Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Emmanuel
This blog post examines the five best Cannondale mountain bikes on Mike’s Bikes; these bicycles are samples because this retailer offers many others from big brands.
Many appreciate Cannondale because this brand offers top-quality and reliable mountain bikes to conquer all terrain while enjoying the best of your outdoor activities.
We will also show you how to browse all bicycles, components, and accessories to facilitate your choice.
Table of Contents
What Is the Bike’s Bikes Company?
Mike’s Bikes has many shops across the United States and an online shop which lists all its offerings.
This company offers all types of bicycles: Cannondale, Santa Cruz, Giant, and otehr famous brands.
Below are the essential factors to consider when purchasing a new mountain bicycle.
Riding Style.
The riding style is essential when purchasing a new bicycle; pick what fits you best.
For example, a non-suspension or hardtail bike will do the job perfectly if you like to ride on bridle paths, parks, or other non-technical tracks.
Another option is a full-suspension bike, whch suits more technical terrains.
Hardtail.
This category includes the type of bikes featured with front suspension. Hardtail usually fits new individuals to the game.
Besides, these bikes suit riders who enjoy mountain biking with fellow riders while pedaling more efficiently.
They make climbing comfortable and faster, and on top of that, they are affordable.
Another reason why you should ride a hardtail is hardtail lower maintenance. The bike has fewer moving parts and bearings to maintain.
Full-suspension.
You can pick a full-suspension bike for gnarly downhill, technical trails, or enduro racing.
Full-suspension bikes combine front and rear suspension to absorb the bumps.
These MTBs enable you to crank the pedal faster and more comfortably, but they are more expensive than hardtails.
Pick a full-suspension MTB if you are a serious mountain biker and can afford it.
Below are five of Cannondale’s top mountain bikes at Mike’s Bike online shop.
Cannondale Kids Trail 26.
Key Features.
| Frameset | SmartForm C3 Alloy, w/ Suntour NEX, 63mm travel fork. |
| Drivetrain | MicroSHIFT M26L, 8-speed w/ 30T Crankset. |
| Tires | Kenda Small Block 8, 26 x 1.95. |
| Rims | Cannondale Disc, double wall w/eyelet, 32h. |
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Disc, 160/160mm rotors. |
| Price | $624.99. |
Description.
The first hardtail bike on this list is Kids Trail 26, which will make you remember those days when most mountain bikes were rolling on 26-inch wheels.
Indeed, Cannondale ensures that those days are not over yet. This bike is for young riders ages 9 to 13 who are not big enough for 27.5-inch wheels.
This bike has better handling, is easy to maneuver, and will improve your skill at hitting bumps and roots.
It has a frame size and geometry specifically designed for young riders on their way to becoming adult riders.
Moreover, the alloy frame is reliable on rough trails in both climbs and descents, and Tektro Mechanical Disc brakes will give you control over your wheels.
You must squeeze the levers and let the Kids Trail 26 mountain bike stop at your command.
Cannondale Trail SE 4 (2021).
Key Specifications.
| Frameset | Smartform C2 Alloy, 120mm travel fork. |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore M4100. |
| Tires | WTB Breakout, 29 x 2.3″. |
| Rims | WTB STX i25 TCS, 32h. |
| Brakes | Tektro M275 hydraulic disc, 180/160mm rotors. |
| Price | $1,149.99. |
Description.
One of the best mountain bikes is for people who want to experience a smooth ride over rough trails but on a budget.
From some of this bike’s components, like alloy frame, dropper post compatibility, and Boost axle spacing, you can see that Trail SE 4 is capable of great things.
You can take it on low-impact trails or gravel roads; it will easily handle all these terrains.
Just take the Trail SE 4 on more challenging terrains and see how it is poweful enough to withstand bumps and rocks.
It features the slacker 66.5 degrees head tube angle, giving you stable handling and confidence.
RELATED: The five best Specialized Stumpjumper mountain bikes.
Cannondale Trail SE 3 (2021).
Key Features.
| Frameset | Smartform C2 Alloy, 120mm travel fork. |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Deore M5100, 11-speed w. |
| Tires | WTB Breakout, 29 x 2.3″. |
| Rims | WTB STX i25 TCS, 32h. |
| Brakes | Tektro M275 hydraulic disc, 180/160mm rotors. |
| Price | $1,499.99. |
Description.
Cannondale Trail SE 3 mountain bike is the most expensive hardtail on this list. But, even then, it is still cheaper than those full-suspension bikes.
Indeed, this bicycle features premium framesets that blend trail geometry with a drop seat that stays with that price tag.
According to Cannondale, this would improve your riding quality, and you can ensure that Trail SE 3 will do the job nicely if you aim for cross-country cycling.
Moreover, Trail SE 3 rolls on two different wheels for better maneuverability.
You will be happy to see that both 29-inch wheels offer many benefits, such as effortlessly passing through holes and ditches.
On top of that, 29-inch wheels roll faster than the smaller radius and have better traction as more rubber touches the ground.
Cannondale Jekyll 2.
Key Specifications.
- Frameset: All-New, 165mm travel, Carbon, 170mm travel fork.
- Drivetrain: Shimano Deore M6100, 12-speed w/ 30T Crankset.
- Tires: Maxxis Assegai, 29 x 2.5″, EXO+.
- Rims: WTB STX i30 TCS, 32h.
- Price:$4,499.99.
Description.
Judging from the appearance, you will notice that Jekyll 2 bike is built for the enduro race.
Even more so when you look at the specs, Jekyll 2 is more than capable of handling thanks to its 29-inch wheels, 170mm fork, and 165mm rear.
It features modern geometry, including 64 degrees head tube angle, 77.5 degrees seat angle, 30mm BB drop, and more.
This geometry provides a center riding position which leads to balanced weight distribution. It makes Jekyll handling exceptionally great.
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Cannondale Scalpel Carbon SE 1.
Key Features.
| Frameset | Scalpel SE Carbon, 120mm travel. |
| Drivetrain | Shimano XT, 12-speed w/ 32T Crankset. |
| Tires | Maxxis Ardent Race, 29 x 2.35″. |
| Rims | HollowGram 25, Superlight Hi-Impact Carbon, 28h. |
| Brakes | Shimano XT hydraulic disc, 180/160mm XT rotors. |
| Price | $6,099.99. |
Description.
The Scalpel Carbon SE 1 is the most expensive on this list but has many features.
Indeed, one thing that draws the most attention is the Cannondale wheel sensor that gives you the details about the speed.
Moreover, the wheel sensor details distance routes and will remind you about your bike service schedule.
You can access all of these essential features through the free Cannondale app. Pretty fancy, right?
The bike also features FlexPivot, which creates a virtual Horst link pivot that staffers more than a regular pivot.
Besides, according to Cannondale, the FlexPivot is the key to Scalpel Carbon’s incredible suspension performance.
Cannondale was manufacturing its cycling products from Bedford, Pennsylvania, but relocated its manufacturing operations to Taiwan in 2010.
It resulted in Dorel’s Pennsylvania facility laying off about two third of the company’s workforce.
However, the Bedford facility is still operating to assemble the final products and ensure they are of good quality.
Cannondale employees in Bedford are also in charge of product distribution in North America and offer other assistance, including administration and customer support.
RELATED: The 10 top Santa Cruz mountain bikes.
Are Cannondale high-end bikes?
Cannondale bikes are of good quality because they feature high-tech components. They also tend to be more expensive, but the budget is worth it because you get the product you pay for.
Final thoughts.
This blog post has examined the five best Cannondale mountain bike options to suit many’s needs and budgets.
Whether you prefer a bike for cross-country or downhill riding, these models meet your expectations.
Furthermore, Mike’s Bikes online shop features other types of bicycles for all budgets to suit everyone’s riding style.
The options include mountain bikes by Giant, Santa Cruz, Juliana, and other top brands in the bicycle industry.
This bicycle retailer also offers an extended line of components and accessories.
Thanks for this article that reviews the Cannondale mountain bikes, although the technical specifications seem a little confusing for a newbie like me.
I’m not sure what all the technical descriptions mean, but I need a bicycle that will enable me to ride on all terrains without breaking my budget.
Thank you, Gael, for your comment. You can contact the sales team for help if you need to choose a mountain bike suitable to your particular needs and budget.