Cannondale RZ 120 XLR 3

Stefan Loibl

 · 20.08.2013

Cannondale RZ 120 XLR 3Photo: Georg Grieshaber
Cannondale RZ 120 XLR 3
The Cannondale RZ 120 XLR 3 is an agile sports bike that promises a lot of riding fun and also makes ambitious marathon missions possible. Not for heavy riders.

If you only see the RZ 120 whizzing by, you might expect a carbon fibre dress under the matt anthracite coat. In any case, the all-mountain bike has its sporty genes from the carbon league: with its 2808 gram lightweight frame/damper unit, sporty riding position and marathon-compatible acceleration, the RZ 120 set the fastest time in the group on the Würmtal test circuit. The sensitive Lefty fork and the sensitive Fox shock keep the fun factor of the light-footed, agile 120 mm full-suspension bike high, even downhill. When the going gets rough, you can feel that the Cannondale is not overly stiff. However, riders up to 75kg don't need to worry about this. The average spec doesn't detract from the lively riding experience. Top: lifetime warranty.


Conclusionagile sports bike that promises a lot of riding fun and also makes ambitious marathon missions possible. Not for heavy riders.


PLUS Light-footed acceleration, high-quality look, great riding fun, lightest frame
MINUS Not very stiff, average equipment


The alternative: For demanding touring bikers, the Trigger 29er 3 offers a sensible alternative for 2499 euros. The XT/X7 mix can't keep up with the RZ 120, but you have plenty of reserves on the downhill.

  A force to be reckoned with even without bellows: the sensitive Lefty fork. A quick push on the top of the fork is all it takes to lock it.Photo: Georg Grieshaber A force to be reckoned with even without bellows: the sensitive Lefty fork. A quick push on the top of the fork is all it takes to lock it.  All manufacturers in this model group agree on the choice of cranks: it has to be triple.Photo: Georg Grieshaber All manufacturers in this model group agree on the choice of cranks: it has to be triple.  The Lefty fork and the Fox shock harmonise very well. Both respond extremely sensitively to small bumps.Photo: BIKE Magazin The Lefty fork and the Fox shock harmonise very well. Both respond extremely sensitively to small bumps.
How do you like this article?

Downloads:

Most read in category Bikes