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The reason I decided to create this site was that I wanted to keep friedstinkytofu strictly about cars, while expanding my repertoire.

And hopefully, this article will also be featured on America Delivered.

Cannondale R400

It was love at first sight. The color, the lines, even the thickness of the frame— it all came together as a striking modern speedster with a hint of traditional 50s charm. The Cannondale 1990 R400 blended in perfectly when I first saw it against the backdrop of a brick-lined apartment. The pedals even had classic rat-traps with leather straps in place. The beauty is truly in the fine details though, like the lack of weld beads. They’re ground down so that the frame looks and feels like the frame was forged as one complete piece.

My initial experience with the bike however, was an interesting one. The story begins with my visit to New York, and my buddy Nick Goddard who decided that the best way to see the city, was to ride around on bicycles. He would ride one of his own— a crazy Fuji fixed gear conversion that had no brakes— and I, the Cannondale. While this seemed like a completely rational proposal to him, there was one inherent problem. I had never ridden a road bike before— especially one with rat-trap pedals.

Now, if I were riding on a calm suburban road, then I would’ve been calm, composed, and ready to handle anything. Unfortunately, this was in New York traffic. Unsurprisingly then, there were problems after we initially set off. When that first truck cut in front and slammed on its brakes, I had to stop on a dime. Also, because I was not comfortable with rat trap pedals, I keeled over in the middle of traffic. My life flashed before my eyes as I cried out for help. Nick on the other hand, rode on, unbeknownst of my pleas. I had a scuffed my elbow, but the bike on the other hand, had not one single scratch.

As I sped along, the Cannondale held up with incredible ease to all the bumps and potholes I overlooked. Any sort of punishment I inflicted on it, the bike would glide over as if nothing had happened. I noticed the shorter stance would allow me to weave through traffic when I dared to, while the light weight and smooth bearings kept me going with minimal effort. The shifters were located on the lower frame tube in a very well chosen place. It served to both keep the handles uncluttered and also add to the look of the bike’s overall simplicity.

In the end however, the most remarkable thing was that I could ride a road bike for the first time, in New York City. The bike felt so natural to ride; a few minutes was all that was needed to become acquainted. Having the ability to see and experience the city firsthand, right after hopping on a road bike for the first time, is truly astonishing.

The Cannondale exudes an unspeakable allure that is tough to match. It has all the capabilities of a modern road bike, but at the same time possesses a certain style and flair of its own. Sure, many companies out there make all sorts of different models with new-fangled bits and pieces, but a bike made from the Cannondale Bicycle Company would be the one I ultimately choose.