Cannondale Rush 800 - bit of a review
Discussion
OK, I finally have enough seat time on this bike to feel like I can comment on its merits. The bike is fantastic!
For steep uphill trail riding, the dual suspension seems to have some magical traction control that just causes it to power all the way to the top, over dirt, lots of dust, gravel, shale, whatever. It's really incredible, and I have been able to ride up 40-degree slops (looked like 40 degrees to me, but don't exactly know) while other bikers have had to get off and walk up after their rears started spinning.
Jumping over stuff, or colliding with things unintentionally, it lands very nicely and you don't feel any frame flex. The bike feels absolutely solid!
On flat, paved ground, the bike is reasonably fast and very comfortable. I don't even bother to lock out the front fork or stiffen up the rear because it really does not feel like it bounces in the front or pogos in the rear. And in mud or on slippery grass the bike seems to grip very well as well.
The shifters are fantastic. One click and it shifts smoothly into the gear you want. The excellent and superlow gear ratios also contribute to its sure-footedness.
Seat by Fiz'ik (I think that's how they spell it) is the best seat I have ever had. Once adjusted, there is no position on it that is uncomfortable. It is simply the best. I am going to change my other two bikes' seats to this brand after my experience with this bike.
Servicing the bike is a breeze. Everything is made very well. Rear wheel drops out and goes back in easily, although a single-sided swingarm could make it entirely unnecessary to remove the wheel. The front inner tube can be changed without removing the wheel, because of the single-sided fork. The stem, handlebars, crank, etc., are all very easy to service, and extremely high-quality. A chainring rock-guard is essential for trail-riding, however, and is not included. That's a bit unforgiveable on an expensive mountain bike.
One minor quibble is the cheapie tyres and inner-tubes it came with. After 1 flat in the front and 2 burst tubes in the back in a row, I have upgraded mine to middle-of-the-road tyres and put in keval wheel liners and self-sealing inner-tubes, and the problems seem to have gone away. I am classifying this as a minor quibble because it does not seem to be an issue for others, so it's probably more to do with the types of surfaces I have been riding on.
If there's anything I would change, it would be the weight. It feels heavy not only because it is 29 lbs, but those wide tyres seem to have more rolling resistance as well. So, I would ask that the Cannondale boffins do something about the weight if possible, and aim to be in the under-25 lb range.
All in all, it's a fun, high-tech ride that I really enjoy. If you are looking to get a nice bike, I can recommend this one.
For steep uphill trail riding, the dual suspension seems to have some magical traction control that just causes it to power all the way to the top, over dirt, lots of dust, gravel, shale, whatever. It's really incredible, and I have been able to ride up 40-degree slops (looked like 40 degrees to me, but don't exactly know) while other bikers have had to get off and walk up after their rears started spinning.
Jumping over stuff, or colliding with things unintentionally, it lands very nicely and you don't feel any frame flex. The bike feels absolutely solid!
On flat, paved ground, the bike is reasonably fast and very comfortable. I don't even bother to lock out the front fork or stiffen up the rear because it really does not feel like it bounces in the front or pogos in the rear. And in mud or on slippery grass the bike seems to grip very well as well.
The shifters are fantastic. One click and it shifts smoothly into the gear you want. The excellent and superlow gear ratios also contribute to its sure-footedness.
Seat by Fiz'ik (I think that's how they spell it) is the best seat I have ever had. Once adjusted, there is no position on it that is uncomfortable. It is simply the best. I am going to change my other two bikes' seats to this brand after my experience with this bike.
Servicing the bike is a breeze. Everything is made very well. Rear wheel drops out and goes back in easily, although a single-sided swingarm could make it entirely unnecessary to remove the wheel. The front inner tube can be changed without removing the wheel, because of the single-sided fork. The stem, handlebars, crank, etc., are all very easy to service, and extremely high-quality. A chainring rock-guard is essential for trail-riding, however, and is not included. That's a bit unforgiveable on an expensive mountain bike.
One minor quibble is the cheapie tyres and inner-tubes it came with. After 1 flat in the front and 2 burst tubes in the back in a row, I have upgraded mine to middle-of-the-road tyres and put in keval wheel liners and self-sealing inner-tubes, and the problems seem to have gone away. I am classifying this as a minor quibble because it does not seem to be an issue for others, so it's probably more to do with the types of surfaces I have been riding on.
If there's anything I would change, it would be the weight. It feels heavy not only because it is 29 lbs, but those wide tyres seem to have more rolling resistance as well. So, I would ask that the Cannondale boffins do something about the weight if possible, and aim to be in the under-25 lb range.
All in all, it's a fun, high-tech ride that I really enjoy. If you are looking to get a nice bike, I can recommend this one.
Edited by orgasmicliving!! on Monday 4th September 18:39
Good bikes indeed. Totally love my hardtail 2000SL.
Regarding tyres, I run tubeless Hutchinson Scorpions. Not cheap but have not punctured throughout their lifetime. The weight saving without any inner tubes is noticeable, magnified by my slimline choice of a 1.75 width which also cuts rolling resistance when riding on metalled roads.
Regarding tyres, I run tubeless Hutchinson Scorpions. Not cheap but have not punctured throughout their lifetime. The weight saving without any inner tubes is noticeable, magnified by my slimline choice of a 1.75 width which also cuts rolling resistance when riding on metalled roads.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff