Cannondale R800 Feminine Triple

Price Paid:  $1350.00 at Lakeside Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
Oregon Coast

Bike Setup:
47cm CAAD5 Feminine Frame, carbon fork
Shimano ST-R600 adjustable reach
Shimano 105 Rear, Tiagra front derail.
Mavic CXP22 wheels
Fisik Vitesse saddle

Summary:
I spent all weekend trying road bikes from Cannondale, Trek, and Bianchi and finally settled on this one. It fits like a glove! It feels more agile than the Trek 2200. I was almost ready to buy a Bianchi Giro, but the 49cm version of that bike was just too long for me (5'3.5"). The 47cm R800 Fem was just the right length and height.

The clincher for me was that I was able to beat my husband up the nearby hill. Will probably be switching the Tiagra front derailleurs to 105s. The shifters and break levers are the new adjustable Shimanos which are MUCH easier for my smaller hands to manipulate than the standard 105s or Ultegras. Finally, the seat isn't a throw-away...the Fisik Vitesse is quite comfortable. Only needed to change out the stem to raise the handlebars a small amount. Ryan at Lakeside Bicycles was fantastic at creating that custom fit.

Great bike for women who like to ride the road and are tired of frames that are sized for men.

Strengths:
Frame sized for women...no reaching or costly bike mods necessary for a proper fit.

Weaknesses:
Husband can no longer keep up with me.
Cannondale Omega brakeset instead of Shimano.

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Eros
Bianchi Giro
Bianchi Veloce
Trek 2200