Cannondale 1999 T700

Price Paid:  $860.00 at The Spokesman, Santa

Bike Setup:
Basically stock. Bought pans and rack but the rack wouldn't fit the 25" frame I have and haven't looked for another. Have not done any touring more than two days yet.

Summary:
This is my first bike so can't compare it to any other brands specifically. I bought it because I'm a big guy (260) and its touring design would hold me better. I commute to work on this bike, do buddy rides on weekends and have ridden an average of 6 centuries a year on this bike since I've had it and I'm guessing I've got about 10,000 miles on it by now.

Strengths:
Sturdy frame, plenty of braze-ons for racks, three water bottles, decent paint although it has worn through where cables rub, good tires (when I switched to anything but Conti Top Tour tires I got flats constantly, only one in four years with them).

Weaknesses:
Many original Cannondale components inferior: stem broke at the bottom weld on a training ride the week before the Tahoe Century, Coda pedal came apart at mile 85 of another century and had to finish on one foot, had to upgrade wheels and spokes to put and end to constant spoke snapping, original saddle sucked, original bottom bracket creaky and grinding after only a year, just this week left crank began wobbling on BB shaft and has begun to round out (although this may have been a reassembly problem). I've almost given up trying to fix brake squeal and I do not like the V brakes at all .. too spongy and braking distance is very shaky.

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Bicycle Specialties, DG IL

Favorite Ride:
MS 150

Bike Setup:
Removed original RSX and Upgraded to Ultegra 9 Triple. Jandd rack, Jandd Commuter rear panniers.

Summary:
I use this bike strictly as a work commuter, with over 5000 miles logged just doing that. It started out fine in its first year, but that brake squeal began right away. Then RSX began to show its worthlessness. But this year was the worst. The stem broke at the bottom of the weld between the extension and the quill while I was taking off from a red light. The jagged stem went into my right and left knees on my way down causing serious wounds. This was a Coda (original) stem. Now I know why they are called Crackendales. Bottom line: aluminum ain't steel. My next commuter is a Waterford for sure.

Strengths:
Lots of mounting points. Stiff frame.

Weaknesses:
Plastic cable holders on top tube. Constant front brake squeal after numerous toe-in and other adjustments. Rims are just not good. Cheap no-name headset. Coda seat is a piece of junk. The stem - see below

Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Frontier, Schwinn CrissCross

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Price Paid:  $800.00

Favorite Ride:
Under the Northern Lights

Bike Setup:
Aero Bars. Accomodates 28mm x 700 tires for "good" roads and a couple of km/hr more speed.

Summary:
More thought as to component selection needed to make this a proper touring or commuting bike. Steel Rings probably worth the extra weight if you are going for long trips. I'll probably add a Reynolds 853 or Ti bike to the stable for a less harsh ride in the future.

Strengths:
Sweet ride for short distances. Good warranty service by the Cannondale people. This is a good commuter bike, taking into account the product weaknesses.

Weaknesses:
A "fair weather" bike. The aluminum rings wear quickly if you do a lot of riding in the rain (small bits of grit). I got 3000 or so km's before replacement was needed. The original "Sun Rim" on the rear developed cracks running along the rim. Cannondal sent a "Mavis" replacement.
I use it for commuting 150 km per week without problems however, the rigid ride hurts the back on the local "century".

Similar Products Used:
Raleigh "Monger"

Price Paid:  $862.00 at Jax, Huntington Beach, CA

Favorite Ride:
Pacific Coast Highway

Bike Setup:
Full fenders, rear rack.

Summary:
This is my overall-everything bike. I commute, exercise, and socialize on this bike. The ride is so comfortable with those balloon (700x35) tires, it takes away the stiffness of the aluminum frams. I hate to have to bother putting on new wheels since the hubs are solid but the non-linear breaking and squealing are driving me nuts.

If you want the bike equivalent of a SUV car/truck, this bike is for you.

Strengths:
Solid frame, plenty of braze-ons end eyelets for fenders, racks. Nice hubs. STI shifting is so much more convenient than bar-ends.

Weaknesses:
Wheel rims and brakes: squealing in front will not go away, front and rear brakes "grab", spongy-brake feeling. Rims are not smooth where joined - adds to non-linear braking. If this is what I should expect from V-brakes, give me center-pulls anyday.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 520

Favorite Ride:
Icefields Parkway

Bike Setup:
Stock, with small mod's; as listed. Also swapped STI shifters for bar-end shifters.

Summary:
Great bike (some minor imperfections), has served me well and will continue to for many years. I would definately buy this bike again.

Strengths:
Solid frame, replaceable derailleur hanger, good wheels (4000+ loaded km's on them whith only minor adjustments), great paint job, all the necessary braze-on's, great tires for touring (conti tt2000's).

Weaknesses:
The CODA components (ie. brakes and pedals) are GARBAGE.
The bottom of the line Shimano BB bearing got crunchy after only a 1000km's. Gearing is not great (on the low end) for loaded touring, this is easily fixed though with a 24T inner chainring. The Stem was way too short for long distance riding (for me). The brakes work fine, but are pretty low quality (broke one off, oops).

Similar Products Used:
None