Cannondale Trail SL 4

The 2024 "Trail SL 4" model from the Cannondale brand is an attractive option for mountain bike enthusiasts looking for a high-performance and well-equipped bike. With a price tag of EUR 999, this bike offers excellent value for money.

The frame of the Trail SL 4 is made of Smartform C2 Alloy and features SAVE-dropped seat stays, a tapered head tube and a post-mount disc brake mount. The internal cable routing (StraightShot) ensures a tidy look and protects the cables from external influences.

For the brakes, Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm RT10 rotors are fitted at both the front and rear. These offer reliable and controlled braking performance in a wide range of conditions. Shifting is realised by the Shimano Deore M5100 system, which comprises an 11-speed setup. This includes the gear lever and derailleur, also from the Deore M5100 series, as well as a cassette with a gradation of 11-42 teeth.

The fork of the Trail SL 4 is an SR Suntour XCR-RL with 100 mm travel and a remote lockout function, which enables easy adjustment to different terrains. The drivetrain is supported by a KMC X11 chain and a Shimano M5100 crankset with 36/26 teeth. The bottom bracket is a Shimano Hollowtech II, which is known for its durability and efficiency.

The cockpit of the bike consists of an FSA Alloy Riser handlebar with a width of 760 mm and a rise of 15 mm, combined with a 6061 Alloy stem, which has an angle of 7 degrees. The grips are Cannondale Dual-Density, which ensure comfort and a good grip.

The wheels are made up of WTB STX i23 TCS rims, which are tubeless ready, and Schwalbe Rocket Rick tyres in size 29x2.25" with K-Guard. The hubs are a Shimano MT200 QR at the front and a Shimano MT400 with a 12x148 mm Thru-Axle at the rear. The spokes are made of stainless steel with a thickness of 14 g.

The saddle is a Cannondale Ergo XC, mounted on a 6061 Alloy seat post with the dimensions 31.6x400 mm. The total weight of the bike is around 41000 g.

The geometry of the Trail SL 4 is designed to offer a balanced and comfortable riding position. The reach is 444 mm, the stack 617 mm, the seat tube length 470 mm and the top tube length 621 mm. The head tube angle is 68 degrees and the seat tube angle is 74 degrees. The head tube length is 110 mm, the chainstay length is 435 mm, the fork fork bend is 51 mm, the standover height is 796 mm and the wheelbase measures 1152 mm in total.

Overall, the Cannondale Trail SL 4 offers solid equipment and well thought-out geometry that is suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.