Scott Mountain Bike Aluminium
Are cannondale mountain bikes worth the premuim price?
I have the choice of buying a Cannondale F6 disc for around £360 or a Scott for similar money. I went to check out the bikes at Evans cycles and I felt that the Cannondale was far better built but the spec was rather meagre. The scott had hydraulic discs and a better saddle. However the other day I saw a Saracen Trace 1 for only £299 which is made from butted aluminium, has awesome brakes and magnesium suspension forks by rockshox that are better than the cannons dart 2 type. Should I buy according to spec? Or does the Cannondale name offer better geometry for the price? I currently ride a pretty basic halfords special so anything would feel a major improvement!
The Dart2′s aren’t a great fork. I don’t think they even have a lockout, which the Scott will almost certainly have. Cannondale’s are nice, but only if you pay the price. Many of the big-name manufacturers will have slightly lower-end components than other bikes at the same price point. Scott’s are a great bike, and I actually prefer the geometry on those to most Cannondales. Cannondales tend to be a little to upright for good XC riding. The scotts will take a SLIGHTLY more agressive stance, and ride style.
Look at the deraillers and brakes. Good mechanical discs are better than poor hydro’s. And good linear pull/V-Brakes are better than poor mechanical discs!
As for the choice….I like cannondale, but not for the price. I think they’re only worth it if you find one on a good sale. The scotts are consistently good in my book.
Also, I have to agree with another answer on here….you really should look at the frame most. It’s the one thing that you can’t change! Brakes, forks, rims, saddles – they can all be upgraded….frames are the core of your bike…get the one that BEST suits you – MAKE SURE TO RIDE IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT! If you haven’t done that yet, do! Sometimes you think a bike LOOKS good, but when you step on it for the first time, you might feel totally awkward. It’s all about what feels good.
Good luck.
Contour HD Whelshpool Hill 30th Scott Road Bike
