Mountain Biking - cannondale size question- f300

I am thinking about purchasing a 2003 cannondale f300. I am in a small town so my lbs has none in stock and I have to special order it. My question is what size (s,m,l) should I get? I am 5'11, 200 lbs with a 30" inseam. Am I correct in thinking I should get as small a frame as I can get away with? I am planning on using it solely for offroad as I already have a nice commuter. Also, any comments on the f300 would be greatly apprectiated. Thanks.

Medium sounds about right for your height. Your'e about the same as me and my Gemini 'fits' just right. I might have looked at the smaller frame had I known how high the the bb was. It's quite high, about 14" so I have to raise the seat post much higher to accomodate my ideal leg position. In a strange way, I now notice how high my c.o.g is and it takes a little getting used to. My last bike was a road bike and its bb was considerably lower.

It really depends on your style of riding. Of course the best way is to throw a leg over an "actual" bike, but that not being the case, I'd stick with a medium. A small Cannondale compared to a medium does not provide a significant difference in standover clearance. The top tube lenght however will feel significantly shorter and you'll feel cramped on the small. But then again, it depends on what you like. I own a Large F2000 that I use for XC riding, and I only have a 31" inseam. I also own a SMALL Specialized P.3 that I use for technical riding and jumping. It's way too cramped for long straight rides, but awesome for slow technical trails.

The medium C'Dale sounds right for your inseam (borderline), but more in line for your overall height. If you feel too streched out, you could swap stems to a shorter one.

Good Luck
L8R

Thanks for the replies. Medium...the bike store recommended a large!!! I plan on using it exclusively for trails and the like and not on pavement very much. For reference my current bike is a cannondale H500 hybrid that I believe is a size 18. I only have btw 1-2" clearance when I stand over it but it is fine because I never take it off road.

If you want a large, buy mine! F2000sx model in great condition, expertly maintained with the Lefty and disc brakes, XT and XTR drivetrain.

I'll make you a killer deal!!!!

L8R

I just looked at the Cannondale website. The only reference I can find to a F300 is a 2000 model!

I can't find it listed under the general categories and the "All Mountain" bikes category only lists down to the F400.

Are you sure about the F300? I'd hate to think you were being sold a 'lemon'.:confused:

a2psyklnut,

Hey, do you think you could get a maple-leaf motif going....?

Thay would interest me... :D

Just teasing, beautiful Bike man!!

Depends on your riding style. Most people who ride hard like a little smaller frame and they say it gives them more control. I think it is more that they can have a way long goofy looking seat post like they see the pro's riding on TV. There is some truth in having a smaller bike though. The main thing to consider is clearance (as in crotch clearance- very important), and another thing is how you like to sit on the bike. For instance, I have little short peg legs and a long upper body. I am 5'8" and I usually prefer a 20" or so bike as long as the aforementioned clearance is good. There are very many opinions though, and I'm sure there will be more knowledgable people to follow to advise you further. The most important thing is to get on and ride.