'Dream' Hardtail is cannondale worth the premium?

mo\'c

After reading the fora I know a Merlin may be better but I've been burned before buying stuff that needs long distance returns for warranty etc so decided to go for something available in my local Evans. I think I've narrowed it down to Stumpy Comp (don't like the red Expert), Trek 8500 and Cannondale F1 in raw. The Cannondale is the best looking to me and I like the idea of the lefty etc, however it's not specced as highly as the others.....is it's frame worth the 'extra'.......any other advice gladly accepted.


http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86071
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86252
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86112

prophet_1000

I would test ride all three and then see!

Not the answer you are looking for I know but it is the sensible thing to do, I have a cannondale prophet which I only did the car park test on BUT it suits me fine (I was Lucky)

As to whether one frame is better and worth more money than another, maybe at a higher level but at my level then no it isn't worth the extra. I just liked the look of the Cannondale and wanted a lefty which I think is Awesome so paid the premium.

Hope this helps?