C200

I have been riding for a short period of time (4 years) and have never ridden a road bike, just hybrids. However I feel that I would like to move up to a more Efficient bike. I am over 50 and have had neck surgery. Riding the hybrids don't seem to bother my neck. I am looking for a bike that will be great on climbs and faster on a century than my hybrids.

Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated

hi565

This is a very generic response but...

Whatever fits you.

I would reccomend you find a bike shop near you that lets you get on the bike and go for a ride longer than just around the block. It is crucial that you try out bikes and rule them out that way.

hi565

bluecd

by looking at the specs on cannondales website id say its a fine bike. if its in your price range then its even better. probably the only thing id change right off the bat is the saddle. i believe that saddle has raised bumps for your sit bones & i found it uncomfortable when i sat on it. it made me want to slide forward to much.

R900

If it feels good, the R700 is a great bike. I would compare with some others; Specialized, Trek, etc... to make sure that is the best fit. Amazingly every bike rides different, different sizes, frame materials, etc... Ride a few to determine what you like. I thought I wanted a Trek Pilot, road it - didn't like it. Came down to a Specialized Roubix and my R900. They just felt better then the Trek 2100 and Giant that were also in the running. Cannondale has a great US built frame and very good components for the money, if it fits.

John

SoonerBullitt

I bought the R700 for my first road bike, and I absolutley love the bike...But like Bluecd said the saddle is a torture chamber..

bluecd

hmm, neck problems. the r700 is probably going to put your neck in more of a compromising position because of the geometry of the caad8 racing frame (more leaned over so you gotta cock your neck). a buddy of mine has neck problems & bought a SR800 (sport road/little heavier) which has a more upright position, although still not as upright as your hybrid. maybe take a look at that one also and ask your local bike shop, hopefully theyre knowledgeable and could help you out with that neck of yours.

R900

Good points, the saddle on my R900 didn't make it home, and my wife has a beautiful SR500, that does put her a little more upright. Its about 4lbs heavier, but a very nice bike.

John

911Steve

I adjusted the saddle on my brand new R700 (after swapping in a Specialized Avatar for 2 rides) and it's been great. It's my first real road bike. What a beautiful piece of machinery. I'm not worthy!

TheKillerPenguin

R700 is nifty.

Downshift

It will be a great bike. I echo the saddle comments. Lasted about 50 miles. You might want to have the shop swap out the stem for an adjustable model. That way you can adjust for your neck.

C200

I will be going down to the shop this weekend to try an R700 out. Here is a generic question: I have a 32" inseam. Does a 58 or 60 frame sound like it should be the right size for someone with that inseam?

bluecd

the 58 more than the 60.


edit: i have a 32" inseam & both of my cannondales are 58 and they fit just right. the 60 was to big.

C200

Great. I will check out the 58 on Saturday

R900

Cannondale's measure a little shorter, a 58 C-dale is close to a 60 Trek, etc...

John

djtrackie

Just to chime in here

I like you was used to riding a Mountain bike before purchasing my first road bike.

I got a cannondale R500 2 weeks ago and i returned it because the ride is very very stiff even with the carbon fork and seatpost. And also the geometry made my back hurt. Keep in mind that this is a fast racing frame... designed for speed and not comfort. Good for smoooth perfect pavement but i wouldn't hit the streets with it.

For the price range, i would much rather get an entry level full carbon bike frame. It'll be a lot easier on your back and neck.

I now have a Giant TCR Composite 3 and me, my back and neck are MUCH happier!

Phantoj

The R700 is a good first bike. It's a good bike.

But if you have neck problems, you really should consider getting a slightly more comfort-oriented bike, something with a tad more upright riding position. I think the Giant OCR and the Cannondale Synapse are more upright; but I don't know much about the subject. You could find something more comfortable for your neck than an R700 that would still be much more efficient than a hybrid.

Geoff326

i bought my first road bike 5 months ago and it was an R700. I'm completely satisfied with my decision have come to love riding. 105 with rear ultegra is quite good for an initial bike imo.

i say go for it as long as u've test riden and like the feel. I also test rode the trek 1500 and lemond tourmalet which are pretty much around the same level.

roadwarrior

R700 is a great bike...for the price you are riding a professional quality frame.

Size, I'd look at a 54-56....frames you mention will, most likely, be too big.
I have a 35 inch seat to bottom of my foot measurement and I ride a 60 Cannondale.

14max

I've got an '05 R700 and it is fantastic. Light enough, snappy, and the original parts group was pretty decent as well (I've since swapped out the triple for compact and the 105/Ultegra/SRAM drivetrain for full Ultegra 10). As everyone else has advised, definitely find a new seat. I happened to have a favorite (Avocet 02 40) handy so I put that on in place of the stock perch...

Mariner Fan

Cannondales are great bikes but they are race oriented. You may be happier with something with a more relaxed geometry. I have alot of friends in their 50's who swear by the Specialized Roubaix. The comfort type road bikes give you a more upright riding position and for someone who has neck troubles it may be a better fit for you. IMHO

roadwarrior

Or an aluminum Synapse.

cs1

As most of the people have stated Cannondale makes a really great bike. First class workmanship in all their frames. The R series is very race oriented though. I would seriously look at a steel frame road bike. They are very forgiving on less than perfect pavement. Also, get something with a more upright position. Your neck will thank you for it.

If your hybrid has 700C wheels get some narrow tires or an extra set of road wheels. It will be faster. How about switching to a Moustache bar instead of the flat bar. You can get moustache bars in 25.4 or 26mm clamp dia. Use Barcon shifters and if you have V-Brakes get some Travel agents for the road brake levers you'll use.

Tim

xerocoma

If you are concerned about riding position you may want to test ride a Lemond Tourmalet

https://www.lemondbikes.com/2006_bikes/tourmalet.shtml

... about the same price as an R700 ( a great bike btw.. my wife rides an R900).. the Tourmalet is configured somewhat differently and provides a very slightly more upright position than the C-dale. the Lemond (which is what I ride) is spec'd very nicely.. Shimano 105's and Ultegra.. bontrager carbon forks, carbon seat post, very comfy saddle, etc... I have been extremely pleased with the Lemond - I have a 2005 and paid 930.00 for it in Houston.

Before the C-cale and Lemond my wife and were riding C-dale Adventure 400 hybrids, mtb's before the hybrids... the difference between the hybrids and the road bikes is like night and day!

C200

The hybrid that I have and ride on the road is an older Raleigh C200. I have narrow tires and better wheels on the bike plus a 27 speed drive train. I have ridden the bike up Skyline Drive in VA and averaged just below 11 MPH. I have done a century (105 miles) on this bike while sick. I have it geared to climb telephone poles. I Would like to have something a little more efficient on the road without being too uncomfortable. I thought that if I liked the ride of the R700 that I can raise the handlebars. I picked Cannondale because a lot of people seem to think that they are very resonsive bikes for the money. I need to stay in the $1,000 price range. The C200 will coast almost dead even with a friends SR500 Cannondale. I just want a little more speed and not lose too much comfort. I had asked a lbs about putting a road stem on the bike and lowering the handle bars but they advised against that. They said that it would make the bike too squirrely.