Submitted by
FultonKBD
a Weekend Warrior
from Akron, OH, US Date Reviewed: September 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Quail Hollow, Hartville
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Bisesi's Bicycle & F
Strengths:
Good overall bike for the price. Two years of riding it and I haven't had any major issues so far.
Weaknesses:
Tires aren't very good. The components could be better. But then the cost would go up. So it's a trade off.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the tires.
Bottom Line:
I rode a Trek 8000 for about 10 years and finally went to replace it in 2007. This Cannondale caught my eye and had everything I pretty much wanted.
It's light, has disk brakes, decent components, looks good, handles better than the Trek did. The head shock works well and I haven't had any issues with it up to this point.
I would buy this bike again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DJer Flamezfan
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: September 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hardwood hills and the jumps
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Fast light and great handling. Can take small jumps
Weaknesses:
easy to push too far ending in multiple trips to the bike shop the headshok dampener is basically opened or closed
Similar Products Used:
kona kula
Bike Setup:
Stock broken components but replaced them with the same ones
Bottom Line:
lots of fun to race relatively fast for road racing if you like me are constintly repairing it then buy a second bike for jumps or downhilling
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
morgan366sailing
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond Va. Date Reviewed: June 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
South bank
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Conte's
Strengths:
Handles very well its light and looks great. IMO all the stock components are up to par brakes ect.
Weaknesses:
The fork cartridge began leaking on my first single track ride. Oil began to drip from the schrader valve under the fork stem. My confidence level in the F3 Head Shock is at 0. The bike is back at the shop and I am opting for an upgrade to a F2 or F1 with lefty but the dealer says they are not available. ( Wondering now if I should have chose another brand of bike)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I love the bike but it is worthless if the head shock is not reliable. I also think that if you are a agressive trail or single track rider you may want to think about a different model with more travel in the shock to avoid the bone jarring bottoming out and more reliability. I am 6'2" 175 lbs and I am a average rider. I was happy with the bike until I bottomed the shock about 8 times during the first ride and the leaking of the cartridge.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C Dunlop
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: April 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Majura
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
College st. Cycles,
Strengths:
Combined frame and fork weight, fork design and warranty backup.
Weaknesses:
I had a fork cartridge replaced under warranty. Cannondale have good warranty services but it sucks that the turnaround time is so bad, as it had to be sent to the US for repair. My seat tube was out of spec, so I had to fit a shim and use a non-QR seat post clamp. The handlebars are attrocious and I cannot imagine anyone riding with them, as are the wellgo pedals. The rims are cheap and flexy like a wet noodle, cranks and hubs are cheap but nevertheless perfectly functional. Lack of choice in stems is a real bummer, as the stock one is quite high. Avid juicy 3s are barely passable. Essentially this is a nice frame, with an excellent fork (if you get a good one) with a collection of the worst chosen you could imagine bolted onto it.
This is a good bike for getting into, or getting back into riding. This is not a good bike to upgrade to. For the price you can do much better. You should also factor in $200 on replacing poorly chosen parts off the bat, with another $2-400 in the first year on things like new rims. The heavy and poorly chosen parts let down a first rate frame and fork. The headshok has relaibility issues, but C'dale know this and have an admirably good warranty service to negate this. Ride this bike for what it is, but you'll have to spend big bucks to get it near what it should be. I would personally like to see an F2 level spec'd bike with a headshok option.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RyanH
a Weekend Warrior
from San Luis Obispo, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
Sonoma Bicycle Compa
Strengths:
Handling, climbing, Product finish, super smooth.
Weaknesses:
Headshok, stock tires.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Muirwoods
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
I love everything about this bike, including the Headshok, but the reliability of it has been less than satisfactory. The Headshok needed to be rebuilt twice within the first 8 months, both times under warranty. Apparently some internal seals were messed up, and I was not about to go mess around with 88 needle bearings. The bike is super quiet. I can keep up/pass up my friend on his road bike and he won't even hear me coming. This bike is very light too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Amsterdamned
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: January 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Manly Dam
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1350.00
Purchased At:
KOM Neutral Bay
Strengths:
Light weight, climbs great, looks amazing in matte black ('08 model), Headshock works really well.
Weaknesses:
Rebound adjuster came lose (not tightened properly by shop), paint chips kind of easily, Juicy 3 brakes are so-so and can be really noisy
Bike Setup:
All stock apart from Jet Black BMX pedals, Maxxis Detonator tyres.
Bottom Line:
This is my first mountain bike and its perfect for me. Was originally planning on spending between US$500-1000 but got the F3 instead of the F4. Main difference is the F3 frame is handmade in the US while the F4 is out of China or Taiwan. So glad I went for the F3. The level of componentry is so much better. This bike is so light its amazing.
So far have been using it mostly on the roads with some 1.5inch Maxxis Detonator tires. Have been riding 12k over Sydney Harbour Bridge to work and it always puts such a smile on my face. Very stable cornering and great fun to lean way over on some good road tyres.
As others have mentioned it climbs like a rocket. I've even passed the occassional race bike up the hills and thats using the bigger 1.5 inch Detonator tires and only just beginning to get my fitness levels back up.
For anyone looking for a first time hardtail for XC or commuting to work, this bike is amazing. For a more road orientated component set look at the Bad Boy which uses the same frame.
Mine is the '08 model and it looks simply stunning in matte black. Very stealth,
My only complaint so far has been a problematic Juicy 3 back brake that has necessitated a few trips to my local bike shop. It can howl so loudly that nearby children burst out in frightened tears. I'd prefer to see some Formula K18's on the bike, that may be my first big component upgrade.
Basic Wellgo clipless pedals were replaced with some Jet Black BMX platforms which work really well. Will eventually go clipless but around town dodging idiot Sydney drivers the platforms are a godsend.
Great platorm to start with as the frame is amazing lightly and beautifully welded together. As you progress just start upgrading the components.
I'm 6'2 and 185lbs so I have the XL frame and I can't recommend this bike enough...performs exactly as I expect it to and an amazing allrounder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Hellmann
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga, TN, 37421 Date Reviewed: August 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Raccon Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$967.00
Purchased At:
Owen's Cyclery
Strengths:
Nimble handling, Brakes are excellent, Headshok provides excellent feel and responsivness mid corner. As light and fast and as XC bikes costing over twice as much.
Weaknesses:
Headshok is not the best looking shock. The stock tires are too soft for aggressive riding on techical and abrasive trails and will puncture very quickly.
The biggest strength and the main reason I choose this bike is because of the cornering ability that this bike offers. This bike can be hustled through twisty singletrack like no other and the headshok offers excellent feedback and responsiveness and extremly quick and effortless steering. There is no bike with a fork that can change direction as quickly and smoothly as one with a fatty. I've already been able to save two front end slides in fast sandy corners thanks to the excellent handleing that this bike provides. Also the brakes are stellar for a bike in this price range allowing you to really let loose and push the limits knowing that the brakes will bring you back to saftey and sanity in a smooth instant.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
samIamcat
a Cross Country Rider
from sylvania Ohio USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mohican
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$980.00
Purchased At:
Bike Works Sylvania
Strengths:
Great bike and great price. Made in the USA. Geared very well. Very fast light bike. The disc brakes are effective and smooth for mechanicals. I love the headshok
Weaknesses:
The rear derailer
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh, Giant, Trek
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I wrecked my Raleigh and had to buy a replacement. I wanted a bike that was made in the USA just as my Raleigh had been. One concern I had is that I weigh 230 pounds and I wanted the bike to hold up. I found this bike on clearance and was suprised at the price. When I test rode the bike, I fell in love with it. I have now put a little over 300 miles on it. It is quick and responsive. It is very light, but also very strong. This bike is very fast but also has a wide range of low gears for climbing. The headshok is smooth. My only problem has been with the rear derailer shifting into the higher gears. Even after an adjustment, it doesn't shift into the higher gears until after a few revolutions. It downshifts very quickly however. I plan on upgrading the derailer as soon as I wear it out. A great bike at a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood Ohio Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
too many to list!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Eddys Bike Shop N ol
Strengths:
Cannondale F3 caffiene
Personally for me, it has to be the Headshock, I always loved headshocks, and the reason is you can lock them out when you dont need them, this is great when you dont want your energy absorbed as your riding a flat area. Or with a turn of a switch mounted on your stem, switch it on and up to 80mm of travel.
Weaknesses:
None that i see so far, its everything my old F700 was and a whoile lot more. IM not crazy about the SRAM shifters honestly, i dont think that is a weakness as much as a preffrence. Other than that the avid Juicy 3's are very nice, brake disc for bicycles have come leaps and bounds in how they (feel) in the past 10 years. ANd its a good thing to love and trust my equipment, and have faith in it, makes your riding all that much more fun.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale F7000. I rode that bike 2.5 years.
Bike Setup:
My bike is set up with stock stuff except the bars and the pedals, I bought a control tech bar with a slight rise in it, and im using bar ends because it gives my hands and back more posistions to relax on long rides. I actually dont mind the cannondale saddle that it came with. It has Sram shifters which are really odd to use after 20 years of shimano. Im trying to get used to it and accept them but if it doesnt work out im going back to shimano, ill even replace it with xtr. I bought myself of speedplay frog stainless pedals and they are wonderful. Ive been using them about 11 years now. They are great in the mud, and the cleat heigh is low which helps you walk and gives more life to the cleat, Thats why i personally love speedplays. You can keep them over many seasons,(re-packing them) most shops know how.
Bottom Line:
In 1997 I bought a cannondale f700 and i got it used from my bikeshop IN NC. Thats where i lived at the time. I think i paid around 650$ for it. Best thing i ever did. I was always a road rider and through that f700 really fell in love with XC riding. I ended up selling it in 2000 and i ended up with a trek Y22 A full suspension bike) I made a huge mistake and learned it later...
i moved to ohio around the cleveland area and there was nothing i needed rear suspension for, Also the rear shock i had never really locked out like it should. SO everytime i was on the flats i could hear the thing click, even if i had 3000000 pounds of air in it. That made me miss my cannondale big time.
When i look back on all the bikes i loved and had fun on my old cannondale f700 was it. I was so happy to see that this bike has evolved into what it is today. The headshock now has a very nice meaty switch, which has a distinctive on and off to it. The old version has a little disc, and if you turned it to much it would come right out.
I love the cannondale f3 caffeine. I think they did a wonderfuol job with it. Its cool when you can see a model through the years advance, and headshock has been around a long time so they have more than proven themselves. Aside from the SRAM shifters i love this bike..But, shifters are a (personal prefrence) so in my mind it has no reflection on the bike in a bad way. perhaps im just old schhol.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tmcquillan
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Princenton Sports
Strengths:
Fit, geometry, feel, frame. Lock-out headset.
Weaknesses:
Stock tires and hand grips are worthless. Cranks perform ok but look a little "k-mart". Had some paint chips too but that goes with the territory.
Similar Products Used:
Similar model from same company 15 years ago. Still have it and love it too. Tried Fischers, Specialized, full suspension, etc.
Bike Setup:
X-country. Tires: Smoke and Dart; Grips: Aurie with should support; stock shifters from Schram, etc. All things stock.
Bottom Line:
Can't say enough good things about how well this company makes frames. Plus it is made in the USA. You cannot get a bike frame made in the US in this price range from any other company.
Plus, the feel of the frame is fantastic. My 15 year old version of this bike (Delta V 700) had good energy return to the rear forks plus nothing broke that was not worth fixing. As a matter fact I still have it as a single speed.
But if you want a x-country bike with modern shifters and brakes plus you want quality energy transfer from your legs to your rear wheel - BUY THIS BIKE. If it cost $200 more it's worth it. You will not know you spent a little more when your buddies are sucking air after 2 hours and you are looking for more. The bike is a riot.
It goes uphill like a dream too...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
macs
a Cross Country Rider
from Miss Date Reviewed: July 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
Very Fast and light.
Weaknesses:
Bad seat
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6700
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Very fast bike. Great on the road and trails. A little pricy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fake_usa
a Weekend Warrior
from Somerset NJ USA Date Reviewed: June 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chimney Rock
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light nimble and quick.
Weaknesses:
Brakes are noisy.
Fork lockout lever spins around and around.
Seat very hard and uncomfortable, had to change.
Stock grips are uncomfortable.
Tires are a wimpy for the more technical stuff.
PAINT CHIPS and PEELS EXTREMELY EASY.
The brake cable was rubbing a bit on the frame, scrapped it with my nail to see if it was dirt or a scuff in the paint and a dime size chip of paint feel off now it's peeling off like a crazy. Also while carrying the bike the handle bars spun around and the brake lever tapped the top tube, guess what, HUGE paint chip,, WTF !! I had to cover it up with a sticker cause it keep pealing. noW after riding the bike for a few month the back triangle is getting all chipped up. I swear to god the paint is defective on this bike and Cannondale will not return any of my emails.
Similar Products Used:
IronHorse, Haro, Specialized, GT.
Bike Setup:
Bought the shorter stem from Cannondale. Also changed seat, seat post and grips.
Bottom Line:
I like the bike but I'm pissed at Cannondale for not returning my emails after 3 months. This is the worst paint ever, even my cheep BMX back in the day had paint which was 100x better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karl Spangler
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterloo, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hydro Cut
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Ziggy's Cycle
Strengths:
Excellent frame and fork. wonderful finish, especially the weld points. I purchased the "flat black" paint finish, excellent look, very durable (wish it had more evident Cannondale stickers e.g. brighter). Good component mix, however I will be upgrading overtime, the frame is worth it.
Weaknesses:
Problems with the pedals this will be the first item to go. The tires are OK, however I plan on updating this soon as well.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Kula, Kula 2-9, Cannondale 29er, Trek "something" 2008. Norco 29er, Specialized Stumpjumper 26 & 29er. Devinci Moonracer...the list goes on. The Caffeine won hands down.
Bike Setup:
Stock at the moment. I have added a lighting package and computer. The following items will be replaced in the following order: pedals, tires (keep them for other terrain). Carbon fiber seat post (seat is good). Carbon fiber flat bar (preference). Race Face crank. Everything else stays. I am going to cut 1" off the end of each bar...a little wide :-).
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Good price. Light, maneuverable, climbs like a goat, durable and just plain looks great. Many years of single track service to comes from the beast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle G.
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: May 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1199.00
Purchased At:
Eriks bike shop
Strengths:
Great components, everything is very light. The Juicy 3 brakes are great and help keep you in control. Shifting is great and is always crisp.
Weaknesses:
The chain broke very soon but I was able to get it fixed soon and it is now fine. Saddle is a little hard.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F6, f5
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for any body looking for alight cross country hard tail. Headshock is great and the lock out feature works very well. I bought this bike for both a trail riding and commuting. I can't speak for the long term durability, but so far it has been great. Great buy at a reasonable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wunmi Bamiduro
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: April 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Capitol Hill Bikes
Strengths:
Weight, Durability, Control
Weaknesses:
Seat
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
After having my Rockhopper stolen, I wanted to get a bike that was as tough as my Rockhopper, allowed me to manouver around pedestrians, cars, cabs and was light enough that I could still hop curbs, trash can puddles and anything else I encountered while in the city and the F3 does it all with ease. I looked at the new 29ers from Specialized, Kona bikes and a couple of other 08 models the Caffine F3 was the winner hands down.
This is my first Cannondale and to be honest I was a little hesitant because I didn't know how the headshok was going to respond during a ride or if the Cannondale was going to give me a better experience than my Rockhopper.
I'm 5'7 about 165lbs and this bike has taken all of the beating I have laid out for it thus far. I ride a lot of stream and trails duringthe weekend and the Caffine F3 give me a nice body position, allows me to manouver around mot anything with ease and is light and fast. All the stock parts are nice except the seat, unless you're working on having buns of steel.
My recommendation is get one of you like being in control of your bike and one that will respond to your every motion and give you a sweet ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Savage
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin TX US Date Reviewed: January 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill Ranch (Smithville TX)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
A very nice ride for the price. Well equipped for the price too. When its all working and nothing is broken its a very rewarding bike to ride. Handles great, rides stiff in the right places and light enough for long climbs.
Weaknesses:
My bike has been in for a defective fork cartridge twice in less than 6 months of ownership, during which its been ridden for a total of less than 20 hours. Cannondale takes their sweet time to get a replacement part out to the dealer. The fork is my only complaint and I'm severely disappointed with its durability.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher cake DLXII, Cannondale F2000, Bontrager Privateer, Cannondale Jekyll
Bike Setup:
Stock, out of the box with the exception of the pedals - I didnt find them to my liking at all. Thats just my opinion, the seem to function as designed however.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike plagued with fork durability issues. If the fork would work for more than 10 hours without blowing a cartridge on regular walking trail rides I would have better things to say about it. I have had one replacement fork as it was defective when I bought it. The replacement has broken in less than 20 hours of very easy riding and its been sitting in the shop for the last 2 weeks and will probably sit there for one more week im told. Cannondale warranty issues take forever apparently.. how hard is it to ship a fork cartridge? Answer and Marzocchi have 48 hour turn around on warranty issues. Im very dissappointed in the support from Cannondale. Given the choice again, even though this is a great bike, I would buy something else. There are other great bikes with more reliable front end setups.
It would be a great bike and great value but mine has been in for repair too long for me to be happy about buying it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin
a Racer
from VA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Third Battlefield
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Element Sports, Winchester
Strengths:
Lightweight Caffeine Frame, Made In the USA, lightweight headshock 2.85 lbs, very nimble
Weaknesses:
took off an inch on both sides of the handlebars, the FSA bars are usually a tad longer than my preference for singletrack riding.
Similar Products Used:
when it comes to aluminum, I think canndonale is one of the best. "crack and fail"
Bike Setup:
Stock except for WTB dual density grips and exiwolf tires.
Bottom Line:
Good midprice upgrade or entry level bike. Very fast, compents are are nice, Handles well, climbs well too. Pretty lightweight for the price, mine is around 27 lbs, large frame. I'm not a bike weight freak. "Its not about the bike"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Carson
a Weekend Warrior
from Spartanburg, SC, USA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any trail at Dupont Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Bike Worx
Strengths:
Very firm feel, sturdy frame, lock out with adjustable shock, good batch of components, clipless pedals, very lightweight, great paint job.
Weaknesses:
Brake cable needs a zip tie to hold it to the fork. If not the cable rubs the front tire.
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Hilltopper SX, Trak 4300
Bike Setup:
Factory Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great hardtail for the weekend warrior like myself or for a more competitive rider. I am a tall guy and it fits me better than any bike I have owned or have test driven. It is also a very light bike. My extra large bike is lighter than most of my friend medium sized bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Kern
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
town run trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
BGI
Strengths:
very light weight frame. Good stock components, lock out suspension a great idea from cannondale. You can take this bike from the shop right to the trail and be good to go
Weaknesses:
Could use a better derailuer, but the X7 does the job for me
Similar Products Used:
Trek 3900, does not even compare
Bike Setup:
stock components
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Lightest bike I tested in the 1100-1300 price range at multiple bike shops. Controls great and the single tube susension is lightweight, practical and asy to lock out on the go for quick climbs and I use it for road rides as well. Don't worry about the lack of rear suspension, this bike handles and rides like a dream. I would say this bike is good for the weekend warrior, and even the heavy trail rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Reson, VA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$980.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
The aluminum frame is lightweight and extremely responsive. The lockout feature on head shock is convenient for sustained climbs.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None. I've been sold on Cannondales for the past 12 years.
Bike Setup:
Stock - for now.
Bottom Line:
This bike, like any other Cannondale I've had is a solid, fast, bike; and it climbs like a champ!
I'd highly recommend the Caffeine 3 if you want to hit the trails hard while being budget savvy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Olson
a Cross Country Rider
from IA, USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
North Towne Cycling
Strengths:
The frame is light, the finishing is excellent and it fits well. The head shock is real nice on the trail it soaks up bumps and rebounds just right.The head shock also makes the bike light in the front so it is easy to get the front end up and over stuff.The FSA alpha drive crankset is firm and quiet.
Weaknesses:
The mavic X117 rims seem a little soft. They warped after the first road ride. The bike store trued them up no charge, after this they have been decent.
Similar Products Used:
specialized hard rock, ibex alpine 550
Bike Setup:
Everything is stock except for the seat and tires. Replaced with a WTB pure seat and specialized enduro tires.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike, it is a real fast ride and easy to control on the trail. The lock out on the head shock comes in handy on the uphills. Cannondale has done well on selecting the components and the quality of frame and fork is top notch.
Anyone looking for a hard tail cannot go wrong choosing this bike, it was a good purchase for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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