Cannondale MTB suggestions...?
 

I have a buddy that rides trails, and I'd like to join him sometimes... i have a road bike which obviously isn't going to get the job done...

I'd like suggestions on a beginners MTB that I will be happy with for plenty of time to come... I don't want to spend more than $1000-$1200...

I made a mistake when i bought my first road bike, and skimped on a groupset to save money... luckily the shop i bought from put me on a bike that was 2 sizes too big for me... so i went out and got another road bike with better components, and am going to be able to return my original purchased bike for full credit towards another bike...

i don't think i'll need any crazy suspension as there are no real severe trails we'll be taking on...

Thanks for any suggestions...

maybe i even want a hybrid...?

no.

I would suggest a hardtail because they're very versatile, and low maintenance. All of these bikes should fit into your budget (based on MSRP). You might find better bikes if they're on sale somewhere.

Kona Caldera
Trek 6500
Gary Fisher Tassajara
Cannondale F4

what size would translate to a 56cm in standard sizing...? Treks only show measurements in inches...

Did Pennsylvania suddenly change to the metric system? Just go to the Trek store and sit on a bike or two.

that's how i ended up with a bike 2 sizes to large to begin with...

i guess i could have just googled up the conversion... looks like 22" is the equivalent... Trek looks like they make a 21.5"...

Do you ride a 56cm road bike? Because if so, you don't ride a 22" mountain bike. My road bike is a 48cm, but I certainly don't ride a 19" mountain bike...I'm much happier on something around 15" (or smaller, depending on its purpose). Go to a store and ride some bikes and see what feels right.

I have a 58 cm road bike and have MTB frames from 16" to 21" (depending on riding style and bike fit). Translation - go to your LBS and try out several sizes of various brands.

Thanks for that input.

56cm road for me, 19 or 19.5 mtb (usually)

get a 29er and then put 700c roadie wheels on it!

that is all the craze!

How 'bout a cyclocross bike?

F5 either Medium or Large, retails for $799.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeej440/s...s/DSCN0516.JPG

How much better are the components on the F4 vs F5...?

Is it worth the extra change...?

Well it is more than just the components between the F4 and F5. The F4 is a different frame and uses the Headshock. I am buddies with the GM of my LBS and I asked him if it was worth it to go with the F4 and he VERY quickly said NO. He said the current Headshock is no longer made by Cannondale and the quality is lower than it used to be.

I think he did well by me...saved me a couple hundred bucks over the F4 and the F5 is really a very nice mid level bike. FWIW I was also looking at the Rockhopper in the same price range as well as the Giant XTC and of those bikes he recommended the Cannondale.

I agree with grasschopper, The f5 is an amazing bike. I have the 09' f5 and looooooove it. And If you get the f5 you will have money to get accesories and stuff.

I don't know why, but Roadies tend to think in terms of exact sizing and try to make the direct transition from road bike to MTB. You can't do that. If anything, you should buy a MTB that's one size smaller than your "ideal" size. At 5'9", and 29.5 inch inseam, I ride a 54cm new road bike and 56cm vintage road bikes. All the bike shops wanted to put me on a 19" framed (large) MTB. No way. I ride a 17" frame and so does my 6' tall son.

Well that's why I came here asking before going out and buying something and making a mistake again.

Keep the advice rolling in.

You may find some deals out there if your patient. I found this last week and jumped on it.
2007 Cannondale F4 Mountain Bike, rarely used, over a thousand dollars in upgrades including:


Hayes Nine Brakes Front and Back
Shimano XT Rear Deraillleur
Shimano XT Crankset
Shimano Deore Front Deraillieur
Shimano SPD's
Rear Cassette
Shimano Shifters
Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post
Koobi Seat
Cateye Comp

I bought it for $600. And as far as the Head Shock not being as good as the fork shock is a matter of opinion. I took the bar ends off!

jy is offering useable advice???:twitchy:

Crazy. I can even elaborate on my opinion. In my experience, a hybrid can handle the road and can handle mild trails. However, at best, it handles these two situations marginally well. Per the original post, the OP already has a road bike. This means, the OP would rarely use a hybrid on the road and would be left with a marginally performing hybrid when on dirt. Thusly, the wise move is to purchase a dedicated mountain bike. For the pricepoint being discussed, I agree with the hardtail suggestions.

jy for mod!

man that f5 is S E X Y !

The grassroots campaign is underway.