|   cannondale m500 | den
Sep 1, 2001 8:09 PM | | I am thinking about buying a cannondale M500 97 model and I don't know how many speeds it has. Can anybody tell me this? Also is it a good beginner bike? |
| I bought a 99 M500... | ®andyA
Sep 2, 2001 4:59 PM | | ... back in... well... 99... as my first real mtb. I bought it for the purpose of a beginner bike and it has lasted me 2+ years so far. So IMHO, I think it's a good beginner bike. Checking the Cannondale website, the 97 M500 is a 7-sp with basic entry level parts and it has the same frame as my 99. I mention the frame because I have upgraded my 99 from a full rigid/beginner bike to a front susp (i.e. hardtail) with good intermediate parts.
Coupla things to keep in mind.
1) Are you going to get seriously into mtb. If so, then you might be able to upgrade the frame with better parts. That's been my experience. But if you're REALLY going to get serious, then look for a better bike to start out. At least something with better or intermediate parts (i.e. Shimano LX/XT or SRAM 5.0/7.0 or compatible) and something with a decent front fork. Maybe a Rock Shox Judy & higher or Manitou SX & higher or a Marzocchi.
2) Experience. As a beginner you really don't have an idea of what to expect as you get more riding time. As you ride more, you'll get a better feel for how the bike fits (whether good or bad) and how you will want to change it. If you're just looking at it from a purely recreational standpoint then this won't matter so much. But if you're anything like case 1 above then, you'll be spending more money in the near future. And I mean a lot more... That's what happened to me.
Hope that helps,
Randy <--- 2 bikes later & happy to have all of them |
| re: cannondale m500 | rook
Sep 3, 2001 5:38 AM | | I bought a 2000 m-400 and upgraded almost the whole bike and I love it. Mars 1 fork, Team stylo cranks, Valiants with XTR and S.O.B.,Maxxis Larson tires,CT2 bar and post. Stock parts are the brakes, gripshifts(9spd), stem and saddle. The bike weighs in at about 24 lbs. I'm looking to possible sell it for a full-susp. rig. Considering the money I spent on the bike and upgrades (about $1500)I still think it's a great bike for the money. |
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