Cannondale Trail SL 2

The "Trail SL 2" model from Cannondale from 2024 presents itself as a high-performance mountain bike at a price of EUR 1399. The frame of the bike is made from the new Smartform C2 Alloy and features SAVE-dropped seat stays, a tapered head tube and a post-mount disc brake mount. The cables are routed internally via the StraightShot system, giving the bike a tidy and modern appearance.

Deceleration is provided by hydraulic disc brakes from Shimano, model MT400, with 180 mm and 160 mm RT10 rotors. The corresponding brake levers are also from Shimano and offer reliable braking power in a wide range of conditions. Shifting is provided by the Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain, with Shimano Deore M6100 shifters. The drivetrain is completed by a KMC X12 chain.

The RockShox Judy Gold RL fork with 100 mm travel and Solo Air technology provides excellent damping and control on uneven trails. A remote lockout allows the fork to be locked out quickly if required. The bottom bracket is a Shimano Hollowtech II, while the crankset consists of a Shimano M6100 with 30 teeth. A Shimano Deore M6100 sprocket with a range of 10-51 teeth provides the gear ratio.

The handlebar is an FSA Alloy Riser with a width of 760 mm and a rise of 15 mm, equipped with Cannondale Locking Grips for a secure hold. The stem, also from Cannondale, is made of aluminium and comes with an Intellimount mount. The integrated, sealed headset bearing rounds off the cockpit.

The bike uses WTB STX i23 TCS rims, which are tubeless ready and fitted with 29 x 2.25" Schwalbe Rocket Rick tyres. The hubs are of the Shimano MT400 type with a 15x110 mm Thru-Axle at the front and a Shimano MT410 with a 12x148 mm Thru-Axle at the rear. Stainless steel 14g spokes provide the necessary stability.

The Cannondale Ergo XC saddle offers comfort even on longer rides and is mounted on a Cannondale 3 seatpost made of 6061 aluminium, which is available in the sizes 31.6x350 mm (S) and 400 mm (M-XL).

The Trail SL 2 has a gross weight of 41000 g and offers a geometry characterised by a reach of 444 mm, a stack of 617 mm, a seat tube length of 470 mm and a top tube length of 621 mm. The head tube angle is 68 degrees and the seat tube angle is 74 degrees. Other dimensions include a head tube length of 110 mm, a chainstay length of 435 mm, a fork pre-bend of 51 mm, a standover height of 796 mm and a wheelbase of 1152 mm.

To summarise, the Cannondale Trail SL 2 from 2024 offers a well thought-out combination of high-quality components and modern frame geometry that ensures an optimal riding experience on the trails.