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07-21-11, 11:49 AM
This bike is the cannondale CAaDX, a cyclocross bike with the commuter in mind. I haven't raced cyclocross yet, but I am hoping to start this fall.
I got this bike a few weeks ago, but for a number of reasons, only recently have attempted to take it out on a trail. A little while ago I tried to take me bike... (let's just start calling it Haunt) on the sweatwater trail. This was the only trail I new of in biking distance. Needless to say the bike totally failed and left me walking back. I searched for larger tires, but it turns out the bike can't take much larger tires due to the size of the openings. I was a little disappointed, but later found out that the sweatwater trail is a walking trail and the thick layer of sand (maybe sand pit is a better description) would be hard for any bike to get through, or at least any cross bike? Anyway, today I did some searching and found a trail close buy that is pretty short and for beginners (I can't remember the name, but it is over near calico jacks). Well, I was very impressed with how the bike handled. I flew over roots and around corners with no slipping. I has to jump off the bike for a few large tree trunks that had fallen over, but the sandy dirt and gravel was no match for Haunt. haunt handled like a dream! The following weekend I took it out on a higher level trail dedicated to MTB. Other than sliding through a few sand pits and some sore wrists the bike held up just as well.
Pros: Very stiff, yet forgiving. I felt I could power up hills and pick up speed, but wasn't warn out by a harsh ride over sticks/roots/rocks.
Cons: Could use slightly wider seatstay and front fork spacing. The spacing would allow for probably a 622-41 tire, but not much larger. I know 35 is the cross limit, but the bike would be more versatile for off season training (spelled "F-U-N").
I got this bike a few weeks ago, but for a number of reasons, only recently have attempted to take it out on a trail. A little while ago I tried to take me bike... (let's just start calling it Haunt) on the sweatwater trail. This was the only trail I new of in biking distance. Needless to say the bike totally failed and left me walking back. I searched for larger tires, but it turns out the bike can't take much larger tires due to the size of the openings. I was a little disappointed, but later found out that the sweatwater trail is a walking trail and the thick layer of sand (maybe sand pit is a better description) would be hard for any bike to get through, or at least any cross bike? Anyway, today I did some searching and found a trail close buy that is pretty short and for beginners (I can't remember the name, but it is over near calico jacks). Well, I was very impressed with how the bike handled. I flew over roots and around corners with no slipping. I has to jump off the bike for a few large tree trunks that had fallen over, but the sandy dirt and gravel was no match for Haunt. haunt handled like a dream! The following weekend I took it out on a higher level trail dedicated to MTB. Other than sliding through a few sand pits and some sore wrists the bike held up just as well.
Pros: Very stiff, yet forgiving. I felt I could power up hills and pick up speed, but wasn't warn out by a harsh ride over sticks/roots/rocks.
Cons: Could use slightly wider seatstay and front fork spacing. The spacing would allow for probably a 622-41 tire, but not much larger. I know 35 is the cross limit, but the bike would be more versatile for off season training (spelled "F-U-N").