I think I found my bike but questions about the bike and LBS

[goldfinch]

I have a Cannondale Quick and I love it too, after I made a few modifications. I got the Quick 4. I think that it is substantially better than the Quick5. If I had to do it over again I would get the one in my size with the best components. I had no idea that I would end up riding this bike so much! I ride it twice as much as I ride my much more expensive road bike because it is a great, go anywhere bike. FWIW, the kickstand mount interfered with the cables when shifting so if you end up with a shifting problem, that is something to check out. It took three different bike shops before that was figured out. That may have been an issue specific to my bike which is on an extra small frame.

I did change out the saddle. At first a really squishy saddle might seem nice but they can end up being less nice the more riding you do. I have Terry Butterfly saddles on all my bikes. They seem to work for me. I also added Ergon grips which really helped with some wrist issues.

[OakLeaf]

If spokes are loose enough for you to hear them, they're loose enough to send the wheel way out of true. You'd notice that under braking even if you weren't looking for it. Next time you're in there, spin the wheel, check that it's reasonably true, touch the spokes to be sure none of them are grossly loose.

I can't quite figure what kind of sound you're talking about, but if they had the wheel reflectors on (in the USA they're legally required to sell them with them on), there's a good chance those might be noisy.

[Owlie]

The other thing I can think of is the brakes. If there's grit or something in them, mine make noise...

[molasses85]

goldfinch, glad to see that you love your Quick. I'll check out the kickstand mount next time. I'm thinking of the 4 or 3 model.

Oakleaf, I'll check on the reflectors too. I'm trying to remember anything else about the noise...a subtle, fast-paced ticking...you're right, could be the reflectors but I'll check the spokes too.

Owlie, I know you said your experience is limited, but in your experience the shop would order a bike instead of the floor model?

Muirenn, thanks for the links...I didn't think about the squishy comfort saddle factor...I guess it could make sense...someone buying the base model might not be into a more performance oriented parts bike? Grrr! The explanation of how a the size of the saddle works makes so much sense!!

Thanks!

[Owlie]

Owlie, I know you said your experience is limited, but in your experience the shop would order a bike instead of the floor model?

That's how my shop works. They have some boxed bikes ready to be assembled around (it's a local chain, so they have the faster-moving sizes/bikes lying around, and probably one of everything in their network somewhere), but they won't sell the floor model until it's time to get rid of it and put the new stuff out. They had an Avail 3 stick around for two years, though! This helps avoid the issue of damage that just happens with test rides, or clumsy people like me hitting it with a door when they go test ride.
If nothing else, you should be able to ask them to order one for you.

[roo4]

Owlie, around here the floor models are sold. Stores don't keep much of an inventory. I suppose it varies from shop to shop.

[Rebecca19804]

I'm trying to remember anything else about the noise...a subtle, fast-paced ticking...you're right, could be the reflectors but I'll check the spokes too.

Could it just be the normal sound of that particular freewheel hub?

[MGM]

The 3 and 4 are both very nice. If you're going to do mostly paved surfaces the 3 will be faster. Both can handle gravel too.