Hello - we are looking to get my wife a new bike and just wanted to get opinions on the Quick 5. She will be upgrading from her box store mountain bike and the Quick series look like a good fit. She rides about 30 miles a week- 70/30 city/bike trail - likes the upright seating - and doesn't need a mountain bike in Chicago. I was looking at the Quick because we have a Cannondale dealer down the street from us and the $500 price point seems about where we want to stay. If anyone has recommendations for or against this bike I would appreciate it. Thanks

The Cannondale Quick series are great bikes, but I would rather get a Quick 4, Trek 7.2 FX, Jamis Coda Sport and Fuji Absolute 2.0. For the price and value I would pick in order.
1. 2012 Trek 7.2 FX $550
2. 2012 Jamis Coda sport $560
3. 2011 Fuji Absolute 2.0 $599

The Quick 5 has entry level components. The Jamis Coda Sport is a notch up. Follow by the Trek 7.2 FX, then the Fuji Absolute 2.0.

Agree. But my first choice would be the Quick 4, even though it may cost a bit more. The Quicks are fine bikes. Spending a hundred dollars or so is not going to be felt much in the wallet, but will definitely be felt in the better ride of the bike and in long term enjoyment. This is true for most series, whether it be Trek, Cannondale, Fuji. whatever. Higher price buys better, longer lasting components, which usually equates with better/nicer ride.

Have her try out a few and see what she likes and is comfortable on. Then go with that. If it's a Quick 5 all well and good. :-)

Some info for you - Quick 4 was Bicycling Magazine's Editor's Choice for Hybrids 2012:

https://magazine-directory.com/Bicycling.htm

Keep in mind you can usually get last year's models significantly cheaper, if they have any left. Right now, it's probably the 2011s that can be had at clearance prices. I don't think the 2013 models are quite ready to ship yet, making the 2012s on sale. But the 2011s are really nice looking, great paint and graphics. I bought a 2011 Quick 3 and only paid about $789, and this was before the next year's bikes were shipping. Bike shops can even order last year's model from the manufacturer, if there are any left, at discounted prices. You can get more bike for the same amount of money if you can find a closeout model.

The Quick 4 has MSRP of $700 and that's 40% more than the $500 budget. I think for riding 30 miles a week the Quick 5 would be OK. As others have said, if you can find a discounted 2011 model, you might be able to find Quick 4 close to your $500 price point. I recommend that your wife should test riding the other bikes listed here and figure out which one fits best.

Thanks for the help. I'm not sure if she will notice a difference in components, but we will try out both models. Does anyone know when 2013 models generally roll out and they discount 2012's?

So she test rode several bikes and liked the Trek FX 7.2 the best - we were able to get a better price on it and as a bonus her dad was able to get the 2013 7.2. Thanks for the help.