The Americans have only retained the two different suspension modes. If you activate Hustle mode via the handlebar lever on flat trails or when climbing, the air volume of the shock is reduced, but it remains fully active. Due to the significantly more progressive characteristic curve, the suspension travel shrinks to 130 millimetres and the bottom bracket moves approx. twelve millimetres higher. However, the slight bobbing of the rear suspension on climbs is only eliminated by the platform lever on the shock, which additionally firms up the rear suspension via the damping. Thanks to the 74.2 degree seat angle and all the suspension options, the Trigger climbs purposefully towards the summit, even if the weight of 12.8 kilos ready to ride is relatively high for a luxury bike. On the other hand, the Trigger offers above-average downhill fun. In Flow mode, the potent suspension with the large Fox Float X shock and its full 150 millimetres of travel turns bumpy Lake Garda descents into fluffy, enjoyable trails. The stiff frame of the Trigger scores particularly well in demanding terrain with its high steering precision. The combination of a 50 millimetre stem, wide handlebars and extremely short chainstays ensures pleasantly direct handling and makes every turn, no matter how tight, child's play. In terms of equipment, Cannondale draws on the full range: Sram's 12-speed gears sparkle with the Fox Factory suspension. The in-house carbon rims with 30 millimetre rim width give the Maxxis tyres extra volume and fit perfectly into the downhill-oriented design.
Conclusion Ludwig Döhl, BIKE Tester:
Ludwig Döhl, BIKE tester With its potent suspension and successful geometry, the new Trigger is clearly poaching in the enduro sector. Even though Cannondale no longer uses a Lefty fork in the all-mountain sector, the asymmetrical rear triangle and its own Gemini shock show that the Americans continue to place great value on system integration.
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