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post #31 of 43
8/25/06 at 6:35am
Thread Starter 

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

Quote:
Originally Posted by avmanansala
Race Red, VERY COOL!

As far as the treking bar is concerned, check with your LBS to make sure that the ****ers and brakes and stem are compatible.

As far as tires go there are other options. I don't have any experience with other brands but may try some out when I wear these out. Some threads:
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t357185.html
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t337731.html
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t344572.html
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t251183.html
there are more, of course.

I went with the Specialized Armadillos because I live in a new housing tract so there are lots of nails, staples, screws, sharp aggregate, glass on the roads. Not to mention the thorns and other objects from nature. On my car, I had 2 flats inside of a week. GRRRRR. It was that experience that pushed me to get the Armadillos.
Yes, Race Red is very cool, and the unpainted forks are, too.

Thanks for the tire links. I have some reading to do this weekend!

Two flats on your car within a week! That's terrible!

Fortunately, I don't have to worry about building materials as much as you do, but I do have to beware of the usual stuff that turns up on roads and trails (some broken glass, the occasional stray nail or screw, etc.) and I tend to be fairly cautious. I figure that minimizing the frequency with which I have to deal with flats on my bike is just a good idea, and I'm willing to sacrifice some on performance to do that. I'll read the information that these links lead to with that in mind!

Best wishes,

Jane
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post #32 of 43
8/5/07 at 8:12pm

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

Quote:
Originally Posted by cjaneride
Anthony, this is just the type of feedback that I was hoping to receive. For someone who is "new to this, too", you are certainly well-versed in the componentry of the cycles that you considered! I did a side-by-side comparison of the componentry of two of the RW models and was flummoxed when it came to interpreting what I was viewing. Other than slogging through Web site after Web site trying to learn enough to at least make a guess at what I was seeing, I could only thing of posting here, and I'm so glad that I did and that you replied.

You wrote:

Stepping up to the RW 800 and 1000 you get the Ultegra rear deraileur, factory installed bar ends. The wheels and hubs are upgraded. The tires are larger 700x32c vs 700x28c. I think the 1000 addes a carbon seat post & handle bar; no pedals are included. The RW 800 uses a SRAM rear cog set while the RW 1000 uses Shimano 105 rear cogs.

and I have a question of clarification here. So, given what you get in stepping up from the 800 to the 1000, what is the advantage of that? A lighter bike and therefore a faster bike? That's fine, but would you also get a better feeling ride of the long haul out of that?

Thanks!
I am planning to purchase the Cannondate RW 800 is lighter and slightly thinner wheel which I believe will give me more forward motion and greater efficiency. What do you think about my choice? Oh yes, I'm riding purely for the fun of it about 3 times a week combined with using the exercise room.

Thanks!
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post #33 of 43
8/13/07 at 7:58am
Thread Starter 

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Novas
I am planning to purchase the Cannondate RW 800 is lighter and slightly thinner wheel which I believe will give me more forward motion and greater efficiency. What do you think about my choice? Oh yes, I'm riding purely for the fun of it about 3 times a week combined with using the exercise room.

Thanks!
I am thrilled with my RW 500. At the conclusion of much research, with invaluable assistance from Anthony M. per this thread, I decided that I didn't need to incur the extra expense of the RW 800 for my purposes - riding for fitness and fun - and I don't regret the choice. I would imagine that if you are willing to shell out the extra bucks that the 800 costs, then you wouldn't regre that choice, either!

HOWEVER, I do a lot of hill climbing and there are moments when I wish that I had gone for a road bike with drop handlebars. Just something to think about!

Happy shopping/riding!

CJaneRide
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post #34 of 43
8/13/07 at 3:55pm

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

Quote:
Originally Posted by cjaneride
I am thrilled with my RW 500. At the conclusion of much research, with invaluable assistance from Anthony M. per this thread, I decided that I didn't need to incur the extra expense of the RW 800 for my purposes - riding for fitness and fun - and I don't regret the choice. I would imagine that if you are willing to shell out the extra bucks that the 800 costs, then you wouldn't regre that choice, either!

HOWEVER, I do a lot of hill climbing and there are moments when I wish that I had gone for a road bike with drop handlebars. Just something to think about!

Happy shopping/riding!

CJaneRide
Jane, glad you like the RW500 as much as I love mine.

Mark, I'm currently riding on 700x25 tires (at a hair over 200lbs., I'm a clyde) and have not had any problems. Just upgrade your tires. Your LBS should be able to tell you what tires will fit no problem. I currently ride on Specialized Armadillos (for puncture protection) but have considered going with Continental Gatorbacks (their kevlar impregnated tire). Supposedly, they are just as puncture resistant as the Armadillos but much lighter.

Regards,
Anthony
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post #35 of 43
8/14/07 at 6:50pm

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

I'm also in the market for a Cannondale Road Warrior. I'm leaning towards the 1000 model as I took it for a quick test ride and I liked the feel, weight and appearance. I rode the Trek FX's but for some reason the feeling wasn't as good as the Cannodale

As a few of you here already own the Road Warrior, is there anything you would have done differently (higher/lower model, different frame size, tires, etc.)?

Also, how is the bike's stiffness. Being mostly aluminum it sounds like it would be quite tough.

Lastly, I'm about 6'3 with a 34 inseam. Would you recommend a Large or XL frame?

Thanks for the suggestions
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post #36 of 43
8/15/07 at 1:50pm

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

Locally, the RW 1000 is just a bit over $1300. Looking over the specs, the bike is essentially a flat bar road bike (albeit with a more comfortable frame). With Shimano 105 wheels, Ultegra rear derailer, are you sure you don't want a road bike. Don't get me wrong, it's an excellent bike but $1000+ I might almost consider a C'dale Synapse 1 (triple with full 105) - again, an aluminum bike. At $1600 you can get a Carbon Synapse 2 (triple, 105/Ultegra mix). I guess my point is, with that much money invested, make sure you're going to be happy with a flat bar vs. a true road bike (with drops).

I'm 5'-7" and 200 lbs. and ride a Medium - I would think that an XL would be perfect for you. To make mine fit just a bit better I went with a Zero Setback Easton EC-70 carbon seat post. Pedals are Shimano SPD M520s. I added Cane Creek Ergo 2 bar ends for more hand positions. Tires as stated before are Specialized Armadillos 700 x 25c. (I do want to try out the Continental Gatorskins in a 700 x 25c). Mine is an '06 model with an adjustable stem that I have set to a 5° rise. I run two water bottles (I really like the Cannondale bottle cages from REI). I picked up a small 78 cubic inch Cannondale saddle bag from Performance for a pair of CO2 bottles, Genuine Innovations Micro inflator, patch kit, spare tube and an Crank Bros 19 mulit tool. Still have room for keys, and a cell phone. I'll sometimes ride near dusk so I also have a blinkie, front light, and yes, reflectors on the stock wheels.

I find mine to be plenty stiff.

Hope this helped.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bdoviack
I'm also in the market for a Cannondale Road Warrior. I'm leaning towards the 1000 model as I took it for a quick test ride and I liked the feel, weight and appearance. I rode the Trek FX's but for some reason the feeling wasn't as good as the Cannodale

As a few of you here already own the Road Warrior, is there anything you would have done differently (higher/lower model, different frame size, tires, etc.)?

Also, how is the bike's stiffness. Being mostly aluminum it sounds like it would be quite tough.

Lastly, I'm about 6'3 with a 34 inseam. Would you recommend a Large or XL frame?

Thanks for the suggestions
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post #37 of 43
8/15/07 at 3:02pm

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

Hi Anthony,

Thanks for your suggestions. Now you've added some additional questions into the equation :-)

Actually, I've had a few road bikes in the past and this time around I'm leaning more towards comfort (with the straight handlebar and more upright position). The road bikes are tempting me, though I feel down the road my neck and back will thank me for the more comfortable choice.

The price is a bit steep for a comfort bike but since it has the most performance related parts, I'm hoping I won't miss a road bike too much.

When you mentioned your bike is stiff, did you mean that in a good way or bad way? Does it rattle you where it becomes quite tiring? The 1000 has a few additional carbon components which is another reason why I'm leaning towards it.

Another question is when do manufacturers (like Cannondale) release their 2008 bikes. Are they due soon (next month or two) or are they still quite far away? Trying to decide if I should hold off or not.

Lastly, can I ask what part of the country you are in as the prices here in Southern California for the 1000 are $1500 and up (at least what I see).

Thanks again for all the help,



Quote:
Originally Posted by avmanansala
Locally, the RW 1000 is just a bit over $1300. Looking over the specs, the bike is essentially a flat bar road bike (albeit with a more comfortable frame). With Shimano 105 wheels, Ultegra rear derailer, are you sure you don't want a road bike. Don't get me wrong, it's an excellent bike but $1000+ I might almost consider a C'dale Synapse 1 (triple with full 105) - again, an aluminum bike. At $1600 you can get a Carbon Synapse 2 (triple, 105/Ultegra mix). I guess my point is, with that much money invested, make sure you're going to be happy with a flat bar vs. a true road bike (with drops).

I'm 5'-7" and 200 lbs. and ride a Medium - I would think that an XL would be perfect for you. To make mine fit just a bit better I went with a Zero Setback Easton EC-70 carbon seat post. Pedals are Shimano SPD M520s. I added Cane Creek Ergo 2 bar ends for more hand positions. Tires as stated before are Specialized Armadillos 700 x 25c. (I do want to try out the Continental Gatorskins in a 700 x 25c). Mine is an '06 model with an adjustable stem that I have set to a 5° rise. I run two water bottles (I really like the Cannondale bottle cages from REI). I picked up a small 78 cubic inch Cannondale saddle bag from Performance for a pair of CO2 bottles, Genuine Innovations Micro inflator, patch kit, spare tube and an Crank Bros 19 mulit tool. Still have room for keys, and a cell phone. I'll sometimes ride near dusk so I also have a blinkie, front light, and yes, reflectors on the stock wheels.

I find mine to be plenty stiff.

Hope this helped.
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post #38 of 43
8/25/07 at 12:04am

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

Sorry for the late reply.

I mean stiff in a good way; great power transfer. I tend to ride 25-30 miles at a time on the weekends and about 10 miles on the eveneings (when I can ride). Not too bad. I never feel as if I can't wait to get off the bike.

I do have a carbon seat post instead of the comfort suspension seat post. I also have the bar ends for more hand positions.

I'm in Sacramento. I do know that REI sells Cannondale bikes.

I just saw the 08 catalog. The Road Warrior 1 uses the same Cannondale Optimo Road Warrior frame that my bike has and has Shimano 105 amd caliper brakes. The RW2 uses a Road Warrior frame that is more mountain bike that road and uses Shimano Tiagra and V brakes The RW3 and RW4 uses Alevio and Deore.

In this case, I'd go RW1 but for $1000+, I'd consider a Cannondale Synapse.

My LBS doesn't have any 08 Cdales yet. Not sure when they come out. Since its the end of the season, you might be able to get a deal from your LBS.

Goodluck, hope this helped.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bdoviack
Hi Anthony,

Thanks for your suggestions. Now you've added some additional questions into the equation :-)

Actually, I've had a few road bikes in the past and this time around I'm leaning more towards comfort (with the straight handlebar and more upright position). The road bikes are tempting me, though I feel down the road my neck and back will thank me for the more comfortable choice.

The price is a bit steep for a comfort bike but since it has the most performance related parts, I'm hoping I won't miss a road bike too much.

When you mentioned your bike is stiff, did you mean that in a good way or bad way? Does it rattle you where it becomes quite tiring? The 1000 has a few additional carbon components which is another reason why I'm leaning towards it.

Another question is when do manufacturers (like Cannondale) release their 2008 bikes. Are they due soon (next month or two) or are they still quite far away? Trying to decide if I should hold off or not.

Lastly, can I ask what part of the country you are in as the prices here in Southern California for the 1000 are $1500 and up (at least what I see).

Thanks again for all the help,
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post #39 of 43
8/27/07 at 5:25am

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

Thanks for the update Anthony. Things are becoming clearer on what to get.

Regarding the Road Warrior 1, do you know what has changd from the RW1000? In other words, is it worth waiting for?

The Synapse is also an option you got me thinking about. My concern is how comfortable is it compared the Road Warrior series. Any reason why you chose the Road Warrior over the Synapse? Is the Synapse designed more for performance and speed but less comfortable (hunched over more), while the RW is the opposite?

Thanks again,



Quote:
Originally Posted by avmanansala
Sorry for the late reply.

I mean stiff in a good way; great power transfer. I tend to ride 25-30 miles at a time on the weekends and about 10 miles on the eveneings (when I can ride). Not too bad. I never feel as if I can't wait to get off the bike.

I do have a carbon seat post instead of the comfort suspension seat post. I also have the bar ends for more hand positions.

I'm in Sacramento. I do know that REI sells Cannondale bikes.

I just saw the 08 catalog. The Road Warrior 1 uses the same Cannondale Optimo Road Warrior frame that my bike has and has Shimano 105 amd caliper brakes. The RW2 uses a Road Warrior frame that is more mountain bike that road and uses Shimano Tiagra and V brakes The RW3 and RW4 uses Alevio and Deore.

In this case, I'd go RW1 but for $1000+, I'd consider a Cannondale Synapse.

My LBS doesn't have any 08 Cdales yet. Not sure when they come out. Since its the end of the season, you might be able to get a deal from your LBS.

Goodluck, hope this helped.
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post #40 of 43
8/27/07 at 6:54am

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

if there ever was a thread in desperate need of a picture ...

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post #41 of 43
9/1/07 at 2:33am

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

The only road bike I test rode was a Specialized Allez before I ended up with my RW. I have since ridden the Synapse (albeit aluminum) w/ 105, just as comfortable and not as twitchy as the Allez. Bottom line, I chose my RW more for the limited riding I was planning on doing and for cost. In your price range, I think that a Synapse might be worth looking into.


Quote:
Originally Posted by bdoviack
Thanks for the update Anthony. Things are becoming clearer on what to get.

Regarding the Road Warrior 1, do you know what has changd from the RW1000? In other words, is it worth waiting for?

The Synapse is also an option you got me thinking about. My concern is how comfortable is it compared the Road Warrior series. Any reason why you chose the Road Warrior over the Synapse? Is the Synapse designed more for performance and speed but less comfortable (hunched over more), while the RW is the opposite?

Thanks again,
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post #42 of 43
9/3/07 at 12:04am

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

thanks for all the tips and suggestions Anthony. I'll check out the local bike store for the final details. You provided great input to help to make the decision easier.

Cheers,


Quote:
Originally Posted by avmanansala
The only road bike I test rode was a Specialized Allez before I ended up with my RW. I have since ridden the Synapse (albeit aluminum) w/ 105, just as comfortable and not as twitchy as the Allez. Bottom line, I chose my RW more for the limited riding I was planning on doing and for cost. In your price range, I think that a Synapse might be worth looking into.
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post #43 of 43
9/24/07 at 3:03am

Re: Cannondale Road Warrior: Which model for a newbie?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bdoviack
thanks for all the tips and suggestions Anthony. I'll check out the local bike store for the final details. You provided great input to help to make the decision easier.

Cheers,
Just wondering what you ended up with.

Attached a pic of my '06 C'Dale Road Warrior 500.

I swapped out the Specialized Armadillos for Continental Gator Skins (700x25)...let me tell you, its a world of difference! So much lighter than the Armadillos. Haven't had them on long enough to know how bullet proof they are. Still riding on the stock rims with reflectors...I do ride at night and the days are getting shorter and shorter. Just added the fenders, too (SKS P35s...thinking about it, I might have gone with P45s for a wee bit more coverage, but so far, I like them). Lights are from Bike Smart.

Cane Creek Ergo II bar ends for more hand positions. Specialized Speedzone Comp computer...stock adjustable stem dialed in to a 5° rise. Stock seat on a Thomson Elite seat post. Shimano SPD PD-M520 pedals.

C'dale saddle bag holds a spare tube, CO2 x2, Genuine Innovations Microflate nozzle and a Crank Brothers Multi-19 Tool.

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