WonderMonkey

My LBS has a 2011 model that is the size frame I need (I am 6'2"). I test rode it and I really like it.

Any thoughts on it? Negatives like it falls apart after 20 miles? Positives like chicks dig it, etc?

I know the most important is that the bike is quality and I'll ride it but I also want to hear opinions.

WonderMonkey

Frame & Fork
Frame Construction TIG-welded
Frame Tubing Material Alloy
Fork Brand & Model Quick 6061 alloy
Fork Material Alloy, aero crown
Rear Shock Not applicable

Components
Component Group Road Mix
Brakeset Tektro TX 120-V brakes, Cannondale CBL 8.0 levers
Shift Levers Shimano Altus M310
Front Derailleur Shimano M191
Rear Derailleur Shimano Altus M310
Crankset Shimano M431, 28/38/48 teeth
Pedals Quick Reinforced Composite w/kraton
Bottom Bracket Tange cartridge
BB Shell Width Unspecified
Rear Cogs 8-speed, 11 - 32 teeth
Chain KMC Z72
Seatpost Cannondale C4 alloy 2 bolt, 27.2mm diameter
Saddle Cannondale Quick Ergo High Performance
Handlebar Cannondale C4
Handlebar Extensions Not included
Handlebar Stem Cannondale C4
Headset Tange Custom Si

Wheels
Hubs Front: Formula RM21, Rear: Formula RM22
Rims Jalco DT 21
Tires 700 x 38c Kenda Kwick Trax
Spoke Brand Stainless, 15ga. (1.8mm)
Spoke Nipples Unspecified

Bunnicula

Hi WonderMonkey. This is my first post here, and your question got me to stop just lurking, lol. I think Cannondale Quicks are great bikes for the money. I'm a Trek fan - right now I'm riding a Trek Navigator 2 on gravel and dirt paths. I wanted something more roadlike for pavement, but I just couldn't find the right combination of fit and ride in the Trek 7 or 7000 series. One ride on the sexy (imo) Quick and I knew I found just what I was looking for. So I pulled the trigger on a Cannondale Quick Carbon 3 (2010). I also tried the Quick 4 and liked it very much, I probably would've bought it but I got a good price on the 3. I can't imagine that the 5 isn't a great ride for the price as well.

FWIW, I'm a chick, and I think it's a hot-looking hybrid.

WonderMonkey

NUMBER ONE POST RECIPIENT! WOOT!

Thanks for the reply, I can only hope that I don't ruin the hot-ness of the hybrid.

goldfinch

I have a new Quick 4. It only has about 75 miles on it so I can't give you a detailed review. I like the fit and the riding position. I really like how it handles. It is a bit harsh on rutted streets but the carbon fork seems to help. (My last bike was a comfort bike so of course the ride is less "plush"). I don't think the Quick 5 has the carbon fork. I am not sure about the drivetrain. The derailleurs were adjusted at 50 miles as I lost the granny gear. As adjusted, shifting on the smallest and largest chain ring seem fine if you avoid cross chaining. However, on the middle chain ring you can't use the lower two gears. Maybe this is normal but on my last bike I could use all gears on the middle ring. This does cause me to have to jump around with shifting a lot. Kind of pesky.

jethro56 

goldfish: All gears should be available with the middle chainring. In fact you should be able to shift into all gears with any chainring but actually using the cross-chain situations is a bad idea.

goldfinch

Jethro, that is what I thought. Next time through Minneapolis I'll stop again at the bike store. No matter what I get rubbing on the middle ring, bottom two gears, even immediately after the adjustment.

Monkey, sorry for the digression. Other than this issue I am loving the bike.

WonderMonkey

The digression was appreciated as I learned something. I've never given thought to that situation but when I was test driving the Quick 5 just a few minutes ago it was rubbing. The owner explained that whole deal and suddenly that all made sense.

ecovelo

What he said....

I used to be a "Cannondale Snob" - didn't think I'd ride anything but Cannondale at one time. They used to make all their bikes in the US - actually, so did Trek many moons ago - and that was a huge draw for me. They started importing the CF models in the mid 2000s and I think, made their last "hand built in the USA" models in 2008, as I don't think they could possibly compete with other companies without imported frames. There are, of course, many quality bikes on the market these days - it's amazing compared to even just 10 yrs ago .... (and especially 20+ years ago) - and once I got over my ego-driven Cannondale nostalgia (I'd been upset both times they'd been "bought out" in the 1st decade of this century), my eyes were opened to the huge selection of bikes now available to riders of all levels, from many quality companies. And I think that's awesome.

But, enough of Cannondale history...

Bottom line - as with many of the notable bike companies, I can't imagine Cannondale ever making a poor quality product. If you like the fit, love the ride.... you will likely enjoy it over many, many miles!!

Definitely look into the "gear availability" though - when you (and Goldfinch) can get to an LBS, take the time to ride it some after an adjustment, while you are there. Often an adjustment on the bike rack will be different once the weight of the rider is on the bike, and don't leave until it is resolved. If there is a particular issue with the current gearing set up, I would expect a company with a reputation like Cannondale, to get that resolved for you.

Good luck and by all means, post pics if you get one!

WonderMonkey

Thanks! I'll take some pics later. The bike I bought from the LBS comes with two years of service so I'll be sure to take it back in after a few weeks break-in to make sure things are ok. Meanwhile I'm going to start to learn to maintain my bike on my own.... small stuff and go from there.

Bunnicula

Ahh, so you pulled the trigger on it, huh? Congrats! That two years of service will come in handy too. I'd like to know how you and your bike are getting along after you get a few miles on it. I personally love the ride of the Quick.

Oh, and girly question here - what color?