I am planning to purchase a new bike - to replace my old Trek 800 (1986 model ). I really like the Cannondale C400 (a "comfort" bike - kind of a hybrid), or even more the Silk Trail 400. The C400 is about $550, the ST400 is probably close to $800. I feel like I am betraying my old Trek - I've always felt that Trek made awesome bikes. But I really like the feel and the look of this Cannondale, and I don't see anything in the new line of Treks that rings my bell. So can I get some of your opinions out there? I have no prior experience with Cannondale, so I value your input.

What type of riding do you plan to do? Have you actually ridden these bikes? If you have, and found them to be a good fit and they "ring your bell", then you can't go wrong. Cannondale is a good bike and I've heard they have good customer service.

Mostly just recreational riding with my son. Occasionaly I go to a state park and ride the trails. I did "test drive" the bike, and it felt great.

Hi Recrider, welcome to the forums!

I have a Cannondale myself and i love it, its an oldie (97`)
but still going.
Cannondale is well known for its beautiful frames, very strong, super stiff and nice polished welds.
They give a life time garantee for manufacterer failures, but thats common to the most american brands, but C`dale service is very good.

Does your '86 Trek 800 frame have lugs or is it tig welded? Just curious about those old ones.

I have a '96 Cannondale Super V. The Cdale ride is really plush and I ride it on rougher trails. I ride my Trek hardtail on mellower trails.

The thing I don't particularly care for is all of the Cdale Coda stuff on it, but, Trek does the same thing to a degree. Fortunately, you can always replace those components.

I have been considering an upgrade on the Super V to go with disc brakes, but, I would need to replace the rear end and the front shock. It is a decent bike - I think way overpriced with the component mix you get - but still a decent bike.

Would I buy another? I don't think so. I have a yearning for a LiteSpeed and it won't go away.
I will probably keep the Cdale and upgrade it to disc brakes and a 9 speed rear.

Looks like regular welds to me - only a seat lug. I rode a Trek 4900 today, and again rode the Cdale C400, and the Silk C400. I really do like that Silk. BUt not sure if that fancy P-bone fork is worth the $220 difference to me.

RecRider,
I took a look at those models you are considering.

Did you take a look at the Trek 6500? It is an entry level 9 speed. The other bikes you were looking at are all 8 speed rears.

It looks like the models you are looking at are fairly old technology. I wouldn't pay that much for them personally. It looks like Cdale and Trek are clearing out their parts bins on those models.

I prefer Shimano shifters to SRam myself. I have had both and much prefer the Shimano.

I rode a C-dale C400 today, and I really like it. I think I'm going to buy one in a few weeks.

Martin -

>>Did you take a look at the Trek 6500? It is an entry level 9 speed. The other bikes you were looking at are all 8 speed rears.

Can you explain the difference between "entry level 9 speed" and "8 speed rear" ?

I would agree with your preference on the shifters, but I can't get everything exactly as I want and stay in my budget. I think they will do for my purposes.

Sorry for the confusion. By 9 speed I was talking about the cassette in the rear having 9 cogs. The models you were looking at had 8 cog cassettes.

The 8 cog cassettes are fairly old technology while the 9 cog cassettes are newer.

By entry level I meant that is the first model in their 9 cog models. It does have a bit better components compared to the other models you were looking at.

The 6500 is within the price range of the Cdale with the suspension you were looking at.

Hey, If you are looking to purchase a Cannondale, I have one that you might be interested in. It is a 1997 Delta V 600, size medium I think. I am about five foot ten, and it fits me nicely. It was originally around $1,300, but I would like to get $550. I just had new cables and housings put on, and the tires are only about 3-4 months old. Email me if you are interested.
jjd454s@smsu.edu