Cannondale Bent I

Price Paid:  $1800.00 at Ebay

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
Cannondale recumbent

Bike Setup:
Shimano XT drive train (They now come with SRAM X-7 on the rear).SRAM X-7 Shifters, Schwalbe tires, HeadShok large tube alu Frame and HeadShok fork. Incrddibly comfortable Fox Vanella rear shock.

Summary:
I am a recreational rider who rides mostly for fitness and enjoyment. I generally take a 7-8 mile route 3-4 times per week and ride 15 miles on Saturday when I get in shape. This lets you know that I am no road warrior though I ride enough to have opinions. The Cannondale Bent 1 is, in my humble opinion the Mercedes of Bent bikes. Not the fastest, not the most expensive but definitely in the luxury class. Its fit and finish are hard to match. The handmade detail and engineering expertise of the Cannondale Team are hard to match by other production companies. I tried many recumbents when switching over from wedgies and found that this product simply outclassed the competition in its price range. The ride is very comfortable (this is why,at 54 I made the transition), the componets above average and the fit and finish without peer. If you are just getting into recumbents and feel insecure in your test rides in various models, try the Bent 1 (if you are large like me) or the Bent 2 if you weigh less than 175 lbs.One ride and you will be hooked. You may need to do some shopping, Bike stores that are not Cannondale dealers cannot sell this bike. That is why recumbent specialty stores usually do not carry this bike and also why some of them will bad mouth this unit. Try them all but don't neglect this quality unit.

Strengths:
Smooth ride, efortless shifting, rear pannier rack included. Mirror included as well as the usual water bottle bosses. Rear disc brake is smooth and sturdy. Oversized aluminum frame adds to the comfort and class. Paint superb.Quality components amd legendary Cannondale HeadShok suspension. And most impornant the 5 way adjustible seat is a marvel. The danger here is going to sleep while you ride. The genius of the cannondale design is that the comfort does not come at the expense of performance (Except in the selection of tires,see below) This bike greatly profits from a heritage of bikesmiths.

Weaknesses:
The standard Maxxis Hook Worm tires in my judgement, create too much drag. My dealer who is a recumbent fanatic recommended changing to Schwalby tires which ate more "roadlike" (No bent is really an off street bike anyway). A larger front cog is helpful. The gearing is so low that in the lowest gear you can hardly keep the bike upright (overkill on the gearing). Would prefer a more flexible steering system.

Similar Products Used:
Trek, Burley, and Vision bents.