Cannondale Caffiene 29″er On Test
November 9th, 2006 by Guitar Ted
Thanks to the kind folks at CannondaleTwenty Nine Inches is proud to announce that we have a Caffeine F-29 hardtail to test ride for an extended period of time. This is Cannondale’s first foray into the burgeoning field of 29″ers and it’s pretty impresive. Outfitted with the Lefty Speed Bonded DLR fork and Sram X-7 components, this is one bike that stands out from the crowd of single speed, steel framed, and rigid forked 29″ers that have seemed to become very common in the 29″er world.
Twenty Nine Inches will be test riding this bike for a period of two months or so in which time we hope to be able to discern the quirks and handling traits of this aluminum big wheeler. Look for a detailed list of stats and a first ride impression soon!
For now I will say that for as many times that I have seen a Lefty, they still invoke a sense of, “just how does that thing work again awe. The Raw finish, a brushed finish over the unpainted aluminum tubes, which is then clearcoated, is industrial looking and the white decals set it off nicely. I will say that the “F-29″ script is a bit large, perhaps. The bike overall looks like a typical Cannondale hardtail that’s been super-sized. How will it perform? Does it have a “super-sized” personality? We aim to find out. Stay tuned!
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Nice reflectors
Its all about safety first with the reflectors, i personally have one of those old skool reflective tioga disc rear wheels (circa ‘91 i think) for safety, it also has a deer shining light for seeing at night, and to top it off it has spokey dokes and a licence plate. Remember kids safety first
Well, what can I say? I was in a hurry to get it built and actually ride it. Things like reflector removal can wait in such instances. Wouldn’t you agree?
i agree whole heartedly, i was a big cannondale fan before the 29er entered my life, ill be kinda itchin ride one also, look forward to a report on it
Just judging from the pic, they must have gone for the full 29″ experience? BB looks to be with the lower ones in the sport. ~70mm BB drop? You can sometimes tell from the angle in the chainstays. PIcs can deceive of course.
Looking forward to your review!
Look for a detailed measuring of this bike to come. I know the top tube measurement is different than published, so I want to verify the numbers on this frame.
are you going to publish the f29 review?
Kevin: http://twentynineinches.com/2006/12/05/cannondale-caffeine-f-29-update
If you have read that link then the final paragraph is still pretty much how I feel about this bike. It’s still in the stable here at The Lab and now that the weather is getting nicer it’ll see more trail duty once again.
The ‘08 models have increased rear tire clearance, and an upspec’ed model besides this current one. If you are into SS’ing, a 1 Fg model is also due out.
If Cannondale also can get the geometry dialed a bit better, (read actual numbers match published ones) then my review would be a glowing rave on this bike. I look forward to seeing a much improved ‘08 F-29 which I would strongly consider as being one of the best hardtails made from a major manufacturer if all the issues from ‘07 are addressed.