Submitted by
Matt Currey
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilbet, AZ
Date Reviewed: 4/8/2008 4:17:04 PM
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| FavoriteTrail: |
All are good |
| Duration Product Used: |
3 months |
| Price Paid: |
$1700 |
| Purchased At: |
Bicycle Ranch |
| Strengths: |
Stiff frame with smooth suspension, longer cockpit compared to others |
| Weaknesses: |
Seat post to short |
| Similar Products Tried: |
Reflex Carbon DT |
| Bike Setup: |
Cane Creek bar ends, Lizard Skins lock grips, Ritchey Comp II post At 6'6" I added a longer post |
| Bottom Line: |
Bike rides smooth and is very responsive, Lefty fork is odd looking but tracks very true and is awsome on the trail. Climbs great and there is none of the bobing with the Fox RP2 shock. Descends with easeand goes where front wheel is pointed. Very comfortable for long rides. |
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Submitted by
Tony Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: 3/18/2008 12:51:28 AM
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| FavoriteTrail: |
Makara |
| Duration Product Used: |
3 months |
| Price Paid: |
$3200 |
| Purchased At: |
Byrkes |
| Strengths: |
Climbs like a goat and the suspension setup gives you great feedback when decending which allows me to push it harder.
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| Weaknesses: |
The low BB has seen me hit my pedals a few times. |
| Similar Products Tried: |
Specialised, Scott Jamis and Giant |
| Bike Setup: |
standard setup but have Nevegal sticky's on |
| Bottom Line: |
Quality built and a simple suspension setup that works a treat.
This bike had a better riding position than the Jamis and Scott. The Specialised have just priced themselves out of my market.
Giant was a close 2nd but the hassles about changing the air pressure on the bike just turned me off it.
first thing i did was to cut the bars shorter and throw some decent tyres on. Really stoked with the purchase |
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Submitted by
Avi Kurlantzick
a Racer
from Potomac
Date Reviewed: 11/27/2007 9:30:11 AM
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| FavoriteTrail: |
Anything Rideable |
| Duration Product Used: |
Less than 1 month |
| Price Paid: |
$1500 |
| Purchased At: |
REI |
| Strengths: |
Everything. Stiff frame, Good components(for the price), Lightweight, Fast, Climbs extremely well, Descends even better, I could keep going on like this for weeks. |
| Weaknesses: |
Tires, Grips, Saddle (sort of) |
| Similar Products Tried: |
Trek Fuel Ex 7, Fuji Diamond Pro, Iron Horse Azure Comp |
| Bike Setup: |
Rav-X carbon bar ends, ODI Yeti lock-on grips, Alex Front Rim, Selle Flite saddle, Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires, Slime Pro tubes. |
| Bottom Line: |
This bike is unbelievable! It completely blew the other bikes i've ridden out of the water. It climbs like a mountain goat, and descends like you wouldn't believe. The thing handles like it's on rails, handling turns without brakes that I would usually have to come almost to a halt to make on my hardtail. Once you swap the tires, it is just amazing |
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Submitted by
Jeremy Gall
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Wayne, IN, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: 11/17/2007 2:25:46 PM
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| FavoriteTrail: |
dark mtn, nc / winona, in |
| Duration Product Used: |
6 months |
| Price Paid: |
$2100 |
| Purchased At: |
summit city bikes, ft.wayne, in |
| Strengths: |
very solid (no pedal bobbing) on the climbs with the fox rp2 rear shock. the left is truly an excellent fork it is extremly solid and easy to set up (plus no need to remove front rim to change tire or tube) best one pivot design on the market. the stock components work well but would consider upgrading when they need replacing. the paint job (jet black w/ orange) makes other bikes on the trail envious. |
| Weaknesses: |
the grips are crap, get some lock ons, the seat kills even with padded bike shorts, so don't even think about riding with out them, the mavic xm 117's are ok, would recommend upgrading to mavic 819 or crossmax slr, cst tires are weak, stock handel bars are wide so you might consider cutting them down or getting shorter ones. the stock shimano chain broke twice within the first month, however my LBS upgraded my cain at no charge and haven't had any problems since |
| Similar Products Tried: |
test rode giant trance (more upright riding posisition) and speciaized stumpjumper (sus. too soft) |
| Bike Setup: |
stock except for lock on grips and upgraded chain |
| Bottom Line: |
compared to other bikes in it class (xc/lt all mtn) the cannondle rush is far superior. some may complain about the low bb height but with the stiff sus. and light weight of the bike you can hop over almost anything. The Lefty is stiff, strong and tracks well even at high speeds lock out knob is also conviently located. Every time i hit the trails i feel like i could ride all day on the rush. If you are an xc rider who likes to hit a little dh and some short (< 5ft jumps) drops consider the cannondale rush you won't be disappointed. Based on the cannondale.com it appears that they are only going to offer the lefty on higher end rush models so you may want to get an 07' while they are still avaliable. Overall the cannondale rush is nothing less than 5 flamin' chilis. however i could only give 4 chilis on value due to the minor weaknesses stated above.
The Bottom Line: Get a C'dale Rush today and hit the trails |
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Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, AB
Date Reviewed: 10/29/2007 6:41:19 PM
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| FavoriteTrail: |
Presently: Ft. Sask Death Trail |
| Duration Product Used: |
6 months |
| Price Paid: |
$2100 |
| Purchased At: |
RVCNS |
| Strengths: |
Gotta luv this Rush . . .and that Lefty! I was concerned that this is a gimmick with all looks and no show, but once you ride it, you'll be hooked. Really like how it tracks and easy to dial in. The idea of one pivot point sold me also. More moving points, more to go wrong. |
| Weaknesses: |
Grips and CST tires are weak. The lower BB can be a pain on technical trails causing your pedals to ground out and sometimes kick your shoes out of the clips. |
| Bike Setup: |
Have replaced grips with lock-ons and tires with Panaracer Fire XC Pros. Trimmed handle bars to 24". |
| Bottom Line: |
This bike handles well in a variety of conditions. While it can take some time to get used to the lower BB, an adjustment on timing and pedal movement has overcome this. I got the large frame and this seems to fit well with 6'1" frame and allows good movement to track up and downhill. This bike has certainly given me good reason to get out and turn the trails. |
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Submitted by
Stephen
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: 10/26/2007 6:47:51 AM
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| FavoriteTrail: |
Jackson (Dauset) |
| Duration Product Used: |
6 months |
| Price Paid: |
$1749 |
| Purchased At: |
REI |
| Strengths: |
Unreal ability to climb even in really technical situations. Lefty is solid and rear RP23 is perfect. Not a Shimano guy, but the drivetrain is right on. Thought I would be switching it out right away, but couldn't justify doing it after the way it the alleged LX "crap" performed. |
| Weaknesses: |
Grips and tires were throwaways. Seat isn't very good. |
| Similar Products Tried: |
Own a Scalpel,stump jumper FSR, Prophet |
| Bike Setup: |
Stock except the tires and grips. |
| Bottom Line: |
Climbing is absolutely great on this bike. Coming from the Scalpel it was like someone was actually pushing me up the hills. Descends like a beast...just the right amount of feedback. Cornering isn't as tight and responsive as the Scalpel, but you can still flick it around like a XC machine. I've never had a bad ride on this bike, even when you are tired you still want to give it a go.
Don't be afraid of the lefty, it's outstanding. It's not a gimmick. Once you ride it once, you will understand.
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Submitted by
Jared
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TEXAS
Date Reviewed: 10/1/2007 9:43:42 PM
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| FavoriteTrail: |
Walnut Creek |
| Duration Product Used: |
6 months |
| Price Paid: |
$2100 |
| Purchased At: |
360 Cycles |
| Strengths: |
Awesome bike. Lovin the Lefty fork. Rides like a Cadillac in even the roughest terrain and seems to have no limit on travel. It climbs like a champ and goes down just as easily. The RP23 rear shock with the propedal setup is sweet for all types of trails and always comes in handy. |
| Weaknesses: |
Weak shimano rear hub and mavic 117 wheels that it came with. |
| Bike Setup: |
Chris King rear hub, mavic xm819 disc wheels and specialized pro tubeless tires. Other than that, it's perfect. |
| Bottom Line: |
Amazing bike for the price. It has pretty much everything you want right outta the box. The Cannondale Rush 4 is perfect for XC riding and even gettin a little air while youre at it. Its great in technical sections and rippin' through rock gardens. It tracks like a champ on the singletracks too. Theres nothing I can dish out that this bike would not be able to tackle. I also love the looks I get when I take it to the local bike shop or while im riding around Austin. |
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Submitted by
Squads
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: 8/26/2007 6:00:38 PM
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| FavoriteTrail: |
WIssahickon |
| Duration Product Used: |
3 months |
| Price Paid: |
$2100 |
| Purchased At: |
Keswick Cycle |
| Strengths: |
Lefty is smooth, tracks well, and looks sweet; paint job (black and orange gloss) is as good as it gets; handling is smooth as butter; very responsive and well balanced overall |
| Weaknesses: |
LX shifters and cassette are poor; grips, saddle, and tires should be replaced; low BB means you need to keep track of your pedals (also makes it handle so well, so pick your poison) |
| Similar Products Tried: |
Spec Stumpy FSR comp |
| Bike Setup: |
Titec 2" carbon riser, oury lock-ons, Laser V saddle, candy SL pedals, Nevegal 2.1 front, WTB moto raptor 2.14 rear, otherwise stock |
| Bottom Line: |
This bike moves fast. It tracks extremely well with the lefty and quick geometry setup. Handles ups as well as downs, good in almost any situation. On really nasty downhill stuff you might want a little more travel, but that would cost you on the way up. I tried a Stumpy FSR before I test rode the Rush and the Stumpy was slow and awkward in comparison. I'll leave that for the older rider who prefers to stay in the saddle and on the ground.
As far as setup, I added the high riser front bar to make it a bit more comfortable for the long-haul. I like to trail ride, don't do any racing at the moment. This bike is easy to hop and "flick" around. I don't hesitate to put 3' of air underneath it.
The low BB will cause some pedal hits. I wouldn't recommend carbon cranks if you ride rocky areas, the area around the pedal will get beat-up pretty good. Just work on your timing and this becomes less and less of a problem.
If you like to flow when you ride, give the Rush a shot, you'll probably like it. |
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Submitted by
andrew sachtschale
a Cross Country Rider
from Clayton, CA
Date Reviewed: 7/9/2007 1:13:19 PM
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| FavoriteTrail: |
Mt Diablo, or China Camp trails |
| Duration Product Used: |
Less than 1 month |
| Purchased At: |
1,700 (MSRP is 2,100) at REI |
| Strengths: |
Very stiff in comparison to many other full suspension bikes. A guy I know has a Scalpel (Cannondale's XC Race Full suspension bike) it is several years old with slightly higher end components (AvidJuicy Sevens, Sram X-9 rear derailure). The Scalpel is a great bike, but it is very flexy especially from side to side due to the carbon fiber chain stays, and plastic seat stays. So even though th Scalpel is lighter, the rush can easily compete with it (once again this Scalpel is several years old, the design may have improved since then). I also love the Lefty, I personally think that unless you road bike, mountain bike with a rigid fork, or do extreme DH, dirt jump, or freeride, you have no reason not to use a lefty fork, i have looked over schematics for their internals and have found that the design is extremly well thought out. A lot of people will tell you the forks are crap, everyone who told me this had never used the fork, don't dismiss this fork just because people are sceptical of it. I also like the Shimano Rapidfire Two-Way Release shifters, they are very comfortable. The bike is also very Beautiful, with a unique design and an amazing powdercoat paint job (only the orange, black, and white one comes in powdercoat) I would reccomend this bike to any one who likes agressive XC rideing, with steep technical decents, but still wants to be able to climb well, and sprint explosively. I would also reccomend this bike to anyone looking for a really fun bike |
| Weaknesses: |
None apparent, asides from the fact, that It turns so many heads on the trail, that it is bound to get stolen if I leave it alone for a minute. |
| Similar Products Tried: |
None, I have never had a proper MTB before, and have always had a crappy 39 lb
diamondback hardtail comfortbike, that I rode with knobbies on the mountain. |
| Bike Setup: |
stock, with slime filled tubes |
| Bottom Line: |
Looking for a fun ride, and plan to keep your wheels on the ground most of the time (it can handle small jumps, but isn't made for dirt jumping); want an all mountain bike leaning towards the XC type of riding, but still want to explore DH; want a bike with great components, and a stellar performing fork, with the option, of locking it out; and get all this without pulling the plug on your bank account? Then the rush 4 is your bike. |
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: 4/5/2007 9:47:42 AM
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| Duration Product Used: |
Less than 1 month |
| Price Paid: |
$2100 |
| Purchased At: |
Eddy's Bike Shop |
| Strengths: |
I looked at and test rode alot of different bikes before I decided on the Rush. First impressions are usually lasting impressions and I first noticed how well spec'd this bike was compared to other bikes in the price range (shimano rapidfire good- SRAM push push bad). The lefty is awesome, the fox rear shock with pro pedal works amazing and really stiffens up the rear end for climbing. This bike feels like it can do anything on the trail, it is the most agile and responsive of the bikes I tested and the single pivot design is simple and effective. |
| Weaknesses: |
The grips are lame, cannondale specs some of their mid-ranged hardtails with locking grips, but not the rush??? |
| Similar Products Tried: |
Specalized Stumpjumper FSR Comp and Elite, Cannondale Rush 3, Specialized FSRxc Pro |
| Bike Setup: |
Stock as a box of rocks |
| Bottom Line: |
Compared to the stumpjumper that felt cumbersome (short wheelbase, weird geometry, super active suspension), the rush feels like a racecar. Laid back-ish geometry, instant response, LEFTY. Test ride ine and you will know what I am talking about. It is a bit heavy for an XC racer, but it was not designed for that. If you want a bike that is a blast a ride and would classify yourself an "all mountian/XC" type of rider, buy this bike yesterday. |
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Submitted by
Randy
from Waldorf
Date Reviewed: 10/18/2006 4:49:55 AM
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| Duration Product Used: |
Less than 1 month |
| Price Paid: |
$2200 |
| Purchased At: |
Bike Doctor |
| Strengths: |
fast, comfortable ride, I can ride twice as long as I could on my old ATX 970 beater-, the feel of the lefty is awesome if you have never tried it, very responsive, goes where you point it, I like the lower center, handles great, just need to get used to it and stop hitting my pedals on stuff I used to clear |
| Weaknesses: |
had to exchange my Lefty after 5 rides because it had a leak, but the shop hasn't had to do it before, so I suspect it is rare. The customer service at my LBS is so great that it didn't bother me- |
| Similar Products Tried: |
I also considered a Trek EX 8, the Rush handles way better for me |
| Bike Setup: |
stock |
| Bottom Line: |
this is my first high end bike, and it is worth every penny, I love this bike, if you ride 3-4 times week and want a XC bike that is comfortable, but still want a bike that can handle a little DH, then this is for you |
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