For model year 2016, Cannondale has a variety of products that consumers have been asking for, or didn’t know they needed yet. Chief among these are the new Foray and Catalyst models. Using 27.5″ wheels the 6061 alloy hardtails are designed to address a market need for reasonably priced entry level mountain bikes, starting at $379. The hope is that these models will help to lower the barrier to entry in youth mountain bike leagues such as NICA and help get more kids on bikes…
The Catalyst (shown above) is the standard model and is available in XS, S, M, L, and XL sizes. The Foray (shown below) is the women’s specific model showing a more compact geometry and greater stand-over from a curved seat tube and is available in P, S, M, and T sizes. Both models share four tiers with identical spec (expect that the Foray features a women’s specific saddle) and a myriad of color options.
The Catalyst 1 and Foray 1 feature a SR Suntour XCM HLO DS 100mm fork with hydraulic lockout, and a blended Shimano kit with an Altus front derailleur and an Acera rear derailleur and Shimano M3000 Acera shifters. The drivetrain consists of a Shimano M371 44/32/22 crank with a Sunrace 9 speed 11-34 cassette. The cockpit and frame material is 6061 aluminum and the model features Promax Solve hydraulic disc brakes and levers. The Catalyst 1 and Foray 1 will be available in this spec for $650 MSRP.
The entry level models, the Catalyst 4 and Foray 4 (not shown), will be available with a $379 MSRP with SR Suntour M3030-27 75mm coil spring fork, Shimano Tourney drive front and rear derailleur, Shimano Easyfire shifters, a Prowheel 42/34/24 crank, and a Sunrace 7-speed 14-34 cassette. The brakes on this level are Jak-7 cable actuated disc.