Cannondale F7 ok for a starter bike?
10-20-09, 03:14 PM
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Cannondale F7 ok for a starter bike?
Hi,
Found a mint 2008 Cannondale F7....$250...I am 53, just getting back into biking, will be used mostly paved trails..
Also, I can't figure Cannondale sizes,,it is a med bike, I am 5'11...31" inseam....any suggestions and help would be great-full..
Found a mint 2008 Cannondale F7....$250...I am 53, just getting back into biking, will be used mostly paved trails..
Also, I can't figure Cannondale sizes,,it is a med bike, I am 5'11...31" inseam....any suggestions and help would be great-full..
10-20-09, 03:45 PM
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That's a good starter bike for trails - as long you can get a good fit. You're probably borderline between medium & large, so with some tinkering you should get at least a decent fit. You may need to have your saddle set fairly far back. If that isn't enough, then you may need to pick up a longer stem. Or even a taller stem, if you need to sit a bit more upright.
By riding that bike a lot you should find out what you really want in your next bike!
If you find that you'd like a smoother ride, as you will be riding paved surfaces, then you might want to consider replacing the tires with something with a smoother tread pattern, like a mountain bike "slick" tire or a "city" tire.
And if you can't get comfortable on the saddle, don't give up biking until you try other saddles. Some people conclude that they don't enjoy biking when the real reason is that they don't enjoy their saddle.
By riding that bike a lot you should find out what you really want in your next bike!
If you find that you'd like a smoother ride, as you will be riding paved surfaces, then you might want to consider replacing the tires with something with a smoother tread pattern, like a mountain bike "slick" tire or a "city" tire.
And if you can't get comfortable on the saddle, don't give up biking until you try other saddles. Some people conclude that they don't enjoy biking when the real reason is that they don't enjoy their saddle.
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Last edited by Tom Bombadil; 10-20-09 at 03:48 PM.
10-20-09, 04:00 PM
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Thanks for the info...from what I am reading,,I think I need a 18-19" frame for my size, I could not find out what a Med or L size was for cannondale...I am 5'11, 31" inseam, 200lbs...use to ride a lot on the road before kids,,,and want to get back try mountain biking,,,we have a lot of easy trails here, also a lor of paved trails...thanks again
10-20-09, 07:01 PM
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Their medium on the '08 F7 is technically a 16" frame. It does have a longer top tube than most 17" mountain bike frames. It should fit more like a 17" to 17.5" frame.
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8FS7.html
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/08/cusa/model-8FS7.html
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There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
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There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
10-21-09, 12:31 PM
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Geometry sheet for the F600 should be the same. This shows the medium as being for 31.5" to 32" standover height.
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/geo-41C.html
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/geo-41C.html
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10-21-09, 01:59 PM
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Is that your pants leg inseam or your cycling inseam (aka pubic bone height)?
10-24-09, 07:38 PM
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+1 You need your bicycle inseam for bike sizing.
Google bike sizing, you will find a lot of guides out there with lots of different opinions unfortunately.
Is there a reason you are looking at mountain bikes? What type of surfaces will you be riding on? A road bike is great on paved trails. On unpaved trails, I prefer the older rigid mountain bikes, they are available out there cheap. My most recent addition is a 1994 Trek 7000. I am 53, 5-11 and my Trek 7000 has a 19.5 inch frame, while I ride 56cm frames for road bikes (about 22 inch frame).
Google bike sizing, you will find a lot of guides out there with lots of different opinions unfortunately.
Is there a reason you are looking at mountain bikes? What type of surfaces will you be riding on? A road bike is great on paved trails. On unpaved trails, I prefer the older rigid mountain bikes, they are available out there cheap. My most recent addition is a 1994 Trek 7000. I am 53, 5-11 and my Trek 7000 has a 19.5 inch frame, while I ride 56cm frames for road bikes (about 22 inch frame).
