New Purchase Concerns Help appreciated

[JinGermany]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and would greatly appreciate any help and advice I can get regarding the new purchase of a bike. I currently have a 7 year old Trek 730 which I like a lot but want to move up. I live in Germany and typically ride on paved bike trails, and old cobble stone streets. I am not a "hard core" rider. I ride up to 40 miles a day on a good day during a trip but often short 10-15 mile trips along the river trails. I recently had shoulder surgery and desire a bike with a suspension fork. I have noticed the newer bikes coming out with disk brakes. I THINK I would like disk brakes although my current brakes on my Trek 730 have been adequate.

So far, I think I have narrowed the selection to 2 models. A Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra which has the suspension fork and disk brakes I desire and the Trek 7700 which has the suspension fork but no disk brakes. I have read several comments on the web regarding issues of both models and was hoping to get some current feedback about them. Many of the comments were dated several years ago.

The Cannondale BBU I have read cons about the low grade components on the bike. I think these comments were a 1-2 years old. Are these components still low grade on this bike for 06'? The local store informed me that they have not ordered the BBU because of headshock issues but have ordered the BB. Is anyone aware of any such issues? I have also read issues about wheels for heavy riders like myself (6' and 260lbs). My Trek 730 hybrid has been fine for my size and weight so I am not looking for a racing bike with thin wheels.

The Trek 7700 does not have the disk brakes but I am not sure if I am sold on them reading that they limit racks and saddle bag accessories etc. I think they would be beneficial for a guy my size though. I have read many issues on the 7700 regarding chain noise and shifting problems related to the front derailleur and rear cog? Are these still issues on the 05' and 06' models?

These are the 2 models I am most interested in at the moment. I would appreciate any feedback that anyone can provide about my concerns, chain noise, weight, suspension fork, disk brakes,

Thanks,

J in Germany

[tacomee]

Take the advice of your local bike shop. I'm not sure how much of an upgrade the 7700 would really be from your current 730. Better go for a long test ride.

It might be possible to fix your old bike to help with the shoulder pain. As about getting a front suspension fork for it (the LBS might even have a used one lying around). There are also suspension stems that might help you even more. Ask the bike shop people-- hopefully you can get a solution that keeps you riding.

[bbattle]

To take the load off your shoulder, you need a bike with a very upright geometry, like the 7700. It has very good Shimano derailleurs and the suspension seatpost. Front fork is adjustable and with a lockout; that's good.

The 7700 is a 48/36/26 while the BB/BBU is a 42/32/22; the 7700 has more high gears for faster travel on the flat while the BB seems more for off-road climbing. The 7700 does have the wider cassette with that 34T cog to get you up and over the Alps, if necessary so I'd say the gearing on the 7700 suits your needs better. 7700 is also 9spd vs. 8 spd. cassette on the BB. 9spd. on the BBU

The 7700 has wider tires 35 vs. 28. If you are a big guy on cobblestones, I'd definitely go for the wider tires.


I'd go with the Trek over either of the Bad Boys; it is more suited to your needs and has better components. You may want to compare it to the 7500, which has slightly lower component specs but at almost half the price.

Test ride several bikes; it's fun, it's free, and you may find something else out there you like even better.

[bvfrompc]

The 730 is steel right? The 7700 is Alu, I don't know about the other. The Alu ride is going to be very very different than a Alu even with a front shock. I had the Trek 930 steel and I have ridden my wife's Alu Trek 5500, it threw me all over the place where my steel would gently flex, the alu would snap.

The second thing that worries me is the suspension seat post on the 7700, at our wieght (200+) I would fear a pogo stick feeling over every bump.

When it was time to replace the 930 I went with an updated Steel bike, I got the Jamis Dakota, they have a less racier model available.

Unless I was going for a high end race bike I would stay away from alu hardtails and stick to steel.

The disk, unless your going to do some serious off-road stuff, the disks are a nice to have and shouldn't be a decider.

my $.02

[Brian]

If the Cannondale has the Headshok, go with option B. I love Cannondale, but it's just not worth the hassle of having it serviced every 40 hours of riding.