Cannondale wants to return to the top of the world. Together with carbon pope Peter Denk, the Americans have created a race hardtail that effectively emphasises this statement. It is light as a feather and is said to be extremely stiff. And because it achieves its total weight of 7.5 kilos without cheating equipment, it actually fulfils all the requirements of a real carbon racing machine.
But that was not enough for Peter Denk. He also wants to spoil the rider with an unprecedented level of comfort. "Cross-country riders need less power when the shocks from the ground are softened because it lowers the heart rate," is Denk's reasoning. This is why Cannondale has introduced SAVE technology (Synapse Active Vibration Elimination). Flat, pronounced chainstays lead to extremely slender seat stays at the rear axle, while the top tube becomes transversely oval towards the seat tube. These measures make the entire frame extremely stiff in the lateral direction (maximum directional stability) and allow a few millimetres of flex in the vertical direction.
There is also a 27.2 millimetre thin seatpost in the seat dome, which looks like it has been compressed in the middle area, also to absorb shocks. The concept works, BIKE editor Ottmar has never sat on such a comfortable hardtail and the low weight makes it feel fascinatingly direct on the throttle.
The top-of-the-range Flash model is fully equipped for off-road riding: SRAM's new XX groupset plus disc brakes, DT-Swiss XCR 1.2 wheels with carbon rims, grippy Schwalbe Rocket Ron tyres and lightweight FSA handlebars. The cranks and fork are of course from Cannondale - keyword system integration - and form the second pillar of support for the low weight alongside the frame. The carbon Lefty has 110 millimetres of travel and is extremely light, just like the SL crank. The top model will cost 8000 euros. The cheapest carbon Flash will cost 2399 euros and is expected to weigh less than 10 kilos. A cheaper aluminium version is also being built.
NO MORE BIG BIKES, BUT KEFT FOR EVERYONE:
This news came as a surprise: "The Judge and Perp big bikes will no longer be available from 2010. We want to focus fully on lightweight bikes," explained Product Manager Miguel Peccia. This means that the Moto enduro model (photo) will in future be the longest-stroke bike in the Cannondale range. However, it will be significantly cheaper: the top model Moto Carbon 1 will cost 4699 euros in the coming season and is therefore 1000 euros below last year's level. The entry-level Moto Carbon 4 remains at the same price (2599 euros), but is two kilos lighter. In terms of value for money, a lot has happened at Cannondale since the takeover by the Canadian group Dorel. Dorel also owns brands such as Mongoose and Schwinn. Large quantities naturally lower the purchase prices. The cheapest Cannondale mountain bike will in future be available for 499 euros.
Rize becomes rz: The rz One 20 is a fast All Mountain Sport
The rz One 20 in its first use
Based on the well-known Rize all-mountain bike, Cannondale will be offering two models with different chassis and a new name next year. The 2009 Rize will only change in terms of design and name for 2010. It is now called rz One 40 and One 40 indicates the suspension travel: 140 millimetres. Brand new is the all-mountain sports version rz One20 (initially only with an aluminium frame) with 120 millimetres of suspension travel at the front and rear. The construction of the frame is very similar to the 2009 Rize.
Cannondale uses backbone technology to forge the backbone of its all-mountain bikes from a single piece of aluminium. The backbone extends from the bottom bracket shell to the seat clamp and has aluminium connection points for the adjacent tubes. The new Lefty Ultra PBR Solo Air fork works at the front of the top-of-the-range rz One 20 1 model. A Fox RP23 shock takes control of the rear end. The rear triangle works as a supported multi-link, even though Cannondale still refers to it as a single-link.
The equipment mix isn't exactly group-clean. Shifting is handled by SRAM's X.0 rear derailleur and a Shimano SLX front derailleur together with SRAM X.9 triggers. Braking is provided by Avid Elixir brakes: with 185 mm discs at the front and only 160 mm at the rear.
All Cannondale frames come with a lifetime warranty for the first owner. The price for the top model rz One 20 1 is 2999 euros. It should weigh around 11.6 kilos. Exciting question: Will the bike also be available in carbon? "Our aim is to have an aluminium and a carbon version of each model," says Product Manager Steven Metz, offering a glimpse into the future.
DRIVING REPORT: The rz One20 offers a sporty riding position in line with its intended use. Because there is a lot of weight on the front wheel, the bike also tackles steep climbs without the rider having to perform acrobatics. With a relatively steep steering angle of 69 degrees, the bike feels very agile, but gets a little choppy at high speeds. The Lefty fork and Fox shock harmonise very well. The excellent performance of the Lefty is particularly noticeable when braking. Thanks to its design, the fork cannot tilt and always responds sensitively.
You can find the entire report as a PDF download below, including an interview with Peter Denk.
Photos: Ale di Lulio (Cannondale)
