Road Cycling - Opinions on the Cannondale R1000 Feminine?

Anyone have personal experience with this bike? Like/don't like? I'm on a bike with the Sora group now, but looking to upgrade to this with the Ultegra. Not sure about going down to 650s, but it would actually be better suited proportionally (a hair under 5' tall with short legs).

I have one R1000 Fem that I've ridden since November. I have a second one that supposedly shipped from the factory last week and should be at the LBS today or tomorrow. Love it. I test-rode Trek WSD and other R-series Cannondales, along with some Klein and other bikes (don't remember models) before realizing the best fit was the R1000. Liked it so much that when I needed another bike, I just ordered the exact same one! Love it!

Oh - I should add that I'm 5'4, so I'm riding a 50cm with 700's.

I found that I was in between sizes on the Trek WSDs. One size was too big, one was too small. And, no amount of adjusting made them fit.

As far as equipment, I came to this bike from a crappy hybrid, so I have nothing to compare it to.

I can speak for the mens R1000, which is a great bike... the Brakes are very weak though.. at least on the mens bike, it's the Cannondale Omegas. They need to be replaced ASAP.

Not sure about going down to 650s, but it would actually be better suited proportionally (a hair under 5' tall with short legs).

Why wouldn’t you want 650’s? My wife is 5’4” and she’s ridden a 49cm Waterford with 650’s for the past 6 years. They’re lighter, have lower inertia and give you lower gearing for hills. Tire and tube selection isn’t as great, but that’s a minor issue.

A friend of mine was told by the LBS that she shouldn’t get 650’s (she’s 5’2”) with no good reason. I really hate seeing a little frame shoehorned around 700 wheels. The bike handling has to be compromised.

Also, make sure the top tube is the right size. The LBS will have to help with this (watch you ride on a trainer, etc). If they have you stand over the bike and check your clearance, get another opinion!!

-murray

Thanks for the input.

I was hesitant about the 650s because I've received mixed opinions about it and I'm going to lose just a little in the speed dept since I depend more on power than high cadence. I'm going for it though. Looks like a great little bike.

Thanks for the input.

I was hesitant about the 650s because I've received mixed opinions about it and I'm going to lose just a little in the speed dept since I depend more on power than high cadence. I'm going for it though. Looks like a great little bike.

The only time you lose any speed is at the top end (largest gear). You can compensate with an 11 cog and/or a 54-55 chain ring. How often do you really use the largest gear anyways?

A buddy of mine was convinced that smaller wheels made you go slower. He didn’t accept that you simply shift one or two gears higher and the speed per effort is exactly the same (maybe even easier because of the lower weight wheels).

Another way to look at it – Do you go slower in the small vs. large chainring given the same gear ratio (say a 39 front x 14 rear vs. 53 x 19)? I can tell you that you won’t notice any difference. You will notice that the smaller wheels are lighter and will feel faster, though :D

One other thing, you may want to consider shorter cranks. My wife had knee and ankle problems on multiday rides before she got the Waterford with smaller cranks. If you don’t have any problems, the cranks are probably fine.

-murray