Cannondale 1999 R300 Triple

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
stock, save wheels, seat, seatclamp

Summary:
I am a big guy, 6'6" 240 pounds. This is my first road bike after years of mountain biking and road riding on my mtn bike to train. I picked it up as a used rental that had never been riden, 63 cm. It has treated me very well( I live in a land blessed with smooth pavement). I have over 3000 miles on it and all the parts, save the wheels,seat, bar, and seatpost clamp are stock. I have been concerned about the amount of flex I get when I mash big gears, but I think that is my size.
It has been a great bike for me, I have gone from just training for mtn bike trips on it, to really loving the road riding experience. It is a great place to start, if you are not sure if you want to get into road riding seriously, and if you can get it for a deal

Strengths:
price- $425. good entry level bike

Weaknesses:
wheels stink and should be trown in the trash.
seat
seatpost clamp/binder

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $775.00 at Exeter Cycles

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
4000 miles and its still stock. just tires and a tune. 105 components would be nice but the RSX's are still shifting fine. I dont think I could have done better for the price.

Strengths:
Value

Weaknesses:
Saddle, pedals

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $500.00 at Friend

Bike Setup:
60cm. Shimano RSX triple.

Summary:
A good first road bike for me. Have done 4 metric centuries on consecutive weekends and just got done with a weekend 150 mile ride. Bike worked great, climbed hills easily and never a problem.

Strengths:
Great looking bike, stiff frame, shifts great

Weaknesses:
Wheels get untrue too easily. Recommend a carbon fiber fork too smooth ride.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $750.00 at Freewheeling

Bike Setup:
60cm. Shimano RSX triple. Replaced seat and pedals almost immediately.

Summary:
A good first road bike for those on a budget. Perhaps best suited for triathletes or others sticking to shorter distances.
Frame is stiff enough to not flex under my 220lbs when climbing.
Shimano RSX components shift smoothly and have similar feel to the 105's.
The ride quality is probably typical of any low-end Al frame; noticably more comfortable than Trek 1000.

Strengths:
Stiff frame, light weight, fast. Shimano RSX components. Lots of bike for the money. Great for rides < 30 miles.

Weaknesses:
Bumpy ride makes longer distances painful.

Similar Products Used:
Lemond Buenos Aires, Trek 1000.

Favorite Ride:
the ones that HURT!!

Bike Setup:
stock except pedals (for now)

Summary:
I only have a few hundred miles in on this bike. It works well though for the $$$ spent. I am used to a rough riding aluminum frame as my last bike was alum., so its not really a big deal. In this price range, aluminum is the way to go. It's stiff frame transmits power well and is reasonably light. A rough ride is a tradeoff I can live with. The bike is nice looking and seems to be well constructed (absolutely seamless welds). The first thing I am going to do is change out that PAINFUL saddle for a Selle Italia Max Trans Am (on sale for $55 at pricepoint.com). I can live with the RSX components until I can switch over to 105. If you're looking for value for the money, a fast ride and a well made frame, then this bike is a good choice.

Strengths:
stiff frame transmits power well,
good value for $$$,
looks sharp,
pretty light,

Weaknesses:
rough ride,
BAD coda saddle,
RSX components,

Similar Products Used:
older schwinn aluminum frame w/ shimano SIS