Volvoites

Ive been thinking about getting a '06 Cannondale R800 (Triple Chainring) but i would like to get peoples opinions on the bike. im 6 foot 6 and i ride a 63 cm. i know thats huge but oh well. If you happen to have this bike i would greatly appreciate it if you would give me ur opinion about the bike. the strengths, weaknesses and so forth. many thanks to you all.

Cypress

LOL x8.

Get it. Stiff, but comfy.

shakadude

Dude!

Stubacca

R800's a nice bike. I have been looking into a Cannondale roadie for a bit, and the R800 strikes me as a pretty good value bike.

I really like the ride of the CAAD8 frames. Only a couple of years ago, they were raced in the pro tour. Cannondale frames are known for being stiff, and the CAAD8 definitely is, but won't beat you up nearly as much as some early generation Cannondales - especially not bigger guys! It's particularly stiff around the bottom bracket, which translates into it being very eager to accelerate when you stand on the pedals. I haven't had a chance to try one on a climb, but I'm betting it would be pretty dang good.

It's nice that it's a 105 bike with a 105 crankset and brakeset - too often, manufacturers use alternative or no-name brands here to keep the cost down. Retail on the bike is $1549.99, which isn't bad for a bike with 105 10-speed. A 105 10-speed equiped Specialized Allez Comp retails for $1800. From reports I've read, the R550 wheels hold up reasonably well - mostly likely as good as any on a bike at this price.

If it fits you well, and you like the ride... get it!

rpc180

Reminds me of the time that guy wanted everyone to stop posting for 20 minutes so he could be on all the threads ...

Uh ... anyway, I have an '06 R700, great bike, fast, climbs well, I have a mix of ultegra/105 stuff and it all works well, would not hesistate to buy again.

Cycliste

I ride an R1000 which is the same bike with Ultegra group except crank and Mavic Ksyrium elite wheels. The frame is awesome.

I have a little reserve on the Shimano wheels however, particularly for big riders (weight) but someone here may pitch in a better review.

Try it, on the road that is, and others to compare. But great bike.

One thing: the saddles that comes with these bikes are terrible so look for a swap/upgrade rightaway

EricDJ

Forums are slow for me, I made a reply and it did it double because when I hit submit, it went to an error page even though t posted actually. Seemed better on the old server.

Cycliste

I ride an R1000 which is the same bike with Ultegra group except crank and Mavic Ksyrium elite wheels. The frame is awesome.

I have a little reserve on the Shimano wheels however, particularly for big riders (weight) but someone here may pitch in a better review.

Try it, on the road that is, and others to compare. But great bike.

One thing: the saddles that comes with these bikes are terrible so look for a swap/upgrade rightaway

PaulBravey

Was the question so important you had to ask it 11 times?

Cycliste

I don't think he meant to do it on purpose, there seems to be something going on with the server or the sw that lend to submitting several times. Happened to me.

Cycliste

I don't think he meant to do it on purpose, there seems to be something going on with the server or the sw that lends to submitting several times. Happened to me.

Cycliste

I don't think he meant to do it on purpose, there seems to be something going on with the server or the sw that lends to submitting several times. Happened to me.

rvabiker

Was that on purpose?

Cycliste

I don't think he meant to do it on purpose, there seems to be something going on with the server or the sw that lends to submitting several times.

rvabiker

The first time was witty...

cambridgekid9

A few months ago I bought an '05 R700 Triple for just over a grand. It's my first road bike, but at 6'2" 220 lbs (you can see why I need to ride more) I'd suggest going with a double because I've never even used my "granny gear." I was on the fence about getting a double or triple, and went with the triple. This suggestion is based on what I've heard and read that a double will be a slightly better for shifting combined with the fact that I simply don't use the smallest ring. The way I see it is if I don't need it now and I lose some weight and get stronger, I won't need the lowest gear in the future either.

The R550 Wheelset does flex more than I'd like; mostly when accelerating, climbing, or leaning. I've noticed the brake pads rubbing so I had to adjust them off the rim a bit. My other bike, a hybrid, has Bontrager Select wheels that have never had this flex problem.

The bike in general is awesome. It lacks some of the better 105 components in the drivetrain compared to the R800, but it's a fast ride that's enjoyable everytime time I go out.

Eatadonut

My friend is 6'9" and rides an r1000 (I think it's a 67cm, there's leg everywhere on that boy), and couldn't be happier with it. He says it's quite comfortable, and plenty fast. Go for it, my money's on you being happy with the purchase.

Also, since you posted in the road cycling forum, I believe by law I have to recommend you go for the double instead of the triple.

bjkeen

I have an '06 R700 triple, and I'm also 6-6, so I am also riding the 63cm frame.

I like the bike fine, and it sure is stiff - jumps off the pedals. Could use bigger tires and a different saddle than the factory one, but no great surprise. This one came with a 12-26 SRAM cassette, which considering the bike's a 9 speed triple was kinda stupid; I replaced this with a 13-23 yesterday. Haven't gotten a chance to try that yet.

Zenbiker

Make sure you ride the bike before purchasing it! Despite the wonderful things I heard about the CAAD 8 frame, a test ride revealed that although stiff and light-- even in the 63 cm size, which I rode-- it felt sluggish on the hills. I ended up buying the Lemond Croix de Fer instead; it's slightly heavier, but it is in my opinion a much nicer ride with an almost identicle parts spec.

Braquet

I bought in December the 2006 European version of the R800, size 60, raw finish. That version comes with Mavic Aksium wheels, and mine also came with a FSA SLK compact chainring as the new Shimano compact was not widely available at the time, the rest is 105 with Ultegra rear.

I am 50 and currently ride around 300km/week at the moment (will be more when Spring finally decides to come to Belgium). I am absolutely delighted by the bicycle, which turns out much more comfortable than I anticipated (I'd say on par with my steel commuter, except on irregular road joints and cracks, where the narrower tires take their toll). It responds immediately to acceleration, without that "rev up" delay I experience with other bikes, and is wonderfully stable with hands free riding much easier than on anything else I have ridden. Is really light and feels solid. The raw frame colour confirms the simple no frills design. I added a bit of colour with handlebar tape (red fisik), saddle (custom dark grey/yellow/red Alliante) and tires (yellow Michelin Race Pro) and will probably replace the wheels next year, although those Aksiums are much better than their price tag suggests. Love it!!!!

rthomse

I just purchased an 05 R 1000 great bike and value for the money.I tried them all and its made in the US

Contra Fixie

Nice to hear everyone's so happy w/ their CAAD8. Just ordered a raw gloss R800 w/ a Shimano compact crankset and 11-23 cassette. SOOO looking forward to it!

Saluki

Rocking the R1000. Thought about the 800, but figured might as well get something a little nicer. The CAAD8 is a bit stiff, but can't get enough of it. Haven't had any troubles with on hills, but my old bike weighed in at 25+ pounds, so the CAAD8 frame is a dream.

starship

GET IT! I have a 2003 R800, love the bike. Frame is a little stiff for bumpy roads, but is very responsive. I crank, it goes. No problems with frame or stock parts. Just get a professional fitting.

David in PA

Has anyone done any touring with the Cannondale R800? With front and rear panniers, and a full load? I'd love to hear your comments.