how good is cannondale bicycle?
458145
I've owned four; two MTBs, one hybrid and one road bike. My wife has a C'dale MTB and a C'dale Vintage Nexus city bike. All were/are great to ride, reliable, beautifully finished (look at the welds) and good looking too.\n\nRecommended.
1102233
Looks like a pretty standard all-purpose mountain bike.  12 miles is about half what most people do in a car, so you want to be happy, comfy, and efficient.\n\nI'd go with a hybrid instead.  700c wheels make a huge difference, especially with semi-slicks.  You'll expend much less effort, and "your colleagues will appreciate you more" if you sweat less!\n\nThe 7000 series is comparably priced and has true hybrid geometry.  And for all intents and purposes, they are just as strong as mountain bikes in this range.
517534
I dont know a whole lot about dirt bikes, but there was an article on consumerreports.com that said the following. Hope it helps!\n\nBikes\nWhether you plan to hit the road or the trail, you'll get more bike for your buck than ever before.\n\nIf you're planning to buy a bike, chances are your new ride will have an aluminum frame, even if the bike costs less than $500. It might even have disc brakes or 27 gears. These features, once found only on more expensive bikes, bring the benefits of lighter weight, better braking in sloppy conditions, and more efficient pedaling to cyclists with a modest budget.\n\nHigher-priced bikes are getting better, too. The best of the $1,000-and-up models in our most recent tests had the shock absorption and handling previously found only on bikes costing two or three times as much.\n\nWhichever bike you choose, there's good reason to buy it from one of the nation's 5,300 bike shops, rather than from a department store or toy store. And you don't have to spend a fortune. We found fine choices for pavement rides that cost less than $300 and very good bikes for off-road cycling for $440. The bikes for serious trail riding cost $1,000 or more.\n\n\nWHAT'S AVAILABLE\n\nBrands include Bianchi, Cannondale, Diamondback, Fuji, Gary Fisher, Giant, GT, Iron Horse, Jamis, Klein, Landrider, LeMond, Mongoose, Raleigh, Schwinn, Specialized, and Trek.\n\nFull-suspension mountain bikes. These bikes are best for rough terrain with steep slopes. You'll get a shock-absorbing suspension fork and rear-suspension frame, which provide the best control and comfort on the roughest terrain. Most have 27 speeds and 26-inch wheels. All have wide, knobby tires; narrow or moderate-width saddle; and flat or riser handlebars.\n\nPrince range: $1,000 to more than $4,000.\n\nFront-suspension mountain bikes. These bikes are best for less-rugged off-road trails. You'll get a shock-absorbing suspension fork and rigid frame, fine for tamer trails. These bikes need less maintenance and are more efficient on smooth terrain than full suspension mountain bikes. Most have 24 or 27 speeds; 26-inch wheels; wide, knobby tires; narrow or moderately wide saddle; and flat or riser handlebars.\n\nPrice range: $400 to more than $2,000.\n\nHybrid bikes. These bikes are best for moderate-speed riding on pavement and smooth dirt paths. A cross between comfort and road bikes, most hybrids have a shock-absorbing suspension fork and seatpost; 24 speeds; 700C wheels (a designation from the French system, indicating size and width; it's about 27-inch); midwidth, fairly smooth tires; moderately wide saddle; and riser handlebars.\n\nPrice range: $400 to more than $500.\n\nComfort bikes. These bikes are best for casual cycling on pavement and smooth dirt paths. Most comfort bikes have a shock-absorbing suspension fork and seatpost; 21 speeds; 26-inch wheels; wide, relatively smooth tires; wide saddle; and riser handlebars. Generally have most upright riding position, which casual riders often find most comfortable.\n\nPrice range: $250 to more than $400.\n\nRoad bikes. These bikes are best for fast and/or long distance rides on pavement. Most have a lightweight frame with no suspension; 18 to 30 speeds; 700C wheels (about 27-inch); narrow, smooth tires; narrow saddle; and drop handlebars. The bent-over riding position reduces wind resistance at higher speeds, while the narrower seat facilitates pedaling.\n\nPrice range: $500 to more than $3,000.\n\n\nIMPORTANT FEATURES\n\nBrakes. Long-arm cantilever brakes (V-brakes or linear-pull brakes) are fine for most uses. For rough, sloppy terrain, go with disc brakes, which will spare your wheel rims from the abrasion of muddy braking. Some bikes are sold with your choice of brakes. Discs add $100 or more. You can retrofit some bikes with discs; ask at the bike shop.\n\nHandlebars. High-rise handlebars let you sit fairly upright. With low-rise and flat handlebars, you lean forward.
332350
I use cannondale which has lasted me a long time.  They do not stink because they have built in carbon in the shorts to absorb smell.
232523
Gary Fisher mountain bikes or Trek mountain bikes would I say. Just have a look at some options from these two brands.
827574
Trek bikes  are the truth........frame design and specs are just better than giant ...buy the trek you wont be dissapointed
1151545
Ok, so "ardi_95" says he's got experience with bikes... although I'm at odds with his ego, I am in his corner here.\n\nPersonanlly I *like* the older bikes and enjoy fixing them up. I wouldn't worry about adding more gears just because that's the trend. If you plan to be a racer, *then* I would worry about more gears and in which case, just buy a new bike. But if you're not a racer, don't worry about what's the latest fad. The important thing is do *you* really like the Nishiki? That is the most important piece -- if the frame fits you, you're comfortable on it and it does what you want, keep it.\n\nIf you decide to sell it, call me first!\n\nAnd since you've asked for qualifications, I will just give a run down of my bike shed...Road Bikes: Trek 400 (mid 80's) Miyata 110 (late 80's), Trek 2300 (late 90's carbon fiber), Bianchi Campione D'Italia (late '80's), Takara (late '70's). Mountain Bikes: Giant ...crap, don't remember (2004), GT LTS Team Issue (2000): Recumbents: BikeE CT (2004), Linear LWB folder (mid 90's). Various BMX, cruiser and other bikes. Anything else feel free to contact me off the list.
34655
That is a really good question. From my experience in New England with the many big hills that we have, a tripple is never out of the question. Just the same, when you go with a double, you have fewer gears (and perhaps,fewer problems) to think about. Maybe, you could try out some bikes with each kind to find out which might be better. They do not need to be anything close to the Madone's quality. In other words, any basic road bike might provide that answer for you. Good luck and have an awesome riding season.
1118244
Dont have any real data, other that ride em and see what suits.\n\nBut specialised have always done MTB's, a vast range, and do great entry-level bikes, ive tried em and theyre good.\n\nClaud Butler used to be traditional touring/road bikes so dont have the same heritage, would guess there's nothing really wrong with them and if you like it go for it. But I would opt for the specialised  - and if anyone from specialised is reading can i have a free/discount one now please :-) \n\nRobert\n\nEnjoy whatever you choose.
1001122
It all depends on how much you are willing to spend.  All bicycle manufacturers have a good downhill version.  Willing to spend more, you can go to a Downhill Specific bicycle manufacturer.\n\nJust make sure it has good suspension and that the travel works for you. \n\nBest all depends on whatt part of the country you are in or it can even vary by city.\n\nI travel and rent bicycles.  Some towns are all about Trek and other Giant and others Specialized.  etc etc.\n\nGive more specifics and more help can be given.  \n\nHow much do you weight?\nBeginner, sport, or expert?\ntype of terrain in your area?\nand many many more???
917441
I own a Haro X1 backtrail and a F-2....that f-4 is nice...highest of the line in the f- series...good bike, haro makes good bikes, but don't try flatland with them or you will snap the axle or yourself. they have been around for a few years, they arent just really old, but as long as its in good condition, great..if you want any upgrades go to flatlandfuel.com...great site for bmx bike upgrades....that where i got my parts to build my $1,500 khe equilibrium bike.
1178650
Santa Cruz is far superior.  The rear suspension design appears more efficient (lighter!) and I am certain the build quality cannot be matched by the new Trek (Fish-Trek-Bontrager-Klein.)\n\nTrek used to make fine bicycles in the 80's and early 90's, all made here in the US and most made by hand.  In the late 90's, they started making them overseas and by machine.  Go to a store that sells both and check out the difference in the welds.  \n\nIf it's a component thing, you can always upgrade later.  Hang on to the Santa Cruz.
321354
Probably a Brompton at your price limit, but if you can stretch to it, try a Birdy. The Brompton (UK) is a great all-round commuter bike, fully developed, packs up small (and quickly) and its a good ride over short distances. For more riding fun (and performance at speed) the Birdy range (German) is better.
619580
I agree about Serotta, but look also at Steelman.\n\nMany years ago I had a wonderful Bob Jackson (sadly stolen) and later a Gillott (now part of Raleigh). Both were great road bikes. Bob Jackson is still going - the frame is made exactly to your specifications - truly handbuilt. \n\nI don't know anything about Brian Baylis - but I am intrigued by what I read of his handbuilt machines.\n\nSee links below.
486262
Daniel H has set out the case brilliantly for the true revival in bikes for people (instead of the recent trend in making us humans conform to the high techery in the bikes).\n\nBut bikes are back because of the rising oil prices, combined at last, with the realisation that we can't keep putting all that carbon monoxide into the air just to go to the paper shop. \n\nBikes are back because people are learning they offer the all-round best exercise workout, they're fun, they're companionable and they let you see bits of the World you miss by car (and even on foot).\n\nBikes are back because the quality and sheer variety of modern bikes is extraordinary. They need hardly any maintenance, they don't rust anymore, they're not messy and they're easy to live with.\n\nLike Daniel I am really pleased to see the re-emergence of gear hubs - the new geration models are fantastic (my wife has a city bike fitted with a Shimano Nexus - its excellent).\n\nBUT - you asked is the sport of cycling dying. In short No. Sadly though, the old days of club racing seem to be over at the Sunday amateur level. Its all about big events and corporate sponsorship. Nevertheless, we're seeing new velodromes being built (that means big investment) and massive sponsorship in the big road racing teams. In Europe cycling is a passion second only to football (quite right too, I may be cycling mad, but football is close to God). \n\nCycle sport is not dying ... its changing.
100285
The best bike is the one that fits you and fits your style of riding.  Specialized has made lots of improvements to their frames.  Giant gives you good value for your money.  Trek has their approach. Bianchi has put some good stuff together.  They all offer great products and the marketplace is so competitive that they all have to keep around the same price point.  They all are using primarily the same component groups.  Given this, in my mind it comes down to fit.  What works best for you?
667677
You should get the Mirra Pro...its about $250-$400 but its well worth it...very durable....good frame...360 degree handlebars, shiny spokes :), and best of all it has the name of the greatest BMX rider of all time DAVE MIRRA!