Road Cycling - Cannondale R800 - Harsh Ride?

For those that have a cannondale with the Optimo Si frame, how is the ride? Can it be comfortable for long distances?

Some background:

I currently have an old school late 80s vintage aluminum univega road bike that is ready to be retired. I really enjoy the responsiveness of the aluminum frame, but the ride can be seriously harsh at times.

I'm not a distance rider... I just like to have fun while I'm on the road and don't want my bones to hurt after a 50+ mile ride. I'm not interested in racing or anything, but I do want a bike that climbs well and that I can grow into as my abilities improve.

I know the current wisdom is get out there and test ride as many bikes as you can, but the shops around here that have a lot of bikes are mostly set up for parking lot test rides. I am trying to narrow the list of potential bikes... $1500 is my mental target, but I can go higher (or lower) if I find something I really like. The Trek 5200 peaked my interest, but I've heard Cannondale does wonders with aluminum frames and just wanted to get some opinions of people that actually ride them.

IMO, Cannondales are one of the best aluminum frames out there. I have extensive time on the CAAD5, CAAD6 and CAAD7 and even a few solid weeks on the 6-13.

If the R800 is the CAAD7, get it and enjoy it to death. It's a great bike. You will love it.

Do you know if cannondale just sells their frames bare? I would like to buy a CAAD7 frame and build it up for a race bike.

yes they do sell frame sets.. a frame+fork+headset.

Do you know if cannondale just sells their frames bare? I would like to buy a CAAD7 frame and build it up for a race bike.

According to their catalogue (I have one from a little less than a year ago sitting in front of me), they sell the following four framesets:

Messenger (i.e. track, based on the Optimo)
Team Saeco (Optimo Hollowgram)
Team T-Mobile (Optimo Si Feminine)
Scalpel Team Replica (Scalpel Optimo w/unified composite seatstays)

It doesn't say anything about any CAAD* framesets. However, just because the catalogue doesn't have it, it doesn't mean they don't sell it.

I have about 4,000 miles on my Cannondale. Everyone tells me that it is a harsh ride but I find it to be very comfortable. Like many others here, I too am drawn to the lure of a carbon frame because of it's "comfortable ride". But the consistent comment that I get from former Cannondale owners that now ride carbon is they "miss the responsivness" of the Cannondale frame. I think I'll keep mine

I have about 4,000 miles on my Cannondale. Everyone tells me that it is a harsh ride...

They tend to be people who have never ridden or owned one, but "think"they know what they are talking about...

Between my CAAD 4 and CAAD 7 R3000, I've got almost 23,000 miles on those frames in about 3 1/2 years.

They are not harsh. They are comfortable, stiff, responsive. lively racing frames.

You want a hybrid ride, buy a hybrid.

Enjoy your bike.. :)

I had a CAAD 7 frame for about six months. I was able to trade up to a LOOK 481sl because I got a smoking deal. The Cannondale frame is very responsive and quick. The geometry is great and I would not classify it as unconfortable by any means. The LOOK is at another level. I would imagine the Six13 has a similar ride to the LOOK.

I've had a CDale for eight or nine years, and while the ride is firmer than my steel bikes, it's not harsh or uncomfortable. If it bothered me, I'd go up a size on tires and run 5-10 psi less.

For those that have a cannondale with the Optimo Si frame, how is the ride? Can it be comfortable for long distances?

My guess is that all the people who claim Cannondales are harsh haven't ridden one. My Optimo frame Cannondale is very pleasant on long rides, even compared with my steel Bianchi. When my R3000 was destroyed in a wreck 3 weeks ago today (see picture in earlier post), I immediately ordered another one identical to it. It's very light, fast, quick, nimble --and comfortable! The only other bike I considered was the Six13.

I ride some roads which at times isn't too roadie friendly. and my 2003 R800 sails right over it. also its great on hills. Love my c-dale!

Thanks for all the input... the R800 seems like a great bike. Not sure about those Gipiemme wheels though. I'm about 200lbs right now and have doubts about so few spokes holding up my fat a$$.

Thanks again forum readers!
uplate

I have a 2001 Cannondale RW700, CAAD4 I believe it is- love it! Looking forward to upgrade to the 6/13 someday soon.

I had a CAAD 7 frame for about six months. I was able to trade up to a LOOK 481sl because I got a smoking deal. The Cannondale frame is very responsive and quick. The geometry is great and I would not classify it as unconfortable by any means. The LOOK is at another level. I would imagine the Six13 has a similar ride to the LOOK.

To help me understand, when you say you were "able to trade up" to the Look, what makes the Look better?

I have a CAAD7 R1000 and it's awesome...you'll be hard pressed to find anything so STIFF and RESPONSIVE!

This thing accelerates like a champ :)