03 Gemini 1000 Comments?

[Body2Big]

Hey all still looking into FS bikes still no decision. I just got back from my LBS and they talked me out of every bike they have?? The sales guy had sold me my TREK Hardtail and says I should go with something other than what he had. I am going to look at a 03 Gemini 1000 stock setup the guy is asking $1300.00 for it. Here is what it looks like and specs.

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/cusa/model-3VG1.html

Shawn

[Dave]

I think it's well known that Cannondale does their homework when it comes to building rigid and durable frames. The Gemini seems to fit this notion in that they essentially use the same frame and build it for anything from an all mountain bike, to an all out downhill machine. I've never ridden a lefty myself, but I've heard a lot of good things about them from those who have. As for the rear suspension, I have heard the single pivot design works better with the SPV type shock because without it, they tend to bounce a bit when pedaling.

[slapheadmofo]

Not digging the air shock or the Lefty fork - the newer Geminis have a coil shock and regular style fork; much better off that way IMO. Cannondale's always throwing in some wierd proprietary technology that ends up screwing you over when you go to upgrade or need to borrow a wheel or find a part on short notice. Also, I agree they've figured out rigid, but they're sure not known for being durable at all (hence the 'crack'n'fail' nickname). I personally would never buy one.

[crowe92]

ONly thing i would say is it is an 03 bike. Starting in August the 06 bikes will be out. My opinion $1300 for a 3 year old bike is a little steep. Could get yourself a good 05 bike for $1300

[Body2Big]

ONly thing i would say is it is an 03 bike. Starting in August the 06 bikes will be out. My opinion $1300 for a 3 year old bike is a little steep. Could get yourself a good 05 bike for $1300


Not ones I have been looking at. I thought the same thing but even my LBS said the bikes he had in stock were not beefy enough for me. He could order me an 05 Specialized Enduro comp for 2k. He had a Trek liquid and The Trek fuel for about what I am looking to spend but the sales guy said I would probably ruin the bikes and need something beffier????

Shawn

[DAVID J]

Check out a Propet.The Lefty is a great fork,especially with the tpc internals.The only problem with the Lefty is if you need a front wheel on short notice.I had a Jeykll that took a hell of a beating with no failures.

[comtom1]

Go for it this is the killer bike that you have been looking for by the way great ride on sunday thanks again tom

[Jisch]

I can't comment directly on the Gemini or Prophet.

I rode Cannondale HTs for 10 years or so, and never had a failure. I'm no hucker, but I think I rode those bikes pretty hard. I currently have a Jekyll (Thanks NEMBA Cannondale trail maintenance series!). Its my back up bike, though I rode it for 3 or 4 months this winter while my Titus was being warrantied. Again, no issues with the frame.

I guess what I'm saying is that while I have heard some anecdotal issues with Cannondales (hence the cracknfail nickname) I have not experienced any failures myself.

John

[rigidhack]

From what I have learned, the 03 Geminis had a problem with the Large frames. Due to a manufacturing mixup, the tubing was messed up on the larger bikes. I think it had to do with the bigger frames using the tubing diameters designed for the smaller frames -hence the "Crack-n-fail" moniker. There may even have been a recall.

The problem has since been sorted out. Nice bike if you can establish whether or not any kind of recall service has been done on it.

There is an 04 Gemini 900 (NOS) on ebay for $1600 (Buy it now price). Likely a better deal.