Cannondale Capo

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Bike Doctor Arnold

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Tuesday South (Anne Arundel) County Training Ride

Bike Setup:
On the road I upgraded to Campy Record brake levers and SRAM Red calipers, Toupe gel saddle, USE Alien seatpost, 42cm bars and 172.5mm cranks.
I just started riding the track and found it easy to do with Origin 8 170mm track cranks, 46, 47 and 48 tooth chain rings, and a 14 cog. Swapped in Easton track bars and American Classic 420 track clincher wheels. This is not as flashy as a "full on" track bike, but it works very well.

Summary:
Bought in 2008 (had to select 2007 as 2008 was not an option) to use as a fixed gear for training purposes, so quickly converted from single speed to fixie, and swapped bars and cranks to get correct sizing. A really nice inexpensive single speed/fixed gear, but low end components to keep the price low.
Easy to convert to a decent track bike.

Strengths:
Great frame, inexpensive. High bottom bracket so good on the track.

Weaknesses:
Brakes, bars, cranks are low end, but acceptable for the price point.

Similar Products Used:
I ride lots of road bikes (Canndonale, Scott, Trek), but this is the only fixed gear/track bike I have ridden.

Price Paid:  $900.00 at wild rock outfitters

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
commute

Bike Setup:
stock with black bontrager cork tape

Summary:
I actually have the 2009 model but the website wouldn't allow me to choose anything newer than 2007. I opted for the black and white colour scheme and yes it is a bit flashy. but i bought it for the frame with the intention of upgrading everything slowly. so far the only mods i have made is changing the disgusting rubber white grips to some black bontrager cork tape.
I was very impressed with the super stiff ride that the aluminum frame had and it still manages to be light as a feather. the massive plastic BMW like pedals are... well confusing is really the only word i have to describe it. why not pot some road pedals on there. clipless pedals will be my next purchase. in general the components in this bike are fairly cheap. but that allowed me to acquire an amazing frame that is very rideable that i can build on.

Strengths:
- FRAME!!
- very lightweight
- flip flop hub allowing for fixie fun sometimes

Weaknesses:
- sub-par parts on a great frame
- pedals...?
- seems like they skimped on quality parts so they could colour match everything

Price Paid:  $859.00 at Racine Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
2009 Cannondale Capo

Bike Setup:
Black anodized Phil Wood hubs, Profile Design bullhorn base bar, Sapim CX Ray spokes, Velocity Fusion rims, black FSA Energy brakes, White Industries freewheel, Sugino 75 black crank, Sugino 75 46T crainring, White Industries sealed BB, and a Selle Italia Prolink Gel seat.

Summary:
Decided on the 2009 Canndale Capo with the black and white paint scheme after considering the high-end Specialized Langster frame and the Pinarello XTrack. (Decided on the less offensive black and white scheme over the triple grey with purple accents.)

The components on this bike are inexpensive and downright offensive for this quality frame. Replaced components with black anodized Phil Wood hubs, Profile Design bullhorn base bar, Sapim CX Ray spokes, Velocity Fusion rims, black FSA Energy brakes, White Industries freewheel, Sugino 75 black crank, Sugino 75 46T crainring, White Industries sealed BB, and a Selle Italia Prolink Gel seat.

Couldn't stand the white rims and cranks. The San Marco white seat is an abomination. Even the tape that is given is white! After a while, you realize Cannondale is trying to remind you of Moby-Dick.

Consider in changing the gearing. The 42x17 will make you spin too much. This was changed to 46x17 (much better).

This bike is worthy of every component upgrade even if it reaches the $2600 area. The stem and seatpost are fine, change everything else.

This frame has been around a while. It is tested through the pits of Hell and emerges a saint. Messengers and those who are simple roadies will love this bike.

Strengths:
Light weight, fast

Weaknesses:
Cheap components. Replace one at a time unless you are able to live with the white or white/purple components.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Langster (top frame), Pinarello XTrack.

Price Paid:  $750.00 at Kozy's

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
any Chicago street

Bike Setup:
Nitto RB018 Bullhorns, Paul Components left brake lever, Removed back brake, MKS GR9 pedals with Soma quad gate clips and double leather straps, Thomson Elite seatpost, and Formula 16t fixed cog (48x16)w/ Shimano lockring. I've ordered a EAI 15t cog, as I need more speed (plus Chicago is flat)!

Summary:
I have the Red/White 2008. 2008 option was not in drop-down. Super fun bike. Until now, I did most of my riding offroad, down in the Palos forest preserve. That is until now. Now that I have this bike, I just want to ride roads. Its so much. Its super fast and light, it feels like a rocket.

I started looking for a fixed gear (simplicity reasons) to commute downtown on, running errands, and getting around city. I did a ton of research online. Didnt fully decide until I went in to lbs and started looking around. Saw some Langsters, Fillmores, Sohos, and Sputniks. As soon as I saw this bike, sitting there all alone, I knew I wanted it. After taking it for a spin, I fell in love.

As other posters have stated, the components will need to be upgraded. Unless your paying $5k for a bike, your components will most always need to be upgraded.

Strengths:
Frame, frame, frame! Geometry, fork, race red color scheme. Shimano Sora brakeset is actually a fair component. Flip flop hub.

Weaknesses:
Pedals, carbon wrapped alloy seat post, does not come w/ a fixed cog, only singlespeed.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Langster, Lemond Fillmore.

Price Paid:  $610.00 at Bike Works, Johnstow

Favorite Ride:
Cannondale Capo 2008

Bike Setup:
Stock at this point. Will upgrade tires/ tubes in spring.

Summary:
Great, fun bike. I have two Cannondale 650c tri bikes and two Cannondale Super V's for off road but I like bombing around on the fixed gear Capo the most. Its so simple and light.

Strengths:
Light
Stiff
Simple
Great retro look in red with white trim.

Weaknesses:
So far for me it has been the Maxis Fuse tires and light weight tubes that came with the bike. I keep them aired up but have gotten so many pinch flats i've gone through 2 patch kits in one summer on these tires.