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Submitted by
keesue
a Racer
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The streets of San Fran | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$995.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle City | | Strengths: | Solid made in USA frame. Quality construction. | | Weaknesses: | The seat | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to XT cranks and XT shifters. Upgraded seat to Terry fly gel racing seat. | | Bottom Line: | After upgrading the seat, the shifters and the crank, the bike is great. I put 1.3 conti street slicks on it for city duty and it is quick and very precise handling. It is a blast to ride. The flat black look is awesome. I get compliments on it all the time. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
clj766
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte NC. usa
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | sherman | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | battle creek MI. | | Strengths: | Ridgid frame, nice welds, raw finish looks nice, sram x-7, frame warranty, | | Weaknesses: | chain cheapest sram makes, seat sucks, wheels cheapest xc mavic 117, for what I paid should have hydros, tires suck, bars to wide, headshock not much travel, | | Similar Products Used: | GF piranna, | | Bike Setup: | IRC kujo 2.35's plush but to heavey for xc, specialized seat and lock on grips, sram 991 crosslink chain best sram makes, | | Bottom Line: | If I could do it over I would have bought used bike with upgraded parts or maybe a 29er Rode a specialized rockhopper 29er and loved it compared to my bike. Good frame just the parts on it are pretty standard I would prefer a lefty over the headshock at least it has some travel. My back wheel has a hop in it I only weigh 150 thats after having it trued. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roddy090
a Cross Country Rider
from RI
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | ski market | | Strengths: | Light, balance, smooth ride, descent components for now | | Weaknesses: | wide bars, already broke the shock lockout (I went off a 4 foot drop with the lockout off. It should have handled it.) | | Bike Setup: | stock except I cut 1 inch (thats as far as the shifter and brake lever will move in) off each side of the handle bars with a pipe cutter . Helped a bit, very easy to do.
Put quality platform pedals on for now. | | Bottom Line: | I am very happy with the bike. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a $1000 bike.
The shock is getting replaced for no cost so I can't complain about that.
It took a little time getting used to the seat, but I can ride for hours now.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kentlewan
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland, CA
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Tam Eldrige Grade | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Sports, Oaklan | | Strengths: | Brakes, Frame, Smooth ride | | Weaknesses: | Suspension Cartridge | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this bike strictly for weekend use on local fire roads. It's a good choice for that, and gets me to the top of the mountain and down without any hitches.
I have continually had problems with the suspension cartridge. After less than 1 year of use, it began leaking, and I have had to have it inflated at local shops ever since (I don't own the special high-pressure pump that is required to inflate it). Just today I was in the shop and the mech showed me that thing is leaking (showing me the gauge), and he says I need new seals - only from a licensed Cannondale shop! That's a real bummer.
I can't fully recommend this bike until Cannondale makes more reliable seals for their suspension cartrige. Or else maybe the local shop (Cylcle Sports) gave me a bummer product. I don't know. I'll probably have the suspension replaced, hopefully with a more reliable version. Otherwise, I am happy with the bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aidan
a
from Portadown, N. Ireland
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Umstead State Park, Raleigh. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | the bicycle chain, Raleigh. N.C. USA | | Strengths: | positive shifting. easy handeling on any surface. light, nimble, great bike for trails or commuting. shock lockout for commuting or climbs. | | Weaknesses: | had to change the saddle and pedals, the stock ones sucked. wide handlebar could be a hinderance in the woods. | | Similar Products Used: | used to own a Gary Fisher Paragon til my housemate in Fla. broke the frame. never lone your bike to anyone, espeacially people who ca'nt appreciate good bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Sram x7 rear works really well. Speacialized seat. IRC Tires, dirt. kevlar Armadillo road/dirt tires, (little heavier but do'nt have to worry about punctures on commutes. edge 205 GPS. Titec bar-ends. Shimano SPD. | | Bottom Line: | best bike i've ever owned though i did like the Fisher. I'm 46 165 lbs. still like to get out on trails. i do'nt race. i'm more the avid enthusiast. but i know bicycles and i like my Cannondale. only thing that concerns me is overhauling the Headshok. i do have a pdf manual for the shok. speacial tools required. but until it breaks i'm riding this killer bike. a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zachary
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Desert, CA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hurkey Creek Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Private Party | | Strengths: | Frame rigidity/lightness, Headshok fork lockout/rebound control, IRC Serac Tires, Disk brakes stop with one-finger pull. | | Weaknesses: | 25mm Riser Bar too wide, Seat twists, stock pedals are no-go, seat causes sore nutz. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Piranha, Rocky Mountain Vertex 50, Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disk, Trek 9000. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced seat with Fizik Nisene Wingflex Sport; Upgraded pedals to Crank Bros. Eggbeaters; SRAM X7 rear mech/shifters, Mavic XM117 rims, IRC Serac 26"x2.1" tires, | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the Porsche of hardtails. It launches like a missile, from a dead-start, climbs like an amped goat, and is SO dialed-in, that all you need to do......is point and shoot it- wherever you want it to go. It's capable of big air, and is so tossable on trails....it should be outlawed.
The handmade Furio frame is an absolute work of art, and inspires confidence and a good set of balls, while aggressively riding. Even diehard roadies are amazed at this bikes' surreal speed, handling, and durability.
If you want REAL bang-for-the-buck......this bike is as bling as it gets- no lie! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Racer
from boulder, co usa
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$47.00 | | Purchased At: | homless mcgee pearl st | | Strengths: | cheap butlong | | Weaknesses: | could keep up with my pants | | Similar Products Used: | coche | | Bike Setup: | seat pedal | | Bottom Line: | quality purchase at 47 dollars got me home that guy probably not. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dash
a Cross Country Rider
from prescott
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | the dirt kind :) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | Reliability, light weight, looks good, resale value, Made in USA! | | Weaknesses: | Headshok cartridge. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized ergo seat, platform pedals, Kenda Nevagal, Rockshox suspension seat post, riser bars, Magura CSS headshok cartridge. | | Bottom Line: | For the money I have zero complaints. Prior to this I rode a Cannondale Super V. Switched to this for lighter weight only. I had zero problems with the Super V as well.
Since purchasing the bike new in '03, the only problem I've faced is the headshok cartridge. I blew an 0-ring. But this took a good three years of many miles of riding. I'd categroize this as typical riding wear & tear. Since the seal was blown, I decided to replace the stock headshok cartridge with the Magura Cannondale CSS. This unit is a true 80mm of travel. It's very plush and has rebound dial similar to the stock Headshok's from '06 and newer.
Best handling XC hardtail for the cash. Replace the cheaper components as they wear out with higher quality/lighter and keep on riding till the paint falls off. Great quality bike, MADE IN THE USA!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham
a Cross Country Rider
from Coeur d Alene, ID
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Canfield Mounain | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Head Shock, Climbing | | Weaknesses: | Steering tube bolt rusted quickly. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale M800 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, nothing failed yet | | Bottom Line: | When I bought the bike I was looking for a good deal on a hardtail. I've ridden the bike for two years now, two to three times a week and no problems as of yet, although the rear derailleur is starting to act up. The bike is a great climber and servicable on the descent. I like the ability to lock out the head shock for smoother climbs and the ride to the trail. Probably upgrade to a full suspension in another year or two, but this bike had held up really well for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Potapsco (Avalon) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS (Princeton Sports) | | Strengths: | Makes me want to ride. Bike is Light, Quick, and Responsive. I love Cannondale's Front Suspension Super Fatty DLR, with adjustable rebound, only 2.85! The Bike just seems well balanced, without excessive wt. in the front from a typical heavy suspension fork. the Avid BB5 disc breaks are one finger action! lots of stopping power. Love the matte blue finish. | | Weaknesses: | Comes with Sram components... I personlly prefer shimano Rapid Fire. I did not like the stock c-dale grips. | | Similar Products Used: | '95 GT Timberline (STX/Alivio) fully rigid. never failed. (old faithful). | | Bike Setup: | I had my LBS set it up with shimano XT Rear Derail. and Shimano LX Rapid Fire shifters. i prefer this over the thumb/thumb action of Sram. Kevlar WTB Velociraptors which are among the best tires out there. changed grips to Odi Lock-on Rouges, awesome upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | Fun Fun Fun to Ride! this bike feels like a solid built quality made bike. that should last quite a while. This bike begs to be ridden and ridden hard! I love to be out on the trail on my new F600. like i said before, what i like best about this bike is it makes me want to ride.. I can't wait for the next time. Just a side note, the Customer Service at Princeton Sports on Falls Road is Fantastic! thanks guys. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam White
a Cross Country Rider
from Great Barrington, MA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The Power Lines in Amherst | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame/Fork Design, Construction and Finish | | Weaknesses: | Some of the Components (Pedals, Seat, Bars, Brake Levers) are on the cheap side. The Jury is still out on the Avid Mechanical Discs. | | Similar Products Used: | F400 | | Bike Setup: | LP Composites XC Riser Bars, Crank Brothers Candy Pedals, TekTro Levers, Serfas Seat, Panaracer Fire XC Tires | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding this bike for two years now. I love the handling, especially on climbs - I rode a GT LTS-1 full suspension before this and never realized how hard I was working. The finish on the frame is unbelievable - I have the Sobe team yellow with the Tribal designs, and the clearcoat is so thick that I have yet to put a significant scratch in it after a couple dozen serious wipeouts.
This is a great bike to buy if you want to get right on the trails and slowly add upgrades over time. The stock components are OK, but as you get more and more comfortable on the bike you'll outgrow many of them. The seat is the one thing I'd replace immediately; the torture device that comes stock is more or less worthless.
What's the deal with Avid Mechanical Discs? In my experience so far they have NOWHERE NEAR the stopping power of V-Brakes, even in wet and muddy conditions! My local wrench monkey says that it's just a matter of fine-tuning, but neither he nor anyone else has been able to dial these things in to my liking. If I had this purchase to make over again, I would opt for regular old V-Brakes.
All-in-all, a sweet ride indeed. And handmade in the U.S.A. too, gotta love that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Sweum
a Cross Country Rider
from Sioux city
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Stone Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Spoke n Sport | | Strengths: | Frame,Headshok,disc brakes,front and rear derailleur,rims | | Weaknesses: | Cannondale in house parts such as seatpost,brake levers and seat.Crank set could be better but have not had any trouble yet with them.No option to put v brakes on the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | 1996 Killer V F700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock until something breaks or wears out. | | Bottom Line: | I race cross country and this bike just flat out gets the job done.I weight 200 lbs and it feels very nimble and sturdy.Climbing is never a issue with this bike.I have the headshok set for my weight and it seems to respond really well to moderate to big bumps.People have been saying the Alpha Drive crankset stinks but honestly I have not had trouble with them.I can live with the in house Cannondale parts,they have to save money somewhere.I can easily hang with riders who have bikes that cost twice as much,and thats the satisfying part.Great bike,I highly recommend it for budget minded cross country racers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from Ozark, Missouri, USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Headshock, relatively lightweight, decent build kit, great handling. | | Weaknesses: | The OEM Fizik saddle was as hard as a rock. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bike Setup: | 2005 matte patriot blue color, WTB Laser V Stealth saddle, Crank Brothers Candy SL pedals, Cane Creek Thudbuster LT 3G, Continental Vertical Protection 2.3 tires. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Its light weight and great shock helps me clear sections of trail I had not cleared before. I also love the matte blue color, it looks different than anything else on the trail.
After adding meatier tires and changing the saddle, seatpost and pedals, this bike suits me very well.
The frame is also worthy of future upgrades if one so chooses, and isn't that part of the fun in our sport anyway? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a
from Myrtle Beach, SC
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Beckley, WV | | Strengths: | Fork lockout. Reasonable componentry. | | Weaknesses: | I didn't like the handlebar. Tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-3 with Syncros parts | | Bike Setup: | Super Fatty Ultra Fork, Easton Bar and Post, XT drivetrain, Michelin tires | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money. Granted, I upgraded mine quite a bit. Out of the box though, decent components. I came to this off of a FS Trek. So much faster, so much more nimble. I was an instant fan after the first trail ride. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a mid-level hardtail who wants a bit of speed added to their rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Clovis, NM USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Paloduro Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Plano Cycling | | Strengths: | '05 look, dimensions, Headshok, disc brakes, super fast, super stiff. Best frame I've ever ridden by far. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals aren't easy, handlebars feel a bit too wide. Probably the only thing I'd change on the bike for easier commuter conversion. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | All stock except Specialized ergo seat. | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'3"/225. Bike fits me absolutely perfectly. I have abused it for a year and it's run flawlessly. The frame rocks. It's light, stiff and responsive, and looks cooler than any bike on the trail (I've got the '05 paintjob that looks like a WWII fighter). The Headshok is a lot tougher than I anticipated. A lot of people have complained about the 80mm travel, and I've certainly bottomed it out a lot, but it's kept its stiffness and response. The stock pedals are not the best, but I've learned to live with them. Bike reminds me of my old BMX bike on the trail as far as jumping and responsiveness, climbs like a banshee on any surface, and flies on the road when I put slicks on for a 24 mile round trip commute to work. I recommend this bike to any bigger person who wants the trail handler, fast climber and road option for a mid-level hard tail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Iron Mountain, Mi, USA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | LSSU | | Strengths: | Strong frame, love the disc brakes, lockout on the front shock is wonderful. | | Weaknesses: | Stock wheels are horrible, seat is uncomfortable, front shock 'could' have more travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing worth mentioning. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XT/Sun Rynolite XL Wheelset, stock crankset/front.rear derailleur/shifters/brakes, Shimano XT m760 cassette, Shimano XT chain, Tioga DH tires | | Bottom Line: | I'm a big guy (290 lbs). So my riding is commuting Monday->Friday and then some mild trails on the weekend. When I first got the bike, I had to replace the wheelset due to the fact that the rims...just weren't strong enough. Just recently, I've had to replace both the chain and the cassette. This is well after a year of riding. I love this bike. If you're a lighter guy (180-200lbs) you shouldn't have problems with the rims. Heavier guy, replace the rims. If you have only one bike for everything, this could be the one for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Love
a Racer
from Clemson, SC, US
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Isaqueena Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Worx | | Strengths: | Durable, Lightweight, the Headshock, Handles like a dream | | Weaknesses: | Rims are weak...the hubs (Cannondale Fire) were trashed in three months and the spokes constatly needed to be tightened (I weigh about 200lbs), its a hardtail | | Similar Products Used: | Gary fisher | | Bike Setup: | Wheels: Bontrager Aysmm(Valiant) w/ XTR hubs, Seat: Salle San Marco Race Day, Pedals: Shimano SPD, Front Derailleur: XT. Every thing else is the way it came | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the 2005 model and a few changes have been made. I have raced this bike and my current setup has held up just fine. I ride at least four times a week (AT LEAST) over rough rooty and rocky trails that have demolished many bikes. The frame is wonderful and the Headshock is the lightest fork available (go ahead...check the Cann. Website). For the price it is hard to beat the F600 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Gargan
a Cross Country Rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest of Dean UK | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Tony's (lbs) | | Strengths: | The bike is super light, lockout is great as i commute during the week, and also do a couple of road rides. The shifters have been great, always doing what is asked of them. Had no problem on the trails, nice and light, good for jumping. | | Weaknesses: | As with everyone else the seat is not nearly as comfie as my old WTB Rocket V, though changing the seat angle did improve it slightly, it only hurts after the first 1.5 hrs now! As for the pedals i have no problem unclipping, infact i have more trouble getting in than out. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300, Trek fuel 90, Claud Butler Cape Wrath | | Bike Setup: | Stock, slicks for some of the road rides. GPS for geocaching | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike, had a few issues with the shifters, (adjustment not right, lbs fault). However if you want a bike for commuting, easy trails or cross country stuff, get it! If i was in UK and could get a Claud Butler i might have gone for another one of those, a bit stiffer and harsher ride but cheaper as Cannondales are exspensive in the UK. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sazali
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Penang | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | CCI Malaysia | | Strengths: | Nimble, durable and with stiff frame coupled with the Headshok's lock-out, this bike helps fly uphill. Until now the stock wheelset and Headshok are still doing their job well without giving any trouble ever since I bought the bike. It makes a good commuter or touring bike as well. | | Weaknesses: | Finishing; paint inconsistently applied and bubbled decals. Headshok could use an external rebound adjuster and perhaps a longer travel. Need to be a bit attentive on road descends (with slick tyres on) or the twitch could spell disaster but descends finely on trails. | | Bike Setup: | '04 model in SoBe Replica scheme with Easton EC70 bar, Sram X.O, Thomson seatpost and CrankBrothers Eggbeater pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is marvellous for those who could only have one 'do-it-all' bike like myself who live on a hilly island where there is always a long climb stands between me and my destination, race occasionally, ride on paved road on weekdays with the slick tyres on and moderate trails on weekends.
Also, the bike underwent smoothly a couple of annual all-day ride event with endless climbs and technical descends to endure and when the torment over, just washed the mud off the bike plus some TLC and its ready for the next ride.
Btw, I would appreciate a feedback from anyone who have used the Magura C'dale Cartridge System as featured in the Sept '05 MBAction. I wonder how it would enhance the ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, Texas, US
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Heaven | | Strengths: | Very responsive
Oustanding frame
Nice component set for the price | | Weaknesses: | Seat is a killer
Pedals stink | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock (with a new seat on the way) | | Bottom Line: | Outstanding bike for the price. Unlike some of the other reviews posted here, I have had no problems as yet with mine. I have a new seat already and will replace it at first opportunity. Additionally, I will replace the tires and pedals in short order as they seem subpar. Let the love affair begin! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Racer
from Phoenixville
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | looks, components, price, quality | | Weaknesses: | head shock had problems with lock out and seals, wheels are heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn, trek all kinds, fisher, and other cannondales | | Bike Setup: | carbon bar, upgraded wheels, xt crank | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, hard to beat for the $. relatively light arround 26 lbs stock. I did have problems with the lockout and seals in the shock but they fixed it the same day, so I really can't complain. I used this bike for 1 race season with almost only minor problems that I could fix, (almost all). Over all great bike, I would buy it all over again and not think twice. 5 for value 4 for overall due to shock problems | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cornelius
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything dry | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$830.00 | | Purchased At: | Northeast Cyclery | | Strengths: | The moment I got on this bike if felt like home. I was never a Cannondale fan (too yuppie for me), but I had to put my pride aside and drop the cash on this ride. Lightweight and responsive. Incredible climber. This thing flies uphill!! Lock it out up a fireroad and you can't blame the bike for coming in second. I love the adjustability of the air shock. | | Weaknesses: | The headshock is great, but it only offers 80mm of travel. An adjustable travel would make this bike unbeatable. Although the crank works, the Truvative 5D is pretty cheeseeee. I live in New Mexico, why the hell can't they put V-brake braze-ons on this thing. Discs are great, but sometimes hard to adjust. V-brakes work great in a dry place like New Mexico. I'm not saying don't have stock discs, but for god's love, don't take away the option of installing v-brakes. Cannondale mountain clipless suck!! | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Tasajara | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the Time pedals and the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST. | | Bottom Line: | Even at the expense of being branded a yuppie, this bike performs. If your interested in speed, you'll be hard pressed to find something better for the money. The aluminum is a bit harsh, but you have nothing to worry about because you'll be flying not riding. The Cane Creek Thudbuster ST is a must have upgrade. If you want something better you can always buy the Scott Scale 30 for twice the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mislav Bozina
a Racer
from Zagreb, Croatia
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Keindl Sport | | Strengths: | Stiff and very light frame, great Headshock, other is O.K. | | Weaknesses: | Weak rims, seat is hard, crankset is to say the least inadequate. | | Similar Products Used: | All sorts of bikes but none to long to say. | | Bike Setup: | Rodi rims(downhill excalibur), Cane creek seatpost(Thudbuster LT), Ritchey tires(Speedmax alpha & omega), FSA Crankset(Afterburner and Platinum pro BB), Rohloff SLT-99 chain, DMR V12 pedals, other is stock. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike but not for the heavy and aggressive.At least not for those who don't know how to ride. I busted both my rims and screwed up my drivetrain. In fact excellent bike but I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I changed a lot of the stuff. Just gotta get a comfy seat and that's it.
Hope this helps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edgar
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Blankets Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bikes | | Strengths: | Super responsive and stiff frame(even w/o locking the Heakshock), great component group for $$, superb fit & finish. Hands down, the best cockpit for ripping on XC trails. | | Weaknesses: | The Avid BB5's seem to whine and ping a little. The handle bar is also too thick for moving in the levers when it's shortened for a smaller rider... 5'6"-135lbs. Erhhh... My buddy bought his 2 weeks before I bought mine? LOL! Other than that, it rocks! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 830, Trek 930, Trek Y-11 tweaked for XC racing(now the wife's) and a Specialized Allez Comp for building the cardio. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I added a Cane Creek Thudbuster ST to save my posterior. And dang it! if that doesn't make this bike the dogs bullocks. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a die hard TREK fanatic, you know, the guy who keeps all his manuals, catalogs for the bike year, etc. The skinny is, there's not a single bike in the $1100 price range that comes even close to the performance of a F600. I was very anti-cannondale because of their proprietary nature. Now, I'm a changed man. My second time on the bike, riding my mid-week 15 mile loop, I bested or equalled my fastest time on the Y-11 according to the computer. By the way, my F600 is 1.5 lbs heavier. Need I say more? (Don't get me wrong Trek diehards, I still love my Y-11) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam A.Y.
a
from Dallas, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Awesome, beautiful frame. Lock out feature, decent components. Great climber. discs. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle, whether you like it or not, you'll have to replace the crap saddle. I rode it for a week, my cheeks hurt for a week.
Then i bought a wtb speed v($25), and solved everything. | | Bike Setup: | Easton monkeylite risers, crank brothers mallets, wtb rocket V saddle | | Bottom Line: | If i were to choose a bike again, i would definitely buy this again, along with a new saddle of course. I love this bike with all my heart, and don't see myself with a new bike anytime soon unless i do more aggressive stuff requiring a softtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david kage
a Racer
from Boston, Massachusetts, US
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS (wheel works) | | Strengths: | Very nice frame, nice componentry for the most part, the lockout feature, the disc brakes | | Weaknesses: | Not much, the pedals suck and the seat is pretty damn painful | | Similar Products Used: | none, last bike was a trek 4500 but it cant even compare to this bike | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for shimano PD-M959 pedals, a different seat, and specialized a1 dirt rodz | | Bottom Line: | Ok, im a student living in boston and i was kinda hard pressed to find the cash to buy this thing but i finally came up with it and have not been sorry that i bought this bike. It is a bike made for speed and i have crashed this thing up but it has showed almost no signs of serious breakage. The lockout feature is great and the frame is super light. The componentry is pretty awesome except for the truly crappy pedals and seat. The pedals wont lock in without some serious work, and forget about getting out of them, even on the lowest tension setting. luckily i new the owner of the store and he sold me some shimano pd m959 pedals for 20 bucks, which, may i add, are awesome. Ur not even gonna want to try out the seat cuz ur ass will hurt for a week. Anyway its an awesome bike and i would buy it again, even though it is a bit pricey. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Royce Adams
a Weekend Warrior
from Vicenza, Italy
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Military PX | | Strengths: | This is my first bike but i guess i would have to say the frame. I have fallen on it a few times with one major wipe out where i flip over the handle bars and the only thing that got hurt was me. The disc brakes are nice and powerful. The headshock is great because you can turn it on/off at your will. | | Weaknesses: | I had both tires go flat on me the first week. Seat is uncomfortable even with biking shorts. | | Similar Products Used: | first "real" Mt bike | | Bike Setup: | All stock | | Bottom Line: | Strong bike...would recommend to anyone interested in serious biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Andrews AFB, MD
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Any where there is dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Doctor, Waldorf, MD | | Strengths: | Outstanding Frame, Head Shock w/lock out, Tires (IRC Serac XC are great, better than I thought) Avid brakes | | Weaknesses: | Coda Pedals, Mavic XM117 Rims (I would have like somethng a little better and will have soon) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except the pedals I replaced them with Shimano PD-M647 (These are great!) | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the price. Great for anyone wanting a hard tail. I would have liked some up grades, but all in all this bike the stuff.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J F
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern Michigan
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | cadillac Pathway | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1088.00 | | Strengths: | Frame, Price, Fork, components, beautiful paint (2004 sobe) | | Weaknesses: | brakes. not that they dont stop well, just seem to need a lot of tweaking (1 - 2 times a 4 hour ride on singletrack, never on road) also im not quite sold on rapidfire shifers yet. the handlebars also seem a bit long and make the bike handle a bit slowly on technical stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher, specialized, raleigh | | Bike Setup: | stock except for WTB powerV seat and CD water bottle holder | | Bottom Line: | smooth bike. i like to ride the 7 miles to the nearest trail and wander around town too. i can keep up with some of those roadies on this! climbs really well, pedals super efficent. but take note, the way the headshock is designed means that you have a higher top tube and slightly less clearance for your junk. but the cockpit is tight so if your 5'7 or above dont get a S get a M. i love the tires, but they arent the best on sand. then again im coming from skinny IRC notos which slice through sand, mud and snow, not to mention your butt (no cushion there) strange thing. i went from chromo to this bike and this is actually more comfortable than my old one. i hardly wear my bike shorts anymore. riding fo 4 to 7 hours is a breeze on this baby. but maybe its because its changed my riding style. i dont know why, it just seems to say "faster, faster" to me and im up out of my seat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ravi C
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston,tx,USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Halters cycle | | Strengths: | Phenomal bike for what I paid, Out of all the bikes i've ridden this is the most stable, confidence inspiring ride i've ever had. Rock solid, light, stylish with excellent parts. | | Weaknesses: | Wish the seats had quick release.. but that was fixed with a quick trip to the bike shop | | Similar Products Used: | Giant, Gary Fisher | | Bottom Line: | For a beginner rider or weekend warrior.. don't be cheap.. get this bike as the bikes ability will always match your skill level as your skills grow. The headshock is FANTASTIC as I can lock the shock on hard climbs so i'm not bouncing around like a pogo stick and having my strength zapped out of my climbs. Great bike period! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Majura | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Innes (outta business) | | Strengths: | Obviously - the frame. Super stiff, beautifully made and finished, very nice geometry for hardcore XC riders. The Headshock is extremely stiff and reliable. | | Weaknesses: | Seat (feels like it was made out of floor tile), seat post (average quality), as mentioned below LX and Deore componentry. Overall the componenet spec doesn't match the quality of Cannondale's core product, ie. the frame.
Also, this bike definitely would not stand up to any serious hits. Downhill it is nervous, gives a jarring ride and has put me over the handlebars at some very unexpected moments. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco & Trek hardtails, the dale is like a racehorse compared to those. | | Bike Setup: | Here's the catch - 2001 model BBQ F700. Headshock, Magura Claras, Deore/LX drivetrain and shifters, Coda (OK, so its old...) seat/pedals/bar/hubs/cranks, new Maxxis Rancheros, Weinnmann wheels, out of condition lard@rse onboard. | | Bottom Line: | I'd thought I'd post this review, even though its not precisely the same product.
But it is similar and I have been riding it for 4 years now, so perhaps a longer term view would of value to some of my brethren out there on the dirt.
In terms of the ride, this bike is highly "fit for purpose", assuming its purpose is short-duration XC riding/racing on manicured singletrack. It is so stiff and light that it rides like a wippet under these circumstances. Ultra-light handling, superb acceleration and awesome climbing (with the right rubber on...). It also looks superb!
The question is - who rides like that in 2005? While the craftsmanship of the bike is unquestionable a frame like this is really only suited to XC racing. These days for similar money you can get a high-quality, reasonably light bike with 130mm travel and a bouncy back end if you want it too.
Awesome for racers but I can't recommend it for riders.
When my Blur LT arrives the trusty F700 is gonna cop some slicks and become the road weapon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Esteban Fonseca
a Racer
from San Jose San Jose
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Conquerors Route | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ottawa Canada | | Strengths: | Light and Fast. Great looks easy to service.Awsome Fork. | | Weaknesses: | Is not a F2000.
Havent find one. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Delta V 2000 | | Bike Setup: | XT 16 spoke Wheels,Chain,Cogs,Shifters.Eggbeater Crome pedals.Easton EA50 drop bars.The rest is original from 2003 model. | | Bottom Line: | Great Product , solid riding , smooth and adjustable fork.Premium frame. A bit of low specs as original , but greta bike to upgrade.I will sell it in a few months to buy a 2005 F1000. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shaun
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | don trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | very light and stiff frame, awesome color scheme (i have the '04 team sobe green), lock out lever position is totally awesome, lovely tires in the loose stuff (hutchison scorpions). really strong wheels-- a friend collided into me while riding...his rim turned into a taco and mine was fine! | | Weaknesses: | crankset. when i ride hard, all i hear is creaking from the cranks/bb... a very consistant sound and it doesnt go away. also the truvativ fiveD crankset is very heavy.
handle bar could be lighter (230grams is quite piggish!). | | Similar Products Used: | giant atx 840, giant atx 860, specialised stumpjumper fsr comp, specialized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | stock with spinergy xyclone disc wheelset and flipped stem | | Bottom Line: | The bike doesnt come with stunning components, but the most important part that makes up the bike is what matters--the frame. cannondale didnt skimp out here! the frame is very stiff and responsive and very light. it's butted on seat stay, top tube and down tube to astronomically thin levels! the "finger tap test" of comparable jamis and rocky mountain frames dont even come close to the wall thinness of this bike--which makes for a very light frame!
even with such thin tubes, the bike is very, very rigid... it is so rigid to the point that you can call it jarring when riding with full lock out.
it climbs like a goat and has great geometry for both ascending and descending. very comfortable in this regard.
i've never had a better bike, i couldnt be happier. it's everything i wanted: performance, light weight and stunning asthetics.
4 chillis for value because it's expensive considering the component spec (c'mon, a truvativ fiveD crank?! some lamo inhouse brake levers?) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | BikeSource | | Strengths: | strong,light frame, geometry
frame warranty | | Weaknesses: | wheels, tires, cranks but that's what you get in this price range | | Similar Products Used: | trek 8000, various fisher hardtails, kona caldera | | Bike Setup: | xt crank, xt hubs on rhyno lites, crank bros. candy pedals, kenda tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great bike for the price. The stock wheels and hubs are very weak for trail riding. I put slicks on mine and use the stock wheels and lockout to commute and ride around town. The bike climbs extremely well. I love the lockout feature, plus it's easy to reach. Change out the cranks and bb as soon as possible, as they are way to flexible. The tires don't grip anything. I swithed out to kenda nevegal lites for much better traction. I love the way this bike fits. I'm 5'10" and the medium frame is spot on for me. I tried other bikes with better componets, but Cannondale's fit is just perfect. This bike is an excellent entry level bike that can be upgraded over time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything on brush or gap | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Olde Towne Bicycles | | Strengths: | Good frame (seamless welds), Headshock Lockout (for steep climbs), Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes (ajustable and rock solid for anyone), Great bike to get started with | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, Saddle, and brake levers. If you really put some power down on the stock cranks they make all kinds of noise. Also the saddle is just plain uncomfortable and the brake levers just feel cheap. Cannondale was just doing cost savings with these compenent selections, but the bike is still a sweet deal. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakota AL | | Bike Setup: | LX cranks, XT rapidfire shifters, XT chain and cassette, Thompson seat post, WTB Rocket V Laser Saddle, Kore stem, Ritchey pro-lite flat bar, Avid FR-5 brake levers, Candy SL pedals, Bontrager Race Disc Tubeless Wheelset | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the money conscious mountain biker. I recommend upgrading the cranks and, if you can, the shifters... this will make a world of difference in the drive train’s efficiency and smoothness. I just recently made most of these upgrades and the bike it butter smooth. You can't beat the price for this bike and some upgrades, you will have a hard tail as good as anything else out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric ?
a Racer
from Seattle, Washington, usa
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Rei Seattle | | Strengths: | Light frame, good working Avid Brakes, riser h bars, | | Weaknesses: | slipping seatpost,stock seat, weak bars | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to list | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Weyless bars, better C dale seatpost, and Selle Italia seat that goes hot with the frame | | Bottom Line: | This bike has taken me from beginner to sport class racer in just 9 mounths. Yes that is right a 13 year old with the old 30 year olds a.k.a old fogeys. It has made me a beast of a climber and has taken me places that a car could have never. This bike rocks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Sissycycle | | Strengths: | Style, style, style!!! I look good on this little number. Aesthetics aside, the componentry is simply delicious. MMMMMMMmmmmmmmm. MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm. I just wanna douse it with manbutter. | | Weaknesses: | Where are the pastels? If you've got it, flaunt it. | | Similar Products Used: | Rectumwrecker 9000. | | Bike Setup: | Seat removed. | | Bottom Line: | The negative reviews are totally unfounded. This bike, in all it's pulchritude, has changed my life. The frequency of my 'wooded encounters' has increased dramatically.
Happy riding!
Oh....almost forgot.....don't venture too far without an extra large can of chain lube! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
juan
a Downhiller
from columbia
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | parking lot | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$859.00 | | Purchased At: | wallmart | | Strengths: | frame was strong enough to puncture my torso when broke in half. | | Weaknesses: | rims, frame, tires, seat, brakes, derailleur, sprocket, handle bars, grips, shifter, cage, quick release, suspension, owners manual. | | Similar Products Used: | s works, fuel, dean. | | Bike Setup: | didn't last long enough to find out. | | Bottom Line: | Where's the yeast?????? Was like unleavened bread. Front head shock leaked after riding in the parking lot with my six year old daughter. she fell in front of me and the brakes were so poor that I ran her over, causing me to go over the handle bars and the frame broke in two. My right testicle has since been removed, causing me to lose my wife to Tony Wages. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Elliott
a Weekend Warrior
from Clemson, SC
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Issaqueena Trails (numerous) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Cycles | | Strengths: | Excellent frame. Awesome handling. Responsive brakes. Lockout feature for Headshock is perfect for steep climbs (location is also extremely convenient). | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is horrible. After two hours of riding I felt like I had taken a shotgun blast to my backside. Front derailleur is LX. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Stock (for now) except for saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Cannondale knows what they're doing. This bike is lightweight and strong. It handles like a dream and is very responsive to climbs. The components are average.
If you're in the market for a new hardtail, you would be lucky to find a better deal than this. I researched just about every comparable bike and the F600 provides the best bang-for-your-buck.
Don't just take my word for it...try one out and see for yourself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Haley
a
from Palmer MA USA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | local western ma, mount snow | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | competative edge | | Strengths: | solid frame great components | | Weaknesses: | head shock bars | | Bike Setup: | stock except rock shox psylo sl's cane creek headset and easton stem | | Bottom Line: | great bike for the price. the only problem i had was with the head shock. i didnt like how you could not adjust dampening and that it only had 80 ml of travel. but the frame and overall feel of the biek is absolutly great if, you like hard-tails. even at mount snow and other hard terrain the bike handles fine and feels solid | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seth
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Robert E Lee Memorial Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Princeton Sports | | Strengths: | Superb frame with superior hand welding and painting, great drivetrain components, Sobe paint job turns heads, simple but great avid discs | | Weaknesses: | Ritchey Comp Seatpost, fiziks nisene saddle | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Attitude, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except thomson seatpost, serfas terraza saddle | | Bottom Line: | AFter my last bike was stolen, I gave one of these a try as I have several friends that swear by cannondales. After testing this and the others listed above, I narrowed it down to this and the Klein, both of which had superior frame design and construction as well as paintjob. I settled on this bike because it seems to fly up hills and really take off due to its extermely light weight (25 lbs for a large frame) and also the lockout, which is key for tough climbs. Cannondale spent most of the development time and money on a superior frame and drivetrain but skimped out on the seatpost, which couldn't hold my 6' tall, 195 lb ass after about 80 miles of moderately difficult riding. I also just swapped out the saddle because I was getting the usual numb nuts. Bottom line is that this bike is excellent for serious riders who ride 40+ miles per week. Put on some more XT or XTR and some better rims and you have a race ready bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Camilo Cruz
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$930.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Headshok, ability to lock it is great on the road and during climbs. Nice frame, can't see the welds. Breaks are very responsive, shifters work well. The bike is light. | | Weaknesses: | Coda clipless, this is my first time using clipless, but it's been 3 months and I still struggle. This is my only complaint. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6700, Fuji Tahoe. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike on a discount, comparable bikes are in the $1100 range. Very hard to beat, you get lifetime warranty on the frame, and the great Headshok. This is my first bike with front end suspension. I test-drove about 10 bikes and could not fine a front shock I liked. The Headshok sealed the deal. This bike is great for single trails, technical terrain, steep climbs. When going fast on the road, the bike is a little unstable, but on tricky single track it goes where you want it to. Only the Coda Clipless keep this bike from getting 5 Chilis overall. Other than that, at this price point there isn't a better deal. You're probably looking at $2000 bucks to get a significantly better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan K
a Racer
from Durham, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Webs, East Burke | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$860.00 | | Purchased At: | Exeter Cycles | | Strengths: | The frame is pretty awesome, Cannondale seems to know what they are doing with aluminum. I got it through a team deal, I'm mostly a roadie, but got it just to have something to ride on trails for a change. The components are nice, and the brakes are idiot proof, which is good for me, since I'm a moron. I like the appearence of XT on the bike. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals suck. I'm just waiting for enough money to get a pair of Times. I had some issues with the rear brake cable, but I think that's because the shop put too much housing and cable on it, so it kidna rubs. I lubed it up, and it seems okay. I have some shifting issues, but that's probably because I'm too lazy to tighten the rear derailer. My anger sometimes gets the best of me, and I threw the bike at a tree. I dented the downtube a little, and bent the big ring. It still works, but I guess it isn't designed for throwing. I'm kinda worried about the headshock, my friend had some issues with his F3000 and it was at Cannondale for about a month. | | Similar Products Used: | I used to ride a very old Trek 6000, I've ridden a Trek 8000 at times also. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Want new pedals. Badly. Need a new big ring. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the price, and is easily raceable at a competitive level. The frame is a great start, and with some higher-end components, this would be an even better bike. If you are looking for a raceable hard tail with disc-brakes, this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethesda, MD
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1090.00 | | Purchased At: | REI, College Park MD | | Strengths: | I test rode about every other comparable bike to the F600. 13 in all. While the F600 wasn't the most comfortable ride, it was in the top 3 of all of them--something ok with me since it had the best bang for the buck. I came up with a mathematical system to compare each bike and the F600 was by far the best deal. Lockout on the Headshock is a nice feature and the power increase is noticable. Fairly light Furio frame considering I have an XL. Frame is strong and responsive. | | Weaknesses: | The stock pedals are ok for stock pedals but I find they get dirt and sticks stuck in them easily and thus I can't always clip in(bad) and clip out(very bad). Front deraileur is LX and simlar bikes have XT. If something ever happens to the Headshock it would require sending it back to Cannondale since its proprietary stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode 13 bikes with similar components/prices as f600 | | Bike Setup: | XL frame, FSA Platinum Pro Ti BB, FSA Carbon Team issue crankset, Profile Designs bar ends | | Bottom Line: | This is a quality bike....Cannondale delivers again. I think this is a great pick for anyone looking to get into mt. biking or an experienced rider looking for a new hardtail. Someone more hardcore and willing to pay extra may prefer something with better components. But thats what they make the F800, F1000.... for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert B.
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Shave and a Haircut | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclotopia | | Strengths: | Great bike!!! Takes punishment and climbs like a goat. Excellent quality from the people at Cannondale. It's new and I haven't found any waeknesses yet. Although a friend has had problems with a leaky headshok. | | Weaknesses: | Price. The only difference between the F600 and F600 SL beside the pricetag, is disc brakes and the handlebar. I think you might be better off purchasing the F600 SL and slapping on your own avid disc brakes (the SL come with disc ready hubs). You could save yourself $50. | | Similar Products Used: | Tried a few hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Just added computer and barends | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, could have upgraded for cheaper on my own. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerry Zepeda
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel works Davis CA | | Strengths: | Cool Looking bike. Very comfortable riding position. | | Weaknesses: | The cranks are cheap. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | I love riding this bike around town. I changed the crankset to a shimano xt, but other than that it is stock. I can go long distances in comfort. People seem to like the bike. I get compliments about the paint job(patriot blue). If you are looking for a decent bike that won't kill your savings account, I definetly recommend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Atlee
a Cross Country Rider
from Gibsons, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Sports Pacific | | Strengths: | Head shock never failed after terrible thrashing
Shifters worked flawlessly
| | Weaknesses: | Stock shifter cables are garbage
Peddle bearings started to fail at 2000km and died at 8000km | | Similar Products Used: | Giant test ride | | Bike Setup: | replaced shifter cabels almost immediatly | | Bottom Line: | bought the bike thanksgiving weekend last year and put 600km on it to find it's weaknesses. The shifter cables gummed up constantly and were a pain so they were replaced whith continueous housing. I then participated in the 2004 Tourd'Afrique race from Cairo Egypt to Capetown South Africa. Total distance 12077km over 4 months. The bike worded flawlessly. It proved to one of the most reliable bikes there. I ran becide lots of Rockshock and Fox shocks. They did not last 2 weeks into Sudan once the roads went to hell. Bottom bracket was replaced at 8000km although it probably would have made it. The Koda peddles started to squeak almost immediatly. I had to pack grease into them once a week and then they finnaly died at around 800km.
I would recommend this bike to everyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Warren Spangler
a Weekend Warrior
from Jonestown PA USA
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with dirt,rocksand drops | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | In Gear | | Strengths: | The frame is super tough but you always get that with a Cannondale,price,disc brakes,head shock | | Weaknesses: | tires a little soft for my liking but will replace them soon enough | | Similar Products Used: | 97 Trek 820?,98Cannodale f400,99 Raliegh M7000,2003 Cannondale Gemini,2003 Cannondale F400 | | Bike Setup: | So far stock | | Bottom Line: | Cannondale rocks this is my fourth Cannondale so far,started out with a 98 F400 loved the head shock was not crazy about some components,rode it up till 2003
when I trade it in for a new F400,just traded up for the F600 team Sobe racing colored with disks.What can you say the bike is one of the best in its price range I bought it because it had everything already on it that I was planning on doing to myF400 but the frame geometry on the 600 is much better and much more comfortable to ride.Try any Cannondale and you will not be Dissapointed | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jill Uphill
a Weekend Warrior
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Vancouver - Bike sports Pacific | | Strengths: | Good basic set up and componentry, forks (I love the remote lockout), very light frame, geometry rides well. Looks great (I have the blue). | | Weaknesses: | THE RIMS!!! Mavic XM117 and one broke after about 10 rounds in the forest (although that might have had more to do with the shop setup).
Geometry - while the geometry is great for riding, it's really hard to sling the bike over your shoulder to carry.
Hydraulic discs would have been better although I understand they are standard on the European model? | | Similar Products Used: | Last bike was a Shogun Prairie Breaker. This is a world above. I tested Giant and GT bikes at similar price in Canada. | | Bike Setup: | WTB saddle, bent seatpost | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike but I'm very sad about my rim. Will definitely buy a stronger one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Bike City | | Strengths: | Price, quality, value, disk brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Tires (too soft) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant ATX 870 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, added seraf bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is simply the best. I was able to get pictures from JP (other reviewer so far) of the Sobe version. The store didn't stock the sobe color, so I got the blue color. It's a great color.
I couldn't stand standard shocks because the sides of them flex and make rattling noises using vbrakes.
This is the bike I've wanted for 10 years, ever since the headshok came out. I find this to be the most advanced and well designed shock. I finally decided this year to get it, and I have absolutely no regrets. The disk brakes are quiet and stop well. The seat is comfortable. The rest of the components are fine if not excellent.
The disappointing part are the tires. They're too soft and don't grip well. I ride primarily to work on pavement, so I will switch over to the slicks once the gravel is removed.
I also LOVE the geometry. I found fitting bikes extremely difficult. I have very long legs, but a short torso. For some reason this bike (large) fits me perfectly. I would say this is the most important aspect of buying a bike. I look forward to riding everyday on this bike. I hope the headshok won't cost too much for maintainence over the long term.
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Submitted by
Jepé
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicoutimi, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | everywhere were dirt and fresh air is | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | GTH bikes | | Strengths: | This bike is simply too hot !! The new frame geometry(Furio) is very sweet and stiff will offering rides very smooth ride. It's very lite for a bike this price and the equipement that's on it is the best among there category except maybe the crank. And the famous headshock, I've heard of it a lot but to try it is to love it, its simply the best fork you can have on the market | | Weaknesses: | The cranck, it's good but its an entry level cranck, would prefer a fireX cranck instead of the fivD one. but hey you can afford a new cranck if you want and this one up to date is very good. | | Similar Products Used: | Devinci chili peper, devinci desperado, Norco vps2 | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F600 disk, xtr rear with easton riser. the rest is stock. also made a road version with an another set of wheels. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rulz the road and the mountain, built strong for an everyday use without worry. the look is simply awsome with the team sobe colors (i just simply love it !!) but the blue colors option is not bad either and hey its a cannondale product so i have no worries about the quality of the bike. Would recommended this bike to every person looking for a mid-range (high-end !?) bike use for cross coutry or even to do road as a road bike would... only switch tires and this bike will go up to 40 mph on flat ( try yo catch up guys)
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