Cannondale Chase 3 vs. Windsor Cliff 4500

[muffetmd]

Hello,

I am relatively new to mountain biking and just purchased a Cannondale Chase 3 on craigslist for 350. When looking online I found a Windsor Cliff 4500 on bikesdirect.com for 350.

My question is which bike is better? The Cannondale Chase or Windsor 4500?

Cannondale Chase
-80mm Travel Suntour Duro Fork
-SRAM X-4 Rear Derailleur
-Front and Rear 160mm Disk Brakes

Windsor 4500 (LINK TO BIKE)
-100mm Travel RockShox Dart 1
-Shimano Deore
-Front and Rear Disk Brakes
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cliff4500.htm

I mainly ride xc trails with some downhill riding. Thanks for your help

[muffetmd]

Anyone? Any opinions at all? I know this is probably a stupid question but I'm just trying to learn more about mountain biking and bikes.

[mimi1885]

Cannondale Chase is the Dirt Jump version it may not be practical as an XC bike. The only way to find out is to try it out.

[muffetmd]

Cannondale Chase is the Dirt Jump version it may not be practical as an XC bike. The only way to find out is to try it out.

Thats what I was thinking too, but I rode BMX in the past so I figured the Cannondale Chase would be an easy transition for me.

Now my other question was, I have a front crankset that would fit the Chase perfectly (175mm Alivio square taper) would it be practical to turn a DJ into a mountain bike? I also have a SRAM X-5 front.

[mimi1885]

Practical no, fun at times why not. I don't know if you can put a front der on the frame though. DJ bike is kinda long and low that may or may not be good for XC riding. It's your call.

I know this Chase somewhat do what Windsor can do but not the other way around, because repeated jumps and landing would break XC frame.