Cannondale are their own worst enemy, but now might be the time to buy one.
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- čas přidán 4. 12. 2022
- Could this be just the right time to get a Cannondale? They are renowned for cracks and creaks, but right now they seem to be calming down.
We discuss:
Supersix EVO, Supersix Gravel, Supersix Cross, and the new Synapse. How they all fit together and which might be right for you.
We talk Lefty forks, and the Asymmetric rear wheels. Those creaky Cannondale bottom brackets, and the solutions. - Sport
Your content on this channel has been absolutely stellar! Too many a channel only constantly review new top shelf equipment and don't give any in depth knowledge about manufacturers!
Thanks KNUR, I guess we are quite unique in not selling bikes and feeling tied to a brand
@@Mapdec good for you! Genuine, honest, to the point bicycle content is what CZcams is still mostly lacking!
This is what happens when your not beholden to bike brands!
Excellent channel and content. I just found your channel a week ago and have really been loving it. I guarantee that your subs will grow fast and you will become one of the best bike channels by end of next year. Your knowledge and vast knowledge over the many different subjects is awesome. Cheers!
Thank you Ryan. Let’s see what happens.
Bought Synapse 2 years ago and it soon developed a creak that won't go away no matter what we try. Drives me crazy.
You are absolutely correct about Cannondale crankset parts, they drove me crazy with a Synapse build, wave washer, dust cap, spacers ...so many stuff to fiddle with, finally I converted the bottom bracket to Wheels Manufacturing bb30a to Shimano BB.
I have a system six and a 22 scalple and love them both. Great video.
had a few over the years, road and mtb, Supersix (2012) Flash 29 (loved it and had no issues) Caad12 (2018) awesome bike, travel with it, use it in all wethers and its been great, and a scalpel is carbon 3, the only issue I've had with that was wheel rims cracking around the spokes, lefty and shock have been fine.
I have had three Cannondales, 2 Quick, and an Alloy Topstone and I have had no issues at all with the frames or mech. Granted, mine are not the top-tier bikes you are talking about but they have been very reliable and fun to ride. I am now a little leery to move upstream and buy a higher-end Cannondale but I will take your advice if I do.
Excellent insight into a brand. Great video again. I hope that other sport continues indefinitely so that means we get an educational video from you each day, 🤣🤣.
Thanks Kevin. Let’s see. I am quite enjoying this rough and ready content.
Have had connondales since the first super v only ever had one frame fault a 2018 scalpel carbon 1 and it was replaced no question, and I had the first lefty max alloy lower fail in the uk on my Gemini new a few weeks old and the wheel pulled all the threads out before then you had steel steel or titanium . still have the crank set from my super v 2000 coda all three chainrings from one bit of alloy. just got a 2019 FSI ltd black and love the Ocho.
And your right the pull shock on the trigger was stunning if you set it up correctly as was the lefty carbon max had both 26in and the 650b carbon 1.
I've loved Cannondales for 30 years. Then again, my current ride is a 20 year old XS800 with the Headshock, so I'm a bit behind the curve 😅 But it's still a great bike.
Great content, keep up the good work!
Thank you
Currently have a Scalpel HT (the new hardtail)! It’s absolutely epic, did have a Lefty issue and being sorted under warranty thankfully but what a bike, look forward to the new Supersix gen 4
They are super fast. Keep on top of the lefty servicing.
Stumbled on the channel after a search for Cannondale. Great content. I’ve owned ‘dales for over 30 years. Love the brand but because they have innovated so well, the proprietary stuff makes them harder to own.
A few examples. Lefty Ocho. Works well with design flaws… lockout cable is channeled into the fork hidden under a fiddly seal, held in place by a tiny screw. A pain to adjust.
Stop-lock is the bolt that holds the quick release brake adaptor in place. The bolt is prone to cracking and has been hard to find… no longer supplied with a safety tab either. This single bolt kept my bike in its stand for 3 weeks.
SpideRing crankset is great. Special tools required to remove it. Chainring profile adds to wear and tear on AXS 12 speed chains.
I’ve had the creaky BB30s . I’ve had two frames warranty replaced.
I’ve had a dealer rebuild a wheel without the 3mm offset.
As of August 2023, it looks like the UK importer is only bringing in low spec Scalpel FS models.
A web search also reveals that the 3 high end bikes are widely available in Europe.
It also reveals and that European dealers are offering a price reduction on Scalpels and this is being driven by Cannondale.
As I’ve said love the brand but to be honest Pon brands like Santa Cruz and Cervelo now offer better cross country, and marathon, mountain bikes than Cannondale. Simple bikes without the proprietary parts that are starting to make Cannondale look like a liability option.
Canyon offering better value as well. My next Scalpel will likely be a Lux or a Blur!
You are right. This is a nice summary. If you are in that ball park, maybe take a look at Pivot too.
I've owned Cannondale road bikes since 1991. They have always been great for me. I've kept each one for years. Even the press fit carbon have been no problem and I'm a big guy at 6'3" and 220 pounds. I bought the SuperSix CX a couple of weeks ago. That bike is unbelievable! It handles and rides so much better than my old gravel bike. I'm having my good carbon wheel dished. I went round and round on what bike to purchase. The frame and the paint job combined with a Black Friday sale tipped me over. I agree with you though. Sometimes Cannondale can be their worst enemy.
I'm about to purchase a quick CX3 what would you say about this bike?
I am with you. Cannondale road bikes since 1989, but only two of them. An early aluminium one originally, and Synapse Carbon Ultegra since 2007 and still loving it.
I have a CAAD1 killer V frame I bought in 1994 known in our house as ‘purple rain’ as it looks like Prince’s bike. I’ve replaced just about every component on it but the ol made in the USA frame is solid!
I only like USA made version.
I have the Supersix cross. I’ve put a larger chainring on it to make it more versatile on the road. I have some sweet alinwxpress £275 carbon wheels. I haven’t adjusted them for the offset, they ride just fine as the are.
Had 2 Dale F29's . Loved riding them, cracked both on the seat tube top tube , usual place ( google your friend) Won't have another. Know others that have broken the carbon versions. Creaks and cranks. BB30 is a pain and needs lots of love to keep them smooth and creak free. I used adaptors to run Shimano cranks but dont have the metal axle to metal inner bearing creaks and grinds. In the end I fitted the FSA sleeve to convert the standard BSA thread BB's . Perfect one piece alignment. never looked back. Still use the Lefty on my Ibis and love it. Other than a few oil changes and bearing resets is very plush and smooth, but never will ride a dale frame.
Thanks Justin
100% true on my caad12 BB - total mystery how it is supposed to be assembled. Best advice was Hambini - use loctite to set the bearings.
Really appreciate what you do!💥🤛
Thank you
I’ve ridden, road endurance, road race, TT and others and I’ve never had any issues with the handling on any bike. I might feel a slight bit of difference when I go from one to the other but I’ve never had any handling problems on any bike. I’ve been a proper road cyclist since 90.
I have an aluminium Scalpel SI which ticks a lot of boxes:
- Lefty: check
- BB30A: check
- AI: check
Just had to change the bb bearings once in all these years. Further no real issues and it is used where it is built for: riding.
Getting wheels for it is another story. Got them made specially for this bike.
My other bike is a Synapse of 2018. Issues or strange things: nothing, even the bearings are still original.
Just love this bike, except the stock wheels. Replaced these also with handmade wheels. Drove it in Italy in the mountains, for me it is the best roadbike I have had in all these years.
Nice.
Loved this! Spot on🤣 I own 2 Cannondales, a Topstone Lefty and a System Six. Both of these bikes are a joy to ride! The System Six handles like a dream and holds speed like nothing else I've ever ridden and the Topstone is a great handler off road on gravel and even gnarly single track. What I dislike is questionable fit and finish and a long list of proprietary parts😡!! The Topstone is awful for that, proprietary wheels and front hub, limited gearing on the rear wheel because of using parts bin hubs from the previous gen and of course the lefty! I always wrench my own bikes and I am very discouraged to hear that Cannondale wants you to send it in. It would be fabulous if you showed a rebuild!! I will most likely attempt it myself... Both bikes have BB30, which I love! I had a creak in the Topstone and just changed the bearings, problems solved! Thanks for always keeping it real!
Thank you. Next time I get a lefty in I will try and film it.
I have had the topstone for like a month. fit was weird, some parts really cheap and bend from the factory and the frame wasn't fully painted at some parts.
my CAAD8 from 2014 rides like a dream but never stopped creaking even though 3 bike Shops worked on it.
I now own the supersix evo se which is a Ton of fun and handles great on gravel and more technical Terrain, some of the choices like wheelset and gearing are odd though.
still, I am a sucker for creakendale:3
@@Mapdec a full 200 hour service video for lefty 2.0 XLR would be great. I have found them in Polish, Russian and Portuguese, but never English. ....Great fork though and my Scalpel Si.....amazing, as is my 1997 R500 with 2001 Ultegra and Kysriums
Hi there, I love your content I hope you will be never get tired making them, Last year I have the luck to by a synapse "low mod" rim brakes , such us good bike, eventually I pass through the Cannondale school, as many people you get into this Cannondale Universe, but then come the upgrade and the option of vision wheels, SLK o Force that all come from the same family ist a little bit confusing and yet I would like to buy a powerbox crankset but this is only whit PF30evo386... And getting the adapter from the PF30A ist such as nightmare, but nothing of this keep me off on my dream to having a 19/20 Cannondale supersix evo, however the something strange happen with the Synapse after upgraded, with the change of headset cover to a short one and other parts, I feel like I'm turning my Synapse in to SuperSix ...jekill and hide. Thanks for the review and hope to see more
Ah. The school of Cannondale. I know it well. You will never ever graduate!
I own a 2016 Cannondale Slate Force CX1 and it’s hands down the most fun bike I’ve owed. For the days you just have no routes planned, can’t be bothered to get kitted up. Just water bottle in cage, food in pockets and go 👌
Oh yes. The one with the 80mm lefty?
Double crown Carbon Lefty with 30mm travel, has the larger weave pattern. I do like the new crownless Ocho lefties the newer bikes have now though. I agree with all the floors you’ve pointed out on other Cannondales though, much like owning an Italian car. Will never be perfect but you’ll always love them!
I bought the Topstone 1 Aluminium due to the standardized parts (seat post, bsa bb, normal headset, no wheel offset etc.) and I am very happy with it. It has a similar geometry like the synapse before and feels very planted on the street on alpine descents and still fun in the woods.
Thanks for the input. Glad you love it.
@@Mapdec it was the perfect entry bike to get sucked into the cycling world. And due to the standardized components I could upgrade it with everything I wanted. However, the new evo six gravel/cross looks suuuper nice as well. Looks like a proper fast and fun bike!
oh yes that lefty fork, it rides amazing!
I bought 2017 carbon Synapse from new and love it. I was on the look out for a Slate w/Lefty as a commuter but I couldn't find a small anywhere (even on eBay!). I recently made the Synapse my everyday bike and bought something else for the weekend.
The 5 things that have made it a joy to ride are:
Hambini BB
Hambini installed proper wheel bearings
36cm handlebars
Hutchinson TL tyres and milKit sealant
Waxing the chain
The only thing my model needs is mudguard mounts. I have to use SKS Raceblades, which are great, but there's no way you can add a full rear guard hence you get a lot of grim down the frame hole for the front mech. I'm seriously tempted to drop in a single Rotor chain ring and get rid of the front mech and plug the hole......
Yeah. Bin the front mech 🤘
@@Mapdec Really? 😵
I think I have a 11-34 on the back and ride to work isn't that difficult. I'll have to take the bike out at the weekend and see if can survive on just the big ring first.
The nice thing about a Rotor crank, you just pop off the DS arm and insert new chainring!
My main bike is a late model Caad12 disc. Absolutely amazing handling bike with killer looks, but the rear quick-release drop out is a nightmare. If you don't keep on top of it by way of keeping it clean and tightened, it will start to creak no matter what - especially apparent when you climb out of the saddle and swing the bike from side to side. The current solution that I've got after working on the issue with my LBS is to use a DT Swiss RWS lever which allows you to crank the tightness up, but this still doesn't completely fix the issue as the creaking will still come back after long rides. I love the bike, but I'm pretty sure this isn't a problem that people with thru-axles have. What's interesting as well is that my friend who has a Supersix Evo HM Disc of the same generation does not have the problem at all, despite having the same QR rear setup. Not sure what it could be. Maybe the fact the frame is carbon? Who knows.
Ummm. I would look more closely at the wheel. Have you tried a different wheel?
@@Mapdec That's on the list of next things to try. For sure. Thanks for the reply! Now that mention it, the hub has been rebuilt once and it was fairly noiseless for a week or so after that job was done. Cheers!
I think a good car comparison would be an Alfa Romeo.
I had a 2020 supersix evo with an annoying creaking seatpost. Took a while to figure where the creak was coming from. Muk off carbon gripper finally fixed it.
An Alpha!! Yes!! That’s the meme I was looking for.
I have two lefty bikes!
A hi mod 2011 flash, & I think a 2012 flash.
Gréât bikes. I had a creak which is only in hot summer! Goes away.
just got a synapse al and it has a grinding sound in the front derailleur that absolutely will not stop no matter what I try
Get it back to the shop.
@@Mapdec I took it to the shop and they gave me a new bike haha! Thanks for the tip lol
A thing Cannondale alway seems to do well is the bike handling geometry for small bike sizes. Most size medium bike from every brand handle well. But for small and extre small, it's not quite that certain.
My 2nd road bike ever (7 years ago) was Cannondale Caad 10 size 48. I later "upgrade" to a series of Chinese carbon frames. Chinese carbon bikes are certainly are lighter, stiffer and more aero than the Caad10. However, for a long while, I feel like there's something off about my bike handling. I sometime unexpectedly under-steer when cornering fast etc. Eventually, I got the hang of it and it's okay since.
2 years ago, I bought 2020 Cannondale SuperSix size 48. And wow. Cornering feel telepathic, yet it's also stable too. It's so intuitive and easy to dial the corner that I just don't have to think. I then research to see why it corner different from my Chinese carbon frames and learn about trail value, fork offset, head tube angle, front center length etc. That's when I realize my Caad 10 was the better handling bike than all my later bikes until I got another Cannondale bike (Supersix). SuperSix size 48, with its 55mm fork offset, handle the best for me and it also happen to be the (road) bike with the longest front center in its size range.
Later I also bought Cannondale SystemSix size 51. It's front center is even longer than SuperSix size 48. Yet, SuperSix size 48 remain crown as the bike I feel most comfortable railing high speed cornering with. SystemSix handling geometry is also nice but its stiffer fork and frame conform less well to bumpy road versus the more forgiving slim tubes SuperSix.
You make a great point. Even down to a 44 their geo is sound. Look at the trail numbers.
I have a new scalpel and I know from earlier cannondales i’ve seen, they are not the best in making perfectly round and straight bb’s. My scalpel is a pf30 and I replaced the pf30 Shell and bearings for a threaded pf30 bb and the problem is solved and the cranks spin much smoother. It had never creacked ever since. So that’s my advice to do, to make your cannondale just that bit more perfect.
Loved those bike. I had 3. All of them snapped. Still loved them though.
I have to say your content and insights are terrific. I have never owned a Cannondale but have ridden a few many years ago. A Caad9, A Synapse with Si cranks (the best part) and a mtb with lefty fork (forgot the model, late 90s). Heard a few horror stories from other riders so seems to be a love/hate thing going on. I am interested in the new Super Six Gravel if they have sorted their shit out and would like to see an honest review.
Thank you Simon. Glad is sparking ideas.
I have a Supersix evo hi-mod rim brake 2017 (still my only road race bike). I took the PF30A pressfit cups away, wiffled the undersized bb holes to specs and put Hambini Racing PF30A bb in with DA groupset. Now it spins freely. No other issues with the bike.
Currently, dunno if I'd buy a Cannondale anymore if current one broke beyond repair. Then again, same with other big brands... The asymmetrical seatstays are a dealbraker.
Those were super light climbing bikes. The new supersix is quite a different experience. Supersix is not Asymmetrical, but it shouldn’t be a deal breaker. It’s easy to dish a wheel
@@Mapdec how'd You describe the new Supersix differences to old one?
The problem with dishing is that I can't do it myself (no knowledge and tools... well, at least not now).
Have two Cannondales as they fit me due to being in between sizes for for many brands. Six 13 with local custom team paint. 6-13 rode very well. Next one the CX9bb30 frame. That one is extremely stiff alloy CX bike. Excellent for CX races a pure race machine,, not long rides as you will be sore after two hours straight riding and only able up to 35mm tires. CX9 is a siglespeed as that stiffness really helps put the power down. 6-13 frame hanging from rafters due to modern tire clearance issues and too hard rebuild up. Both frames out the US factory and keeper frames. Avoid the Cannondale bikes after due to asymmetric wheels and funky things being done and had to look elsewhere for bike for longer rides and good tire clearance. Current bikes come from or older CX team sponsors.
Good info
I've had a 2012 SuperSix for the past 11 years. It has 10-speed Shimano 105 (5700). I've gone through a number of wheels, and replaced the BB30 bearings two times. I'm an engineer, and I do all of the maintenance myself.
It has gone 24,000 miles, and it still going strong. Honestly, it's a great bike and has lasted the test of time. I want to buy a new bike with disc brakes and electronic shifting, but I can't bring myself to stop riding this bike.
I put a Stages single sided crank arm power meter on it, and had to get some new spacers to get the stack right. That was a bit of a challenge, but I think I did it right.
Also, I rebuilt a set of wheels with new spokes and noticed that the wheels only fit if the dish is offset.
Ah yes. The great Cannondale Ai
Totally agree. My next bike will probably be the Time ADHX gravel but if not, a Cannondale Super Six SE ticks all the boxes. Then again I'm struggling to kill my 2016 Super X, one of the best bikes I have ever owned. It does everything and does it well.
Im still on my SuperX too... Hard to say goodbye despite that crazy headset.
I now own the SE after owning a topstone and riding a Rose backroad and I can say with certainty that the bike is incredibly fast on gravel and built really robust. the only thing i dislike is the electronic shifting.
time bikes are great also, you will not go wrong on these 2
Nice choice on the SE
I bought the SuperSix CX a couple of weeks ago. Even got it in a Black Friday sale. It will be my gravel bike. I just couldn't resist the paint job on that frame. Anyway, it handles amazing! So much better than my old gravel bike and it can take wider tires. I absolutely love it. I am getting my good wheels dished for it. If you can try one out, you should. I looked at a few other bikes and was trying to avoid it because of the AI dish on the rear.
@@HCMORGI can you tell me more about supersix evo se? Any pros and cons?
I own a 2017 super six evo disc with di2 groupset. A friend of mine talked me into buying it second hand.
I am loving the bike but would never get a cannondale ever again. The bottom bracket alone is a pain to service and every spare part is way to expensive.
I am riding this bike until the frame brakes or I crash and will then move on to something else.
Great content! May I ask your/the community's thoughts on the Topstone?
Particular in rest to "UK gravel" which often tends closer to MTB territory. I have a cheap Merlin frame that can only accommodate 38mm 700c tyres and has closer to road bike gear ratios. I was hoping to purchase a new beefier gravel bike on cycle to work next year.
My other options were Sonder bikes but they are a little more niche.
Go with the Topstone alu. The Sonder is more of a headache than a Cannondale. Works great for Lake District gravel/ MTB.
@@Mapdec Can I ask why Sonder is a headache? Propriety parts? Inconsistent build quality?
I’m still puzzled why (at least in the Netherlands) I don’t see more Habits out on the trails. Great handling bike for a reasonable price which is ridden by some the most stylish riders currently around.
On a SuperSix Evo purchased 2 months ago. 1200 mi / 1930 km in and zero issues. The ride is very stable at any speed and feels smooth as power increases. The most surprising part about this bike is how little I am fatigued the next day.
On the technical side of things. I like the adjustability and look of the bar/stem combo while retaining aero benefits. AI dish is a little annoying. But I guess it makes sense why they do it. I would like to sprint against a non-AI wheel to see how It feels.
You are right. A really stable confident ride.
@souplesse4923 there is no AI dishing on the supersix, it takes standard wheels so you are all good 👍
@@ridethelakes I'm an idiot. I breezed through KNOT 45 wheel manual and mixed things up. Thank you.
Thanks for your video. I have an Cannondale Synapse for seven years without any problems and what to buy an Supersix. My question is, should I be afraid of the issues you’re pointing out and what about spare parts and documentation?
Speak to your dealer. Every country is different
I am looking to replace my current bike next year but I am really struggling to know what to get. I have been cycling seriously for nearly 40 years and like a fast handling bike although I don't need one any more as most of my riding is pottering around at fairly low speeds. I am currently thinking the Super Six Evo ticks most of the boxes, race bike but with good levels of comfort and clearance for 30mm tyres. The geometry also works well for me, I will be 60 next year and I am not as flexible as I once was. I don't like to tinker with my bike and I am looking for something that I can keep for 10 plus years. I was not aware of the problems with Cannondale and your comments regarding reliability have put me off a bit, is this something you think I need to worry about?.
It’s a question of risk vs reward. The supersix is much more stable at speed than it’s looks suggest.
I have the last of the older generation supersix evo (non hi mod) lovely bike but did develop a bottom backet creak 15km into my first ride - the bike shop I got it from told me they had not heard about cannondales having issues with creaking.......! BB openings were slightly misaligned and I fitted a one piece bottom bracket which, although expensive and added a bit of weight, got rid of the creak and has given me manythousand kms of quiet and smooth pedalling. Apart from that issue i love the bike and plan on keeping it for a while - it's quick and comfortable (considering it's running 25mm tyres, not much room to go bigger) and bikes seem to have got so expensive I'm not sure what I could afford to replace it with!
Nice. They are great bikes. They have a character
@Mapdec Cycle Works Great videos, just join the family. Also just ordered new Synapse 2022. Can you tell me what is the exact mesurement of front and rear true axle? I coudnt find even in their manuel. Just written there 142x12 160mm and 100x12 125mm. but nothing about thread 1? 1,5? 1.75? How I can order spare ones? Great content, kepp it up...
It will be easier to measure or read it off the axle when it arrives.
Thanks for the sub.
I just got into cycling in July. The only thing I know about Cannondale is they sell them at a lot of the big sporting good stores around here which seems to cheapen the brand to me, since they're alongside department store bikes.
Oh wow. They are seen as quite top end here.
@@Mapdec Oh definitely! I see the prices from them and they look really well made and like nice bikes. But seeing the lower end ones in department stores cheapened them in my mind before I had a chance to do more research, kind of like seeing a Rolex sold at Macy's lol
The message i get from this video is its safe to say its a green light to go for supersix evo se at size 48 and size 54 correct? Would there be difference between cyclocross frame vs gravel frame?
Cannondale are great in the small sizes. Check the details between gravel and cross. Most of the difference is component choice. Look carefully at what you need.
So does this mean the CAADX is being phased out??? Also, I used to really want one of the MTB’s with the Headshock. Seemed so clean..probably a nightmare to live with though
My first adult size bike was Cannondale bad boy in 2006 i think. Made in US, with swiss made wheels and Japan made hub with internal gears. It still goes strong, despite being in service only once in its lifetime.
So when i chose my first bike to buy with my own money i picked Cannondale. And it failed dramatically. Front wheel just collapsed at speed due to poor spoke tension. I was lucky not to get seriously injured.
This is when i started googling and realised that Cannondale now is a very different brand. That orders cheapest possible stuff in Asia. And sells it like its a real thing. Since its brand is so strong.
Loved those Bad Boys, crazy strong. Do you know the type of wheel that broke
@@Mapdec I dont really know. My bike model was Synapse with 10 speed Tiagra. I checked the site and it says "RD 3.0" wheels. But the actual rims were marked "Cannondale".
Everyone at the bike shop I visit says Synapse as Sin-apse, like synthetic, synthesize, and similar.
Ok. Mispronunciation is kinda becoming my thing 😅
Have some fun at your LBS or prospective Brand store : Inquire into the Latest Greatest Model(s), then ask "ok, now tell me what on it is Proprietary ?"
Due diligence People...
PS : Thanks for the content Mapdec !
I’m using this in a video! Hope you don’t mind. Awesome.
@mapdec > hopefully the Salesperson will have a clue ! (Haha)
By all means > go for it ! Appreciate your views & standpoints.
I have the last gen supersix evo himod dura ace with rim brakes. I doubt that there has been / will be a better bike now that you are forced to use discs. It uses PF30 cups that are also better than all other 30 mm axle bearing cups I know. They don't have this lip behind the bearing that other manufacturers put there to prevent you from pressing out the bearings. The original bearings were crap but I put in SKF ones for like 30 bucks a set and it has been silent for more than a year so far.
The ultimate lightweight climbing bike.
The lefty has the same problem, now as the Giant Crest forks, although the latter is more of a cost saving measure rather than going high end. But also no freely available service kits or service manuals and you'll have to send it in for service which basically makes it a complete no-go for me.
Right to Repair needs to come fast
@@Mapdec Absolutely! We shouldn't let the bike industry get away with proprietary repairs so imo, these things should be criticized at every opportunity which presents itself.
I’m trying
I have one Cannondale, the Topstone 105 SE (which I wouldn’t have bought if it didn’t have a threaded BB), and yea it needed tinkering for sure, along with a chain that was a link pair too long, and they wound the b screw all the way in to drop the upper jockey wheel down and back enough to take the slack out. And yea, another instance where the bike shop should of noticed and said, hmm, that doesn’t look right, but no, I had to figure it out after owning it for 6 months.
That sucks. How to measure chain length for GRX is literally a picture in the manual. Not hard.
@@Mapdec My guess is they cut them in bulk for the assembly line and did a batch wrong, or they used a batch on mine that was meant for a 1x set up. Mine had the 105 rear derailleur and 46/30 FSA omega 2x. There’s actually a few pictures online of examples of the too long chain but they corrected it at some point because they’re all not like that. And mine wasn’t an in-betweener choice either. When done per Shimano, it was a link pair too long and one of those where it then was a half too long after that, and I left it that way as per Shimano. Surprisingly it didn’t shift that bad. But once I fixed the chain and the B screw (4-5 turns from all the way in roughly) it got better, then even better still after I checked and corrected the hanger later when I was upgrading the rear mech to an RX800 with the clutch.
Cannondale have had their Gerald Ratner moment with the new synapse with lights. Used to be a key selling bike. Not any more. I have sold one Synapse in 2022. I used to sell 30 or more a year. People don't want low lumens lights forced upon them. Its their solution to an endurance bike gimmick. Expect these bikes prices shafted online soon as bike shops and priced shaggers clear out dead stock sadly. I expect the next gen Synapse to go back to basics.
They sure did mess up a classic.
The current Supersix Evo has been the best bike I’ve ever owned. And I’ve owned a lot of race bikes. Such a great, fast bike with geometry that leans towards endurace.
The Synapse is a total design failure in terms of aesthetic and tech. I agree that the Supersix lineup is just fantastic.
That supersix is so versatile. Proof that there is now a gravel and cross version.
Caad9 seat stay cracked at the dropout joint here. About 15mm of a crack just above the weld. Wrapped it in carbon and kept going for another 3 years. The frame still had issues, the headtube was not proper. The bearing seats were too large, had play, were misaligned by eye, and the bike never felt right even with fresh bearings, until one day I tried something. I simply grabbed tin foil, folded it into various layers, and placed it on the bearing seats, and then put the bearings on top making a nice snug fit. This pretty much solved the steering issues, but like you said the tinkering was just on another level. NOT ideal. The bike handled amazing at that point but out of the box it was trash. Literal trash. Worst new bike I ever bought lol. I still have the little rascal, it's a good geometry and everyone like a nice USA cann.
Gutted. Mine was perfect and was still going strong when I sold it a few years ago. I had the raw alu and blue version. One of the early ones I think.
Up until the Super Six Evo (with quick release axles, non integrated bars n stem and a relatively tradtional frame) they were quite good frames. Except for the BB30 Bollox. Nowdays they're renowned for seatposts creeping back down to earth, forks that break after turning too far right and left, ovalized BB shells, and a generally cheap workmanship..... I used to race a Cannondale MTB F1000 Volvo replica with Fatty fork, it was the best race MTB I ever owned (after my GT Zaskar LE), what happened to C'dale? I guess they got took over by a big corporate Holding, lately called PON. 7n times they ended up in controlled administration, designed and built a 400cc offroad motorbike, and then? Cannondale used to be the pinnacle of American bike design and innovation, TREK came 2nd and too did Specialized, But Cannondale was always upfront......I guess they just lost it somewhere along the line. I have in my shop an MTB from 1990, full MOUNTAIN LX 21spd, totally original down to the last nut n bolt, that M800 is my reference point as to when Cannondale started to lose out to the competition.
Cannondale… they just don’t need a rival. They are literally their own worst enemy.
We are definitely from different generations.
When I think of Cannondale, I think of giant fat tubes with thin aluminum walls. Aggressive geometry with stiff rear ends. If you weighed under 150 lbs. The bike would beat the hell out of you.
Now I (don't )look at Cannondale for anything at all.
In my opinion, they are just another Bicycle manufacturer who is mass producing crap. But whose profit margins are LARGE enough to have plenty of cash flow to sponsor a pro team ( men and womens ) in the states and in Europe.
I know I'm coming off sounding like " negative Nancy", but who manufacturers an aluminum bottom bracket into carbon then ships it to a bike shop, but still needs to be faced / machined before it can be assembled correctly???? Who does that? Have you seen the prices on this crap??
Ahhhhh 😅 I feel better getting that off my chest.
The offset wheels are really a deal breaker. I have several bikes and would not want to buy new wheels that only fit one particular one.
It’s not hard to adjust them. But it is hassle.
@@Mapdec you cant adjust every wheelset. I would not recommend to adjust a DT 1400...1600 6mm
Just have them dished. I just bought a SuperSix CX and had my carbon wheels dished to the AI standard. It was $40 at my bike shop.
@@meinAliasfuer2024 why?
@@DaveCM Yea, but the thing is, I swap them between bikes all the time. I'll stick to traditional :)
The aerobike you show at the beginning is not a super six , but a systemsix. I own one since june 2019 and Frankly it has been flawless (touching wood) . Also it makes you really stand out between all the treks and specialized on rides 😂😂😂
Yes. You are right. I totally miss spoke there. Well spotted.
do you know the difference between the 2022 evo and the 2024 evo 2? Was it the BB and then the handle bars?
There was quite a difference in how the cables were routed. One had a separate chamber to keep cables separate from the stearer tube.
@@Mapdec which one do you think is the better option? I am interested since they are both priced the same here in NZ. Only though I can only try the evo version as the evo 2 stock is in a different city
When cannondale shipped mfg to China they lost me as a customer. I have 3 cannondale USA made bikes and they are all still fantastic bikes!
Oh yeah. Those welds dude.
I just bought a cannondale 140 RZ carbon 1 for 800 euros , what's your thoughts about it ?
Ride it and love it.
I'm looking at buying an alloy topstone 3, 2021 model as they're on sale for £900 atm. Anyone got experience with that bike or any other topstone alloys? Would they recommend?
Frames are generally good. Look at the specs closely there are some odd choices in the range that might complicate upgrading
@@Mapdec Thanks for the quick reply, very much appreciated! The one I'm looking at has a sora groupset. I think the spec looks okay. Its got a threaded bb so hopefully should cause less trouble than a press fit one.
The alternatives I was looking at were is the ribble cgr aluminium or the vitus v2 substance. I saw a hambini video about the ribble with one of the frames cracking due to misaligned welding and its put me off going for ribble.
For me , as a long time cannondale enthusiast dating back to CAAD3 bikes, their quality and warranty issues have been a problem.
I replaced my excellent 2012 Supersix with a new 2022 SS6 EVO, which had a large frame crack only a few hundred miles in, and has been sitting at the LBS since last April for a warranty frame replacement with almost no communication from Cannondale regarding replacement.
I also have a Supersix SE gravel which had a horrible slipping seatpost, and I ended up replacing the seatpost with a new KNOT seatpost and that fixed the problem, and no help from Cannondale regarding a solution. The new post that worked without fuss leads me to thinking the old one was out of spec.
Thinking about switching loyalty after all this fiasco.
Can’t blame you. That sucks.
oh, I have the same issue with the seatpost, thought it was normal for this kind of mechanism. I put a Ton of carbon paste in there and it works for now. but I now know where to Look if the problem persists, thank you
@@HCMORGI yeah, the Supersix EVO and the EVo SE have the same post and mechanism. My Supersix EVO was creakless and worked well for the two month I rode it, but the SE was a mess and slipped and creaked until I swapped out for one on sale.
The crappy thing is I see is cannondale is selling frame and bikes still. Maybe they catch up on their warranty customers first. I even offered to pay extra for the difference in HiMod frameset since I’ve seen them on their site for sale, but they refused, offered me an old version of the synapse they no longer make and I already have a 2015 one, or a SystemSix frameset which I do not want since I tour quite a bit.
Here in Germany you can get Cannondale everywhere with huge discounts, almost every type of bike - its insane, they are flooding the market with their bikes and discounts. Cant imagine thats the right way to stabilize a brand on the market. It´s insane.
I think every brand is panic selling stock right now. How is Focus doing?
Focus is also heavily discounted up to 35% sometimes
I believe pretty much every brand ordered too many bikes after a spike in demand due to covid. What they failed to understand is that most people who bought their bike one or two years ago is unlikely to change just yet. So in 2022 demand dipped below 2019 figures. And brands left with too much stock.
Bsa bottom brackets work so well mine dont make any noise, no ratchet sounds and always soooo smooth! On my winter training bike i still have the OG bsa bottom bracket in it and its done nearly 40000km since new in all weather on terrible salty british roads. Tried and tested tech not this new stuff that people pay to be beta testers for this crap
God tier BB. Wow.
Found this channel because I'm thinking of selling the CAAD9 I've had since 2008 and replacing it with an 'endurance' road bike - seriously 🤣
Cool. I think we have some vids for you.
Why sell
Clicked the like button after about 6 seconds... Rgr
Give the summary first 🙏
10/10
Like others mentioned, you have had a lot of bikes suppose a symptom of being in the industry! I'v had 6 bikes over 32 years and the cost of bikes, equipment, servicing etc. I worked out at about £9 a week for all those years. What can you get for £9? a couple of pints of Guinness, a bottle of wine?? I'm just not spending enough :-)
For me, wrenching bikes as much of a hobby as riding them. I’m fortunate I made a career out of it too.
Hate to say it, but, this is one of the reasons I've never even looked at Cannondales. Admittedly, they're not particularly common in Australia.
As I mentioned a couple of days ago about my SR Suntour fork, owning a fork that is not a Fox or Rockshox (this now includes Marzocchi) is a real turn off from a maintenance point of view.... Sourcing bits is a PITA.
D u recommend caad optimo?
Great value bikes, good geometry for a big range of use. Bit heavy.
@@Mapdec thanks, found a good year end discount and been wanting a zest to get back to fast commute and cycling for fun with friends.
I've got a mint 1998 F700 in the blue and yellow team colours if you want it 🙌😎🇫🇮
In the Volvo colours!!!
@@Mapdec yes, Volvo Team colours. Everything original on it 😉
@@Mapdec sent you a picture to your Instagram account 😎🇫🇮
That tiny bolt holding the rear derailleur hangar... is unfathomable. As a bike maker with decades and decades of experience, such fundamental flaws speaks volumes. Simply put, this is either incompetence or disregard, both paint Cannondale as a brand to avoid.
Bonkers after thought to the design. Probably had a dozen customers come it with destroyed frames because the hanger ripped through the frame.
@@Mapdec A dozen, no kidding. Sorry for them but thanks to you for sharing this detail.
I love tinkering, however for leisure not necessity..
If you have to buy a Cannondale buy the basic low end stuff where you can swap parts and go into any shop and get it serviced. All there proprietary silliness is just a headache!
Years ago I lusted for a cannondale, then I found Klein.
Oh. Please tell me you had a mint green and pink one.
@@Mapdec sorry, it was a blue quantum. The shop owner had one of those iridescent purpley ones. It was beautiful.
The new lefty are good but the new sid are better, twice cheaper and easier to maintain.
Yep
interesting, never had a Cannondale, never seen the appealto be honest. I thnk i stick with my Mason.
2017 Habit and the frame cracked. Cannondale hooks me up with complete new frame. "Just swap the parts over." HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! So the seat post, stem and bars swapped over. Nothing else! Sucks for me.
This is common issue. Nothing is compatible.
On my buddys Slate alu, the braze-on bottle bosses snapped off. I´m convinced it is an overheated weld. Cannondale jerks here in Sweden said he had a crash and broke then off. Not a SINGLE scratch in the powdercoating on the frame, so in their world he took the whole bang on the downtube bottlecage... Told my buddy to get in contact with Cannondale´s headquarters, but he didn´t. Rgr
This is aging well, a new super six evo about to be released in 2023, which probably (hopefully) solves the problems in the last generation. I could not give my money for a bike with that silly head tube cables routing issues that cracked the frame). Now, to make you right, they just need to “reinvente the wheel” in 2024 and start over. I would appreciate clever integration of rim brakes but that’s not going to happen
I should of put the year on the title.
Steel rules.
There latest alloy offerings like the base caad 13 are monster overpriced and weigh a ton compared to the older stuff cannondale remind me now of Italian cars lol brilliant and crap at the same time!. Its also a case of are you feeling lucky!!!!.
Very much a ‘feeling lucky’ experience. The CAAD4aero was amazing. People always thought it was Carbon.
Right to repair can't come soon enough. All these 'Tesla/apple-esque' return-to-base service models really aren't helpful. For me as a reasonably competant home mechanic (can do full builds, build wheels, braze repair steel frames etc) anything with return to base servicing would be a definitive 'no' to purchase.
Germany has laws about service part availability so you may be able to order in bulk from a friendly German supplier. When I did a lot of Scuba diving 10 years ago I used to get regulator service kits from Germany as in the UK they refused to sell to the public.
Hell yeah!
The the battery pack and lights. Dog sh…
Very true
I dislike Cannondale fullstop The way they make their parts so hard to replace or service. Yeah their stuff works well but there's other great brands out here that don't make life so difficult. They remind me of Apple in the way they treat issues, with their in-house approach to service and the availability of spares.
Aye. Their own worst enemy for sure.
Why bother?
Buy a handmade non-carbon frame from a local builder-support local folk.
Chinese are getting better conversing imperial units
37 Cannondales never had a problem with one of them. What a load of rubbish this guy tslks
I would never buy another Cannondale. Bottom bracket problems on all of them.
The other day i asked you why you ignored Boardman cycles you said it was like two companies one good and one bad but to even allow a cannondale into your shop is beyond me talk about rubbish you cannot even sell a secondhand one give it away yes but sell it no chance you can fool people once but not a second time its the unfortunate public that sort out cannondale's bikes for that company not the company sorting out there second rate bikes for the public.
Thats Fair David. I don't know where you are, but here in the UK, Boardman have a range they only sell to Halfords. A department store.
@@Mapdec May want to search "Hambini Boardman", lots of fun.. Rgr
@@Mapdec Here Halfords only sell bikes and auto parts nothing else .
Why spend so much money on new stuff that is expensive and just breaks down? Why not buy older equipment which is dirt cheap and tried and true? What's with all the weight obsession? The same thing happened in the early 90s and all it did was produce very delicate parts that broke easily. Why care so much about grams when most of us have pounds of fat we need to lose. I just don't understand bikes and cyclists these days. When I started writing in the late 70s we just went out and rode our bikes.
Lots of truth there. 👍
oh man a lot of this stuff sounds horrible. Buying a bike should NOT be so tricky
You mean. To buy their overpriced products especially their caad bikes? Naw…
I have loved all of the Cannondale bikes I have owned (other than the v1 disc Synapse) for reasons that I can't quite put my finger on - they're always just fun. The Scalpel does in fact have flex-stays though (and an annoying ai offset ..)
They really hamdnt figured out disc brakes then. They used to judder.
@@Mapdec Agreed! Disc brakes and QR's are not ideal and the non-series di2 shifters were very on/off but there was something weird going on with the geometry (chainstay length?) as well. It handled like a barge and completely unlike the rim brake version of the day (which was awesome).