F3 Caffeine vs F300 Furio

[Sinker]

I started riding last year on a 2006. F300; decent beginner HT. My only regrets are:
(1) I probably should have gone with the M instead of the L 5'9" w/ 33" inseam). I often feel too laid out/agressive.
(2) The stock fork (Manitou Trace Elite) and brakes (Cannondale Vs) are not up to the level of the frame.

I just saw a local Craigslist ad for a 2007 F3 Caffeine in M. I'm assuming the Headshock and Avid BB-5s are upgrades to what I have.

Tell me about the difference in the two frames, and also your thoughts on sizing.

[slyboots]

Caffeine frame is like a pound lighter than a Furio. And, hmm... nicer... )
I'm 5'10", 33" inseam and riding an M-size with a 100 mm stem. I might be thinking about a 110 mm stem, but never about an L frame.

[greenhill]

Tell me about the difference in the two frames, and also your thoughts on sizing.

You should take a close look at the Frame Geometries on Cannondale Website (Bike Archives)... The Major diffence Between the Furio and the Caffeine is the Seat Tube length. The Caffeine shaved about an inch off the Seat Tube lenght in all the sizes... and that's pretty much the only difference.
I am also 5'9, and I feel right at home on my Medium Furio. I think you will feel better on a Medium Frame whether it's a Caffeine or a Furio. Good Luck.

[Sinker]

Thanks for the replies. Turns out it's at a pawn shop, so I may go take a look at it. How does one evaluate the condition of a Headshok Fatty?

[Zachariah]

The new F3 is equal to the 2004-2006 Furio F600. I had the same issues with buying the wrong size(L) bike too. I really needed a medium(I'm 5'7"). I thought my longer torso would benefit from the longer top tube of L. No dice. With the size L- I am at the mercy of the bike....not the other way around.

Pump the Headshok forks a few times, and see how stiff the rebound is. If it is real mushy soft- it may be in need of a rebuild soon. Good luck....

[slyboots]

The new F3 is equal to the 2004-2006 Furio F600.

It is not. Caffeine replaced and is based on Optimo frame, so it is in different league from Furio.