Cannon Flash 1

jaminbrazil

I've sold all my bikes in an effort to downsize my bike footprint and am looking for one bike to rule them all (except road). A hardtail is ideal for 80% of the riding I do. So, LBS #1 says the Flash is amazing! I've ridden one around the parking lot and have some experience w/the lefty (not the new one) and just loved it. I'm not going to lie...for me, the bike is very attractive which is a bit driver...

http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/mountain/hardtail-29er/f-series-29er/f29-carbon-1-28490

So, my buddy that works at LBS #2 and isn't a Can dealer says...

...and the bottom bracket is stupidly low for technical terrain...

and then...

Thoughts:
- Lefty forks suck and always have. They are light, cool looking and crap.
- I wouldn't buy first generation technology. The new SRAM 1x11 looks awesome, but I'd wait until next year so the kinks get worked out
- I'd stick to proven technology and bikes that are easy to get replacement parts for. Proprietary stuff is a HUGE pain in the ass
- A lot of 29er bikes will be too big for you in their smallest (medium) size. For reference, at 5'11" I'm running a 600 top tube and would have a 90 stem with that on a race bike.

So, my biggest concern is his point about the BB being too low. Please advise. Thanks!

supersonic

Your link does not work.

marz

Lefty forks are great and I have friends who have used them trouble free for years.
The SRAM 1x11 looks great and is something I intend to upgrade to, once there's a few more long term reviews out there.
I have a couple friends shorter than 5'11'' who ride 29er's with no problems at all.

I've found low BB height only a problem in the corners and when trying to pedal through. Pedal strikes are more frequent and you do have to sometimes time your pedaling to clear step ups and rooty/rocky corners.

My bike has a 12.1 bb height, which is pain, but a minor pain to the plus points of riding a good 29er hardtail.

jaminbrazil

link corrected

jaminbrazil

My inseam is 30.5 inches when I set my feet ~8" apart and straddle a straight edge then measure the distance from the top of the level to the ground.

The Rookie

I went through the webby and got this link http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/mountain/hardtail-29er/f-series-29er/f29-carbon-1-28490

Bike looks great for sure, don't know anyone with a Lefty but only ever heard good reviews. You'll pay a wee bit more for getting into XXI right at the start, but if you want it, go get it!