Thread: Cannondale MTB - What Model???

The University of Queensland bike shop conducted an exercise many years ago where they took frames from Trek, Colnago, Pinnarello and Merckx, all painted in a uniform fashion, and in a day when a frame was a more standard shape, and they invited members of the UQCC to ride each and try to pick the difference.

The results were interesting! The results indicated that rider's choices were more often emotive, rather than formed through any practical experience - because very few could pick the right maker to the right frame.

Originally Posted by Scallops

Sounds like a good choice to me. I have never used SRAM - is there any functional advantage over Shimano XTR other than price?

Some would say SRAM is not as smooth but I prefer to solid shifting feel of it and the price always helps too.

Originally Posted by Scallops

The University of Queensland bike shop conducted an exercise many years ago where they took frames from Trek, Colnago, Pinnarello and Merckx, all painted in a uniform fashion, and in a day when a frame was a more standard shape, and they invited members of the UQCC to ride each and try to pick the difference.

The results were interesting! The results indicated that rider's choices were more often emotive, rather than formed through any practical experience - because very few could pick the right maker to the right frame.

That doesn't surprise me at all. Please don't get the impression that I like Santa Cruz because I'm elitist. I actually like the way their bikes perform (tried Chameleon, Blur LT-C, Blur 4X, Heckler, Bullit - all awesome). I used to be anti-Giant until I rode a few Maestro bikes. I now have a Reign X1 as my FR/DH bike. I would have liked a Santa Cruz Nomad, but there was no point spending twice the money for essentially the same thing (oh and less warranty as it turns out).

Originally Posted by CJT

Some would say SRAM is not as smooth but I prefer to solid shifting feel of it and the price always helps too.

I like SRAM, but to a point. I like their shifters and derailleurs, but I think Shimano chains and cassettes are better. In my experience Shimano chains are stronger, and Shimano cassettes shifter better. I'm running a SRAM PG-990 cassette on the Chameleon at the moment and I really don't like it. I normally run an XT cassette.


James.

Originally Posted by rainman

That doesn't surprise me at all. Please don't get the impression that I like Santa Cruz because I'm elitist. I actually like the way their bikes perform (tried Chameleon, Blur LT-C, Blur 4X, Heckler, Bullit - all awesome). I used to be anti-Giant until I rode a few Maestro bikes. I now have a Reign X1 as my FR/DH bike. I would have liked a Santa Cruz Nomad, but there was no point spending twice the money for essentially the same thing (oh and less warranty as it turns out).


James.

When ever anyone who is new to riding asks me what they should buy I always say "get a giant". Bang for your bucks nothing comes close in my opinion. They always seem to be at least one and sometime 2 levels up on components compared to similarly priced bikes so hard to go wrong.

Once you fall in love with riding then you can search out a more bespoke solution that matches what you ride and your budget but otherwise go giant.

Now in saying that I have never owned a giant, had a lot of mates who have and have rarely heard a bad word spoken about them. first ride was a trek hard tail, then Jamis dually and the Cannnodale prophet , also have a trek road bike that I commute on.

George

didn't know there was this much science in buying a bike........

grab the best value for money you can afford and get out there riding.....

although not sure that i made the right choice but in saying that i happy enough.......

see ya on the tracks.......

i was so glad to see rainman pushing up a hill last night......didn't think i would ever see that, wish i had a camera

see ya on the track CJT

Originally Posted by weeds

i was so glad to see rainman pushing up a hill last night......didn't think i would ever see that, wish i had a camera

Was that the re-veg area? I was "caring for the environment"!


James.

Originally Posted by weeds

didn't know there was this much science in buying a bike........

grab the best value for money you can afford and get out there riding.....

There isn't! That's my point.

Saying one model bike breaks because one was witnessed to at an event, or that this make or that make are akin to Fords or Holdens, is to me a little precious.

Whilst there are certainly very pickable differences between carbon and Aluminium frames (as to with Titanium and Steel), the distinction between makers is in my opinion, less pronounced (especially with Elite level equipment), so less important. But the one difference between makers that stands out in my experience is warranty. I'm happy to know that if my frame breaks in 2035, I'll get the latest and finest frame Trek make as a replacement - free.

It is a good idea to buy the best value bike within your chosen parameters. I did so, my bike was 45% below retail 'cos I've built a reputation with my shop, so it represented fantastic value for money. On that note, DiscoWeb's call about Giants is on the money. I've never had one either, but they are great value. I'm confident CJT will love his Cannondale - they make great bikes too and are also value for money. Haven't had one either, but!

And although I go totally with the "just get out and ride" call, I found when I had a Fisher bike that my enjoyment was much less than it is now on a different type of bike, so our parameter choice is important.

But unlike many cyclists I've met, I don't have a list of brands that I'm either a fan of or not - it's all good!

Just in case, if you are looking at building a bike up, i have a Niner Air 9 Hardtail in Scandium i'm wanting to get rid of , Frame only, it's an XL depending on your size,i'm 6'4., $450 bux

very good bike, great ride...i'm just not into hardtails, so swapped all the parts over to a Canzo frame to use as an all mountain basher

hopefully a pic will appear here: