The name Cannondale is always associated with mountain bikes. Specifically, the bike brand is more pronounced in the cross country, trail, and electric MTB sectors. But are Cannondale mountain bikes good?
Cannondale mountain bikes are good because they are all about reliability. Their innovative suspensions, advanced frames, race-geometry and orientation, and high-end components make them off-road ready, thus reliable.
These mountain bikes also come with impressive warranties to match their quality specs, and you’ll get them in multiple frame sizes and models. So, if you are looking for a mountain bike brand that offers variety, go for Cannondale.
That, nonetheless, doesn’t make Cannondale MTBs all perfect. They have a few drawbacks, which I’ll share with you in this post. But first, let’s start with the good – the bike brand’s selling points.
In a rush? Check out our most recommended Cannondale MTBs on the hotlist below.
3 Best Cannondale Mountain Bike
- F-Si Carbon 2: Best Cannondale Cross Country Mountain Bike
- Cannondale Cujo 1: Best Cannondale Trail Mountain Bike
- Cujo Neo 130: Best Cannondale Electric Mountain Bike
Why Cannondale Mountain Bikes Are Good
Cannondale MTBs are built for the road and therefore reliable, and you can tell that from the following reasons:
1. Innovative Suspension
A good mountain bike is all about good shock absorption, control, speed, and traction, and that’s what you get from Cannondale. Cannondale is known for using Synapse Active Vibration Eliminator (SAVE), a suspension technology that soaks up the bumps and softens your ride.
Moreover, SAVE Suspension promotes off-road traction, reduces fatigue, and improves cycling. It’s part of the reason why Cannondale MTBs are suitable for cross-country racing.
The Lefty Fork is another innovative suspension technology that Cannondale employs on its MTBs and even gravel bikes. Cannondale’s Lefty Forks usually enjoy 30mm travel on one leg, making the bikes stiffer and lighter, translating to speed.
This suspension also makes Cannondale cross-country bikes among the best on the market.
2. Advanced Frame Technology (Quality Frames)
Cannondale’s innovativeness goes beyond the suspension. The manufacturer is also known to employ the most innovative frames that set it apart from the rest. One notable innovative frame technology popular on Cannondale trail bikes is SmartForm.
Cannondale employs SmartForm on its aluminum frame to save weight and improve its strength and durability. As a result, SmartForm frames are lighter, stronger, and even more durable than regular aluminum frames.
And as for carbon frames, Cannondale employs Ballis Tec Hi-Mod Carbon technology. The technology delivers stiff, strong, ultra-light, and durable stems. So, you are guaranteed quality carbon and aluminum frames, all thanks to SmartForm and Ballis Tec Hi-Mod.
3. Race Geometry and Orientation
Cannondale employs Out-front Steering Geometry on most MTBs, especially cross country bikes, to promise agility and stability. The geometry gives you the best of the two worlds, allowing you to conquer trails without sacrificing speed.
Overall, Cannondale MTB’s geometries are characterized by longer wheelbases, shorter chainstays, and more extended reach, and the results are agile and stable bikes.
Plus, Cannondale employs Boost Spacing technology that positions the rear wheel and chainstays correctly when climbing while offering your maximum traction.
Their internal cable routing design doesn’t just hide the cable from the terrible weather but offers them a sleeker and streamlined look that enables you to ride faster, even against the wind.
On the other hand, their tapered headtubes give them a stiffer look, which allows you to ride more aggressively and faster.
Generally, everything about these mountain bikes is geared towards fast riding off-road, which is essential for competitive trail riding or cross-country events.
4. High-End Components
Cannondale invests in high-quality components to back its high-end frames. Everything is geared towards bossing the off-road from the disc brakes to the drivetrains.
Even the tires come with puncture-proof casing and are tubeless-ready to allow you to take on just about any terrain.
Cannondale is known to source components from trusted parties like Shimano, Schwalbe, and SRAM. But still, the manufacturer has an in-house team, HollowGram, that makes the rims, spokes, and hubs, among others.
HollowGram guarantees quality specs and is part of the reason Cannondale MTBs are reliable.
Other Reasons Why Cannondale MTBs Are Good
While the points discussed below have nothing to do with the build quality and reliability of Cannondale MTBs, they prove their worth and why you may pay more.
They include:
5. Good Warranties
Cannondale MTB frames have a limited lifetime warranty except for full-suspension, downhill, and dirt jumpers. The last two MTBs, together with freeride and gravity bikes, have a three-year warranty.
As for full-suspension bikes, they all come with a 5-year warranty, which is understandable, given that their chances of wearing down are much higher.
Overall, the limited lifetime coverage protects the frame against manufacturing defects for a lifetime.
The Lefty Forks have the same warranty that covers the frame, while Cannondale-branded parts come with a one-year coverage.
6. Multiple Sizes
Cannondale mountain bikes come in almost all frame sizes to accommodate a wide range of heights. You can get them in extra small (ideal for guys measuring 152-157cm) to extra-large (suitable for those who are 185-195cm tall).
Here is the Cannondale mountain bike size chart that you can use to size the mountain bikes!
| Frame Size | Rider’s Height (cm) |
| Extra-Small (XS) | 152-157cm |
| Small (SM) | 157-165cm |
| Medium (MD) | 167-176cm |
| Large (LG) | 172-182cm |
| Extra Large (XL) | 185-195cm |
7. Wide MTB Range (Cannondale Mountain Bike Models)
Since Cannondale specializes in MTBs, they ensure they offer you many choices for each category. Currently, they stock the following groups of MTBs:
- Cross country bikes (F-Si, Scalpel, Scalpel-S, and Scalpel-HT)
- Trail bikes (Cujo, Habit, Dave, and Jekyll)
- Electric mountain bikes (Trail Neo, Habit Neo, Cujo Neo, and Moterra Neo)
Cannondale Mountain Bikes Review
Are Cannondale Cross Country Bikes Good?
Cannondale cross-country bikes feature quality frames, mainly employing Ballis Tec Hi-Mod Carbon, which promises high-strength, low-weight, and durability.
The bikes are pretty stable off-road, owing to their Out-front steering geometry. They employ an AI offset drivetrain that offers you agility and traction to take on trails confidently.
These bikes employ a Thru-Axle dropout design that enhances their speed and agility. What is more, they have wheel-integrated sensors which you can pair with the Cannondale app to enable you to track your speed, distance, and route.
That’s what you get from Cannondale F-Si Carbon 2, making it the ultimate cross-country bike for serious cross-country racers.
Are Cannondale Trail Bikes Good?
Cannondale trail bikes take all manner of trails. These bikes employ SAVE Micro-Suspension to offer you more control and comfort. You can confidently take on steep trails and descents, thanks to SAVE Suspension.
Most of these bikes employ SmartForm technology, which saves weight and promises high strength and durability. And when it comes to the geometry, these bikes have tapered headtubes which make them stiffer, and enjoy Boost Spacing which offers you agility and climbing traction.
Furthermore, they employ top-end drivetrains, mostly SRAM SX Eagle, RockShox fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and puncture-resistant tires to show they are ready for the trails. That is the case with the Cannondale Cujo 1, which thrives on low-impact trails.
Are Cannondale Electric Mountain Bikes Good?
Cannonade electric mountain bikes offer a few top-end specs that you don’t get from other MTBs by Cannondale. For one, they employ the most advanced drive system that gives you seamless assistance and intuitive control.
These e-bikes also have a user-friendly Bluetooth-integrated display and enjoy an efficient e-system battery and charger.
Their tires have a plus-grain profile for maximum traction and non-slip.
Other specs such as the drivetrain, brakes, forks, seat posts, grip, and headsets are all top-end. So, for someone looking for a full-suspension MTB for commuting, trail adventure, and fin riding, getting a Cannondale MTB makes all sense, and nothing fits the bill more than the Cujo Neo 130.
The Bad
While the off-road reliability of Cannondale MTBs is unquestionable, they have a few concerns, which include:
- High Price – The Cannondale mountain bike price is not budget-friendly. Though you can get an entry choice for $1500 or under, a decent competition-level MTB will cost you about $5,000 or more.
- Fewer Choices for Kids and Women – Sadly, Cannondale doesn’t have a big lineup for kids’ specific and women-dedicated MTB lines.
- Fewer Choices for Plus Size – While Cannondale MTBs are strong, there aren’t many choices for those weighing 300 plus.
People Also Ask
1. How Much Is a Cannondale Mountain Bike?
You can get an entry-level Cannondale mountain bike for $1,000-$1,575. Mid-range options, however, go for $3,000-$5,000 as high-end options retails at $6,000 or more.
2. Are Cannondale Bikes Worth the Money?
Cannondale mountain bikes are worth what you pay for as you pay for quality specs, innovative designs, and modern suspensions. Everything about the bikes promotes ride quality, and they come in various options to suit riders of varying experience levels.
3. Is Cannondale a Good Brand?
Cannondale has been making quality bikes, especially mountain bikes, since its founding in 1971. The company employs innovative frames, advanced suspensions, and quality components to guarantee the most reliable bikes. So, Yes, the mountain bike brand is good.
4. Where Are Cannondale Mountain Bikes Made?
Higher-end Cannondale mountain bikes are made in Taiwan, while the budget choices are manufactured in Vietnam. But still, the company does a few assemblages in the united states.
5. Are Cannondale Mountain Bikes Any Good?
Cannondale mountain bikes are good for all types of mountain bikers. Their cross country and electric mountain bikes are among the fastest, owing to their lightweight frames and advanced suspensions, while their trail bikes boss the off-road, also due to their impressive suspensions.
6. How Good Are Cannondale Mountain Bikes?
Cannondale mountain bikes may be costlier than most but prove their worth in performance. These bikes employ the most innovative suspensions, such as SAVE Miro-Suspension and Lefty Fork that promise comfort, control, and speed.
Plus, they use advanced frames that are strong, durable, lightweight, and stiffer. That’s how good Cannondale mountain bikes are.
Also Read:
- Cannondale Trail 5 Vs Trail 6
- Are Cannondale Bikes Good?
- Are Transition Bikes Good?
- Cannondale R400 Review
Are Cannondale Mountain Bikes Good? Closing Thought:
Cannondale specializes in mountain bikes, and they promise the most reliable mountain bikes on the market. You can tell that from their advanced suspensions, innovative frames, suitable geometry, and a good warranty. So, though these bikes cost more than most MTBs, they are worth it.