I’m now deep into testing for Cycling Plus’s 2017 Bike of the Year so I fear that the Cannondale Slate is going to have to take a back seat when it comes to my riding time. However, I am going to do my best to find some time to get out on the Slate and get a bit dirty with it.
Cannondale Slate Ultegra spec overview
- Weight: 10.4kg, including XT M8020 pedals (original weight 9.8kg, XL)
- Frame: Smartform 6069 Alloy
- Fork: Carbon Lefty Oliver with 30mm travel, 45mm offset
- Gears: Shimano Ultegra (52/36, 11-28)
- Wheels: Slate 650b disc with lefty front hub
- Brakes: Shimano BR-RS805 hydraulic disc
- Finishing kit: Surly Knard 650b 41c tyres, FiZik Aliante VSX Kium saddle, Cannondale C2 seatpost, Cannondale C2 compact bar, Cannondale C1 stem, Cannondale Si chainset with 52/36 Spidering, Raceone bottle cage, Hide my Bell mount/bell
Cannondale Slate Ultegra upgrades
- Surly Knard 41c tyres x 2 — £26.85 each / $35 each / AU$46.90
- Fizik Aliante VSX Kium — £129.99 / $170 / AU$TBC
- Race one bottle cage — £12.99 / $19.95 / AU$TBC
- Hide my bell Garmin mount — €34.99 / approx £30 / approx $37 / approx AU$50
I have to admit that a bike like the Slate is something of a luxury for many — at £2,799 / $3,520 / AU$4,999 it's a hell of an investment for an 'n+1' — but let's be honest, sometimes you want something a little bit more than just asphalt. Nothing staves off any feelings of monotony more than something that you can go almost anywhere on and, best of all, have a load of fun with!
The Slate has been my companion while exploring bridleways, byways and unpaved roads throughout the time I’ve had it. If you've ever been riding out in the countryside and seen a track and wondered where it goes, then the Slate really is your ideal ride. See something that looks vaguely rideable? Then give it a go on the Slate! Chances are it'll cope just fine.
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Tough, off-road grip
I'm seriously impressed with just how far off-road this bike can go, especially now I’ve ditched the original 42c slicks for the small-block aggressive treaded Surly Knards, which are slightly slimmer at 41c. I've lost a little out-and-out speed on the road, but the increased toughness and increased grip off road makes it all worth it.
The distinctive carbon Lefty Oliver fork looks amazing — and makes for a significant part of the bike's overall price. It only offers 30mm travel, but it's plenty enough to cope with rocks, roots, step downs and drop offs. And to avoid any irritating bobbing issues when you're on the flat you can push the button on the top of the fork leg to lock it out.
Room for a few extras
Memorable mileage
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