Great mid-level all trail bike! Good quality components. Great durable lightweight frame for long term use and mods. Jumbo size frame great for taller heavier man.
Pros Great fork shock
Lightweight frame
All around solid bike for any skill level.
Cons Wheels are a little weak for a big man.
Pedals are cheap.
This would be a very good bike for a completely beginner mountain biker and a for a person that will not push it pass its limits.
Pros Good beginner bike for Green level trails and capable handling some easier Blue Level trails
The lock out is a nice feature and the frame is study. That's the only pro's I can say about this bike
This Rig got me back into riding. It's geometry is superb and handles like a champ. I've updated most components to XO and gone to a 1X10 drive. You can keep up with the big boys.
Pros The bike is a great intro into the world of mountain biking.
For the price I recommend it. Have had it since August 2015 and I like it. Will probably upgrade component as they wear out/break.
Pros Sturdy frame. Decent price. Fun to ride.
Cons Derailers are difficult to keep in adjustment. Stock tires aren't the best. Just had to replace front brake rotor after a crash ( not nessecarily because of the quality, I hit hard and so did the bike!)
Do not buy this bike, poor quality components will have you at the shop more than on the street(not quite worthy of any trails)
Pros 29 inch wheels make for a smoother ride
Cons Bought two, medium and large, both had major rear derailer issues within two month, the large had front derailer and shifter issues as well.
No support from Cannondale, strongly urge you to steer clear and buy a more reliable, Wal mart bike to save disappoinment. Never again
If you can get this bike at a good price you are getting a great deal. 26er is what I grew up on. I'm not interested in a 29er. Perhaps my next will be a 27.5, but I like the dexterity of a 26.
Pros Front Fork is great. All standard equipment is better than base. Rims are easy to convert to no-tubes. Pop-lock add on is nice.
Cons Rear de-railer is having some issues after 20 or so rides. I keep it clean as is the chain.
All in all a great bike for the money. I bought this bike on end of season clearance, not a huge discount but enough. Gets up to speed quickly and keeps rolling nice. Despite the complaints I read about the fork(Suntour) it's not all that bad. This is not a top of the line bike and if you understand that you won't be disappointed. Keep the wheels on the ground and you shouldn't have any problems.
Great bike though needs some component upgrades. Very similar to the f29 except it just never quite is... so just buy the f29 and you will be satisfied.
Pros Great frame, good brakes, fast. Great for beginners, inspires confidence.
Cons Horrible seat, pedals, fork, and rear derailleur.
Get a pro bike fitting and upgrade components over time... brakes first then rear cage derailleur. I wore both out in one season (20-25 trail rides or so). I went with Shimano XT Deore on both. Huge improvement in performance and durability. I also changed my wheels to Stan's No Tubes with Kenda Nevegal tires. Noticeable reduction in weight, increased turn responsiveness, roll, and cornering traction.
Pros Great frame, fantastic value, good stock wheels
I recommend this bike. Mine was a gift and I believe it was worth every penny. I don't have anything bad to say about it. It's capabilities exceed mine and I wouldn't go back on it
Pros Light weight ,sturdy, good feel, comes with some nice options ex. Lock out, gear dial, ect
Cons unlike some of the more expensive cannondale bikes(SL series, flash,etc) it comes with spring shocks instead of air wich I realy dont mind but if your a real professional and you can tell a difference then that might be a downfall. I myself am just fine
This bike is what started and continued my interest in mountain biking. It was versatile and sturdy, needed a couple cheap upgrades to fit my riding style and only began losing integrity in the wheels when my riding abilities outgrew the price range of the bike. I would recommend the bike to anyone beginning their exploration into mountain biking.
Pros Great entry level bike. Very good trail/xc geometry. Extremely fun bike to ride, agile, nimble, great control and jumping.
Cons Stocks wheels are weak (bent multiple times, broken spokes) but was also taking the bike on rides that were probably outside of its intent ( technical long rock drops). Quickly upgraded brakes to Avid BB7's from stock Tektros and got rid of Kenda Small Block 8's for Nevegals
I rode this bike for 2 months and had to replace the following: front deraileur, rear deraileur, cassette, chain, rim, and pedal. Plus, I've never had the front deraileur (original or replacement) stay properly adjusted for an entire ride no matter who I had adjust it. When everything is together and working right, this is a decent bike. I now use it to get around town, or to trailer my newborn. For singletrack, I use bikes that can actually handle a trail.
Pros Good geometry
Tires are surprisingly good on dry
I have ridden one of my buddies Trail SL 4 a fair amount and was reasonably impressed for a low level 29er hardtail. The geometry is a little more upright, but it is comfortable. The components are pretty low for the price point though. They are not good at all.
My first 29'er hardtail after riding a full suspension for a number of years. I would have been dissapointed to pay full MSRP on this ($800-$900), but I picked it up for $400 and have put about $300 of upgrades and repairs in. I really enjoy this bike but if I did it again I would have gone with upgraded components to start.
Pros Weight, frame, Kenda small block tires, love the handling and 29'er upside, has improved my climbing significantly. Fun bike on the flowing sand based trails around me.
Cons I've had it 5 months- so far warped rotor, general brake issues (promax), suspension lockout had issues early now does not work (RST Deuce), 2 bent front rims, stock pedals have very little surface area, upgraded to easton flatboy.
Just switched the stock bars from 20mm rise to some Truvativ Hussfelt 40mm. Chopped down an inch on each side and so far....DAMN GOOD! was thinking of switching out the 90mm stem to a shorter one but given the new bars and limited selection of 1.5 stems....it's a good setup.
Bought the bike from a friend who bought it brand new. It sat in his garage unridden for two months before I got it. It had a total of 5 minutes of riding on it at that point. Got it home, aired up the tires and the front valve stem disintegrated. That could have happened to any bike and any tube so I don't hold that against it. However, on my first ride 1 mile in the rear derailer exploded. That was a little aggravating. Went ahead and put a upgraded derailer on it and all is well now.
Pedals... I wear a 14EEE shoe and I don't like nor can I find a comfortable clipless shoe. The pedals are just to small for my gaint claud hoppers.
Tires.. The tires are AWESOME on dry anything. If the surface is slightly damp forget it. They are supper quiet and have no rolling resistance but I just don't trust them in the damp.
Can't go wrong with this bike. Its not perfect but for what you get, you can't beat it with a stick.
This is my first mtn bike. I would definitely recommend this bike. It works well for the money. I am 6'-2" 230, the XL frame is perfect.
Pros
Great ride. Brakes work good. Shifter is excellent. Suspension good. No complaints after my first ride.
Cons
| ThankI could not get the seat to the right height for all conditions. Upgrade to Dropper Seat Post before the next ride.
Don't buy one save ur coin
Pros
Nithin
Cons
| ThankPrice of shit always Brocken not build for mountain biking
Great mid-level all trail bike! Good quality components. Great durable lightweight frame for long term use and mods. Jumbo size frame great for taller heavier man.
Pros
Great fork shock
Lightweight frame
All around solid bike for any skill level.
Cons
| ThankWheels are a little weak for a big man.
Pedals are cheap.
This would be a very good bike for a completely beginner mountain biker and a for a person that will not push it pass its limits.
Pros
Good beginner bike for Green level trails and capable handling some easier Blue Level trails
The lock out is a nice feature and the frame is study. That's the only pro's I can say about this bike
Cons
| ThankLow level quality components
This Rig got me back into riding. It's geometry is superb and handles like a champ. I've updated most components to XO and gone to a 1X10 drive. You can keep up with the big boys.
Pros
The bike is a great intro into the world of mountain biking.
Cons
| ThankComponents are lower grade.
Top notch.
Pros
For the most part this bike has top quality components for a relatively inexpensive beginner bike.
Jumbo size for 6'-4" tall man is great fit.
Cons
| ThankWheels are weakest component.
For the price I recommend it. Have had it since August 2015 and I like it. Will probably upgrade component as they wear out/break.
Pros
Sturdy frame. Decent price. Fun to ride.
Cons
| ThankDerailers are difficult to keep in adjustment. Stock tires aren't the best. Just had to replace front brake rotor after a crash ( not nessecarily because of the quality, I hit hard and so did the bike!)
This bike is great on the uphill and cross country, not so good on the descents
Pros
great with the 29er, and great with my aftermarket brakes, avid elixir 5
Cons
| Thankmore sus.
Do not buy this bike, poor quality components will have you at the shop more than on the street(not quite worthy of any trails)
Pros
29 inch wheels make for a smoother ride
Cons
| ThankBought two, medium and large, both had major rear derailer issues within two month, the large had front derailer and shifter issues as well.
No support from Cannondale, strongly urge you to steer clear and buy a more reliable, Wal mart bike to save disappoinment. Never again
If you can get this bike at a good price you are getting a great deal. 26er is what I grew up on. I'm not interested in a 29er. Perhaps my next will be a 27.5, but I like the dexterity of a 26.
Pros
Front Fork is great. All standard equipment is better than base. Rims are easy to convert to no-tubes. Pop-lock add on is nice.
Cons
| ThankRear de-railer is having some issues after 20 or so rides. I keep it clean as is the chain.
All in all a great bike for the money. I bought this bike on end of season clearance, not a huge discount but enough. Gets up to speed quickly and keeps rolling nice. Despite the complaints I read about the fork(Suntour) it's not all that bad. This is not a top of the line bike and if you understand that you won't be disappointed. Keep the wheels on the ground and you shouldn't have any problems.
Pros
Great bike for the price
Cons
| ThankWheels
Great bike though needs some component upgrades. Very similar to the f29 except it just never quite is... so just buy the f29 and you will be satisfied.
Pros
Great frame, good brakes, fast. Great for beginners, inspires confidence.
Cons
| ThankHorrible seat, pedals, fork, and rear derailleur.
Get a pro bike fitting and upgrade components over time... brakes first then rear cage derailleur. I wore both out in one season (20-25 trail rides or so). I went with Shimano XT Deore on both. Huge improvement in performance and durability. I also changed my wheels to Stan's No Tubes with Kenda Nevegal tires. Noticeable reduction in weight, increased turn responsiveness, roll, and cornering traction.
Pros
Great frame, fantastic value, good stock wheels
Cons
| ThankComponents are lower end.
I recommend this bike. Mine was a gift and I believe it was worth every penny. I don't have anything bad to say about it. It's capabilities exceed mine and I wouldn't go back on it
Pros
Light weight ,sturdy, good feel, comes with some nice options ex. Lock out, gear dial, ect
Cons
| Thankunlike some of the more expensive cannondale bikes(SL series, flash,etc) it comes with spring shocks instead of air wich I realy dont mind but if your a real professional and you can tell a difference then that might be a downfall. I myself am just fine
This bike is what started and continued my interest in mountain biking. It was versatile and sturdy, needed a couple cheap upgrades to fit my riding style and only began losing integrity in the wheels when my riding abilities outgrew the price range of the bike. I would recommend the bike to anyone beginning their exploration into mountain biking.
Pros
Great entry level bike. Very good trail/xc geometry. Extremely fun bike to ride, agile, nimble, great control and jumping.
Cons
| ThankStocks wheels are weak (bent multiple times, broken spokes) but was also taking the bike on rides that were probably outside of its intent ( technical long rock drops). Quickly upgraded brakes to Avid BB7's from stock Tektros and got rid of Kenda Small Block 8's for Nevegals
I rode this bike for 2 months and had to replace the following: front deraileur, rear deraileur, cassette, chain, rim, and pedal. Plus, I've never had the front deraileur (original or replacement) stay properly adjusted for an entire ride no matter who I had adjust it. When everything is together and working right, this is a decent bike. I now use it to get around town, or to trailer my newborn. For singletrack, I use bikes that can actually handle a trail.
Pros
Good geometry
Tires are surprisingly good on dry
Cons
| ThankDurability
Components
Tires on wet
I have ridden one of my buddies Trail SL 4 a fair amount and was reasonably impressed for a low level 29er hardtail. The geometry is a little more upright, but it is comfortable. The components are pretty low for the price point though. They are not good at all.
Pros
good geometry, wider bars
Cons
| ThankWeight, coil fork, components
My first 29'er hardtail after riding a full suspension for a number of years. I would have been dissapointed to pay full MSRP on this ($800-$900), but I picked it up for $400 and have put about $300 of upgrades and repairs in. I really enjoy this bike but if I did it again I would have gone with upgraded components to start.
Pros
Weight, frame, Kenda small block tires, love the handling and 29'er upside, has improved my climbing significantly. Fun bike on the flowing sand based trails around me.
Cons
| ThankI've had it 5 months- so far warped rotor, general brake issues (promax), suspension lockout had issues early now does not work (RST Deuce), 2 bent front rims, stock pedals have very little surface area, upgraded to easton flatboy.
Just switched the stock bars from 20mm rise to some Truvativ Hussfelt 40mm. Chopped down an inch on each side and so far....DAMN GOOD! was thinking of switching out the 90mm stem to a shorter one but given the new bars and limited selection of 1.5 stems....it's a good setup.
| ThankBought the bike from a friend who bought it brand new. It sat in his garage unridden for two months before I got it. It had a total of 5 minutes of riding on it at that point. Got it home, aired up the tires and the front valve stem disintegrated. That could have happened to any bike and any tube so I don't hold that against it. However, on my first ride 1 mile in the rear derailer exploded. That was a little aggravating. Went ahead and put a upgraded derailer on it and all is well now.
Pedals... I wear a 14EEE shoe and I don't like nor can I find a comfortable clipless shoe. The pedals are just to small for my gaint claud hoppers.
Tires.. The tires are AWESOME on dry anything. If the surface is slightly damp forget it. They are supper quiet and have no rolling resistance but I just don't trust them in the damp.
Can't go wrong with this bike. Its not perfect but for what you get, you can't beat it with a stick.
Pros
Frame
Geometry
Ride
Brakes
Tires sorta
Weight
Cons
| ThankPedals
Tires sorta