Cannondale 2001 R400

Price Paid:  $699.00 at Ski Rack

Favorite Ride:
one with a tail wind!

Bike Setup:
stock with shimano clipless pedals

Summary:
I purchased the cannondale r400 new in 2002 as a leftover and it was my first roadbike. I had never ridden a road bike and had nothing to compare it to,however it was the right price and got me started.

In the past 4 years I had put over 2,000 miles on it and was looking to upgrade. The old r400 has shifted flawlessly from the get go and I have not had any problems with it.

The ride quality is a bit rough,but nothing a carbon fork wouldn't cure. The sora groupo has worked well,but not as crisp or fast as the upper end stuff and not being able to shift from the drops is a bit of a pain if you are racing.

If you are looking for an entry level bike the r400 is a good bike,but I would recommend stepping up at least to the shimano tiagra component level.

I am currently riding a 2005 Trek 2100 with ultegra groupo and I couldn't believe the difference in the ride and shifting, well worth the wait and money.

Strengths:
nice frame
good price
tiagra rear derailleur

Weaknesses:
sora flight deck
steel fork

Similar Products Used:
none at the time of purchase

Price Paid:  $450.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Longview Lake

Bike Setup:
2001 Cannondale R400

Summary:
I'm new to the sport of cycling. I like the conveniently-located shift levers, light aluminum frame, quick release on both tires. I haven't had any problems with it.
I'd like to see a better set of wheels on it, but I've got to get a lot better before new wheels would be of any benefit.

Strengths:
Light frame
great shift/brake lever location
shifts smoothly
great bike for the money

Weaknesses:
I'd love to have a carbon fork and lighter/faster wheels, but then it wouldn't be a beginner's bike, would it?

Similar Products Used:
ancient Schwinn road bike