Cannondale vs specialized?

Question

what is the better bike and why?

2008 Specialized p.2 (aluminum or cr-mo)

2008 cannondale chase 1

Answer 1

Specialized, Specialized, Specialized, Specialized.  I cant say it enough. They make the best quality bikes in the world and my father's has lasted him since high school.  if you are going to bike alot, invest in a good one with disc brakes and a light aluminum frame.  it will pay off for you.

Answer 2

You picked 2 really nice rides. I'd take the 'dale (just barely)

Answer 3

Always, the Specialized. There is a reason that Cannondale earned the name "Crack'n'Fail".

Answer 4

These are both awesome jump/urban rigs and you could do very well with either one....honestly.  

The frames are very similar in geometry, especially in the critical areas, so I'd shop by the best deal that has the parts you want.   I've ridden both of them (more time on the Chase than the P) and can say that you'll be happy with either.  One other thing to consider is the future of Cannondale as a company, meaning warranty service for you if you should ever need it (and you're not likely to).  Since they were just bought out, it might be smart to go with Specialized at this time until it becomes known how Dorel/Pacific will handle that stuff (in the past, they really screwed up things when they bought GT).   Like I said, you're not likely to need warranty replacement with either frame, so this is a minor point....if it were a full suspension rig I'd be more wary.

The P2 Aluminum gives you some sweet brakes, although that 4" rear is kinda odd, and it has a good parts selection overall.  The BB5 brakes on the cr-mo frame are a poor choice...they stop well but they're a pain to get set up and do pad replacements (BB7's are awesome, however....those are what I ride).  The rest of the cr-mo package is decent.

The chase has some much nicer parts that you'll probably appreciate...rims, bottom bracket, and chain guide.  The pedals and grips are pretty snazzy, too.   The biggest and best difference that you WILL appreciate is the 20mm thru-axle on the fork.  Same DJ2 fork as the P2 Aluminum, but with the thru-axle.  This is definitely worth getting, no matter which bike you end up with.

If price isn't the biggest consideration, I'd rank them in this order:

Chase 1

P2 aluminum

P2 cr-mo

Chase 2

While you're at it, be sure to check out the Kona Five-O and the Transition Trail-R-Park.  

Enjoy the new ride!   :o)

Answer 5

Personally, I've always gone for the Specialized. They do all out on the frames & then you up the value by upping the components.

Cannondale is a great bike, but the feel was always a little off, felt a bit week. I'm real hard on my bikes.