An amazing bike for the money. Looked at the HiFi but liked the longer travel of the Cannondale. Climbs well for a long travel bike and still has plenty of cush for the big hits and drops. The frame cracked (keep an eye on the back of the upper shock mount) but Cannondale replaced the frame with an '08 in a couple of weeks. Great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jude
a Weekend Warrior
from Yokosuka, Japan Date Reviewed: December 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Takamine MTB World
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
1. Adjustable frame geometry for different riding styles. 2. Single-pivot swing arm suspension system. 3. Tough aluminum frame construction, specifically the rear swing arm. 4. Larger top tube footprint for extra durability and strength. 5. Superb climbing abilities.
Weaknesses:
1. Rear configuration may seem "flexy" at times.
Bike Setup:
2006 Cannondale Prophet 400: Mainly stock components with the exception of new pedals.
Bottom Line:
The Cannondale Prophet 400 is a superb bicycle. The amount of uses are endless as it is extremely versatile. From the cross country rider to a downhill rider, the Prophet can do it, with the right components, obviously.
Though it is a great all-around bicycle, one major irritant may be the amount of chain slap this bicycle sustains. A quick application of a chain slap protector, whether it be sticker type or reusable wrap-around type, the problem is basically solved.
Unless you are a dedicated cross country rider or if you like more control over steering, the bicycle rides better when the rear shock is set in the freeride position. The frame geometry changes to allow the bicycle to attack bumps more better without sacrificing much steering control.
I strongly recommend this bicycle for anyone who does a little bit of every style of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andres
a Cross Country Rider
from Mexico Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Strengths:
really good, all elements are find,
Weaknesses:
sometimes the frame seems to hard
Similar Products Used:
giant warp, but i seems thar you are driving a lincoln
Bottom Line:
The best mix price/develope
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D. S.
a Cross Country Rider
from East Burke, VT Date Reviewed: April 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Coronary- Kingdom Trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Littleton Bicycle Shop, NH
Strengths:
Finally made the switch to Full Suspension and love it. So far the weight has been a non-issue. The bike has more clearance than my hardtail. Handles great and a plush ride. I tried the Rush (I have raced some XC) and the Prophet and could immediately tell a difference. The Prophet was more comfortable.
Weaknesses:
The bike has been great BUT the saddle kept coming loose and I had to end up replacing the seatpost. But that is it. I am 6'3" and 205 lbs. and treat the bike none too gently and it keeps going (except the seatpost thing).
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Rush, Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
As it comes OEM
Bottom Line:
I love this bike but I would probably say that about anything coming from a hardtail. If you are considering a switch- DO IT. The only recommendation I would make is go ahead and get the best bike you can instead of planning on upgrading later. I held out wondering if the bike would be too difficult climbing etc. and kept my hardtail. After a season of using the Prophet I got back on my Giant one time-- and then gave it away. It would be 5 stars if not for the seatpost but at $1200 it is a great value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa Date Reviewed: April 2, 2007
I bought the 800 model last year but decided the medium frame was too large for me and never really got used to the lefty. People seem to love it but I just tought it was ok but felt the front end was almost too light climbing steep inclines. I sold it and got the 400 and did some nice upgrades to the cranks, brakes, grips and seat. The tires need to be swapped out for something lighter and eventually replace the fork woth a Fox. I really did my homework and nearly bought a Trance instead but this one just had a better pedigree framewise and the stock components are not high end but proven to work well. You can't go wrong buying this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabriel Cruz
a Weekend Warrior
from Doral,FL,USA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Oletta Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Well built, strong frame, great looks, good components for the money.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Whatever
Bike Setup:
Stock cannondale 400, Changed pedals though.
Bottom Line:
Great bike, looks really good,components have worked well so far, it is on the heavy side though, may upgrade the fork for something lighter in the future eventhough the Marzokee AMIII (5 lbs.) has worked well.SRAM X7 shifters work well. Overall, this bike is just a good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Madeira Beach, Fl, USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Alafia
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
University Bicycles
Strengths:
Solid Bike all around
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike has been a great bike for the abuse that I have given it. I’ve looked at upgrading the components on the bike but just can’t justify it due to how good the bike works. I’ve had some Trek & Gary Fisher full suspensions, but this bike out handles and climbs all. Go get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Hamilton
a Weekend Warrior
from West Hartford Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
XT drivetrain / Firex Cranks / Spinergy Wheels/ Conti Tires / Salsa post and clamp / fox Vanilla RLC fork /EB Candy SL's / Thompsen stem / Race face bars / Lock-ons BB7 BRakes
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike for the frame and put almost every part on it from my old bike. As an xc/all mountain bike this thing rocks - granted it's not really at 400 level anymore but even B4 i did the build this thing was great as an all around (only 1 bike budget) bike. I highly recomend this bike (except for the fork if your going to use it for downhill occasionally). Good climber, good rear shock (surprised me as it is not a high end shock). GREAT FRAME and an amazingly good pedling bike - Pretty good a MT Snow except for the fork - I could not get it to not pack-up without being so soft I bottomed all the time. I have since put a Fox fork (which I had planned on anyway) and have not had it on a real downhill run since. But true to fox - the front end is now stiff, plush and smooth. I actually sold my Santa cruz bullitt and my fisher sugar 3+ (parts donor) and am very happy with only this rig. Buy One you'll like it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
yannick bisson
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto ontario Canada Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
upper oilcan
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
dukes on queen
Strengths:
Plush suspension, stable at speed and solid
Weaknesses:
Chain slap (easy fix), weak seat clamp(dukes replaced no charge!) and that is it!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized XC, Kona Kikapu
Bike Setup:
Stock with Crank Bros Mallets and Race Face lock on grips
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike as an "entry level" AM bike but quickly found that it is very capable and can take averything I throw at it; Jumps, drops/hits and climbs. I thought the fork would be weak and planned to trade up but it is very tough and I'm glad I didn't go for the Lefty. I've given this thing lots of abuse to be sure that any weaknesses would be sorted out under warranty and so far just a bad seat clamp. For the money I laid out on this bike and the riding I'm getting in return...full chilis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh Hollenbeck
a Downhiller
from Montdale Date Reviewed: August 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ALL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1245.00
Purchased At:
NE Sports
Strengths:
All
Weaknesses:
Chain Slap, for what the bike is built for, i'm suppresed it doesnt have a chain guide from keeping it from flying off on jumps and rocky terraine.
Bike Setup:
All stock, execpt for pedals. Using Shimano Clipless
Bottom Line:
Nice bike, handles good. The 150mm forks take a little bit of getting used to. The price is a little steep for having the low end SRAM shifters/rear derailuer, but still Good Buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Bridgewater, CT, USA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Brookfeild Bicycle Center
Strengths:
Solid, well built. The frame can handle just about anything. Brakes are powerful and reliable. The Marzocchi AM III is tough and soakes up anything and everything. I've nosedived on a couple of drops and rode away fine, where as with my old bike I definatly would have flipped. The Radium is great, also very tough and can handle almost anything.
Weaknesses:
The rear brakes squeak periodically but it doesn't affect the preformance
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Amazing bike for a first full suspension. I'll probably have the frame forever and just swap out old components for new ones if needed. bottom line, if you wanna have a great ride, get this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chip
a Weekend Warrior
from Winchester Date Reviewed: June 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Element sports
Strengths:
the frame is amazing! incredibly strong and very light the front fork i expected to be crappy but is actually very nice and im very impressed. the radium is really smooth and strong im a pretty light guy at 165 but its handleing the 5 and 6 foot drops great. the disk brakes are great once u get them broken in which doesnt take long just a hard stop every now and again for the first few days brakes them in nicely
Weaknesses:
the only problem is my chain has a stiff spot in it that jumps on the smaller cogs (higher gears) because it wont bend around the smaller diameter
Bike Setup:
i usually ride it in the free ride position 130 psi in the shock and about 45 in the fork
Bottom Line:
great bike for a great price drive train a little weak but thats upgradable
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX, USA Date Reviewed: May 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the one I blaze
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1399.00
Purchased At:
the bicycle shack
Strengths:
So far, everything. I've had no problems with any of the components, even though they are not top of the line. I've taken some pretty hard drops on this bike and nothing has broken or bent. I'm 6'3" and weigh 205. I have come off a hill and jumped a linear distance of 25" with a vert of about 4-5" on this thing. No problems. I've done a slow moving 4"+ strait drop from a stage to the ground. No problems at all. The chain has not even come off yet. The Marzochii AM III forks work very well so far. The radium rear shock is surprisingly tough. I have not had any problems with bottoming out yet. I keep it at about 150 psi. The lockout on it is cool too when I'm trolling about on the hardball to my next drop off. I will put the bike through some more freeriding exercises and get back with you.
Weaknesses:
The pedals had to be changed out for some truvativ freeride before I left the shop.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized
Bike Setup:
Large, Stock from the shop. I am using it for freeriding almost exclusively.
Bottom Line:
Well worth the money. The $1300 prophet 400 is the same exact frame as the $5000 prophet 4000. The components are just not as expensive. I actually like the dual forks on the 400 better than the lefty on the 600 and up. The travel is greater and the feel is more like what I'm used to riding. I love the bike and will keep it until it breaks...if it ever breaks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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