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'96 F700 owner looking for upgrade suggestions...

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Jester7677

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I believe the F700 I have is from '96. I'm the original owner but cannot remember for certain the exact year I purchased. It has...

(all original...:)

Headshok DD2
LX front derailer
XT rear derailer
CODA V-Brakes and pads
CODA cranks
CODA hubs
Dont' know who makes the chain ring or the rear cassette.
RED Clip in pedals (forget the maker name and too lazy to get up. They work...:)
Gripshifts (and I like them...:)

The headshok works, though I believe it's a bit messed up in terms of dampening. Lockout is shot and the adjustment does almost random things at different positions.

Thoughts?

I also have a Super V1000 with the same setup as above, but really like the speed of the F700. It's fast.
 
#2 ·
F700 was my first cannondale. i loved it. i got hit by a car and it got crushed :(
i have been looking on ebay for another.
onto your question. the Headshok can be rebuilt, or you can get one off ebay for reasonable money. also, depending on your skills and cash flow you can get all new parts off eBay. That is if yoiu really love the bike. for me it would be a no brainer as the F series is still one of the best hardtails. there is a sticky at the top with all sizes for components. if you have any other questions just ask and we will answer
 
Discussion starter · #3 · (Edited)
Ok, so it's a December of '94 frame (Cannondale 2.8), probably bought in '95 or '96, F700, Viper Red with a DD2 Headshok that has 2" (50mm) of travel.

Can I upgrade the front fork/suspension to greater travel with this frame? Will a Fatty or Lefty fit?

Image
 
#4 ·
A cheap start would be to upgrade to V-brakes......mine is an 00' F600 same color red, upgrades:
XTR V-brakes
Singlespeed: 16T Kick-ass-cog and Roller Rennen chain tensioner
Wayless carbon riser bar

XTR brakes upgrade was noticeable right away. Id keep your fork stock untill it needs rebuilding, and when it does, upgrade to Lefty if possible.....thats my plan anyway....for now my Super Fatty works OK/just needs new valve core
 
#5 ·
For V brakes I would run Avid SD 7's inc. SD 7 levers. Excellent brakes for the money. If you have the money, I would go to XTR's. Lefty would be great if you want to run disc front and V's rear, or buy an adapter to run disc's in the back. I would stay with V's personally. Next, I would concentrate on the drive train and wheels. I think the bike is in good enough shape to justify the money. Definitely lose the Coda crap. If you want to stay with the eight speed I would go with the Sram Attack triggers. I have two sets and I'm pretty happy with them.
 
#6 ·
Cannondale makes a great hardtail; none better unless you go for a 29er. I would get the HeadShok repaired. I had mine sent back to Cannondale and the repair was cheap and they did an excellent job. V brakes should be your next upgrade.
 
#7 ·
Did the same thing...

I faced a similar situation with my 1994 Delta V 1000 a couple of years ago. The polished frame was in perfect condition when the original Headshock blew out. The replacement headshock was v- and disc compatible which caused the following ripple effect:
1) SD7 brakes
2) SD7 levers
3) My trusty 8sp XT shifter/lever combo was replaced with XT pods in 9sp
4) 9 speed XT cassette
5) 9 speed chain
6) LX hollowgram II crank

With all of that done, I added:
7) XT/717 wheelset
8) Thompson seatpost
9) Ritchey WCS aluminum bar

Because my kids need shoes, I did all of this over the winter, finding parts on sale where I could. Perhaps I should have purchased a new hardtail, but nothing is as pretty as that polished frame! My bike is now sub 24 pounds and is better than I can ride anyway.
 
#8 ·
4dmg said:
I faced a similar situation with my 1994 Delta V 1000 a couple of years ago. The polished frame was in perfect condition when the original Headshock blew out. The replacement headshock was v- and disc compatible which caused the following ripple effect:
Because my kids need shoes, I did all of this over the winter, finding parts on sale where I could. Perhaps I should have purchased a new hardtail, but nothing is as pretty as that polished frame! My bike is now sub 24 pounds and is better than I can ride anyway.
Click to expand...
Polished vintage cannondales with upgrades are pure MTB porn to me, got any pics? i havent tried a 29'er but there is something pure about the simplicity of the F series cannondale hard tails....clean lines make them look good, just sitting still..... plus the functional headshoks make them perfectly tailored for XC riding.....how many other 90's bikes are still consistantly used as much for XC? answer: not many. on my local trails the oldest bikes i see, seem to be always an F600 or an old GT....maybe i have selective memory. ill keep upgrading/riding my 00' F600 untill the frame brakes
 
#9 ·
Those Cannondale hardtails were in top form, in the nineties. In fact- they won more world cup championships than any other bike maker, during that time. Upgrade it and keep it for good....
 
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#10 ·
I just picked up a 2001 F700 from a guy for $650 blue/yellow, and he didnt ride it much at all...I love the damn thing. I peeled off the crusty black yellow tires that came with it and added Panaracer blue wall 26x2.10 tires, blue colored lock grips, blue crank bros. mallets and a longer easton flat bar and off I go........
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
Zachariah said:
Those Cannondale hardtails were in top form, in the nineties. In fact- they won more world cup championships than any other bike maker, during that time. Upgrade it and keep it for good....
Click to expand...
I hear ya!

For what I am willing to ride, this thing is perfect... Back when I bought it, it was a stretch financially. I'm still glad I did...
 
#12 ·
1994 Delta V 1000

Here are the requested photos. Keep in mind that the bike was a bit dirty from a ride. A wash and wax brings the shine right back. My upgrades basically brought my bike into the year 2006 and are representative of what is possible without over-the-top spending. It has decent looks, climbs really well and offers crisp handling. Very fun.



 

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#13 ·
Ahh..looks ok I guess:D . These frames are still some of the best looking that Cannondale made. I have two Killer V's and I just can't part with them. Something about the look. I would love to pick up a nice blue Delta though. Maybe I'll check on Craigslist.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Baalan,

Would you post pics of each of your bikes?

The second bike that I have (adopted) is a '95 Super V1000 that was ridden perhaps, 7 times total, and of those, once offroad. I'm not going to get much chance to ride it as a newb friend is using it, and my F700 is too big for him. No biggie though, my first MTB is still my love, it's faster and climbs better.
 
#15 ·
My KV900 is in pieces right now, trying to figure out what to put on it, but I have been meaning to post my KV3000. The frame isn't minty like your Delta but it has a nice parts spec. I'll try to post pics when I borrow a camera again.
 
#16 ·
F700

I just saw this forum and the Red F700 is awesome. It is definitely a 1995 just like mine. I bought mine used but not abused for $180 bucks. The original Xray grip shifts were not working well so I replaced. The original stem and handlebar were very heavy. Same with the bottom bracket. Replaced them so now it weighs 22.5lbs. Down to 21lbs with the nice wheelset (ti spokes) and better tires. According to cannondale, the 2.8 frame weighed 1.4kg, 3.1 lbs.
Next upgrade are v-brakes and that should do it. The stock cantilevers are exciting going downhill :eek: I don't think these levers pull enough cable so will probably have to replace those too.
 

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#17 ·
For your headshok issues, you might wanna contact Craig at MendonCycleSmith.com.
Cannondale or the LBS couldn't do anything with my 93 Delta V's headshock other than recommend expensive replacements that would loose the stock "charm" of the bike and cost an arm and a leg.

Craig was able to rebuild mine for much less $$ and I didn't have to switch out breaks etc since it's still the original fork.
 
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