F700 Classic 1998 Riding road and questions.

[skbgiants]

Hi all, this is a repost from a year ago..I was not exactly getting back on the bike however NOW I find myself doing around 24 miles a day, on the road w/ slicks. Here is my original post from March 09 with some additions. Thanks!

I'm new to the site, and quite frankly, back in the "saddle" so to speak on my old 1998 Cannondale F700 Hardtail. I have some questions about my bike, if it's still a "good ride" (mint condition for the most part).

I find myself back in Wilmington and I've been road riding on slicks, about 25 miles a day. My front shock is blown for the most part, the travel is just not there..and we all know it really is an antiquated design anyway as is the bike itself..but the frame is solid and components are upgraded. I'd like to hit some trails soon so any suggestions for a replacement fork would be helpful. I'm budget restricted at the moment!

I'll attach a pic, it's the 1998 Olympic Version of the F700. I've upgraded all my components to the best of my ability, years ago. Still love the hardtail.

1998 F700: STATS:
Easton Carbon Fiber Seat Post
HeadShok DD60 (pretty much DEAD)
Shimano XT Rear Derailleur
Shimano XTR Front Derailleur
Shimano DX-Mountain SPD Pedals
Shimano XT- V-Brakes
Shimano STX-RC Rims
Sachs Shifters
NEW SHOES!! (finally today @ Bike Cycles. Great ppl!) Shimano SH- M086L (my feet sent me a "thank you" card!)

I live in Porters Neck CC and I'm looking for some new friends now that I'm back on my OLD ride.

Thanks, and I look forward to any input at all!

-Steve

[bikesnbeer]

You can buy an adapter that will shrink your headtube size down and get rid of the headshock. This will allow you to purchase any suspension fork you desire. However, I would not buy a fork with more than 3-4 inches of travel because in 1998 Cannondale and others were not building their cross country rigs to handle more suspension than this. You can risk breaking your frame. You need to find a Cannondale dealer or someone online who will sell you the adapter. Best of luck.

[Randy]

If budget is a concern, the headset cup reducer will be tough. You don't need a Cannondale dealer, because the part is not made by Cannondale. Essentially, you will be reducing your headtube from 1.5" to 1.125" with this part. It is pressed in like a headset after the Cannondale Headset bearings are removed. Then you will need a headset, and any decent one will set you back at least $45-$50, plus $40 for the reducer cups. Then you will need an 80mm fork. Any more, and you have slacked out your headtube and raised your bottom bracket to the point your front wheel will flop around.

Any bicycle shop can order you the reducer cups if they have an account with any distributor. Do not order online, unless you possess a headset press and cup remover, and are comfortable using them.

Actually, the headshok is not a bad design, and can be easily repaired or upgraded for less than the cost of the new headset. You could also probably find someone with a used headshok for sale for cheap.

Best option - Find a used 80mm Lefty and front wheel, and have the lightest and stiffest combination available for less than the cost of a new fork.

[ncmtb]

If you change over the fork, you will also need a new stem. If you go Lefty, you will have to go with a disc brake in front. You could just get a cable caliper (Avid BB7) and rotor & use your existing brake lever. Most likely will need a new cable & housing too.

I agree with Randy on the cost of conversions - I have done a few - they will nickel & dime you way above what you would expect.

[Randy]

I have a couple vintage Cannondales I like, so I installed the reducer cups and put rigid 29er forks on them. The 80mm headshoks have a very similar ride height to a rigid 29er fork and wheel. They are light and handle really well.

[skbgiants]

Thanks everyone. Looks like my solution is to either repair the headshok or find a replacement. If anyone knows of a used Lefty or something that would suit my issue please let me know. I plan on buying a new rim set and getting back out on the trail. Thanks again!

[skbgiants]

Oh..and Randy..my headshok is not completley blown, I can lock it out which makes it okay for the road. When I hit the single track however I'm afraid that suckers going to bottom out on me ASAP.

[-Jay-]

I agree with Randy, start searching for a Lefty to put on it. I actually have a 100mm Lefty on my Killer V which is probably right on the border of what you should use. I know there are a lot of people that don't care for Cannondale, but I've always had great luck with them, and have had several with Lefty's. By far the best fork I've ridden.

[skbgiants]

Can someone point me in the right direction for a used Lefty or another HeadShok design? Thanks!!