You would think that if a company (Cannondale) came out with a brand new performance quad and then offered to "sponsor" 25 racers (AMA license holders of course) for FREE at a national event for the day,giving them access to a free bike,a free jersey to keep and all the factory support they needed that there would be a line a mile long full of applicants. Instead of constantly ragging on new companies with new ideas(just because you can), why not take them up on this and give your regular mount a rest for the weekend and thrash theirs? This is called "putting your money where your mouth is"... Is it me, or does this seem like a no brainer? C'mon Guys (and girls)!!!!!!! Check out the web site!

 

I have been looking at your posts and replies the past couple of days and if I didn't know any better I would say you have to work for Cannondale. What's the deal?

 

Actually, I can see where one could make that assumption. The truth is, I love new, innovative, American(just makes it sweeter)products that dare to be different. I am one of those types who stopped liking U2 when they became all the rage. I like to be different, but to be totally honest I am a 41 year old web developer who has read every dirt bike/atv magazine since 1973 and I thrive on this stuff. I was one of those guys who bought a Can Am dirtbike in the mid 70's when no one would. Yes its true,I am pulling for,rooting for and hoping that Cannondale makes it..I think they will.

 

Hey that's cool. I would have to agree with you on the innovation Cannodale is bring to the table. I have always wondered why manufactures can make snowmobiles and crotch rockets with very high tech features and every year quads are virtually the same. The only thing's I can really complain about on the Cannondale is the price tag and I would have to imagine finding parts for the machine would be something else. Other than that I am glad Cannondale has created the FX400.

 

Yeah, its amazing how all of the "big 4" use all of the money made on ATV's to develop new and exciting motorcycles. Not to mention supporting multi-million dollar race teams. I love Nickey Haden, but do you think he'd be where he is now if he chose ATV racing? Hell no!

I think the "big 4" suppress ATV racing almost as bad as the automakers and oil companies suppress the 100mpg "carburetor".

 

I have been talking to the guys at Cannondale and they seem receptive. I am not a paid marketing consultant, but I am observant. I have about 28 years of following dirt bikes and I've seen what works and what doesnt. I told Scott Montgomery,who is one of the directors and presumably Joe's (CEO) son, that Cannondale is in the same position that Lexus was in in 1989. They sold the LS 400 for 31,900. Far below what the Benz'z were going for and the car was in some ways better. The Germans cried foul and accused them of "dumping" the cars to get a foothold in the world market. They might have been right. Now a Lexus sells for about 60,000. It is very similar to that LS400. Who would pay 60,000 for a new Lexus now? LOTS of people...That's my point!I told him they should drop the price to 6499.00 or somewhere near that, let them fly out the doors and then raise the price back up after a few years of proven, honest butt kicking on the track... People are not scared off by a price increase if the product does what it says...Mr. Montgomery said I offered some "excellant suggestions" Who knows?