Advice-buying a Cannondale'Touring Classic' ?

[RidersToTheSea]

I'm Irish and I plan on riding across USA next Summer. I was interested
in the Trek 520 or a Cannondale T2000. However, I cant seem to find a
T2000 in Dublin.  I have only seen a Cannondale Touring Classic (link
to spec below)

Question is: whats the difference between the Touring Classic and
T2000?
Is the touring classic up to doing 4300 miles?
Am I better off with a steel bike ie. Trek 520?
Are there other options I should be looking at?

http://www.cycleways.com/store/product/32398/07-Cannondale-
Touring-Classic/



Your advice would be appreciated. Many Thanks

Riderstothesea

[ptaylor]

Hi rider.

I've been waiting for one of our members to reply to your question, but see that no one seems to have knowledge of the Touring Classic.

Both the Trek 520 and the various Cannondale touring bikes have been discussed a lot on  this forum, and both are highly regarded. Let me suggest that you use the 'search' button in the upper right corner of this forum's window to do two searches: for "Trek" and for "Cannondale".

Hope you have all tailwinds across the US next summer.

Paul

This message was edited by ptaylor on 1-11-07 @ 1:50 PM

[DaveB]

I believe Cannondale doesn't sell any model called the Touring Classic in the US and it may be a name used for a European and/or UK/Irish model.  If you can get the specifications for the Touring Classic from your bike dealer you could compare them with the Cannondale US web site's description of the T2000.



 

[goblin]

Hi, I think I have your answer!! I'm in the oppsite situation as you I live in the states and want two touring classics but can't purchase them here. I talked to Cannondale U.S.A. the other day apparently the T800, T2000, Classic, & Rohloff all use the same frame. They're just "kitted" for different markets. My advice get the classic in Ireland and bring it here it's "kitted" better than the T2000. To make the same bike you would spend much more here, and since you would be flying with your bike you won't have to pay the 180pounds shipping charge I was quoted. If you really want the T2000 maybe we could work out a trade.
Ian
sndwrms@yahoo.co

[TCS]

"...T800, T2000, Classic, & Rohloff all use the same frame."

The Cannondale Rohloff model has a much different frame, with an
eccentric bottom bracket, special Rohloff drop-outs, and a Headshok
front suspension.

Tom

[goblin]

My mistake :blush: I was confused :confuse: The T800, T2000, Classic, all use the same CAAD Touring Frame. Other Sims/Diffs are:

         T800              T2000             Classic
Fork   Chromoly          Fatty R          Alloy
Rims   Mavic A119 36h    DT Tk 7.1 36h    MavicA319 36h
Hubs   Shimano LX        Same             Same
Spokes DT Champion       Same             Same
Tires  Michelin Trnswld  Schwalbe Marthon Same
Pedals Welgo cage        None             Wellgo Duals
Crank  Shimano FC-m443   Shimano FC-M470 Truvativ Elita
        26/36/58          26/36/48         30/39/52
Chain   Shimano 9sp      Same            105 10sp
Rear Cogs SRAM PG-950    SRAM PG-970     105 10sp
         11-34           Same             12-27
Bottom Octalink BB-ES25  Octalink BB-ES30 Truativ GXP
Bracket
F Drlr Tiagra            Tiagra       105 Triple      
R Drlr LX                XT              Same
Shifters Tiagra          Ultegra         105 10sp
Hbars    Cinelli Vai     Same            Deda Piega
Stem  C'dale 3-d forged  Same            Same
Head  Cane s-1           Same as T800    FSA orbit
Brake Tektro Oryx        Same            Same
Brklvl Tiagra            Ultegra         105 Safetys
Saddle Fi'zi Rondine     Same            Brooks B17

T800 & T2000 Extras include: C'dale Rear Rack, Gel Bar
Tape

Classic Extras include: Gel Bar Tape, Tubus Logo 28" rear rack, Tubus Duo front rack, front and rear fenders, (3) water bottles & cages

    Text

[RussellSeaton]

The real key difference between the T800/T2000 available in the USA and the Classic available in Europe is that the T800/T2000 are 9 speed while the Classic is 10 speed.  For loaded touring I know what I would choose.  Its kind of a key decision.

[RidersToTheSea]

Many Thanks for all the advice and comments.... I can take it then the the classic is as good as if not better than the T800/T2000....

Incidentally is the Rohloff hub commonly used in the states? I'm also considering a Thorn Raven. Would there potentially be problems with servicing or parts ?

Thanks
RidersToTheSea

(thanks Ian for your comments also, I'll drop you a line and we might work something out)

[RussellSeaton]

I wrote:
"The real key difference between the T800/T2000 available in the USA and the Classic available in Europe is that the T800/T2000 are 9 speed while the Classic is 10 speed."

RidersToTheSea posted:
"I can take it then the the classic is as good as if
not better than the T800/T2000"

I will respond by saying the Classic is not as good as and not better and not the same as the T800/T2000.

The Classic with its 10 speed Shimano cassette and road triple crankset is aimed directly at the sport recreational rider wanting the new 10 speed setup for the road and low enough gears for unloaded climbing.  30x27 (30") is the low gear from the factory.  It can easily, sort of, take a 24 tooth inner ring for a low of 24x27 (24").  That makes the big, big assumption STI will index shift a 52-39-24 crankset acceptably well.  24x27 is not all that low for loaded touring in the mountains unless you are traveling light and are very in shape.  Cannondale probably put the 10 speed stuff on its touring frame because they could appeal to a wider market that way.  Get the people who want a loaded touring bike, but will never tour loaded.  Similar to the way SUVs are sold.  Huge tires, huge engines, huge ground clearance, huge payload.  When the truck will only see 10 miles of gravel road in the summer in its entire life.  They are selling the dream, the image, of ruggedness.  Like a loaded touring bike gets you the dream of being independent and seeing the world on your bike.  The fact you never put more than a rack pack on it for a supported week long cross state ride is not important.  10 speed Shimano compatible cassettes in 11-34 and 12-32 are available from Interloc Racing Designs for $170.  Cheapest 10 speed chains are $25.

The T800/T2000 have everything identical to the Classic, except the very important drivetrain.  The T800/T2000 is 9 speed.  And comes with a low gear of 26x34 (20").  And can easily take a 24 tooth inner ring for a low of 24x34 (19").  For LOADED touring I would take 9 speed.  For recreational road riding I would take the 10 speed bike.  9 speed 11-34, 11-32, 12-34 are available everywhere for as little as $20.  9 speed chains are available everywhere for $15 or less.

The Classic and T800/T2000 are designed for different customers.  Classic is better for recreational road riding.  T800/T2000 is better for loaded touring.  Both can do the other OK.  But its not as good as the other.