Cannondale pushes further across with the new F-Si

Ludwig Döhl

 · 17.05.2018

Cannondale pushes further across with the new F-SiPhoto: Cannondale
Cannondale pushes further across with the new F-Si
Cannondale is known for its independent design and love of system integration. With the new F-Si hardtail and the new Lefty fork, the company remains true to this line. We have ridden the new models.

Although hardtails are being used less and less in the MTB World Cup, they still have a large fan base among marathon riders. Some hobby racers might be surprised at first glance at the new Cannondale F-Si Hardtail check their balance immediately. Because the MTB hardtail comes with harmonious details, stylish looks and an absolutely competitive weight.

  The top model of the Cannondale F-Si costs 8499 euros and weighs 8.7 kilos without pedals. The highlight of the bike is undoubtedly the new Lefty fork with single crown. According to Cannondale, the frame weight of the top model is 900 grams.Photo: Cannondale The top model of the Cannondale F-Si costs 8499 euros and weighs 8.7 kilos without pedals. The highlight of the bike is undoubtedly the new Lefty fork with single crown. According to Cannondale, the frame weight of the top model is 900 grams.

According to Cannondale, the top version of the new F-Si frame should only weigh 900 grams, while the cheaper versions with heavier carbon fibres still weigh less than 1100 grams, according to the manufacturer. Both are absolute top values that can keep up with the competition from Specialized, Scott or Canyon. The new speed-release thru-axle combines the advantages of quick-release and conventional thru-axles.

The absolute eye-catcher remains the new Cannondale Lefty Ocho, the first Lefty suspension fork that can be retrofitted as a single crown version to any bike with a conventional tapered head tube. Further information can be found in BIKE 7/2018, on newsstands from 5 June.

  The seat clamp has been integrated into the frame below the top tube. This should give the seatpost more room to flex and thus increase comfort.Photo: Cannondale The seat clamp has been integrated into the frame below the top tube. This should give the seatpost more room to flex and thus increase comfort.  The new speed-release thru axle holds the wheel in Cannondale's typically asymmetrical rear triangle.Photo: Cannondale The new speed-release thru axle holds the wheel in Cannondale's typically asymmetrical rear triangle.  For reasons of weight and stiffness, the Pressfit 30 standard is still used for the bottom bracket. All frames are also compatible with a front derailleur and double cranks.Photo: Cannondale For reasons of weight and stiffness, the Pressfit 30 standard is still used for the bottom bracket. All frames are also compatible with a front derailleur and double cranks.  All shift cables have a continuous outer casing, disappear behind the head tube in the frame and only come out again at their point of action. By the way: A brand new Schwalbe tyre called Racing Roy is fitted to the front wheel.Photo: Cannondale All shift cables have a continuous outer casing, disappear behind the head tube in the frame and only come out again at their point of action. By the way: A brand new Schwalbe tyre called Racing Roy is fitted to the front wheel.

Details and geometry of the new Cannondale F-Si

Cannondale is a master of system integration. This is also evident in the new F-Si hardtail. The geometry is sporty and the riding position is not overly stretched.

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  The geometry of the new Cannondale F-Si is not super stretched, but it remains on the sporty side.Photo: Cannondale The geometry of the new Cannondale F-Si is not super stretched, but it remains on the sporty side.

First ride impression of the new Cannondale race bike

During an initial test on the World Cup course in Albstadt, the F-Si top model impressed with its low weight and direct handling. Both the fork and the frame were sufficiently stiff on the first ride.

  Only 8.7 kilos and with lightweight Enve carbon wheels: The acceleration of the new Cannondale F-Si is brutal.Photo: Cannondale Only 8.7 kilos and with lightweight Enve carbon wheels: The acceleration of the new Cannondale F-Si is brutal.  First test rides on the World Cup track in Albstadt. At the <a href="mtb_news/events_rennen/mercedes-benz-uci-mountain-bike-world-cup-in-albstadt-2018/a38808.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Albstadt</a>, Manuel Fumic, Henrique Avancini and Maxime Marotte will ride their sponsor's new race bike.Photo: Cannondale First test rides on the World Cup track in Albstadt. At the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Albstadt, Manuel Fumic, Henrique Avancini and Maxime Marotte will ride their sponsor's new race bike.
  Even in nasty terrain, there is no excessive twisting of the fork. It's amazing that Cannondale has designed a stiff Lefty fork even without a double bridge.Photo: Cannondale Even in nasty terrain, there is no excessive twisting of the fork. It's amazing that Cannondale has designed a stiff Lefty fork even without a double bridge.  On very tight bends, the new Cannondale F-Si needs a little more physical effort than usual to scrape round the bend.Photo: Cannondale On very tight bends, the new Cannondale F-Si needs a little more physical effort than usual to scrape round the bend.

Centrepiece of the F-Si: the new Lefty Ocho

The new Cannondale Lefty Ocho suspension fork is the latest evolutionary stage of the single-arm front wheel guide and can now be retrofitted to any bike.
Here you can find all information about the Cannondale Lefty Ocho

  The new Lefty fork with the simple fork crown also remains an eye-catcher. <a href="mtb_news/teile_zubehoer/neue-cannondale-lefty-ocho-federgabel/a38950.html" rel="noopener noreferrer">You can find all information about the Lefty Ocho here </a>Photo: Cannondale The new Lefty fork with the simple fork crown also remains an eye-catcher. You can find all information about the Lefty Ocho here

All Cannondale F-Si models

Cannondale's F-Si model range extends from 2000 to 8499 euros. The cheapest model with the new Lefty costs 2799 euros. For 2000 euros you don't get a Lefty fork, but you do get a 1100 gram carbon frame.

  Back in black. The cheapest version of the Cannondale F-Si with Lefty fork costs 2799 euros.Photo: Cannondale Back in black. The cheapest version of the Cannondale F-Si with Lefty fork costs 2799 euros.  The Cannondale F-Si Carbon 3 with aluminium Lefty and 1x12 drivetrain from Sram.Photo: Cannondale The Cannondale F-Si Carbon 3 with aluminium Lefty and 1x12 drivetrain from Sram.  The Canonndale F-Si Carbon 2 Womens. The smallest frame size XS even comes with 27.5-inch wheels. All other bikes are of course 29ers.Photo: Cannondale The Canonndale F-Si Carbon 2 Womens. The smallest frame size XS even comes with 27.5-inch wheels. All other bikes are of course 29ers.
  The F-Si Carbon 1 with carbon Lefty fork.Photo: Cannondale The F-Si Carbon 1 with carbon Lefty fork.  The Cannondale F-Si World Cup model with Enve carbon rims costs 8499 euros.Photo: Cannondale The Cannondale F-Si World Cup model with Enve carbon rims costs 8499 euros.

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