Cannondale Rush 800 - opinions needed

[orgasmicliving!!]

I just got a Cannondale Rush 800 as a gift. Anyone got any opinions. Am a bit worried since I read about the Trek frames snapping in the other thread. Also a little annoyed at the fact taht the front wheel is not quick release, so I can't put it in my boot. I will have to do the yuppie thing and get a bike rack now.

Some questions:
1. Does anyone know if it's possible to retrofit a quick release mechanism onto a bike wheel with a mono shock?

2. Any advice for someone just starting out with mountain biking? I am not too fit and I am *really* worried about taking a hard fall! I am not much of a mountain biker (just started doing road biking a couple of months ago).

3. With falling off in mind, should I put clips in or regular pedals?

Any opinions on the specs:
Frame Rush, 110 mm
Fork Lefty Speed Bonded DLR2, 110 mm
Rear Shock FOX Float R
Rims Mavic XM117 Disc, 32 hole
Hubs Cannondale Lefty front, Shimano M475 rear
Spokes DT Swiss Champion
Tires IRC Serac XC, 26 x 2.1"
Pedals CrankBrothers Egg Beater
Crank FSA V-Drive MegaExo, 22/32/44
Chain Shimano 9-speed
Rear Cogs SRAM PG-950, 11-34
Bottom Bracket FSA V-Drive MegaExo
Front Derailleur Shimano LX
Rear Derailleur Shimano XT
Shifters Shimano LX Dual Control
Handlebars FSA XC-281AOS, 25 mm rise
Stem Cannondale XC3 HeadShok, 31.8 mm
Headset Cannondale HeadShok Si
Brakeset Shimano LX
Brakelevers Shimano LX Dual Control
Saddle Fi'zi:k Nisene II Sport
Seat Post FSA FR-270

Thanks!

Edited by orgasmicliving!! on Tuesday 22 August 08:32

[orgasmicliving!!]

Thanks for the advice, guys. It came with eggbeater pedals, and a clear acrylic "platform" pedal that clips onto one half of the eggbeater. So you can use that side for regular shoes or flip it upside down and clip in. Pretty nifty.

Thanks for the info on the frame strength. That's reassuring. And I didn't realise the wheel would be that easy to remove. So, to put it back on, is it just a matter of tightening the allen bolt up nicely, or is there a specific torque that I need to have it at?

The fridge-white colour is erm, interesting. I think I am going to put some stickers or splash some paint on it it add some colour.

I can't wait to discover some trails and try it out.

Edited by orgasmicliving!! on Tuesday 22 August 08:34

[orgasmicliving!!]

Yeah, it was a surprise. I can't wait to try it out!

[orgasmicliving!!]

Should I bother with a trip computer for this bike? I mean, do people track distance while doing mountain biking, or is that more of a roadbike thing?

Edited by orgasmicliving!! on Tuesday 22 August 08:42

[orgasmicliving!!]

I went to unbolt the wheel and it seems to come off the threads adn then rotate freely, as if it's a captive bolt. Fine, except the wheel doesn't go down (apparently the bolt is catching on something) and it doesn't go sideways because the brake disc is still in the caliper. Grrr. I will have another play in a while, but I put everything back together and just rode it for a bit. It feels nice and light!

The acrylic pedal thing fell off so I just pedaled on the eggbeaters with regular shoes. I already have two bikes with the SPD pedals but it seems my SPD cleats are not compatible with the eggbeater pedals on this bike, so I either have to replace the pedals or get new shoes just for this bike or deal with switching cleats all the time. Replacing the pedals seem like the best option?

[orgasmicliving!!]

White_van_Man said:

orgasmicliving!! said:

Thanks for the info on the frame strength. That's reassuring. And I didn't realise the wheel would be that easy to remove. So, to put it back on, is it just a matter of tightening the allen bolt up nicely, or is there a specific torque that I need to have it at?

I guess there is a recomended torque to do it up to, but i have seen a few people do it and they just make sure its nice and tight and they have been fine

Yeah, it says 133 ft-lbs recommended torque right by the axle bolt. So I did it up nice and tight, like.

[orgasmicliving!!]

On my way to the shops now. By bike!