CO2: Cannondale Oversized and Optimized design. These hardtails are a starting point for appreciation. When a rider experiences the lightweight, efficient ride quality and beautiful craftsmanship of a Cannondale frame - there's no turning back!
Submitted by
Brianshvrs
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio Date Reviewed: October 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything offroad
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$560.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Feels strong, brakes, forks, and a bunch more.
Weaknesses:
*Pedals*, Front Derailer, chain, saddle, and grips.
Similar Products Used:
Crappy K-mart bikes, and my brothers Raleigh Mojave 2.0
Bike Setup:
Stock, with new chain.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for me. I am just getting into more serious Mountain biking, although I have been biking for about 7 years. The pedals aren't good at all. The front derailer isn't working super great, but I just need a tune-up as the bike is only 2 months old. The stock chain is horrible. I bent it within 3 hours of purchasing the bike. The saddle is hard and uncomfortable. The grips tend to twist, but thats only a few bucks to replace. Other than that its a great bike. Make sure you ride at the suggested PSI, as I have gotten 2 pinch-flats(one from riding at 40PSI). Now I ride at 53 PSI in the back and 50 in the front. I replacing the pedals, grips, and maybe the 3rd chain ring(for a bashguard) this winter.
If you want a good bike for not very much money at all, this is the way to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dano
a Weekend Warrior
from Beverly Hills, CA. Date Reviewed: September 18, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$540.00
Purchased At:
IMartin
Strengths:
Solid, durable, XL frame. Adjustable front shock, locking. Disc brakes. Great looking.
Weaknesses:
Derailers; front and back.
Bike Setup:
Very strong, even ride. Lock out the front shock for street riding.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike to get back into an athletic activity, after many years as an athlete. Couldn't be happier with my decision. I'm 6'6" 300, and this bike can withstand anything I put it thru, although I'm mostly a street rider. Upgraded saddle, and grips for more comfort. Added Armadillo steet tires. Replacing front and rear derailers soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nate
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: August 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dryer road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Park Ave
Strengths:
fork works great for me, the lockout is pretty neat to make climbs a little easier. feels very sturdy, has not broken apart at all. alot lighter than the last bike i had. disk brakes look cool and stop well.
Weaknesses:
seat feels like it is made out of rock. front brake sometimes stays engaged a tiny bit. tires make every trail feel wet
Similar Products Used:
trek 830...not really so similar...
Bike Setup:
stock. tires will be changed soon enough. they got me in better shape though!
Bottom Line:
after riding a 15 year old trek 830 with the fork stuck down i guess anything would seem amazing. good for anyone on a budget i guess. 4 overall because my ass hurts from the seat and the front brake is annoying to change around when it is acting up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bome
a Weekend Warrior
from Tallahassee Florida USA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Tom Brown
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$660.00
Purchased At:
Higher ground
Strengths:
Excellent frame, decent comp.
Weaknesses:
Saddle, tires, front derailleur, rims
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Bottom line great entry bike, Working on upgrading some parts worth every penny. Also watch out for the crank mine went out first day out. also rims are a bit weak
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bandaid
a Weekend Warrior
from melbourne australia Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
canadian state forest, ballarat
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
brunswick st cycles
Strengths:
frame, frame, frame. plus alright entry kevel components
Weaknesses:
hard as rock seat, rims, tyres and pedels
Similar Products Used:
gt avalanche, kona and a marin
Bike Setup:
gila pro forks, sram derailers, avid bb5 disks
Bottom Line:
the price tag is great, and its worth it for the frame, the components arnt to bad so you only have to change the ones you dont like, eg i changed the seat and tyres and rims and pedels. this is a tough hard tail and for the price why would you go any less. its nothing but apleasure to ride, on and off the road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
deepapathy
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham, NC Date Reviewed: August 5, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Climbs with ease and can take a beating on the downs. Great bike for the $$$ and has served me well on any trail I've been on.
Weaknesses:
Stock pedals bend easily and had made a 'clicking' noise for some time, replaced with some upgrades and haven't had a problem. Grips tend to slide in tough terrain -- also replaced. Seat takes some getting used to. Gears have started to act up a little bit but like I said, I've beaten this bike up.
Bottom Line:
I've recommended this bike to others. Great bike to really start mountain biking on without much of an investment. Can be upgraded easily and rides extremely well. I have enjoyed the Kenda Nevegal tires as well and the front suspension can be adjusted easily without stopping.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
choiberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville, Fl Date Reviewed: July 30, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hanna Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$620.00
Purchased At:
Bicycles Etc.
Strengths:
Excellent\solid Frame, Front Shock Lockout, weight, & for the money it has decent components & disc brakes.
I was looking for a solid bike with decent components that wouldn't leave me feeling like I needed to upgrade them after a couple months on the bike. I found it. (I knew I was going to replace the saddle and bar ends before purchasing the bike)
The frame is excellent, it's light and stiff and gets up the climbs like a billy goat. I wanted a front shock with a lockout and because of that I ended up with disc brakes. Not something I was looking for, but I am not complaining. Has a beautiful paint job too, all the decals on the bike have been clear coated over so they won't peel off. The Welds on the frame are nice, clean, & smooth.
I take the bike on the trails and also have a set of hybrid road tires for riding with the family and pulling the kids in the trailer. (After 2 months of riding, I broke down and bought a Cannondale SIX Carbon 6 roadie, I love my Cannondale's!!!)
This is a great bike for the money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GA Disc Golfer
a Weekend Warrior
from Monroe, Ga Date Reviewed: July 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Yargo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Lifetime Bikes
Strengths:
Balance frame, great climber, price, cannondale
Weaknesses:
Rear derailleur sram x4 (broken on maiden voyage)
Similar Products Used:
Diamondback response, Schwinn Mesa
Bike Setup:
Stock except for rear derailleur upgrade to sram x-9
Bottom Line:
In my noob opinion I think this is one of the best bang for your buck xc bikes available on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gbone
a Weekend Warrior
from annandale Date Reviewed: July 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
wakefield
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
contes
Strengths:
awesome frame, cheap, decent front forks.
Weaknesses:
front deraileur, tires, weight.
Similar Products Used:
giant bikes.
Bike Setup:
almost all stock.
Bottom Line:
good bike for the price. and durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rrp
a Weekend Warrior
from Trinidad and Tobago Date Reviewed: May 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
any broken unpaved road or path
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
great fit, handles the terrain better than i do, looks good, good components, light, adjustments are made easily to the brakes and derailleurs, brakes work great even when wet and offer good modulation when going down loose terrain....
Weaknesses:
tires are a bit weak off road when at optimum pressure, pressure has to be lowered to climb loose terrain, it does not come with exactly the same parts as spec on cannondale's website, seat is hard and uncomfortable, when up-shifting on the front the chain sometimes jams between the chainstay and the front chainrings which results in scratching of the frame, one of the pedals started making a clicking sound, dismantled it and re-greased the ball bearing...it works fine now. the preload adjuster on one side of the fork stopped functioning, carried it to the dealer who tried to repair it, but couldn't and instead of replacing the part sent it back saying it could not be repaired, i had to call the head office of the shop and speak to someone there who said it will be sorted out with a new part....the fork is rubbish......as soon as the opportunity to replace it arises, i'll get a better one....
Bottom Line:
the positives of this bike far outweigh the bad, and as a result i will give it 5 out of five since it handles terrain that it should not even be used in......its light enough to make hill climbs, and versatile enough to make road rides easy...i use it almost everyday even if its just to practice my whleeies and cornering technique.........buy just spending a few dollars after to change the tires and seat this bike really shines....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Boats
a Weekend Warrior
from Deerfield Beach, FL Date Reviewed: April 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Markham Park, all of it.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Jim's
Strengths:
Lite bike, with a stiff feel.Handles great and the fork works smooth.
Weaknesses:
I keep bending the chain. im also 6'2".
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike for my 30th Bday, has not let me down. the few months ive had it clocked over 50 hours of ride time lots of lose dirt and sugar sand, this bike takes it witha smile, and keeps looking for more. Plain on upgrading the chain in a few weeks to a little heaver one, i dont care about weight.
and on my first ride i bent one of the pedals so might have to swap that as well. As far as who should get one, you have to try and get bike that fits you not based on a good review.
what works for you might not work for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benny55
a Weekend Warrior
from Ellisville, MO Date Reviewed: April 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Castlewood State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Light weight, awesome look, really fast and handles the trails great.
Weaknesses:
stock tires don't work the best for me
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300, Schwinn Moab
Bike Setup:
stock, but getting ready to change tires
Bottom Line:
It's a great bike for the price. Great quality and function for the rider who can't afford to drop thousands on a bike to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mountainmaniac
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, OR, USA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2009
Favorite Trail:
McKenzie River Tails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$660.00
Purchased At:
Hutches Cycle Shop
Strengths:
Great value for the price! Disc brakes and thumb shifting. The frame is totally light in weight but is secure and ridged. Beautiful paint. Very easy handling in the tight single track.
Weaknesses:
The seat takes some getting used to, but if you wear riding shorts, it's fine.
Similar Products Used:
Had a beautiful specialized that was handed down to me, similar set-up, minus the disc brakes and locking front suspension.
Bike Setup:
SRAM X-4 shifting and derailers, Gila pro locking front suspension, jalco disc x320 wheels & brake system.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a serious contender in the hardtail category. Handles supurbly on the single track and the bike lane. I lock the front suspension when I'm on pavement, giving a more controlled feel. I let the suspension free for the trail, has lots of travel and a smooth rebound. I chose the hardtail because I don't need all that absorbtion in the back as I'm not leaping off of huge boulders or trees and I wanted a more solid frame for the streets. The Cannondale F7 is a great deal for the price tag and is a versitile vehicle on or off road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sern
a Cross Country Rider
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: January 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
local, undiscover palces
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$597.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Cheap and most important nice looking. I like the color (ano gold) and the clasic look for the frame.
Weaknesses:
er... I dont know. But other keep saying cheap bike and only good for bigginer.
Similar Products Used:
F7 disc is my 1st MTB. Now I have Banshee Scirocco.
Bike Setup:
all stocks for 1st 2 months. Month 3 I start to upgrade to make it lighter.
Bottom Line:
This bike still bring me to anywhere I need to go. Up hill and down with no issue. I like this bike a lot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazz
a Weekend Warrior
from Tampa, FL USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Boyette Scrub
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
Just placed an order at my LBS for an 09 F7. Prior to deciding to go with the F7 I compared the Trek 4300 disc and Specialized Hardrock disc to it. Looks like I made the better choice though. I will update my review once I get a chance to take it on the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kj69
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol, TN Date Reviewed: November 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Warroirs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$475.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Sports
Strengths:
Awesome bike for the money. #1 Value, #2 Frame, #3 Its a cannondale
Weaknesses:
Low end components. (Upgrade as you wear them out) Stock seat is too hard.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Gary Fisher, Diamondback
Bike Setup:
Stock w/ minor upgrades. I went clipless on the pedals ( I highly recommend you do this), added a new seat ( stock seat is too hard),
Bottom Line:
I decided to update my review now that I have had more time to ride this bike. I am riding technical single track now with many climbs and fast downhill sections. If I had the money I would have bought a full suspension. I like the Cannondale Rize 4, but its $2500. Ouch! Because I don't have that in my budget I am pleased to say that the Cdale F7 disc is doing the job just fine. In fact, I not only keep up with others on the trail with much more expensive bikes, I pass them on the climbs. I love the look on their faces when they check out my bike in the parking lot. They can't believe that a bike that costs less than $500 can handle the abuse that I throw at it. I have had to take they bike in to have the wheels trued and tighten up the cables, but that's what you gotta do for all bikes during the break in period. Bottom line, if you can't afford a full suspension, go for it. You will be glad you did. The Cdale F7 disc is an awesome bike for the money. Have fun and go riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
boxjoint
a Weekend Warrior
from Browns Mills, New Jersey, USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lebanon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Frame, Avid disk brakes, Kenda tires, Sram SX4 rear derailur
Weaknesses:
Seat, front derailur, RST fork
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
At the young age of 37 I just got into mountain biking with the wife. We wanted good bikes but nothing over 600 to start with. I had my heart set on a Novarra due to it's components for the price but the Cannondale just fit me better. The SX4 rear derailur had me a little concerned at first but it actually has been shifting quite nicely after about 12 good hard rides. The front derailur is not nearly as smooth. For the money this bike is awesome and I can see just upgrading as we go and keeping it for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dondoyle72
a Weekend Warrior
from Winter Park, FL Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cady Way
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Orange Cycle
Strengths:
Frame is an awesome fit, efficient. Shimano Disc brakes are great, will never go back to V brakes
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet. Stock equipment is fine for someone just getting back into the sport.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Law Enforcment Package = not comfortable can't put my finger on it, something with the geometry
Cannodale Law Enforcement Package = same frame as the F7 love the feel better geometry for me.
Bike Setup:
Stock w/ Continental Town & Country tires
Bottom Line:
I ride law enforcement bikes 4-5 hours a day 3 times a week at work. Have always loved the Cannondale but tried the trek this year and was not pleased. When I found the F7 and discovered it had the same frame as the LE2 and I could get it for $500 I was thrilled. Tried it, and it has that same great feel as the Cannondales at work. Something about the frame geometry/build. Ride it with the family almost everynight after work sometimes twice a day. Love it, Great Value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David9999999
a Cross Country Rider
from CT Date Reviewed: September 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bethel Cycles
Strengths:
Frame, price, front derailer, brakes..
Weaknesses:
Seat is a bit hard, rear derailer isn't the greatest.
Bottom Line:
Absolutely great bike, especially at the price. The rear derailer may not hold up for long, but not a big deal because the rest of the bike is excellent. Highly recommended!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol. TN, USA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Creeper
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$475.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The frame is strong, good forks, rear derailer, disc brakes, and good looks.
Weaknesses:
front derailer and the stock seat.
Similar Products Used:
DB Response disc, specialized rockhopper, Fisher Wahoo disk
Bike Setup:
Stock for now.
Bottom Line:
I shopped around for a few weeks before making my final decision. I test rode all of these bikes and the decision was easy. The cannondale f7 disc fit me better (6'3 225 lbs.). All of the bikes had pros and cons, but the F7 was just a bit better for me. I recommend that you do the same and test bikes before spending the $. The bike is fast as hell. It handles single track and trails no problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TONYRAM
a Weekend Warrior
from EAST LA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
EL PRIETO/JPL
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
HELENS BIKES WLA
Strengths:
FRAME AND FINISH
Weaknesses:
LOW-END COMPONENTS
Bike Setup:
ALL RACE FACE COCKPIT, SHIMANO XT FT&BK DERAILUERS, XT HUBS, MAXXIS MONORAILS, AND ROCKSHOX DART 3 W/LOCKOUT...
Bottom Line:
BUY THIS BIKE AND BUILD A MASTERPIECE. THIS FRAME IS KEY TO BUILDING A XC DREAM SLED FOR LESS THAN A GRAND! NASTY FAST CLIMBER AND DESCENDER LEAVES SPECIALIZED, SANTA CRUZ, ETC AL. BIKES IN THE DUST. OMFG, CANNONDALE AL FRAME HARDTAILS, REALLY NOTHING BETTER.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ
a
from Spokane Valley, WA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
awesome frame and headset, nimble and fluid to ride, disc breaks, great looks/ergonomics
Weaknesses:
rear deraileur, seat, not made in the USA (only cannondale made in Taiwan :()
Similar Products Used:
specialized rockhopper
Bike Setup:
stock components. Added a computer, mounted air pump, water bottle cage, and gel seat cover.
Bottom Line:
I give this bike an outstanding rating due to its value. My price range was $500. I was shocked to stay in my price range with the F7, while getting disc brakes and a shock, AND owning a cannondale. The rear deraileur is lousy, BUT if you don't have a huge wad of cash to toss around - you get what you pay for! I plan to upgrade the rear deraileur in the near future. I would recommend this bike for larger men. I am 6'0" and about 200lbs, and it is perfect for me. If you are of smaller stature, you way want to test drive the F7 before you get your heart set on it. My wife is 5'3", 125 lbs....and she is intimidated by it. I bought my F7 disc 3 weeks ago - and have 180 miles on it already. I bike to work, and have taken 3 weekend rides with it on various terrain. I have biked in rain, snow, mud, gravel, gone up a mountain till the snow got way too nuts to bike on, and this bike has left me grinning the whole time. I am no hardcore biker, but i know enough to talk "bike talk", and I would HIGHLY recommend this bike for someone on a tight budget who wants a bike than can go just about anywhere. And, if you are like me, and hate the rear deraileur, well, save up and buy a new one! Also, if you gotta have a rock shok...well save up and get one later as well! Bottom line: #1 absolutely incredible frame (if you are a bigger guy), #2 has disc brakes and a decent front shock, #3 you only have $500 bucks to toss out, this is in my opinion the best value for your money, and finally #4 if you dont like some components, save up for new ones and install them, you already have an amazing frame!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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