New Cannondale Hardtail "Flash"

[petejupp]

Here, in the German Bike-Magazine, you can find the first pictures of the brandnew Cannondale Flash:

http://www.bike-magazin.de/?p=2560

[Dan Gerous]

Hoooooo Yeah! Danke!

[petejupp]

You´re welcome! They (Bike Magazin) haven´t been allowed to post the pictures before midnight, but they did it. We Germans are very fast, aren´t we?

[Dan Gerous]

Du bist sehr schnell!

[parkincake]

a carbon optimo!

[Kayba]

Not bad at all. A little too much green for my taste but the frame looks very promising. I like those XCR 1.2 wheels

[apacherider]

[jdinsj]

Anyone seen this bike up close? What is the shape of the top tube. Looks like it tapers at the seat tube.

[brown132]

The toptube splits either side of the seat post, looks sweeeeet

[Scalfred]

First reaction ... maybe the end of my lefty+titanium frame dream !

Back to reality ... where am I gonna find the money ?

[gmk]

hot bike !
hot weight !
7.54 kilogram

[nathanbal]

http://www.velonews.com/article/9431...s-country-bike

[Tuff Gong]

Originally Posted by Scalfred

First reaction ... maybe the end of my lefty+titanium frame dream !

Back to reality ... where am I gonna find the money ?

Sort of how my thinking went, "damn thats a nice bike!" Love the 80's feel green and everything.....and then looked at the prices.

Oh chit! Thats never gonna happen Well, maybe a FC 2

Flash Carbon Component Highlights;
Flash Carbon Ultimate - $9,600 – 16.5 pounds (without pedals)
Lefty Speed Carbon SL 110
DT Swiss XCR 1.2 carbon wheelset
Schwalbe Furious Fred 26 x 2.1 EVO folding
Cannondale Hollowgram SL crank 42/28
SRAM XX groupset
Fi:zi’k Antares Carbon

Flash Carbon 1 - $6,400
Lefty Speed Carbon SL 110
Shimano XTR Lefty wheelset
FSA K-Force Light BB30 crank 44/32/22
Shimano XTR shifters and derailleurs
Shimano XTR disc brakes

Flash Carbon 2 - $3,750
Lefty Speed Carbon with DLR 110
DT Swiss XCR 1.5 wheelset
FSA V-Drive BB30 crank 44/32/22
SRAM X-7 shifters, X-9 rear derailleur
Avid Elixir R disc brakes


I don't see a MIUSA sticker anywhere, is it possible that this carbon frame is Chinese made?

[apacherider]

Originally Posted by nathanbal

http://www.velonews.com/article/9431...s-country-bike

Impressive article. Of note, that German Dirk Zedler guy tested it in his frame smashing facility and said it was the strongest strength-to-weight frame he has ever tested.

29ers won't be available till December.

[cannondale_rize]

16.6lb...
H O L Y S H I T...
This is one of the reasons I like about Cannondale bikes: Engineering.
I wonder what big "S" is doing.
Still sending emails out and tryin to recruit Cannondale engineers perhaps?...
Not a chance.

Can't compete with Cannondale.

[apacherider]

Originally Posted by cannondale_rize

16.6lb...
H O L Y S H I T...
This is one of the reasons I like about Cannondale bikes: Engineering.
I wonder what big "S" is doing.
Still sending emails out and tryin to recruit Cannondale engineers perhaps?...
Not a chance.

Can't compete with Cannondale.

Read the story in the link above. They hired the guru responsible for Scott's carbon fiber program. Turned him loose on designing frames.

The key seems to be the straight carbon, one strand fibers that run the length of the tube. One of the main tricks is that the front derailleur does not clamp to the seat tube. Lots of weight saved there and in the chainstays.

Should be able to get the frame under 16 pounds without much issue.

Looks like from the rear view, one can run a really big tire. 2.3" or more.

[amillmtb]

From what I have heard that carbon seat post puts a Thomson to shame on strength.

[nathanbal]

anyone else got a theory why the taurine was dropped?

[Kayba]

Some more pics. One thing I don't like is the cable routing.

[Tuff Gong]

I've never really looked closely at lightweight high end components before, but man. Hollow center chain links, no middle ring looking Ti front chain rings, two piece rotors and the just enough metal sprockets wow........

I'm guess it's nothing new in road and mountain bikes but that is some cool stuff...

So is the front derailleur bolted on to the seat tube?

[eaglecat]

Flash Ultimate looks aweaome, no doubt. Too bad it costs more than a Ducati Monster 696!!

[apacherider]

Originally Posted by amillmtb

From what I have heard that carbon seat post puts a Thomson to shame on strength.

That's not saying much, actually. I broke a Thomson in half this spring. Snapped it clean off.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=508685

[steadite]

Originally Posted by apacherider

That's not saying much, actually. I broke a Thomson in half this spring. Snapped it clean off.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=508685

That's fatigue. "Snapping it off" is something quite different.

[jw8725]

how can they justify that stupid price? Its insane.

[HAL 9000]

Originally Posted by jw8725

how can they justify that stupid price? Its insane.

can you name one other bike co. that has a 16.5 hardtail ?

[fos'l]

A very rational purchase to those with the wherewithal.

[Dan Gerous]

Originally Posted by nathanbal

anyone else got a theory why the taurine was dropped?

I have my theory: to make it much lighter, better, faster, more comfortable... That's pretty much a Taurine with years of evolution kicked in all at once. With that said, I'm off to my Cannondale dealer...

[Quentin]

Originally Posted by jw8725

how can they justify that stupid price? Its insane.

My dad thought I was insane spending $400 on a mountain bike when I bought my Rockhopper 5 years ago. His jaw hit the floor when I bought my Scalpel 1000. I didn't even mention the fact I got the cheapest Scalpel that came w/ a Lefty. Insanity depends on the individual person, their priorities, and their finances.

So, is everything just being shown in the factory racing paint schemes at the moment? I've only seen the RZ140 and RZ120 in the consumer livery.

[jw8725]

Originally Posted by HAL 9000

can you name one other bike co. that has a 16.5 hardtail ?

I dont mind spending on a bike but those parts do not cost anywhere near nearly $10k to make. Carbon fibre build processes are cheaper now, less weight = less carbon and less metal as it is.

Can you name anything else that weighs 16.5 lbs and costs nearly $10k apart from precious jewellery?

[eliflap]

sorry i saw now , that in another topic of Flash (this ) somobody posted my same pics...

[eliflap]

did you see the rear brake hose line ?

and the specific front derailleur hanger ?

[apacherider]

Originally Posted by jw8725

I dont mind spending on a bike but those parts do not cost anywhere near nearly $10k to make. Carbon fibre build processes are cheaper now, less weight = less carbon and less metal as it is.

Can you name anything else that weighs 16.5 lbs and costs nearly $10k apart from precious jewellery?

It would be an awesome short track bike. 4+ pounds less than a regular hardtail XC bike can make a real difference in a longer race too.

Let's wait and see what else Cannondale rolls out. Remember, there is a less expensive version in the $3000-4000 range. The 29ers also will be much less expensive because they will not be made with the high modulus carbon, but the less expensive material.

[Dan Gerous]

I wonder what the frame + seatpost will go for...

[amillmtb]

Well, I think that the Taurine is gone because Cannondale wanted to make the lightest and strongest production hard tail. I think that my theory is backed by the fact that Cannondale hired Scott's carbon frame designer to help with the new carbon frames. This guy came up with the entire carbon structure of the frame, from the seatpost to the direct mount front der. Cannondale for sure hit their goal of making the lightest out of the box bike.

[nathanbal]

i guess im asking why rebrand it from taurine to flash when the taurine is only 2 years old. a redesigned taurine (ie the exact same frame that is now called the flash) would have been equally awesome. its like bringing out a new scalpel but not calling it a scalpel...

[eliflap]

taurine was presented in august 2006 at eurobike

[eliflap]

want to know :

why 42-28 ????? which BCD ? 104 and 64 mm ? or other ?


why not 27 or 26 ? the Taurine with the triple spider 4 arms "doubled" allows that combinations.

[eliflap]

the colors of world champion on the vertical stays ... which title ? never run this bike ....

[eliflap]

Originally Posted by eaglecat

Flash Ultimate looks aweaome, no doubt. Too bad it costs more than a Ducati Monster 696!!

http://www.ducati.com/it/news/09/news010/news010.jhtml


you can have here in Italy a 696 at 6990 euro , 1000 euro less, with statal help replacing a old motorcycle .

[eliflap]

thinking about the weight:

7500 g without pedals , like my Scalpel but with pedals on ...


tyres are useful ??? many guys criticize my Maxxislite ... FF are the same ...

rims are useful ?? may the carbon rims can be used with latex sealant ? i think no ... so many punctures wait for you in the wood ...

Sram XX groupset : and for people loving the gripshift ??


so a Ultimate is like the Ultimate Scalpel 100 , a very wrong purchase

limited on tuning , very expensive bike.

frame and fork will be the right purchase

set up can be done as owner request , close to 7000 g , maybe a little step below at 6950g too with a lot of founds ...

saddle , grips , groupset , tyres , tubes , rims are to be changed .

stem and steerer tube too , handlebar too...

[apacherider]

Originally Posted by eliflap

want to know :

why 42-28 ????? which BCD ? 104 and 64 mm ? or other ?


why not 27 or 26 ? the Taurine with the triple spider 4 arms "doubled" allows that combinations.

SRAM XX fixes all that. 10 speeds. If you look at the overlaps with the traditional 44t and go to more gears on the cassette, you can cut the chainring down to 42t while not sacrificing much.

[YB1]

With the four shift point setup on XX the big ring has to be 1.5 the small, so a 42 big HAS to be paired with the 28 small. All the XX ring pairings have this ratio.

I'd like to know what's going on with the rear brake line. I've never seen one run like that and would like ot know the deal there.

Also in studying the detailed pictures on this thread the rear triangle clearances look big enough to accommodate 650b wheels!

[eliflap]

yeah, rear brake line is so strange

is possible to mount in the traditional way , long down the top tube and left vertical chainstay ?

i guess yes with zip tipes ... maybe a beautiful solution is possible too

[eliflap]

Originally Posted by YB1

With the four shift point setup on XX the big ring has to be 1.5 the small, so a 42 big HAS to be paired with the 28 small. All the XX ring pairings have this ratio.

so, does X-X not pemit a personal set up with chainrings ?

if i want 42 - 27 or 42-26 or 40 - 26 or...so on...

i cannot do it ?

[eliflap]

USA guys , what is the decal DELTA SEATTLE on the rear of seat tube ?

not a Taiwan frame ?

look picture # 8 on post # 19 from Kayba forum user

[eliflap]

http://www.facebook.com/video/video....6401069&ref=nf

[Dan Gerous]

Delta seat tube....

For XX, the rings are optimized in specific combos but they'll work in other combos, maybe with a slightly slower shifting.

[Duey]

They need more advertising on it.. I can only read Cannondale 14 times from the one angle. It leaves me thinking, "What brand on bicycle could this be??" oh.. and is that a "Lefty" front suspension? YES, it is!! It says so right there on that lefty front suspension... they should have a sticker on the frame denoting that it is in fact a "frame".

Not very Euro at all..

other than that it seems like quite a nice bike.

[parkincake]

Originally Posted by Duey

They need more advertising on it.. I can only read Cannondale 14 times from the one angle. It leaves me thinking, "What brand on bicycle could this be??" oh.. and is that a "Lefty" front suspension? YES, it is!! It says so right on there on that lefty front suspension... they should have a sticker on the frame denoting that it is in fact a "frame".:

well said!

[Duey]

Nicely labeled so you don't accidentally put your 'Righty" wheel on your "Lefty" fork.. or what?

[mtbkr_cookie]

I think we should all be thanking Cannondale for stepping up the competition
Until now Scott was really the only manufacturer producing lightweight setups.
Makes me wonder what the 2011 lineup is going to be like now

[YB1]

Originally Posted by eliflap

so, does X-X not pemit a personal set up with chainrings ?

if i want 42 - 27 or 42-26 or 40 - 26 or...so on...

i cannot do it ?

26-39, 28-42, 30-45 120/80 BCD are the options with the X-Glide. It is fully explained here...http://www.sram.com/en/XX/engineering/x-glide.php

But I gather you wouldn't want to experiment on this one. Choose from the three available combo's or loose a huge advantage of this new gruppo; the fastest, surest shifts that have ever been available to mountain bikers.

[Movemint]

24 hole

[cyrjm]

Originally Posted by cannondale_rize

16.6lb...
H O L Y S H I T...
This is one of the reasons I like about Cannondale bikes: Engineering.
I wonder what big "S" is doing.
Still sending emails out and tryin to recruit Cannondale engineers perhaps?...
Not a chance.

Can't compete with Cannondale.

I live in Park City...Cannondale had their sales meeting here last week and had a parking lot with their trucks parked in it from GT, Cannondale, etc. The D-bags from Specialized parked their fifth wheel truck right next to the Cannondale boys one night to kind of poach their event. More reason to hate them in my opinion.

[cyrjm]

Originally Posted by jw8725

I dont mind spending on a bike but those parts do not cost anywhere near nearly $10k to make. Carbon fibre build processes are cheaper now, less weight = less carbon and less metal as it is.

Can you name anything else that weighs 16.5 lbs and costs nearly $10k apart from precious jewellery?

Wheel set alone retails for 2500 + so there's a start. I've physically picked up this bike and if you want that kind of weight you have to pay that kind of dough my friend. Personally, I think it's worth every penny. Also, carbon is not cheap at all and wholesale prices have been rising steadily over the past several years because of the aerospace industry.

There's an article from 2006 ( i think ) in the WSJ about this issue....the bike industry constitutes a VERY small percentage of biz for carbon suppliers so to keep their prices low for bigger industries they have to jack up the prices for the smaller guys. Hard to believe that companies like Cannondale and Specialized would be considered small but in this respect they are.

[88 rex]

Originally Posted by YB1

Also in studying the detailed pictures on this thread the rear triangle clearances look big enough to accommodate 650b wheels!

My initial thoughts also.

[amillmtb]

Originally Posted by 88 rex

My initial thoughts also.

I know the Taurine did, but that dosnt say anything for the Flash because its a totally different frame.

[SmilMick]

Originally Posted by jw8725

I dont mind spending on a bike but those parts do not cost anywhere near nearly $10k to make. Carbon fibre build processes are cheaper now, less weight = less carbon and less metal as it is.

Can you name anything else that weighs 16.5 lbs and costs nearly $10k apart from precious jewellery?

How much did it cost cannondale to research and develop that frame?

How many of those do you think they ACTUALLY intend on selling?

Those two considerations should clear things up really quick for you. ALso remember that there are lots of clever patents out there already. To be original AND at the top of the game is impressive. However, all I see are pictures and claims. That, and as interesting as it is, that kind of bike doesnt interest me much. Not even close to practical for my purposes.

[alias]

You miss the point entirely. this is a whole new realm...the Flash is not an improved Taurine, its a game changer for all the other heavy hitters in this business...name change is mandatory is this case.

[88 rex]

Originally Posted by amillmtb

I know the Taurine did, but that dosnt say anything for the Flash because its a totally different frame.

I'm basing my assumption/hope on the visual space I see in the pictures and the fact it was designed around a meaty 26" tire.

Now how much is the frame/fork/cranks/seatpost?

[nathanbal]

Originally Posted by alias

You miss the point entirely. this is a whole new realm...the Flash is not an improved Taurine, its a game changer for all the other heavy hitters in this business...name change is mandatory is this case.

the frame geometry looks very, very similar to the taurine... and the taurine was already known for its vertical compliance and for being one of, if not the best racing hardtail. whilst this is awesome step forward i'm still missing why they would bother changing the name... the frame has dropped what, 200g? they have done something similar with the scalpel for this year. "flexing" chainstays... ever heard of the scalpel? not ground breaking given cannondale did that 7-8 years ago.

[YB1]

Originally Posted by 88 rex

I'm basing my assumption/hope on the visual space I see in the pictures and the fact it was designed around a meaty 26" tire.

Now how much is the frame/fork/cranks/seatpost?

I'd have to agree with you and Eliflap on this one, how much indeed! Because if you wanted to try the thing out as a 650b first... Also I wonder how the front derailleur setup differs between the Flash Ultimate and the Flash 1 which is a 3X9. As much as I love the 2X10 concept, for my 8000-1100 foot elevation riding the triple is still pretty desirable.

[Dan Gerous]

A little video review of the Flash from testrider.com...

[Spinny]

Yes, apparently the decal designer has had some major pull and job security leverage at Cannondale for some time. I've had to find matching paint and treat my embarrassment on a couple models; one of which had the brand name emblazoned on the frame EIGHT times, four on the downtube alone. Good thing I can't afford the Flash--can you even paint carbon fiber? What a shame.

[amillmtb]

Originally Posted by Spinny

Yes, apparently the decal designer has had some major pull and job security leverage at Cannondale for some time. I've had to find matching paint and treat my embarrassment on a couple models; one of which had the brand name emblazoned on the frame EIGHT times, four on the downtube alone. Good thing I can't afford the Flash--can you even paint carbon fiber? What a shame.

You say this like Cannondale is the only company that has their name on the frame multiple times. Have you ever seen a Specialized? Every tube is covered in the big S decals. Yes, you can paint carbon fiber, obviously, look at all the current Cannondale carbon frames. You will like most other 2010 Cannondales then, seeing as most of them have no names on them at all.

If you dont like the paint on your bikes, why the hell did you buy them? More importantly, why did you paint the frame, hope you never break it cause your warranty was void the second you touched the frame with that paint. Why is it embarrassing to you to have the Cannondale name on your frame? You dont like the paint, then go buy some other bike then.

[bad ronald]

Not sure what the problem is as these are team frames. They have a team look to them. The majority of people love the Cannondale brand and love to advertise that they have the good sense and bank account to own a Cannondale. Oh and there are a total of 6 Cdale logos on the frame. Have you seen the latest Trek and Spec frames? I'd say Cannondale is doing pretty alright

[Dan Gerous]

It's a team replica, why wouldn't they put logos all over? Look at race cars, F1, GP motorcycles... decals all over too for maximizing brand placement for cameras, tv and spectators. Same thing here and Cannondale offers it's Team Replicas with the same paint/decal jobs as the team riders have. I think it looks pretty nice and the decals give it a high-end racy feel.

[Duey]

That frame is a thing of beauty.. engineered sexiness! I'd sooner see it that have it covered over by $hitty advertisements. The beauty of a Cannondale is in the craftsmanship (the drop outs, seamless tube transitions, etc.) not in the bragging rights.

If you know what a Cannondale is, you don't need it emblazoned on every photographable angle of the bike.

IMHO, it's kinda like putting Tammy-Fay's make up on Megan Fox's face.. it just ain't right!

[HAL 9000]

you just can't make everyone happy personally i thought the graphics and colors on this years cannondale 29er bikes were ugly.

i would like to see cannondale offer at least two color & graphic choices on their mt.bike like they do with the road bikes.

[jtc1]

Wonder how much the SAVE engineering will improve the ride over my Taurine. The Taurine is the absolute best bike (FS or Hardtail) I have ever owned! So difficult for me to part with it - but this looks to be the same but a few generations of engineering improved. Also, wonder how the xcr 1.2 wheels compare to Stans Race 7000?? I like how the Stans so easily mount tubeless.

[Dan Gerous]

More pictures, Flash Ultimate, Flash Carbon Hi-Mod 2 and Flash Carbon 4... all euro-specs...

[Dan Gerous]

And the Flash Alloy 1 and 2...

[Spinny]

Originally Posted by amillmtb

You say this like Cannondale is the only company that has their name on the frame multiple times. Have you ever seen a Specialized? then...etc.

Maybe I'm wrong, just my opinion. If you like what I consider to be unnecessarily obnoxious decalage, fine. However, I feel they mar the appearance of an otherwise elegant construction. Cannondale makes beautiful bikes and I've owned several--two at the moment. If I were a rich man, I'd still own precisely the bikes I do.

Blatancy more or less drowns out subtlety in American "culture", so I guess I'll just have to come to accept or ignore the nature of the contemporary market place here.

To answer your questions, which I believe to be the source of your obvious distress:
1. I don't care what Specialized bikes look like, along with many other brands.
2. I don't know what type of paint is safe for carbon fiber, in addition to the fact that bare CF is beautiful on its own.
3. I haven't seen the other 2010 frames, but clearly welcome the change.
4. I don't buy a bike for its color scheme.
5. Paint schmaint. I've warranteed a frame that had the downtube painted over, as the failure was at the BB.
6. I don't mind having C'dale on my frame once or twice. My Kona has the brand name on it a total of four times--but that's only at total of 16 letters.

[Zachariah]

Thanx for all that bike porn DG....down boy!!!

[88 rex]

They won't admit it, but that thing is built for 650b wheels. When designing that bike, that thought had to be on their minds. That is a lot of room back there. And with Bishop already running a 650b up front, I have to wonder if he'll go full out 650b on this Flash. (I'm sure he'll run the 26" for advertisement purposes for awhile, but maybe eventually......)

Hey, the green goes with his team colors too.

[schuster_md]

I'm confused... which lefty is lighter the carbon opi sl or the new one piece alu upper lefty?

[Dan Gerous]

The Carbon SL still is the lightest...

[apacherider]

Pretty cool to see the HANDMADE IN USA decals on the Flash Alloys.

The red alloy hardtail with the Headshok has a pretty wild looking stem too. Never seen one like that.

[psowing200]

Little bit confused

So if the flash will have two version? Carbon / Alloys?
So what is the meaning of s.a.v.e? I just think it is a new tech of carbon, but I just find the save also mark on the alloy.

Btw, do anyone know the prices of alloy version?


and the carbon version made in asia but alloy made in the usa?

[eliflap]

Originally Posted by jtc1

Wonder how much the SAVE engineering will improve the ride over my Taurine. The Taurine is the absolute best bike (FS or Hardtail) I have ever owned! So difficult for me to part with it - but this looks to be the same but a few generations of engineering improved. Also, wonder how the xcr 1.2 wheels compare to Stans Race 7000?? I like how the Stans so easily mount tubeless.

you cannot run with sealant on carbon rims

[nathanbal]

i think there are three versions - carbon hi-mod, carbon and alu... is that right?

[eliflap]

Originally Posted by nathanbal

i think there are three versions - carbon hi-mod, carbon and alu... is that right?

yes

[nathanbal]

does anyone know when these will be available?

[eliflap]

here in Italy , not all but the 1st big italian dealer , said next week price will be available

and very soon bikes wil be available on shop... question of days , not 2 but maybe only 20 or so on ...

[HAL 9000]

on that flash ultimate they are running those dt swiss carbon wheels that are stupid expensive i think somewhere in the $2000+ range why wouldn't they just use the stans 7000 ZTR race wheels they are just as light eh?

i'm not a crazy weight weenie like eliflap however i'd be willing to bet he could come up with a lightweight package that would actually survive racing and hard riding at a cost way below what they are asking for this 16.5 lb wunderbike.

[Dan Gerous]

I think the issue with ZTR Race wheels is that they dont pass Cannondale strength tests...

As for the line-up, indeed it is a Flash alloy, Flash Carbon and Flash Carbon Hi-Mod... plus a Flash alloy 29er and Flash Carbon 29er... The CO2 frames are replaced with the Trail line.

SAVE is more about tube shaping and sizing as shown in the Synapse Carbon and Synapse alloy road bikes. The chainstays are shaped à la Scalpel to allow some vertical compliance and the seatstays are smaller or shaped to provide a bit of absorbtion. I'm guessing the SAVE on a carbon frames is more efficiant than on alloy ones though.

[Kayba]

Originally Posted by eliflap

you cannot run with sealant on carbon rims

Eliflap, I have been using my DT Swiss carbon rims with sealant for 2 years now. I haven't had any issues so far. I use the Olympic flap to mount the tires (Schwalbe RR) without tubes. They say the latex attacks the carbon, but I haven't noticed any damage at all.

[kuiwing]

Can anyone comment on whether the Flash alloy is a big improvement from Cafferine or another step of evolving from Verso to Furio to Cafferine etc?

I am thinking seriously to buy the Alloy Flash F1 to replace my 2006 Optimo/Fatty.

[HAL 9000]

Originally Posted by Dan Gerous

And the Flash Alloy 1 and 2...

dan do you know if the white one will be BB30?

if so...i have an extra set of hollowgram cranks that will fit nicely onto that bike

BTW any idea of cost?

[HAL 9000]

Originally Posted by Dan Gerous

I think the issue with ZTR Race wheels is that they dont pass Cannondale strength tests...

yeah I see your point they are very finicky wheels and need a lot of attention I've had to true mine a few times and I only use them for race wheels the ones on my wife's bike we have had to true twice. even though the bike is priced in the stratosphere that doesn't mean any idiot with a wad of cash can't buy one and then come back and complain when the wheels folded after he tried to huck off a park bench.

yes...I've seen folks that blew up a SID fork doing exactly that then complain about what a crappy fork.

[Movemint]

Originally Posted by psowing200

Little bit confused

and the carbon version made in asia but alloy made in the usa?

The nicer aluminum bikes are made in Beford, the rigid bike and the one above it are made in Asia.

Newer Bedford bike are hydrofomed, so much nicer frames.

[Zachariah]

Originally Posted by HAL 9000

on that flash ultimate they are running those dt swiss carbon wheels that are stupid expensive i think somewhere in the $2000+ range why wouldn't they just use the stans 7000 ZTR race wheels they are just as light eh?

i'm not a crazy weight weenie like eliflap however i'd be willing to bet he could come up with a lightweight package that would actually survive racing and hard riding at a cost way below what they are asking for this 16.5 lb wunderbike.

HAL9000- they have a MSRP of $9500USD...I about fell over when I saw that. For something that has NO MOTOR... it costs just as much as a new Ducati!!!

[88 rex]

Originally Posted by Zachariah

HAL9000- they have a MSRP of $9500USD...I about fell over when I saw that. For something that has NO MOTOR... it costs just as much as a new Ducati!!!

I don't care what anyone on this forum thinks, but that price is rediculous. I don't care that the wheels alone retail for $2k, because I think that's crazy too.

Bike prices are crazy. CRAZY. The carbon ones are now made overseas and now they cost more?

[Dan Gerous]

Well, you guys dont have to buy the Flash Ultimate... There will be other models at lower price point you know. A lot of people want the lightest, stiffest, strongest, fastest, bestest but don't want to pay for it. The frame is the best there is, the wheels cost a lot, the crankset is expensive, XX is expensive, of course the whole bike will be expensive.

[Zachariah]

I honestly think the outrageous cost of this bike is to justify Dorel's purchase of Cannondale. It sux when the consumer has to foot the bill...

[bad ronald]

Carbon pretty much all comes from the same place. Japan. It costs the same whether it is laid up in the USA, China, Italy or France. It is a commodity that dictates the cost of everything manufactured from it. Of course there is cheaper stuff out there, but when you are building the best bike ever, you need the best materials ever. Also if you don't like the price then this bike (no offense) is obviously not for you. To get upset about it makes no sense. Do you post on the bugatti forum and tell them to stop making million dollar cars? This is the level Cannondale is trying to take bikes. The ultimate level, hence the name and the price.

[KleinAttitude]

Nice bike but the price of the ULTIMATE!!!!

When will Cannodale sell frame onlys??. I like everything else on the bike but the wheels are a waste of time for me and so is XX.

XX looks pants and I would prefer to see a shiny XTR setup on the flash ultimate.

I would like a frame only option with SL crank and left. Then I would XO/XTR kit out the bike.

And I would like it just in plain black with the white Cannondale on the down tube only. Get rid of those sick green stripes going everywhere.

[88 rex]

Originally Posted by Dan Gerous

Well, you guys dont have to buy the Flash Ultimate... There will be other models at lower price point you know. A lot of people want the lightest, stiffest, strongest, fastest, bestest but don't want to pay for it. The frame is the best there is, the wheels cost a lot, the crankset is expensive, XX is expensive, of course the whole bike will be expensive.

Best frame? It's not even available to the public and you claim it's the best. I'll admit it looks very fast on paper, but the best?

And people can go on and on about how much each individual part costs, but I'll say it again, XX (overpriced), the wheels (overpriced, and no thanks to carbon for the rocks). I'm not saying it should be the cheapest bike out there, but that price is light years past what is reasonable.

I doubt you'll see any in the dirt except under a sponsored pro. (the ultimate that is)

[Dan Gerous]

I think a Porsche is overpriced, does it mean they should drop the prices? No, it means I should look at something else. Who said the Ultimate was supposed to be sold at 10,000 exemplaries anyway? Clearly it's not for everyone out there. If it's too expensive for you, that's understandable but that's why there are other Flash with cheaper builds or with less expensive non Hi-Mod carbon or alloy frames, you can also buy a frame only and put whatever parts you like. Nobody forces you to buy a Ferrari if you can't afford it...

[Black RONIN]

The Flash 2 alloy is a nice excuse for me to sell my F4 and get it next year!