Cannondale R800

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at Okinawa, Sport depot

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Okinawa, Bogota- Cartagena In Colombia.

Bike Setup:
SHIMANO ULTEGRA, SAN MARCO SADDLE, CARBON SEAT POST TNI, AND ULTEGRA WHEELS.

Summary:
Excellent bie, the Geometry so far has been the best for me, even better than my ex-pinarello.
I changed all the parts for Ultegra 10 speed and is even better! very light and won 2 races all ready.
Climbing is very stiff and excellent power transfer.

Strengths:
Geometry, material, colors, Brand?, light with the right components.

Weaknesses:
The old components, the wheels were a little heahy and the seat post no very confortable. New Ultagra even the wheels is excellent bike.

Similar Products Used:
I don't want to compare it, It is CANNONDALE R800!AND LOVE IT.

Price Paid:  $900.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2006

Bike Setup:
I'm switching my component group to Dura Ace slowly, switched to a FSA K-Force light seat post, switched to a FSA OS-115 Carbon Face stem 90mm, using TIME RXS Carbon pedals, switched to SRAM PC-991 chain w/ Powerlink, switched to Selle Italia SLR Max Saddle, applied Fizik Bar Gel and Microtex tape, switched to Continental Grand Prix 4000 700x23

Summary:
The R800 is very rigid and therefore, very responsive. The geometry is nearly flawless except for maybe a steeper seat tube. The stock components work great even though I've switched out most of mine for response purposes. Great frame to build on and guaranteed GREAT customer service from Cannondale America (1-800-BIKE-USA)

Strengths:
Rigid and responsive, good set up geometry for most riders, GREAT value better than other comparable priced bikes, Carbon Si Ultra fork, comfortable Ritchey handlebars, legendary Cannondale quality,

Weaknesses:
Heavy Cannondale Competition seat post, horribly uncomfortable Fizik Poggio seat.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Tarmac Comp Triple, Bianchi Veloce, Giant OCR Comp 3, Specialized Allez Comp Double

Price Paid:  $0.00

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Surrey Hills and the Pyrenees

Bike Setup:
- Changed the stock 105 crankset for an Ultegra compact
- I use the Aksiums for Winter/home trainer and bought some Reynolds Alta Race wheels for fast club rides and sportives.

Summary:
This is a review for the European spec model. This is a remendous bike in every respect and great value. The frame is extremely light, the ride is as smooth as silk, I can tell that I have gained in speed and climbing ability. The high quality welding for which Cannondale is known is immediately obvious. I am still amazed by the lightness of the Slice premium carbon forks as well. I have not tried a carbon frame yet but I have already done several 5+ hour rides on rough UK roads and have no problems with comfort. I cannot imagine that anyone short of a professional racer would need a better frame than this one. The 105/Ultegra groupset works flawlessly. I even like the stock Fizik Aliante Sport saddle

Strengths:
- The frame is wonderful
- The general spec and the value (with 105 groupset and Ultegra rear mech, carbon seat post and quality Fizik saddle) are excellent.
- Good but a bit heavy stock wheels (Mavic Aksiums)

Weaknesses:
- The Cannondale Fire stem scratches easily and bar/stem cobo looks a bit "under" spec compared to the rest of the bike
- I haven't been very impressed with the 105 brakes vs. my previous Campy Veloce brakes.

Similar Products Used:
My previous bike was a 7005 aluminium frame and all Veloce 9 speed.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I bought this bike about 2mounths ago, and I knoew I was getting an awesome bike , but I could not imagine how it has performed. I love it. it is the smoothest bike and best quality ride i have ridden. I love it.

Price Paid:  $1480.00 at Lakeside cyclery Cle

Favorite Ride:
rural Iowa [ low traffic]

Bike Setup:
10 speed 105 shifters,crank,front derailleur, cassett,and 105 pedals. Ultagra rear deraileur. shimano R550 wheels.

Summary:
This review is for 2006 R800 double. This 40 year old moutain biker does not bounce any more. Yes you can find some nice singeltrack in Iowa. After looking at and test riding road bikes for years. I decided it was important to me for it to be made in the USA. That narrows it down alot. I road a 2005 hold over Trek 2100. Nice smooth ride.The 2006 R800 was less expensive and has a 100% shimano 10 speed drivetrain! This bike has preformed flawlessly so far. This speaks well for the shop and the bike.

Strengths:
Light for the price paid 17 1/2 lbs for a 58cm out of the box. The cad 8 frame is cannondale's best aluminum road frame. This frame rides as smoothe or smoother than the steal frames I have ridden Lemond, surly,and an old raligh. I have put 540 mi in two months. I like to put my hands on the hoods and spin. I can hold 20+ mi/hr for miles on the flats with no wind. This bike is fast, stable,responsive, and smooth enough.

Weaknesses:
Seat is very bad. It has a lip molded into the shell that cut the circulation off to my toes! I replaced it with a Terry Fly chromo this seat works well but is heavy. I was not that impressed with tha natural aluminum finnish but it is growing on me now.

Similar Products Used:
2003 Lemond Tourmalet 250+ mi. test road schwinn fastback, surly crosscheck, trek 2100, and many more.