Mountain Biking - Is Cannondale F600 (2005) too luxurious?

Hi all,

I had a BMX during my childhood days, and am a motorcyclist. Due to knee deteoriation, passion and opportunity to exercise, I intend to re-enter the cycling hobby.

While affordability is not a major hurdle (but will still feel the pain), I have a contradicting mind challenging me that getting a bike of that category, which gives me the "wow" impact is a luxury and is unnecessary.

I am a believer in "a price for a value", however, I also support that lower priced mtb is not that bad. My LBS has initiated the F600 for over $2500. Although I love the look (haven't tested the mtb), I wonder if there would be a need to own such a pricey mtb (assuming if the geometry is just right for me, in considerations to the other lower priced models with similar comfort and geometry fit)?

Please advice me, thanks heaps!

http://cannondale.com/bikes/05/cusa/model-5FS6.html

it seems a bit over priced to me. none of the parts really stand out as really good, mostly just mid levelish(with some exeptions) if it feels really comfortable then go for it but im prety sure you can get a better deal elsewhere.

That is 2.5 times the retail. This link has the MSRP and some nice reviews of the F600, http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardtail/product_123431.shtml.

They sell the F600 locally for US$1100 so I can only presume you're in Oz or NZ to get the price that high!

That doesn't look worth the price to me either... I'd look at other brands if I were you.

Thanks all, I am from Singapore. Paul Bravey is right, even with the currency exchange of US $1 for S$1.67, I reckon it should not be so expensive.

Maybe I should go there and try and buy online? :)

Would there be any options similar to the look, style and paint colour? I was considering Kona or Haro V3.

Appreciate your comments please, thanks.

I am a believer in "a price for a value", however, I also support that lower priced mtb is not that bad. My LBS has initiated the F600 for over $2500.
I got my F600 for 1199 canadian. I love the bike though, i would reccomend it.

Thanks Free Pizza, I wonder what would be the cost to buy directly online. Apparently, Cannondale has only 1 distributor here, who is quoting S$2600 (with a little discount so to speak)

Thanks Free Pizza, I wonder what would be the cost to buy directly online. Apparently, Cannondale has only 1 distributor here, who is quoting S$2600 (with a little discount so to speak)
I don't think you can buy bikes online. (most companies don't allow it)

Except kona, who sells from their site, and like iron horse, jamis, weyless, etc who sell through some retailers.

Shame some more of the big companies don't though.

Except kona, who sells from their site, and like iron horse, jamis, weyless, etc who sell through some retailers.

Shame some more of the big companies don't though.

Almost true of Kona
"* All bikes purchased online must be shipped to a Kona dealer for assembly. Bikes will not be shipped directly to consumers. Please choose a dealer from our Dealer Locator and fill in their information as
the ship to address. Online bike sales are available in the USA only "

"sigh" guess I will make a trip today and look around for other brands.

I agree with these other posts...that price is entirely too high.
I bought an F600 about 6 months ago for $950.
For what it's worth, I've thouroughly enjoyed the bike. Snoop was right....some of the components are average, but these can be easily upgraded as needed. The lockout feature is awesome, especially if you ride in hilly terrain.

Market prices work differently outside of the states aka everyone except Americans pay more when the target market is Americans.

While the price does seem a little high, expect to pay quite a bit more then the currency conversion rate, dually because of different markets and a lower American dollar.

Dont even bother with cannondale, their bikes are junk.

OK, Klein doesn't know what he's talking about, so just ignore him. As far as the price, understand that it's far more than the exchange rate. You also have a limited distribution network, which drives up the cost. Factor in import tariffs and duties, and 2.5x the US price is probably about right.

The real reason you should not buy a Cannondale is the Headshok. While a working one is a great piece of gear, you will find that your LBS will not stock replacements, and may not be able to service it for you. Sounds harsh, but if you're not in America, avoid the Headshok. Take that as advice from someone who's been there.

Thanks all for the advice, I really appreciate the useful information. i reckon the mark up is really too high, let alone the import tariffs and the currency adjustments (which is lower than 1.7 currently).

I am still looking around, in fact, this intended mtb is meant for my exercise (knee prob), but I'm primarily particular about the colour code, and secondarily, reliability. Last but not least, the LBS' attitude will play the final convincing role.

I hope someone would be able to advice me on other compatible brands, that is comparable with the Cannondale F600.

Thanks heaps.

Thanks all for the advice, I really appreciate the useful information. i reckon the mark up is really too high, let alone the import tariffs and the currency adjustments (which is lower than 1.7 currently).

I am still looking around, in fact, this intended mtb is meant for my exercise (knee prob), but I'm primarily particular about the colour code, and secondarily, reliability. Last but not least, the LBS' attitude will play the final convincing role.

I hope someone would be able to advice me on other compatible brands, that is comparable with the Cannondale F600.

Thanks heaps.


If you're a fan of colour, check out Kona at www.konaworld.com.

But remember, it's not just currency conversion. Expect to pay more.

If you have an existing knee problem, you need to pay far more attention to fit than anything else. What other brands are available to you? I would avoid American and Canadian bikes, and look at ones made in China, as they're likely to be priced a bit better in Singapore. One of the higher end Giants might be worth a look.

Hi Expat, thanks for your advice, in Singapore, there are Scott, and the much condemned GT (wonder why), Giant, Kona, Haro, Trek, Klein, Cannondale, KHS (limited), Gary Fisher.

According to Doc, I am suffering from hypertension, on top of the knee prob. Hence, I can't go jogging, and the closest thing is cycling. I am keen to get one soon, but the LBS has their own hidden agendas, wanting to sell more of certain brands.

I trust the forum more than the LBS, and please don't be surprised that the members here is much much more professional.

btw, which part of Aust are you from? I just came back some time ago, from mel and syd. Good to know you and the people of this forum.

kttan2 I have a torn MCL and ACL and my knee would hyper extend regulary. I picked up a kona last week since the doc said to cycle and strengthen the knee as much as I can and come back in 2 months two see if surgery is unavoidable.

Cycling makes my knee feel great...UNLESS I stand to mash on the pedals up hill...bad mistake that almost made me crash from the pain of hyper extension...with the bike when you go full extension your knee has to be able to not hyper extend on its own...well if you have hyperextension problems...it doesnt and you will learn its painfull.

Keep that in mind when you are cycling.

Hi Expat, thanks for your advice, in Singapore, there are Scott, and the much condemned GT (wonder why), Giant, Kona, Haro, Trek, Klein, Cannondale, KHS (limited), Gary Fisher.

According to Doc, I am suffering from hypertension, on top of the knee prob. Hence, I can't go jogging, and the closest thing is cycling. I am keen to get one soon, but the LBS has their own hidden agendas, wanting to sell more of certain brands.

I trust the forum more than the LBS, and please don't be surprised that the members here is much much more professional.

btw, which part of Aust are you from? I just came back some time ago, from mel and syd. Good to know you and the people of this forum.

I live in Newcastle, under 2 hours from Sydney. Home of the losing Knights. Since it sounds like you're not going to be getting crazy on the trails, I'd like at the Giant. They've always been a good value.

Thanks Expat, I was putting up at Kingsford previously. Well, I will be down trying out the various bikes - Kona, Giant, Haro (and cannondale just for fun) :P

I will update you guys once my bikey is finalized. Thanks folks! All of you have been a great help!

kttan2 I have a torn MCL and ACL and my knee would hyper extend regulary. I picked up a kona last week since the doc said to cycle and strengthen the knee as much as I can and come back in 2 months two see if surgery is unavoidable.

Cycling makes my knee feel great...UNLESS I stand to mash on the pedals up hill...bad mistake that almost made me crash from the pain of hyper extension...with the bike when you go full extension your knee has to be able to not hyper extend on its own...well if you have hyperextension problems...it doesnt and you will learn its painfull.

Keep that in mind when you are cycling.

Hi Kritter,

thanks and apologies for not being clear, I actually suffer from hypertension - high blood pressure. However, your advice has provided me with an extended insight on the cautions to cycling. Thanks.