Cannondale bicycles: range, advice on selection and use

Cannondale bicycles have proven themselves to be the best. The goal of the company was to produce lightweight and durable bicycles for everyone - from aspiring young cyclists to professionals.

The company Cannondale, at the beginning of its existence, was engaged in the supply of equipment and equipment for camping. Over time, management decided to retrain, and the first Cannondale bicycle trailer was introduced to the market in 1971.

More than 10 years later, the ST-500 Touring road bike entered the market. This Cannondale bike quickly gained popularity. Perhaps the reason for this was the aluminum frame, which was a rarity in those days (mostly bicycles then had steel frames). A year later, the company introduced another bicycle - a mountain bike.

The company manufactured frames for its bicycles using its own unique technology. Manufacturers have increased the diameter, which has improved the strength and efficiency of the structure. In the early 90s, the company began to produce carbon frames, at the same time, the mountain suspension was introduced to the market. At the same time, the company began developing cross-country motorcycles, but after a few years Cannondale abandoned the idea and sold the motorcycle production department.

The company got its name in honor of the station of the same name in North America. Bicycle prototypes and new manufacturing technologies are being developed in Wilton, Minnesota. And the producing countries are the Netherlands, Taiwan and China. Today, Cannondale is recognized as the best bike manufacturer with a design recognizable even among beginners and hobbyists.

Like other brands, Cannondale bikes have their positives and some disadvantages.

Let's start with the pros:

• strength - the unique design of the frame allows bicycles to withstand loads of any complexity, including off-road driving;
• optimal parameters - the trip will not only bring health benefits, but also will not be tiring thanks to the thoughtful design of the frame;
• quality details;
• service when purchased from authorized representatives and a lifetime warranty on the frame (the warranty is valid if you are the first owner);
• stylish look - the design attracts both adolescents and middle-aged people; the company produces models with both bright creative colors and strict laconic design.

The Cannondale range is wide - here you can choose a bike for the most demanding taste and for any purpose. The company makes bicycles both for city walks and for cross-country cycling.

Mountain bike classification:

• Cannondale trail - the classic version of a simple and reliable bike with excellent ride characteristics;
• Cannondale F-SI and F - hardtails, which are distinguished by excellent cross-country ability;
• Cannondale Rush and Scalpel - two-suspension models for driving in mountainous terrain and off-road;
• Cannondale Trigger and Jekyll - universal models designed mainly for riding on bike paths.

The best model of Cannondale mountain bikes is the Trail 6 hardtail. This model behaves well on any road. The frame is butted to reduce weight while maintaining strength and rigidity. A spring-oil fork with a remote lockout is installed here. Thanks to this, the bike literally rushes along a flat road and climbs uphill.

The Cannondale Trail boys' bike with 24-inch wheels is suitable for an active child. The model is very similar in appearance to the adult line of Trail bicycles - the body position is extended forward for better pedaling. With the same physical capabilities, this will allow you to get ahead of peers at the beginning of the path. The model is suitable for driving on all roads, mechanical disc brakes will work in any emergency. The kid's model has a soft-spring suspension fork that cushions shocks, even if the child's weight is low.

The Cannondale F-Si Alloy 1 single fork hardtail features strong lateral rigidity. Speed ​​Save micro suspension is vertical and pliable to maintain speed and reduce vibration fatigue. The 10-speed F-Si Alloy 1 has reliable disc brakes and is just built for rough terrain, it goes well on all roads. Even where there are no roads, the bike will not lose its handling. The frame in this model is the result of more than 30 years of company work.

Experientially, the specialists were able to reduce the weight of the frame, changing the thickness of the walls only where necessary. The result is one of the strongest and most rigid aluminum frames available.

Cannondale Scalpel 4 - full suspension, equipped with a new generation of bicycle forks with 100 mm travel... Thanks to this, the maneuverability of the bike increases by an order of magnitude. Rear shocks work great in rough terrain. Scalpel 4 has:

• hydraulic disc brakes;
• hard rolling wheels;
• Shimano drivetrain.

Road bike Cannondale Slate SE Force has excellent off-road performance. Slate SE Force will allow you to make sharp turns, jumps, and drive off-road. The bike rides well both on wet gravel and on flat roads - the shock absorption system dampens all shocks and vibrations while riding. When cornering, this bike has good torsional stability provided by the front and rear Thru-axles.

Picking up a bike it is important to choose the right frame size so that during the trip it is as comfortable as possible. For extreme rides, it is better to choose a model with a short frame, as these bikes have better handling.

There are different ways to choose a bike by frame length.

Here is a table of typical indicators.

When buying a bike, you can immediately order additional accessories for a separate cost. It can be:

• trunk;
• flask and bottle cage;
• gloves;
• removal of the steering wheel;
• steering ring;
• saddle bag;
• wings;
• grips;
• replaceable hook on the frame;
• flashlight;
• bike computer.

Riding comfort depends on the model selected correctly in terms of parameters.

Bicycles are divided into types:

• road;
• mountain;
• BMX;
• electric bicycles;
• fat bikes and others.

This separation is necessary to make it easier to choose a bike, for example, a simple bike for walking around the city will cause a lot of inconvenience if you want to go to the mountainous area.

After deciding on the type of bike, you need to select the type of drive:

• chain (the most common and simplest);
• Belting (lightweight, does not require lubrication, under heavy loads is not very reliable, usually used on city and folding bicycles);
• cardan drive (heavy, cumbersome, rare).

The size of the frame must be selected correctly, otherwise the fit will be uncomfortable - you will get tired quickly, and back pain will appear.

The shock absorption setting affects the bike modification.

• Rigid - complete absence of depreciation or depreciation seat. Rigid is found on road, road, some models of city bicycles. Such models are lighter, they have improved pedaling due to the absence of rocking while driving. Disadvantage: Discomfort on rocky roads.
• Hardtail - a common type of depreciation. The bike is equipped with a shock-absorbing fork that cushions vibrations and shocks during off-road riding.
• Double suspension - front and rear shock absorbers are installed. In addition to comfort during the trip, this type of cushioning allows you to reduce the load on the spine.

Wheel diameter affects speed and ride comfort. The larger the diameter, the greater the speed you can develop without feeling discomfort off-road.

The brakes can also be different.

• Foot - pedaling backwards activates it. Installed on bicycles without speeds. Works well in all weather conditions.
• V-Brake - common type of front and rear brakes, cheap, easy to maintain, lightweight. The brake is applied by pressing the brake levers on the steering wheel, which compress the brake pads.
• Tick-borne - by the principle of action, they are similar to the V-Brake. Fits on road bikes.
• Mechanical disc brakes - the action is similar to the V-Brake, except that the brake actuates the brake rotor. The system is easy to maintain, reliable even when the wheel is deformed or dirty, but needs regular adjustment.
• Hydraulic disc brakes - the brake is activated by the hydraulic line. It has good braking performance, does not need to be tuned often, and works well in bad weather conditions. These brakes are almost impossible to repair and are expensive and heavy.

For your bike to last longer, you need to take proper care of it.

• Before each drive, check the tire inflation, steering wheel, seat, brake and gear clarity.
• Tire inflation is different for different roads. On soft ground, you can pump a little more than 2 atmospheres, on a good flat road - 4 atmospheres.
• The steering wheel should be level and at the correct height for you. The stem must be tightly fastened.
• The brakes are tested like this: push the bike forward, press the brake lever and watch each wheel lock.
• The correct operation of the gear shifting is checked as follows: lift the rear wheel and pedal, change the speed, checking all combinations.

Check once a week:

• wheels;
• tires;
• connecting rods.

And also a general check of the bike is recommended: check the screws, bolts, adjustments, moving parts, lubricate the parts if necessary.

Check once a year:

• chain;
• carriage;
• steering column;
• switches;
• shock absorbers.

If the bike becomes dirty, wash it and avoid water getting into the bearings, carriage and steering column.

For an overview of the Cannondale Trail 5 bike, see the video below.