Strengths: Drivetrain, cool frame, quality wheels. Made in the good ole USA (Cannondale now makes all but it's highest end bikes in Taiwan).
Weaknesses: Really, the most worthless saddle I've ever had the misery of sitting on, entry-level disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
(actually a 2010 model) After replacing the grips, tires and totally awful saddle, I like this bike a lot. At 6'4", 225, I wish the disc brakes were better...the Juicy 3s feel flimsy and cheap--a big deal at my size.
The SRAM 7 components shift smoothly and the bike handles well. I bought this bike because it's made in the USA (frame, anyway) and I think the Head Shok lefty fork is really cool. Overall, I like this bike but wish Cannondale had upgraded the brakes and saddle.
Strengths: Versatile for off road, road and commuting.
Weaknesses: Better stock saddle.
Bottom Line:
Just bought a 2009 Bad Boy Ultra from REI even though this review says 2007. Best all around bike I have ever had. So much fun this bike is. I have had other Cannondales (Synapse road bike and F7 mtn bike), but this bike rides the best for my body and weight. It is so versatile that I can put the original 700c road wheels and I am off riding with the roadies. If I want to hit the trails with my mtn bike buddies, I change up to 26inch mtn bike wheels with off road tires. I can use this bike for commuting by putting racks in the back since it came with eyelets. Disc brakes are awesome in wet and dry conditions. Added a Brooks B17 Special saddle and Crank Brothers Joplin remote seatpost and this bike totally rocks !!! Looks are top notch and of course quality of the frame is Cannondale's specialty. Made in the USA baby !!!
Favorite Ride: Beautiful Backroads Century, Cartersville, GA
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At: REI
Bike Setup: Everything is stock except I changed the grips to EGC2, Brooks B17 Special saddle, Crank Brothers Joplin remote seatpost and Bontrager Trekking Carbon handlebars for multiple hand positions.
Weaknesses: the toe straps came off as soon as i got home from the first ride. the hand grips also started sliding off soon there after.
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks! i took it out the day i got it, and it took a bit of getting used to how narrow the tires are, since i had only rode mountain bikes, but it didnt take long. soon i was tearing down twisty roads at 30 mph. even uphills, i still hit about 10 mph with no strain, thanks to the amazing gear ratios. i really like the shifters, and how easy it is to change gears with out changing my grip on the brake levers. the disc brakes stop full speed at almost a scary quickness( i thought i was gonna rip the tire from the rim!). i put a odometer, led light system, and a topeak rear dynapack with a cable lock and tire repair kit, and its still lighter than any bike i have ever owned. it also looks so cool.
Strengths: Light, Made in North America, Good components (I prefer the SRAM to SHIMANO), Lockout shock which I use alot, really attractive bike without the flash that tends to attract thieves.
Weaknesses: The front fork doesn't have lot of clearance so it's hard to get different treads to fit - and be able to put the valve cap on still.
Bottom Line:
I got this as my first high end bike and I am very pleased with it. I was looking at Hybrids and this model was definitely out of my price range but by some stroke of luck I found a barely used one a year old for just in my budget.
Similar Products Used: Nothing that even comes close to comparing, I had an old Diamond Back before this.
Bike Setup: Pretty much stock, carbon mini bar ends, Specialized Body Geometry saddle, I put Conti Double Fighter II treads on for more off road versatility.
Weaknesses: Some may say the bike is overpriced considering components. Its a Cannondale. They are pricey bikes. Keep in mind that you are paying for a Cannondale and not the "highest" end components. I never had any problems with the bike's components 2000+ miles at that...flawless
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a great ride, this very well may be the bike you are looking for. This bike was designed with the commuter in mind. I had my bike for a little more than 2 years, and I have no complaints. Commuting is a breeze and almost effortless. Oh yeah, there is the option of changing the 700 wheels to MTB.
I want to purchase a new bike,
I like to ride mostly trail, paved, city commuter, recreational, and excercise.
Scott sub 10
cannodale bad boy ultra
specialized crosstrail pro
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