Mountain Biking - Thoughts on Cannondale '08 F7 C02?

I can get one with scratched shifters for wholesale at $280. I ride road 5 days of the week and need a little variety 2-3 times a month at the local trails. I won't be racing this thing but I can put out decent power at 200lb. I'll probably replace the shifters anyway but will the 8 spd. Alivio crap out after a few months? Is it the road equivalent of Tiagra? I guess it boils down to wrapping my head around a complete bike that costs less than one of my wheelsets.

skip. it's 8 speed, and basically an overpriced giant.

skip. it's 8 speed, and basically an overpriced giant.

What are you talking about? It's $280. The OP can't do much better than that for that amount of money.

whoops, glossed over the price. I stand by what I said at retail, but for that price it's not bad.

I just paid 630 for my 08 Cannondale F7, and Ive already scratched my shifters. Youre getting a HELL of a deal.

I picked up an F7 about a month ago. I am really liking it. Nice bike. I wouldn't worry about the Alivio. As long as you keep it adjusted it shifts pretty good. Good rear derailleurs are always on sale pretty cheap anyways if you shop around online. You couldn't do any better for $280!!!

Great buy at the price, I paid $600AU for my wife's. (about $570US)

I just paid 630 for my 08 Cannondale F7, and Ive already scratched my shifters. Youre getting a HELL of a deal.

Agree $280 is a phenominal deal and hope you haven't delayed too long asking questions.

I hope that $630 was NOT in US$. Locally, F7's are going for US$420 with the disc version at $520. REI.com, which makes a good reference, only stocks/advertises the disc version at $499. That onnly goes to show what a steal $280 is. For $630 I can get the F5 locally and REI has it for $650.

As far as the equiptment goes, it is competitively equipted to other bikes in its normally $400 price range, and as parts wear out, it is a decent frame to put higher grade parts on.

Agree $280 is a phenominal deal and hope you haven't delayed too long asking questions.

I hope that $630 was NOT in US$. Locally, F7's are going for US$420 with the disc version at $520. REI.com, which makes a good reference, only stocks/advertises the disc version at $499. That onnly goes to show what a steal $280 is. For $630 I can get the F5 locally and REI has it for $650.

As far as the equiptment goes, it is competitively equipted to other bikes in its normally $400 price range, and as parts wear out, it is a decent frame to put higher grade parts on.

Pardon me, its an F5 haha.

Yeah it's sitting in my hallway right now, the wheels/frame seem sturdy enough that I wouldn't mind hanging better drivetrain parts on it as they wear out. Thanks!

skip. it's 8 speed, and basically an overpriced giant.

What's wrong with eight speed?

I run eight on my DJ bike, nine on the squishy and 10 on my road bike, and I don't notice a difference when I'm riding at all.