Cannondale Bad Boy

Price Paid:  $779.00 at REI

Favorite Ride:
I like em' all

Summary:
I recently purchased the rim brake version of the Bad Boy and I appreciate the things that it excels at. I was looking for a do it all ride that would handle every thing from a jaunt around the neighborhood to a 40 miler on a converted railroad path. I test rode a cyclocroos bike and a 29er, but ultimately settled on the Bad Boy. The reason...It seemed to be the perfect balance between the upright comfort of a 29er and the 'distance covering' geometry of a cross frame. It is rather stiff, which I like. It is also stoudt and well suited to a variety of different types of rides. The bike has good ride qualities, but keep in mind that is meant to take the pounding of regular on city roads in a non-competitive mode. so if you are looking for something that is a great climber, lightweight, and has race ready handling, this is not the one. But, if you are looking for a bike that will last you a while, not bring a whole bunch of attention to itself, can take a ponding and still offer a credible ride, this is it.

On the open road, where I'm used to riding a road bike, it seems heavy, somewhat plodding, and overbuilt. On double-track, converted railroad trails and fireroads it seems adequate. In the city, it feels just right, which is what one would expect from a bike of the urban genre. The wheelbase seems longer than one on a mountain bike, which is a benifit when you are ride it on the road. It is unfazzed by potholes, and mild dirt surfaces, and tracks straight with ease. The flip side of this is that it is not as nimble as a mountainbike.

Essentially, it is big strong hybrid, and it performs very well at its' intended purpose. Oh, it looks excellent as well.


all th I considered a cyclocross bike and a 29er oyed with a cyclocross and I t

Weaknesses:
It is a certain type of bike, and if you use it for the type of riding that it can best accomodate, it is a damn good bike.

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Chain Reaction

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
anywhere the road takes me

Bike Setup:
Most of the bike is still stock. 700/28c tires. Added some commuting gear such as a rack and fenders. Substituted the cage pedals for big flat black downhill pedals.

Summary:
Like the other reviewer I fell in love with the Bad Boy but I fell in love even before sitting on it. I was searching for a hybrid type bike with more aggressive geometry. I found it at a bike sale for 70% of the regular price with no tax and $70 free add ons. the only problem is that I have had a hard time finding add-ons that fit the fat handle bars, which I've chopped pretty short for downtown ricochet traffic. I'm working out the bugs and finding things that need day to day modifying and tinkering but down to the ground this is a fast sleek machine. It's cockpit is a bit shorter than my previous bike so that's an adaptation for me. May have to go to a longer stem. May substitute the skewers so I don't have to worry about the quick-release wheels getting ripped off.

Love the esthetic; matte black. All my add ons are also black. I ride in black and orange with some green so I like the look.

Strengths:
Fast and sleek. Quick response to acceleration.

Weaknesses:
I have a small frame which makes add-ons a challenge. Grips are thick so makes shifting a bit tricky.

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Mike's Bikes

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
theres a few...

Summary:
I fell in love with this bike the first second that I sat on it. I've had a Cannondale mountain bike for years and I love it, so decided to go with another Cannondale. I wasn't ready to switch to a full on road bike, so the Bad Boy was perfect. The position it puts you in is soooo comfortable; I love it! The components are all pretty hard core, for example the derailers, because they're all mountain bike components. I love the position of the handle bars, and the breaks work great. I havnt had any real problems since I bought this bike, and I've put a pretty good amount of miles on it!

Strengths:
The frame is sooo comportable, i love the handle bars, the breaks work great, the seat is super comfortable. The thing is strong and durable and can withstand just about anything!

Weaknesses:
Since it's composed of mainly mountain bike components, it definetely doesnt have the speed of a full on road bike. And I dont remember what tires it originally came with, but I made whatever they were go flat when I was test driving it, so immediately switched to armadillos when I got it.