The Habit is the all-rounder from Cannondale and aims to cover a wide range of uses. The American trail bike's specification covers everything from "new-school jibbing" to kilometre-grinding on tame trails. To achieve this balancing act, Cannondale offers the Habit in two suspension travel options. One with a 150 mm fork and 140 millimetres of travel at the rear with the suffix LT and one with ten millimetres less travel. Cannondale only realises the difference at the rear end through different shock strokes with the same installation length. Our Habit LTD test bike is the sportier and most expensive version. With a price range from 2499 to 8499 euros, Cannondale is focussing on the core target group and has been saying goodbye to boutique prices above the 10,000 euro mark for years. However, there is no need to optimise the spec with Rockshox Ultimate suspension, Sram X0 AXS transmission drivetrain and AXS dropper post or the DT Swiss carbon wheels. The mixed tyres of Maxxis Dissector at the front and Rekon at the rear are also well suited to the intended area of use. Only the Sram G2 brakes are somewhat lacklustre and require a lot of manual force.
The Cannondale Habit comes with a few extras
While the build quality is top-notch, Cannondale concentrates on the basics when it comes to the frame: you won't find a storage compartment in the down tube or a flip chip for geometry customisation on the Habit. At least the top tube offers a mounting option for a spare tube or small items. A standard-sized 0.75 litre water bottle also fits into the frame triangle. At 13.1 kilos without pedals, the weight remains at a decent level, which has a positive effect on handling and propulsion. For longer durability, the joint gap on the main bearing is covered by a mini mudguard.
But with full play instinct
On the trail, the Habit impresses after just a few metres. The moderate reach and comfortable riding position with the high front make handling intuitive and instantly controllable. With a steering angle of 65.5 degrees, the trail bike doesn't go to extremes and finds the sweet spot between agility and composure. Despite rather long chainstays, the Habit can be pulled onto the rear wheel with manageable effort. In combination with the slim weight, the Habit is all about playfulness. Pull off here, rip through a bend there, and put down a manual in between. The Habit is ready for all outrages and offers the rider a high degree of control.
Comfort is by no means neglected on the American trail speedster either: the Rockshox suspension works with absolute sensitivity and makes its travel readily available. The suspension travel is well utilised without skimping on support. The rear suspension even feels like it has more than the specified 130 millimetres of travel. However, it pumps slightly when pedalling out of the saddle. However, the switchable platform ensures complete silence. A little annoying: the rear brake line rattles loudly in the frame as soon as the ground gets rougher. The spoke mesh of the rear wheel also makes noise under high drive loads.
Features of the Cannondale Habit LTD
- Fork: Rockshox Pike Ultimate
- Damper: Rockshox Deluxe Ult.
- Circuit: Sram X0 AXS Transmission 1x12
- Translation / Bandwidth: 32; 1052 / 520 %
- Brakes: Sram G2 RSC 180/180 mm
- Telesupport / Hub: Rockshox Reverb AXS / 170 mm
- Impellers: DT Swiss XMC 1501
- Tyres: Maxxis Dissector/Rekon Exo Maxxterra 29 x 2.4
Measured values
- Total weight: 13.1 kg
- Weight of wheels: 4376 g
- Acceleration impellers: 3619 kg x cm²
RATING: The BIKE judgement is made up of the subjective impressions of the test riders and our laboratory measurements. The judgement is independent of price. Range of grades: very good (0.5-1.5), good (1.6-2.5), satisfactory (2.6-3.5), sufficient (3.6-4.5), poor (4.6-5.5).
Valuation
LABOUR (10 %): 2.9
- Weight without pedals 2.75
- Inertia impellers 3.00
EQUIPMENT (25 %): 2.5
- Equipment quality 1.08
- Usability/added value 3.75
- Transport vol. bottle 3,00
- Saddle retractability 2.00
- Quality/processing 2.75
Driving behaviour
+ Playful handling
+ Intuitive to drive
+ Comfortable, powerful chassis
- Few adjustment options in terms of geometry
- Annoying driving noises (cable rattling)
Service friendliness
Conclusion
If you are looking for a playful trail bike, the Cannondale Habit LTD is the perfect choice. The equipment, riding fun and suspension are at a very high level. - Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
