Recreational & Family - Looking at the 2005 & 2006 Bad Boy...

What has changed for the better and what for the worse? I am brand new at this, and don't know much, scratch that...anything about components.

2005 Cannondale Bad Boy (http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/05/cusa/model-5MRBB.html)


2006 Cannondale Bad Boy (http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/06/CUSA/model-6BR.html)

For better: 700C wheels (a little taller and better for road use)
For worse: 9 speed to 8 speed

A lot of other things changed that you may or may not like too. One big change that I see is Cannondale went from a traditional geometry frame (straight top tube) for 2005 to a compact frame (sloping top tube) for 2006. The compact frame allows for more standover height and thus the same size bike can typically fit more sizes of riders. It might be a little lighter too because of less frame material but you won't notice that much if at all. Another change is from SRAM to Shimano shifters. Again, you might not even notice but if you have a preference, that might sway you one way or the other. And finally, 2006 has an 11-32 cassette whereas 2005 has an 11-34. A very slight change again. Comparing 9 speed 11-32 to 9 speed 11-34, the only difference would be slightly better spacing betwen gears on the 11-32 but with a little less range. But since we are comparing 8 speed 11-32 to 9 speed 11-34, about the only thing different is slightly less range on the 11-32.

If I had to pick, I'd base my decision on two things. If this was going to be a city bike and see a lot of abuse on rough roads and generally slower speeds, I'd go with the 2005 because of the 26" MTB wheels. These are generally stronger and can take wider tires than the 700C wheels (depends on the frame though, if there is no extra clearance, then the 26" wheels don't get you much). If I was riding on more open roads with less pot holes and curbs, I'd go with the 2006 model (probably) because of the 700C wheels. I say probably because I tend to like more speeds so the 2005 model with 9 speed is tempting. I've never used SRAM shifters either though so I'd have to see if I even liked them. Also, it's much easier to upgrade from 8 to 9 speed than it is to go from 26" wheels to 700C wheels (which is most likely impossible).

Sorry for the long winded response but hopefully this will help you make a better decision.

Thanks. That is just the kind of info I was looking for :)

I bought the 2005 Bad Boy because the frame just feels better. It seems like the 2006 frame is more oriented people who are going to do mtb style biking and I will definitely be using this on the roads more often.
Also, I like how the logo is on the bottom for the 2005. makes the bike less likely to walk.

I wanted one. But no local dealers had them and I just could not force myself to go 200 miles roundtrip just to look at one. After I originally posted this though, a dealer down in Orlando showed the Bad Boy Ultra as being in stock. I went and fell in love with the color and the bike itself. I just could not afford it. I figured I would end up buying a second set of wheels so I could have both an urban and an MTB, and by the time I was done, I'd have $1700 in my first bike. A week later I bought a Jamis Coda Sport...and a month after that a lightly used 2003 Cannondale F400. I believe it has the same CAAD3 Mountain frame as the 2005 non-Ultra BB. Maybe I can paint it that beautiful flat black and pretend it's a BB :D

yeah I saved money for 4 months and drove from Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL. I have to say, it was definitely worth it.

Hey guys, bringing this post back from the dead. I'm in Portland for a few weeks, saw a 2005 Bad Boy on Craigslist here for $350. Condition looks pretty good, deal? Or should I pass? http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/1406289745.html

Hmmm did some photo comparisons of the decal placement, looks like the bike is actually a 2002 though the seat might be from 2001. Doesn't look like much of a deal after all.