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Submitted by
Froglipp
a Weekend Warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Rosaryville, Wakefield, Fairland | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | My first MTB. Have had it for about 4-5 years and I think, for the price, you can't ask for more. I do ride this bike over obstacles, off of ramps, thru mud, up hills, rock gardens, quick downhill, etc. I have raced with it and have even rode it (with 26" slicks) fully loaded on a 200 mile bike tour and it performs admirably. But since it is my first MTB I probably don't know any better. | | Weaknesses: | The seat was uncomfortable and was replaced, to be expected. The IRC tires were crappy and I had several flats until I switched to Panaracer XC FirePro. Replaced the stock, very creaky pedals with clipless Shimanos. | | Bike Setup: | Stock aside from the seat, tires, and pedals. Might consider a different seatpost. Since it is disc brake ready I thought I might go that direction and switch over but can't justify the expense when the rim brakes work just fine. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike that will give the beginning MTBR many years of fun. Bums me out that Cannondale is making a lot of their bikes overseas now but I guess they have to be competitive. If given the option I would buy this bike again. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
frank191
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$479.00 | | Strengths: | Great bike for a beginner, with plenty of potential as you get better since the frame is so good. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, forks, shifters. | | Bike Setup: | WTB tires. Sette seat. Other upgrades planned soon.(especially forks) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, you just are going to need to spend about 500 bucks on it to reach the true potential. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry Gabriel
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | mianus river | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$590.00 | | Purchased At: | New Cannan Cyclery | | Strengths: | For the price, an excellent all around "mountain bike", great frame, made in the USA! | | Weaknesses: | After about a year of weekend rding and general transportation, the components started to strain, paint on the handlebars can chip and scratch. Came with elementary Manitou fork. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F4, Santa Cruz Chamellion. | | Bike Setup: | Stock parts- Manitou Six, Shimano, Trueactiv. | | Bottom Line: | Despite some cheap components, this is an excellent trail bike for a teenager getting into the sport or a weekend warrior. This bike comes from a great company and is one the best values on the market today. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent Pierce
a Weekend Warrior
from Carrollton GA USA
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali somewhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | peachtree chitty | | Strengths: | Nice frame. I doubt there is much diference between it and the f400 other than components. Rims have been put through hell and still true. Bottom bracket and crank seems like little need to upgrade until it breaks and after one year its still running strong. Stem is atleast not a brick. | | Weaknesses: | Lol ok here we go. Keep in mind you get what you paid for. Some of my buddies spent 4-5k on their bikes and when you ride a racer-x for a weekend, you start getting really picky about whats wrong with your bike. To start the fork is the worst idea cannondale ever put on a bike. The fork was so bad that I am not even sure if I'll buy cannondale again. It felt alot like riding on an air-mattres and the rebound adjustment was useless. I've seen huffies at walmart with better forks. Keep in mind this was my firt suspension MTB so I had to ride for a while to figure this out.
The breaks are tolerable but I got the XTR v-breaks and that made a world of diference.
The shifters are bass backwards which means if switch bike with someone expect to have to have to relearn how to shift again. I got some Shram x7's on the way to fix that.
bottom bracket is low. About an inch lower than your average hard riding XC frame. Why? I can't figure out because its suppose to be a mountain bike. I chose a fox 100mm to compensate for that. My stock seat was a bit hard on the bumn so I switched that as well for the 84% penile bload-flow seat. My boys have never been happier. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Avid Ti, XTR v-breaks, Fox 100, shram x7 | | Bottom Line: | So the parts now cost more than the bike; however, now it rides alot better. The Frame is by far its best quality and thats a good thing. Parts can be up-graded as you go but there is not much you can do if a bike has a crappy frame to start. I'm sure I'll have a new frame in 6 months but that is because I have the MTB fever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Russo
a Cross Country Rider
from Saint James, NY, U S A
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | rp, setauket | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | cannondale furio x frame--very light, very stiff. | | Weaknesses: | total bike weight a little on the heavy side (30lbs), but 5.5 of that is the manitou fs fork--which doesn't perform well in cold wx (<35 degrees.)
| | Similar Products Used: | cannondale m400 | | Bike Setup: | manitou elite fs fork, combo sram shimano drivetrain shifts well enough. cannondale v-brakes could be better. wheels quick to come out of true but that's after a few hard rides. | | Bottom Line: | this frame is a keeper and is the same frame used on the high end hard tails in the cannondale line up.
great entry-medium level bike that can be upgraded as you wish to rival near high end cannondales. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from Darien
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | Light frame, very versital geometry | | Weaknesses: | No disk brake mounts in the rear, Terrible stock components | | Similar Products Used: | jamis komodo, gary fisher big sur | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black, Avid front disk brake, race face prodogy cranks, race face bb, sun ryno lite rims, deore/lx shifters, panaracer xc treads. | | Bottom Line: | Its an ok bike for any very casual rider but this bike can not handle any even slightly above ordianry trail conditions without having to replace some component on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Grosinski
a
from Hopatcong, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft | | Strengths: | The Frame is very light and very upgradable, the forks seem to be holding in pretty well, and most of the components. | | Weaknesses: | Both of my Sram X4 Triggers broke. One was broken when I bought the bike and the other 4 months later. Very weak tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper, Trek 4900, Gary Fischer Pirhana, and Haro V4. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Cannondale F300 Changed out tires to WTB Velociraptors. Crank Bros. Mallet C's. | | Bottom Line: | For the money I couldn't have asked for a better bike. I ride this bike 3 to 4 days a week and love it. I have taken it to the local Free Ride Park three times and the only damage was a flat tire.
If you are looking for an entry level bike that will last you a long time then this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chip
a Cross Country Rider
from Rota, Spain
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Sierra de San Christobal | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$539.00 | | Purchased At: | Navy Exchange | | Strengths: | Frame size, dimensions. Ease of upgrades if needed. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing to serious so far. Binders could be a little more manly... (brakes) | | Similar Products Used: | Several rebadged treks and giants (I live in Spain and apparently this is legal here...) | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ exception of bar ends and new insoles (tubes)... | | Bottom Line: | My reward for quitting smoking... Been riding for past 30 years in one form or another. Great all around, do anything bike. I'm 6'6" and 240 lbs and the bike fits me great. (Post is just barely past minimum mark ;-) Have given it a regular beating every weekend and several days during the week with nothing more than general maintainance required. When something eventually breaks (still waiting), will upgrade accordingly. Withstands navigational errors (crashes) much better than I do.. Great frame, great feel and fantastic fun... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce Chee
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Lauderdale, FL,USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Any XC single track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$549.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Wheel bicycles,Federal HWY | | Strengths: | Most definately impresed with frame and wheels. For a entry level bike the geometry of this bike is very good. | | Weaknesses: | Components are cheap, but what one would expect for the price, It's the frame you really pay for. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized rockhopper, Giant | | Bottom Line: | After getting back to off road riding after a 10yr break, i desided to start of with the entry level F300,(Budget played a big part aswell, I'm married now), Wrong bike for me, I'm a heavy set guy at 230lbs and i ride quite hard putting a lot of stress on the bike and components. After the second week on an incline at Markam park,i bent the middle chain ring in a big way, just from sheer torque.Guess the Truvativ isoflow didn't cut the mustard. I've since replaced it with the Shimano LX Hollow Tech and i consider it a huge upgrade, so far so good. I've had a few nasty spills, which i consider just a learning curve causing components such as break and shifting levers, pedals, cables, to be replaced and as they break i always upgrade to something stronger. Bottom line, this bike is great for the money and for some one who wants to stay with the novice tracks and dosn't get crazy with this bike, as for me i will just keep on upgrading,knowing full well that i should have just saved those pennies a little longer and aimed for a bike between the $1000-$2000 range, after all,you only get what you pay for.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PAUL
a Cross Country Rider
from CHICAGO
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | KETTLES | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | KOZYS | | Strengths: | GREAT BIKE OUT OF THE BOX. | | Weaknesses: | REPLACED THE FORK AS IT WAS WARPED, SAME REPLACEMENT WORKS GREAT | | Bike Setup: | OUT OF THE BOX | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A GREAT BIKE... BEING FROM ENGLAND, I ALWAYS HEARD OF THE GREAT BUILD QUALITY OF THE CANNONDALE FRAME...PURCHASING THE F300 (2005) DID NOT DISAPPOINT.. AND IT WAS ONLY 500 OF YOUR BUCKS... THESE RETAIL FOR 400-500 POUNDS IN THE UK (APPROX 750USD), YOU CHAPS GET REAL VALUE FOR MONEY...
i RIDE THIS BIKE EVERY OTHER DAY ALONG THE LAKE PATH.. APPROX 20 MILE ROUND TRIP AND RIDE IT HARD ON TRAILS AT WEEKENDS... I HAVE PUT THIS LITTLE MEAN MACHINE THROUGH ITS PACES AND ITS STILL IN GREAT SHAPE...
COMPONENTS DO THE JOB...... DON'T BE WOOED INTO THE INFERIOR FRAME COMPETITORS WITH HIGHER END COMPONENTS.. THE F300 IS FANTASTIC AND WILL BE MY RIDDING BUDDY FOR MANY MORE YEARS TO COME..
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | None | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$611.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame. | | Weaknesses: | Cheap components (see my detail review). | | Similar Products Used: | Test drove a 2005 Rockhopper, Norco Bush Pilot, Jamis, Kona | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in May 2006, after tested riding it against a 2005 Specialized RockHopper, 2006 Norco Bush pilot, Jamis and a Kona. It gave me the best feeling, not sure what made it so special but it felt the best for all the bikes I tested drove. After taking the bike home, I had a chain suck on the first night I rode it. I unjammed the chain, had another chain suck 2 days later. Brought it back to the LBS,they 'unbent' the 2nd chain gear and adjusted the shifter. Chain suck again on the same night. LBS exchanged another F300, rode it again couple times - chain suck again, the 2nd gear was bent so bad that the bike could not be rode, chain suck would occur 100%. Brought it back to the dealer, they changed the 2nd chain gear with a Superpro DH, haven't had a chain suck since (finger crossed). My conclusion, Cannondale put substandard parts on the F300 that could not stand up to even normal use. I understood F300 was Cannondale's entry mountain bike, but it costed $699CDN nonetheless, I expected it to come with parts that was not Walmart quality. Additional information, the chain suck occurred on city streets and bike path and NOT on a
mountain trail. The bike had under 20km when all these happened. To be fair, the bike was great after the 2nd chain ring was replaced, it felt great, that was why I bought it in the first place. But given all the trouble I went through to get it going, not sure I want to recommend it to anyone I know. On the up side, Bow Cycle had great customer services, their staffs helped me to get rid of this problem. Kudos to Calgary Bow Cycle. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Traverse City, MI
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | City Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame, ride quality, made in U.S.A. | | Weaknesses: | Several bikes in this price range had higher level components. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode the G.F. Marlin, GT Avalanche 2.0, Raleigh M80, Specialized Rockhopper, and the Trek 4500. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for a trail worthy mountain bike in the $500 price range. The last mountain bike I owned was a 1993 Bridgestone MB-5 and the last time I'd done much trail riding was 1996. All of the bikes I test rode were far superior to anything I'd ridden in the past. So that was my first impression, that whatever bike I chose was going to be an improvement over my old ride. The Cannondale was the first bike I test rode and, despite the slightly higher level of componentry on a few of the other bikes, its ride won me over. It fit me the best and gave me the greatest feeling of control and confidence. Having been riding it on the trails for a month now I'm very happy with my decision. I continue to be very pleased with the way it rides. In this price range, honestly, you're just buying a bike to get out and ride. I doubt you could go wrong with any of the models I test rode, but I would highly recommend the Cannondale. If you want the highest level of componentry for your money it may not be the bike for you. But if you're looking for the best ride, highest quality frame, and value a product made in the U.S.A. this is the bike for you. I love the way it rides and figured it was a better value to buy that and have the option to upgrade components in the future than to put my money into higher grade components on a frame that, to me, didn't ride as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Niles
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Bottom Line: | Update on my review below:
I took the bike back to REI, where of course the problem refused to manifest itself. Since then I've been out twice, to Avalon and Loch Raven, and it's performed admirably through everything I've thrown at it; even a couple of pretty spectacular wipeouts didn't faze it. This is a great bike for someone at my level; a.k.a. an enthusiastic newbie that wants a bike they can grow on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Niles
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalon @ Patapsco, so far | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Excellent geometry; handles well; disc-compatible frame | | Weaknesses: | low-end components | | Bike Setup: | added shimano clipless pedals to stock setup | | Bottom Line: | I rode the F300 for one day up and down muddy hills at Patapsco Valley park. The front brakes started making rubbing noises, un-activated, before we even got onto the trail. The bike was light enough to climb easily, and it handled the downhill twisties fairly nimbly. The drivetrain shifted consistently and reliably even when loaded, for about half the day. Halfway through hour 4 of our ride, the rear derailleur began periodically refusing to upshift. Better to be stuck in a low gear than in a high one I guess, but I'm taking the bike back to REI tomorrow for a tune-up. Hopefully it's just a problem with the out-of-the-box adjustments on both the brake and the derailleur. I'll add an update later. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Clarksville, TN
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Montgomery Bell State Park, Green/Yellow | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Strengths: | Frame, OK components for the price. | | Weaknesses: | The fork pretty well sucks and the shifter/brake levers are kinda crapy and awkward. the frame and fork are set up for disk brakes but not the hubs. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Single speed set up. Shimano Clipless pedals, Avid single digit 7 brakes, avid brake levers, Minatou Axel adjustable fork and a few other odds and ends. | | Bottom Line: | For the money this bike is a good buy. Just buy it and upgrade as you wear things out. One thing that really disapointed me was the fact that the frame and fork were disk compatable the hubs are not. so if you are wanting to use disk brakes in the future you will be buying new wheels as well. Before turning the bike to a single speed i upgraded most of the major componets, brakes, fork, pedals, rear deraillur, rear cassette, chain rings. if i were to the keep the bike like normal i would have replaced the shifter/brake levers, and made it an 9 speed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a
from PA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | sure do | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Frame
Fork | | Weaknesses: | components | | Similar Products Used: | yes | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent example of a $300 bike that sells for $550, just because of the name on the frame. I'll hand it to cannondale, but with the components on this bike, I'm not sure what you are paying for, considering the frames aren't made like they used to be. Still a good bike, but seems like you are overpaying. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | H.H.S.S.R.A. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Park Ave. Bikes | | Strengths: | great frame, geometry, Upgradeable, light weight for the price, | | Weaknesses: | front derailer dosn't want to stay adjusted, components are low end but it is enough to get me out riding again. Also I keep getting flats in the rear. Its probably just me though. | | Similar Products Used: | I looked at several bikes when i was in the market. Gary Fisher ???, Specialized rockhopper/hardrock, trek 6500, gient Iguana, some Fuji one, and others | | Bike Setup: | stock except for a sweet set of bar ends. lots of upgrades planed | | Bottom Line: | After about 2 months of seriously looking this thing was a jem. the Manitou shock is plush feeling although it is starting to develope some stiction. I can't say enough about the frame. as far as i could see Cannondale only makes 1 XC hardtail frame which means that this is the same one used on their high end racing bikes. the components are very low end but who cares. I'm just going out to ride and replace them with better ones as they break. Why waist money on high end components when you are just getting back into the game. at this point the frame is what matters and this one rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Nebesni
a Weekend Warrior
from Kinnelon, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood state park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft Parsipany | | Strengths: | Frame, light weight, lifetime frame coverage, stock tires do not like pavement (wear very fast) | | Weaknesses: | Front shock, stock brake pads, seat, overpaying for the "bling" name. | | Similar Products Used: | First "good" bike. previous bike was an F.S. Elite. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with Avid brake pads | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, no components failed, except for the stock brake pads (even the guy at the shop was laughing) they are really crappy, I burned through them within 6 months. I have no problem with V-brakes, but I have never replaced pads on any other bike I have every ridden (even the "K mart specials") Good bike, however, you could probably get a better bike at a cheaper price by going to another brand. Serious or thrifty riders should look at other bikes. Average riders, that want to have fun, this bike is for you. Overall the bike is OK, nothing special, nothing too bad about it. Though it is cool to be a little different from everyone and ride a Cannondale while everyone else is either on a Giant or on the Lance Armstrong bandwagon and ride Treks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerry
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Strengths: | All round excellent bike. Great frame...feels very well put together. | | Weaknesses: | The fork is a bit iffy - difficult to adjust and now starting to get sticky.
Saddle and pedals need replaced before you ever ride it! | | Similar Products Used: | Older cannondale mtb....much older. | | Bike Setup: | standard except for new saddle and pedals and some bar ends | | Bottom Line: |
If you are looking for a bike to ride on light trails, and around town this is one to consider strongly. The purchase cost has gone into the frame, so there is a lot of scope for upgrading to higher end components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Smith, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | Champion Cycle | | Strengths: | I like the ergo's. I am 6'1 and 225, but I don't feel cramped. The fram is set up to upgrade to front and rear disc brakes. I like the responsiveness of the Manitou front forks. | | Weaknesses: | Only my abilities | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I am a enduro/motorcycle rider at heart and I thought that it would be good cross training. I know that I'm new to the mtb scene, but I have really enjoyed my f300. It has a solid light frame, decent brakes, and shifts reliably and smoothly every time. The bike inspires a beginner like me to push myself and to ride everyday. I would recomend the Cannondale f300 to every day of the week and twice on Sunday. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben
a Cross Country Rider
from glastonbury
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything is fun | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$430.00 | | Strengths: | definetly the frames strength I have had to jump off cause I couldnt stop intime and even thought I messed up my brakes the frame and bars stayed in place and in shape | | Weaknesses: | Shox omg I have gotten better at using em but they are so touchy and it takes nothing to bottom them out. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. You can put add-ons on the brakes and it is easy to fix with a few tools. I myself would have liked it better if they went with their original design and would have had like 6 1/2 shox with everything the same. overall it was a good buy even though my stupid friend bought a kona kikapu and says mine sucks even though i can do more than he can on mine. if you want 10 foot drops dont buy. If you are a beginner looking for a highend bike it is a good buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles England, Jr
a Weekend Warrior
from Norristown, PA, Montgomery
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Green Lane | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$582.00 | | Purchased At: | Beans Cycle | | Strengths: | Great looks. OK components | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shock Judy TT's
| | Similar Products Used: | Had a couple of Trek mountain Bikes (hardtails) | | Bike Setup: | Stock, nothing changed yet. I'll replace them when I break them!!!! (Times ticking :-) | | Bottom Line: | I ride with a couple of my buddies that have more expensive bikes and I still hold my own! I suggest changing the shocks and pedals. Begginers and intermidiate riders will be happy with what they get for the price. Other than that, RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE SOMETHING!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbo McWeinerson
a Cross Country Rider
from Chula Vista, California, USA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | Providence Cycles | | Strengths: | The frame is really solid. It's durable, and wide enough to put on big tires--I was able to cram in 2.5 inch Maxxis Hookworms no problem. As for everything else--nothing really stands out as amazing, but everything works well together, is durable, and hey, what more can you ask for from a 560 dollar bike? | | Weaknesses: | The fork kind of sucks. It's pretty sticky and the small bump sensitivity sucks a bag of dicks. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Azonic X-tension pedals and Maxxis Hookworm tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is a lot of bike for your money. I've ridden it daily for about 2 years and haven't had a single problem with it. I haven't completely flogged the bike, but nor has it just pedalled down smooth pavement everyday either. Basically it's a great bike for your money, and can keep up with anything 90% of riders will throw at it. Can it do 15 foot drops every day? No probably not. If you're into that, get a Banshee Scream. If you commute every day and ride some single track on weekends, the only reason I can think of to get a more expensive bike is the weight savings. I personally don't care, so I bought this bike and have been extremely happy with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Granger
a Weekend Warrior
from Dunedin, Florida US
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Pinellas | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Chainwheel Drive, Clearwater | | Strengths: | Nice fit and finish, extremely smooth shifting and riding bike. Strong brakes (when dry) and fork seems to be just right. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing that I can tell. A great bike for the money and class. May upgrade to a disk in the back for all the florida rain. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized stuff | | Bottom Line: | If you are a taller rider try the larger sizes of this bike. The frame geometry is great for a big guy like me (6'2") and doesn't look distorted in the larger sizes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas Tx
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$479.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels in Motion | | Strengths: | Good looking, Cannondale quality and reputation.
Price. | | Weaknesses: | None really, componenst sure could be better but come on its a 500 dollar bike. | | Similar Products Used: | RD coyote , JUNK .. | | Bike Setup: | Crossmax Xl, Hutchinson Octupus UST 2.35, Azonic X-ten pedals,
Easton ML XC bar, Race face Deaus stem , Thomson elite seatpost, Avid mech disk front , XT v-brake rear , WTB saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line the bike is a great starter bike for learning all the upgrade game, thsi bike upgrades well except the rear is not disk comaptible , no big deal the XT rear brake kills the Avid disk anyway, but the disk looks muck cooler. I want to upgrade the fork to something nice Fox/Manitou and then I would really see what the bike can do,but for now on single track and mud, I have no complaint's in fact id say its Sweet. Im happy and would recom,end the bike to anyone, and I would never sell this bike either, I may buy another more serious full susp eventually but this one will always be in my stable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from los angeles, ca usa
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | 8000 feet above pasadena | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$520.00 | | Purchased At: | Helens Santa Monica | | Strengths: | Light for Entry level, Solid Frame, Stylish. | | Weaknesses: | Components should be better. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 80 and Old Biannchi | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I think I have had the worst luck. My chain popped off first day. It popped off another time and it got bent so after it skipped. Then the whole left arm of the crank came off. Helens upgraded Crank to Shimano Deore and the front derailer to Deore XT. Then the pedal broke. That's right, the steel rod that goes through the pedal broke and I am not a huge person. Spent 35 bucks on new pedals. Now the Coasting ability and speed has dropped. Think I'll have to upgrade bearings or rims. Not much else better on the market for the price but I have had a crappy time with this more so because I am a commuter. My advice to anyone who is going to be riding 10 or more miles a day. Invest more because no one wants to be stuck on the side of the road. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon
a Weekend Warrior
from Waipahu, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$425.00 | | Purchased At: | McCully Bicycle | | Strengths: | Great frame
Geometry provides good stability and control | | Weaknesses: | Rock Shox Judy TT fork
Shimano Shifter/brake combo (personal preference) | | Similar Products Used: | 1984 Bridgestone 12-spd Road/Touring bike, 1993 Giant Acapulco 18 spd MTB | | Bike Setup: | Basically Stock except for Specialized Hemisphere EX tires and Specialized Telluride Comp saddle | | Bottom Line: | Although this is Cannondale's entry level mtb, I was surprised at the stability and control of the bike after test riding a Gary Fisher Marlin (genesis geometry was not for me I guess), a few Giants (although I own an old Giant, Giant's seem a bit "twitchy" to me) and a Trek 4300 (components not as good as the Cannondale. Shimano C050 front derailleur and Alivio rear derailleur for same $$$ - No Way!). Many bash Cannondale for specing low end components for the price but I think the Treks are even worst! Bike is fairly light except for the fork (heavy and it is basically a touring fork not a mountain bike fork). I do not really like the combo shimano shifter/brake levers (personal preference) but they work fine. I have never climbed hills easier on any bike like I do with the F300. The frame is excellent and begs for component upgrades! If you are in the market for an entry level bike, do not pass up test riding the Cannondale F300. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricky Wong
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, New York, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | city streets and the westside highway path | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike -N- Gear | | Strengths: | Solid build (made in the good ole' USA) and very user friendly for this beginner. Looks sharp too! | | Weaknesses: | Nothing as of yet, other than it looks very attractive to thieving ass punks. | | Similar Products Used: | I haven't ridden in almost 5 years, had a Trek 830 back in college. | | Bike Setup: | Dead stock, added a rear blinkie reflector for the blind cabbies. | | Bottom Line: | Here's the deal, I live in NYC and needed something to help me get around and also get some exercise in. Sadly, Bike -N- Gear was going out of business and I managed to get this bike CHEAP. So far, I'm managing pretty well in the streets during the weekdays and on the weekends, I tackle the local bike path. I like the bike a lot, I have peace of mind that the bike is solidly built and feels like it will last for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ft. Rock, Pawtuckaway SP, Walker Ranch-Boulder,CO | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Exeter Cycles | | Strengths: | Solid frame | | Weaknesses: | No Disc Brake Compatibility, Stock seat is too comfortable, Weak Stock brakes and components | | Similar Products Used: | older F300 | | Bike Setup: | 2004 F300, Kore Riser Bar, Truvativ Team Stem, Manitou Black Comp 120mm, Avid Single Digit 7 V-brakes, XT front & rear derr., XT 8-Speed Cassette, WTB Rocket V Saddle, Shimano 545 SPD pedals | | Bottom Line: | A good starter mountain bike, but stock components are horrible. I have upgraded a lot, and now the bike is set for aggressive XC riding. Plush Manitou Black fork is great, soaks up everything, and helps going downhill. I just put new Avid v-brakes on, which perform awesome. The bike probably weighs around 27 pounds. I am now looking to sell it and buy a new full suspension Cannondale Jekyll. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Thompson
a Weekend Warrior
from Royal Oak , Michigan
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mayberry State park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Continential Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Made in the United States of America.
Excellent quality rigid frame with perfect finish.
Quality components. | | Weaknesses: | Shifters on factory bike were rapid fire the paddle type.
Paid extra to have grip shifters installed at shop. Handlebars too bent and too wide and not straight enough. Had these changed at additional cost. | | Similar Products Used: | This replaces my old Trek 930 with Rock Shock. | | Bike Setup: | Added grip shifters, aluminum bars on handle bar and replaced factory handle bar. | | Bottom Line: | My buddy has a Kona and rode my Cannondale and it reminded him of a Hummer. You sit back further and ride les aggressive. The farme sizes are strange. They go S,M,Large verse typical dimensions.
I live the bike. It is light weight, extremely rigid, and ready to take some extreme abuse on the single trail.
It warms my heart to know my purchase helps to support our national economy by buying domestic products. The factory in Pennsyvania makes an very high quality frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from kansas city Missouri
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Smithville Lakes | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$525.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Source | | Strengths: | I love the frame. The bike moves from single track to city commuting with no problem. | | Weaknesses: | Awful brakes, stock seat, front derailleur, stock tires wore out quick | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | m-324 spd pedals, specialized race seat, specialized bar ends, rear mud guard | | Bottom Line: | I didn't mind spending a little extra for the cannondale frame with similar bikes selling for $100 less with the same components. This bike will take some serious off road abuse. But a new fork, tires, and drivetrain would make it a much more capable bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Ching
a Cross Country Rider
from Honoulu, Hawaii, USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | markching@hawaii.rr.com | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$365.00 | | Purchased At: | McCully Bike Shop, Hawaii | | Strengths: | Very light, appealing colors, excellent ride & easy to shift gears on the fly. | | Weaknesses: | I fell on my ass the first time I rode it. (my fault though haha) | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Fully loaded | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, it's perfect for my work out & is simply amazing for off road or street riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a
from Exeter,New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | FT. ROCK!! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Exeter Cycles | | Strengths: | Solid frame, value priced | | Weaknesses: | components | | Similar Products Used: | '99 F300 | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Cannondale F300, Manitou Black Comp Fork 100-120, Shimano XT rear and front derailleur, and XT Cassette, SRAM chain, Shimano M545 clipless pedals, Kore riser bar, Kore lite stem, Panaracer FireXC tires 2.1 | | Bottom Line: | I made the first review at the bottom, and here is my update: The frame is awesome, takes drops up to 3ft++, I upgraded to the Black fork and has improved performance 1000%!!! I ride in 120 mm all the time, nice! My chain broke again, which broke the derailleurs, cassette and spoke. So I upgraded to XT parts. Killer bike. Great all mountain bike with these upgrades. Buy it, break stuff, and build it up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Holdridge the grinder | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$560.00 | | Purchased At: | B3 | | Strengths: | good strong frame, mabe it through a year and 4 months of me riding/ racing it. got hit by a car while riding it as well bike is still ok except bent rim | | Weaknesses: | components, if you plan on racing up grade as you need to. | | Similar Products Used: | other brand hardtail MTB bikes | | Bike Setup: | purchesed: stock
racing current XT/XTR mix | | Bottom Line: | I road this bike my first year racing, it helped me to be the State TT serice Champion and the top 3 in the Championship point series. I have put about 3000 miles on this frams and still plan on racing on it in the 04 season. Cannondale makes GREAT BIKES. besides that they are MADE IN THE USA | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a
from Lewiston, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$535.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedals & Spokes | | Strengths: | Cannondale's attention to detail and quality control is among the best on the market. | | Weaknesses: | None so far! | | Similar Products Used: | Raliegh M-40, M-50, Specialized Hardrock Comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock except the following: Deore front derailer, Redline platform pedals, comfort(big butt)seat, rack, Armadilo tires | | Bottom Line: | Bought this bike as a commuter and to do family rides around our local community. The bike does not have any serious off-road use in it's future, so I except it may outlast me from the quality I have seen so far. The other bikes I have used and the one's currently in our family are very good bikes, but the combination of componets and frame geometry makes this the easiest bike to attack the hills around here. To say I'm happy with my purchase is an under-statement. Theres a good chance Cannondale has earned all my future business. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Exeter, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ft. Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Exeter Cycles | | Strengths: | GOOD BEGINNER MOUNTAIN/COMMUTER BIKE | | Weaknesses: | I broke the chain in the first few months. The Judy TT is a stiff shock(too stiff for light rider-115 lbs.) Also, the bottom bracket started making a cracking sound when I accelerated so I had it teflon taped. I had to replace the stock Welgo pedals, because they cracked from hitting too many rocks. | | Similar Products Used: | older model Cannondale F300 | | Bike Setup: | STOCK: Rock Shox Judy TT, Shimano Deore rear derailleur, Shimano Alvio front derailleur and shifters, Truvativ Crankset Weight:28 lbs
UPGRADES:Specialized Saddle, Gary Fisher Platform Pedals ........ Looking to upgrade to LX components, and maybe Manitou Skareb fork | | Bottom Line: | I rode this bike hard 5 times a week on trails last fall. I wished I had bought the Cannondale F400 or F600. Both have the Cannondale Headshock, which rides and steers much better and both have better components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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