Cannondale Prophet 800

Cannondale Prophet 800

I live and work as a teacher of computing in a remote Aboriginal community about 600 kms west of Cairns in the Gulf country of North Queensland, Australia. We have two seasons here, Wet and Dry. In the Dry we have talcum fine bulldust and hot, sunny days. In the Wet we have rain and mud. Now we are in the Wet time. I have just ordered in some Kenda Nevegal 1.9 tyres, as my Cairns shop, Pump n Pedals recommends these for soppy mud - so we will see. I will update my review when I have the chance to see these. This is my first proper bicycle. My sister in law has a GT Backwoods with green Marzocchi shocks, and she introduced me to the joys of owning a real bicycle. In July 2005 she took me to a big bike shop in Adelaide and I discovered The Prophet. The salesman recommended that the 800, with LX gear, would be the economical and servicable choice for long term ownership. This is an eccentric bicycle with the Lefty. But it reeks of quality. I do not like the handlebars, they are too low. I was interested in the Bad Boy Ultra, but I cannot wait for the day when I throw a set of slicks on this bike and can go curb hopping around the streets of Cairns. Cairns also has one of the world's best mountain bike/downhill courses - and I cannot wait to try that. I do not like the shimano brake lever/gear change action, at present it is too stiff - maybe it needs adjustment. I paid $3300 AUD for this bike, but the moment I rode it I forgot about the price - like I said, this is my first real bike, but anything that gets me out of the house, lowers my blood pressure is a good investment, and I believe this bike is a good investment. Anyone I talk to who is serious about cycling knows Cannondale. To me, they are the Citroen of Cycling.