Cannondale F29 Carbon 3 hardtail - buyers advise

[Fast Forward]

Looking to buy said bike - any advise or comments prior to departing with my money would be appreciated.

[Hilton.]

http://media.cannondale.com/media/catalog/product/cache/3/small_image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/1/c15_cm2052_03_gry_4.1409191725.jpg

This one?

[Hilton.]

Having not actually had the pleasure of riding it yet, but having read many different carbon 29er hardtail reviews, I'd say that it is one of the very best you can buy. The lefty and beautiful carbon frame are top notch.

 

Stans ZTR Rapid rims are much like Crests, but a bit cheaper to produce for OEM (due to sleeve joining I think?) as opposed to the aftermarket Crests.

 

Sram X7/X9 2x10 groupset should be fairly sturdy and dependable (I have X9), but not all that exciting.

 

Overall, nothing wrong with the whole package. Mind my asking how much you can get her for?

[Hilton.]

Perhaps consider buying a Swift Carbon Detritove frame and building it up with a RS Sid RL fork, Crest wheelset and XT groupset? I think that will come out slightly more pricy though.

[Vanzyl]

Awesome bike... Awesome frame!!! Think the swift mentioned earlier by Hilton is just as cool...!

[Spinnekop]

I have been riding the F29 for a year now.  LOVE my bike.  Before that had the Flash 3 which is basically the same bike.  No issues what so ever.  Lefty is a stunning fork and the frame held up through a couple of races.

[LUZERN]

Awesome frame, even more awesome fork and generally an awesome bike. Just buy it !

[Nickster]

Bought this bike two weeks ago, you won't regret it!

Only complaint is the breaks are a bit shitty, but who needs breaks anyway?!

[MarcBurger]

I am also seriously considering one of these, just nervous about switching from a oldy dual to new ht.

Obike currently has them on for R26k. That's the best I see at the moment. Else the new range is coming soon so one could try grab a 2014 bargain.

[BlinkFan]

Have had one for a year and a bit now. Great bike, but two things that are slight niggles:

1. BB30 lifespan not as good at Shimano Hollowtech.

2. Cable routing is downright crap. For the price they can really invest in internal cable routing. I converted rear derailleur to full housing and routed it along top tube then chainstays. Front derailure is "impossible" to convert unfortunately.

 

But other than that I have no complaints. Lefty is awesome. Don't think I'll ever go back to "normal" fork.

[_David_]

I've had 2, awesome hardtail bike and great value for money.

 

Only complaint: Headset bearings - they don't last and are very expensive... and there's never stock.

[Prince Albert Cycles]

awesome bike. Been riding my Flash carbon 3 for 3 years.

Upgraded with a carbon bar and lighter wheels.

havent miss my DS for a minute.

Go for it

[Slakkepas]

I`m picking up myne on Friday.  Insurance paid out my flash 3 after it cracked due to impact.  

 

Once you use to the lefty you wont go back!!

 

Just notice the picture up top is the 2015 model.  Will only be available mid December.  The 2014 almost the same, just less red in the frame 

 

http://www.rei.com/product/862132/cannondale-f29-carbon-3-bike-2014

[Fast Forward]

Thanks all, I did a test ride yesterday. Compared to my oldish Scott spark softail I must say I was quite impressed. Swift & nimble. Felt with every pedal stroke that I kinda got more value for power. I must agree on the brakes - that was the first problem I could notice - very shitty - but maybe they'll wear in - if that's possible. Local LBS says they retail at a special now - R30K.

[nickc]

Also have the older Flash but basically the same bike. 15 years of MTB and and 12 bikes later I can say the best bike I have had so far.

 

The more you ride/race it the more you enjoy it and one never seems to reach its limits.

[nickc]

Have had one for a year and a bit now. Great bike, but two things that are slight niggles:

1. BB30 lifespan not as good at Shimano Hollowtech.

2. Cable routing is downright crap. For the price they can really invest in internal cable routing. I converted rear derailleur to full housing and routed it along top tube then chainstays. Front derailure is "impossible" to convert unfortunately.

 

But other than that I have no complaints. Lefty is awesome. Don't think I'll ever go back to "normal" fork.

 

I did exactly the same on the rear but also did a 1 x 10 so I could drop the front der and cabling.

 

Good modifications.