MB Suggestions Around $500 - Page 2

01-03-2007, 01:10 PM

Hope nobody minds the top posting.. Anyway, I really appreciate the
advice.it sounds like this group has a few very caring bikers in it! I put
money down on the Cannondale. I have very limited funds and at $425 I think
it was a deal that just wasn't going to be matched. I hated to see it be
passed up.

I believe they gave me an extra price break because I indeed have concern
for need of exercise.. Although the layaway sort of defeats the immediate
benefit - I will surely make good use of the bike in the very near future
(it's pretty damn cold atm anyway). I appreciated their gesture.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] <<<plug for them.. I hope they didn't push off
a model that isn't the best fit now J

After looking at the Treks I decided that the 4500 was likely the lowest
model that I would consider and it was going to cost a bit more than the
deal on the F300. I just couldn't get over that 'Made In China' sticker on
the front of all the Treks. Why in the world would they allow that? It
just screams junk even if they are actually very high quality. I'm sure
they are fine bikes, but I think I'll be happy with the Cannondale and it
feels like I got a deal on it. See you guys out there, thanks!

--
A sickened mind and spirit
The mirror tells me lies
Could I mistake myself for someone
Who lives behind my eyes
Will he escape my soul
Or will he live in me
Is he tryin' to get out or tryin' to enter me

THX 1138

<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:1167857719.090899.102650@11g2000cwr.googlegro ups.com...
> Name a Cannondale that isnt top line. They are made in America and
> world championship proven. No company makes as good an AL frame at the
> price. Yes lefty fork sux but thtas one thing. I own two and would
> not hesitate to buy another. The OP could get a leftovewr C'dale for
> <$500. Normally that bike would cost more. A $500 trek or other
> chinese make is just that.
>
> Mamba wrote:
>> "Fastfwd" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
>> news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
>> > I'm thinking about getting back into bicycling a bit for some badly
>> > needed
>> > exercise. Nothing too hardcore. A bike that might be suitable for
>> > some
>> > off-road trial riding and likely pull duty for a bit of urban riding.
>> > A
>> > 'hardtail' looks like the term of style that I'm considering.
>> >
>> > I'm on a tight budget, but I would like to get something that is decent
>> > quality - around $500.
>>
>> There are a lot of contenders for the sub-$500 marketplace, and the
>> reality
>> is that most of them will be OK for commuting or flat trail riding for a
>> novice and recreational rider. None of them are likely suitable for any
>> serious trail riding. If you consider the retail shop, distributor and
>> manufacturer all have to make their margins, the actual price point of
>> the
>> bikes in this arena drops considerably.
>>
>> So instead of harping on brand names or specific models, here's a few
>> guidelines that IMHO might get you the best suited bike you can find.
>>
>> 1 - Get fitted. Go to a local bike shop and ride several bikes. Find
>> out a
>> basic frame size that works for you. Account for seat height, saddle
>> position, handlebar shape and stem length. Have a knowlegable
>> salesperson
>> assist you to understand correct posture. Determine what "ball park"
>> frame
>> size works for you, or get some measurements of the seat and top tubes
>> for
>> brand comparisons. Could be you even find that a hybrid bike is more
>> suited
>> to what you want to do.
>>
>> 2 - Check for prior year closeouts. Lots of bike shops may have NOS
>> bikes
>> at this time of year, and some might be discounted.
>>
>> 3 - If you have bike knowlegable friends, consider the used market. Most
>> bikes drop 30-50% in value within a couple of years. If they are gently
>> used, you can save a bundle.
>>
>> 4 - Stick to basics. At this price point, you're not likely to find a
>> high
>> quality fork or decent disc brakes. Most bike brands share frames
>> between
>> several models. i.e. the same frame (maybe different paint) gets built
>> with
>> different qualities of components. Get a decent frame and the best set
>> of
>> components in your price range. Components can be easily upgraded, but
>> it
>> sounds like you're interested in a turn-key bike. Don't get suckered by
>> a
>> bike that advertises disc brakes <or other> at a low price, they are
>> likely
>> of a quality level that makes their
>>
>> 5 - Forget specific brands. Comments like "you can't go wrong with
>> XXXXX"
>> show a lack of experience and knowledge of the industry. Within any
>> maker
>> some models might be fine, some might be junk.
>

01-03-2007, 01:26 PM

You will enjoy the F300. Good fork , great frame. Remember, even if
you upgrade some bits in the future you will still have a cannondale
frame to add on to. Others who pay more will just have a made in china
bike.

Fastfwd wrote:
> Hope nobody minds the top posting.. Anyway, I really appreciate the
> advice.it sounds like this group has a few very caring bikers in it! I put
> money down on the Cannondale. I have very limited funds and at $425 I think
> it was a deal that just wasn't going to be matched. I hated to see it be
> passed up.
>
> I believe they gave me an extra price break because I indeed have concern
> for need of exercise.. Although the layaway sort of defeats the immediate
> benefit - I will surely make good use of the bike in the very near future
> (it's pretty damn cold atm anyway). I appreciated their gesture.
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] <<<plug for them.. I hope they didn't push off
> a model that isn't the best fit now J
>
> After looking at the Treks I decided that the 4500 was likely the lowest
> model that I would consider and it was going to cost a bit more than the
> deal on the F300. I just couldn't get over that 'Made In China' sticker on
> the front of all the Treks. Why in the world would they allow that? It
> just screams junk even if they are actually very high quality. I'm sure
> they are fine bikes, but I think I'll be happy with the Cannondale and it
> feels like I got a deal on it. See you guys out there, thanks!
>
> --
> A sickened mind and spirit
> The mirror tells me lies
> Could I mistake myself for someone
> Who lives behind my eyes
> Will he escape my soul
> Or will he live in me
> Is he tryin' to get out or tryin' to enter me
>
> THX 1138
>
>
> <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:1167857719.090899.102650@11g2000cwr.googlegro ups.com...
> > Name a Cannondale that isnt top line. They are made in America and
> > world championship proven. No company makes as good an AL frame at the
> > price. Yes lefty fork sux but thtas one thing. I own two and would
> > not hesitate to buy another. The OP could get a leftovewr C'dale for
> > <$500. Normally that bike would cost more. A $500 trek or other
> > chinese make is just that.
> >
> > Mamba wrote:
> >> "Fastfwd" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> >> news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]...
> >> > I'm thinking about getting back into bicycling a bit for some badly
> >> > needed
> >> > exercise. Nothing too hardcore. A bike that might be suitable for
> >> > some
> >> > off-road trial riding and likely pull duty for a bit of urban riding.
> >> > A
> >> > 'hardtail' looks like the term of style that I'm considering.
> >> >
> >> > I'm on a tight budget, but I would like to get something that is decent
> >> > quality - around $500.
> >>
> >> There are a lot of contenders for the sub-$500 marketplace, and the
> >> reality
> >> is that most of them will be OK for commuting or flat trail riding for a
> >> novice and recreational rider. None of them are likely suitable for any
> >> serious trail riding. If you consider the retail shop, distributor and
> >> manufacturer all have to make their margins, the actual price point of
> >> the
> >> bikes in this arena drops considerably.
> >>
> >> So instead of harping on brand names or specific models, here's a few
> >> guidelines that IMHO might get you the best suited bike you can find.
> >>
> >> 1 - Get fitted. Go to a local bike shop and ride several bikes. Find
> >> out a
> >> basic frame size that works for you. Account for seat height, saddle
> >> position, handlebar shape and stem length. Have a knowlegable
> >> salesperson
> >> assist you to understand correct posture. Determine what "ball park"
> >> frame
> >> size works for you, or get some measurements of the seat and top tubes
> >> for
> >> brand comparisons. Could be you even find that a hybrid bike is more
> >> suited
> >> to what you want to do.
> >>
> >> 2 - Check for prior year closeouts. Lots of bike shops may have NOS
> >> bikes
> >> at this time of year, and some might be discounted.
> >>
> >> 3 - If you have bike knowlegable friends, consider the used market. Most
> >> bikes drop 30-50% in value within a couple of years. If they are gently
> >> used, you can save a bundle.
> >>
> >> 4 - Stick to basics. At this price point, you're not likely to find a
> >> high
> >> quality fork or decent disc brakes. Most bike brands share frames
> >> between
> >> several models. i.e. the same frame (maybe different paint) gets built
> >> with
> >> different qualities of components. Get a decent frame and the best set
> >> of
> >> components in your price range. Components can be easily upgraded, but
> >> it
> >> sounds like you're interested in a turn-key bike. Don't get suckered by
> >> a
> >> bike that advertises disc brakes <or other> at a low price, they are
> >> likely
> >> of a quality level that makes their
> >>
> >> 5 - Forget specific brands. Comments like "you can't go wrong with
> >> XXXXX"
> >> show a lack of experience and knowledge of the industry. Within any
> >> maker
> >> some models might be fine, some might be junk.
> >

01-03-2007, 02:25 PM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:
> You will enjoy the F300. Good fork , great frame. Remember, even if
> you upgrade some bits in the future you will still have a cannondale
> frame to add on to. Others who pay more will just have a made in china
> bike.
>

Well that's not very logical. There's also crap made in USA and nice
stuff made in China. With lower costs in China, the manufacturer may be
able to spend more on better components or materials.
I'm not going to argue the merits of those two particular bikes because
I don't really know either one very well, but basing the decision on
where it was manufactured is only looking at one small part of the
equation.
I've had a Canondale in the past and it was a fine bike for the money.
What I didn't like was some of their proprietary "innovations" that
didn't seem to add anything but vendor lock-in.

> Fastfwd wrote:
>
>>Hope nobody minds the top posting.. Anyway, I really appreciate the

Actually, top posting is generally frowned upon 'round these parts. You
might get heckled or ignored if you keep it up.

Enjoy your new bike!

Matt

01-03-2007, 03:52 PM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:
> Name a Cannondale that isnt top line.

All of them.

> They are made in America and world championship proven.

WTF does racing have to do with anything? The "world championship"
that may or may have not been your proof was on a custom bike that was
built to last only one "season". You need to quit reading ragazines
and start riding bicycles.

> No company makes as good an AL frame at the price.

Bull****. You are a true crackandfail zombie, aren't you?

> Yes lefty fork sux but thtas one thing.

One of many.

> I own two and would not hesitate to buy another.

Hence, the root of your obviously insane blind brand loyalty. The 'ol
"I bought crackandfails, so they must be the best" syndrome. What a
compete and total buffoon!

> The OP could get a leftovewr C'dale for
> <$500. Normally that bike would cost more. A $500 trek or other
> chinese make is just that.

Did you ever stop and think for one minute that there are bicycles
manufactured in Asia that may be a ****pot better than a lousy
crackandfail? Yolur flag waving is not only boring, it's uninformed
and ridiculous.

JD

01-03-2007, 04:09 PM

NO Taiwan made crap equals a quality American bike. My bikes are
Lemond Buenos Aires (made in USA) rides far better than any aluminum
chinee garbage. I have a '98 Cannondale F400 that is great for a MTB
and a C'dale XR800 'cross. There are two types of cyclists- Those who
ride Cannondale and those who wish they did. I challenge you to find a
made in taiwan bike better than an American built one. I havent been
able to and back it up with my bike $$$. Once the OP rides his new
C'dale he will understand.

JD wrote:
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:
> > Name a Cannondale that isnt top line.
>
>
> All of them.
>
> > They are made in America and world championship proven.
>
>
> WTF does racing have to do with anything? The "world championship"
> that may or may have not been your proof was on a custom bike that was
> built to last only one "season". You need to quit reading ragazines
> and start riding bicycles.
>
> > No company makes as good an AL frame at the price.
>
>
> Bull****. You are a true crackandfail zombie, aren't you?
>
> > Yes lefty fork sux but thtas one thing.
>
>
> One of many.
>
> > I own two and would not hesitate to buy another.
>
>
> Hence, the root of your obviously insane blind brand loyalty. The 'ol
> "I bought crackandfails, so they must be the best" syndrome. What a
> compete and total buffoon!
>
> > The OP could get a leftovewr C'dale for
> > <$500. Normally that bike would cost more. A $500 trek or other
> > chinese make is just that.
>
>
> Did you ever stop and think for one minute that there are bicycles
> manufactured in Asia that may be a ****pot better than a lousy
> crackandfail? Yolur flag waving is not only boring, it's uninformed
> and ridiculous.
>
> JD

01-03-2007, 04:55 PM

JD wrote:
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:
> > Name a Cannondale that isnt top line.
>
>
> All of them.
>
> > They are made in America and world championship proven.
>
>
> WTF does racing have to do with anything? The "world championship"
> that may or may have not been your proof was on a custom bike that was
> built to last only one "season". You need to quit reading ragazines
> and start riding bicycles.
>
> > No company makes as good an AL frame at the price.
>
>
> Bull****. You are a true crackandfail zombie, aren't you?
>

Jesus JD you're such a ****ing child. 'Crackandfail' is a legacy from
the '90s when Cannondale were pushing the envelope of aluminium frame
design. Now ( and for the last 10 years) they build some of the best
bikes on the market.

Yes, I own one, I also own a Specialized, Turner and GT and I've owned
bikes from Pace, Orange, blah, blah, blah.... and I've never had a
problem with my Cannondale or heard of any problems with them. I'd
recommend a Cannondale to anyone (as long as their stock price doesn't
get any lower and the company goes bankrupt).

Laters,

Marz

01-03-2007, 07:02 PM

On Wed, 03 Jan 2007 14:26:42 -0800, <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:

> You will enjoy the F300. Good fork , great frame. Remember, even if
> you upgrade some bits in the future you will still have a cannondale
> frame to add on to. Others who pay more will just have a made in china
> bike.
>

And you have fun on yer little F400 Féminine.
__
Slack

01-04-2007, 05:07 AM

> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote: There are two types of cyclists- Those who ride Cannondale and those who wish they did.

You're kidding, right? I actually might buy a C'dale for the right
price in the right circumstance, but it's far from the top of my
list. To suggest I wish I rode one is idiotic, if I wanted one I would
have bought one. Tell me, what does a C'dale offer over my Ventana
that results in my "wishing I rode a Cannondale"? Even if you do
make a conscious effort to buy American when possible, there are many
quality bikes made here in the USA as well as overseas.

Regarding brand loyalty, it's best to evaluate each item and not
blindly follow a name. That said, I'm not aware of lousy Ventana or
Seven. However, I have certainly ridden a couple POS C'dales.

I find myself wishing I rode more. I find myself wishing I could ride
better. I've wished I could ride faster, drier, and with less flat
tires. I have never, ever wished I was riding a C'dale.

01-04-2007, 06:39 AM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:
> NO Taiwan made crap equals a quality American bike. My bikes are
> Lemond Buenos Aires (made in USA) rides far better than any aluminum
> chinee garbage. I have a '98 Cannondale F400 that is great for a MTB
> and a C'dale XR800 'cross. There are two types of cyclists- Those who
> ride Cannondale and those who wish they did. I challenge you to find a
> made in taiwan bike better than an American built one. I havent been
> able to and back it up with my bike $$$. Once the OP rides his new
> C'dale he will understand.

Where did I write anything about Taiwan? I stated ASIA, you blind
twit!

Your flag waving is completely retarded and if it's any indication of
how you ride your bicycle on the trail, don't ever get in my way
because I'll run you over on your stars and stripes bike.

Anyone who wishes they rode a Cannondale would be more retarded than
those who buy into that flag-waving bull****.

BTW, your "lemond" is a le-trek, moron. Buying a name that is a
disguised POS trek is even worse than owning a crackandfail. You're
just full of crap and a lack of common sense, aren't you?

JD

> JD wrote:
> > [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:
> > > Name a Cannondale that isnt top line.
> >
> >
> > All of them.
> >
> > > They are made in America and world championship proven.
> >
> >
> > WTF does racing have to do with anything? The "world championship"
> > that may or may have not been your proof was on a custom bike that was
> > built to last only one "season". You need to quit reading ragazines
> > and start riding bicycles.
> >
> > > No company makes as good an AL frame at the price.
> >
> >
> > Bull****. You are a true crackandfail zombie, aren't you?
> >
> > > Yes lefty fork sux but thtas one thing.
> >
> >
> > One of many.
> >
> > > I own two and would not hesitate to buy another.
> >
> >
> > Hence, the root of your obviously insane blind brand loyalty. The 'ol
> > "I bought crackandfails, so they must be the best" syndrome. What a
> > compete and total buffoon!
> >
> > > The OP could get a leftovewr C'dale for
> > > <$500. Normally that bike would cost more. A $500 trek or other
> > > chinese make is just that.
> >
> >
> > Did you ever stop and think for one minute that there are bicycles
> > manufactured in Asia that may be a ****pot better than a lousy
> > crackandfail? Yolur flag waving is not only boring, it's uninformed
> > and ridiculous.
> >
> > JD

01-04-2007, 06:45 AM

Marz wrote:
> JD wrote:
> > [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] wrote:
> > > Name a Cannondale that isnt top line.
> >
> >
> > All of them.
> >
> > > They are made in America and world championship proven.
> >
> >
> > WTF does racing have to do with anything? The "world championship"
> > that may or may have not been your proof was on a custom bike that was
> > built to last only one "season". You need to quit reading ragazines
> > and start riding bicycles.
> >
> > > No company makes as good an AL frame at the price.
> >
> >
> > Bull****. You are a true crackandfail zombie, aren't you?
> >
>
>
> Jesus JD you're such a ****ing child. 'Crackandfail' is a legacy from
> the '90s when Cannondale were pushing the envelope of aluminium frame
> design. Now ( and for the last 10 years) they build some of the best
> bikes on the market.

What a crock of ****. I wouldn't even wish a crackandfail on that
slimy POS boob rotgut. They still suck and so do you for even
mentioning them. Go put some body armor on and drive to the store now.

JD