Submitted by
Keith Hungerford
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: May 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chocolate Buddha, Diasy Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3100.00
Purchased At:
Planet Cycles
Strengths:
Suspension is very easy to adjust to suit the trail. The bike is very well put together and all components work well together. The Lefty fork is impressive as is the RP23. The bike is light and stiff.
Weaknesses:
Putting the bike on a bike carrier on a car requires a cross bar but this is a small weakness.
Bike Setup:
Stock as a rock except I've put my WTB Pure V saddle on it. The Fizik Wing Flex saddle it came with is like riding on a thin metal bar. Ouch !
Bottom Line:
Get this one it is a cracker. Uphills its like a mountain goat & downhills are so smooth with the rear shock in propedal or loose for descents. Don't buy it if you are a downhiller or freerider who takes big drops this is a xc bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Stroudsburg Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Koumbado hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Genesis bike shop
Strengths:
I LOVE my RUSH 3!!! The lefty fork is great. The full suspention makes you feel like your riding on pay\vement the whole time. It is very easy to lock out and unlock your shocks when you need to. The weight of the rush 3 allows you to controll your riding through tuff trails. This bike comes with great components you really dont need to upgrade much at all. The avid juicy brakes respond the way you want need them to in any condition
Weaknesses:
The only problem i have is I hit my pedals on rocks and logs alot due to the low clearance.
Similar Products Used:
GT XTR full supention
Bike Setup:
Cut off 3/4 inch on both side of my bar ends, changed to a Thomson seat post(love it)upgrade my grips
Bottom Line:
Buy this bike its awesome!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elliot
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: November 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sparrow Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5500.00
Purchased At:
City Bike Depot
Strengths:
This is one sweet ride. Don't be worried by the weight of the bike (it's not heavy, but for the price you can get lighter bikes), the balance of this bike is phenomenal. It's almost like the bike can sense where you want to go. This seems to be a trait of other Canondales I have ridden, certainly the predecessor to this bike, the Jekyll acted the same way. The lefty, once worn in, is magic. Aside from the odd looks and comments you get, this is certainly one of the best forks I have ever ridden, the ease of dialling it in is the icing on the cake.
Weaknesses:
Ok, so no bike is perfect. Here's what erked me with this one: A low bottom bracket means hitting the end of the cranks and pedals on the trail, a lot! Also riding up and over logs I manage to scrap the big chain ring most of the time. The bike wasn't really running perfectly when I bought it, the lefty felt like it had sand in it, the rear shock (Fox RP23) came undone and went flat (on my first lap of a 24 hour race!!) and the rear brake still "clicks" under heavy braking. After getting these things sorted I was much happier, but really it should have been prefect from the shop right? This is not a cheap bike after all. (not really Canondal's fault here) The tyres, sigh the tyres… I upgraded to the Mavic SLR wheelset and got the Maxxis CrossMark tyres with it. You either love these tyres or you hate them. I hate them. For me they had almost no grip and washing out the front was a regular occurrence. Spinning the rear was almost as regular, even at lowish pressure. They cake up really easily in wet or damp conditions and don't shed any mud what so ever. I guess these tyres would be good on some dry, smooth, hard packed, single trail, but not much good on anything else. Maybe it's me? I have switched to Maxis Igniters front and rear, I'm running about 27 - 30 psi and couldn't be happier! So much grip and no pinch flats = bliss!! Lastly, the paint. Don't sneeze on this bike, the paint will come off or scratch!! I got the team replica scheme, it looks awesome and I can pretend that I am some hotshot team sponsored rider (which I am certainly not) but the ease at which the paint comes off this bike is astonishing. Not sure how it is for the other paint schemes. Hmm, that's about all for this section. It is a good bike though… honestly!!
Similar Products Used:
Jekyll, RaceLine Extreme
Bike Setup:
Changed wheels to Mavic CrossMax SLR, pedals changed to Time ATAC (the original mud lovers! Best pedals ever! EggBeaters are copycats!) Tyres changed to Maxis Ignitors
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome all day trail bike (even counting my big gripe session in the weakness section). I use it for 12, 24 hour racing and 100km enduro events and love it. Makes for an excellent trail bike too. As is the case for every bike, take the time to dial it in to your tastes. I was under whelmed when riding this bike straight from the shop, but since playing with tyre / shock pressures and adjustments the bike has come up a treat. Canondale might be expensive compared to similar spec'd bikes (esp here in Australia) but I firmly believe you get what you pay for. The lifetime warranty on the frame is a nice touch - I hope I never have to use it though (esp if I can't get another Rush)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vern
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, UT, USA Date Reviewed: November 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
White Pine touring
Strengths:
Excellent handling, comfortable, rigidity, value
Weaknesses:
Lefty has few wheel options and isn't as plush as Fox forks I've ridden
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Stock except for 1" off each bar end and WTB Laser V saddle.
Bottom Line:
I'm becoming more and more pleased with this bike over time. Initially the front fork felt sticky and excessive compression damping. It has broken in over ~5 rides and now is acceptable. Still not as plush as the Fox float fork. Otherwise the bike is fantastic. Handling is unreal, and I love the riding position. The rear end is rock solid under extreme exertion and it feels much more lively and efficient than my last ride. Single pivot is a godd thing. I'm very happy with the tires. I run 25/30 psi front/rear and it is awesome through the rocks. I've had no significant mechanical problems over ~10 rides and thus far rate this bike as near perfect for cross country.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aman
a Weekend Warrior
from Glosta Date Reviewed: September 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
goodals' bike shop
Strengths:
THis is an update to the post below. I forgot to mention this one problem.
Weaknesses:
The Fizzik seat that comes with this bike is the most God awful saddle I have ever tried to ride. My short dirtjumper/urban saddles are many times more comfortable for any type of riding. For the money that Cannondale spent on the saddle there are much better options out there. this Saddle is the worst thing I've ever sat on. I can only think some one went out of their way to intentionally make this the most uncomfortable and useless saddle ever desinged. Like I said I have 30 dollar urban saddles and a 22 dollar bmx saddle that are plush comfy rides in comparison. It is not only a lack of padding - the shape of the saddle is wrong. No matter how I adjust it it is plain painful to ride. I know companies need to cut corners for a profit but like I said there are plenty of saddles in that price range that would put the fizzik to shame.
Bottom Line:
Please read my review below. The Rush 3 is a good, well balanced niche package. The seat however is the first thing that must be changed unless of course you are a fan of the Marque de Sad(however one spells his name). I really don't understand why Cannondale chose this saddle unless of course there was some major wining and dining balanced into the equation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aman
a Weekend Warrior
from Glousta Date Reviewed: September 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2599.00
Purchased At:
Goodale's bike shop
Strengths:
Feels lighter then it is. The geometery leaves me stretched out over the bike in a more horizontal position then vertical. This is a comfortable and powerful position for long hauls but the cost is agility. Although it squeaks alot it actually is rugged! The Lefty is great, does not pull left. The lock out on the lefty kicks ass. The fox's propedal and the SPP of the Rush work well together. The Components are good - Avid juicy 7(would like 185 better bu then I a little bigger then your average rider), sram x-7 triggers - A+, sram rear derailer x-9 long cage - A+, mavic crossland rims A+, tires A+, Hubs - we have issues here, my set seems to have way to much rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Squeaky and noisy system. I'm not small at 6 foot 210 lbs but I'm not huge either. The bike has taken everything I've done to it in stride although it it groans and moans quite a bit. The sounds the bike made at first made me sceptical of how rugged it was. In time my confidence in the bike has grown. Rollog resistance of the hubs is to high.
Thompson elite seat post 410mm - I have long legs, Specialized milano saddle.
Bottom Line:
Great marathon or endurance bike. Took me a while to get the Seat post, Seat angle, handle bars set just right but once I did the Rush came a live as powerful XC racing bike. By that I mean the geometry set my body up in a position that not only made me want to peddel like mad, but set me up with a very powerful and efficient stroke. The feeling is like my Arms are stretched way out in front of me, and hanging on to the handle bars to keep the bike from shooting out from under me. It is actually very comfortable and a great racing position. The down side is that for that stretched out fellingthere is a price. Although the bike feels light and relatively nimble, a bike like the Chameleon will turn tighter cirles around it. there is no comparison there. The chameleon is alot more nimlbe but the body position is also totally different. The Rush 3 is a great factory bike but at 2799 - go to ebay, wait for a good but cheap frame and follow Cannondale's spec sheat as a guideline for components. If I could only have one bike this wouldn't be it, because I prefer spend more time practicing urban, trials, technical stuff. If your main thrill in biking is endurance training/ racing this bike is tough to beat. As a secondary bike it fills its specific function very well. I'll give it 4 and 4. If your buying it as a niche bike I'd give it a five.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Jersey City, NJ Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
as long as there is dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cosmic Wheel Bike Shop
Strengths:
Pedaling efficency: coming off a hardtail I think the Rush is better. The frame design along with the rear shock (Fox Float RP23) make it a climbing beast and an accelerating monster
Cornering: I was able to choose so many different lines going up and down a switchback. Even those tight twisty trails are easily tamed.
Lefty: stiff, smooth, plush. Whats left to say??
Weaknesses:
TIRES!!!! These things drove me crazy always washing out and not getting the traction I am used to with the Panaracers Fire XC Pro. I ended up leaning the bike more which helped a lot but it left me wondering when the next time I will wash out. I am changing them pretty soon.
Similar Products Used:
None: I only demo'd other dualies as this is my first.
I really don't understand how someone could not enjoy this bike. It is so smooth and controls better then anything I've felt before. The normal 5 hour ride I do every other week does not feel so rough anymore as the lefty and rear shock take everything. The shimano drive train I put on makes it shift like butter. Sprinting and accelerating seem like second nature as the bike truly responds to every input you provide. The lower BB is something I don't mind at all. I feel like this is the reason the bike handles so well.
This bike is truly something to appreciate as the frame design is really core of what makes this bike so amazing. The components can always be changed to give you a better over all ride but the frame is one solid bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from UK Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bishops Hill, Fife
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Strengths:
Beautiful carbon frame, Excellent fork, great handling, well balanced suspension, it climbs fast, pedals effciently, descends as fast as I like. And it looks cool, especially with the lefty.
Weaknesses:
The avid brakes. In the dry, they dont bite as well as the Hopes I'm used to. In the wet, they convert all of the energy into screaming-and not stopping. The only way I could get them to work was to keep them hot, which meant running with them on slightly. The rear pads wore out completely after about 4 hours use from new (inc 2 hour wet ride). I have since changed to EBC sintered pads, and they seem far better than the stock ones.
The low BB took a bit of getting use to, a couple of bent teeth on the chain ring and some pedal strikes later, you get used to it.
Maxxis crossmark tyres. On hardpack, they are pretty good, very effcient to pedal. But in the wet, they are useless. I found the rear wheel spinning out on wet grass. In mud, the rear wouldn't drive or brake and the front wouldn't steer. They are the only tyres I have ever used that have such extreme wet/dry characteristics.
Similar Products Used:
Scott Genius, GT team LTS
Bike Setup:
I replaced the stram shifters and rear mech with XTR and XT. Tyres have been changed to Ignitors. With this set up weight is 27Ib exactly (Medium)
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike I ever ever tried. Change the tyres to something that suits you, replace the brake pads and remember the BB is quite low and just throw it along any trail you want. The low BB is part of the reason it handles so well, so I can forgive Cannondale for that. A remote lock out lever for the Fox shock would be good, I found it all to easy to throw the propedal lever too far and lock out the rear bounce, when trying to adjust it while riding on rough stuff. The carbon frame is very light, and still very stiff and strong. In my opinion, the best All-Mountain bike there is. Light enough to climb, comfortable for endurance racing and tough enough for downhill trail riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug
a Cross Country Rider
from toronto, canada Date Reviewed: June 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Don Valley
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3250.00
Purchased At:
Dukes Cycle, since 1911, in Toronto.
Strengths:
Wheel hub, System Integration (SI) front. XT cranks.
Yetti 575, turner 5 spot, S C nomad, enduro SL expert fsr.
Bike Setup:
Shimano 06 group, XT, XTR rear D.
Bottom Line:
This bike is perfect for riding cattle pastures and dodging cow patties THATS IT. Any downhill coasting the rear stay feels like a Hypochondriac screaming for Meds.I am always looking behind to see whats wrong. Do not venture off the grazing fields with the BB at the lowest height in the MTB Industry, again great for dogging patties. If your weight is over 190lbs and over 6 ft tall do not buy it. Cannondale replacement service works in slow motion, just like their bike. I will not own any RUSH again and am in a big RUSH to get away from it. Thanks to the crew at Dukes, 'excellent sevice and never nickeled and dimed'.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Willis
a Weekend Warrior
from Camp Lejeune NC USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the brig trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
the bicycle shop
Strengths:
all around great bike. love the rp23 rear shock
Weaknesses:
the lx front deralliuer is a little limp
Similar Products Used:
Prophet 3, stump jumper fsr
Bike Setup:
switched odi lock-on grips.salsa QR seat collar
Bottom Line:
the best bike I have ever ridden. I have been riding about 16 years and raced semi pro on a hard tail. this is my first full suspension bike and I realize I should have made the switch sooner. I think the handle bar is a little wide I'm going to take off half an inch on each side. the lefty is so smooth, I can't stand to ride anything else now. great product great specs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Weekend Warrior
from Prague Date Reviewed: May 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Garmisch Germany
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Built tough, rides light for nearly 30 lbs. Tubless tires leak until you put some slime in tires.
Weaknesses:
Low clearance and really wide handle bars - you take out a lot of trees until you get them cut down. The rear suspension adjustment (3 settings) now seems to have only 2.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Really fun bike - makes you want to ride every day. Front Lx should be upgraded and the rear suspension is not the best from what i have read.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Squads
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: April 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Great frame and shock. Lefty fork feels great.
Weaknesses:
Not a fan of the "smooth" tires. Change em.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpy FSR comp
Bike Setup:
bone stock
Bottom Line:
This ride put the Stumpjumper to shame from a riding perspective. The Stumpy sits way too high and has a slow and awkward quality to it. I tried the Rush afterwards and I felt I actually had more travel with it. It rides so much faster too.
I liked it so much that I had them order a Rush 4, which is coming in May 12th. I can't wait. If you are considering this bike, go give it a test ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tarsey Anastos
a
from Milford, CT USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
A hand full of months now and I am still in love with it.
Weaknesses:
Tires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! see below
Bottom Line:
Follow up to previous review:
These tires stink! They don't hold air and the rear has way too many pin holes to count. They cake up with mud and do not shed the crud off at all. As soon as it gets the least bit damp out kiss traction good bye. Would be great if I lived in the south west or raced Norba with groomed trails!
Had a set of Maxxis with similar tread that came on previous bike. After first ride threw them out and were replaced. Buying new tires for this bike now. Never liked Maxxis and never will.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
L
a Cross Country Rider
from Charleston, WV Date Reviewed: April 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2880.00
Purchased At:
Charleston Bicycle
Strengths:
Solid, balanced, great hill climber, solid downhill
Weaknesses:
not any yet
Similar Products Used:
2002-3 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I cracked my Specialized Stumpjumper FSR frame and decided to get an upgrade (I've rode Specialized bikes since 1987 and was a loyal fan). I got the Rush 3 and IT OPENED MY EYES to what I've been missing...I thought I was just getting old (43) cause I was struggling up hills in granny gears...With the Rush 3, I'm pulling a full ring higher(6-9 gears higher). The Rush 3 is a really solid performer in all conditions. Very comfortable (no problem riding 20 miles of single track and fire roads). On my FSR, I would have been completely wiped out.
This bike is for someone that wants to upgrade from a $1200-$1500 to a $2500-$2800 bike. I can only imagine what an upgrade to a better bike than the Rush 3 would be like....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tarsey Anastos
a Cross Country Rider
from Milford, CT USA Date Reviewed: January 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Case Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Cycle Fitness Monroe CT
Strengths:
All around great bike! Very plush ride, just think it and the bike will do the rest. Lefty fork is the best thing I have ever ridden. Fork has a lock out for the climbs and the Fox shock has a nice feature called pro-pedal kind of an adjustable semi lock out. For those of you that are wondering what the bike weighs, 27lbs plus change but rides and feels a lot lighter.
Weaknesses:
Not sure about the egg beater pedals yet having ridden Shimano spd for the last 16 years. It would be nice to be able adjust the tension. Will upgrade the derailers once beat up enough
Similar Products Used:
Various xc full suspensions.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Bike is solid enough and has enough travel to scream down hills and nimble enough to toss around tight single track. Get it or you will be sorry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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