Even the Cannondale carbon models of the Rize conceal an aluminium seat tube. It extends from the bottom bracket to the seat post, is called the backbone and is intended to increase frame rigidity. However, this is only partially successful: Compared to the competition, the Cannondale's Rize 3 frame is the softest carbon model in the test with 55.5 Nm/°. In direct comparison to the aluminium version, however, this is hardly noticeable as it is only slightly stiffer (59.4Nm/°). What is clearly noticeable, however, is the enormous agility of both bikes. They fit the term "all-mountain" very well, because they are very responsive uphill and downhill and can be manoeuvred very easily through the terrain.
The carbon model of the Rize wins the overall ranking thanks to its equipment. The Rock Shox Revelation fork can be lowered from 140 millimetres to 110 millimetres via a U-turn and the other components are also of a higher quality. The biggest difference in riding performance is caused by the tyres. The Rize 3 Carbon runs on Schwalbe Nobby Nic tubeless tyres. These can be ridden with slightly less pressure, which significantly improves the riding performance compared to the Evolution version. The carbon Rize also wins the duel on the scales thanks to its equipment: 450 grams difference: more than all other companies in the test. But: The frame only saves 130 grams, which is less than the others!
Pimped with a few higher quality components, the aluminium version can certainly hold its own against the expensive carbon. As an added bonus, it scores a few points for frame stiffness, and from the outside the two materials are hardly distinguishable from each other anyway due to the paint.
Web: www.cannondale.com
