My Cannondale RZ120-1

The secret rider
The secret rider Posts: 812
edited July 2016 in Your mountain bikes
Hi all after getting some advise on here and trying to decide between a Giant trance x3 and a few others I went to the shop to buy the giant and came back with this !

Wanted something for XC, jumps, light DH etc standard Cannock chase stuff

This is perfect fit being a large and considering the slightly smaller cannondale fit.

I'm so glad I opted to spend the extra £ the spec on this compared to the giant is epic and it looks great :)

235C872F-08AD-4796-B782-A0EFF326836F_zps3o7hswro.jpg

Got these saints too

C70516EE-2CA2-454F-8301-4C1CBD8251CA_zps6j3k6rab.jpg

Hope to get out and use it as much as possible learning how to ride it and how to ride trailes
«13456

Comments

  • Got it muddy...

    E78798BF-9598-483C-BA94-6ACAE56F3EC4_zps25zgfh0i.jpg

    76501244-2488-438D-B00A-B045092BBA58_zpsb3vjc2gd.jpg
  • Nice bike! :)
  • brucie45
    brucie45 Posts: 279
    Very nice bikes those dales are, I had this model but the older version, 09 I think. Absolutley great all-rounders.
    Commencal Ramones Cromo 13 - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12926938
  • Lewis A
    Lewis A Posts: 767
    Very nice, but why do you have all the washers in place on the pedals?
    Cube Analog 2012 with various upgrades.
  • I don't any more that's just how they came from the shop removed all washers and fitted side pins now too

    DD2CD050-32EB-4F16-92D4-683DD376905E_zps5dtelvpe.jpg

    Loaded ready for an afternoon at Thetford

    B5C350F4-042F-4970-B44F-C3AC1D290870_zpszskjlnit.jpg
  • Well that was a good afternoon 23k at Thetford trails although the black route was closed :(

    Quick pic

    1A618A4F-05AC-4337-844D-FA102AC4FE39_zpsjhubzrok.jpg
  • I feel like I wanted a slightly shorter throw on the bike so with the help and link from someone very helpful on this forum I've ordered this ..

    http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... -11-45125/

    Not sure how it will feel but worth a go.

    Also been thinking about loosing the outer ring so on yesterday's ride I stayed in the middle front cog only and shifted with the rear 10 gears felt good still to easy for thetford in the lowest 3 gears .... Even considering going single cog on the front now :-0

    Sure that will change after a visit to Cannock next week .... Wol probably take the advise from folks on here and go up to a 34/36 tooth middle (will be outer) if I loose the outer and +2 teeth on the granny
  • Nice bike mate, but I have to say that as I have the same but size medium :D

    So far Ive fitted some lighter tyres, Fizik Saddle and Green Superstar QRs and rotor bolts. Dropper post next as soon as Ive saved enough cash. Also considering a 2 x 10 set up

    a5c2b4e8408a8525ed973fb85d4f9ca2_zpsd3eef596.jpg

    BD6F71C8-14BE-474F-A507-B7D97D0F84C2_zpst7lzr5sj.jpg

    0665E6E7-FF97-4612-8028-F3004DFA8463_zpselbu2tmc.jpg
  • Lol thanks mate ! How tall are you out of interest ? I rode a medium but found when my knee was on the peddle on it was horizontal my knee was to close to the bars so went for a large and ordered the above stem

    I think it's quiet a light bike for what it is but deco hoping to loose some weight of it soon, hoping to get some wheels soon but interested to hear what tyres you went for and what saving it made

    What dropper post you looking at ? I'd like one next

    I think I will go for 1 x 10 set up gearing as per my other thread of to Cannock next weekend to test the 32 gear only if its ok ill order the bits up :)
  • Angus Young
    Angus Young Posts: 3,063
    Nice bike mate, but I have to say that as I have the same but size medium :D
    Lol thanks mate ! How tall are you out of interest ?

    How tall are both of you and what's your inside leg measurement? Been looking at one of these or the equivalent Giant Trance. General recommendation would seem to point towards the Trance but the RZ catches my eye. The Trance just looks a little 'stodgy' to me.
    All the gear, no idea and loving the smell of jealousy in the morning.
    Kona Process 134 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12994607
  • A mate of mine has just bought one of these and brought it round for me to set up for him. Nice looking bike and he's very happy with it. How you finding it on the trails?
    __________________
    "I keep getting eureaka moments ... followed very quickly by embarrassment when someone points out I'm a plank"

    Scott Genius MC 30 RIP
    Nukeproof Mega AM 275 Comp
    Cube LTD Rigid Commuter
    Ribble 7005 Sportive
  • Myster101 wrote:
    A mate of mine has just bought one of these and brought it round for me to set up for him. Nice looking bike and he's very happy with it. How you finding it on the trails?

    I love it ! I've done aprox 80KM on it since Wednesday this week ! Rode Thetford trails, local trails, and even some road miles.

    It's great as you can read I've ordered a new stem as I prefer a long top tube and short stem so hopefully this all works out ok.

    It's a light bike I think I was surprised for what it is. I will get it weighed soon. I think the wheels are the heavy part I took them off recently and was so surprised at the subsequent weight or lack of it with them off so some lighter wheels are almost defiantly on the cards once I have figured out a suitable trade of for strength vs weight.

    I need to play around with the shock pressures too as I think things are now settled in they probably have sagged a little assuming all new things settle in etc...
  • Nice bike mate, but I have to say that as I have the same but size medium :D
    Lol thanks mate ! How tall are you out of interest ?

    How tall are both of you and what's your inside leg measurement? Been looking at one of these or the equivalent Giant Trance. General recommendation would seem to point towards the Trance but the RZ catches my eye. The Trance just looks a little 'stodgy' to me.

    I'm 5,10 and with the Cannondales slightly smaller frame set a large suits me well I would have loved the medium I rode them back to back several times the medium felt chuck able but with the peddles horizontal my knees were just too close to the bars so the large is fine. TBH if you look at the seat height I would say its about perfect.

    Ordered a shorter stem to make it feel smaller then hopefully it should be bang on.

    Ref the trance I rode the new 14 -27.5 trance hated it. Just did not suit me. I then rode a 2013 medium and Large trance X3 I actually went to buy one but decided for the extra cash this was a smarter buy.... To be honest the front and rear lockout is well worth the money and I am so glad I made this decision

    I LOVE IT
  • Angus Young
    Angus Young Posts: 3,063
    Ref the trance I rode the new 14 -27.5 trance hated it. Just did not suit me. I then rode a 2013 medium and Large trance X3 I actually went to buy one but decided for the extra cash this was a smarter buy.... To be honest the front and rear lockout is well worth the money and I am so glad I made this decision

    I LOVE IT

    Interesting to hear that you've actually ridden the Trance and then gone for this. I suspect most that would recommend the Trance over the RZ have not ridden the Cannondale.
    All the gear, no idea and loving the smell of jealousy in the morning.
    Kona Process 134 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12994607
  • Ref the trance I rode the new 14 -27.5 trance hated it. Just did not suit me. I then rode a 2013 medium and Large trance X3 I actually went to buy one but decided for the extra cash this was a smarter buy.... To be honest the front and rear lockout is well worth the money and I am so glad I made this decision

    I LOVE IT

    Interesting to hear that you've actually ridden the Trance and then gone for this. I suspect most that would recommend the Trance over the RZ have not ridden the Cannondale.

    It just did not suit me that's all .. Shame as it was the same stunning matte black model ...

    Although its not something I considered at the time but the trance was. 2014 cannondale is 2013 so IMO you get much more bang for your buck after all that trance will be next years £1100 bike....
  • appy
    appy Posts: 408
    Nice looking bikes them.
  • Lovely bike mate!
  • I'm 5'10 not sure if inside leg.

    I'd already ridden a large 2010 Rz120 which felt slightly too big so went straight for the medium. Tbh I don't think there's a massive difference between them. Medium feels just right for me with saddle at position in picture, could go a bit higher or lower but is fine. Bike feels light and easily moveable going through twisty sections where I ride and I like that I can get over the front and back easily

    I changed the stock tyres for a set of Onza Ibex XC 2.0 folding tyres. Mainly because they were £9.99 each at Evans cycles. Took a punt on them but for the price they have been great and more grip than the rapid robs. They came up at 520grams each. The Schwalbe RR's were 720 each on my scales so saved around 400 grams for £20 quid got to be pleased with that. Also the Onzas are thinner than the RRs and found these to be better in the mud recently

    Swapped the saddle for a Fizik Tundra 2 from a Cannondale Scalpel, saving 100 grams over the stock saddle.

    Fitted the Superstar QRs for another 100 grams or so saving. So shaved off about 600 grams total minimal outlay so far and would say it's quite noticeable at least at first.

    Regarding the wheels, I was looking at upgrading these too. But looked up the quoted weight for them on the maddux website and found that they are not actually very heavy and would only save minimal weight by upgrading to crossmax or American classics so not worth it until they are knackered/break :-)

    Looking at a RS reverb post, keeping a keen eye on the sales and eBay lol

    Also a Lefty fork, pref in alloy pbr flavour, is tempting although expensive. The frame is ready and was designed for it so why not? At least that what I keep telling myself!
  • mali01
    mali01 Posts: 81
    As someone who has ridden both the Cannondale (my wifes) Rz120 (large) and the Giant trance (mine) they feel completely different. The cannondale has a steeper seat tube angle which pushes you weight over the front a lot more than the Trance which is more neutral or laid back. Theres a lot to like about both bikes the specs on the cannondale for the price that they can be had for is great. They look great (paint/decals etc) if that really matters.
    The maestro suspension on the trance is what makes the difference for me, not needing lockout on the rear at all.
  • mali01
    mali01 Posts: 81
    Thought i would post a pic of them both together as they are being compared.

    My Wife loves her bike and it does look and feel amazing. excuse the gargantuan saddle.

    photo18_zps53dd5918.jpg

    photo16_zps43db2c7e.jpg

    both had shorter stems fitted and in the wifes case high rise bars (40mm)

    photo17_zps007357f1.jpg
  • Ok so new stem arrived today

    9165FD2B-67C1-4F76-BCD6-6981CF45AA5D_zps3daccvky.jpg

    03FEA8B5-C313-4E09-84C9-E2417E978311_zps7f5rpodo.jpg

    D7E9C260-D562-40CF-9BD8-9D673BD0E984_zpscrq5hwfk.jpg

    Sadly I did not realise it would not be as tall ... As such I need more spacers which. Don't have :(

    Any links to some nice ones , is carbon to OTT :)

    BA805480-6C1F-4F3C-927D-31949C9329BD_zpsqzfdmopt.jpg

    1B1D2BB0-BE19-4F05-8018-701ACFB35D6C_zps9c1kuwen.jpg
  • Angus Young
    Angus Young Posts: 3,063
    Ride it a little, you might like lower bars.
    All the gear, no idea and loving the smell of jealousy in the morning.
    Kona Process 134 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12994607
  • How can I ride it mate there is not enough spacers ? Could I just reply on tightening the stem for steerer tube bolts as the top bolt obviously won't clamp ...

    Reversed to show problem
    B9442F19-E289-4D01-ACFC-12F6DA598E38_zpsjhsf2q1a.jpg
  • mali01
    mali01 Posts: 81
    Ok so new stem arrived today

    9165FD2B-67C1-4F76-BCD6-6981CF45AA5D_zps3daccvky.jpg

    03FEA8B5-C313-4E09-84C9-E2417E978311_zps7f5rpodo.jpg

    D7E9C260-D562-40CF-9BD8-9D673BD0E984_zpscrq5hwfk.jpg

    Sadly I did not realise it would not be as tall ... As such I need more spacers which. Don't have :(

    Any links to some nice ones , is carbon to OTT :)

    BA805480-6C1F-4F3C-927D-31949C9329BD_zpsqzfdmopt.jpg

    1B1D2BB0-BE19-4F05-8018-701ACFB35D6C_zps9c1kuwen.jpg

    I needed to fit more spacers too. 10mm if i remember correctly. By the look of yours i would say the same also.

    I ordered 1 10mm and a 3mm. i only needed to use the 10mm ... I got these.

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/nuke ... -prod50330
  • 97th choice
    97th choice Posts: 2,222
    Your LBS will have some cheap enough
    Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye, aye

    Giant Trance
    Radon ZR 27.5 Race
    Btwin Alur700
    Merida CX500
  • Ok thanks ill get some ordered If the LBS done have any ... I'd want to replace them all so they match :)

    Shame as I'm itching to try it if even just round the block... Interestingly it has made me think about moving the stem lower and running one , two or all the spacers up top :0
  • Angus Young
    Angus Young Posts: 3,063
    How can I ride it mate there is not enough spacers ?

    Sorry, yes, I read that wrong.
    All the gear, no idea and loving the smell of jealousy in the morning.
    Kona Process 134 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12994607
  • 97th choice
    97th choice Posts: 2,222
    Well, you can shorten your stem.......but I wouldn't.

    Spacers are one of those things that just tend to inhabit your spares box after a few years
    Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye, aye

    Giant Trance
    Radon ZR 27.5 Race
    Btwin Alur700
    Merida CX500
  • Well, you can shorten your stem.......but I wouldn't.

    Spacers are one of those things that just tend to inhabit your spares box after a few years

    Do you mean steerer tube .... If so nah don't want to do that ill just wait :)!
  • 97th choice
    97th choice Posts: 2,222
    Doh, sorry meant steerer
    Too-ra-loo-ra, too-ra-loo-rye, aye

    Giant Trance
    Radon ZR 27.5 Race
    Btwin Alur700
    Merida CX500