It's always nicer to approach something with rather low expectations and then be pleasantly surprised, rather than the other way round. We expected nothing more from the Cannondale presentation than a few cosmetic changes here, maybe a new model or two there. However, we were presented with two completely new platforms in Gran Canaria: The all-mountain all-rounder "Rize" as the successor to the "Prophet" and the lightweight enduro "Moto". If you believe the promises made by the engineers, both lines should come up with some superlatives.
THE "RIZE" FOR ALL MOUNTAIN SPORT
130 millimetres of travel, a frame weight of 2115 grams (without shock) and stiffness values that should be significantly higher than those of the competition (Specialized "Stumpjumper", Santa Cruz "Blur", Trek "Fuel EX") - these are the key data for Cannondale's new all-mountain bike "Rize". The recipe for these values consists of a mixture of carbon and aluminium. The centrepiece is the so-called "backbone", in which the seat tube, bottom bracket shell and swingarm bearing mount are forged from a single piece. The monocoque main frame is bonded to this aluminium part in the so-called "co-moulding" process. This process, which incidentally takes place at the Cannondale factory in the USA, is intended to ensure the enormous stiffness values with low weight. The single-joint rear triangle consists of highly asymmetrical aluminium chain stays and carbon seat stays. The air shock is linked via a filigree aluminium rocker link. The Cannondale engineers designed the kinematics primarily for drive-neutral pedalling. The fork for the bike: The new "Lefty Max Carbon 130 RLC" comes with a new lockout function. Pressing the rebound adjustment wheel locks it, the blue button unlocks the mechanism.
The "Lefty Max Carbon 130 RLC" fork is also new and its suspension travel and characteristics have been adapted to the "Rize". The fork is said to weigh just 1475 grams and has a new, quick-to-operate lockout mechanism. Cannondale plans to deliver three carbon and two aluminium versions of the "Rize" by early summer. The top model "Rize Carbon 1" with Mavic "Crossmax SLR" wheels and SRAM "X.O" gears will weigh just 10.7 kilos and cost 6999 euros. The entry-level model "Rize 5" weighs 13.7 kilos and retails for 1899 euros.
DRIVING REPORT "RIZE"
Crisp asphalt and gravel climbs, rough rocky single trails downhill, hairy trial passages - Gran Canaria offers the ideal terrain to ride the "Rize" extensively. In line with the "All Mountain Sport" application area, you adopt a sporty riding position and have top power transmission. The suspension responds very sensitively, with the shock in particular twitching with every pebble. The "Rize" pedalling is extremely neutral, neither pedal kickback nor drive bobbing are noticeable. Although there is a lockout function at the front and rear, the neutral suspension makes this feature almost superfluous. Uphill, the only thing you really wish for is a lowering function for the fork - this would further improve the climbing characteristics on steep ramps. Downhill, you benefit from 130 millimetres of usable suspension travel and a balanced damping set-up. The rebound can be finely adjusted at the front and rear. The geometry is rather stretched. This ensures unwavering directional stability, but makes the bike a little sluggish in tight bends.
Conclusion: A lightweight, full-grown all-mountain bike that can take on any competition.
THE "MOTO" FOR ENDURO PILOTS
160 millimetres of travel front and rear with a total weight of 12.5 kilos - the "Moto Ultimate" is a frontal attack on the Specialized "Enduro" and the Scott "Ransom". Cannondale achieves this weight not only through super-light components. Even though the monocoque carbon frame looks extremely bulky with its oversized tube diameters, the chassis should only weigh 2875 grams. The few extra grams are worth it: the dropper post from Crank Brothers (formerly Maverick) extends the range of use of the "Moto" enormously. It's a shame that not all enduro bikes have this part.
With the "Moto", the Americans also attach great importance to maximum stiffness. This is guaranteed by the headset area, in which Fox forks with 1.5-inch steerer tubes are installed. The pedalling and swingarm bearings are connected by two additional carbon plates that enclose the frame in this area like a sandwich. The aim: maximum torsional rigidity.
Cannondale relies on the tried-and-tested single-pivot system for the rear triangle, with the shock being controlled via a complex linkage mechanism. "Although the kinematics are designed for maximum suspension performance, the pedalling is still extremely neutral," explains Cannondale's chief developer Dan Connors. During an extensive test ride on the roughest trail in Gran Canaria, we were able to convince ourselves of the extreme stiffness and good uphill performance of the bike. Massive construction: Here you can see the external carbon connecting plates between the bottom bracket and swing arm bearing. They are intended to provide even more rigidity in the bottom bracket area.
Cannondale plans to launch four models of the "Moto" on the market by May. The top-of-the-range "Ultimate" version comes with Mavic "Crossmax ST" wheels, Fox "36 Float RC2" fork and SRAM "X.O" gears and costs €5999. For 3499 euros, the "Moto Carbon 3" is the cheapest version with Rock Shox "Lyric U-Turn" fork, DT Swiss "E 540" wheels and SRAM "X.9" gears.
Photos: Markus Greber
