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Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bike Setup: | http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=1997&Brand=Cannondale&Model=Super+V+500&Type=bike | | Bottom Line: | I bought this 1997 Cannondale Super V 500 brand new that year and this has been my primary bike for the last 11 years. I have every great to say about this bike... Only thing I've done aside from stock parts is changed the pedals for toe clips and a recent blinky LED from CatEye. :) Read the intelligent reviews in this forum, they are all accurate for the most part. From excellent climbing, to plush ride, no pogo action if your preload is adjusted properly and not too "limp", V brakes that stop on a dime yet get a little noisy, precise cornering and hey... off road, it leaves other bikes behind! Even at 29 pounds, this bike is light as a feather to me (Shame on those who whine about weight...grow a pair). Only thing I really would change on this bike is a slightly more comfortable seat and/or seat post and perhaps a more ergonomic handlebar, but that is just personal preference. Best bike I've ever owned and that's why I've kept, riden and maintained this bike for the last 11 years. I look forward to the next 11!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from Suffield Ct, USA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002 | | Favoriate Trail: | metacomet trail / home made jumps & whatnot | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2.00 | | Purchased At: | Ken Otto doesnt give anything away | | Strengths: | Very light, at least lighter than my downhill bike (not saying a lot) very stiff, very strong, plush rear suspension, 2 bottle holders. | | Weaknesses: | headshok, majority of weight in the back, gripshift. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, Cannondale Jekyll, Gt I-Drive. | | Bike Setup: | hope minidisc, shimano LX hollowtech crank + BB, crank Bros. Eggbeater, otherwise stock | | Bottom Line: | fun bike, way better for XC than my Santa Cruz, if you like XC or just trail riding, this bike is super-fun, could be very competetive if it had better forks, still over all i give this bike a 7.5 out of 10 | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Woodington
a Cross Country Rider
from Hopkin, SC
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001 | | Favoriate Trail: | downhill singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Cannondale has made great bikes and continues to make the best bikes in the world I believe. A lot of them are lighter than titanium and are amazingly stiff. | | Weaknesses: | Everyone says they're overpriced...I don't understand that at all...it's like saying you could've Ford Mustang for cheaper than a Ferrari
What do you expect for top of the line stuff?? | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, A1 Comp, Stumpjumper, Trek 8000, a few Ralieghs, a few Schwinns too
Cannondale is still the best | | Bike Setup: | I bought the Super V frame and built the rest myself | | Bottom Line: | Cannondales are awesome but you have to look after them. It's not a Walmart special that you can ride for 10 years without replacing anything. You don't buy your car and then ignore it for the next year. You clean it, take it in for oil changes, etc. You gotta do the same for your bikes. You leave dirt on your bike for a month it's not gonna run very well. You don't replace your brake pads it's not going to stop. People complaining about their bike not shifting well after a year...try taking it to the shop you pathetic misers or fix it yourself!! It really gets me that people rate products poorly because of their own stupidity. If your dog dies because you didn't feed it then who's fault is it?? Obviously it's the dogs fault by some people's reasoning. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This review is for a Super V 900 Active "80".
I bought this bike from a guy who bought it and never rode it. It still had the hang tags on it. I happen to like the Headshock. Although my fork only has true measured 60MM of travel, it is very active, absorbs hard and soft impacts and steers on a dime. I also use a 'Shox Judy XC (100MM) and Answer Manitou (both good) products on my other bikes and I am a headshock believer after using the Cannondale system. The frame is very strong for my 225 lbs and in fact the entire bike takes big jumps in stride. I get no "pogo" effect from the rear suspension. I have yet to bend up the Sun rims because they are built correctly. The Shimano STX-RC hubs are a bit heavy but BULLETPROOF under my weight and use. I have had luck with shimano LX stuff and it works very well and it is quite durable plus it never needs adjustments unlike the "Mega 9" XT stuff on my other bikes. I have been using rapid fires on my other bikes, but I LOVE the Saachs grip shifts as they keep your hands where they belong...on the grips! Some reviews claim creaking from the cranks but mine are quiet, strong, light, and flex free. In all, I am pleased with the performance of this bike. It is plush and it can take a beating. Major plus is that this bike comes back from hard rides in one piece with no broken parts. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano LX brakes and levers are average at best but do stop the bike quick enough. There is no comparason to the the XTR brake set on my Raleigh. The Fox Vanalla coil over is durable but does not have rebound adjustment. The Stock seat is hard like a rock and the seat post is marginal at best. Limited suspension travel keeps this bike at XC levels but allows it to climb like a hardtail. Bike is about 27-28LBS (large frame) so it is not a light weight. | | Similar Products Used: | I ride a '01 Raleigh M80 hardtail and a K2 Proflex Full suspension that I built up myself. | | Bike Setup: | Salsa Seatpost, Bontrager Crowbar race 9 riser bars (great on this bike, Specialized Body Geometry comfort sport seat. Otherwise, the bike is stock. | | Bottom Line: | Great frame and nice engineering...the super V is a classic design with no quirks or bugs to work out; it is a bike you can live with for a long time. I can't really see buying one of these for what the price was brand new in '97 or '98. Brand new SV500's are going for just over $1000 but there is alot of competition in that price range and a hell of a lot of new degigns. If you can get a good deal on one, go for it. If you are tired of the endless marketing hoopla from the fork manufacturers, try out a headshock! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trae heck
a Weekend Warrior
from shawnee ok
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2000 | | Favoriate Trail: |
draper lake | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
the headshock fork is great and the handling awsome compared to my hardtail. | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
only other cannondale fs bikes ive tried other hardtails from different companies | | Bike Setup: |
my other bike is a hard tail 7005 al frame with judysl and xt xtr mavic which is a nice bike | | Bottom Line: | if your looking for a mtb bike there are alot of good bikes to choose from. alot of different companies all with good products. but if you are looking for a maintenance free fullsuspension and an excellent fork you cant go wrong with a cannondale.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross-Country Rider
from Missoula,MT
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
The Ridge in Bethany | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Smooth downhill control
Sweet rear suspension
Nice power transfer | | Weaknesses: |
A little bob when climbing real steep stuff | | Similar Products Used: |
Fisher
GT | | Bike Setup: |
Super V Active 3000
Judy XL
Cane Creek AD-8 | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. I bought the frame/fork and built it up with XT parts and Race Face cranks. It is super plush going downhill and can take on anything. I have a Cane Creek AD-8 with a Judy XL on the front, it it a sweet set up.. I've got 4 inches of travel in the front and rear with nice rebound. I've bombed this rig through the toughest singletrack West Virginia could offer and it matched up great. It climbs well, but under a hard pedal stroke it will bob a little. Overall though, it climbs pretty well. Recently, I moved to Montana and have been cruisin' around hitting everything and taking it all in stride. This baby rocks, I would recommend it to anyone looking to go full suspension! Also, I haven't had any mechanical difficulty and hardly any maintenance (except routine lubing and tuning). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Target
a Racer
from Taunton, MA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Clam Bake (Rocky Woods) | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Beautiful, durable, quality. What else is there? | | Weaknesses: |
Kinda heavy, but not bad
uncompatable | | Similar Products Used: |
Proflex Attack | | Bike Setup: |
1997 C'dale Super V3000
Alps 4 rear
judy xc front | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike!! It climbs, goes down hills and can sprint with ease. I've had mine for a while. I gave it a custom paint job and put a judy on it, i dont really like the head shocks because they're heavy and break easy. I just dont like the fact that you have to get cannondale parts when they break! I've had to get 3 special deureillur hangers, that you have to get special ordered, and it takes a week! Thats my only problem with the bike, but i guess thats just a problem with the company. 5 peppers, but the customer service and organization of the company gets 3 roastin pepper things. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Red Deer, Alberta
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Prarieview in K country | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Plush suspension, accurate steering goes where you point it. very adjustable, Low maintence sealed pivot. | | Weaknesses: |
Requires accurate suspension setup | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS
Rocky element TO | | Bike Setup: |
I bought a frameset and fork and built it up. Mainly XT and Raceface. | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike for me. I love the suspension, very plush and dosnt bob when properly set up. It does take time and trial and error to set the air pressures in the shock and fork correctly. I have approx 4000 km of mostly offroad riding on mine and have had no mechanicals. The V frame design is very friendly to your parts when you get out of control. Some people say the headshocks blow but mine has never been a problem. My bike weighs 26.2lbs as I ride it, pedals mud and all, not super light but not a boat anchor either. To the weight weeines I say what's the matter, arn't you man enough to pedal a 26 pound bike? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Weekend Warrior
from Courtenay
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Monkey's | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
efficient climbing, zero flex frame,
plush ride | | Weaknesses: |
none yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek VRX
Devinci
Gary Fisher
KHS
Rocky Mountain | | Bike Setup: |
Judy DH wiith TNT adapters, TNT cranks, Spenergy's Originally Magura Race Line Hyd. brakes(too much lever effort) switched to Avid 2.0 with ESP 9.0 levers, Grip Shift, XT rear, LX front, Race Face headset. | | Bottom Line: | After 3 and a half years riding this bike, it is awsome. It is not as plush as some, but there is no bobbing either. The climbing is extremly efficient. No bobbing at all and all your pedal stroke goes right to the back tire(the suspension does not suck up your energy). So far the only maintenace I have done is to my rear wheel and front shocks, the bike has been very solid. For a reliable, smooth downhiller, great climber this bike gets 5 exploding slugs!(you would have to live on Vancouver Island to understand) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Downhiller
from sn
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
sucky, I cracked the frame on a boulder. The boulder was'nt big at all. | | Weaknesses: |
Alot, it could never stand up to anything.
I had to rebuild it about 21 times | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
I did'nt buy them | | Bottom Line: | It sucked! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mad Max
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kaiserslautern
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999 | | Favoriate Trail: |
Bad Kreuznach | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | I have both a Super V 700 and a beautiful Super V 3000, the former I use as a day-to-day trainer and the latter as my weekend romper and racer. I must say I love these bikes, although the V 700 is a bit heavier the ride is still remarkable. I lent it to a bud to race and he was equally amazed at how good the bike rode with LX components. The V 3000 is a work of art, a masterpiece. I got a remarkable deal on it and keep it in my living room with my wife's blessing. It is extremely light for a full suspension bike, and the Mavric Crossmax wheels are the sexiest hoops you can have on a bike. I made one minor modification, I pulled the Sachs twistgrip shifters and put on a set of Shimano RapidFires (the Sachs went on my V 700). This was only due to my personal preference to use RapidFires while racing, but I found they do work better than the Sachs. I also replaced the rear derailer cable with a Gore, due to the wet/sloppy conditions in Germany most of the year. I am on my way to Texas this summer and can't wait to ride the Hill Country on these great bikes. Anyone who MF's Cannondales either has no respect for quality built bikes or would trash anything. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Baldinell
a weekend warrior
from Tyler Tx
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Super V as a frame and fork only. I took all my other goodies off my hardtale and put it on this bike. It took me a couple of rides to get it set up for myself, but once I did, it is wonderful to ride. I made one serious upgrade to it and that was the rear shock. It had a Fox Vanilla R on it and I changed it to a Cane Creek AD-10. Major improvement!!!!!!!!!! This thing is extremely fast on the down hills and it really climbs well. Yes you can notice the extra wieght, but in terms of ride quality, its worth every bit. Once you ride a good full suspension bike, I can't imagine going back to hard tail. This thing is great.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a cross-country rider
from canada, montreal
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i just got mu c'dale super v 3000 99' and boy, do i ever love it!!!! the front suspention rocks and has a great adjusting sustem.my suspention is a super fatty super light, it works with air so i cant totally lock it out. the super fatty D has an oil system which is heavier but you can totaly lock it out for great sprints. These suspentions have 80mm of travel and i think that is just enough. The rear suspention is very smooth and very responsive.as fo the coda componentry, i thought about changing it for shimano parts. i figured i'll give em a chance and, they're as good as shimano!!! Over all i recommend this to evry one. The prices are a little high but it's worth it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E. Zutendaal
a weekend warrior
from Ashburn, VA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
1998 Cannondale Super-V 700: I finally broke down and blew all of my milk money ($1100)on a full suspension c-dale! Due to previous back problems, I decided to get the full suspension instead of a hard tail. This is my first time on a full suspension, actually my first time on any suspension (front or rear), and it was a decent ride. It takes anything you can throw in front of it. It eats it up and spits it out. The only thing that annoyed me was that my ass insisted on eating up the tiny seat! Why dont they have nicer saddles? I think I will need to do something about that! Just for that I'll take away one point! Anyway, nice ride and I plan on spending alot more time dogging up the trails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
s john
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My free ride 700 with the moto 120 rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can ride anythng up or down . Its the perfect all round bike.The front and rear suspension handle al with ease.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All i got to say is this is the best bike ive ever riden.I have tried the others like Gt,Trek ,Gary fisher,K2,And more.But the Cannondale rides the best thats why i bought one.The headshock is the best suspension fork on the market | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
julien malschaert
a weekend warrior
from Asheville ,nc
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
assuming this is the same as super v 500, i think the bike awsome the ride is plush as it can be the standard fox vanilla is also great i'm comparing this to a 25pound hard tail i had befor this ... i can't feel the increase in weight actually i think this pike is better in uphill b/c of it head shock i would recommend this bike to anyone (i bought a 98 for 850$$) a smacking 5 chilis is what i give (even though it deserves 6-7) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Price
a racer
from midwest USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've owned 4 super V's, I also trade up every year and have been more pleased
with each bike. That is until I bought one of the first '99 to hit the market.
I was hooked by the increase in travel, that is the typical upgrade in
Cannondale's new bikes. The problems started with the new super fatty headshok,
the 80mm travel was quickly cut to 20mm just sitting on the bike. I weigh 195
but this has never been a problem with my other bikes. A spring upgrade solved
the problem and my LBS didn't charge me a dime. The increase in travel also
has a negitive effect on the handeling of the bike(little squirrely). Next was
problem with the way the rear deraileur cable was run next to the rear shock
pinching it between the the spring and the frame stanchion(small tubes)causing
it to wear into the metal. I e-mailed the problem to Cannondale and the where
quick to blame the bike shop's setup of the bike. Upon checking several different
stores that carry super v's I found this to be accurate. Next was paint bubbling
around the rear pair of bottle holders. The LBS mechanic said it was rust. When
I asked him how aluminum rusts he called cannondale to find out. They were
puzzled sent me a new frame. This all happened in the first 3 months. Overall I'm
happy with Cannondale, I race and win with a F900. I think my next bike will be
a Raven freeride. I'm giving 5 chillies because all my problems where taken
care of quickly and I never missed a ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ragin in AZ
a racer
from Phoenix,AZ USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned 3 super v's the all trade ups to my current SVA2000. I've read all the posts, and they are correct, and in general all FS bikes must be setup for the individual rider. I had a Bomber Z1 on it, but now I have it custom painted with a matching Headshok Fatty fork. The ride is incredible, it makes you want to go faster because it is so plush. Cannondale...Best bike...eh? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a racer
from Alaska
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My buddy has one of these bikes and I feel sorry for him. Sure the thing was cool back in '95 but nowadays it is a total P.O.S. I've ridden it and fail to understand the excitment and hype loyal owners give the design. It is light I'll give it that much but the bio-pacing rear suspension is terrible. I can hear it now, This guy doesn't know what he is talking about, my bike doesn't bio-pace when it is set up correctly. My buddy has used both coil and air shocks, and unless they are stiffened up to the equivlent of a rigid rear end the bike bobs.
I suppose back in '95 there wasn't too much to choose from, diehard single pivot guys would have shyed away from the better working FSR's and LTS's. Oh well at least he got it on sale! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Swarty
a cross-country rider
from Rochester NY
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have ridden Cannondale products for the past 4 years, everything that broke I caused or it plain wore out!I have a old style super-v with a fatty 50.It handles awsome! I ride 50mi wk average and don't have any problems. 44 and in my middole ring.Craig,learn how to spell.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bart
a weekend warrior
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own the SVA 800sl '98 model : I don't ride that much but if you're looking for a comfy CC/Touring bike this is a good choice. My rear shock is a Fox alps 5 air/oil. Once dialed in this works perfect. On the front I have a Fatty D.
If you're not happy with Headshok buy a lowlevel Super v and mount A Marzocchi Z1 or whatever you like. It is not the ultimate CC-machine and not the super-downhill shredder but when your back is screwed (like mine) this is a good choice to ride and enjoy the comfort of rear susp. without the wobbling of other designs. I like the Secialized FSR system too but you can't even lower your seatpost on those or you'll damage the rear shock. So besides of the little pricy Headshok system I give it 5 chili's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Gage
a cross-country rider
from Florida
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Forget buying one of these bikes. I just ordered a 98 Mongoose Pro 9.5 for $1700!!! It's got 5 inches of rear travel and is a hundred times better than a comparably priced Cannondale. Plus, it is cheaper and easier to upgrade the Judy XL than the headshock. By the way, Cannondale did warranty the bike I sat on in the bike shop. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AdjuBadju
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Super V's are the best mountain bikes available for those of us who like to ride fast with comfort and total control. The lateral stiffness in both the frame and fork allows us to point the bike and it goes exactly where we expect it to go. The is no fork flex so the front wheel turn when the handle bars turn, the rear wheel stays straight and true. The shocks soak up bumps going uphill, on the flats and of course on the downhills. I've ridden many other full suspension bikes and none of them are as plush and exacting in their handling. The Headshok is so good it gets rated the best by the bike mags and now Merlin in putting them on their full suspension bikes. Comfort, handling and all out performance is what Cannondales are all about. Do'nt expect anything else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris ATB
a weekend warrior
from BMTH, England
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What a fantastic bike, I could not believe how plush it is.... Im not sure whether it`s actually the bike, or there`s somthing wrong with my arse, it aint like ridin a bike anymore. Andway more to the point. The phuqing idiot who wrote the article below this one and took the overall rating down needs a slap, ther`s nothin wrong with this bike, you must be a crud rider. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Barr
a racer
from usa
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a 700 FR in May of this year and have little good to say about it. The rear suspension bobs unless I crank the preload or damping massivily which reduces the ride quality to the point that I might as well have bought a hard tail. My buddys linkage bike doesn't have these problems. The fork is a nightmare to adjust or work on (special tools needed). Rockshox I'll never stray again! Overall I feel these bikes are overpriced and hyped. No chili's. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN, READ THIS
a weekend warrior
from TUCSON
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS IS TO THE GUY BELOW THIS POST (JOHN), WHY DID YOU TRADE IN YOUR OLD FRAME AND SPEND AN ADDITIONAL $1000 FOR A FRAMESET W/FORK WHEN YOU CAN BUY AN ENTIRE '98 SUPER V BIKE FOR ABOUT 800 BONES? FATTY UPGRADE IS NOT MUCH, I JUST BOUGHT ONE FOR AROUND EIGHTY BUCKS - THE ONE WITH 5 POSITION DAMPENING. THIS IS NOT CRITICISM, JUST CURIOUS - IS THERE SOMETHING SO SPECTACULAR ABOUT THE FRAME YOU BOUGHT?I Bought a '99 Super V myself, with the fatty upgrade, and the bike is great. Steers like it's on rails, frame/suspension is supple, and it looks better than most bikes out there I feel. Suspension is awesome, just wish the rear Fox coil had some rebound adjustment to it. Might try a Fox air shock later if that's the best way to get good rebound control. Totally love what I've got though. God's been good to me, I love this bike.P.S. Upgrade the wheels if you buy a lower end Super V, Weinman rims are junk. Also upgrade the rear derailleur, then things are great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is more a review of a service offered by Cannondale then the particular bike. My wife owns one of the first CDale SV2000, remember the one with the carbon fiber swingarm? Anyway, we have just completed a trade in with Cannondale for a new '98 SV2000 frameset, which includes the fatty sl fork for just over $1000. She loved her old SV2000 but the headshock blew and after some deliberation we decided to trade it in. The '98s have a completely different suspension design and I am anxious to see if she like it as much as the old one. Will post when the verdict is in.Overall, 5 cajun road sausages. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dr. Jay
a cross-country rider
from B.K., Germany
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got Super V 800 over here about a month ago at the Aafes sports store and have since racked up about 150 or so miles. It was a big jump from a Diamondback Outlook. The weight really wasn't what I expected from a full suspension bike (28 pounds). The Outlook was 30 lbs. Done a good bit of riding the same course that I did the XC race on and have overall been pleased. The Headshok is extremely plush when just doing the regular XC stuff but seems a bit too soft for the combination of my 180 lb body and the nasty root section. The STX V-brakes stop me plenty quick. Sometimes maybe a bit too quick (I almost endoed by simply jabbing the brakes). Rear Fox Vanilla R shock does a good job but the rebound adjustment seems to go from not quite enough to almost too much very quickly. Love how they managed to fit two spots for water bottles in there. Overall I'm really happy with the bike. I understand that I'm not in that weight range of a majority of riders and that I'll have to swap out springs to get it right for me. Good job Cannondale. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a weekend warrior
from ny
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i always love the totally infantile reviews from people who have never ridden the product in question. take the preceding review by the bomb from alaska who waxes so eloquently, yet so uninformed. any super v active rider will tell you that if the shocks are properly set up as canondale tells you to set them up, there is no biopacing of any type. sure, it takes some intelligence to dial them both in but it is worth the reward. his [or her] next comment about the headshock lockout feature is equally insightful. unfortunately for the bomb, the lockout is only on the dd60's and not the multi adjustable on the fly fatty, but more importantly it is useful on long uphills or those road rides to the trail. of course, there is no extra charge for this convenience [but we are all dimwitted consumers for using it, right bomb?]. finally, the bomb concludes that the water bottle placement limits the top tube height which might cause him to rack himself on a daily basis. super v's have no top tube genius[hence the name] and the height of the water bottle cages is still going to be far lower than any standard frame w/ a top tube w/ the bottl cages under the top tube. i guess that hitting the top tube w/ one's crotch hurts less in some way than hitting a water bottle that is lower. why you are whacking your crotch on anything [on your bike] on a daily basis is a mystery as well.
in short, as some of you might have guessed, none of the various comments from the bomb are even remotely accurate. go test ride a super v. there is no better deal in full suspension for the $$. thus five flaming dead horses | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Bomb
a racer
from Anchorage, Alaska
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What a bunch of chumps. I truly feel for Cannondale owners. First they get screwed by paying too much, then they have to live with a bio-pacing, old
school type of rear suspension. Headshock another brillant idea, I especally
like the optional lock out device. If you buy a bike with suspension, why
would you want to turn it off? Has anyone ever looked at the water bottle
holder location? Another great idea, I too prefer to limit my top tube
height so I could rack myself on a daily basis. These bikes simply don't
live up to the image Cannondale is advertising. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fast Freddy
a cross-country rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike in April 98 - it was a left over 1997. I love it. I doubt I could go back to a hardtail again. I have the DD60 fork - no probs - would like the Super Fatty (its new with 80mm of travel). This bike rocks.... Have yet to have ANY problems - over 600 miles and 6 off-road races - takes a licking and keeps KICKING BUT!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jordan
a cross-country rider
from phoenix AZ USA EARTH
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ive got a 98 SV2000. The fastest bike ive ever ridden. I owned a m500 before that and this thing kicks ass! The only problem ive had with it was when some #@$*&@$ in a cadilac ran it over a month ago and bent the front wheel and left crank. ohh well. I needed a parts upgrade anyway. 5 hot ones. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a cross-country rider
from vermont
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a 97-1/2 V900-COMP for about a year now. The 'comp' has the same 100SL
frame as the V2000 and the '98s but some cheaper components. I got a sweet deal: the bike was a store demo for a couple months, used maybe a dozen times - I get it for $1000 with a comprehensive tuneup. For the $1850 MSRP some of the parts, though durable, are cheap, and it's a couple pounds heavier than similarly priced dualies. But the tradeoff is an absolutely bombproof frameset, which alone is $1300 MSRP. As a roadie/racer, I bought this bike as an all-purpose recreational tool, not a narrow-focus lightweight racebike, yet I've finished top-3 racing on it. The bike worked great even stock - the sachs shifters are a cut above gripshift and the sun cr18 rims wouldn't bend. The DD60 headshok is the best fork I've used, tied with the Girvin/Noleen. Far better steering, compliance and durability than any of the elastomer-tele forks out there. The rear is laterally stiff, vertically plush, finds that last bit of traction on loose damp technical uphills and I haven't been bothered by any discernible biopacing in any of the rings. The cockpit has plenty of room to move within (Large) and the overall balance, geometry, and traction feedback are great: well-balanced over tight technical half-track and planted at any sane speed. It steers slower than some bikes but is dead neutral and responsive to body english. The rear triangle clogs up with mud too easily and the exposed cables collect grit. I prefer the response of the coil springs F&R (vs air) at the expense of some (more) weight. I've upgraded over the year to Ritchey pedals, ControlTech seatpost, '98 Coda 900M saddle, Mavic 217 ceramic rims, XT hubs, shifters, 11-28 cassette, brakeset and rear derailleur. The STX-RC F der, UN52 BB and Coda crankset all work fine. It's easy to build a hardtail frame and throw swank parts all over it, much harder to engineer and integrated FS design that works and choose parts to meet a (relatively high) price point. The 98s overall spec is no better and the 99s have disc brakes and more (unnecessary) travel. 4 stars for the frameset design and component functionality; the weight and component quality for $1850 keeping it from five stars.
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Submitted by
Guy Paterson
a cross-country rider
from Edinburgh Scotland (UK)
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a SVActive for two years, it came with a DD50 fork I changed this as soon as pos' for a Fatty cartridge, made a lot of difference, simply because it is tuneable, though it did run out of travel on some really large d/h near me. I have recently upgraded the fork to a Fatty 70 and the rear shock to a Vanilla what a difference its a new bike. The chain slap someone mentioned I have wrapped the right chainstay with an old innertube cut at 45 degrees and secured it with a little insulating tape, It protects it really well. The bike rides really well, it is stiffer than a hardtail and handles really well. I have had problems with the HeadShok internals simply because I mucked about with the internals and water got inside it, my fault, but the same would happen to any fork that got water and mud inside. It is simple to repair, the internal bearings and steel strips are not expensive and fairly easy to replace, take your time to position the strips carefully so that the bearings sit correctly on the strips, and the fork is not over/underextended when it is put back together. Overall it is a great bike and one I will buy again, without hesitation. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rommel Pavlovic
a downhiller
from Scarboro'
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My Lobo was injured so i lent a mates 'dale i was very comfortable with the bike, the rear shock performed well and the frame was very acceptable caching air and pulling stunts was easier than i thought it woud be on this bike.
Cornering was good but the head shock and lowish rear travel slowed things down abit on the downhill | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve in N.C.
a racer
from Winston-Salem, NC
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Good Bike. I have the '97 version with the Fox Alps 5R shock. For some reason, C'dale has downgraded the shock on the 98 version. I am mostly a roadie (Cat.3) and race X-country sport class every once in awhile. When I do, I consistently place with no probs. with this bike, as some (weak) people complain about the weight. Get a hardtail, if weight is an issue for you.
Anyway, this bike allows one to ride beyond ones abilities. Especially downhills. Just point and rock! Later. (PS> Next bike will be a F2000 hardtail, as C'dale makes good bikes for the buck.) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a weekend warrior
from Jacksonville, FL
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Have a '98 V400. I was torn between a Klein front-susp and the C'dale dual. Was seduced by the C-dale price, but in hindsight, I should have bought the Klein. I have had this bike back to LBS 3 times for front derailleur shifting problems. Who was the cheap-ass design moron @ Cannondale that thought up putting Sachs Gripshifters on this bike?? The front derailler either throws the chain off or won't climb to the large chainring after months of tinkering. I am finally replacing with STX rapidfire shifter. Oh yeah, by the way, thanks for the 7 speed STX rear. That extra 10 BUCKS you saved would have at least got me an 8 speed, so I could have upgraded the shifters to LX or better. Now I only have to replace the rear derailler, cogset, hub and rebuild the wheel if I wanted to do that. Thanks alot!! What really stinks is that the V500, V700, etc are only marginally better equipped (the forks, not the drivetrain) but have ridulous price differences not worth the money. Here's a suggestion: 3 Super V models: LX, XT XTR don't even bother with anything lower. The bike handles beautifully on rough terrain, and inspite of it's hernia-causing weight, it climbs suprisingly like a much lighter bike. What really detracts from this bike are the poor mixture of Sachs/Shimano, and the upgrade dead end you create with STX rear. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedro L. Mogollon
a weekend warrior
from Cartagena, Colombia, South America
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
On Feb. 11th of 1997, I posted a 5 chili review for my Can SVA 2000. I still think highly of it. After upgrading to XTR front and rear derailers, shift and brake levers,as well as XTR front an rear hubs (11-31 cassette), I got rid of the Coda chainrings, and added Real Chainrings (44/32/20). The bike is just over 25.5 lbs. and is a pleasure to ride. Since Cartagena is a Caribbean city, the weather is always nice; I ride everyday before work (20-30 kilometers) on local rodas, and then ride trails during the weekend. There are some pretty fine rides available here. I'm planning to get a Raven as soon as I can. After over 18 months riding my 2000, I would give it 6 chilis if I could. Go for one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my SuperV 1000 SL for a year and a half. It is awesome. I have ridden all over the Colorado Front Range, Fruita, and Moab and it's handling is superb in any terrain. The tracking and stiffness are amazing. My only complaint was the Coda peddles - junk'em for a decent pair or you will never release in a crash. Good climber and the suspension is likle butter on the downhills and big drops. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a weekend warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
98 Super V 1000. After 50 miles of thrashing, I love the bike. I wouldn't
trade it for anything....other than a Raven. The only upgrades I am
thinking of are the Fatty SL up front and longer travel (120mm) for the
back. Yeah...the bike is a little heavy, but that is the nature of the
full suspension beasts. I'd recommend this bike to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Bunchuk
a cross-country rider
from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After considering a number of bikes and researching and test riding them I bought a '98 SV-700. I don't regret purchasing this bike in any way. Handles great, tracking is excellent and craftmenship is excellent. I am 52 and 195 lbs. and the full suspension is very plush when it needs to be. For the money the bike has very good components. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Nordby
a cross-country rider
from Monument Colorado
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
You guys are cracking me up. Yeah, the bike is heavy. Didn't ya weigh it before you bought it? You already knew that mfg's lie when it comes to weight. And it pogos? Didn't you ride it before you bought it? And if you have the Fox 5R and Fatty 70, adjust the damping so it doesn't pogo.Buy this bike because:
The fatty 70 ease of damping and no-flex steering
The low center of gravity makes it corner awesome.
Great standover clearance for easy bailouts and no bars near your privates.
Great when suspension is dialed in. Climbs, descends, carves.
Laterally stiffer at the bottom bracket than most hardtails.Don't bike this bike because:
V-brakes on that stiff fork squeel badly.
The weight. My XTR Super V SL is 26.8 lbs with a medium frame.
The cost. Mine was a gift from the wife, so it didn't matter to me.
Hard to stop the chain slap on the swingarm and other parts.
If you want a downhill only bike, don't buy it, I suspect a heavier dude
would shred the frame pretty quick. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug Patterson
a weekend warrior
from Mariposa Ca.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my Super V... except the head shock... loose it...go to a shock that has
more travel in it... it has a great rear suspension, just lacking in the front.
I plan on changing mine out. I understand that there is a bushing kit thats made
to replace the head shock, so that a front shock assy. will fit. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a cross-country rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: May 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i bought this bike for the comfort and recently i have raced it a few times. I love this bike! Its definitely heavier than my old hardtail but now after 20 off-raod miles i can walk with my back straight. This bike has got me excited about riding again. By the way i never mentioned - its a 1997 Super v 1000. It doesn't pogo- or biopace like some. Some people complain about that - set the rear shock correctly and I have no problems. My only complaint is the weight... but then again i knew i wasn't buying a sub 25lb hardtail - at the local bike shop it weighed 27lbs and 2 oz.ready to ride. (its also a large) - Definitely before you buy one ride one - I mean its not for everyone... kinda like not everyone drives a Chevy pickup. This bike rules - Better than my friends Trek - Y... why you ask - check out the 99 Treks - no more unified triangle! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Turnbull
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The most fun on two wheels! I've done 500k of dirt on my Super V 700; dropped it at least 10 times (they say this is the only way to learn!@#%$!!?) with nothing more than a scratch on the bike, and a new set of V-brake pads - of course. I've even dropped my super fit (aka Hawaii Ironman) riding buddy on his hardtail - yeah, ok, it WAS downhill gravel...
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Submitted by
Andy
a weekend warrior
from NewYork
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have recently purchased a SuperV500, it is a wonderful bike. It's a great bike for someone with a budget, and who wants to upgrade later on. Its solid and tight. The ride is plush and handles excellent. My headshock works well with no lateral flex!!! I give it A thumbs UP!! 4 Chilies from me... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a weekend warrior
from Springfield, IL USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Cannondale Super V 2000 1997 What can you say it is a good alround bike. It is set up well for a bigger guy and handles all the dishing out you want!!!!! If you are thinking about one BUY IT!!!!!!!!! Iam heavy rider and it handles 250 pounds of bashing and trashing the trails from MO, to MI, to IL ....... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Armitage Shanks
a downhiller
from Dudleyville
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Cannondale bikes. Where to begin? The team deal with Volvo is appropriate. Coda components? I seem to remember something from those private school music lessons... A few measures added beyond the natural termination of a composition. Let us also remember the 3rd commandment of aluminium frame construction: Once you weld it, don't freakin' touch it...Saving grace? The delightfully talented Missy. Ahh, Missy. If only I were younger, better looking and gave a toss... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scot
a weekend warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a 96.5 SVA 700 and would recommend it to anyone. After riding a Haro Extreme with an RST '1 travel for 2 years its obvious that the Cdale would be a massive improvement and it delivers. As a an X Motocrosser I can really appreciate the active suspension and the swingarm shock setup looks like a scaled down version of my YZ 250's Monocross susp. My only minor complaint is that they spec'd this model with lame components, I blew out the BB in like 1 month, and the cranks where pathetic I upgraded to Sugino 700 & Clipless pedals.
I cant comment on the Headshock though mine came with Rock Shock Q21r which started flexing like crazy I'm upgradeing to a Bomber Z2. Ive heard alot of mixed reveiws on the headshock and I hate the idea of being subservient to Cdale shop every time I need even a minor adjustment. In any case the Frame and Rear Susp. work awesome! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a weekend warrior
from Central Florida
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Cannondale Super V1000FR is a great riding bike with a few minor exceptions. The ride is great and smooth. I used to own a Royce Union 900. It was a good bike to begin on but I quickly grew frustrated with it and sold it 2 months after it's purchase for half of what I paid. I was going to buy the SV2000FR but did not want to pay the extra $$$ for the disc brakes so settled for the SV1000FR. The dealer I bought it from was very cooperative. I wanted to upgrade some components for which they gave me credit for the components towards the ones I wanted to purchase. I put on Shimano XTR brakes, shifters, levers, rear derailer and Shimano PDM636 pedals. I have been extremely happy with the overall performance of the bike and have put 150 miles on it in the past month. The only complaints are:
1) The paint job is just mediocre. It had some underspray in areas and is not very thick. It is also chipping off on the front forks by the quick release. I would recommend using a powder coating to achieve a much more durable paint coating.
2) The cables have rubbed off the paint and are rubbing into the frame by the rear shock. I have rerouted them once but to no avail. I have put on cable rub stickers to try to alleviate the problem but should not have to do this. This is an engineering problem which should have been caught and corrected during the testing phase of the bike.
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Submitted by
bill sorrentino
a weekend warrior
from new jersey
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
my super V1000 the best $2000 i ever spent. the bike handles great and has proven to be quite durable. i had a problem with the head-shoc but it was a defect and the whole front shock was replaced. the only thing i would change is i wish it was a few pounds lighter it weighs in at about 29 pounds. the XT rear has worked flawlessly as long as it is kept relatively clean and has worked well even when is it not. i have not had to make any changes on the bike to improve performance other than a rock ring for portection. You are much better off buying this bike over a lower level V bike because they really cut out the important stuff in the lower bikes and you will probably end up replacing the components anyway. i would recommend this bike without hesitation. If you live in NJ and are looking for a Cannondale go to Cycle Craft they are the best LBS around. and I am not saying that because i have any affiliation with them i am just a customer . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne Hansen
a weekend warrior
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a Cannondale SV 900 at the end of October '97 and have had no problems with the frame, Headshok, the dealer, or Cannondale. I originally put an F1000 hardtail on hold only to return to find that it had been sold. The shop called Cannondale who then ran a search for a replacement but none were to be found. Cannondale was very helpful in seeing that I was taken care of as was the shop. I eventually decided to go with the FS and was given a hearty discount for the foul up. This bike is the best I've ever owned. The Headshok is fantastic, so stiff with no lateral flex. I am still getting used to the sag of the rear suspension but I'll take it over a sore ass any day. I would heartily recommend a Cannondale to any of my friends as I feel the bike for the price can't be beat. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Super Dave
a cross-country rider
from God's country, USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My first Cannondale was a M-500,I spent $800 upgrading the crappy components and putting a Rock Shox Judy |
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$ 3035.00
