Ok guys, Im getting a Cannondale this weekend. As long as the DS runs long enough to trade it in.

Anyhow. If you could get a 2002 Speed for around the same price as a 2003 Cannibal which would you get.
How is the Speeds map different from the Cannibal beside Rev-Limit, like which has more bottomend, midrange, & topend. Would the Speed be a good ride for mostly trail riding, a little MX, hill climbing, and maybe a little XC or MX racing?

Thanks

 

I would have to go with the speed if it has ALL of the updates.

 

Well like I said its an 2002 so, it wont have the new graphics or frontend changes. But it should have all the other tech bulletins taken care of.

 

Speeeed
I think.

 

Kinda a tough call. The only real advantage the speed has is the shocks. You can remap to a speed map easy enough. The 03 Cannibal has the new frontend geometry and you cant change that on the speed. I have never ridden a 02 but i have been told it makes a big diffrence. Perhaps even more then the better shocks. I would rather have the geometry then the shocks so i would go for the Cannibal.

 

I was under the impression the only change to the frontend geometry was from the new steering stem. Lower tierod mounts and no bend at the top. I just got an 03 stem from my dealer, $96! Seems to me that the 02's had fewer serious bugs than many of the 03's.

 

Ryanstones is right about the stem being the handling difference.I would also check to see if it has the fuel connects at front of tank both of them I think this is a important change some late 02s had this all 03s have it.Hydraulic clutch is a big plus too.If it has these the speed is a better buy.
The speed map seems to "hit" on the top end cannible is a smoother map.Buy the $300 gp control and switch maps when you want.

 

When do u think they made the switch too the new fuel tank? Like around when did they start shipping them and how could I find out if it has the disconnects in the front, where would I look?

Thanks

 

The '03 Cannibal also has new a-arms, a different chain manufacturer(starts with an R, Regina maybe, can't remember), possibly the Fox rear shock, and maybe the Carlisle tires. Someone had mentioned some additional frame gusseting, but I haven't seen nor can I verify that. The a-arms are a much different design, but I'm not sure if the overall geometry changed.

The '02 Speed is a good ride. You also get the gripper type, 2-color seat cover(nice!) and the bars which arent' much of an upgrade(they're not fatty type bars), but they are much better than the Cannibal's, you could add them later for about $65. The front end on the Speed is the new, less twitchy front than the original FX had, but additional changes besides the stem, I'm not sure of.

I'd recommend calling the Quadshop for a set of ball joint boots first thing, whichever you get.

It's a tough call, didn't help much did I? A nice one to have to make, at least you have a choice. I'm just presenting what I can so you know all you can. I'd probably pick the Speed if it were me, it's a trustworthy and durable machine regardless of whatever changes came in '03.

 

The gas tank was a mid-year change. You can tell the difference simply by looking under the rear of the quad at the bottom of the whitish/yellow gas tank. If there's a metal quick connect and hose it's the old one. I personally prefer the old one. I have a hard enough time getting the one top one connected, much less to have to do 2. There's not much room up there for your hands. I wouldn't let that sway your decision. I would have to ask about the gas cap, though! Also a mid year change. I don't think you can visually tell them apart, but the earlier ones will leak. Like I said, I don't know how to check it other than riding it.