Who makes cannondale bikes. SuperX Force 1

Cannondale VS Specialized: Which is the better brand?

Another one in the series of brand vs brand. This time we’re going to take a closer look at two reputable brands; Cannondale and Specialized. Now, before we open a can of worms let’s jump to a conclusion and elaborate a bit about what exactly makes each brand a great choice.

When comparing Specialized and Cannondale bikes you need need to test both brands to find out who offers better bikes. The best bike brand is the one with the geometry that fits you best. An expensive Cannondale bike could fit worse than a cheaper Specialized bike and vice versa.

The differences are in the details and it isn’t a simple matter of quality. Different bikes go with slightly different geometries and components. Body types, bike fit, and proper measurement are often overlooked.

Main Differences Between Cannondale and Specialized Bikes

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the brands, it comes down to your personal preference. there are a couple of differences that need to be addressed. Specialized has a wide range of bikes to choose from but are more competitive in the expensive high-end bike segment. Here’s where they truly shine and often offer a bit extra compared to competing brands.

That doesn’t mean Cannondale has less competitive bikes, on the contrary. Cannondale offers a range of high-end bikes that will make you drool. Like any other brand, the biggest difference is in the frames. Depending on your body type and bike one might be more suitable than the other.

Both brands target the entire spectrum of bikes. Cheap (low-end) mountain bikes and high-end expensive professional bikes. Some people say the Specialized professional bikes are stiffer and more aerodynamic, this isn’t something the average rider has to worry about. Most riders aren’t professional and just like to enjoy themselves without worrying to scrape off a few grams unless you are looking for a bike to boast about.

Cannondale was founded in 1971 and is a Canadian company. They produce components for other brands like Charge, Schwinn, Sugoi, and Mongoose.

Specialized was founded in 1972 and is based in the US. They do their RD at their headquarters and build their bikes in Taiwan.

The real difference is usually in the component groups, like SRAM and Shimano. If you compare two bikes make sure to look at the tires, wheels, shifters, saddle, and see which bike offers better parts. There could be a difference there and you might end up with better components for about the same price.

You get a bit more bang for the buck from Cannondale when looking at upgrades, but this is just a generalization. It really depends on which bikes you are comparing. It’s safe to say they offer the same quality and your main FOCUS should be how a bike fits. Taller riders need a different geometry than short riders. Weight, your average mileage, riding preferences, all should be considered when buying a new bike.

Price

Both brands are considered the top of the line and bikes go from 500 to 12,000 (Yikes!). There is one thing to keep in mind when you shop for either brand; If you have less than 1200-1500 to spend you’re not getting the best value bike. Both brands don’t FOCUS on the lower end bike segment that much but more on higher-end bikes.

This means that if you buy a 450,000 Giant you get more from a value proposition. Both Cannondale and Specialized are less attractive options, so think about it. I think it’s safe to say that both brands are for the more serious riders out there that want top-quality frames and components.

Frames

Both brands offer awesome frames. Cannondale used to make the lightest aluminum frames but those days have passed. Still, they make the best frames you can buy, but so does Specialized. The difference is in geometry, but only slightly. Both brands offer top-quality aluminum and carbon frames for high-end bikes.

Specialized designs their frames in their HQ in California, they do all their prototyping at their headquarters. the actual production takes place in Asia, by Merida in Taiwan. Other Specialized suppliers are Ideal and Giant.

Cannondale used to produce frames in the Bedford, Pennsylvania but also moved to Asia eventually. They started with aluminum frames in 1983 for touring bikes and later included mountain bike frames.

Components

When comparing brands you are mostly comparing frames. Components are made by different companies such as Shimano and SRAM. If you have a hard time choosing between two bikes make sure you take a look at the quality of the components both bikes offer.

Sometimes you get slightly better components on one bike. If both bikes are equal in price and you both like how they ride and perform, the choice should be easier.

Cannondale often comes with additional gear and – depending on the bike and where you buy- you also get spare parts. Cannondale also produces helmets, bike chains, sensors, and tracking devices.

Specialized Company also sells products like shoes, helmets, saddles, kick paddles, and a wide range of apparel.

Performance

Both brands have great performing bikes but also offer lesser bikes. From 450,500 and up you get a great performing bike but it wouldn’t hurt to compare a couple of other brands at this price point.

If you’re willing to spend over 5000,000, both Specialized and Cannondale offer superb bikes. visit your local bike shop and compare them if possible. Some shops allow you to rent a bike, and at this price point, you really want to take a bike for a test drive.

In the lower range, I wouldn’t be looking at these brands. You would be better off with a brand that focusses less on expensive bikes. You often get more bike at the same value. Don’t buy a 2000 bike of you’re just want to commute in your local town, it’s a waste of money.

Cannondale Pros and Cons

Lets look at some of the pros and cons of Cannondale bikes, perhaps a bit generic but in the end you’ll need to compare the bikes you prefer. Depending on the bikes you consider, the most important thing to compare are the standard components.

Pros Of Cannondale

• Cannondale bikes are lightweight
• The brand usually comes with durable parts
• Lots of sizes to pick from
• Obviously Cannondale bikes come with (limited) warranty
• value for money

Cons of Cannondale

• Cannon bikes can be expensive
• The bike design is not for everyone but hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Is Cannondale A Good Bike Brand? – Cannondale Review

When buying a new bike, the choice of the brand is one of the first questions to ask. Whether it is for the universe, the history, the quality, or the price, it is normal to think: is Cannondale a good bike brand?

I am a bike aficionado who researched for you important information about the brand to help you know if Cannondale bikes are good bikes.

What is the Cannondale’s Warranty?

On the manufacturer’s website, we can read:

Cannondale bicycles must be registered on cannondale.com or in person by an Authorized Cannondale Retailer in order to activate the lifetime frame warranty described below.

Frames, excluding those listed below: Lifetime of the original owner.

Frames of Gravity, Freeride, Downhill, Dirt Jump and other ASTM Category Five Bicycles: Three years from original retail purchase.

Swing Arms, Chainstays, Seatstays, and Shock Links of Full Suspension Frames: Five years from original retail purchase.

So, is Cannondale a good bike brand?

A very, very big yes. However, it’s not a brand for everyone.

Of course, it would be ideal for everyone to be able to start cycling on a bike of this quality, but realistically, the brand is aimed more at an initiated public, who will know how to choose the right model for the job.

Of course, if you come across an affordable model second-hand, it might be worth thinking of buying it! Cannondale is a reliable, recognized brand that guarantees you a solid bike that will last a long time.

Also, when buying your future bike, do not forget to take into account its possible limits.

Popular Cannondale E-Bike Models

Cannondale is one of the biggest manufacturers of electric bicycles in the world. The company build a variety of models in different categories, that vary in price and intended use.

Below is just a fraction of its offering of high-end and mid-range road, mountain, fitness, and other kinds of e-bikes.

Top Models

• Treadwell Neo – MSRP From 5000,300 – This is a selection of e-fitness bicycles intended for casual riding and commuting. The bicycles feature comfortable ergonomics, sweptback handlebars, and urban-ready accessories.
• Topstone Neo Carbon – MSRP From 6,000 – A series of premium electric gravel bikes from Cannondale. They feature the best possible components, carbon frames, and the brand-new Kingpin suspension.
• Synapse Neo – MSRP From 4,500 – Purebred electric road bikes with fast-rolling 700c wheels and lightweight electronics. These bicycles feature efficient mid-drive Bosch motors and seamlessly integrated batteries. – Full Review
• SuperSix EVO Neo – MSRP From 4,500 – Premium electric road bicycles built around aluminum and carbon frames. Ideal for riders who need assistance but don’t want to give up on the original road bike riding feel.
• Quick Neo – MSRP From 5000,550 – Affordable electric fitness bicycles perfect for everyday commutes, grocery hauls, or workouts. Includes step-over and step-through frames with rear hub motors and integrated batteries.
• Moterra Neo – MSRP From 4,200 – Full-suspension electric mountain bikes built for shredding the trails. They feature carbon or aluminum frames, massive tires, powerful electronics, and high-end suspension.
• Habit Neo – MSRP From 5,500 – This is a series of do-it-all trail machines with powerful Bosch pedal assistance and huge batteries. These e-bikes offer 29″ wheels 130/140mm suspension and aggressive geometry.
• Tesoro Neo – MSRP From 3,350 – A selection of electric touring bicycles for riders with long-distance rides on their mind. These bikes come with front suspension, rear racks, lights, and reliable Bosch mid-drive electronics.
• Canvas Neo – MSRP From 5000,999 – A line of electric urban bicycles for city riding and commutes. Fully-equipped with the necessary accessories, these e-hybrids also feature integrated Bosch batteries and performance mid-drive motors.

Classes and Electric Components

The majority of Cannondale’s electric bicycles come with Bosch Active/Performance Line motors and battery packs. However, some high-end e-road bikes, such as the SuperSix Evo Neo 1, boast Mahle electronics.

Cannondale’s e-bikes feature high-capacity batteries that often offer upwards of 500 Wh. That means that riders can get as much as 100-150 miles of range per charge (according to Cannondale’s estimate), which is higher than what a lot of competitors offer.

Cannondale makes Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes with pedal-assistance, so there are no Class 2 e-bikes with a throttle available from this American brand.

The batteries are integrated into the down tube on all models, which makes many of Cannondale’s e-bikes look like traditional bicycles. The motor placement varies, but most models come with mid-drive motors, whereas some feature rear hub units.

Another important feature of Cannondale’s e-bikes is big LCD screens that show battery status, pedal-assist level, speed, distance, time, and other important metrics. Bosch systems usually come with Bosch Purion displays. Newer e-road models come with an Integrated Top Tube Controller in the form of a single button that lets you see the battery charge, turn the system on or off, and choose the level of assist.

Lefty Forks

Cannondale’s Lefty Oliver Fork is one of the most popular and unusual inventions patented by this company. We’re talking about a suspension fork that provides 30mm of travel and has only one leg. The coil and the damper are both fitted inside the left leg.

Cannondale includes these forks on its premium cross-country and gravel bicycles. Even some e-bikes come with lefty forks, such as a few Topstone Neo Carbon models.

The Lefty design eliminates a lot of unnecessary weight and improves the overall stiffness of the fork. It also makes it more practical to replace a flat tire, as riders can do it without removing the wheel from the bike.

Kingpin Suspension

Kingpin Suspension is the latest technology that came out of Cannondale’s laboratory. The company first introduced it on high-end Topstone Carbon bicycles, but it then made its way into the electric bicycle category as well.

People Also Asked for:

Here are the answers to some of the questions that we most frequently get from our readers about Cannondale electric bikes!

Does Cannondale make good electric bikes?

Yes, Cannondale makes very good electric bicycles. Its e-bikes come with top-of-the-line Bosch motors and batteries and high-quality aluminum and carbon frames. Cannondale’s e-bikes also come with reliable Shimano and SRAM components, so you get great value for your money.

Are Cannondale bikes still made in the USA?

No, Cannondale bicycles are no longer made in the USA. The company moved its production to Asia, specifically Taiwan. This is where the majority of big cycling brands manufacture their bicycles nowadays.

Is Cannondale a good e-bike brand?

Yes, Cannondale is a great e-bike brand. Its electric bicycles are built with the highest standards, using high-quality materials and reliable components from reputable brands like Shimano, SRAM, Bosch, Mahle, and others. Though their bikes are on the expensive side, they still offer excellent value for the money.

Is Cannondale better than Trek?

It’s hard to say. In some areas, Cannondale is better than Trek, whereas in others Trek takes the lead. Both Cannondale and Trek make phenomenal high-end bicycles, but Trek has a slightly better offer of entry-level recreational bikes. Both companies are innovative and their products meet the highest industry standards.

Are Cannondale bikes Unisex?

A lot of Cannondale’s models of traditional and electric bicycles come with men and women-specific frames and configurations. However, that’s partly just a marketing trick. Most of Cannondale’s bikes are unisex, which means that men and women can ride them without any big issues.

Bottom Line—Who Are Cannondale E-Bikes For?

There’s no doubt that Cannondale makes some of the best bicycles in the world, but are they for everyone?

Cannondale electric bicycles are not the cheapest out there, so they’re definitely not perfect for riders on a tight budget. If you’re willing to invest a bit more and get a bicycle from a reputable brand with great quality, warranty, and customer support, then Cannondale is the way to go.

Cannondale makes e-bikes in all categories, so anyone can find a model that fits their needs. You can choose from a rich selection of road, mountain, fitness, urban, gravel, and other types of bikes.

Cannondale’s e-bikes also have great resale value, so you’ll be able to get back a good portion of the original price if you decide to sell your Cannondale bicycle after some time.

The bottom point is, you won’t make a mistake if you give Cannondale a chance, just like millions of riders out there who have already done it.

Habit 4

Learn Price: 3,150 This popular trail bike was completely redesigned for 2019

A bike for every trail? It’s a tall order, and probably one that can never be fulfilled, but the Habit comes pretty damn close. Designed to be your everyday whip, the newly redesigned Habit has 29-inch wheels, 130mm of travel front and back, and a 1x drivetrain with a super short chainstay for maximum traction. A wide handlebar and a dropper post round out the features, and the entire line focuses on “Proportional Response” suspension, which basically means the geometry is specific to the size, so pedaling, braking, and suspension is optimized for each model. Choose from the SmartForm C1 Alloy Habit 6 (5000,100) up to the BallisTec Carbon Habit Carbon 1 with Shimano XTR components (7,900). Not down with going “big wheel?” Opt for the Bad Habit, which comes equipped with the same goodies, but has 27 wheels.

CAAD Optimo 105

Learn Price: 450,255 An entry-level aluminum road bike with racing geometry

Cannondale made its name by building high-performance road bikes out of aluminum, and that tradition continues with the CAAD12 and CAAD Optimo, the latter of which is an entry-level racing bike with speed-inspired geometry and features pulled from the high-end SuperSix Evo. It’s SmartForm C2 aluminum frame is light and stiff, while “flex zones” in the rear triangle and fork absorb road chatter. The whole thing is dressed with Shimano 105. You’re gonna go fast without dropping a lot of money.

Trail 2

Learn Price: 450,575 An entry-level hard tail with confidence-building features.

Let’s say you’re “dirt curious.” Just getting into mountain biking. You want a capable ride that won’t cost a fortune. The Trail is an entry-level mountain bike with a suite of features to give new mountain bikers confidence on singletrack. A short stem and wide handlebar increase control while a slack head angle gives you confidence on the downhill. Hydraulic disc brakes give you stopping power while a 1x drivetrain keeps things simple.

Bad Boy 1

Learn Price: 450,950 A good-looking urban commuter with a Lefty rigid fork

Is it wrong to be wooed by a bike’s looks? Not if it looks as good as the Bad Boy, a sleek urban commuter in matte black with an attention-grabbing Lefty rigid fork. Internal cable routing keeps the lines sleek, and integrated lights take care one of the most frequent questions commuters ask themselves: “Did I charge my lights?” There’s even a soft, reflective bumper on the top tube to protect the paint job when you lean the bike against a railing or street sign. That’s thoughtful design right there. Oh, and a fuss-free Gates Belt Drive.