[Chris Smith]

I'm about 90% decided, but I thought I would look for a little outside input. I'm trying to decide between the Cannondale F4 and the Gary Fisher Tassajara. Right now, the shop I'm shopping at has the Tassajara on sale for $870. I like the specs, but I'm really not that excited about the appearance, especially the color of the handlebars, stem, and seat post.

On the other side, the F4 goes for $1050. It is spec'd with SRAM, instead of Shimano. I like its appearance more.

The fit feels good on both of them. However, I do wonder about only 80 mm of travel on the Headshok. I plan on doing mostly single track trails, nothing too extreme.

I'd appreciate any input on the two bikes. Thanks in advance.

 

[commiebomb]

Too bad you don't live in Arizona some guy has a 2008 Tassajara on craigslist for $200 with upgraded saddle and thomson seat post. Saw pictures of it, bike is in immaculate condition.

 

[Eric Z]

i vote for the gf. i would think people wouldn't like the baby blue color instead of the silver seat post, stem, and bars- swap them out if you really can't live with them.

i wouldn't be too concerned about the 80mm travel- i haven't had issues with my tora and i'm 240+.

are you equally okay with the feel of both bikes? if so, i say go with the gf and use the extra cash for other things. if you like to f4 better, just think if it's worth the extra money.

good luck!

p.s. i've seen some cheap 08 gf tass, too- that's a nice bike for anywhere under $600.

 

[WhiteNoise]

The F4 Cannondale will be the last one made in the USA from what I've been told. Might be worth owning it just for that. Its a great bike with a sick front single air shock. TBH though I think the bike is a bit ugly. I'd buy the Gary Fisher and just swap out a few bits to get it looking proper.

 

[XJaredX]

Dude I paid like somewhere right around $950 for my '09 F4. I'd see if they could work on the price.

The Headshok is a fantastic and classic setup for XC. It's probably the lightest XC fork out, and 80mm has been fine for me on the rough and rocky trails in northeast Pennsylvania.

 

[Chris Smith]

Thanks for the input. I've come up with a plan C. I have really struggled with this decision, but I think I've found a deal that couldn't be beat. I went to my lbs and talked with one of the shop guys and the owner about what I was thinking. In the end, they are going to put together a bike for me. The frame is an '08 Kona Kula. He's going to put a new Rock Shox Reba SL on it. The rest of the build is going to be a fairly basic Deore build.

I was really torn on the Cannondale. In the end, I just couldn't completely buy into the Head Shok. I'm sure it's great, but I'm also really excited to be supporting my local guy.

 

[Eric Z]

very good. be sure to post some pics when you have it all done!