Are you an avid mountain biker looking for a superb bike? The new Cannondale Habit 4 may just be the perfect ride for you. This Cannondale mountain bike combines state-of-the-art technology with classic style, offering riders a perfect combination of speed and comfort on trails.
In this review, we take a close look at the features and performance of the new Habit 4 from Cannondale so you can decide whether or not this is the right mountain bike for your riding needs.
Cannondale’s Habit 4 is an adventure/trail bike that aims to bridge the gap between traditional MTB’s and modern e-bikes. 29″ wheels, 130 mm of smooth suspension, and accessible geometry make it a great option for cross country riders, trail shredders, and those wanting to get into riding more technical trails.
The Cannondale Habit 4 is the ultimate bikepacking machine. With an aluminum frame, 130mm of suspension, modern geometry and component specs tailored to endurance adventures, the Habit is designed to keep you comfortable for miles down the trail.
The fast-rolling 29-inch wheels allow for quick acceleration and a smooth ride over rough terrain. Whether you’re hitting single track in the woods or going on an epic overnight bikepacking adventure, this bike won’t let you down.
Features:
– Lightweight aluminum alloy frame is durable and sturdy
– 130mm of supple front & rear travel absorbs any bumps in your way
– SRAM SX Eagle 1 x 12-speed drivetrain provides precise shifting & reliable performance
– Maxxis Minion DHF, 29 x 2.5 in. up front and Maxxis Dissector, 29 x 2.4 in. tires out back provide great traction & control in any condition
– Modern geometry offers improved handling & stability
– TranzX dropper post makes it easy to adjust saddle height on the fly
– Front & rear thru axles offer increased stiffness & better control
– Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes give strong stopping power in all conditions
The Ride - Soaring on Mountain Sections
Its low profile geometry feels very natural when you’re standing up, making it easy to control on steep descents or gain maximum traction desending mountain sections without having to lean forward too much or sit back too far.
The lateral stiffness expands the experience from tight switchbacks to high speed bomb runs with confident stability at all times. Even under heavy braking the frame won’t dip significantly allowing you to land safely as you effortlessly glide into turns.
The Wheels - Nice and Stiff for Solid Tracking
We were immediately impressed with the wheelset off-the-shelf WTB STX i23 TCS being rigid enough for large impacts but also light enough not to feel bulky during small input shifts in direction.
The tires provide perfect balance between grip and power transfer giving you a solid feedback while rolling over any type of terrain imaginable: hardpack, loose gravel, wet stones…etc..
The Maxxis tires provide plenty of grip so you can hold your line no matter how precarious your situation might be!
The Drivetrain - Small Steps Up Gradients
Equipped with SRAM Eagle 12-speed drivetrain we felt right at home seeing that SRAM Eagle gears are renowned for their reliability and ease of shifting compared primarily to Shimano components (although both will do great!).
This gave us added internal comfort knowing we could trust our ‘shifts’ even when confronted with really tough gradients constantly reminding us that climbing is where Cannondale designed the frame for excelling in!
Our verdict - Highly Recommended for Trail Riding
Overall we can definitely recommend this model of bike if you’re looking for an entry level trail ready beast! With its generous 130mm travel suspension offering ample cushioning amid roots, rocks, stumps and other terrain quandaries–you’ll have everything needed whether hitting jumps or navigating technical rocky roads in one simple package!”
