Just thought I’d update my review of the Cannondale Bad Boy 2009 Disc now that I have had it for 6 months. Its still a rad bike.
I had the chance to commute on it in the winter during the snow and rain, ride single track on it and just every day commuting.
In the winter I commuted on it with studded 26″ Nokian Mount and Ground tires on my old mountain wheels.
I even have been hitting up some singletrack on it. You don’t mind not having any suspension if the ride is less than 2 hours. Really don’t notice it for the first hour.
It has a bunch of nice features for a commuter. I used to be a fan of CX bikes, and still think they are good, but for riding in the snow, and my mixed commute of dirt, gravel and roads I like the flat bar. The only real choice for a rigid 26″ mountain bike these days is the bad boy, and maybe the Salsa a la carte.
I also like the subdued graphics, they are actually reflectors, which is cool.
I added Zefal Fenders, which will work with either 700c or 26″, and come off in a snap.
Little tip to keep the fenders from shaking, I slip a piece of tube over the metal bracket.
I removed the big ring, the granny, front der., front shifter and replaced it with a Paul’s Chain Keeper.
Of course you need a bell and a light for commuting.
I also sold the heavy ass 700c wheels and replaced them with a set of Mavic Speed City wheels with cross tires. Because of the disc brakes, wheel swaps take 30 seconds to go from commuter to mountain bike.
Overall I would suggest this bike to anybody who needs a light and tough commuter.
Check it out at cannondale: http://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng/Products/2009/Recreation/Bad-boy/Details/1644-8BRD-Bad-Boy-Disc
Glad you're enjoying the Badboy.
I bought one 2 years ago and think it's a great bike. I run both 700c wheels with either slicks or cyclocross knobblies and often swap over to 26" wheels for some tougher off road. It's certainly one of the most comfortable and diverse bikes I've owned.
Love the reviews, particularly the bike stuff.
Paul (Wales U.K)