no downhiller.
Great fork!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graehm
a Cross Country Rider
from UPnorth, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Secret | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Perfect amount of travel. I like being able to lock out on the fly! In 4 years I have only had to get it maintained once! I like the idea of the Headshock. Cannondale should be praised for this great idea! I never have to worry about uneven travel with a fork. The steering is magnificant and flawless. No complaints! | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | None! I tested most of the forks out there and I kept going back to the Headshock. The steering was much greater and I would never have to worry about uneven travel! | | Bike Setup: | 99 Cannondale with full XTR and DD60. | | Bottom Line: | If more people would ride the Headshocks they would probably want to dump whatever they have and buy a Cannondale. Low maintenance and no uneven travel! The headshock centers the bike and the rider into one entity. Almost spiritual in a way.I would recommend the Headshock to anybody who either races or just for fun rides crosscountry. It is great Bike and fork for adventure racers. When you are offroad you leave the fork on. When you hit the pavement or concrete you can lock it out. It is that simple. What an ingenious idea!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate NY
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | -Retains steering precision
-Good small-bump response
-STIFF!!
-Lock-out(on the more expensive models) | | Weaknesses: | -A bit#^ to maintain(you need special tools--a little ridiculous)
-Needs a special stem
-Can bottom out occasionally(not much travel)
-Cannondale is WAY overrated!! | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Magnum(good for entry-level),SX-LT(very good),Marzocchi Z5 Flylight(also very good),RockShox Judy XC(very plush,but heavy) | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Rockhopper A1 | | Bottom Line: | I tested both a Super V400 and a F600--both of which used the same fork,I think(non-lockout).I was impressed by how they smoothed out small-to-medium hits.They also steer well and are stiff.
However,I'm less impressed with the fact that these require special tools to maintain(ka-ching!!),a special stem(ka-ching!!),and you have to buy a Cannondale to get one(MAJOR ka-ching!!).
Based on all this,I'm not so gung-ho on buying one anytime soon.Although I do like Cannondale's bikes,I'm not sold on the hype.Sorry,Cannondale fans!!
I give the Headshok 4 chiles for performance,but value gets only 2 chilies. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kaj .
a Cross Country Rider
from l.a.
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | it worked great...when it wasnt brokin | | Weaknesses: | God what a mess...every thing has gone wrong...see below | | Bike Setup: | superv | | Bottom Line: | The SUPER FATTY SL is a disaster. The first few months i had it, it was absolutely fantastic, all of the things everyone else in here is saying positive. But after a while, this piece of crap just began to fall apart. After a while it had an insane amount of stiction, a few of it's needle bearings slid down past the others, therefor causing a decrease in travel and a constant clicking noise (another 40 bucks to fix this), just yesterday that stupid rebound adjuster headset cap came off (by the way...an on the fly rebound adjustment...how useless), and if this thing loses enough air, the fork wont bother to even come back up. lets see, am i missing something, oh yeah...it's always toping out. sometimes, even if you have it set on a lot of PSI (120), it still doesnt rebound all the way. And lets talk about costs . the darn thing costs 40 bucks every 6 months to replace an oil cartridge...40 bucks! And if you think you can stretch it past 6 months...think again...the fork gets anormous stiction and feels like absolute crap. And cannondale has made it impossible to do this maintenance yourslef cause you have to buy $120 (according to my lbs) worth of special tools! Canonndale has successfully made the priciest product to maintain on the market. God i hate this fork. And to top it all off, if i wanna get a new fork..i gotta get a frame adaptor. What a scam!
I have been riding this fork for 15 months now. Look at these long term effects and think again before buying this product. Stay away from this fork...dont let the advertising hype get to you. 1 chili for overal..value...HAHA, a $500 fork with this many problems is unacceptable...1 chili. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arm
a Weekend Warrior
from IL
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
can't say | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Rigidity and steering precision second to none! Smoothest action. Lockout a plus on big uphills. | | Weaknesses: |
Dedicated to Cannondale! | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou, RockShox, etc. | | Bike Setup: |
DD60 Headshok on 1993 Delta V 1500 | | Bottom Line: | Judging from the grammatical content of the preceding reviews, dissatisfaction with the HeadShok is inversely proportional to rider I.Q. Po is a case in point! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Teeters
a Cross-Country Rider
from Columbus, Ohio
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
anything unpaved | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
presice steering | | Weaknesses: |
blew out | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shocks | | Bike Setup: |
1999 SV900 | | Bottom Line: | I've OWNED the headshok Super FattyD (80mm) on my SuperV900 for a year now. The steering is unmatched and it is very smooth. The cartridge blew out in the first 3 months and my dealer replaced it under warranty. However, It does not seem to have the travel that it did before. This shock has an air inlet that is hard to adjust unless you have a $50 shock pump/bleeder combination. My complaint with the shock is that an authorized dealer has to do the work on it because of special reinstalling tools. This is not accepable to me because i am a skilled mechanic and prefer to do work to my bike myself. I will switch to Marzocchi soon because i will not pay for work to be done on my out-of-warrany headshok when it breaks or needs serviced or tuned. I just wish I could work on it myself.
Three stars for my LBS (bikesource columbus) for fixing it so fast the first time it broke! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Burke
a Cross-Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
All with technical difficulty and good climbs and descents | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Lock out feature | | Weaknesses: |
Did not respond well on fires roads with washerboard and rocks or in big drop situations. It also looks stupid! | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou,Marzocchi and Rock Shock forks | | Bike Setup: |
I cannot rember the exact Cannandale model | | Bottom Line: | Right now I would not buy a Cannondale. I think that you are spending way to much for what you get, especially when you consider all of the other products on the market. I did ride a Cannondale from about 4 years ago and loved it. It did not have the Headshock, maybe that had something to do with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
STOKES STATE FOREST< NJ!!!! | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
smooth, ride, better uphill with lockout feature | | Similar Products Used: |
judy, indy | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale F3000 in killerV frame
fatty SL | | Bottom Line: | The headshocks are far superior to rockshox in my experiences. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tyrol, Austria
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Götzner Alm, Kreither Alm | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
stiff, responsive, reliable, durable, on-the-fly lockout | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
some Rock Shox's | | Bike Setup: |
1998 F1000 CAAD3 with Fatty D fork | | Bottom Line: | Probably one of the best forks for XC-riding. In the climbs you can lock it to loose no energy due to compression of the fork. Another plus is the responsiveness to all kinds of bumps. In the downhills it handles great and you have your bike always under control. Sure, the fork is not very easy to maintain, but due to the needle bearings it is very durable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
None-o'-Your Business | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Laterally Stiff, Low Maintenance, Mega-Adjustable | | Weaknesses: |
Not made any-more | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy | | Bike Setup: |
1993 Cannondale Delta V 1500 | | Bottom Line: | I think this is where this review should be. I still think that the original air/oil, fully adjustable on-the-fly dampening headshock is an excellent suspension unit. Mine has been air-tight for SEVEN years now!!! (Including 3 seasons of racing). While I once thought that it was too stiff, the real problem was that I had the air pressure too high. I also like being able to adjust the dampening as I ride. It is a shame that Cannondale has cheaped out and gone to either elastomer springing, or non-adjustable air/oil. This fork requires some tuning, but has the capacity to get more and more dialed in. Once a year maintenance is simple except for re-installation, which is a chore. The lesson? If you are capable and willing to play with your pre-load and dampening, this is a wonderfull fork. Maybe it could use more travel, but the lack of slop, razor sharp handling, and adjustability make up for it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Smokem
a Cross-Country Rider
from Houghton, MI
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiff and Smooth | | Weaknesses: |
Weakness? | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy | | Bike Setup: |
CAAD3 w/FattySL
Super-V w/FattySL | | Bottom Line: | Tracks like a charm. Point the wheel where you want to go and the bike follows. Absolutely no flex at all. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austin & Co.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Minneapolis
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
MY trails! See Learywoods in Mn Trls! | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Altra sensitive to small– less than one inch–bumps. At speed it on small bumps its as smooth as butter. Also no fork dive at all! | | Weaknesses: |
When it comes to ruff rolling hills, rocky sections the fork would bottom out to often. it only had about 50mm of travel and that wasent enough! Sharp blows caused it to blow through it travel! | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Super v 1000 | | Bottom Line: | The fork in genral sucked. Limited travel caused it to bottom on meduim to mega hits. It wasent well paired with the 4 of travel of the rear end and I upgraded to MAc- Daddy fork, Z.1 BAM! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Melvin H.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tannersville PA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Monkey path | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Tech single track
rock gardens
climbing | | Weaknesses: |
70mm not much for dh riding | | Similar Products Used: |
judy xc, manituo tpc | | Bike Setup: |
f-3000
fatty sl | | Bottom Line: | The perfect shock for xc riding, slow up the dampening on the climbs,open that baby up for the switchbacks coming up, ride it love it!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deron Frederickson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Raven Trail in Wisconsin | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | I have been using the DD60 for two years on my F1000 and I have yet to find any major flaws with this shock. The rebound is out of this world! The thing comes back as fast as you can compress it. I used to race XC in Wisconsin and I had a lot of chances to ride other front suspension forks and I can truly say none of them come close to the feel and performance of the Head-shok design. I now live in Vegas and am working at a shop that is an authorized Cannondale dealer and everytime someone asks me what kind of suspension they should look at buying I point them straight to the Cannondales.
5 ridiculously hot,flaming,up-your-butt chilies for all the Head-Shoks!P.S. Too all of you who have problems with your stuff after YOU YOU YOU do the maintenance on it,................GET THE MESSAGE!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from ND
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | Ok I own a Cannondale Raven and let me express my thoughts about the HEADSHOCK. I used to think this shock sucked. Til I actully got on the Raven and rode it. What a change? Can't say anything else is better. Just ride it and see. I used to say that headshock thing isn't for me. Til I got the Raven. This shock handles all. I'm not over 250 lbs either and it still rocks. But I have a few buddies who ride the headshock and love it and they all weigh over 200 lbs. and they say it kicks. The shock works is the bottom line. Just ask TINKER and ALISON. They ride to be paid. But you don't see them leaving Cannondale anytime soon either. Just so you know Cannondale has it together on biking. Thats all I can say. Have fun with the headshock and your Cannondales or whatever??? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kaj Rozga
a Cross-Country Rider
from L.A.
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Travel, turning, rigid, strong, and very reliable. | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy people will be shocked to see they loss a lot of travel by just sitting on the bike. | | Bike Setup: |
I have the Super Fatty SL on my beautiful '99
SuperV 700 | | Bottom Line: | First Off I'd like to thank Ken, below me, for his great insite on why he didn't like headshok...anyway...this is a great fork with unmatchable steering precision. Heavy people, beware, though, | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Steele
a cross-country rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been using a Fatty SL for six months and have been somewhat underwhelmed. It does have the best steering I have ever experienced on suspension fork, but the damping is way thick. On slow speed, technical riding the fork is great but any time I hit more than a bump per second it seems like my old quadra would be an upgrade. Additionally one of the bearing races for the needle bearings has worked itself loose and slid down to the top of the fork crown. This does not appear to have altered the performance, it just bothers me that its not where it should be. Does anyone know how to service this fork at home. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a weekend warrior
from MA
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Had it. Had it. Got rid of it. Got rid of it. Me so happy now. Me so happy now. Try out a Z-1 BAM. Try out a Z-1 BAM. Better! So much better. Me so, so, happy now! Me so, so, happy now! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aram Cipolini
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned 2 headshok forks for well over 2 years (they are 97 models). I have an MC60 (no lockout), and a DD60. I usually ride the DD60, and up until now i've had no problems. More than twice a week, i ride VERY technical singletrack with no problems whatsoever. The fork handles beautifully I took apart the DD60 yesterday to service it (for the first time in it's 1000+ mile life), and nothing looked wrong, just a little dry, and the boot was cracked at the top. Not a big problem, it's all lubed up and ready to be ridden again this weekend. I'm saving to buy a Fatty Ultra...that's TRULY the greatest fork ever made. Anyone know how much it costs? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff in Dallas
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a SV 500 18 months and 750 miles (according to the computer)ago. It came with a plain no frills Rock Shok. I busted that up pretty good over the holidays and decided that it was in my best interest to get a new fork. My dealer was more than thrilled to get a Super Fatty SL on the bike and after a few rides on my local trails I must say this thing kicks ayss. Whatever I want, it does it. Parts of the trails I used to humbly walk over are now getting hammered when I come through. Its flawless handling and shock absorbtion give me so much more confidence over rough turns and slippery rocks I believe it has taken me to the next level...whatever that is. It looks like I have increased my average speed by a whopping 1-1.5mph per lap. The only thing I hate is the noise it makes when turning-sounds like heavy metal bending. My LBS assures me its normal.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hunn
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I did not like the FAT look of this shock at first. Then I got a good deal together with the frame and heck tried a FATTY D together with my F1000. After trying it for more than half a year, I LOVE IT. The travel of 60mm is good enough for serious cross country ride. The reactivity is plush and not over dampened.Being able to lock the shock seemed useless at first, but as i got round more often, switching the shock off when climbing or on road will prevent energy loss and better control.Tried other Triple clamp rockshocks on my friend's bike and a manitou sx, neither performed to my liking.
Talk so much about reducing weight of front forks should really consider headshocks.
As for durabilty, I weigh 200lbs and I pounce on it as often as i ride, well it hasn't failed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hunn
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I did not like the FAT look of this shock at first. Then I got a good deal together with the frame and heck tried a FATTY D together with my F1000. After trying it for more than half a year, I LOVE IT. The travel of 60mm is good enough for serious cross country ride. The reactivity is plush and not over dampened.Being able to lock the shock seemed useless at first, but as i got round more often, switching the shock off when climbing or on road will prevent energy loss and better control.Tried other Triple clamp rockshocks on my friend's bike and a manitou sx, neither performed to my liking.
Talk so much about reducing weight of front forks should really consider headshocks.
As for durabilty, I weigh 200lbs and I pounce on it as often as i ride, well it hasn't failed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jack
a cross-country rider
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Since my college days 10 years ago riding my rockhopper with a Rock Shox to classes and on any dirt trail I could find, I moves up through several different bikes with different forks: Stumpjumper with MAG-21; Univega with Judy XC and a GT with an SL.
My current bike, a Cannondale F700 with a DD60 on the front, is simply the best front suspension fork I have ever used. It's also relatively simple to maintain: just cut the zip ties holding the boot over the sliding shaft, apply grease and reinstall the boot. Add heavy oil to the top of the headset every few rides and that's it.
It's deserves high ratings for the following: It's predictability in the rough, it's ease of use, it's beautiful design, and it's relative easy serviceability.
My only negative on the fork is that the paint job is poor. Looked great in the showroom but quickly falls off and/or chips away. How 'bout an extra layer of gloss coat or better priming for the paint Cannondale? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Art
a
from LA
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Head Shoks are also being licensed to Merlin for their full suspension bicycles (other bicycle manufacturers are still in denial about the merits of a shock system with fewer degrees of freedom--please pardon the engineering jargon). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
North Carolina Rider
a cross-country rider
from Pisgah Area
Date Reviewed: January 31, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The Headshock system by Cannondale is really a plus for XC riders. The control to dampen or lock-out the system is easiest I've seen. The control it has during technical riding is phenominal. The only downside to the system is it's unique compatability with Cannondale bikes only. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Byrns
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I had the Fatty M on my V-400. I say had because the damn thing is not user friendly. It takes a rocket scientist to service the damn thing and you need a special tool!
My bike is at the shop now having a Manitou Xvert put on. (User friendly) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Weasle MAn (julien)
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: January 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
this shock kicks ass.... 10-15 more inches of travel would make it better but for know its great... even though a beauty make over wouldn't hurt...
5-workability
4-travel
5-cause its just cool
i need 30 words to post this review <--thats what this is for | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rider
a cross-country rider
from Westlake Village
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I initially gave a rating on the super fatty d's. Scroll down a few lines and read that review. But I had a bit of problems with my Cannondale bike (manufacturing error) so we exchanged the bike for a bran spaking new one. Well, the new one we recieved was even better. The best improvement (next to avid v-brakes) was that they installed Super Fatty SL on it. Man, these are even sweeter than the d's (as expected). It adjusts to five different rebounds. It's really sweet. Then add the great control, stiffness, plushness, etc. that you recieve on every headshok and you come out with the best shock in the xc category. And I have taken the 80 mm travel out for a test on a pretty descent downhill ride. They performed perfectly and with the fox's in the back, I had an enjoybale ride. Point being you need these shocks because they suit just so many different styles of riding. If you don't need 80 mm travel than go for one of the shocks below (fatty d's). Take my word for it, GO GET THESE SHOCKS! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from Va Tech
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got a DD60 mounted to an old-skool 3 in. travel Super-V 900, and this fork is the bomb! What's that? You think it doesn't have enough travel? This is an XC bike sportin' an XC fork, and I still take it downhilling. Screw 8 in. travel forks. This fork easily outperforms every other fork I've ridden, and even the Fox Vanilla on the tail and of my bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a biker
a cross-country rider
from westlake village
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I gotta admit it, even though many ppl are ashamed to, I WILL. The first time I looked at headshok, I laughed and went on to checkin out rock shox. But very recently I set out to get a cross country, top notch (for my style of riding) bike. Well, I looked at evertyhing and price was not a major worry when it came to the front shocks on the bike. Then I came to the Cannondale. It was always a mystery when I gazed at a cannondale. I mean the shocks...they're so..different... and different is bad! But I felt cannondale must have had something up there sleaves about this thing. So I read into it. Soon I found out the travel of the super fatty d was 80 mm! Same as rock shox xc. Then I found out about the amazing lock out system! Then I read about the stable, strong, beautifully designed fork! Then I found out it is much much better than any rock shox xc out there and I was shocked! So after some more research I finally bought the cannondale V700. Best choice of my life. I won't talk about the bike since this is a review on the shocks. BOTTOM LINE: THEY ARE AMAZING. The feel, the performance of small and huge bumps. Nothing beats this work of art. The lockout is spectacular! The option of just rolling down the street and seeing a hill and being able to lock your head shok without burning a calorie is something every rider needs.Not to mention how great it feels with the rest of the bike. THE POINT IS I could keep talking about these shocks but i don't have all day. Go out and get these shocks. Don't even take it from me, go out a ride a cannondale, you won't go back to your old shocks. Thats my bit, I hope you take it into consideration when you go out to buy some good front shocks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Po
a weekend warrior
from Tubbyland
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Its awful it bounces awful and its in the wrong place there is no variation, unless you hit it straight on it is a real bumby ride,just look at it it looks like a pile of pig shit | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a weekend warrior
from HK
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Recently bought a Cannondale F500 with a P-Bone M front shock. When I bought the bike, I asked for the headshok to have the cartridge upgraded (at a small price, I may add) to include the on/off dial. I was drawn to the system as it seemed to be a simple, no-nonsense and logical design. I was right. The fork is great, and the upgrade was well-worth the extra dollars. The travel is smooth and plush, at the same time feeling reliable and firm. After a few big rides I adjusted the workings to suit my weight (very easy to do) and now it's just right - takes big bumps with ease, and is handy to lock-out when riding up damn steep and lengthy roads. Very nice stuff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Birdman
a cross-country rider
from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is for the DD60 as well as the Fatty air/oil.DD60 - Decent performance for the money. I had a blown cartridge, but it was replaced by the dealer. The lack of damping control was a factor in switching to the Fatty. (4 peppers)Fatty - Air/oil is SWEET. Ever since I had a Futurshock (Mag 21) equipped M2FS, I've been a fan of air/oil shocks. The Fatty is awesome, with adjustable damping and a smooth ride. (5 peppers) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike hermann
a downhiller
from state college, PA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
MOTO-120
this fork rocks. upsides: very tuneable, on the fly 5 position dial, very strong and reliable. downsides: sachs disc compatibility only. i live in PA, the land of cannondale, and for our severely rocky terrain, big hits and chute drops, this fork is amazing. it opened trails that were previously unrideable. but 120mm of travel will do that. plus c-dale support at races thru the headshox team is very good. i chose it on reccomendations of other riders. if you want a used one, there are some in the local area for sale. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NICK
a weekend warrior
from DALY CITY, CA
Date Reviewed: October 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 97 F700 with a DD60, bought the castle nut tool and cut the elastomer 3/4 inch and replaced the oil in the dampner with 2.5 weight oil. I weigh 175 and this was a great improvement, it feels more plush and you use more of your travel. I just found out by dropping the boot and measuring from the bottom headset bearing to the bottom of the fork crown where the black rubber o-ring is that my shock was actually a 50mm travel fork. You might want to check this on your 97 MC60 or DD60 fork since the 96 forks had 50mm travel and Cannondale might have wanted to use up the existing stock of 50mm forks.
I called Cannondale Tech (Ray) he was very helpful and found that from all the measurements that I gave him that it was actually a 50mm fork. So off to the authorized Cannondale dealer I go, I actually went to two, Lombardi Sports San Francisco and Saulsalito Cyclery, both had EXCELLENT I mean EXCELLENT warranty service, the Cannondale rep was able to authorize a replacement fork or a complete Fatty SL upgrade for about the cost of the fatty cartridge within 2 days from both shops.I took the Fatty SL. Since riding on the DD60 and Fatty I could say that the DD60 cartridge is plush and fool proof once setup to your weight, the Fatty gives you good feedback on small bumps and takes big hits better than the DD60 but you have to find your perfect air pressure setting, 2.5 weight oil on both. If you already have a DD60 shock or Fatty D don't spend the money just to have the Fatty SL, buy the Castle Nut Tool and 2.5 weight oil and experiment, and don't forget to lube your needle bearings. 5+ stars on both for serviceability, warranty, ride and performance. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a cross-country rider
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i have a super v 900 with a fatty D. I have rode all kind of Judy's, Manitou,and bombers. the headshock is best out of all of them.It is stiction proof. The only bad thing is the lack of travel. P.s. how much does the moto FR and moto 120 cost? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marshall
a cross-country rider
from buford
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
cannondale has one of the best designs for a front shock. Right after the bombers. Cannondales still kick ass though. Espically the moto fr. About how much do the moto fr shocks run. I am interested if any one knows. The only downfall is washing around the headshock, be careful. Other than that it is all good!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a cross-country rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Put hundreds of miles on a Fatty 70 and it keeps getting better. No flex steering really makes a difference on rock-strewn downhills, seemingly unbreakable (unlike Indys and Judys I've met) , keeps out the dirt and the plush damping nature of air suspension makes it feel like it has a lot more than 70mm travel on the big hits. Can't really give it 5 chillies though, because it doesn't respond that much over the small stuff (a tiny bit of stiction). Not a problem on the flat, but annoying when your front wheel gets bounced into the air as you are negotiating a really steep uphill. Sounds like the negative spring on the 99 model will cure that. If so it deserves 5 hot ones. Either way I'd buy another Cannondale just for the headshock alone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eli
a cross-country rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this damn fork. I wish i could put it on my jamis. if they could make a fatty sl that would fit a 1 1/8 i would sell my mozo with speed springs in a sec for it. I rode a caad 4 and it was the best ride | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eli
a cross-country rider
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork RULES! I just bought a '98 F700 2 weeks ago and have put in over 150 miles on it. When I was test-riding bikes I tried a bunch that had Judys on them, and they didn't handle nearly as well as my Cannondale! The Rock Shlocks would flex like crazy. I tried an F500, but the lack of damping in the P-Bone M made it a little too bouncy. When I rode the F700 with the P-Bone D fork I knew I'd found the right bike! I weigh about 200lbs and grew up on freestyle/BMX bikes and I have never ridden a fork that can take the poundings that my Headshock can! And it gives new meaning to the word CARVE. This thing goes EXACTLY where you point it! I can hit curbs with it and it just sucks them up. I can BOMB downhills now, I know it will suck up the hits from any rocks or whatever I might hit. I really like the lock-out feature. I do a lot of commuting and it's nice for cranking up hills. The other day I was climbing a hill on the road with some friends, one of whom was on a full-suspension. I just locked out my fork, stood on it, and blew them away!Headshocks RULE! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a weekend warrior
from Mtn. View CA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE WORST FORKS I'VE EVER SEEN,FELT,OR EVEN HEARD IN MY CASE. I HEHERITED A FRAM AND HEADSHOCK FROM MY BROTHER AND WAS SLIGHTLY DISAPIONTED ABOUT THE FORK. I COULD BOTTOM OUT THE MEASLY 2 BY GOING OFF A CURB.IF YOU HAVE ONE I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU GET RID OF IT A QUICKLY.P.S. IF YOUR WONDERING I GOT A KIT THAT ALLOWED ME TO PUT A MANITOU STROKER ON THERE. NOW THAT WHAT ALL SUSPENSION SHOULD BE LIKE. OH YEA, YOU CAN GET THE KIT AT KALABASIS BIKE SHOP. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Hansen
a weekend warrior
from Fort Collins, Co
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a 98 F-500 with the p-bone m headshock. i love it. I had a choise between a 98 shcwinn moab 2 or the f-500, I rode both and I fell in love with the headshock. It wasn't as bouncy as the XC that was on the shwinn. the cannondale was much smoother and had much better handeling quatities. Heck, it is much more attractive! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg lehman
a cross-country rider
from pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i recently bought a new 1999 CAAD4 cannondale f1000 that was equiped with the new fattySL with 80mm of travel and a negative spring on it. this shock is the bomb. once i got the air pressure adjusted to my wiehgt the shock was perfect in every way. from the big hits to the small bumps the headshock preforms, especially on the 99 version with the addition of the negative spring. ive ridden every rock shox out there and the fattySL is the best ive ever rode. try making turns on a judy like you do on a fattySL and it just wont work. i give this shock everything that it deserves 5 chillies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a weekend warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I upgraded my F500 from an MC60 to a Fatty 70, the 5 possision dampening adjustment is great for quick on-the-fly adjustments, its air-sprung whitch is great for those of us in the 200+ pound club. The first time you fill it put extra air in, it leaks a little air for the first couple rides but if you pump it up to about 225psi usualy it will seat and won't leak any more, just don't ride with that much air or it won't feel like much of a shock, otherwise this thing is KILLER thanks C-DALE...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a weekend warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I upgraded my Super V 2000 to the Fatty SL about six months ago from the DD60. The fork is simply outstanding. Excellent adjustability, feel, no flex and you sure can not complain about the weight. It sucks up the small bumps and takes big hits very well.Five chilies for this one | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aram Cipollini
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Cannondale kix ass. I've tried so many types of forks, but none compare to HeadShok. Any loser that complains about travel in an XC fork is a dumbass, because in XC/recreational riding, less than 60% of the forks travel is actually used. Has anyone EVER bottomed out with a Hshock? nope, didn't think so. 50 chilies for C'dale. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Green
a cross-country rider
from Edison, NJ 08817
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Cannondale Headshok is the most versatile suspension fork out there. I have the P-Bone D and, though it's not as great as the Fatty, I love. The on-the-fly lockout is priceless for cross country riders such as myself. With rigidity going up and extremely responsive suspension coming down, riding is just...FUN! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos J. Montanez
a weekend warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '97 F700 that came with a DD60. That was very good. I have recently upgraded the cartridge to a Fatty 70, which is air and oil instead of elastomer. The Fatty 70 is definitely superior, but it took time to get it right. The compressed air is a preload and the five-point oil dampening works on top of that. The air pressure must be set according to recommendation, or HIGHER. The oil should be set right in the midpoint. The best way to describe the two is by analogy, DD60 is to Fatty 70 as comfort is to performance. It was interesting to look under the protective rubber boot and see how rusted it was. I guess if you crash and make a tiny pucture in that boot then water will accummulate and do nasty things. I cleaned mine the best I could and covered with Phil Waterproof grease and resealed the boot with tie wraps. Silicone can fix some punctures. From now on, periodic checks. Nevertheless, I think this cartridge works great and is very lightweight. Five points for the DD60, five for the Fatty 70. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a cross-country rider
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Why does everything else fell so freaking bad compared to a headshok? I dont get it? The headshock steers soooooo precise and is as smooth and as slick as owl shit. I just got rid of my Schwinn so that I could get another Cannondale.(Mainly for the fork) The abosolute best fork on the planet!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Jones
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Basically i would like to thank Cannondale for making a set of forks that you can lock out on the fly. Nothing even compares, the best steering, the most controlled. Who needs more than 60mm of travel? Going up hills doesn't mean you have to bounce all over the place with these forks. Road climbs don't even register any more. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RMC
a cross-country rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just want to put my 5 stars out for the DD60 for the same reasons as everyone else - smoothest, most supple, best steering front end, there is. No problem with bottoming out although I dont do downhill racing or 6 foot drop offs....Got to give Cannondale credit for its innovative and superior design and for sticking with it after a rough and troublesome start with the shocks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a cross-country rider
from albany, ny
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the F500 last year and have upgraded everything but the MC60 Headshock. I have ridden Rock Shox and Manitou and they don't compare. This shock always feels in control and smooth. I weigh 185 and have never had a problem with bottoming out or anything else for that matter. I will upgrade to the Fatty SL next year. Way to go C-dale. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MadDog
a racer
from Milwaukee
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have a 98 Fatty SL, this fork absolutely rules, Have put 700+ abusive off road miles on it, 4 races, thru mud,snow,sand,cobble stones, you name it, and not a problem for this fork. As far as steering is concerned, aim it and you go, no need to oversteer on this fork. Also I believe it is one of the lightest forks out there. 5 Big Ass searing chilies for this puppy! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a racer
from utah
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
There is one good thing on them and every thing else sucks and that is the lock-out and the position of where the adjustment thingy is but that's it
I used to have a cannondale with headshocks but I sold it because of the limited amount of travel they have and also I was having huge problems with it I had the shock rebuilt 3 times I liked the frame so much I bought another cannondale but this time with out headshock put a sid on it and I love the bike
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a cross-country rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the DD60 Headshock.I have to say that after riding it for 300 + miles I love it! It definitely is smooth - that word doesn't do this fork justice. I weigh 210lbs and have done a few races with it. I'd never trade it. My brother has a Judy SL - its nice but it just doesn't have the smoothness. It is very hard to describe - there is a noticable difference in the way it corners on fast single-track, like you point it where you want to go and it digs in and goes. The best - thinking of upgrading to a Fatty SL - It must be Heaven. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
keith stoneman
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hands down, the best all around suspension fork available. Absolutely no lateral flex in the fork, easily serviced, and adjusted. No adverse reaction to any weather/riding conditions. Backed by a terrific company, that stands behind its products with service, help, and anything the consumer can need. Race proven by some of the greatest! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All head shok systems have a real benifit over all teloscoping fork. The head shoks run on roller bearings instead of on bushings, this eleminates almost all stiction. On down side is the lack of travel but cannot be increased without raising the head tube angle and top tube angle. Buy a cannondale with a head shok and you'll be glad you did. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Carpenter
a racer
from California
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I thought this was an O.K. shock. But i think it would be a better fork if it had more travel. It does a pretty good job of of taking the initial shock of a bumb. In conclusion i would like to thank my friend for recomending this fork to me! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KEV
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Headshocks are the best shocks in the world! I have a '98 F700 with a DD60, and it is the sweetest shock around. I'm really light (100 lbs) so its great, it never bottomed out on me. The response on the shock is great, and theres no twist like rock shox. You guys have a ten star rating? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Fogel
a downhiller
from Lexington, MA USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Fatty 70 SL: NOTHING; ABSOLUTELY NOTHING beats this shock!! I've had the Fatty
DD60 which bottomed out with medium cliff drops, at 200 lbs, the DD 60 couldn't take it...the new Fatty 70 SL with air adjusted to my weight has been AWESOME! With over 200 (VERY HARD & MONDO ABUSIVE)miles on it, it's still taking everything I can give it. The 5 way adjust also helps a lot on the climbs. I've owned Manitou, raced Judy's, but until I'm ready for MOTO, this is the best there is!!! If you got the $$$ and the 'tude....this is where it's at!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Lenkowski
a weekend warrior
from Charlottesville, VA , USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I find the head shock a bit annoying. I weigh about 200 lbs and I am not over weight. Although the shock disagrees. Even when I adjust the preload it either bottoms out or bounces stiffly around. It is not smooth. I didn't do the experiment, but it does not seem to have a linear force-displacement relationship. If I had the opportunity to shop again I probably would purchase something else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a weekend warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Fatty SL (Fatty 70)I had a DD50 on my super-V for several years and finally broke-down and purchased the new '98 Fatty SL. This shock is outstanding! The five position adjustor on the top of the stem is great for on-the-fly changes pluse the air preload gives you even more selection.I have yet to bottom out this shock even with very aggressive riding. From wash board fire roads to rocky and rutter downhills the Fatty had never disappointed me.The weight of the fork is a big plus too.Cannondale hit the bulls eye with this one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Melo
a cross-country rider
from Aveiro, Portugal
Date Reviewed: March 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Fatty is best thing you could buy.
This suspension works perfectly, it's lite, and it's also beautiful.
It have a regulation bottom with five positions, but in many suspensions the regulation is shit like in the case of ROCKSHIT, more exactly it doesn´t work, it's only for we can say that we have a suspension fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod
a cross-country rider
from SE Mi
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Canondale Headshock is THE best tracking fork out there. I've rode a DD50 and yes, they were having seal problems, IN 95. But the new forks have better internals. All those people who complain about there shocks sticking should learn WHAT FREAKIN FORK MAINTINENCE IS. For gods sake, the fork works like a car, IT HAS TO BE MAINTAINED AND OILED ONCE IN A WHILE. Don't listen to all those whiny people who say there shock is frozen, the problem with them does not lie in the shock, it lies in the person riding the bike and there lack of upkeep. I'm riding a JUDY SL right now and it rides like poop. It jiggles all over the place when I'm riding. The lower legs move forward and backward on the sliders. If you don't believe me about the biggest flaw about these types of shocks, go to a bike store and sit on a ROCK SHOX, Manitou, etc. Hold the front brake completely locked and push on the pedals. Its like a damn rubber band, flexing all over like that. Sorry, you just do not see anything like that on a cannondale shock. Give headshock a try and you'll find that it is a good fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
angus peel
a cross-country rider
from uk
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
DD60
Been riding it over a year now and it has taken sometime to get used to it after the transition from an XC700.
I am heavy rider and tried new spring/elastomer to get the set up right - finally think I have got it. What do I think?
Brilliant going downhill during a long ride. Gives me added confidence when tired and mistakes are numerous. Don't find it particularly shock absorbent over flat, fast flintrock terrain which i ride a lot.
But, the stability downhill makes up for that.
However I am now considering an upgrade to a fatty70 being 100kgs i sometimes bott0m out even with the stiffist spring/elastomer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a cross-country rider
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great shock. As others have noted, there's no stiction and steering is free of play due to the single tube/needle bearing slider. After a full season of riding and racing, there has been no loss of performance. This is over about 3500 mi of New England rock gardens and mud.I rarely bottom out. Some riders may be setting up with too little preload. That's really not necessary because the spring rate is progressive. If you are bobbing a lot on the road, you are probably set up too soft.I used to use the lock-out a lot,but once I got the fork and riding position dialed in, I rarely bother.What a great design ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a racer
from IN
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride a caad 3 with a DD50 headshock. I have ridden the bike for 2 years now and have not a single problem yet. I worked at a local bike shop that carried Cannondale and only replaced 3-5 cartridges in the 11/2 years there. Cannondale makes a quality shock, those of you that bad mouth Cannondale and ride forks from other companies obviously haven't ridden a Headshock for an extended period of time. Lock-out feature is heavenly for climbs, urban assaults. Nobody else I can think of offers a lock-out on their teloscoping forks that flex in the corners. At the end of your first race I hope to see a row of teloscoping forks....1 turn of the dial and we will see who has the big sprint Mr. POGO!!! P.S. Those of you that own a DD50 can obtain a plusher feel very similar to the spring upgrade, by cutting the elastomer in the head tube no more that 1/2 inch. Back Alley Sally Tech Tip I learned at the bike shop!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harlan Allen
a cross-country rider
from Apex, NC
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If I had'nt spent so much time replacing blown HEADSHOKS on my Super V, I'd have more time to spend on this review. I think they should call it the DEADSHOK. I don't know what everyone is RAVEN about. Why do ya think they came out with the retro-fit kit for a good fork? 00.00 chillies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JamesX
a cross-country rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got the DD50. I've been using it since March 1996 with no problems. I love the on-the-fly lockout for climbs and the steering is really stiff! I plan on having the DD60 cartidge installed. This is a great shok! I highly recommend it to cross-country riders who want a light and stiff ride! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ossi Rajala
a downhiller
from Finland
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Someone's complaining about a frozen headshok?
I've ridden my headshok (initially MDM, now dd60) in some
cold weather.. like -25 celcius and it has never gotten even
stiff. I've ridden it a lot and had a couple of bad crashes and
it never complains.. except when the mcu stack is worn out.
I've lost 2 bearings (of them 88) when i had a major crash, i broke
my spine in there.. can't quite race anymore. but my headshok still
keeps on going (tough i am not so sure about myself) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tylor Bohlman
a downhiller
from San Anselmo, CA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I would love my Headshock if it was a bit bigger. I have the lowest one with an almer/spring upgrade. It gives the best suspension I have ever felt but not enough of it. I would like to stick with it but I gotta get more traver. Sorry cannondale. blah blah blah. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AMB
a cross-country rider
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: December 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have ridden the DD60 and i have an MC50 soon to be a DD60. I have never ridden a fork that was as stiff as a head shok. I think that it is the best fork out there. If they had more travle and were a little less $$$$ I would give them a 5 star rating | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from Cary, NC
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a DD 60 on my 97 F700 and give it two thumbs up! Responds very well to both big and small bumps. The lockout option is also great for the occasional open road. Just laugh at the people w/ Rock Shox as you pass them with your Headshok! C-dale rocks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Y
a cross-country rider
from Orange, CA
Date Reviewed: December 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
DD60: As with most things in life, there are always going to be compromises. Is there a perfect front shock? The +'s are the precise steering, stiffness, and coupled with the stiff frame, a bike that responds to your every move. The -'s are the lack of travel and an apparent higher center of gravity. My F700 makes me look great on the uphills, mediocre on the downhills. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a cross-country rider
from Weatherford, OK
Date Reviewed: December 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'd like to start out by stating that I've been riding my headshock for approx. 2 months now so this is still kind of an initial impression of my thoughts on the headshock.Other forks that I've ridden are the Marzocchi DH-3, 97 Judy XC, Mag-21 and Quad 5.The fork that I'm reviewing is the new 98 P-Bone D (basically the same fork as last years DD60). It is the stock shock on my Killer V 700.
The first impression of the headshock in it's initial ride was the lack of stiction that this fork has. It had a very smooth and progressive feel to it. After two months the stiction free feel is still there. I recently got on my friends Judy to see how it compared to my headshock (kind of a two month comparison) and was totally amazed at how much stiction his fork had compared to mine. I'm a firm believer in the needle bearing philosophy that cannondale has in their front shocks.My second impression of the fork was it's stout steering ability. On all other forks that I've ridden I've had brake pad rub when ever I went hard into a corner (sometimes even soft into a corner). After two months I still have yet to hear any brake pad rub from my headshock. This fork also steers really well. It goes where you point it. It took a little getting used to in the beginning because I was used to over steering a little with my other forks. When switching to the headshock I found that I was over correcting alot on the trail which really screwed with my riding for a while. In my opinion this is the best steering fork on the market (though I've heard good things about the Girvin which I have yet to ride). I weigh 235 lbs and the headshock shows little if any lateral or torsional flex.The fork has a good feel overall in it's action. It's very smooth over small to medium bumps (mostly do to the lack of stiction). The fork is very progressive and takes the large hits fairly well but this is it's weakness. The fork just has to little travel for high speed or large drop offs. As progressive as the fork is it just runs out of travel a little to soon. Personally I feel that this fork would be excellent if it had the same amount of travel as the Fatty SL (70 mm of travel).Overall I'm throughly impressed with the headshock to this point. It is very smooth, very stout and does a good overall job. If it could handle the big hits better I'd give it a 5 chille rating but that is it's downfall (as well as it's limited availability). If you are looking for a precise steering fork that is supple at lower to mid speeds this is a good place to look. I think if this fork could be retrofitted to other bikes it would be quite competitive on the open market. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jose L. Goco
a cross-country rider
from Quezon City, Philippines
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have used both the Judy and Manitou forks and all I have to say is
there is absolutely no comparison to the plushness and superb ride of my
DD60. This is absolutely the best | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is information for potential buyers of the 98 Fatty SL fork. If you are going to install any of the Shimano linkage V-brakes. (XT of XTR)
be prepared to deal with major brake squealing that is amplified by the fork. All adjustments do not seem to correct the situation. It is the
linkage construction with the forks thin wall construction and shape. The Shimano Carbon brake booster helps, but doesn't solve all.
I found a solution in using a non-linkage brake. In my case a put on Avid Tri=Align III units.
It cost me $$$$, but no more squeal. This was one of the few options due to the lack of brake hangers on the frame.These brakes do not induce the fork into harmonic vibrations.
Good Luck.
Fork performance in the bumps is excellent! This problem was most annoying. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff (the Geek)
a weekend warrior
from Texas
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
New news. Marochozzi (spelled wrong)is no longer building any of the internal components on headshocks as of September. Coda (aka Cannondale)is now in the driverseat. Also- I too am an over 200 lbl. rider who loves dialing my DD60 for different trail conditions. The lockout has proven invaluable on uphills-just don't forget to loosen it before going back to hitting the big stuff. I wonder if anyone out there has logged over 200 rough miles on a DD 60 or 70 that would like to quote on the lasting or fading plushness. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tippy
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver,British Columbia
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
DD60 mated to a Killer-V frame. Talk about Stiff!!! This is the ONLY shock setup that didn,t
waffle under my 220lbs. I really like the lockout feature especially when I pass my friends
up hill on their full suspension rides. A really good inovation from Cannondale. They seem
to follow the KISS RULE. (KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID)Five Chilli's all the way. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAVE
a racer
from HUNTSVILLE, AL
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'VE RUINED EVERY SHOCK I'VE EVER HAD UNTIL I CHANGED TO A CANNONDALE HEADSHOCK. I WEIGH 225 LBS. AND THIS SHOCK IS THE ONLY ONE TO PASS THE TORTURE TEST. ANYONE WHO HAS A BAD WORD TO SAY ABOUT THE HEADSHOCK HAS NOT RIDDEN ONE OR JUST DOES NOT LIKE THE LOOK OF IT. IT IS MORE AJUSTABLE AND IS EASILY UPGRADEABLE. THE BONUS IS IT IS STIFF AND HAS BETTER STEERING THAN A FLEXY ROCKSHOX. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff (the Geek)
a weekend warrior
from Texas
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Here's the skinny on the Headshock Fatty,DD,MC/50/60/70. It is a really good shock that cost a little too much. It's so new it has not been mastered by your joe-average Bike mechanic. Between the shims, oil weight, cartridge and springs it is more than complicated. If your favorite bike mechanic can technically explain why it is such a great unit and how well he can fine-tune it for your size and style think hard about it. As a standard/stock component on '98 Cannon's it really does blow all the old standard Rock Shock Indy's off the charts. There is absolutly no performance comparison. If you have an older SV and 350.00-500.00 bones to burn (and trust the guys at your local service shop)you will be very happy. Otherwise get the Freeride twin-crown ...or a Bomber....or a Judy ....or a White Bros. The right setup on any of these daddy's will make most any weekend warrior quite happy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Rigsby
a racer
from Columbia, Missouri
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the f500 cannondale it came with rather infirior equipment but has been upgraded to a full shimano xtr, syncros and raceface components I do not really care for the coda products but absolutly love my headshock. The original MC50 that came with the bike was replaced by cannondale after I blew it earlier this year with the fatty 50 off of the f1000. All I can say is that even though it cost 75 dollars to do the uprade (the mc50 was to be free) and the fork blew up after only one year. The service I recieved was phonominal and I have never ever seen a better fork in regards to what really counts, making me go FASTER. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Pine
a weekend warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
...could be worse he could've wasted his $ on a VENTANA WITH MARZOCCHI SHOCKS.HELLO AGAIN, AHA Come back for more Huh ? It's sorta' like when a Lunatic returns to the scene of a crime... on his inferior VENTANA...CANNONDALE RULES !!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ern E. Zampezee
a cross-country rider
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just picked up a '97 sv1000 with the DD60. Wow. What washboard? And the lockout feature is fantastic for getting out of the saddle and cranking up the many hills in this area. The DD60 was set up to be fairly soft, and I've yet to bottom outon it. The quality of the concept and the quality of the manufacturing make this a great piece of equipment. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from Mansfield, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have ridden the DD50 on my F600 for two years and I love the performance of this shock. I've only bottomed out this shock once since I've owned it. The steering precision is awesome and the lockout feature lets you get everything out of your climbing effort. I would definitely recommend this shock (actually the replacement DD-60) to anyone and would also recommend Cannondales in general. As far as Cannondale service goes, I has a problem with my CODA suspension seatpost. Brought it to my dealer. They sent it to Cannondale and called me up to pick up my BRAND NEW seatpost within 7 days. I don't know what you all are talking about when you trash Cannondale service? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Fatty 70 is really plush on unexpected big hits (none of that boing rebound like a spring/mcu combo). And that lack of flex makes for wonderful instinctive steering. But the stiction is starting to drive me nuts. Over the small bumps I might as well be riding a rigid bike. Uphill over tree roots that a Judy would swallow, the front end bounces up to throw me off the bike. Reduce the air pressure below the recommended level and you blow through the travel on the downhills. This fork steers to wonderfully, is so nice when the going gets faster and rougher, and balances the rear on my SV2000 so well that I don't want to lose it. But sometimes I'm tempted to get a Bomber... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fastguy
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have ridden many headshocks and although they have come a long way over the years, the design has it's limits. I have many friends who are constantly replacing their headshocks after all the oil and needles fall out. If I had a dollar for every blown headshock that I have seen, I would have enough to buy a Bomber... and you should too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gearboy
a weekend warrior
from hammond louisiana
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The headshock DD60 has been an inferior product on my wife's super V. The cartridges have leaked twice and the needle bearings have frozen up completely once. This shock is a terd wrapped in neddle bearings. Not very good for a bike only a year and a half old. Add to that lack of quality travel and that the lockout feature is broken again ... Cannondale's warranty sucks as well. Buyer beware. Zero chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wm. Davidson
a racer
from Western N.C.
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
No flex Stiff. No fork dive. Great travel. What else to be said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jello Biafra
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Ohh, how I hate this product (FATTY70). It has litterally exploded in my face two times and I´m no extreme biker. Stinking quality and no other benefits compared to normal front shocks. Why can´t Cannondale stick to making frames instead of making CODA and HEADSCHOCK pieces of SHIT? I´m not buying Cannondale and certainly not any Coda/Headshock junk next time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a weekend warrior
from cincy,ohio
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
the headshocks are good but i only have the mc60(going to get good fatty) i thinnk headshox r phatness | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After riding a Indy XC for 6 months, and upgrading to the FATTY70, I will never ride another fork! The steering precision is incredible..The on-the-fly adjustment is always handy.. Once again, Cannondale is on top of things! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Davids
a weekend warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
How come motocross/supercross bikes don't use a system like this? Because they know that you get far superior suspension when you have a fork crown over EACH leg instead of the whole front end moving up into one little shock at the bifurcation of the fork legs. If it's such a good idea, why aren't they seen on motorcycles? Hmmm?? Because they know better and it was tried there many years ago and failed. That's why. | | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$
