bad boy

Hi Folks,

I'm looking to get back into biking. I used to ride off-road until my beloved Specialized Rockhopper was stolen a few years ago.

I want a bike that I can ride longish distances on the road but also could ride on tow paths cycle tracks etc. I also want a bike that I will be able to rack up with panniers and do some touring in the summer.

I'm currently fancying a cannondale bad boy ultra but have been advised that it is difficult to fit panniers to bikes with disc brakes. Is this sound advice?

If so, I think I'll go for the rigid framed bad boy - unfortunately, it seems you have forego the front suspension to get the model without disc brakes.

Are there any bad boy riders out there who could share some reflections on strengths and weaknesses? Also, could anyone recommend anything similar?

Many thanks,

Darren

oknups

I have had my BBU almost a year now.
To answer your questions, Axiom makes a rear rake that is just for disc brakes, about $30.00, any bike shop that buys from QBP (quality bike parts) can order one for you. It is a nicely made solid rack. I have had 40 lbs plus on it, no problems.
The stock tires and rims really are not suitable for off road riding. I built a second set up with Mavic 719 rims and 38 mm conti top touring tires, softened up the commuting ride, as well. The stock seat post sucks, replace it with a better one, I opted for a X1 suspension post, went with a brook b17 saddle as well.
I am not sure about touring long distances on this bike, I have done 60 miles unloaded on the NCR trail in MD its a rail bed converted to a trail. Longest road ride about the same distance.
I bought the bike for commuting to work, knowing I could get a second wheel set and go off road with it.
To sum it up it is a fine bike but would be reluctant to take it on a long road tour.

oknups

Old Man Montain makes a front rack that works with suspension dics brakes. I do not have one.

oknups

https://www.axiomgear.com/racks_disc/journey_disc.php

Blackberry

I have a BBU, and I'm not sure I would buy one again. I've found that a traditional drop handlebar is more comfy for all-day riding and the front suspension is, to my mind, overkill for tow paths, gravel paths. I ride my 20-year-old touring bike more than the BBU. My 2 cents.

bad boy

Thanks for your advice guys. I can see already that this forum is going to be invaluable to me.

Your answers throw more questions for me to mull over. The revelation of the axion rack opens up the possibility of other bikes with discs such as Marin Point Reyes or Kona Dr Dew.

I think, of the two cannondales, I'm definately now favouring the BB as opposed to the BBU. Particularly in view of the suggestion that front suspension would be surplus to my requirements.

So, BB, Dr Dew or Point Reyes . . . erm?

Any other personal experience/insights to help me make the right choice would be gratefully received.

Cheers,
D.

capsicum

The cannondale T-800 or T-2000 would be the best C'dale on dirt/gravel/paved roads, it's designed for touring, that is long distance and adverse road conditions.
I'd suggest the novara Randanee or the Sahara(26" wheels) but they appear to have vanished in the last month. The novara element seems ok but it would need to have the double crank swapped for a triple.

Oh and cyclocross bikes that have braze ons for racks would be good.

wayner

I have a bad boy and I love it .Its my only bike, in the winter i put on studded tires and the summer switch to road commutin tires. It serves me well. Last year I went on a five day tour to prince edward island and had no problems and felt I made excellent times. So I guess its all up to personal preference, theres nothing wrong with touring with style. lol

bad boy

Thanks Wayne,

Do you ever wander off road with the BB? The 1 inch tyres worry me slightly. I know you can switch the wheels for proper off roading but I want to be able to wander freely (within reason) when I'm out and about.

I'm so torn between the Marin Point Reyes and a BB, I seem to change my mind on a hourly basis!

wayner

the one inch tires really arent any good. Im always changing tires, I have the one inches on now but am plannin on changin for some good fat bald commutin tires as soon as possible. The only thing I dont like about the badboy is the goblin in the front, I covered it with a sticker. I guess I dont want to scare anybody Im scary enuf as it is.

wayner

with different tires that bike can go anywheres. I live in eastern canada Im always off road lol

bad boy

Cheers Wayner

I really revealing my naivety here but . . . presumably, it's a case of changing the whole wheel not just the tyre, right? Does that cause complications with the brakes?

I found an online store based in the uk that is selling the 04 BB at £150 more expensive than the 05 version. Any idea why this might be?

Do you prefer the BB to the BBU for any particular reason other than the price difference?

I really appreciate your advice/comments

BB.

12steven

I rode and loved this badboy for a year as a messenger clocking up about 500 miles a week. It was flung up and down the streets of Dublin having been hit by cars, taxis, buses, motorcycles, you name it! A year later I did a 2000 mile tour of Scandinavia in just over 20 days, and even though as you can see it was unevenly loaded, I never had a problem with it right up to when it was stolen 6 months ago. The frame design has changed since this one (year 2000, I think) so I can't really comment on the new badboy, but this was an excellent all-round bike and I highly recommend it!