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Average Rating
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4.61/5
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# of Reviews
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54
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MSRP
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$ 1600.00
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Weight
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More Products from Cannondale
Submit a Review
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Description:
- Frame: Prophet
- Fork: Lefty Max Fluid-Flow
- Rims: Mavic XM117 Disc, 32 hole
- Spokes: DT Champion
- Tires: IRC Trail Bear, 26 x 2.25"
- Pedals: Cannondale Clipless
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Submitted by
animusman
a Weekend Warrior
from Lafayette
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Golden Gate | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Golden Bear Bikes | | Strengths: | Durable, smooth shifting, reliable components. | | Weaknesses: | Travel on front fork might not be what I need for more intense rides. | | Similar Products Used: | Only owned hard tails prior to purchased Prophet. | | Bike Setup: | SRam Gears, Avid disc brakes, Fox Float R rear shock, Lefty fork. Basically, all the default components you get with a new Prophet 600. | | Bottom Line: | This is an updated review now that I've had the bike for 2 seasons. I'm still very pleased with it's durability, the smooth shifting, better stopping power with disk brakes, and the full suspension. I am starting to wonder if the Lefty Fork provides me with the travel I really need for the more intense rides. Overall I'm very happy with the bike though. Reliability is a big issue with me. When I go out into he middle of no where on my bike I don't want to stress on whether I'll make it back or not. So far this bike has been ultra-reliable despite putting it through some beatings. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint Sochulak
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln, ME
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | crazy train | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ski rack sports | | Strengths: | All around great bike, price. | | Weaknesses: | some stock parts that eventually will need to be replaced. | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock, acid pedals, avid brake levers, kenda and shwalbe tires were added and new drivetrain after I wore it out. | | Bottom Line: | This has been and still is a great bike. It was my first full suspension and it has not dissapointed. I ride trails that are littered with roots and rocks and this bike helped me improve my riding considerably. Is good at climbing and can mash over rock gardens and rooty sections and can absorb considerable drops. Just a really fun bike to ride. Good price, good ride. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Kline
a Cross Country Rider
from Elmora
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | MY Design | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Indiana cycle and Fitness | | Strengths: | Durable, Light, and fully upgradable | | Weaknesses: | Too good to warrant a new bike purchase | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Swinger 3 way, Stans Arch wheelset, Monkeylite EA 70 bars, Avid juicy 7 front, Avid bb7 rear, Alligator TiNitride rotors. | | Bottom Line: | This machine as surpassed every test, trail and crash thrown at it. I've upgraded through the years and brought it to about 27.5 lbs for a large frame. Nothing but glowing pride for this machine. Too bad its being replaced. A true classic and hassle free design. Goodbye to the Prophet, your reign was short, however this design will be remembered as a true workhorse platform. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Weekend Warrior
from DE
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | WCC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS Dunbar's | | Strengths: | Super durable. Tracks like it is on rails through twisty NE singletrack. Takes medium hits very well, and I don't have the guts to do more so that works out. Very nimble for an "all mountain" bike. | | Weaknesses: | Stock parts are a bit heavy. Needed to swap out Lefty spring to handle my fat a**. | | Similar Products Used: | First Dual Suspension | | Bike Setup: | Still very stock http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/cusa/model-6VE6.html | | Bottom Line: | Love it. Very durable low maintenance set up for the large and fit rider. Haven't had one problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JAKE
a Weekend Warrior
from Centreville, VA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | VA mountains | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cannondale | | Strengths: | Everything, Lefty is amazing, stock drive train not half bad but change it out when it wears out, it will make all the difference. Wheels arent horrible but could be better. Brakes- not hydraulic but might as well be with the stopping power you get | | Weaknesses: | Cannondale levers, Wore out after a year of use
Manitou Radium-very edgy horrible for small bumps, poor match with the lefty
Deore shifters, wheels need some beefing up | | Bike Setup: | 05 Prophet 600 High Gloss red
DHX 5.0 Air 7.875x2.0
XT rear (new)
LX shifters
Avid brake levers
Yeti Hard core grips
Raceface Evolve DH crankset
Sram Red spider cassette
soon to be mavic 819 rims with onyx hub in back | | Bottom Line: | Being my first full suspension bike i cant really compare it to anything, but it is a fantastic bike.Climbs like a f*&%ing goat and descends like its nobodys business, BUY THIS BIKE. The wheels are a bit flexy and the rear shock should be put in the garbage but other than that its fantastic, After upgrading to the DHX 5.0 Air i do believe that this will be my last full suspension bike I ever buy, its so perfect, i am able to ride for 8-10 hours in the VA mountains with no pains or complaints about the travel in the bike. It is a great all around bike and for those of you against single pivot designs your missing out, VPP is overrated and brake jack is hardy noticeable,The lefty is the perfect shock, throw anything at it and it can take it, one of the stiffest forks i have ever ridden only thing that would make it better is SPV or TPC dampening. Get it before the moto/rize kills it :-( | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Durst Cycle | | Strengths: | Great good for the price | | Weaknesses: | Weak Cannondale brand break levers | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll, Jamis Hardtails, Other Cannondales | | Bike Setup: | Close to stock | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for 2 years, its the 06 model. I have taken decent care of it, washing and lubing it after most days out. It has been and is a great bike. I have not had any problems with the Lefty. I bought the tool to open the top part of the shock, and have lubed it a couple times. I do some pretty aggressive XC and all-mountain riding and have had no trouble. I just rebuilt the fox float R seals for the first time since I have owned the bike.
I broke the cannondale break levers in a fall pretty early on and replaced them with Avid levers which are a big improvement. Also, the IRC trailbears are decent tires, but I preffer the Panaracer Fire XC pros.
The bike is great, love the Lefty, it outperforms other shocks I have used that would be considered High-end forks.
Cannondale is phasing the prophet out with the new Rize and Moto, so If you are looking for a deal, the prophet is worth the time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cameron hall
a Weekend Warrior
from troutville,va,usa
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | mcafee's(shhhhhh) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$17000.00 | | Purchased At: | just tha right gear | | Strengths: | left fork-awesome kinda wierd when riding no handed-haha but who does that nemore,climbs good minimal slip on chain,tires are tuff and easy to change out when ya get a flat specially the front lefty fork no tools needed cept the tire loosener plastic thing from walmart for 97 cents | | Weaknesses: | but i did bend tha sprocket and it wont change to 3rd gear nemore,but who needs 3rd neway?,saddle is a lil discomforting,but its a bike it peadals and goes,and the brakes arent as good as some(hydrolic brakes)-found on some konas-they just wiegh 10 pounds more | | Similar Products Used: | kona-dawg | | Bike Setup: | stock new seat | | Bottom Line: | bottom line bikes are ridiculous priced but when ya get one and pedal it hard and long and ya just bend a lil sprocket ,thats pretty impessive it looks good climbs well | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cougar Hall
a Weekend Warrior
from Eagle Mountain, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Amasa Back | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Chili Pepper | | Strengths: | Rides light. | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid and Fuel, Kona Dawg and Coiler | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding the prophet for two years. I've had a 2005 and now a 2006. Both were rental bikes in Moab that I purchased after the season. Both have exceeded every expectation. I ride both cross country and freeride on this bike 3-5 days a week. The prophet handles stiff climbs and large drops beautifully. I don't understand those who bash the component group on this bike. It shifts and brakes wonderfully. Buy what you can afford, the rest is legs, lungs, and heart. I wish 6 flamin' Chilis were an option. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justin thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from concord
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | fort rock | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | goodshop | | Strengths: | price equals upgradability | | Weaknesses: | they didnt design the prophet earlier | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | avid hydros, wtb saddle, and new front rim, basically stock | | Bottom Line: | tracks great, so few problems that arent worth mentoioning. Lands great, yup suspension is fine. I pedal, the bike moves. You techies need to get over youselves and start riding. you might enjoy your self more if you worried more about the rock in front of you than how the bike shifted before getting there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie, CO USA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Good balance, smooth shifting, Lefty fork is very stable | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't fit well on my Saris Bones bike rack | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F300 hard tail | | Bike Setup: | SRam Gears, Avid disc brakes, Fox Float R rear shock, Lefty fork. Basically, all the default components you get with a new Prophet 600. | | Bottom Line: | So far I've been on about 3 serious mountain bike rides. Not sure if this is a fair comparison but it's a sweet ride compared to my Cannondale F300. The full suspension, the smoother shifting I get with the SRAM gears, and balance it has is a HUGE improvement. I'll admit the Lefty fork is a bit weird looking but I'm a "lefty" too so we're a good match. So far my Prophet has taken me to some of God's holy creations safely and that's a good thing. Bottom line this bike is well worth the money I forked out for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Simi Valley, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | I'm not picky | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Simi Cycling Center | | Strengths: | This is a follow up review. I have been riding this one hard for one year now, and it lives up to it's name. Zero failures. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Many. | | Bike Setup: | See previous review. | | Bottom Line: | For those who claim the Lefty is weak of troublesome, I say you have got to be kidding, right? The bike is still in the same configuation as in my original review. There have been no mechanical failures, and minimal maintainance required. Cannondale now designates the bike as the Prophet 5, but it still the same bike. Fear not, you will not regret this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Glassic
a Weekend Warrior
from Eagan, MN
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lebanon Hills, Eagan MN | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Eriks Bike Shop | | Strengths: | The frame is awesome! Lefty is super plush and still supple after 1-1/2 years. BB7's are holding up nice as well. | | Weaknesses: | The brake levers and tires were immediately replaced. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona's, Trek, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | I replaced the tires with Panaracer Fire DH's, brake levers and shifting pods switched out to Avid Titaniums, inner lefty spring swapped out for a bulkier version (Brown), new front wheel build (taco'd the stock one on a drop). | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome ride for the $$$. I've had it for over a year and have racked up the milage. I managed to taco my front stock wheel on a drop and replaced, the lefty held up, it didn't even budge. I replaced the shifting pods and brake levers and the tires. All in all I love this ride.
It IS an all mountain machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Swotch Dotkom
a Weekend Warrior
from Tenerife
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | see my web | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | second hand | | Strengths: | Weight, Travel, Lefty, versatility (head angle, full seatpost), Hayes 9, tire clearance, SRAM shifters | | Weaknesses: | Rear der, rear QR, stock disc WAY too small, cheap rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | Scott HTs, Giant NRS, C'dale Hybrid | | Bike Setup: | Stock except 2,5 TB tires, 200mm Hayes discs, 150lbs rider | | Bottom Line: | ...is this love? I enjoy every single moment on this bike. Best for trailriding, but makes fun just riding up and down the beach, searching for a drop or a stairway. Throw on a pair of cheap 2,5er Kevlar Trailbears (those tires RULE and they are so BIG they wont fit them crappy other "trailbikes" frames, but there is plenty of mud clearance with Leftys...)and a pair of 200mm discs and you have a rock-eater monster. Has Tour de France relicts like triple ring, long cage der (broke on drop), QR (loosens up on rough rides).Change them and you're happy. Ask Santa for a value shock next Christmas... The Lefty fork seems from the future, needs some attention, and, actually some BRAINS. This bike is HEAVEN. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
humberto neves
a Cross Country Rider
from portugal
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | arrábida | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | portugal | | Strengths: | Do everything bike | | Weaknesses: | Weels | | Similar Products Used: | American Eagle, Giant, Trekk | | Bike Setup: | Weels Mavic 321 | | Bottom Line: | Ive ride this bike for almost 4.000 Kms and i im still enjoy it and be surprise of some things that this bike allow me to doo. Sory the English "but do you speak portuguese??" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marcus konantz
a
from simi valley, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Strong platform, little to no pedal bob, geometry selection | | Weaknesses: | brake levers, tires, weight, frame click, paint | | Bottom Line: | The best thing about this bike is that the frame doesn't know if it is a 400 or a 2000. The components are alittle cheap at this level but I am upgrading as they break. For instance, broke a break lever off within the first two weeks. I push this bike a bit more than i should since i can't afford to have a bike for each situation like some. I've taken this bike off of light drops (3 - 4 foot) and over any obstacle i can find (on purpose and sometimes on accident) and it doesn't stop. Wheels and tires are heavy but i dont mind the weight since i'm not racing and added resistance just makes you stronger. Paint job scratches easily but i will powder coat the frame at some point. Selectable geometry is icing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wes Hall
a Weekend Warrior
from Fayetteville, GA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Center | | Strengths: | Good price for what you get. Same frame as higher end model Prophets. | | Weaknesses: | No weaknesses so far, if I had to pick something to complain about... I would like to get a little weight off of the bike and no lock-out on lefty. | | Similar Products Used: | Previously owned GT hardtail. Looked at Specialized, Giant, Gary Fisher, and other Cannondales. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Future upgrades include - lighter wheel sets with tubeless tires, cf bars and seat post, egg-beater pedals, and possible new rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I rode alot prior to trashing by GT and haven't been a on bike in 5-6 years. The full suspension took some getting use to after riding a hardtail for so long. When I started shopping for a new bike I was using the Cannanondale as a bench mark and was never sold on a better bike. I wanted a bike that I could grow into and not out grow after riding. The fact that the 600 model is the same frame as the higher end models helped with my decision.
After riding the bike for 2 months I haven't found anything weaknesses with the bike just personal preferrences that I would like to change. I will eventually change the wheel sets, bars, and seatpost to help save some weight. The pedals will probably be changed - to me the stock pedals are not consistant with getting the cleats set and un-released (this could certainly be user error).
Overall I would recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a good fs bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Punchee
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, Montana, usa
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Local | | Strengths: | What you get for the $. Very nice ride.
| | Weaknesses: | Some cheap parts that you didn't pay a lot for. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona something. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, new seat. | | Bottom Line: | Yeah it really is all its cracked up to be. I read one review about how the lefty sucks and I'm like, "what am I missing? sure does me good." It's all uphill then all down hill here. It does both. At first I would get going sooo fast that I didn't realize it and I would put it up on the front wheel braking. Now I've learned to chill and enjoy the cadillac ride. No big hits for me. Tried that, over the wreckage. This bike could probably do more of that then I am willing to give it. Other people have brought up these weaknesses and I concur: brake levers, cranks, saddle (change it before you go sterile), heavy wheels. Change these as you go through them or get the 1000 model. I DONT THINK YOU CAN BEAT THIS FOR THE MOOLA. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taka
a Weekend Warrior
from Oak Ridge, TN
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeZoo | | Strengths: | Reasonable price. Same frame as high end model. | | Weaknesses: | Lefty hub. | | Similar Products Used: | old i-drive | | Bike Setup: | Magura Marta, SRAM XO components, Fizi;k Arione, Crank bros, pedal | | Bottom Line: | If you have some high performance components, it is the best choice. My last choice was between Prophet 1000 and 600. I eliminated 800 because I hate dual control system. The frame is same as the high end model. I decided to give up mavic wheels.
But, the only drawback I have found is hub. The original lefty hub is heavy and noisy, it sounds like scratching. And rear hub is slightly heavy. I am going to replace new hubs.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from South Carolina, USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Light for full suspension. Great handling, nice plush travel. Quality is great because it was made in USA by Cannondale.. Definately not made in China. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | 05' Fuji Thrill | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great and is so much better than i even anticipated. The quality of the bike can not be put into words. For the low level 600 of the prophet line you can not find a better deal. The 600 is actually much better quality than some equally expensive hardtails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Willi Coyote
a Cross Country Rider
from Frankfurt.\/M, Germany.
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Frame geometry. Light weight for 140mm of front and rear travel. Adjustability of frame.
Great frame for the money.
Excellent fork - Lefty Max 140mm.
Great climber for 140mm.
| | Weaknesses: | Parts: low level parts. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Prophet (Marzocchi AM) - Very, very good.
GT-iDrive 2002 - very good (full Sram X9, 990, Rock Shox Duke SL .... . | | Bike Setup: | Lefty Max (Basic).
X7, B535, Sram 950, FSA set. | | Bottom Line: | After 6 months - this is my 2nd review.
Stil, the best bike for me.
All is good.
No mechanical problems.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marc cartino
a Cross Country Rider
from baton sc
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | great ride when working | | Weaknesses: | Reviews are made within three to six months.People want to justify their new bike choice. My bike is nine months old and the LEFTY is one big problem.Too prone to expensive maintence. Time after time and it is hit oe miss to diagnoise problem. my prophet is sold i hope! | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Lefty is great when working. Will cause you extensive maintence! Look in bike magazines at bike race photos. One picture in 50 shows a lefty. Why? They are too finicky! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, N.Y.
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1175.00 | | Strengths: | Cannondale product, made in the U.S.A., frame and lefty fork | | Weaknesses: | Brake levers, stock tires, seat and seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | F400, F800, F2000, Jekyll's | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Thompson seatpost, WTB seat, avid brakelevers, Hutchinson tires | | Bottom Line: | At first, I did not feel comfortable on this bike since it's geometery is somewhat different than the older Jekyll and hardtails. After some tweeking of the setup of the bike and more saddle time, this has to be the best bike I have every had. I compete in local race events and the changeout to the phyton tires and low weight Maxis tubes has allowed me to cut approx. 1lb from each wheel!!! Probably more than enough suspension travel for me, but this bike is great and I would recommend it to anyone for trail riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Simi Valley,ca. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Simi Cycling Center | | Strengths: | Frame design, Lefty Strut, Rear suspension with falling rate (for more linear air shock curve), fit and finish, Made in U.S.A., handling and acceleration. Overall great value. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals and brake lavers are a little cheesy. Trailbear tires roll fast but get a "C" for traction. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 Super V (now belongs to my Son), Kona coiler, various others. I' ve rode a bunch of 'em. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: Shimano clipless pedals, Easton EA-50 riser bar | | Bottom Line: | Excellent value. Handling is excellent. Lefty strut (not a fork-a fork has two legs) has to be ridden to be believed, it is just so far advanced from a standard fork. Rear suspension is great. Plush, yet not mushy, and well balanced (front and rear). Drivetrain shifts and performs well in spite of being "low level" components. Outstanding climbing performance. Added Easton riser bar (2.5" rise) to suit personal preference. Brake levers are cheap but adequate for now. Avid mechanical brakes are powerful when properly set up and broken in. Fit and finish are excellent. Overall far superior bike for the price that many other "Taiwan" made bike at the exact same price point. You will be very satisfied with this high quality American made product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Millhaus
a Cross Country Rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | urban | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | beefy frame and the lefty with 5 inches of travel rules! | | Weaknesses: | everything else | | Similar Products Used: | all kinds of stuff for the last 15 years :) | | Bike Setup: | who cares, I replace stock items as they break off. I usually keep it classic like Thomson, King, etc.... | | Bottom Line: | OK, don't get me wrong this bike is excellent. Really I bought it to custom build anyway and I heard the frameset with the lefty alone is over $1000 by itself, so I got the Profit 600 instead. I actually hated Cannondale forever until I actually rode a bike with a lefty. That fork is simply excellent for bigger riders like me, it is very stiff and tough. I'm not sure what makes this fork so tough but it just keeps going and you never have to mess with it.
All the other parts on this are like parts you find on a Wal Mart bike. Truvativ crankset creaks and moans nonstop. Avid mechanical disc brakes squeal like a pig. Wheels weigh a ton and still flex.
Bottom line :
- if you are looking for a excellent recreational bike for the price you can't go wrong.
- if you are a faster, lighter rider you probably would benefit to going up to at least a Prophet 1000.
- if you are a clydesdale or aggressive rider get this frame and build it up or get a 600 and replace everything as you go through it. They also sell a true freeride edititon of the Prophet if you are super hardcore. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Titus
a Weekend Warrior
from Berthoud, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hall | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | LEFTY, nice sturdy frame, Float R rear shock, lock-on grips. Very little bob. | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals and brake levers are crap, but they are easily replaced. The paint is easy to damage. Avid brakes squeal like a banshee. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Prophet 600, Specialized Lo-Pro Mag pedals, Thompson post, SDG Bel-Air, , Syncros Gain riser, Gamut 34t bashguard, ODI Rouge grips, Lizard Skins chainstay protector, Hope bar ends and post clamp | | Bottom Line: | This is my second Prophet 600, my first was a 2005. Very nice bike for this price range. Parts spec is on par with most, but the Lefty puts it over the top! Most $1600 bikes have a crap or so-so fork, but the Lefty is about as good as it gets. Very stiff and plush. The suspension setup is pretty straitfoward, and once it is set up thre is very little bob. The brakes leave something to be desired. The BB7s are fully broken in, but I can't get rid of the squeal! the C-Dale levers just don't feel good, either. I dont like clipless, so I switched the pedals to some nice flats. I also replaced the big ring with a bashguard for more clearance. Overall this is a very nice bike! Solid frame, nice parts, and the Lefty can't be beat!
The ride is very nice. Climbing is good, there is a little bit of pedal feedback in the small ring. It shines on the downhills, too. Lefty is stiff and keeps the bike on track. It is nice to have almost 6 inches of travel to eat up the rough stuff. The Prophet is built for rough stuff, but not for hucking. It definety wont replace your freeride/downhill rig, but with a sturdy setup it can handle some jumps/drops. If you take big drops, you should opt for the MX model with a Thru-12 rear axle.
Overall, I hink this is a very nice bike for the "all-mountain rider", who wants something that can shoot downhill, but still climb like a goat. For $1600, you cant beat it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Willi Coyote
a Cross Country Rider
from Frankfurt, Germany
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Well, its Cannondale.
Frame geometry. Light weight for 140mm of front and rear travel. Adjustability of frame.
Great frame for the money.
Excellent fork - Lefty Max 140mm.
Great climber for 140mm.
| | Weaknesses: | Low level parts.
Avid BB7 Mechanical Disk !!! (Replaced to Shimano 535 disk system).
Mavic XM 117 rims - basic rims.
Clipless pedals - ? no its not !!
Low end drive train.
E-Type Front derailer - not so good !!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Prophet (Marzocchi AM) - Very, very good.
GT-iDrive 2002 - very good (full Sram X9, 990, Rock Shox Duke SL .... . | | Bike Setup: | Sram x7 + 950.
Shimano Disk 535.
Mavic 117 ....
FSA Alpha .
| | Bottom Line: | Well, this bike can damage your career.
You will lose money, many, many money.
high level bikes makes you want to ride and ride.
This bike is a great ride.
Greatest price / quality ratio
Try it - you'll like it !!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa (SWEET!) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | I wanted to really ride this thing before I formed an opinion. This is a steller bike! I'm coming off 3 years of semi-pro downhill, 4 years expert x/c, about 15 years of riding total, and have become tired of abusive x/c bikes with no suspension and DH bikes that ONLY come downhill. This bike rides like a hardtail uphill and comes downhill like a rocket. On 3-4 hour X/C rides it rules! On tight, rocky technical downhills, it rules! It's not an 10" DH bike, but it rides like one, AND it hauls a** uphill. Spend time to get the suspension set up right and this bike will reward you with awesome speed! Not sure how to follow the suspension set-up instructions? Ask your LBS, or ask C-dale. | | Weaknesses: | The stock brake levers/brakes kind of suck. The stock levers feel like something from Wal-Mart. The cable brakes sort of stop you. Yuck! Better than rim brakes, but not by much. I put Hayes HFX-9s on right out of the box. With better brake levers this would be a dead on ringer. The seat post clamp slips. What's the deal with that? Otherwise, no complaints. | | Similar Products Used: | Two late 80's vintage C-dale hardtails (yeah... before suspension) GT Zaskar, Lightspeed Ti hardtail (overated crap) Specialized M2 hardtail (nice) Schwinn Homegrown Pro hardtail (awesome) Intense Uzzi SL (expensive, impress your friends) Intense M1 (go really fast downhill, take a lift up) and now this Prophet 600 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for the brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome! A great bike for a great price. I wanted a do-everything bike and I got it. The Lefty fork is really cool. I can blast downhill, and honestly feel this fork tracks better and swallows hits more smoothly than the double crown DH fork I had on the M1. I want to climb uphill for a few miles? So what? The fork settles in and I can climb with virtually no bob at all! The fork HAS to be ridden to be believed. C-dale nailed the design --no flex, immediate steering and awesome, responsive travel.
The rear Fox shock is great. Sort of a pain to get adjusted just right, but when you do... sweet! No bob, and fantastic action for an air shock. Fox knows what the deal with suspension is! The stock IRC tires are great, for an all-around tire F/R they work good, except for a little vague spot in hard cornering. Ride like a badass and they hook-up just fine. The seat is comfy. The seat post clamp sucks. (Already said that but it pisses me off to stop and have to re-adjust the damn thing.)
All in all, a great bike for a great price. Not all the bells-and-whistles of the 800 or 1000? So what? This is an awesome value for a great bike! 5 chiles for the best value out there... 4 chiles for a few simple things that C-dale can do to make this the BEST bike in this category. FIX the damn seat clamp, and change the crap brakes! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Eagan, MN
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Erik the Bike Man's | | Strengths: | Price and travel. I was looking for a 5.5" travel ride around the 1,500.00 price range. This was the only one. I was skeptical on the lefty fork, however I was amazed at the plushness. | | Weaknesses: | I ditched the Cannondale Clipless Pedals for my Shimano SPD's and had to stiffen up the lefty via the internal adjustment knob which took care of the pedal bob up front. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR XC, Marin Wolf Ridge, Jamis | | Bike Setup: | Ditched the Cannondale clipless pedals for my Shimano SPD/Platforms, adjusted the Lefty via the internal adjustment knob to eliminate pedal bob and to compensate for my 212lb stature. Kept in FR mode for my riding style. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent ride, flows like a dream and the plushness of the suspension is unbelievable. Dropping off of my favorite trail's log drops is where it really shines. Eats up rock gardens as well. no pedal bob in the rear at all, even at having 130psi in the read shock. I am 6'4" 212lbs and the large can handle my weight and abuse and it is "flickable" I can toss it around easily and Cannondale has won me over Specialized. Bravo for making a low end, quality product for us riders not easily willing to part with 2k+ for a bicycle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from picayune, ms
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Homochitto | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | GNO cyclery in nola | | Strengths: | low-maintence, stable-platform, and really good looking | | Weaknesses: |
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