Cannondale 2000 R5000

Price Paid:  $4599.00

Bike Setup:
CAAD 6 Full Record 10

Summary:
This is a wonderful bike, with the CAAD 6 frame and the full Record drivetrain this is a fast bike. I dont know how I did it but last week I hit 62 mph on this bike and it felt like I was in the most comfortible position i could be in the bike was stable and stiff and I never have any problems with it. I ride it everyday and I have been to two State Champ races with it and now I am signed up for nationals.

Strengths:
Everything is strong on this bike I dont think that there is anything more than top of the line on this bike. I have ridin a lot of bikes and this on just seems to stand out for me, it has super excelaration, nice feel, stiff, and not that horrible feel that everyone thinks aluminium gives off. The fell of excelaration and climbing is much better than that off any steal bike that I have ever ridin, but then again that is just me you will have to find out for yourself.

Weaknesses:
Not any that I have found to worry about, so no.

Similar Products Used:
I have used many road bikes, Litespeed, Merlin, Trek, De Ber, Colnalgo, you name it I have more than likely riden it.

Price Paid:  $4000.00 at private

Favorite Ride:
R5000 Cannondale

Bike Setup:
Cateye wireless heart rate monitor/computer. Yellow Cinelli cork bar tape. Everything else exactly as ordered from Cannondale. Record 9-speed ti gruppo.

Summary:
Fantastic bike for anyone who might need or enjoy an ego boost on a bike that begs to be ridden FAST! No other bike looks so sharp in my honest opinion.

Strengths:
I actually have the 1999 Saeco Cannondale R5000 Team Replica, not the 2000 model, but I wanted to submit this review anyway since the componentry is very similar. My frame is not custom like the newer 2000 team replica bikes, just a straight 56 cm. My bike does not have the CODA cranks (like the REAL team bikes do) but came with the Record cranks from Cannondale. My bike still has the original Spinergy wheels that I check before each ride. I know that doesn't guarantee no faceplants that might put me in harm's way but have modified my riding as a result since I love the way they look and have also learned to modify my descents to a greatly reduced speed as a result. Collapsing a tire at 55mph is not something I ever want to do, but I prefer the Spinergy(s) with their stunning looks and abililty to turn heads-like Helio Castroneves said "Here I am girls. I'm ready!" especially since I have never had to true these particular wheels. I purchased this bike after my 1983 (or so) Cannondale with 1st year ever Dura Ace gruppo got stolen years ago (hence the private private name and location above- forgive me and don't ever tell fellow drunken sailors what you paid for your bike!). I might have bought a Lightspeed Ti frame, but told myself I would do something to try to make up for the Cannondale being stolen and buy the Cannondale Tour De France Replica bike! I absolutely love it. I have the Northwave yellow/red shoes and wear a Polti (non-Saeco, I know) yellow/red/white/black jersey along with a yellow helmet, Northwave red/yellow gloves and a whole "red yellow black white thing goin' on" as Phil Hartman (R.I.P.) on SNL might quip. Great bike. I once had a car full of complete strangers ride next to me for a bit while they filmed me. I also had a traffic cop who I breezed past shout "now THAT'S the way to do it!". This bike is simply fantastic and I have never seen a bike so racy looking. Besides what has been written about the stifness, the ride gets a bit harsh after 50 miles or so (can we really fault Cipo for dropping out of all those Tour De France tours? -kidding), but it rockets over hills and looks great doing it. The best weight loss program I can possibly imagine besides... well.

Weaknesses:
Spinergy wheels are a bit scary and I know that nobody else is riding them now.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $3800.00 at University Bicycle

Favorite Ride:
Antioch Ride

Bike Setup:
CAAD 6 frame, Shimano Dura-Ace,Kysrium wheels, Speedplay Pedals, Fizik seat.

Summary:
I did not want an aluminum bike, i only heard negatives about the harsh ride. However, becuse this was a best buy, I bought it. It has amazed me, not only was it a great ride, it was stiff and responsive. I have really liked the lightness of the bike and its looks. It is without a doubt the best bike I have owned!
I placed the review for the R4000si here because I did not see one.

Strengths:
The bike is really light weight, very responsive, stiff and great to look at.

Weaknesses:
None so far

Similar Products Used:
Ciocc, Lightspeed

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Belmont Wheel works

Favorite Ride:
anything warm and away from cars

Bike Setup:
Custome frame- black w/yelow lettering and metal head badge- name on top tube and stamped into BB. With 1" ahead stem, Campy 9, Dura Ace crank, Speedplays...various wheels.

Summary:
Custom procedure was a drag(I missed most of the race season) but I suspect some of it was the shops fault.the bike is a dream though. All the technology of today plus custom. Slick paint job. Fantastic.
Stiff and light- is that possible?- YES! Great cornering. A true race rocket. Completly natural from the first ride. This is the first light bike that I have ridden in twenty years of racing that didn't twist and flex too much when jammed out of the saddle. Where's that next hill? Sprint? Yahoooo! One note- if you can get away without custom- It's a much better deal.

Strengths:
CAAD 4 frame is truly light and stiff and comfortable. Others promise this, but none can deliver all these attributes together like Cannondale. It's amazing. It's that good.

Weaknesses:
My frame was custom so I had to wait. And wait. And wait.... Then it turned out they hadn't started building it- a communication screw-up. then I waited... it arrives-they machined the head tube wrong...so I waited...it arrives, fork is wrong color... so I waited ...finally it arrives! no apology, no perks, no explanation... I don't do much buisiness with that shop any more.
The plastic seat collar is light but a little cheesy
Don't crash this thing.

Similar Products Used:
Trek OCLV, Lightspeed Ultimate, Basso,Tomassinni, Argos.....

Bike Setup:
stock w/record pro-fit pedals

Summary:
I certainly feel the lumps and bumps from the road now; however, it has, to this point, been well worth it. The acceleration is remarkable, and the responsiveness of the bike is amazing. This is one of the only bikes I've owned that could handle the 200 km road race as well as it takes on the local crit. It took about 1500 miles for me to get used to the feel, but my adaptation to going faster was effortless (and welcomed). As a sprinter (meager though I may be), this bike has definitely improved my prowess in that regard. I don't have any mountains to climb around the twin cities, but I've been able to tackle the hills with ease. This is a great bike that is both incredibly light and incredibly stiff, with the best available componentry. If those are the traits you look for in a bike, consider the R5000.

Strengths:
Incredible Acceleration
Extremely Responsive
Great Components

Weaknesses:
A bit harsh coming from steel.

Similar Products Used:
Croll 853, IF Crown Jewel, Colnago Master X light