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Cannondale Touring Bikes

Old 07-31-10, 02:55 PM
  #26  
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With respect to the "harsh ride" thing - I have found that I like a touring bike to be a bit stiffer than one which isn't to be used for fully loaded riding, since the extra load makes "normal" bikes flex and wobble too much. So something like the Cannondale (or my Co-Motion Americano) might feel a bit stiffer than usual when ridden unloaded, but put a load on it and it's in its natural environment. It settles down and becomes a very stable, pleasant ride, one that doesn't shimmy and wobble all over the place the minute you try to stand on the pedals going up a hill. So it's important to consider what you want to use the bike for - if it's going to be used primarily as a fully loaded tourer, then test ride it with a full load. The Cannondales have stirling reputations as touring bikes - I wouldn't worry about the aluminum aspect at all if I were you. If, on the other hand, you want an "everything" bike that can be used both for around town unladen or on a fully loaded tour, then you will inevitably be making some compromises, since you want the frame somewhere in between in terms of stiffness. Buy the bike for the application - no one bike can "do it all".

Other things to be aware of when looking at a touring bike (just my opinion):
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?page_id=148087

Neil
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Old 07-31-10, 03:10 PM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by prathmann
Agreed. And if the primary function is to be as a loaded touring bike then the test rides should include loading it down with the expected amount of weight.
Might be tough for someone with Agrophobia... though Im not agrophobioc I have other social anxiety issues and would have great difficulty asking the shop to let me load a bike up.. just testing the bike I feel embarrased. But then again the only real "cure" for anxiety/OCD disorders is to make yourself do the thing you are scared of (which it looks like is the OP's goal).
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Old 07-31-10, 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by LHT in Madison
I have a friend that has three old Cannondales and is considering buying a fourth, but his are all older from 7 speed days. Owning three and looking for a fourth is a pretty good endorsement.

I have another friend that owns a Cannondale but he bought a Trek 520 a few years ago because he specifically wanted a steel frame to absorb the road vibration better. His Cannondale is now in storage. I asked why he bought the 520 when he does not tour and does not even have a rack on the bike, he said it was the only steel frame bike sold by Trek, he lives in a small town where the only bike shop is a Trek shop. He is a high mileage rider and has over 20,000 miles on his Trek. I think about 5,000 of those miles are this year.

If you follow through with your plan to go to northern Canada, schedule will be critical.
Actually I used to live up in Northern Ontario, the last leg of my journey will be by train due simply to a lack of roads, I am more worried about the heat of the south and what not, I can time Canada well and North of North Bay snow isn't even a huge issue as much as cold but still within my time frame I can make it long before, the nights are cool but not so bad when I will be getting there. I am not used to Alabama Heat in the summer and watching my water consumption more than anything. So I am going to leave in the Spring hopefully missing the worst of it.

I used to have a show truck back in the day and went to a huge show 5 years in a row in Daytona beach and we would be walking around at night sweating like pigs in shorts and a tshirt while the locals wore a sweater and were shivering so I may need hot weather advice.
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Old 07-31-10, 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Aquakitty
Might be tough for someone with Agrophobia... though Im not agrophobioc I have other social anxiety issues and would have great difficulty asking the shop to let me load a bike up.. just testing the bike I feel embarrased. But then again the only real "cure" for anxiety/OCD disorders is to make yourself do the thing you are scared of (which it looks like is the OP's goal).
I have controlled my agoraphobia, though I did go through a spell that I literally did not leave the house for 4 years. I still have social anxiety disorder but am going to do my best to bite the bullet and work though it. When the time come that I can buy, I will do what is needed but right now it is easiest for me to talk to those who ride them and get my best idea. It is a disorder that is very illogical and tough to understand, which is one of my goals to bring awareness to it and second is simply to help concur my own troubles. I intend to order pamphlets from each state I pass though from the mental health association and hand then out and aproach many news papers and see if I can do an interview as I pass through small towns.
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Old 07-31-10, 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Geo Cruise
hence I just wanted to know who Cannondale riders liked their bikes. Because I cannot afford to buy now I live on disability and it is a tight budget I am on.
The Cannondale touring frame has been around for thirty years. It's a proven design. It's a very-well liked bicycle.
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Old 07-31-10, 04:07 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by njkayaker
The Cannondale touring frame has been around for thirty years. It's a proven design. It's a very-well liked bicycle.
It is sounding like this is the bike I should be aiming for, I had read good reviews but it is nice to hear from the rides about them and they sound like they are quite unanimous in their admiration for the design.
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Old 07-31-10, 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Geo Cruise
It is sounding like this is the bike I should be aiming for, I had read good reviews but it is nice to hear from the rides about them and they sound like they are quite unanimous in their admiration for the design.
Note that I don't own one but I was looking at it (and I did try one).

Obviously, you should try a few different bikes (eg, Cannondale, Trek 520, LHT, and Rocky Mountain Sherpa). If you can't do that, you'd be fine "getting stuck" with the Cannondale (I'm fairly certain). Ideally, you should at least try it though.

People have all sorts of different opinions and preferences: it's one reason why there are different touring bikes.

There's enough evidence (in my opinion) that the Cannondale is a good touring bike. It's gonna be hard for anybody to be sure that it's going to be the best one for you.
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Old 07-31-10, 04:56 PM
  #33  
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i have an '87 cannondale touring bike and i love it. i dont know much about the new ones, but mine is an aluminum frame and its plenty comfy
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Old 07-31-10, 05:02 PM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by njkayaker
Note that I don't own one but I was looking at it (and I did try one).

Obviously, you should try a few different bikes (eg, Cannondale, Trek 520, LHT, and Rocky Mountain Sherpa). If you can't do that, you'd be fine "getting stuck" with the Cannondale (I'm fairly certain). Ideally, you should at least try it though.

People have all sorts of different opinions and preferences: it's one reason why there are different touring bikes.

There's enough evidence (in my opinion) that the Cannondale is a good touring bike. It's gonna be hard for anybody to be sure that it's going to be the best one for you.

I agree I will not blindly buy it, but with my health issues it is easier to get info from riders in here than shopping around at this stage so that is my main goal.
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Old 07-31-10, 05:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Geo Cruise
I agree I will not blindly buy it, but with my health issues it is easier to get info from riders in here than shopping around at this stage so that is my main goal.
It's OK to ask. Just realize that people have different opinions. The fact that somebody doesn't like something doesn't mean it would not be fine for you. While negative opinions might be useful to see if the bike matches your needs, keep in mind that the Cannondale is well-liked generally.

It's not clear to me that touring is going to be much easier for you than looking at bicycles.

One thing you might consider is going to shops during the week (when shops are quieter).

=================

It's not clear whether your LBS has one in stock.

Note that your LBS should be able to get the Surly LHT Complete (which is also well liked). And the LHT already comes with barcons.

That means you have at least two options at that one LBS.

What brands does he carry?

Last edited by njkayaker; 07-31-10 at 05:24 PM.
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Old 07-31-10, 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by karrar
i have an '87 cannondale touring bike and i love it. i dont know much about the new ones, but mine is an aluminum frame and its plenty comfy
I think the frame hasn't changed much over the years.
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Old 07-31-10, 06:36 PM
  #37  
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You haven't mentioned whether you're considering the Cannondale Touring 1 or the Touring 2.

I think they are the same frame, different components. The Touring 1 is very nicely spec'd, right down to the tires and saddle, but the stock gearing (with a "road triple" 50-39-30) is higher than many riders prefer. Since you have trouble shopping in person, you might want to work all that out in advance of purchase. If I had the money, I'd get the Touring 1 but ask the shop to swap the inner chainring for a 28 or even 26.

Or, see if you can fit a bigger 10-speed cassette to it -- it now has an IRD cassette with a 32T big cog on the rear. I have read the Shimano's new mountain group with larger 10-speed cassettes is now out; I am wondering one of those would fit with this drivetrain? That way you could keep the stock crankset and just have them put on a bigger cassette and a rear derailleur that works.

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Old 07-31-10, 06:44 PM
  #38  
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Long time lurker and occasional poster. I had the T800 until about a month ago when it lost a battle with a McDonald's drive thru while on the top of my Honda Element. I loved the Cannondale so much (rode a few other touring bikes when I was originally looking) that I bought the Touring 1. It's the white one. Leaving next Friday to ride the Route 66 bike route from St. Louis back up to Chicago, then on over to my home in MI. If anything I like the T1 even better than my old T800.
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Old 07-31-10, 08:23 PM
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Okay first thing first... my intention in my question was to get the opinions about cannondales touring bikes both the t1 and t2, I am not buying the bike solely on the views said in here obvously I have looked around and found a bike that interesrts me and I wanted more opinions about it, secondly it will be a year before I buy, this is in the future I just wanted input as to what people though of the cannondales.

there seems to be the idea that if you guys say it is good you think I am going to post a week from not pictures of my new cannondale, that is not the case, I just am not able to go hang out at the shop with my buddy and spend half my time there chatting it up, so I am not meeting the riders I would meet by doing that to find out about what advantages and disadvantages there may be, which is why I posed the question in here.


MichiganMike
Long time lurker and occasional poster. I had the T800 until about a month ago when it lost a battle with a McDonald's drive thru while on the top of my Honda Element. I loved the Cannondale so much (rode a few other touring bikes when I was originally looking) that I bought the Touring 1. It's the white one. Leaving next Friday to ride the Route 66 bike route from St. Louis back up to Chicago, then on over to my home in MI. If anything I like the T1 even better than my old T800.
Firstly I am sorry for your loss, secondly I thank you I nearly wet myself when I heard how she passed away LOL I am willing to bet the damned drive tru was backed right up too so you had a hell of a time backing out LOL. Thanks for the input I will use it wisely.
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Old 07-31-10, 08:29 PM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by njkayaker
It's not clear to me that touring is going to be much easier for you than looking at bicycles.

I can assure you touring will not be as easy as it is for me to lok at bicycles, which is why I am doing it, I have health problems that need to be confronted head on at a time when I am ready and this is what my plan is, this is an effort for me to overcome my health problems and I am going to have good days and bad days but I hope in the end my health problems will have improved by having done it and that I have given so people who suffer the same afflictions as I a little confidence that with a lot of effort things can get better.
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Old 07-31-10, 10:35 PM
  #41  
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I love mine. If it took 44mm tires and had disk brakes, I'd ride it forever.
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Old 08-01-10, 08:44 AM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
My main grumble with cannondale is they have a much nicer touring bike that they Export to the rest of the world , but not sell in the states, [and probably Canada].

.
no kidding, those models in the England are absolutely amazing. I wonder if one of the models in the US uses the same frame as the Tesoro touring bikes?
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Old 08-01-10, 12:05 PM
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The first and only Cannondale I own goes back to May 2010 where I went as per brand reputation and catalog specifications.
It is the Tesoro Traveller Classic 2010; I am not sure you can find it in North America, and it was a risky deal buying unseen and untried, especially for the amount of money they ask. But trust me I can assure you that I have never ridden something so sweet in ages!



While it is true that I didn't own a real touring frame in the past, to compare with in terms of handling and comfort; I have nonetheless come over many brands like scott, specialized, and trek in the hybrid and pure road categories... And the Cannondale quality is on the very high end!

I confess that unloaded, the bike feels harsh and a bit unstable; but once loaded it is a completely different beast!
I have logged 900 miles so far, nearly half of these miles in an unloaded configuration going back home by the end of the day; and the rest for over the weekend trips for a night or two max.

In the end I got used to the bike unloaded, I reduced tire pressure down to 75psi, and I use it nearly 80% of the time for all my needs. I am commuting on it as well without touring panniers.

Good luck for your purchase

Cheers
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Old 08-02-10, 07:54 AM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by NeilGunton
Buy the bike for the application - no one bike can "do it all".

Neil
I agree. If you can afford it, buy different bikes for different applications. (That's why I have 4. My wife says I don't need that many, but I do, I really do!) If you can't afford more than one, buy it for the application which is the most important to you and don't be too unhappy when it isn't quite as suitable for the others.
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Old 08-02-10, 10:39 AM
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Fadi, your bike looks exactly like a T-1 over here. What I'm wondering about is the 26" Tesoro Traveler Touring with front headshock. That doesn't look like a frame we've got over here in another model name.
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Old 08-02-10, 10:57 AM
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Tesoro is part of the Export Line. Like I said, You would have to buy the front and rear Tubus racks and the Brooks saddle
and Suspension seatpost ,and mudguards .. at point of sale in the US, extra, at retail.
they would not be included.

No 26" Headshock on US touring bikes , but are options in Europe and UK markets.

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Old 08-02-10, 11:55 AM
  #47  
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I have 4 Cannondales and am in the process of purchasing a 5th. Only one of them is a touring bike, ('88 T700) but I will tell you that many folks say "aluminum" as if they were all built with the same tubing and geometry. Cannondales have a "feel" to them that the other aluminum bikes do not. Not easilly explained. Just suffice to say that you will NOT be disappointed in a Cannondale purchase.
I also own two of the other legendary loaded touring bikes (both steel); a Bridgestone T700 and a Specialized Expedition. The Bridgestone has over 50,000 miles on it. It is an amazing rig. There are differences in all three touring frames, but it's a difference, not a better or worse, just different.
As for the LHT... it's like a gas-pipe steel bike compared to any of these three rigs.. I'd put it right there with Huffy. You can ride it, and you can load it, but it has no "spirit".
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Old 08-02-10, 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by BengeBoy
I think they are the same frame, different components.
Same frame.

Originally Posted by BengeBoy
The Touring 1 is very nicely spec'd, right down to the tires and saddle, but the stock gearing (with a "road triple" 50-39-30) is higher than many riders prefer. Since you have trouble shopping in person, you might want to work all that out in advance of purchase. If I had the money, I'd get the Touring 1 but ask the shop to swap the inner chainring for a 28 or even 26.
The Touring 2 (the cheaper one) is often considered the better buy. The stuff on it is more than good enough.
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Old 08-02-10, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Geo Cruise
I can assure you touring will not be as easy as it is for me to lok at bicycles, which is why I am doing it, I have health problems that need to be confronted head on at a time when I am ready and this is what my plan is, this is an effort for me to overcome my health problems and I am going to have good days and bad days but I hope in the end my health problems will have improved by having done it and that I have given so people who suffer the same afflictions as I a little confidence that with a lot of effort things can get better.
Good luck! Your problem is at least an interesting one! (The Cannondale is a nice bike.)
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Old 08-02-10, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Ruffinit
As for the LHT... it's like a gas-pipe steel bike compared to any of these three rigs.. I'd put it right there with Huffy. You can ride it, and you can load it, but it has no "spirit".
Have you ridden one? It seems very well-liked.
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