Cannondale R2000

Price Paid:  $835.00 at E Bay

Model Year:
2002

Favorite Ride:
smooth road and no cars

Bike Setup:
R2000, 52cm, 2002 Saeco Team rep. Ultegra except for FSA team issue cranks, DA cassett, Selle SLR, Spinergy SPOX and Xearo Lite wheels, Mich. pro race rubber, Welco TI pedals, Alien carbon post...

Summary:
I bought my 2002 Saeco Team on Ebay a few months ago. At $800 and change a great value - even if it's 4 years old. It was stock except for the seat and Spinergy SPOX wheels/Mich. pro race tires. Put my Flite ti seat on filled the tires and was off to an amazing ride. I had the biggest grin on my mug 60 secons into the ride! I've riden soft and harsh frames, this one hits the sweet spot! Corners like on rails, quiet and smooth ride. This bike weighed in at under 18 lbs when I got it (52cm) and the first big hill I hit felt like half the grade... this bike is light and tight.

I think the wheels with PBO spokes and tires tame any hashness there may have been (via others comments). I love this bike, the hot red paint, team logos make it look as fast as it is. Makes me have to back it up too! What a great 1st Ebay buy! I based my value rating on my price paid, full retail would be hard to fork over.

HINT: I recommend either wheels and tires I listed if you think the ride is harsh. They are very quiet and smooth, great for training or road racing, maybe too soft for crits.

Strengths:
Very light, now under 16 lbs with FSA crank, DA 12-23 carbon post etc. Handles great in corners and rock solid at 40+ down hills, rockets up hill too. Ride is solid, quiet and smooth, not mushy.

Looks: 'Dales are hot looking bikes with great paint schemes, hourglass stays, oversized tubes.

Weaknesses:
I wish all bikes makers would not paint the drop outs - at least the fork. Alum always chips too easy.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 2100. Many other steel and Alum bikes back to '73.

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at ebay

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
r2000

Bike Setup:
Ultegra and Mavic SLs

Summary:
I purchased the r2000 last year on ebay. Was looking at the Trek 5200 but got such a good deal, could not pass it up.

The bike is stiff and fast as others have suggested, and the components (especially the mavic wheels) are top notch.

All this being said, this is not a bike for a leisurely 25-50 mile weekend ride. I never road a Cannodale before, so maybe the CAAD 7 frame is more forgiving then prior models. Even if true, for this Cannodale newbie, the ride is pretty jarring.

My prior bike was a 1985 italian frame. Suprisingly, despite all of the bike tech of the Cannodale (including the fact that it weighs 5+ lbs less than my old bike), I am only about .5 mph faster than on my italian model (I think there is a bigger difference thought on the hills).

My plan is to swap out the frame with a trek 5200.

Strengths:
-stiff and light
- great components

Weaknesses:
--unforgiving ride

Similar Products Used:
Pinarello Trevisio '85

Price Paid:  $1280.00 at eBay

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
2004 Cannondale R2000 triple

Bike Setup:
Stock (Ultegra triple group) except for Ksyrium Elite wheelset, downgraded from SL. Look A3.1 stones.

Summary:
I finally replaced my 1988 Cannondale Criterium 400 with a slightly used R2000. Solid triple componentry and a cutting-edge version of my faithful aluminum frame drew me in. Got a good deal, too. Others feel that CAAD7 is stiff, but coming from the straight crit frame, this bike rides cushy by comparison while even more rock-solid honking up hills and descending. It's a miracle! The Elites are more appropriate for my 190 lbs.

Strengths:
Weight, driveline, combination of comfort and responsiveness.

Weaknesses:
seat; yup.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 2300, various CAAD 5 models

Price Paid:  $2300.00 at The Wheeler-Dealer O

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
Cannondale R2000 Triple

Summary:
Sweet Ride! Fast out of the blocks, fluid
and handles well. I,like others, got rid
of the saddle fast. The Cad 7 frame is the best Cannondale has made, up until the new 6-13's. I highly recommend this
bike if you or someone is looking to step up to a true "road bike".

Strengths:
Fork, Crank, handling and looks.

Weaknesses:
Stock saddle.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R800 and R1000

Price Paid:  $1999.00 at 360 Cycleworks

Favorite Ride:
Time VXRS

Bike Setup:
CAAD 7 Frame. Ultegra 9sp, Mavic Ksyrium SL, Vittoria CX open tubular tires, Speedplay X1 pedals, Easton EC90 Carbon bar and stem.

Summary:
The bike handles flawlessly for a full aluminum frame. Cannondale has really worked out their previous short comings with the CAAD 7 Optimo frame/tubeset. The shaped rear seat stays take the sting out of rough pavement however it is still transmits a lot of road noise. But for a performance frameset it is to be expected.

The bike accelerates well and climbs like a nimble mountain goat. For a stock bike the weight (58cm) with pedals is a bit under 18 pounds. Pitch the stock seat for a Arione or similar saddle for a more comfortable ride. It is a avid descent bike, very stable and well balanced. Cornering is also sharp and quick.

Strengths:
Light, solid componet mix, good every day rider.

Weaknesses:
Seat is a poor spec

Similar Products Used:
Time VX Special Pro, Moots Compact SL