2006 Cannondale F400 Feminine vs 2010 Cannondale Trail SL 6

[brigada]

Hi ladies,

I'm helping a friend choose a used bike to begin light trail riding (this will be her first 'real' bike) and we've reduced the choice to the following two:

2006 Cannondale F400 Feminine and 2010 Cannondale Trail SL 6

Here's the basic spec list + photo for each:
F400:

Frame: Cannondale Furio-X size Small
Fork: Headshok Fatty Ultra DL80
Wheelset: Sunrims Black Eye rims + Cannondale hubs + DT Swiss spokes
Tyres: IRC Serac XC 2.1
Crankset: Truvativ IsoFlow
Rear derailleur: SRAM X7
Front derailleur: Shimano Deore
Shifters: SRAM X7 gripshift 3x9
New SRAM cassette and chain
Brakes: Cannondale Fire branded V-brakes


Trail SL 6

Frame: Cannondale Trail SL with SAVE size Small
Fork: RST Gila Pro TnL 100mm
Wheelset: Maddux DC 3.0 rims + Formula hubs + CN spokes
Tyres: no-name front + Schwalbe Nobby Nic rear
Crankset: Suntour XCT
Rear derailleur: Shimano Alivio
Front derailleur: Shimano Altus
Shifters: Shimano Alivio 3x8
Cassette: Sunrace
Chain: Shimano HG50
Brakes: Tektro IO mechanical disc brakes

As for the prices, the Trail SL is about $70 cheaper. However, the components on F400 seem to be in better condition; there are scratches on the derailleurs on the Trail SL and it's likely that the cassette and the chain will have to go immediately. Just because I like polls, there is now a poll as well

[Catrin]

I voted for the F400 - mainly because I am a SRAM gal and it has a new cassette and chain. That being said, disc brakes are mighty nice to have on the trail...

[brigada]

Hi Catrin, thanks for replying! I, too, think that F400 is a better deal at around $400. The fork is miles ahead, especially if it's not in need of servicing as advertised, and the drivetrain is, what, two levels above? I figured, if my friend doesn't end up being really into trail riding, this setup will be just fine, and if she gets into it, she can always upgrade to new wheels and disc brakes and have a great bike for a small amount of money.