Cannondale R800 Triple

Price Paid:  $1250.00 at Wheelworks, Davis CA

Favorite Ride:
San Jose to Monterey

Bike Setup:
Stock + bottle cage, cyclometer, and frame pump. I'm planning to upgrade the front shifter to Ultrega and upgrade the seat post to a carbon post.

Summary:
I've been very happy with the R800. I bought it just after the 2004's came out and got a healthy discount (asking price was $1400). The paint job is showy but not gaudy - it's very easy on the eyes.

Some of the other reviewers have complained about the Sella Italia Pavé saddle. I'm happy to report that it hasn't bothered me even after being on it for 4 hours.

At first I was wary of the Gippeme Grecal wheels. They're a rare brand in the US and the low spoke count made me worry since I weigh just under 200 lbs. I've grown to like them because they've stayed true and solid despite all the abuse I've dished out. One caveat: their high profile wouldn't be ideal for someone who lives in an excessively windy area - you'll certainly notice the push of a strong cross wind.

Strengths:
The frame is stiff and agressive. The R800 flies up hills and it is nimble in turns. The carbon fork does a good job of smoothing out rough country roads. It's given me a huge boost of confidence and it pushes me to go faster and ride harder.

Weaknesses:
Cannondale shipped some of these with Tiagra front derailers. While it is one of the least important components, it's weakness is still noticeable. Shifting isn't precise and it takes some fiddling to get things set.

A carbon seat post would have dropped some grams and nicely complimented the carbon fork. The s bent seat stays work well but still don't dampen the road noise as well as the fork, leaving me feeling like I'm on a hard tail mountain bike.

Similar Products Used:
I rode a 2004 Klein Aura X, 2003 Lemond Tourmalet, 2004 Specialized Aliez, 2004 Cannondale R2000, and a 2004 Trek 5900 before deciding on the R800.

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Performance Bikes

Favorite Ride:
17mi Sprint Imperial Beach to Coronado and back

Bike Setup:
For triathlons

Summary:
Great bike for the price. All I can really report on is the Frame/Fork and Wheels. Everything else was replaced with Ultegra. The Frame is very light and responsive and the forks do as they should obsorbing much road vibration. Wheels seem to be holding up although it may be too soon to tell. They are cool looking. I use the bike for Triathlons
and I've equipped it with Arrow-bars and Bull Horns. The frame's semetry seems perfect for that type of riding. Very comfortable.

Strengths:
Stiff frame feels great when it's time to get heavy on the pedals.

Weaknesses:
None so far.

Price Paid:  $2300.00 at RCC

Favorite Ride:
Mt Mee

Bike Setup:
56cm. Went to 56 from 58, a great move, a huge improvement in riding comfort and feel.

Summary:
Great frame, a little disappointed with Shimano 105 rear deraileur set. Very comfortable bike.

Strengths:
Responsive, handles great, smooth and clean spinning bike.

Weaknesses:
Shimano 105 rear deraileur a little dissapointing. Grecal Parade Wheels unknown, but thus far have survived some constant pounding!!

Similar Products Used:
NA

Price Paid:  $1899.00 at Remy Sport

Favorite Ride:
Oakville to Niagara Escarpment

Bike Setup:
Stock except for handlebars and saddle. Not so sure yet about the Gipiemme wheel set - they're a bit on the heavy side. Might change this out for Mavic or Shimano rims at a later date.

Summary:
Excellent bike for the price. Fast as stink on the road and great bang for the buck. Outfitted better than most bikes in this class. Paid $1899 CDN - not bad for what I got.

Strengths:
Optimo CAAD 7 frame, Slice Carbon fork, it's a rocket on the hills. This bike rides itself.

Weaknesses:
Saddle is Krappy - replaced with Selle Italia Genuine Gel. Replaced Cannondale handlebars with a 3TTT setup.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 2000 can't compare - not nearly as responsive.

Price Paid:  $1450.00

Summary:
I just got my 2004 R800. I was struggling with the R600 vs R800, but for the extra $350 I went with the Optimo frame. I could only tell a slight difference on the demo, but I did not get a chance to climb. All of the more experienced riders I spoke with recommended the R8 for the price difference. Only time will tell if I get my money's worth. I also tried a Trek 1500, but it did not feel as quick or responsive (I really should have compared it to the Trek 2000, but they did not have one).

Strengths:
very quick
light for the price (~18 lbs.)
silver paint scheme is attractive

Weaknesses:
Fizik seat is horrible for me

Similar Products Used:
old Bianchi