Cannondale Caffeine F-29: Update
December 5th, 2006 by Guitar TedThe Cannondale F-29 has been getting broken in and flogged on some local single track. I have also got some specs to share and some real world observations on them. First, the specifications.
We have a size Large for testing.
seat tube length 18.7″
Top tube horizontal measurement 24.5″
Seat tube angle 73 degrees
Head tube angle 70 degrees
Bottom Bracket drop 60mm
Chain stay length 17.9″
Fork Rake 45mm
Stand over 32.4″
Bottom Bracket height 12.2″
Wheelbase 43.8″
The component highlights are the Lefty Speed Bonded DLR fork with 80mm of travel. The wheels are made up of a Cannondale Lefty front hub and a Shimano M475 rear hub laced up with DT Swiss Champion spokes to a set of WTB Dual Duty FR 32 hole rims. These are shod with WTB Exi Wolf wire bead tires. The drive train consists of SRAM X-7 rear derailluer and trigger shifters along with a Shimano LX front changer. FSA supplies it’s Alpha Drive crankset that is turned by Wellgo clipless pedals. This all spins on a TruVativ GigaPipe bottom bracket. FSA also supplies the 31.8mm riser bar connected to the Cannondale specific stem that integrates with it’s HeadShoks and Lefty forks. Cannondale brands are also seen on the brake levers, seat post, saddle, and grips. The stoppers are Avid BB-5 mechanical disc brakes.
Note: The saddle and seat post were severely limiting my ability to test the bike. The saddle being a poor fit to my body and the seat post having zero offset didn’t allow for a proper saddle setback. I swapped these out for testing purposes to a FSA set back seat post and my trusty WTB SST titanium railed saddle, circa 1996. Finally, the WTB Exi Wolf wire bead tires were universally panned by several riders that tried the bike initially, so I swapped over to a set of Bontrager XR’s, which rolled much better.
Now, on to the specifications and what I found on our test sample. First of all, it was obvious that the top tube was short on this bike for a size large. Part of that was the supplied zero set back seat post, but even after swapping out to a generously set back FSA post, it still was apparent that the top tube measurement wasn’t as long as the specs said it was. I contacted Cannondale, who told me how they measured the top tube. I employed their method and still can not match their published spec number. I came up with an even 24″ length measured horizontally from the centerline of the head tube at the top of the head tube to the seat post centerline. I also found some other slight discrepencies. The published seat tube angle is 73.0 degrees, while my bike measured out to be right at 74 degrees. The chainstay length is published at 17.9″, but you can read that as 18″ even. Also, the wheelbase on my bike was right at 44 inches versus the published 43.8 inches. To be fair, none of this affected the ride in a negative way for me, but you might want to be aware of these things and take along a tape measure when you visit a dealer.
Now, on to the ride. The bike was a bit of a conundrum for me at first. The combination of the long wheelbase and slightly slacker, stretched out front end geometry made cornering a chore for awhile. I had just come off a couple of razor sharp steering, XC steeds and the Cannondale took awhile to get used to. I finally became accustomed to the technique that was required to pilot the F-29 around on our tight single track: Lean and lay off the brakes! The bike tracked well, but in really tight switchbacks and uphill corners, the long wheelbase made the bike more of a chore to turn. Quick reposistionings or line changes are also not this bikes forte’, but thanks to the super plush Lefty fork, I could just mow over most trail obstacles anyway. The fork felt plush and bottomless, once broken in, and was laterally stiff. When the plushness wasn’t desired, it was a snap to lock out the Lefty, although the lockout lever could be a little less stiff, in my opinion.
A nice surprise was climbing where the F-29 did really well. I could stand and mash or sit and spin without any thought as to losing traction or upsetting the bike. In fact, long out of the saddle grinds were actually kind of fun on this bike. The flip side of the hills were also a real treat aboard the Cannondale big wheeler. Stable as the day is long, I could let it fly just as far as my nerves or tires would let me.
One concern I had was the occasional pedal strike, which I chalked up to the long wheelbase. The bottom bracket height is exactly the same on my Inbred, and I never have experienced pedal strikes with that bike and it has 180mm cranks. The extra space between the wheels on the F-29 must be allowing things to get at the cranks and pedals. Once I figured out that this was a concern, I was able to adjust for it, but folks in rockier terrain should take note.
My take on this bike is that it’s a really fun trail bike that is super stable and able to take on some pretty rough terrain with the supplied Lefty and still be comfortable. It’s not really a great tight single track machine, but it excells at long, grueling trail rides that consist of a variety of commonly found trail types with the possible exception of really gnarly, rocky, rooty trails where the extra long wheelbase may incur some pedal strikes. I see this bike being used as a great endurance race platform because it’s strong suits match up nearly perfectly with that sort of discipline.
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Hey GT thanks for the write up. Quick question… what’s your take on this bike being set up as a race bike? I understand it’s not great in tight twisty stuff but most race corses aren’t like that anymore..LOL.
Also, any idea on the weight of the bike stock? Thanks
The discrepencies in the STA (1º steeper than spec’d) actually provides the half inch you are missing in the virtual top tube. So even if both are different than spec, you should not be able to tell in terms of fit. Yes, you need more offset than on a 73º STA bike, by pretty much that 12-13mm missing in the top tube, to the mm.
Toddre: This would make a pretty good XC race rig if you bought it, e-bayed the parts and weight-weenied the thing out. I’m betting a sub 24lb weight wouldn’t be out of the question. By the way, the rear wheel alone with the stock Exi was right at 7lbs!! The total stock weight was right at 29lbs.
Cloxxki: Yes, that’s right. However, it puts you out over the BB more and some folks aren’t going to like that.
Hey GT I assume you mean wheels, tires, cranks, cockpit stuff? Thanks
Toddre: Yes, exactly. The fork could be swapped out for the lighter carbon SpeedBonded Lefty, as the travel is easily limited. That’s really the only major piece that would remain after doing the other things. Also, keep in mind that Cannondale now has those integrated stem/ steerer pieces that would be the trick for this bike, if you were going the weight weenie direction. Wheels could be had from Industry Nine. They do a Lefty specific front hub. Lots of weight to be lost there! I could go on, but you have the idea.
29 lbs?!?!?!?! My completly stock Fisher Paragon only weighs 26!!! Lightweight has ALWAYS been the mainstay of the Cannondale business model (who really need durable and reliable, anyway!). In my humble opinion, being the veteran shop guy that I am, the best thing you can buy for a brand new cannondale is a shrinker kit and a regular fork. And then frame later on… but that’s beside the point!
Fink,
With all due respect C-dale has really redirected there mainstay from Lightweight to now durable and reliable. The reason they can not release a lighter version of there 29er is becuase so far NO ONE has a wheelset on the market that’s lightweight and passes there testing! As of now from what I gather atleast. C-dale was nicknamed Crak-n-fail, all be it ten to twelve years ago, but with there System integration and fatigue testing and such I feel they really came out and decidied to not only jump into the 29er field but down the road improve them. It’s understandable the paragon is lighter, it’s been on the market for years, I for one so far like the ride of my C-dale more than my old Fisher…..
To all: It might also be helpful to know that this bike, in fact, wasn’t even supposed to be available until the ‘08 model line was released. Cannondale responded to the dealer requests for this bike by ramping up the release date for ‘07. In the process, some concessions on spec had to be made due to current availability of parts. I think that if this model is sucessful for Cannondale, (and all indications are that it is) you will see a marked improvement in the weight/spec of the ‘08 model.
Sales Reps are collecting output from us.
My $.02: slacker seat tube angle, setback seatpost, Rush top tube, longer lower stem, higher BB and EBB. Is that too much? Oh yeah, lighter rear wheel!!
I think this is a great first 29r for them as it came out pretty darn quick and at a decent price I think. Next rev will be interesting.
i beg… no ebb
No like skweeeky skweeekee?
G.T. posted something earlier. The 29er has enough do all bikes. We need two things for the 29er to “take the next step” and evolve. Lighter wheels/tires and lighter geared only frames.
Toddre: And don’t forget squishy forks! We need more and better choices in squishy forks, please!
I guess it’s the “chicken or egg” sysndrome. I see more forks coming out in the future (Manitou to be percise) other than Fox, i can’t think of anyone else not producing at least one. With those offering (R.Shox,WB, Pace, and Manitou) there are great choices for the “trail/do all” bike) Unfortuantly it seems majority of the 29er population isn’t clamoring for a light weight hardtail, short travel xc. so why should companies produce different forks?
They’re all happy with EBB’s, sliding drop outs and what ever.
I applaud Cannondale for trying to put out a “race type” bike.
Toddre: Thanks for you comments, and I agree. Cannondale made some compromises to get this platform out to the public this model year, (’07) instead of ‘08, and that shouldn’t be overlooked. I think, as I stated before, that Cannondale will make improvements on this bike for ‘08 if the sales numbers keep up the way that they have on this bike. That’s a good sign that we might just see an even better, lighter bike next year.
Say what you will about Cracknfails. I’ve seen too many new generation frames broken and screwed up to EVER want to ride one. And don’t even get me started about getting those damn things to shift properly!!!! That’s a six-pack job in and of itself!!!
Dear Fink: No offense, but comments like that don’t add anything to the discussion at hand. If you are having shifting problems, that has nothing to do with the frame. Your comment shows a lack of understanding with respect to mountain bikes, and detracts from your credibility.
I’ve had a the C’dale 29er for about one month and here are my thoughts: I’ve never used a Lefty before, and coming from a SID race, this fork is incredibly, torsionally stiff. The fork is very plush and responsive. Though the lockout lever is a bit slow, it is a nice feature.
I rode the bike stock one time and immediately flipped the stem and put a flat bar on it. I changed the SRAM shifters to my old 952 series XTR, simply because I am very comfortable with this trigger style. The seat is too far forward on this frame which can be helped considerably by using any setback seatpost. Once those adjustments were made, the bike felt very cross country worthy, though cumbersome to get up to speed. I attribute the acceleration issue to the wheels.
I recommend, as I’ve viewed on this post previously, that a new wheelset would change the attitude of this bike to more of an XC race machine. Though a carbon lefty would be ideal, the stock fork is an acceptable weight, considering other 29er offerings out there.
That all said, I believe changing the wheels and tires are the best improvements per dollar you will get out of this bike. Flip the stem, go to a narrower bar, and you will unleash more of this frame’s potential.
Considering all of the necessary upgrades, I am happy with my purchase.
Happy riding,
MWW
Agreed MWW.
I have a Titec El Norte Bent 7075 Seatpost ordered for my F29. It keeps getting pushed back though..November….now February.
We got a Monocog 29er in today. Fits just right. Now if Cannondale would implement even some of the ideas presented here…..
Dropped a pound by changing the tires.
Just a quick note. If the frame isn’t properly aligned/designed (which happens more often than most would like) the shifting most likely not work properly. If the “Q” factor is off, nothing in the drivetrain works that well.
Just to defend myself here, I have an extensive understanding of mountain bikes. Greater than any website could give me. I’ve been mountain biking for about 14 years and have worked in the industry for a good number of those. In other words, I know my stuff.
I can’t help but wonder if the people who like C-dales the most are the ones that get them for free/cheap by being sponsored?
Fink: You could look at it that way, however, most people would agree that those who have their hard earned money invested into a product are going to be quicker to defend that purchase, even to the point of rediclousness.
That said, I am grateful for the opportunity to review the F-29. I am not “getting the bike for free” nor am I sponsored. I have no ties to Cannondale other than the fact that I work at a shop that sells them as a shop mechanic.
I have detailed the problems with the F-29 for all the world to see. They are not so bad that you can not fix them with a few wise upgrades. Sure, it’s better to not have to do that, but be that as it may, the basic package is sound, with the possible two exceptions of a long wheelbase and tight rear tire clearance.
You have voiced your considerable disdain for Cannondales here and I think it’s fair to say that your future comments are going to be in a similar color concerning the Cannondale brand and the F-29 in particular. We get it.
Save it for another forum, please!
Normally when someone is trying to be mean or uppitiy or just negative for the sake of trying to be too hip for words I’ll ignore them and walk away….this time……hmm Singlespeed, Cross, old Softail…hmmm……headlight and F29 to the trails……
Hey, Look!!! It’s a beautiful day outside!!!!
aw bummer dude.
I wasn’t trying to be too hip, just trying to open people’s eyes to some of the lesser known problems out there (i.e. crappy frame alignment, etc.).
For the record GT, I wan’t referring to you.
F@#@ it just ride whatever the hell you want. Don’t count on me for anymore industry insight.
Peace, I’m out
Sorry, guess I was being a little cheeky.
Frame alignment is a problem for all manufacturers. ‘Q’ Factor is design more than build quality. Cannondale in particular over the years has seemingly used their customer base as beta testers. They also have responded to our and their findings and have adjusted both design and build methods. That they came out with a 29er at all is pretty cool.
I’m new here….hell I’m new everywhere……so don’t run off. Maybe I’m reading too much into GT not being referred too but it musta’ been my smelly feet. I apologize.
I still like myF29….wanna see my receipt?
GT, I actually found my F29 to go over rooty stuff very nicely. The wheels completely sucked it up. I was especially impressed when i hit a rock and did not endo. I was sure that I would take a hard fall but the bike kept zipping.
Fink: I actually have no problems with the shifting. Its also not very nice to say that the only people who ride cannondales are people who are sponsored and have money to burn. I am 14 years old and I saved up for months for this bike when I heard it was coming out. I worked my butt off dog walking every single day, putting school work aside. This dog would bite me, but I would never complain, so please don’t stereotype cannondale riders. I buy cannondale because I know that they will be good bikes, even if one is a little extra money
F29 Riders: Has anyone had trouble with the BB5’s? My back brake has been squealing, grabbing, and clunking. I think that it might be partially a breaking in issue but i have been riding this bike a few hours a day for the past three weeks. Thanks
Grizzly Boy: Thanks for your post! It made me smile. You know, it’s refreshing to hear from someone like you who bites the bullet, perseveres, and gets what they want. I remember many years ago eating nothing but plain baked potatoes for months to save enough money to put down on my first nice mtb!
As far as the roots and rocks, well….I’ve ridden a few 29″ers in ‘06 and the F-29 just seemed to have more pedal strikes than others. Longer wheelbase does that, me thinks. Shouldn’t be a problem if you can adapt to that.
BB-5’s aren’t broken in yet, most likely, and you’ll want to check on the alignment of the caliper. If you eyeball the rotor just so, sighting it so you can make out the pads and their relationship to the rotor, you should see an equal amount of space on either side of the rotor between the pads on either side. If the pads and rotor are not parallel to each other, or one side is touching, you can easily correct this. The caliper mounts with 5mm allen bolts and sits on conical/concave washers. The mount is also slotted. This allows you to loosen the two 5mm allen mounting bolts just enough to move the caliper side to side, or tilt it until it is perfectly aligned with the rotor. You then can adjust the pads in or out to get the proper brake feel and power. If you are not comfortable with this procedure, please: by all means have the dealer that sold the bike to you perform the adjustments. they should be willing to help out someone like you for free.
Good luck and enjoy that F-29! It’s a great bike!
Thanks GT, you’re a cool guy.
As a previous cannondale owner and avid rider I am not coming into this conversation from a biased perspective. I have ridden my brothers F-29 and I am unimpressed and agree with Fink. For the bike you recieve it is much to expensive. The shifting has lots of problems (it happens on my brothers bike and on my buddys cannondale as well). Cannondale has some nice parts but only in its very expensive bikes. On the Caffeine 29, the Lefty Speed Bonded DLR2 is horrible. It is trying to pack too many options in to a single fork leg, so it doesnt work at all. The rebound is virtually non existant and there is almost no working travel; the fork does not move nearly 80mm. As Grizzly Boy pointed out the brakes dont work either. The brake rotors are tiny compared to what they should be and how big the wheels are; a bigger tire means faster speeds which means more braking power is needed. the rotors should be 7+ inches, not tiny. I would also like to point out that the back tire has almost no clearance, which my brother has found to be a problem in North Carolina mud, and im sure any other place with muddy trails. In a race or on any ride it will be very annoying to have to stop and find a stick to clear your tires with. It looks as though cannondale should have released this bike in 2008 with more work and testing (because as we should know cannondale says they are big on testing). Grizzly Boy also said “I was especially impressed when i hit a rock and did not endo” but I would hope that he does not normally endo whenever he hits a rock; believe it or not most people hit rocks every ride and dont endo on every rock. I dont hate cannondale i just feel that this bike is not nearly worth the money because the parts really are not that good and the bike doesnt work as well as it should. For 1700 dollars the suspension, shifting and brakes shouldnt perform horribly, they should work very well especially considering it is a hardtail. I hope that cannondale can put more effort into designing their midrange bikes. For 1700 dollars this bike should be lots better. For that price there are many other bikes that perform much better.
Grizzly Boy I find it very funny that you say that you have had this bike for three weeks, putting the date of purchase in the beginning of December. You also say that you have been saving for months ending in the beginning of December, however people were only just beginning to hear about it in the end of October, and reviews came out in the beginning of November (and a person wouldnt buy a bike they have never heard reviewed). So supposing you began saving in November and got a $1600 bike in early december you could have only saved for a month. Supposing you walked the dog twice a day (60 times in a month) you need to earn $26.66 per walk, or over $50 per day. This means that either you living in a ridiculously rich neighborhood ( in which case you are also rich) or you are a liar and your parents bought you the bike. I would also like to note that it is Christmas time, a time when parents often buy things for their kids. If you do know people who pay $50 per day to walk their dog please call me or buy a nicer bike because you are lacking in taste. I, although my logic may be faulty, think that you are probably exaggerating how much work you did by alot. I recommend that you give your parents a very big hug and thank them profusely for their nice gift.
JC…just so you know I have a hard time believing you are unbiased
Umm…..okay, Lots of assuming and some short sightedness here. Let’s check it.
J.C.: Perhaps it was not widely known, and I probably should have made the point clearer, but Leftys have a break in period after which the full travel is acheived and they are buttery smooth. This was certainly the case on all four Leftys I have been around throughout ‘06. Rebound tuning isn’t very dramatic, yes, but not a reason to trash the fork. In fact there are plenty of examples of rebound adjusters that don’t seem to have much effect on very expensive bikes, not just a Lefty issue here. The shifting on almost all Cannondales is prone to be troublesome during the break in period. This I know from being a shop mechanic and working on them on a daily basis. This is due to the design of their cable stops, primarily. Again, a point I could have made more prominent in my review.
So, to say the things you have and equate that with the bike, “not being worth” whatever dealers are getting for it is a bit short sighted. In the long run these issues either disappear, or are very minor. Oh, the brakes. They also need to be broken in, tuned, and work extremely well afterwards. Yes, a 180mm rotor on the front would be a welcome addition, but the stock configuration should be fine for all but the longer downhill runs, such as you might find in the Rockies. Of course, I have done even those on bikes equipped with cantilever brakes, so it can be done on the Avids as well.
Clearance in the rear is an issue which I did address in the review. That much I can agree with.
Finks Friend: (Boy, that moniker tells me alot already!) Okay, you are making some really broad assumptions here about a 14 year old guy that you don’t even know. I think it’s fair to say that the bulk of your comments are unfair, unwarranted, and not about the F-29.
Please, keep it on track here. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. Period.
Well daggum it. Now that’s gettin low. Trash talkin a 14 year old. Feels good don’t it.
Let’s see….Shifting has worked great from ride one. I like Gripshifts better, but that’s more about my wrists being blon out than the quality of what the stock shifters do.
Fork goes up and down and locks out. Rebound Shmeebound.
I weigh about 220 and I’ve run out of tire and nerve before I’ve wished for better brakes. They’re not the best I’ve ever ridden but they ain’t bad.
Mud clearance is not great, reminds me of some bikes in the early days. Needs to be addressed. Personally, I just ride somewhere else if I know the mud’s gonna be bad. Ya know…erosion & not riddin’ on hiking trails & stuff like that. I hate deep hoof (hoove?) prints too. Oh and the piles they leave behind…..How many bikers & hikers leave piles in the trail….right in the middle…..oh my…..Equine Diapers…..yes…….a dispenser at all trailheads. That’s how I’ll make my fortune…….sorry wrong rant.
Maybe 29ers are supposed to be cheaper than 26ers. I think the F29 seems pretty much in line pricewise. Pretty soon this review & comments will be buried under pages and pages of the latest and greatest. GB will be 16 or 17, F, JC & FF will still not like that others like what they ride and GT will still be doing a great site (I hope). I’ll hopefully be allowed to still be here and ride. Maybe I’ll be riding an Uni then who knows. Maybe back to the Fixed. Right now…boy to school and go ride….it’s cold….but who cares…..we’re ridin’ aren’t we?
D
Lesson…..don’t leave a half filled water bladder in the car…..froze solid.
I’ll ride……in a bit.
D
Finks Friend: If you would really like the details, here they are. During the summer I rode a Prophet and enjoyed it so much that I decided I would save up for a less expensive one than the Prophet 4000. I’m a saver and I don’t buy much, I already had about $200 saved up, in a metal box next to my bed. I obtained this money from hauling wood, dog sitting, and other odd jobs. Later in the summer, a neighbor asked me if I would be willing to walk/run her 120 pound yellow labrador retriever (english breed). I was delighted to do it as I was looking for a way to save up for the Prophet. I started walking the dog for $5 a walk, for a forty five minute walk/run, almost everyday. This continued for a few months. When I heard about the F29, and rode it at a demo day, I immediately became interested in the twenty nine inch philosophy. I researched a lot of things about 29ers. Because I’m currently six feet one and half inch at fourteen years old, I concluded that a 29 would be a good fit for me. I had close to $1000 by early december, from dog walking, baby sitting and the money I had already been saving. My dad said that if I donated my 2005 Novara FS (retail $999, which I paid half
of) to charity, he would be willing to pay the $599 + tax for the F29. The only reason why my dad did this was because my birthday is December 7 and Christmas and my excellent academic performance throughout the first semester. If you want to ridicule me, go right ahead, I know that I deserved this bike.
This was not an attack, just a response. Sorry GT for getting off topic but I just needed to make the above clarification.
“Fink’s friend” is no friend of mine, just some punk trying to ride my coat tails. Get up off my Kool-Aid, chump!
BTW, Grizz. Good for you saving up all your money and buying something you truly believe in! Sounds like me when I was a young pup myself. I just don’t like C’dales, never have never will. If I was the one selling you the bike I would have shown you a Fisher instead. (more bang for the buck, etc.)
I guess what I’m getting @ here is this: Good for you! Welcome to the dark side and happy trails. Oh! And don’t listen to “Fink’s Friend” I seriously don’t know who that is and don’t support anything he (or She?) said to anyone in the past.
To everyone else: Sorry for getting so gruff before. Keep it real, keep the rubber side down.
The R E A L Fink: Thanks, and no worries! Divergent opinions are welcomed as long as they are considered and consideate of others.
Rubber side down to you as well!
Back to the review of this bike,from what I am reading would everyone who owns this f29 go out and buy it again no questions ask or would you hold out untill 2008 or just walk away.Thanks for the write ups good and bad they make for good reading and a educated buyer
Bank of Dad: Well, I’ll throw in. My feeling is that the bike has a few “not-so-desirable” parts but is mostly a really good package. I threw out the tires, seat post, and saddle right off and inverted the stem. After that, I felt it fit better, rolled better, and was a serviceable trail bike for the average person.
If you desire lightweight, higher performance, (XC, Endurance racing) or just appreciate higher end builds you are looking at a lot more switching out and alot more money to be spent. It’s only worth it from the standpoint of someone having to have a Lefty and knowing this Caffeine frame is designed for that.
That said, C’dale will most likely up the spec a bit on next years model. Either that, or offer two different spec levels, which I would be in favor of seeing. Rumor also has it that a single speed model is on it’s way.
Should you wait, or buy now? Depends on what you are looking for out of the bike. That’s my take.
Guitar Ted, I have a 05 prophet 1000 which is my first full suspension and really like for the Pa. trails that have as many rocks as china has people if I go for the f29 it is to replace my Ironhorse hybrid that has sram 7.0 components already and 700×38 tires I use the hybrid for indoor trainer rides and the local rail to trails, the f29 would give me more choices where I can ride if I did not want to take the prophet out on some of the less technical rides I know of that are to much for a hybrid.Thanks for your post
Hi all,
I have a couple comments on this.
1. In reality $1600 for an American made bicycle is not
out of line in my opinion.
2. Frame builders cannot be responsible for the quality of
the components.. Avid BB5’s have nothing to do with the frame.
Call me patriotic, a lunatic, whatever you wish, but kudos to Cdale
for keeping americans in jobs.
Hi,
I guess this forum is old now, but is there anywhere to read about what the upgrades/ changes are now that the 08 29ers are out?
I just got a 07 29er for 950 bucks- so I’m stoked! First good bike since I fell in love with the head shock on a bike that was stolen about 6 years ago.
A little worried about the rear clearance (as there’s nothing I can do about it?), but other than that would love to hear recommendations for some of the most important upgrades (hydraulic disk brakes, seat, seat post, etc.)
Thanks for a great site!
keith
earthsurfing: Hey! Thanks for checking in. The ‘07 F-29 is an awesome bike if you choose your upgrades carefully. Here’s my recommended first steps.
#1. Get lighter weight tires. The ExiWolfs on the bike are pretty porky. You could choose Ignitors, which are great all rounder tires and will help improve clearance in the rear at the same time.
#2. Get at least a new rear wheel. The rear wheel alone with the stock tire, tube, and cassette weighs over 8lbs! (As an example, a typical wheel from a 29″er weighs around 5.5-6.5lbs) You can realize a big weight savings here!
#3. A seat post and handle bar upgrade can also save some weight. The stock pieces are pretty heavy here.
#4. Not imperative, but the SRAM shifters and rear derailluer could be upgraded over time.
Those are the big areas that would really make a huge difference for the better on that bike.
Good luck and welcome to Twenty Nine Inches!
Thanks, Ted.
I appreciate the response.
Do you know if the rear wheel clearance was addressed with the new 08 CDale 29′ers?
It seems like the frames are the same- just offered with different components, and more options as far as stock set ups (single speed, conventional shock, etc.)- is this true?
Thanks. I can’t wait to ride this. I’ll be taking it out in the snow as soon as it gets here!
earthsurfing: Yes, the clearance issue is better for ‘08. Yes, you’ve got it right about the ‘08 line up, except that the single speed has an eccentric bottom bracket to tension the chain.
Ride on!
Thanks, Ted!
So, I’ve been mulling this over while overindulging in turkey, etc. (I hope you’ve had a geat Thanksgiving, by the way! -and feel free to let me know if you’re tired of this conversation…)
How did they address the tire clearance without changing the geometry?
And, perhaps more interestingly, is their any reason I couldn’t put a 26″ wheel on the back?
(I have to admit the idea was inspired by the 69′er ads on the site here- although I’ve never seen the bike the idea intrigues me…)
The reason I am so concerned is- here in Vermont- we are not known for our lack of mud, snow, and other needs for clearance!!!!
I look forward to keeping this bike for long time as an ‘everything’ bike (I’ll add some commuter stories soon), and slowly upgrading everything over time- just hope I’m buying the right frame…
Anyway- thanks for all of your help!!
-Keith
Keith: The Thanksgiving holiday went great, thanks! Hope you and yours had a great time too.
Cannondale addressed the clearance problem with the “brake bridge” by simply welding it up further on the seat stays. (I refer to the brace as the brake bridge since that is what it was known as in the old cantilever brake days. It’s the bridge across the seat stays just above the rear tire.) Everywhere else the clearance is par for the course where 29″ers are concerned.
If you were to put a 26″er wheel in the back it would have several consequences. First and foremost your front end geometry would be made more slack and this may cause the bike to steer rather like a wheel barrow than a bicycle. Washing out in fast off camber corners may become one of the things you might notice. Then there is the issue of bottom bracket height. You would be lowering that measurement which may cause more pedal strikes. Your seat tube angle slacks out also, causing your virtual top tube to lengthen, your saddle set back to become greater and makes transitioning from a seated position to standing a bit more difficult.
I wouldn’t recommend the smaller rear wheel on this bike.
Cheers!
Guitar Ted