Price Paid:  $1400.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
old roads closed to motor vehicles

Bike Setup:
still stock except: 70mm Thomson X2 stem; road-friendly 700x35 tires; Eggbeater SL pedals

Summary:
I was looking for a beefy bike I could take on asphalt or dirt roads and I'm glad I got this rig. It seems at home dodging potholes on crappy old asphalt. The 35mm tires help absorb some of the shock the rigid frame transfers toward the loins. Something for big guys to note: At 6'5", I got the biggest frame available (60cm) but the 120mm stem was still too long, so after a few months of trying to adjust I finally had to break down and get a shorter stem -- much more comfortable.

Strengths:
Avid BB7 disc brakes; frame rigidity; surprisingly, I am very happy with the stock saddle (Selle Italia);

Weaknesses:
Tiagra shifters work fine but have a cheap feel; also the gearing (36T compact crank should've been a 34T) may make climbing slightly tough for tall or fat guys

Similar Products Used:
none really...only my MTB and ancient Nishiki 10-speed

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Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Sim's Bike shop, Med

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
Combo and pavement and dirt

Bike Setup:
2004 Cannondale Cyclocross Disc. Carbonlord cranks, Ultegra BB, Ultegra Chain, Serfas Seat, Michelin cyclocross Jet tires, XT pedals.

Summary:
I bought my Cannondale after months of research and demo rides. It was the "liveliest" of all the bikes I test rode and just felt solid, with great acceration. I decided this bike offered the best combo of value and componentry for the price and liked that the frame is built in the US. The disks are a great touch too. Since I bought it I have upgraded the cranks and BB to Carbonlord and Ultegra, both major improvements. After the upgrade the bike feels much stiffer as the stock cranks aren't up to big riders (I'm 215lbs) and hill climbs. I also upgraded the seat as the factory one is awful. XT pedals and Michelin tires round out the changes. Overall, the bike has held up well, the wheels remain true even after some highly abusive rides and a couple of cross races on very rough terrain. The brakes continue to work well, though the pads get noisy and need to be removed and deglazed occasionally. Worth the extra time for their reassuring nature in my opinion.
Ride quality is good, the frame is stiff and the weight is very reasonable. These bikes climb amazingly well, though the stiff alloy frame will beat you up on rough terrain. Overall I am thrilled with my choice, great stock and even better with a few mods.

Strengths:
Stiff frame, great brakes. Incredibly durable wheels, excellent Shimano dravtrain.

Weaknesses:
Seat is terrible, brakes can be noisy. Cranks a bit flexible. Worrisome flex in bars and stem on steep climbs.

Similar Products Used:
Intense Tracer MB, various cross bikes test ridden.

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at LBS

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Uphill with a headwind

Bike Setup:
Mostly stock; new saddle and handlebars, Michelin carbon tires for road use

Summary:
Disc brakes have maintained good stopping power on all slopes and conditions; they take some fine tuning and adjustment every month or so. On sharp corners, the frame will flex just enough to cause the brakes to rub against the brake pad lightly. When inserting the wheels, I've found it easier to get the skewer in position, clamp down on the brake, and tighten the QR.

The stock brake interceptors have a little less pull on the brakes than the brake levers (as expected for the size). They're great during commuting and touring, and I've gotten so used to having brakes on the tops that I grab for them when riding other people's bikes. I've not touched them during cross. A nice addition, anyway.

Handlebar (stock, Cinelli Altera) cracked at 4000 miles. Consider replacing the bars with a stronger set, especially if you use your arms for power on a regular basis. The stem (stock, Cannondale) has been doing a poor job of holding the bars in place.

Frame has been comfortable enough, a bit of flex without being unsteady. Held up to summer touring and towing a trailer. Make sure to try hill climbing and cross dismounts to make sure this is still stiff enough for your preferences.

For racing, consider getting a different chainring set (stock: 38/46 on the '05 -- the '06 has a different setup). The 46 isn't always fast enough for road races, and the 38 doesn't have great hill acceleration for cross races. Also, double check the regulations for disc brakes; they're outlawed under UCI, but are still legal (for a short time longer) under USCF.

There's massive clearance for larger tires, if desired. The stock Hutchinson Pros (700x30) have been pinch flatting quite a bit during cross races, both front and back (at 50-60 psi; max of 70 psi, rec'd pressure of 36 psi). Michelin Carbons have held up spectacularly during the road season.

Slinging the bike on a shoulder is fine, pretty good balance, and no cables under the top tube. Just watch the shifter cables on the downtube. As a caution, the cables come straight off the handlebars, so you won't be able to grab around the front of the bike (if that's your style).

Overall, this has been a good bike. It has held up to road racing, cross racing, touring, and commuting. Consider replacing a few parts to make it a more dependable setup, though.

Strengths:
Good, steady handling; disc brakes; good shifting; frame endures the elements (and crashes); brake interceptors

Weaknesses:
Some cheap/weak components; small chainring; cabling

Similar Products Used:
Test rode Poprad, X10, Redline, and a few random road bikes

Price Paid:  $700.00 at used but like new @

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
Flats, as I hate hills!

Bike Setup:
Stock w/Shimano spd pedals.

Summary:
Happened up on this and was immediately sold by the disc brakes. LOVE them! I need to drop lbs & they will stop me no matter what. My bike is an 58cm '03 with gaudy graphics. Like the stiff frame but not too harsh. Rides & stops extremely well!

Strengths:
Disc brakes, stiff frame! (Why are there no real road bikes with disk brakes?!)

Weaknesses:
Gaudy graphics, no rear upper tube rack mount hole...

Similar Products Used:
Trek 8500 Mtn Bike w/disc brakes. This is WAY nicer to ride the streets!

Price Paid:  $1439.00 at Silverdale Cyclery

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
away from heavy traffic

Bike Setup:
Stock except changed to a triple 30-42-52 and 11-34 rear. No hill climb troubles now.

Summary:
I was really looking for an SR800 but it was unavailable so I tried the Cyclocross Disc. It was an instant hit. WARNING: If you have never used disc brakes before, be sure to hang on and be securely IN the saddle before use! I nearly went faster than the bike! After regaining my composure and doing a quick 360 to see if anyone saw me, I got down to business. I love this stiff bike and everything that comes with it. I weigh 225 lbs. and needed a very strong capable frame with brakes that will stop me in the hilly, wet country where I live. The Cannondale Cyclocross Disc handles the job without question.

Strengths:
BRAKES wet or dry no matter how steep the hill. Also the strong frame with the comfortable geometry.

Weaknesses:
The squeaky seat (probably due to my weight anyway)and high gearing for this fat old guy rider.

Similar Products Used:
Daccordi Steel road bike, Cannondale F300, Trek 850