Flashback: The Cannondale Habit has a long development history behind it. The US label celebrated the premiere of the trail bike in 2015, with flashy carbon clothing and the unique Lefty forks, which aroused great desire even when it was still standing. The mixture of 120 millimetres of suspension travel and 27.5-inch wheels qualified it as the ultimate all-purpose weapon for trail bikers at the time. However, the price range extended into the five-figure range. The exclusive original Habit was therefore not only one of the most sought-after models, but also one of the most prestigious.
Back in the 2023 season, a lot has changed. Cannondale's company philosophy, the requirements for a trail bike and the target group. And so - who would have thought it - has the Cannondale Habit. Only the name of the US MTB has remained the same. Otherwise, the race bike-like carbon chassis - with flexing rear stays instead of bearing points - gave way to a more massive frame construction with a four-bar rear triangle in 2018. The developers increased the suspension travel on the Habit from 120 to 140 millimetres at the front and rear. The LT version (for long travel) tested by us even has 150 millimetres of travel at the fork, making it a contender in the all-mountain league. Wheel size: 29 inch.
The geometry is also longer and slacker today to extend the range of use towards fast descents. The Habit has gained in these respects. What is missing today is the wow effect at first glance. Because without the striking Lefty fork in plain beige and with an ordinary frame construction, the current Habit creates less desire than the impression of understatement - at least when stationary.
This is also confirmed by the pricing policy: with prices between 2699 and 8499 euros, the product managers sacrifice some exclusivity in favour of the average consumer's savings account.
2015 to today: The Cannondale Habit scores with fun handling
However, the practical test paints a starkly contrasting picture. Because there is no trace of understatement on the trail. Light-footed, lively and direct - that's how our test crew remembered the Cannondale Habit LT. The bike owes these attributes first and foremost to its successful geometry. The 64.6 degree head angle creates a solid straight-line stability, but is still steep enough to allow precise direction changes. At 462 millimetres in size L, the reach is on the compact side by today's standards. This makes it easy to distribute enough weight over the front wheel, which emphasises the Habit's lively character traits. But the chassis also contributes to the fun handling. This is because the sporty end progression rewards an active riding style. This allows the bike to be pushed willingly around bends and through bumps. Bunny hops and manuals are also easy to perform.
At the same time, the candidate also knows how to master high-speed passages and rough trails with confidence. True to the motto "length matters", the Cannondale Habit comes up trumps here with its 442 millimetre chainstays. The combination of a high front end and low bottom bracket also integrates the rider very confidently behind the control centre. This creates a high level of riding safety even on steep descents. The only drawback: For € 5999, we would have preferred suspension elements from the Ultimate series with better damping control instead of the favourable Select+ suspension from Rockshox. Those who take the Habit out on long rides will be pleased with the good overall weight (14.18 kilos without pedals in size L) and the comfortable and upright riding position. Also good: for a bike in this suspension travel league, the rear suspension remains pleasantly composed even when pedalling out of the saddle, but still generates sufficient traction under chain tension. Thanks to the steep seat angle and the long rear end, you can climb even the steepest ramps in a relaxed manner without having to actively fight against the rising front wheel. With these uncomplicated climbing characteristics and the extremely successful downhill handling, the Cannondale Habit still arouses great desire eight years after its premiere - without any flashy colours or unusual fork designs.
Conclusion from BIKE test director Peter Nilges
Uncomplicated and free of fancy detail solutions, the Habit LT stirs up few emotions at first glance. Fortunately! Because the developers have obviously put all the more effort into the bike's riding characteristics. The chassis perfectly harmonises comfort and support and the balanced handling guarantees riding fun in all situations.
Max Fuchs
Editor
