In addition to the new Jekyll Cannondale also has a new Trigger for 2017. For the new edition of the Trigger, the Americans have dispensed with the large 29er wheels and opted for the mid-range 27.5-inch model. With 150 millimetres of suspension travel, wide 2.5 Maxxis tyres and modern geometry, the new Trigger will be a little more downhill-oriented than its predecessor. The differences to the big brother Jekyll are only minimal.
What's new about Trigger 2017?
With 150 millimetres of travel on the fork and 145 millimetres of travel at the rear, the Americans present a classic all-mountain mountain bike. The main frame is one centimetre shorter than that of the Jekyll and has a normal reach of 459 millimetres in size L. The extremely short chainstays (420 millimetres) and the 66-degree head angle are in line with the current geometry trend. Such short chainstays are made possible by the asymmetrical rear triangle. Cannondale makes clever use of the Boost standard and moves the drivetrain three millimetres further to the right than usual. This leaves enough space for wide tyres - despite the short chainstays. As with Liteville, FSI and Scalpel bikes, the rear wheel is centred off-centre. Built into the asymmetrical rear triangle, the rear wheel runs in line with the front wheel.
The top model Trigger 1 can only be ridden with one chainring, all other Cannondale Triggers have an aluminium instead of carbon rear triangle and can also be fitted with double drivetrains thanks to the E-Type mount. All models have an ISCG mount for chain guides and are prepared for electronic Di2 drivetrains from Shimano.
According to Cannondale, the carbon frame of the top model weighs 2200 grams in size M (without shock). When designing the Trigger, the engineers focussed primarily on durability and stiffness. The Trigger 1 should weigh 12.3 kilos without pedals and with tubeless tyres. In view of the large Float X shock and the wide 2.5 mm Maxxis tyres, this is a good figure. Cannondale fans will miss the in-house Leftty fork. This is because all Trigger bikes come with the Fox 34 fork as standard. For the time being, the Lefty will only be used on bikes with less suspension travel.
The new Gemini system
As with the Jekyll, the Trigger is also moving away from the old DYAD Pull-Shock damper, but still going its own way. The new Gemini system for spring travel adjustment was developed in exclusive collaboration with Fox. The air volume on the shock can be reduced by 20 per cent using a lever on the handlebars. This reduces the rear suspension travel from 145 millimetres in Flow mode to 115 millimetres in Hussle mode. The reduced air chamber makes the rear end noticeably more progressive, the negative suspension travel (sag) is reduced by around five millimetres, which affects the entire geometry. The bottom bracket is raised by twelve millimetres and the steering angle becomes slightly steeper. However, the damper remains fully active. With its firmer characteristics, the Hussle mode is suitable for steep trail sections or uphills. In addition to the two different riding modes, the familiar Fox CTD platform can be adjusted with a lever on the shock. The installed shock has a metric installation dimension, so it can also be replaced later with a conventional model. The Gemini shock is also used on the new Jekyll. The Float X shock with reservoir is rather atypical for an all-mountain bike, but is intended to emphasise the downhill orientation.
The Cannondale Trigger models
Unlike the Jekyll, the Cannondale Trigger is not available with an aluminium main frame. The Trigger Carbon 3 comes as the cheapest version with a 2x drivetrain and smaller Float shock for € 3999. The Trigger Carbon 2 already uses the larger Float X shock and costs €5999 with a Sram XO1 Eagle 1x12 drivetrain.
The top model rolls on Cannondale's own Hollwogram carbon rims and is the only model with a carbon rear triangle. The price: 7749 euros. There is no aluminium version for the time being. All models are available immediately from Cannondale dealers.
First driving impression of the Trigger
No descent without a climb. On the way to the trail head, the rear end of the new Trigger bobs slightly. If this bothers you, you can use the handlebar remote to activate Hussle mode and the additional CTD platform to eliminate any movement on the shock. However, the Trigger can only really blossom on the descent. Fat tyres (2.5 Maxxis Minion) on wide carbon rims (30 millimetre rim width) ensure powerful safety on the downhill. Both the characteristics of the fork and the shock are rather firm. The short chainstays give the bike a certain amount of playfulness. On fast sections, the Trigger conveys a little less confidence than its big brother Jekyll, but still performs well.
Conclusion on the Cannondale Trigger
The similarities to its big enduro brother, the Jekyll, cannot be hidden. Cannondale has consistently orientated its All Mountain in favour of downhill fun. With more touring-compatible equipment, it is certainly possible to save a gram or two. The Gemini system on the shock for travel and geometry adjustment works well and shows that Cannondale continues to enrich the MTB market with its own developments.
