The rest of the bike is rather purist with ten gears, an Allen key saddle clamp and no chain guide. The Beast of the East challenges you on the climbs. The 32 sprocket in combination with the 11-40 cassette and the six-kilogram wheels will drain even the most trained of thighs. The 2.8 WTB tyre has square shoulders, but is rather narrow. Nevertheless, it provides sufficient comfort and even bounces less on root carpets than the tyres of the competition. Cannondale's own Lefty fork would probably have performed better on the descents than the somewhat lifeless SR Suntour Raidon. The geometry and riding position are sporty but very comfortable.
Conclusion: The Cannondale is an eye-catcher.
Tuning tip: fit a smaller chainring.
PLUS Cannondale shows great attention to detail in the paintwork. The elaborate motifs give the frame a personalised touch.
MINUS Six-kilo wheels inhibit the sporty genes of the Beast of the East.
The alternative: Although the Beast of the East 1 costs 3000 euros, it comes with Cannondale's Lefty fork, a dropper seatpost and Sram's X1 drivetrain with the right gear ratio.
