cannondale trail sl2

[lude92]

Anyone here know anything about the cannondale trail sl2? Is it a good trail bike? Any advice on buying a good hardtail for around $1200.00?

[Jeffro600]

The SL2 is a fantastic bike... just bought one myself!



I'd recommend talking to your LBS and seeing what they have and ride a bunch until you find one that is comfortable for you. I was eyeing 29'ers hard but because I'm so short(5'5), it was causing fit issues. The 29'ers ride VERY nice though and are certainly at an advantage for beginner\intermediate riders, IMO.

In the 800-1200 dollar range, most of the bikes are more or less equal in terms of frame and component quality with minor differences here and there. In this price range though, it's a trade off game... where as one model might have a nicer fork, the other has nicer brakes, wheels\tires or derailleurs. I was also looking at the Cannondale SL3, Specialized Rockhopper and Giant Talon but settled on the SL2 because it had slightly higher end components, a better fork and was on closeout because it was a 11 model... Got it for 50% of MSRP Shop around as there are awesome deals to be had.

I'd recommend looking at something with hydraulic brakes. I also have an 05 Trek 4300 disc that has mecanical discs and the hydraulics of the SL2 are night and day difference(for the better!) in feel and stopping power.

[Richard]

check out http://www.airbornebicycles.com/products/97-goblin.aspx has higher end components than bikes in that price range

[2stroke rider7]

Originally Posted by Richard

check out http://www.airbornebicycles.com/products/97-goblin.aspx has higher end components than bikes in that price range

Their bikes are priced really well but have you had experience with them, just wondering?

[junk95yj]

Have you looked at the kona kahuna? I have ridden a lot of 29ers here lately and I will be buying the kona in a few days. It just felt better than the others in that price range (~$1200).