benk0

Just wanted to post my experience with my new Cannondale frame.

I've read some posts speaking negatively about Cannondale aluminum track frames so I figured I'd post some info based on having owned and ridden the bike for a few days now.

It's a 1993, 56cm (55cm top tube) Cannondale Track frame. Slightly forward sloping top tube. I'm 6'2" (32" inseam) and it feels perfect, although I thought it might be a little small, it's not... my seatpost is set at the same extension from the frame as my last bike. I went from a 57cm DeBernardi (NOW FOR SALE) to this. 170mm crankarms and 90mm stem length. It has about 1" of toe overlap with medium MKS toeclips and GR9 pedals.

The ride. Well, it's road characteristics are similar to the steel DeBernardi... however, I'm riding it currently with my GF's wheelset which is only 28 hole Suzue Economy hubs laced with 16ga (or maybe even smaller) spokes to some cheap Campy rims. I can feel the flex in the rims. I have some 36 spoke DESTROYERS in the mail (Deep V's, Suzue Pro Max, 14 GA spokes). The bike turns like a MF. I've never ridden a bike with toe overlap (or such a small wheelbase) and was kind of hesitant about it, but it's really not a big deal. Even when you rub the clip, you're fine, unless you're one to freak out, you can totally ride through it. Popping off curbs and such feels really nice and solid and the bike is nice and light. I think "nimble" would be the best way to describe the ride. The build quality is good, the clearcoat is chipping off, especially around the logos (which are decals under the clear), but overall, it's a very clean looking ride.

I bought the frame for $345 which included a Suntour Superbe Pro headset and BB.

I will post photos when the wheels arrive.

toman

Cool, I've been wanting one of these frames for a while, but hadn't heard much about them.

gravityhurts

I've owned, ridden, and raced the exact model (93/nude finish/56cm) in full trim suntour superbe/sewups for a little over a year. It's alright on the velodrom and absolutely sucks on the street.

It feels "dead."

There's a real good reason why they don't use aluminum on coil springs.

Steel, nothing else comes.

teadoggg

i love my cannondale track. next to absentr's Colnago, its the best feeling, most lively bike I've ever been on - both street & track.

Aluminum is a weird metal - I've been on some AL frames that do feel, as GH says, "dead". sometimes, with the exact same year/model, a different frame will feel different. Crazy stuff.

Anyway - I love my c-dale track. i'll never, ever sell it.

gally99

steel is for old guys and hippies...

viva l'aluminum!


just cuz yer so vehemently anti-aluminum...

gravityhurts

oh, you got it then?

so you can read - big deal!

anyway jolly roger, why is then that the worlds premier frame builders prefer steel over all else? are you in a position to argue them?

are ya?

yeah, that's what I thought.

BTW---- I don't hate aluminum, I think it's great for beer and soda-pop containment.

benk0

Hm... didn't mean to make a huge sh*tstorm... My frame is top notch... I love it.

Aluminum vs. Steel. An age-old arguement.

"De gustibus non disputandum est"

Google it up if you don't know what it means.

*new*guy

I own a '93 as well. Mine is a 60cm. Personally, I'd rather ride a stiff and unforgiving "pop can" than a noodle bike.

mattface 

If you want a spring, may I suggest a Schwinn cruiser bike. I hear those springer forks give a cushy ride.

Frame flex absorbs power. I like a stiff frame. That said, both steel and aluminum can be stiff. The metals have different properties, but a well designed frame can take advantage of the materials inherent properties.

So unless you ARE a premeire frame builder why dont you can the debate over which material is better. There are good frames made from Aluminum, steel, titanium, and apparently even Bamboo.

I like the Canondale Road and MTB frames I've tried. SO let's just admit that there is more than one right way to build a bicycle. Embrace diversity, and accept that not everyone has the same tastes. What feels "dead" to one may very well feel "fast" to another.

Diversity means more choices for all of us, and a better chance of finding the perfect frame.

luckycat

We're talking performance right? If that's the case, maybe you should look at the bikes that are winning pro road and track races? Not a lot of steel there, mostly carbon and aluminum.

And to the original poster, I have an older cannondale track bike and love it. It gets ridden way more than my steel track bikes.

gally99

yer being as sarcastic as i was, right?

gravityhurts

after carefully digesting your well crafted arguments to the pros of aluminum it's become painfully clear that my earlier stand to steel as superior was unfounded. for that, I will be forever grateful. I don't know what I could have been thinking all these years. good god I feel like an ass.

look, I deeply apologize my for ignorance and will immediately forward your arguments to the worlds top fabricators as I am confident they too will be enlightened.

sincerely, GH

gravityhurts

we have a winner!

danimal

yo ben, congrats on the new ride! see ya on the streets!

gravityhurts

truce!

here's a graphic I created just for you guys as a "white flag"

BTW---that's my track Can