Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Cannondale Capo

Any experience or comments on this bike? I rode one yesterday and liked it, but don't have much to compare it too. I've always ridden steel bikes, although I haven't ridden anything in a long time, but the aluminum seemed ok.

Check the budget bikes sticky.

I checked that out, but was wondering if there were any new opinions. I guess the bike hasn't been out that long.

how much does the capo run? and is it available in just frame/fork?

From my experience, the Capo has a very weak front fork. With today's technology, it should stand up to the rigors of hitting a car.

http://static.flickr.com/94/260240408_a7a5ad65b4_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/91/260240412_d9d735df55.jpg

Ok, I kid. Ask some specific questions, and I will respond. I had about 1000 miles on my capo prior to the accident. Now, she is a new beast with a full carbon fork, dura ace cranks, and open pro rims.

I purchased it in July, when the local shop had 15% off all in stock bikes --> $680.

JAH

From my experience, the Capo has a very weak front fork. With today's technology, it should stand up to the rigors of hitting a car.

Carbon Fiber has it's Pros and Cons.

Also, let's say the fork *didn't* give/break. Then you'd be replacing a whole new frame AND a fork, because that force had to go somewhere and the frame would buckle at the beginning of the downtube.

Think of that fork as the bike's "Crumple Zone". :D

f*** that looks like some goliath just ripped the fork down and off to bike, howd you get hit for that to happen?

Carelton: You are right; it is much better to have the fork break off than ruin the frame.

Accident: A guy made a left in to me - http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=234149&highlight=cannondale+capo

OP: I think that the bike is a bit pricey (compare to IRO), but you are paying a small premium for a US frame and name. I feel obligated to own a minimum of one Cannondale at all times, because I grew up a few miles from the factory in Bedford, PA. The ride is very responsive; the 48x17 was fast enough throughout the city and a challenge on the many hills here. When I went fixed, I switched to 48x16 upon the advice of people on the forum. The frame is stiff but not like the jack hammer in my bum feel that my older R700 was.


Jeffrey

Crack-and-fail.

notice that the aluminum didn't crack-and-fail though.

i test rode the Capo the other day at my LBS. i actually found the ride to be quite stiff and the crank felt cheap. i guess i'm comparing it to my carrera which has a carbon rear and full dura-ace. but for $799, i have to think there is a better ride out there.

hearing surly will have a steamroller complete very soon in the $650 range. i'm waiting to give that a whirl before biting.

are cannondales all still made in the u.s.?

http://static.flickr.com/94/260240408_a7a5ad65b4_o.jpg


A bit of unsolicited advice: Unless you want to start another "Crumple Zone" then you'd better stop clamping your bike stand on your bike frame. If you ever happen to clamp hard enough to dent, it's cheaper to replace a seatpost than a frame.

Thanks, Carelton. I know better but was not thinking clearly upon my return from the accident.

From what I heard a few months ago, all but the full carbon Cannondales are still made in the US.

are cannondales all still made in the u.s.?
the Capo is definitely made in the US. or at least it says so on the frame.

how do I gets my hands on just the frame?

how do I gets my hands on just the frame?

Go to your local Cannondale dealer. Cannondale has an aftermarket frame program, which includes the CAAD 5 Track (aka Capo). It's pricey, though...I think the frame and fork is somewhere in the $500 range, but don't quote me on that.

Anyone want to hazard a guess on what the frame (w/out fork) weighs?

From what I heard a few months ago, all but the full carbon Cannondales are still made in the US.
confirmed.