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z1ppy

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Just out of interest?
In a purely candid way, I don't need C'dale dealer "tell us", their stock is flying out of the doors (it may well be).

As they seemingly have no marketing presence within the UK market. Haven't seen a bike reviewed by any of the magazine (I lie there a Trail SL review in my latest magazine), and no mention of the new messiah, the Jekyll, since it's initial press release. Let alone out on the trail, all I see if anything, are old Prophets and Rush's.

Are they dying on there feet? Personnally I've been disillusioned with them since they stopped making the Prophet. The Rize does nothing for me in the slightest and the Jekyll, well how much is it? £2500 ($4000) for there basic model (Jekyll 4)... really?
Yes I'm aware that a lot of bikes are bloody expensive nowaday but most manufacturer still manage a model or 2 within the £1000-2000 price range
 
#2 ·
You do realise there is a world outside of the UK right? And that Cannondale is a US based company? Ever wonder whether the UK distribution rights are "owned" by a UK company and not Cannondale itself and marketing is at the distributors discretion?
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
As I live in the UK I can only tell you about my 'local' experiences, hense why I'm posting on more "world wide" forum rather than a UK specific one, asking other ppl's experience...

and Cannondale Europe supply UK dealer directly, no distributers in the way. It's not just about marketing, if you re-read I also mention I only see 'old' cannodale's on the trails...

Maybe try answering the question, rather than trying to pick a fight?
As it's "your" opinion I'm interested in, not bickering at the semantic's of my question
 
#4 ·
To be fair, you started your first post like you were looking for a fight. Reads like a direct attack on the brand.

Lots of Cannondales out here in Asia.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
I can only apologies for that it wasn't meant as a direct attack, though you always risk the 'anger' of loyal followers on a specific 'brands" forum. I was hoping for a discussion on how you see currently Cannondale, by all means be loyal, but be realistic too?

I have two cannondale bikes, love em both to pieces. Just had my Lefty upgraded for ridiculous money (compared to buying new), as I think it's the brilliant piece of engineering.
I loved C'dales ability to be ahead of the curve with a lots of kit and ideas well ahead of other manufacturers, but nothing is seemingly coming through nowadays... or am I wrong, educate me...
 
#6 ·
Around my area Cannondale has been kinda quiet. The year before last was the final year I saw a full suspension lefty in any of the stores. Most of the bikes were F3's. This year it seems the big thing is the hardtail 29'er.
 
#7 ·
I know nothing about the financial state of the company. I do know that I see a fair number of them out on the trails. They seem to be well-represented, even though there are only a couple of local dealers.

I'm still riding my Prophet, which is my favorite bike, ever. I hope they re-introduce the Prophet before I need a new bike! Otherwise, I will continue to replace components as they wear out, and hope that the frame continues to hold up.
 
#9 · (Edited)
I don't know if the OP was looking for anything other than the thing he explicitly asked about. He did then go on to give some personal, let's even say limited, perspective on the brands position in the UK. I have checked out the UK based cycling forums a bit, cc.pedal or something like that. It's amazing how many posts read "Pish, posh that dosh way too bloody expensive for me. Why can't everybody else get along with thumbies, like myself"...stuff like that. But obviously there's also a SERIOUS off road/BMX cycling culture there along with the track and dandy people and everything else. I like the video where your top UCI DH rider beat the KTM factory Six Day specialist racer down a downhill course, think I saw it on Pinkbike.
 
#10 ·
Climber Rob said:
I know nothing about the financial state of the company...
Click to expand...
not sure if anyone cares but...

from wikipedia

In February 2008, Dorel Industries, a diversified consumer products company, announced the purchase of Cannondale from Pegasus for approximately $200 million. Dorel is a Canadian distributor of bicycles made in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China for sale under many historic U.S. cycle brands, including Schwinn, Mongoose, Roadmaster, and GT.

Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, NASDAQ: DIIB) is a Canadian company, based in Montreal, Quebec, which designs and manufactures for three areas: juvenile, home furnishings and recreational/leisure. Dorel employs approximately 4,800 people. It was formed in 1987 as a result of a merger between Dorel Co. Ltd., founded in 1962 by Leo Schwartz and Ridgewood Industries, founded in 1969. Dorel employs approximately 4,600 people and its products are sold in over 70 countries worldwide.[1]

Being that Dorel is publically traded you should be able to find financial info on Cannondale or at least the bike companies if you really cared to do so.
 
#11 ·
I'm in the UK too and I'd agree, they don't seem to have much of a presence here. I see a few older ones around on the trails and Flash's / Scalpels at races only. They seem like a strange brand - all the mainstream companies like Scott and Specialized make most of their money in the £300-£1500 bracket but Cannondale hardly have any bikes in that range. They seem like they are happy to be a large but high end only company.

I never owned one until a couple of weeks ago and always thought Cannondales were a bit left field and being different for the sake of it but once I looked into the designs in more details, I see I was wrong - lots of engineering innovations going on there. I like them for that :)
 
#15 ·
z1ppy said:
Just out of interest?
In a purely candid way, I don't need C'dale dealer "tell us", their stock is flying out of the doors (it may well be).

As they seemingly have no marketing presence within the UK market. Haven't seen a bike reviewed by any of the magazine (I lie there a Trail SL review in my latest magazine), and no mention of the new messiah, the Jekyll, since it's initial press release. Let alone out on the trail, all I see if anything, are old Prophets and Rush's.

Are they dying on there feet? Personnally I've been disillusioned with them since they stopped making the Prophet. The Rize does nothing for me in the slightest and the Jekyll, well how much is it? £2500 ($4000) for there basic model (Jekyll 4)... really?
Yes I'm aware that a lot of bikes are bloody expensive nowaday but most manufacturer still manage a model or 2 within the £1000-2000 price range
Click to expand...
I have owned many Cannondales over the past 15 years, and I too was becoming concerned that they were losing their presence even in the states...with the exception of their 29er hardtails. Having a sentimental attachment to the brand I was extremely disappointed that after the 2010 RZ 140, they no longer offered a full suspension bike/Lefty fork model with over 120mm travel. BUT then along comes the new JEKYLL.No, it doesn't have the Lefty but it appeared to be a pretty sick bike. The only thing is that they seemed to be having trouble making them available to dealers in a timely fashion. I'm on the inside track with a strong CDale dealer and still it seemed that something strange was going on and the high end models were not to be found....ALAS, a few days ago I got the only Large JEKYLL ULTIMATE that was currently available in the U.S. and my friends, let me tell you, Cannondale is ALIVE and WELL. This bike is over the top in every area. No, Cannondale doesn't have the same aura it once had across the board perhaps, but they do seem to be putting out some dynamic bikes on the high end. According to my dealer, they are doing fine and if they continue building bikes like this Jekyll Ultimate, they will definitely keep my attention>>>>>>>>>
 

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#17 ·
In Australia they had some teething problems when Cycling Sports Group took over distribution. This was compounded by the lack of product they had available. A shop that you used to walk in and see 20 or more Cannondales would have, if you were lucky, one old one! the shops had to start filling the shelves with other brands. This is starting to get better, but I still believe that availability is a big issue and of course stock deals with CSG.
The bikes are good and I'm sure over the next couple of years they build their presence back up to pre-Dorel land.
 
#19 ·
I bought my first Cannondale when they came out with the new Jekyll. Long wait but it was worth it once I got the bike. They do offer the Jekyll 5 in the US which is only $3k, which is a pretty reasonable price point in my mind.

So I would say the company seems to be doing well. They had net income of $23 million last quarter and this was in there most recent press release:

"Dorel's Recreational / Leisure segment maintained its strong performance through the second quarter with a year-over-year revenue increase of 16% and an operating profit gain of 25%. With its strong focus on innovation, Cannondale has become a much desired brand and is selling very well. In addition, the marketing investments made in Schwinn have brought the desired results," commented Dorel President and CEO, Martin Schwartz.
 
#20 ·
I got my first Cannondale just over 10 years ago, and I've loved it. Today I am picking up my brand new RZ120 right after work. It is going to be a long day at work !!
I've looked at many other bike brands and what they offer, but the RZ120 with the lefty fork seemed to be the best option for me.

I've always looked at Cannondale as one of the Elite brands, not for everybody mass market bike manufacturers. I will support them in my future bike purchases for sure because so far I am very satisfied with the quality and the tech that goes into their bikes.
 
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