We’ve always loved the fact that Cannondale isn’t afraid to take chances and push the boundaries. And it’s trying its envelope-expanding antics again, with its new and typically distinctive-looking – or dare we use the overused word ‘unique’ – Slate.
A 'road' bike with true off-road legitimacy?
Well, what’s it all about, then? According to Cannondale, it’s “A full-tilt road bike with legitimate off-road chops. Slate is the bike for cyclists that want to ride roads without having to ‘road ride’.” So, that’s told us.
Essentially it’s a bit of a mongrel – think music mash-ups or fusion food. If those examples are making you shudder, let's break it down: Cannondale has taken aggressive road bike geometry (for quick, responsive handling), 650b mountain bike wheels, massive 42mm-wide tyres and a road-specific version of its Lefty single-sided suspension fork, with extra low-speed compression damping and virtually no sag when you sit on the bike.
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The Slate features Cannondale’s new road-specific Lefty Oliver fork
That single-sided fork may put people off, but bicycles are one of the few forms of transport where these aren’t the norm. Cars, trucks and even aircraft support wheel axles at one end, and if it’s good enough for landing 400 tons of Jumbo Jet, we reckon it’ll take our weight. Probably the biggest negative factor is psychological – looking down and thinking, ‘Yikes, someone’s stolen a fork leg!’
Fast-rolling but fragile fatties
You can read more at BikeRadar.com
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