Cannondale 2000 R600 Triple

Price Paid:  $1600.00

Bike Setup:
Rolf Vector Pro Wheel Set
Polar S510 HR Monitor/Wireless Cyclometer
Shimano Dura Ace Component Gro

Summary:
This is my first "real road bike” an excellent starter bike and very upgrade worthy. The first thing I upgraded was the wheel set, Rolf Vector Pros. Then I added a Polar S510 HR Monitor/Wireless Cyclometer. Next I upgraded all the components to Shimano Dura Ace. Then swapped in Easton components; EM90 stem, EC90 handle bar & fork and CT 2 seat post. And to top it off, I added a Sella Italia SLR saddle. Off the rack a 48cm Cannondale R600 weighed in at about 20lbs. With all my upgrades, I shaved it down to 17lbs. What’s next? I’m planning on changing the headset to a Chris King headset.

Strengths:
Lightweight frame. Easily upgradeable. “Bang For The Buck!”

Weaknesses:
Starter bike = Starter components

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Helen''s Cycles

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105 crankset, front derailleur, shifters, and LX rear derailleur, 11x34 cassette, Ultegra hu

Summary:
My R600 with its Cannondale Expert crankset kept jamming the chain between the middle ring and the other rings from day 2. Multiple trips to the bike retailer failed to produce a satisfactory solution. I finally purchased a new Shimano 105 crankset and everything worked great. Then the Cannondale freewheel started making loud clicking noises. I replaced that with new Ultegra hubs on Mavic Open Pro rims. So since the CAAD4 frame and fork are very nice, but all the Cannondale components on this R600 Triple have the lifespan of a piece of toast, I hardily suggest that you buy nothing less than an R900 that doesn't have worthless Cannondale (CODA) parts if you possibly can. And buy your bike from a reputable bike shop.

Strengths:
CAAD4 frame

Weaknesses:
Cannodale crankset, Cannondale freewheel, and probably the Cannondale brakes

Similar Products Used:
Trek

Price Paid:  $990.00 at bike source

Favorite Ride:
long rides

Bike Setup:
Stock/105 dual crank

Summary:
Good looking bike, rides well, but, had quality defects out of the box. Stock triple crank defective, the shop (bike Source) replaced it with a 105 double, derailer cables misrouted under lower bracket guide, pinching rear derailer. Front derailer rubed against frame. Have put 200 miles on bike since correcting defects with no problems. Bike well suited for riders who want a decent bike for not a lot of money.
Love the ride, love the bike, price was right.

Strengths:
light weight, paint job, great feel

Weaknesses:
seat

Similar Products Used:
OCR 1, Schwin Super Sport

Price Paid:  $1200.00

Bike Setup:
stock

Summary:
this bike is a great bike except for the shifting is a little slow good buy for the money but if your willing to pay for a trek 2500 that's the bike u need,plus lance armstong kicks ass,it's an awesome bike starting out,i love the carbon front fork, handles real well,

Strengths:
good frame design,caad 4 kicks,

Weaknesses:
the shift sucks ass,seat sucks,

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $1150.00 at Mountain Sports Limited

Favorite Ride:
All of them

Bike Setup:
Stock , except for Bontrager seat & SPD-R pedals & Performance kevlar tires.

Summary:
The orange and yellow fade finish is a real eye catcher,quality construction of frame .The seat is a BAD JOKE.Dual sided pedals on a road bike are a nice touch , but,my pedals had a rough feel and I noticed fore and aft movement in the right pedal( tried several shoes and cleats,still had movement).Installed SPD-R pedals,good move.Carbon fork , yes yes yes .Coda brakes work well but not great.Coda crank is light and shifts smoothy.Climb,descend,sprint,rail a turn,the bike doesn`t care,just ride it.Stock tires are heavy and wide for their size,but provide good traction.In it`s price range this a a really good bike.

Strengths:
Weight ,geometry , Cannondale reputation

Weaknesses:
SEAT or board or whatever you want to call it.Pedals.

Similar Products Used:
None