Mister Willie

I've been thinking of blowing my stimulus check on a Cannondale. I'm sure I couldn't afford the new ones but possibly a used one. It was my understanding that Cannondales are US Made which is a big part of why I want one, as well as I could use a lighter bike.

Anyone have any word on cannondales, which models to look for or look out for? I liked the cannondales with the single shock in the neck, anyone know what those are called?

Anyone have any other US made brands they'd recommend?

Whatever I get, I would like a Hardtail. I don't like full suspension.

4x4mike

Cannondales are made in Pennsylvania and that's one of the reasons they are so expensive. US labor is expensive but the bike, IMO, is no better than an import of the same price. I have owned 5 Cannondales and still ride 2. People love to say they crack and are junk but I've seen all different kinds of bike break for different reasons. The shock you are talking about is a Headshok. It has roller bearings instead of bushing and only one telescoping piece instead of 2, that and the rigid legs make it really stiff. Coming from a bike mechanic they are a pain to maintain and when they service or replacement it is expensive. If you look most C'dale bikes under $1K have a non Headshok. This is because they are expensive. The lefty is nice and I would take one of those over a Headshok any day. They are still a pain to maintain and work on though.

I would go to shops and ride the bikes. Forget about the color and brand. Honestly I don't care about the brand of bike as long as it doesn't fall apart, FITS, and is within my price range. You will get more of a bike looking at hardtails. You aren't spending money on a second shock, linkages, etc. The other thing is that if you're not spending a lot all that stuff will b lower quality and not only be heavier but not last as long.

AppleJack

I can appreciate your sentiments about buying American, that's good. But the components on the bike, where are they made? Probably not here, and that's what makes up most of a bikes cost. I paid $3200 for my Trek Fuel 8, and it's made in Thailand! So it's really the components that are so costly. Just find a bike that you really like and buy it, be it Canondale or otherwise.

Mister Willie

I understand your argument but I still want to buy something with american made parts. Seeing "Made in China" pisses me off.

I'll start looking at the Cannondales. Are there any more American bike manufacturers?

Simon

Santa Cruz Bicycles, some are made in the US, but I can't remember which models. Moots cycles are made in Steamboat Springs CO, but they are pretty expensive. There are a couple others if you do a little searching. I had a cannondale about 10 years ago, nice bike, it starting to crack at the welds after a couple years though, which cannondales were known to do. I think they fixed it though.

Paul H.

If you are buying a used one, then what does it matter where they are made? your money is going to the owner not the company. I woud recommend Specialized Rockhoppers or Stumpjumpers.

Asha'man

I have a Gary Fisher XCaliber and I love it. It's a 29er, so it's got bigger wheels than most mountain bikes, and I think it's much the better bike for it. Basically you should be looking for the highest quality fork and component group you can find for the money. Frame should fit you, of course, and be well-built, but you want to do as little upgrading as possible if you're on a budget, and starting with a good fork and components is the best way to do that. www.mtbr.com is a good resource to check out, both their reviews section and the forum.

tc

I'm assuming you're single and getting $600?

Personally, I'm not a fan of aluminum frames for MTB, whether Cannondale, Klein, or whatever. The big tubing rides too stiff for me. Well, that, and Klein is a prick. As a metallurgist, I have questions about the longevity of aluminum frames too. The facts are that more aluminum frames fail than other materials.

There are MANY American MTB manufacturers out there, but I don't know if you will find one in your price range:
Independent Fabrications (I have a Deluxe)
http://www.ifbikes.com/frames2/

Salsa
http://www.salsacycles.com/

Yeti
http://www.yeticycles.com/#

Moots
http://www.moots.com/#

Dean
http://www.deanbikes.com/

Litespeed/Merlin (my road bike is an Ultimate)
http://www.litespeed.com/2008/home.aspx

Titus
http://www.titusti.com/08/

High end Trek frames are made in the USA
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/

There's A LOT more

Asha'man

Aluminum is definitely stiff, and rides harsher than, say, steel. Stiffness can also translate into flickability, though, and some riders prefer that over the comparative cushiness of steel. I think carbon fiber is pretty forgiving, but it's also relatively fragile when damaged the wrong way (hard lateral hits) and can shatter at rather inopportune times. Aluminum does have a shorter useful life than other metals, though, definitely. I've always ridden aluminum hardtails so that harshness is just part of a ride for me.

Mister Willie

My current bike has an aluminum frame and I've beat it up for at least 6 years now on all the trails here in SAF.

Thanks for the input on the Cannondales. I priced them out today at one shop. I may just stick it out for the season with my current bike. I do like it a lot. When the bike shops start getting slow I'll go in and low ball em for a decent bike.

xcmountain80

I sold cannondales for some time. The Headshock as it was called could be good and bad. The higher end models had more tricks and just as many problems. They used 4 rows of needle bearing that don't always stay where they are supposed to and if they move well then it doesn't work. I like the simplicity of the design and the rigidity was a plus because there were 2 moving legs. They called for service every 50-70 hours of use so in my case once every 2 months. For a cost effective long term solution I would not go the way of the headshock. The Cannon frames were nice and strong, there are quite a few other bikes on the market American made and what not. 1st whats your budget, 2ndwhats your riding style, 3rd what do you want to do with this bike. This is what they should ask you at a bike shop.


Aaron

xcmountain80

I knew with that attitude you were and IF guy! Not quite cocky enough to be a moots guy but an IF for sure. I love their frames, simple and sleek and not mention STEEL!.
Lets not forget SantaCruz and Ellsworth while some frames are still made here well at least they were.

Aaron

tc

Actually, I would love to have a Moots, but kinda spendy. The IF really just kinda fell in my lap (as did the Litespeed for that matter)...

xcmountain80

Yeah the artistry involved in the moots frames are truly amazing. I had an Ellsworth Sub 22 which I backed into a small tree while on my bike rack. So I'm left with old faithful a 2000 Santa Cruz Superlight with more miles than I care to think about yet she hasn't cracked yet though I keep promising myself to replace it with a Ellsworth Truth or Blur XC, LT. and build another light fast hardtail, rock lobster, IF.....



Aaron

run4her

I sold my fully built santa cruz Bullit for some stupid reason. Well instead of paying that much to build another full suspension i just got a GT Chucker 2.0. I love it so far.

Djlarroc

I bought a Pro-flex at the pawn shop for $60.

Mulkey

I still have a 95 (frame) Cannondale KillerV that's an absolute beast. Nothing else original on it but the frame is built like a tank. Have no idea how many miles are on that bike but's it's a ton. Flew off the runner going 80 mph down I-70. Bent one of the pedals and the right handlebar. Obviously most of the components are Shimano and built overseas but those yankees build one hell of a frame. A ton of bikes out there- gotta ride and find the right one for you.