Submitted by
traffic002
a Cross Country Rider
from Issaquah, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Black Diamond
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Pacific Bicycle Co.
Strengths:
Superb handling, simplistic elegance of a single pivot, Lefty.
Weaknesses:
bike rack compatibility. pedals. seat.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
Stock except for new SPD pedals and new mud specific tires
Bottom Line:
I picked up my 2007 model new in 2009. I ride PNW technical rainforest/valley single track. After chasing the FS riders in the group rides all winter, it was apparent that I needed to step up from a HT as the trails began to dry. What a difference hydro disc and a simple SP suspension makes.
The low BB allows for awesome handling. Watch out for pedal strikes though. AT 30#, it's not a lightweight, but it carries the weight well and does very well on technical climbs.
It's not quite as flickable as the Superlight in super tight switchbacks, but at any speed above it, it just walks away thanks to the accuracy of the Lefty. Just think about the line you want to take and its there!
The LX brakes work surprisingly well. Great initial bite and modulation. I've tried some Juicy 5 brakes and these feel a bit better.
My only complaints are the seat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
segov
a Cross Country Rider
from Campbell, CA Date Reviewed: May 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mailboxes - UC Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Wheel Away
Strengths:
The Lefty shock! This bike is a phenominal climber - I never need to use the pro pedal as it does not bob. Downhill is amazing - The bike has a very low center of gravity and therefore the handing is precise and very responsive.
Weaknesses:
The seat.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Specialized Stumpy
Bike Setup:
Replaced the stock rims with Mavic Crosstrail tubeless. Switched out the eggbeater for shimano's and dumped that horrible seat for a WTB Pure V Pro.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike and I love riding it. My confidence level has increased dramtically. I ride the bike on more aggressive terrain than it was made for so I take a beating on the rougher trails, but then again this is a cross country bike!
Buy this bike if you want to kick everyone's butt climbing, Buy it if you want to kick everyone's butt descending single track. Don't buy it is you're taking bigger than 4-5' jumps or your fav trail has REALLY rocky FAST trails. Rocky good, Fast good, together you'll need more travel.
Expect people to stare at your rig because of the Lefty!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rktect
a Weekend Warrior
from Sun Valley Date Reviewed: May 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Oregon Gulch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Backwoods Mountain S
Strengths:
The climbs and descents are nothing like I have experienced before. There is no pedal bob with the Fox Float RP2, so you save money by not needing the higher cost RP23.
Weaknesses:
Components are adequate, but not the best. Of course that may be more to do with the price point of the Rush 4 vs. the Rush 3 or 1. The saddles are notoriously painful. Eggbeaters are great, but the C model has no business on a mtn bike as they bend to easily.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized StumpJumper FSR, Cannondale F200.
Bike Setup:
Stock for the first year (except upgraded to Eggbeater S pedals), then replaced the Saddle, and the drive train. Upgraded to SRAM X.0
Bottom Line:
An excellent bike no matter how you look at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dhridah
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington,NJ, USA Date Reviewed: March 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Slick Rock-Allamuchy
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Craft
Strengths:
Well equipped for the price. Climbs well and descends like a dream. Never thought I would care for the lefty but I am a convert. Fork is just plain awsome!
Weaknesses:
Tires are ok for hardpack but suck in any kind of mud.
Similar Products Used:
2000 GT Team I-Drive
Bike Setup:
Easton Carbon post, Easton Carbon Riser bars, Stan's Tubeless w/IRC Serac XC Lite tires, Avid Juicy 7 Carbon and Eggbeater 2Ti's.
Bottom Line:
I had stayed away from Cannondale for a long time as they were always equipped with junk but I have to say that it is no longer the case. I usually will build a bike from the ground up but decided to take a chance and I am pleasantly surprised. The only problem I ran into was the stock Eggbeater pedals. I had one of the springs fail so I replaced them with the 2Ti's. Definately worth the money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
riv359
a Cross Country Rider
from Mobile, AL Date Reviewed: September 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
ATC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Eastern Shore Cycles
Strengths:
The bike climes like there’s no tomorrow. Lightweight, all around suspension. Probably the best components in its price range. Low maintenance, Fast Bike!
Weaknesses:
I have not yet found a weakness but if anything is the push push shifters, I am more of a rapidfire type…
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Sommet
Bike Setup:
Stock, with crankbrothers pedals
Bottom Line:
Liked I mentioned the bike climes very good and descends like a champ. The frame is stiff and combined with the lefty, maneuvers pretty good. This is only my second bike full suspension but for riding for quit some years this Rush 4 defiantly makes me a better rider all around. The lefty has a big range for adjustment (14 clicks) that once you dial it there’s nothing stopping you. I love this bike! Look in to it if you want speed and comfort.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jpeters52
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale, AZ, U.S. Date Reviewed: August 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Lightweight. Lefty fork so far works very well. Easy to access lockout.
Weaknesses:
Low ? bottom bracket- frequently hitting pedal on rocks and will need to get a bash guard. Lefty fork- if you aren't mechanically inclined (like me) it could pose a problem as front wheel doesn't come off easily. I'm also concerned that fork problems would mean shipping it to cannondale, doubt anyone local can work on it.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock except spd pedals and a different saddle.
Bottom Line:
If your trails have small obstacles and you want a lightweight full suspension bike for long distances then it is really good. Fortunately I don't do anything very technical so it should work out for me. Hoping the fork doesn't give me problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GEOS
a Weekend Warrior
from Alpharetta Date Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chickopee Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Craigs List
Strengths:
Climbs are steller, decents are fantastic. Bike is the best bike I've ridden so far. I think it's got a fantastic spec for a bike in this range.
Weaknesses:
If it has a weakness I would have to say it's the tires. They get under me quite a bit. I'll have to lower the pressure and or get rid of them. I just don't like they way they feel on the the ground. I cant stand the SRAM push / push it's akward. I'm a Rapid Fire Shifter type. But it does shift well and shifts are very precise and quick.
After owning a Giant 2000 NRS_XtC1 and a 2006 Cannondale Scalpel 1000. I think i found the perfect ride for me. I love this bike It's super light it's much lighter than I expected comparing it to my Giant and it felt a little lighter than my Scalple. It definally rides nicer IMO than my Scalple that thing was pretty harsh it felt more like a hard tail than anything else. For a single piviot design Cannondale did a great job keeping the Rush simple. It's considered a Marathon bike desigend to ride long distances. If that's the case I'm going to have to get a real fat gel seat. I'm amazed at how well it climbs and desends the Left locked out is really locked out. It's stiff going down I almost ate it doing a quick desecent and forgot to take the lockout off. Good spec on the bike although I love the Juicy 7 hydro brakes the little adjustment knob on the levers actually do work. I'm a Shimano Rapid Fire shifter guy I'm having a hard time adjusting to the push / push SRAMx9 triggers sytem.To be honest I don't like it at all. Every thing else seems to be solid. The eggbeater pedals I'm stilll on the fence though. The best pedals I've used so far have been the ATAC TIME I think there called they were awsome. But I'm sure I'll get used to these as well. I've also used Shimano's SPD's I'll try these out some more before I make up my mind. Shifting is solid I still need to tweak the fd a bit as it's rubbing a little in the midle chain ring. But I like the shifters and shifting seems precise and quick. The rear shock locks out nicely so does the lefty and is easy to switch over while on the move. I still need to tweak a thing or two but so far I'm extremely satisfied.
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All Pics
[url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/28903237@N06/sets/72157606816989198/[/url]
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JeffSK
a Cross Country Rider
from Blue Mountains, Australia Date Reviewed: July 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Narrow Neck
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2650.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Everything.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
These bikes are the best. There is a lot of criticism about the lefty, but only from people that can't afford the rush. The lefty is absolutely awesome, as is the whole Rush frame. Rigid, very easy to control, very light weight (about 12.5kg). You won't find better. I love this bike (second to my wife and kids) !!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kmcintyre
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: June 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Loved the Lefty shock. Don't notice it and lock out is easy to get to. I'm going to have the shop put the Red neg. spring in per Cannondale's recommendation.
Weaknesses:
Since this was a demo the only issue I had was the tires. I'm going to put tubeless on so that doesn't matter. The only thing to consider though is with a Lefty shock, you need an adapter for the fork to use your racks or get an upgright carrier. Brakes made a little noise but again, this was a demo bike.
Similar Products Used:
Maverick, C'dale super V1000, Trek Fuel
Bike Setup:
Stock as demo'ed
Bottom Line:
I looked at most the major manufacturers and based on components, weight, etc. this met my needs the best. I got a little break on the 2008's at my LBS so that sold me and I had nothing but good luck w/ my old C'dale Super V1000. I rode this hard over about 90 miles and 11,000' of vertical in 2 days out of the shop. I either got real lucky or it's a fantastic seat but I'm only marginally sore. I'll repost after I get my own, new bike but overall, very nice and I ordered one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sherandoah
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
1300.00
Strengths:
Descends well, climbs great on propedal or open. Lefty is super stable and feels great. DT Swiss rims and Sun Ringle rear hub are bomber and lightweight. The simple geometry for rear suspension works great and is easy to maintain. High chainstay clearance. perfect relaxed angle of front end which lends well to longer rides.
Weaknesses:
Low BB (big chain-ring eats it on rocks sometimes). Also, leads to being more mindful about pedaling through corners, worrying about the inside pedal hitting and throwing you. Comes with weak-ass crossmax tires which don't cut it for east coast mud, roots and overall varied conditions.
Similar Products Used:
My first full suspension. Before this had Klein Pulse Comp.
Bike Setup:
Chopped down handlebar width a bit. Replaced tires immediately. Grips were weak. Yeti Hardcore work well as subs. Eggbeaters had to go in place of ATAC's.
Bottom Line:
Bike is expensive at normal retail. BUT, you get so much. Super solid. Have no plans to look any further any time soon. I feel stable and safe cruising through rougher trails even though only 110mm on the front. Control is amazing! There is nothing suspect about the lefty other than how sweet it is. You will not regret buying this bike. Oh, and it looks great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Peterborough Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Cannondale Dealer
Strengths:
Has the best componants for the price compared to other similar dual suss bikes. Lefty as everyone has noted is cool, works well, easy to dial in. I have not have the problems that other people had with the tires. Single pivot design works great, i don't even lock the rear shock on the climbs. The bike just really works well in the rocky, rooty tight and twisty New England woods. Brakes are awesome, have not needed to bleed them yet. Great set of componants all around.
Weaknesses:
Needed a new roof rack to accommodate lefty fork. Cut down the handlebars 1 inch on either side. Had trouble with the rear shifter being sluggish and with the local bike techs suggestions swapped the 4mm tubing for 5mm and have been shifting with ease since. Swapped out the bike seat, still have not found one i like, tried exspensive and cheap and at the moment like the cheap WTB rocket v.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale f600, Claud Butler Cape Wrath, Trek 4300, and a bunch of road bikes
Bike Setup:
Cut bars down 1 inch either side, changed saddle, changed saddle, swapped gear cables, swapped out eggbeaters.
Bottom Line:
I'm not selling it. Personally i find Cannondale geometry is not perfect for me but it's close enough to not change yet. Perhaps if i was racing more or doing 24hr rides i would upgrade or change the setup some more. Yep, i'm keeping her
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Currey
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilbet, AZ Date Reviewed: April 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All are good
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Ranch
Strengths:
Stiff frame with smooth suspension, longer cockpit compared to others
Weaknesses:
Seat post to short
Similar Products Used:
Reflex Carbon DT
Bike Setup:
Cane Creek bar ends, Lizard Skins lock grips, Ritchey Comp II post At 6'6" I added a longer post
Bottom Line:
Bike rides smooth and is very responsive, Lefty fork is odd looking but tracks very true and is awsome on the trail. Climbs great and there is none of the bobing with the Fox RP2 shock. Descends with easeand goes where front wheel is pointed. Very comfortable for long rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Makara
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Byrkes
Strengths:
Climbs like a goat and the suspension setup gives you great feedback when decending which allows me to push it harder.
Weaknesses:
The low BB has seen me hit my pedals a few times.
Similar Products Used:
Specialised, Scott Jamis and Giant
Bike Setup:
standard setup but have Nevegal sticky's on
Bottom Line:
Quality built and a simple suspension setup that works a treat. This bike had a better riding position than the Jamis and Scott. The Specialised have just priced themselves out of my market. Giant was a close 2nd but the hassles about changing the air pressure on the bike just turned me off it. first thing i did was to cut the bars shorter and throw some decent tyres on. Really stoked with the purchase
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Avi Kurlantzick
a Racer
from Potomac Date Reviewed: November 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything Rideable
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Everything. Stiff frame, Good components(for the price), Lightweight, Fast, Climbs extremely well, Descends even better, I could keep going on like this for weeks.
Weaknesses:
Tires, Grips, Saddle (sort of)
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel Ex 7, Fuji Diamond Pro, Iron Horse Azure Comp
Bike Setup:
Rav-X carbon bar ends, ODI Yeti lock-on grips, Alex Front Rim, Selle Flite saddle, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Slime Pro tubes.
Bottom Line:
This bike is unbelievable! It completely blew the other bikes i've ridden out of the water. It climbs like a mountain goat, and descends like you wouldn't believe. The thing handles like it's on rails, handling turns without brakes that I would usually have to come almost to a halt to make on my hardtail. Once you swap the tires, it is just amazing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Gall
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Wayne, IN, U.S.A Date Reviewed: November 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
dark mtn, nc / winona, in
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
summit city bikes, ft.wayne, in
Strengths:
very solid (no pedal bobbing) on the climbs with the fox rp2 rear shock. the left is truly an excellent fork it is extremly solid and easy to set up (plus no need to remove front rim to change tire or tube) best one pivot design on the market. the stock components work well but would consider upgrading when they need replacing. the paint job (jet black w/ orange) makes other bikes on the trail envious.
Weaknesses:
the grips are crap, get some lock ons, the seat kills even with padded bike shorts, so don't even think about riding with out them, the mavic xm 117's are ok, would recommend upgrading to mavic 819 or crossmax slr, cst tires are weak, stock handel bars are wide so you might consider cutting them down or getting shorter ones. the stock shimano chain broke twice within the first month, however my LBS upgraded my cain at no charge and haven't had any problems since
Similar Products Used:
test rode giant trance (more upright riding posisition) and speciaized stumpjumper (sus. too soft)
Bike Setup:
stock except for lock on grips and upgraded chain
Bottom Line:
compared to other bikes in it class (xc/lt all mtn) the cannondle rush is far superior. some may complain about the low bb height but with the stiff sus. and light weight of the bike you can hop over almost anything. The Lefty is stiff, strong and tracks well even at high speeds lock out knob is also conviently located. Every time i hit the trails i feel like i could ride all day on the rush. If you are an xc rider who likes to hit a little dh and some short (< 5ft jumps) drops consider the cannondale rush you won't be disappointed. Based on the cannondale.com it appears that they are only going to offer the lefty on higher end rush models so you may want to get an 07' while they are still avaliable. Overall the cannondale rush is nothing less than 5 flamin' chilis. however i could only give 4 chilis on value due to the minor weaknesses stated above. The Bottom Line: Get a C'dale Rush today and hit the trails
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Presently: Ft. Sask Death Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
RVCNS
Strengths:
Gotta luv this Rush . . .and that Lefty! I was concerned that this is a gimmick with all looks and no show, but once you ride it, you'll be hooked. Really like how it tracks and easy to dial in. The idea of one pivot point sold me also. More moving points, more to go wrong.
Weaknesses:
Grips and CST tires are weak. The lower BB can be a pain on technical trails causing your pedals to ground out and sometimes kick your shoes out of the clips.
Bike Setup:
Have replaced grips with lock-ons and tires with Panaracer Fire XC Pros. Trimmed handle bars to 24".
Bottom Line:
This bike handles well in a variety of conditions. While it can take some time to get used to the lower BB, an adjustment on timing and pedal movement has overcome this. I got the large frame and this seems to fit well with 6'1" frame and allows good movement to track up and downhill. This bike has certainly given me good reason to get out and turn the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jackson (Dauset)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1749.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Unreal ability to climb even in really technical situations. Lefty is solid and rear RP23 is perfect. Not a Shimano guy, but the drivetrain is right on. Thought I would be switching it out right away, but couldn't justify doing it after the way it the alleged LX "crap" performed.
Weaknesses:
Grips and tires were throwaways. Seat isn't very good.
Similar Products Used:
Own a Scalpel,stump jumper FSR, Prophet
Bike Setup:
Stock except the tires and grips.
Bottom Line:
Climbing is absolutely great on this bike. Coming from the Scalpel it was like someone was actually pushing me up the hills. Descends like a beast...just the right amount of feedback. Cornering isn't as tight and responsive as the Scalpel, but you can still flick it around like a XC machine. I've never had a bad ride on this bike, even when you are tired you still want to give it a go.
Don't be afraid of the lefty, it's outstanding. It's not a gimmick. Once you ride it once, you will understand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TEXAS Date Reviewed: October 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
360 Cycles
Strengths:
Awesome bike. Lovin the Lefty fork. Rides like a Cadillac in even the roughest terrain and seems to have no limit on travel. It climbs like a champ and goes down just as easily. The RP23 rear shock with the propedal setup is sweet for all types of trails and always comes in handy.
Weaknesses:
Weak shimano rear hub and mavic 117 wheels that it came with.
Bike Setup:
Chris King rear hub, mavic xm819 disc wheels and specialized pro tubeless tires. Other than that, it's perfect.
Bottom Line:
Amazing bike for the price. It has pretty much everything you want right outta the box. The Cannondale Rush 4 is perfect for XC riding and even gettin a little air while youre at it. Its great in technical sections and rippin' through rock gardens. It tracks like a champ on the singletracks too. Theres nothing I can dish out that this bike would not be able to tackle. I also love the looks I get when I take it to the local bike shop or while im riding around Austin.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Squads
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
WIssahickon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Keswick Cycle
Strengths:
Lefty is smooth, tracks well, and looks sweet; paint job (black and orange gloss) is as good as it gets; handling is smooth as butter; very responsive and well balanced overall
Weaknesses:
LX shifters and cassette are poor; grips, saddle, and tires should be replaced; low BB means you need to keep track of your pedals (also makes it handle so well, so pick your poison)
This bike moves fast. It tracks extremely well with the lefty and quick geometry setup. Handles ups as well as downs, good in almost any situation. On really nasty downhill stuff you might want a little more travel, but that would cost you on the way up. I tried a Stumpy FSR before I test rode the Rush and the Stumpy was slow and awkward in comparison. I'll leave that for the older rider who prefers to stay in the saddle and on the ground.
As far as setup, I added the high riser front bar to make it a bit more comfortable for the long-haul. I like to trail ride, don't do any racing at the moment. This bike is easy to hop and "flick" around. I don't hesitate to put 3' of air underneath it.
The low BB will cause some pedal hits. I wouldn't recommend carbon cranks if you ride rocky areas, the area around the pedal will get beat-up pretty good. Just work on your timing and this becomes less and less of a problem.
If you like to flow when you ride, give the Rush a shot, you'll probably like it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew sachtschale
a Cross Country Rider
from Clayton, CA Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt Diablo, or China Camp trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
1,700 (MSRP is 2,100) at REI
Strengths:
Very stiff in comparison to many other full suspension bikes. A guy I know has a Scalpel (Cannondale's XC Race Full suspension bike) it is several years old with slightly higher end components (AvidJuicy Sevens, Sram X-9 rear derailure). The Scalpel is a great bike, but it is very flexy especially from side to side due to the carbon fiber chain stays, and plastic seat stays. So even though th Scalpel is lighter, the rush can easily compete with it (once again this Scalpel is several years old, the design may have improved since then). I also love the Lefty, I personally think that unless you road bike, mountain bike with a rigid fork, or do extreme DH, dirt jump, or freeride, you have no reason not to use a lefty fork, i have looked over schematics for their internals and have found that the design is extremly well thought out. A lot of people will tell you the forks are crap, everyone who told me this had never used the fork, don't dismiss this fork just because people are sceptical of it. I also like the Shimano Rapidfire Two-Way Release shifters, they are very comfortable. The bike is also very Beautiful, with a unique design and an amazing powdercoat paint job (only the orange, black, and white one comes in powdercoat) I would reccomend this bike to any one who likes agressive XC rideing, with steep technical decents, but still wants to be able to climb well, and sprint explosively. I would also reccomend this bike to anyone looking for a really fun bike
Weaknesses:
None apparent, asides from the fact, that It turns so many heads on the trail, that it is bound to get stolen if I leave it alone for a minute.
Similar Products Used:
None, I have never had a proper MTB before, and have always had a crappy 39 lb diamondback hardtail comfortbike, that I rode with knobbies on the mountain.
Bike Setup:
stock, with slime filled tubes
Bottom Line:
Looking for a fun ride, and plan to keep your wheels on the ground most of the time (it can handle small jumps, but isn't made for dirt jumping); want an all mountain bike leaning towards the XC type of riding, but still want to explore DH; want a bike with great components, and a stellar performing fork, with the option, of locking it out; and get all this without pulling the plug on your bank account? Then the rush 4 is your bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio Date Reviewed: April 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Eddy's Bike Shop
Strengths:
I looked at and test rode alot of different bikes before I decided on the Rush. First impressions are usually lasting impressions and I first noticed how well spec'd this bike was compared to other bikes in the price range (shimano rapidfire good- SRAM push push bad). The lefty is awesome, the fox rear shock with pro pedal works amazing and really stiffens up the rear end for climbing. This bike feels like it can do anything on the trail, it is the most agile and responsive of the bikes I tested and the single pivot design is simple and effective.
Weaknesses:
The grips are lame, cannondale specs some of their mid-ranged hardtails with locking grips, but not the rush???
Similar Products Used:
Specalized Stumpjumper FSR Comp and Elite, Cannondale Rush 3, Specialized FSRxc Pro
Bike Setup:
Stock as a box of rocks
Bottom Line:
Compared to the stumpjumper that felt cumbersome (short wheelbase, weird geometry, super active suspension), the rush feels like a racecar. Laid back-ish geometry, instant response, LEFTY. Test ride ine and you will know what I am talking about. It is a bit heavy for an XC racer, but it was not designed for that. If you want a bike that is a blast a ride and would classify yourself an "all mountian/XC" type of rider, buy this bike yesterday.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
randy
a
from waldorf Date Reviewed: November 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
follow up on the fork, there was nothing wrong with it, as they are "breaking in" it is normal to see some fluid with these forks
Bottom Line:
love the bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a
from Waldorf Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Bike Doctor
Strengths:
fast, comfortable ride, I can ride twice as long as I could on my old ATX 970 beater-, the feel of the lefty is awesome if you have never tried it, very responsive, goes where you point it, I like the lower center, handles great, just need to get used to it and stop hitting my pedals on stuff I used to clear
Weaknesses:
had to exchange my Lefty after 5 rides because it had a leak, but the shop hasn't had to do it before, so I suspect it is rare. The customer service at my LBS is so great that it didn't bother me-
Similar Products Used:
I also considered a Trek EX 8, the Rush handles way better for me
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this is my first high end bike, and it is worth every penny, I love this bike, if you ride 3-4 times week and want a XC bike that is comfortable, but still want a bike that can handle a little DH, then this is for you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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