The "Prophet" enduro bike has just been launched on the market and the Americans are now pushing a "shrunken" version of the single-jointed bike: The "Prophet SL" is intended to close the gap between the "Prophet" (Enduro) and the "Scalpel" (CC). According to Cannondale's definition, it is neither a marathon bike, nor an enduro or freeride light bike, but an all-mountain bike. The basis is the "Prophet" frame including rear swing arm in unchanged form. However, the suspension travel has been reduced: instead of 140 millimetres at the front and 160 millimetres at the rear, the "Prophet SL" has 120 millimetres at the front and rear. A "Lefty Max" with reduced suspension travel and a special Fox "RP3" damper are the main changes compared to the Prophet.
DRIVE TEST
We were able to convince ourselves of the qualities of the "Prophet SL" in a first ride test. The most striking riding characteristic: the bike can't be rattled by anything. It rides unperturbed uphill and downhill. Tight bends and single trails, on the other hand, require a little more vigour. The reason for the extraordinary directional stability is the long wheelbase, the long chainstays and the slack head angle - we measured 68 degrees in the cross-country position.
As you would expect from Cannondale, the suspension works very sensitively. The shock and fork have a platform system that intervenes pleasantly inconspicuously and hardly affects the response behaviour of the suspension.
The sporty riding position and geometry define the area of use: the bike is not designed for leisurely cruising or as a lively single trail bike. It feels most at home in the fast lane. And even if Cannondale doesn't want to position the "Prophet SL" as a marathon bike, this is precisely the purpose for which the bike is best suited.
