The thrill of being up a steep slope trying to navigate a single-track trail is unlike any other. For your ultimate mountain bike companion, here’s a choice between the Cannondale and Trek mountain bikes.
My sister took me on my very first mountain biking expedition about 7 years ago. My first time was nothing to write home about because I was all over the place. If not for my protective gear, I could have gotten myself in some sticky situations.
Needless to say, it took me up to my fifth adventure to comfortably get through a trail without having to stop along the way for one thing or another. Looking back now, I can see how naïve I was but through sheer grit and determination, I conquered the terrain time and again.
This year, I’m getting an upgrade and to carefully pick and choose the most perfect bike, I really need to look into extra features and benefits.So, let’s see which of these two bikes offers the better package.
What is the difference between Cannondale vs Trek Mountain Bike?
 |
Cannondale |
Trek |
Frame |
Carbon |
Carbon |
Travel |
120mm |
130mm |
Shock |
RockShox |
Float ReactivThruShaft |
Brakes |
Hydraulic disc |
Shimano XT 4-Piston Hydraulic disc |
Price |
Cannondale vs Trek Mountain Bike – How do they compareÂ
Frame and Design
Cannondale’s rear suspension is smooth and responsive which makes your travel easier and the progression gentler. Traction for braking and climbing is impressive and for those who don’t appreciate the provided mid-stroke support, you could add a volume spacer.
Cannondale’s head angle measures 66 degrees and is combined with 51mm offset forks for 29†and 44mm for the 27.5†wheel. The trail is 112mm in length, chainstay is 435mm and arm reach is 430mm.
Trek offers longer-travel at 120mm front and 130mm rear which is a bit large. There is a 140mm RockShox or FOX 34 or FOX 35 fork which is stiffer with the frame measuring anywhere between 10 to 20mm.
With the FOX 36 GRIP 2 damper, the Trek mountain bike is quite sturdy which keeps you on the desired track. Trek is available in either all carbon or all-aluminum build, internal cable routing, anti-rattle hose, and the Trek’s Knock Block headset which keeps the bars from swinging which is damaging to the head tube. It also offers three size options; 27.5â€, 27.5†to 29†and the all 29†mountain bikes.
Trek bikes are better in design because they have a Knock Block to help extend the lifespan of the top tube which Cannondale misses out on.
Efficiency
Due to its four-bar suspension system, the Cannondale’s pedaling efficiency is hampered as compared to other bike models with short links. This is why it may feel a little sluggish on the pedals when you are taking a corner exit.
When going downhill, the bike is stable and rides quite well. To realign the bike’s geometry by a 5-degree angle, make use of the flip-chip. You can adjust both the seat tube and the head tube degree angles.
Dropping your saddle while riding on the longer geometrical Trek bike gives you a better feeling of centeredness on the trail. The suspension platform and with crisp pedaling motion, you will comfortably climb technical single tracks.
Trek’s rebound knob is numbered with understandable settings to help you achieve properly tuned suspension. A spacer has been added to the bike’s design and it slightly increases the axle to crown length to fit in the 2.6†rear and front tires.
Trek bikes have the more efficient systems of operation if you take into account the saddle dropping function which is unmatched even by the Cannondale’s flip-chip.
Extra Features
Cannondale frames use a boost rear axle, fit a water bottle, feature internal cable routing and the carbon frames are fitted with full-length tubes to minimize rattling and assist with routing. The boost rear axle measures 12x148mm is a standard Cannondale measurement and employs the Ai offset to shift the rear triangle to the drive side. This requires for the rear wheel to be aligned with the front.
A trap-door is built into the Trek’s downtube for carbon models which allow you to have secret storage space. Trek has gone a step further to include an organizer roll designed with pockets to fit a tube, inflator head, cartridge, and tire lever.
For your water bottle, a sideload cage is also built into the frame. Improved bike geometry has a longer reach and slacker head tubes call for a shorter offset fork. The Trek bike also features a fixed-lower shock mount which minimizes the frame’s rigidity.
Trek bikes have a leg up with their hidden storage space within the bike’s downtube while the Cannondale only features an internalized cable routing system.
Cannondale vs Trek Mountain Bike – A comparison Overview
Cannondale Mountain Bike ReviewÂ
This bike is designed into a dual-link, four-bar suspension that is very responsive and capable of handling all types of terrain. It is a very sensitive bike that offers riders lots of traction for greater acceleration and braking power.
This four-bar system is perfect for mountain bikes because when braking, it minimizes the anti-rise effects which increase the responsiveness of the suspension making for great traction and control. However, this also increases the forward weight transfer created when braking so be cautious.
With Cannondale, you get 130mm of rear travel and a choice between a fully carbon-built bike and for the women’s bike version, they get a front tringle made of carbon with the rear end being of aluminum material.
Nine different designs are available in this model. The aluminum build features Shimano 1×10 groupset, RockShox Recon fork, and a fixed seat post. A full carbon frame has Shimano’s XTR 1×12 group, Fox Transfer Dropper post, and a FOX 34 fork.
Stan’s NoTubes Arch rims do a great job holding up the bike’s tires which are tubeless DHF and High Roller II tires.
Pros
- Minimized drag
- Seat Post and Stays are designed to comply
- Integrated front wheel sensors
- SpeedRelease thru-axles
- Power2 Max meter
Cons
- Doesn’t work with derailleur
Trek Mountain Bike ReviewÂ
With the FOX 36 GRIP 2 damper, the Trek mountain bike is quite sturdy which keeps you on the desired track making the experience exciting yet controlled. It lacks a decent dropper making the Bontrager post sticky and sluggish in performance.
Dropping your saddle while riding on the longer geometrical Trek bike gives you a better feeling of centeredness on the trail. The suspension platform and with crisp pedaling motion, you will comfortably climb technical single tracks.
Trek is available in either all carbon or all-aluminum build, internal cable routing and anti-rattle hose. It also offers three size options; 27.5â€, 27.5†to 29†and the all 29†mountain bikes.
Pros
- Expanded range available
- 140mm forks and 2.6†tires
- FOX 36 fork
- Hidden storage in down
Cons
- No dropper function
ConclusionÂ
The Cannondale mountain bike is dominated by aerodynamics but it promises to be a very comfortable and versatile bike option.
Trek mountain bikes are perfect to push in hard terrain because it can withstand the challenge and manage to effortlessly climb tight and technical trails in cooperation with the front wheel.
Verdict: Which is better – Cannondale vs Trek Mountain Bike
This comparison brings out the Trek mountain bikesis the better bike for efficient performance. Whether you like to go fast or slow, Trek’s suspension is ready for it.
FAQ
What is the Knock Block headset for?
It keeps the handlebars from swinging or drifting which is damaging to the head tube.
I don’t like the mid-stroke support on my Cannondale. What can I do?
You could add a volume spacer to the fork. This will adjust your air volume and it will affect the bottom out resistance