While most traditional hybrids blend the durability and upright ride of mountain bikes with the smooth, narrower tires of a road bike, there tends to be a lot of compromise getting something in between. The result is often an overbuilt bike that can stand up to almost any riding abuse, but ends up being rather heavy and with a harsh ride.
The latest Cannondale Quick tries to solve all of those concerns in a light, fast moving bike that they think will help motivate those cyclists who just want to get out and improve their fitness. As more folks take up cycling to improve their health, or even just see a bike as a more rational way to get back and forth from the gym, a bike like the Quick offers a lot of promise. Jump past the break to get a look at the details, and some of the many build options Cannondale has at every price level, from really low-cost up to a Shimano 105 build with hydraulic disc brakes…
The new Quick aims to be the lightest bike in its class. All of the bikes in the line-up use shaped and butted 6061 aluminum frames, with the top four versions getting an even lighter SL edition of the frame that sheds and extra 200g and includes a tapered steerer fork with carbon legged forks to keep them light and agile.
The bikes use what Cannondale calls OutFront Steering Geometry, which they developed on the latest Scalpel platform. The slacker head angle and longer front end gives these bikes the same mix of stable, yet agile handling of their higher-end bikes. Add to that a comfortable, upright position and the Quick is both fast and easy to ride in town.
To keep cyclists safe zipping around the city all models include subtle reflective graphic detailing all around the frame for visibility from all sides. All of the bikes get fast rolling 30-35mm tires with puncture protection, most of which also have reflective sidewall detailing.
Besides just starting with a light frame, to boost comfort the Quick frames use Cannondale’s SAVE Micro-Suspension system, a series of designed-in flex points in the rear end to lessen impacts and deaden road vibration. On top of that, the bikes get ergonomic grips and a saddle with a deep channel to keep riders’ contact points comfy.
Depending on which model you pick, there are hydraulic disc brake options at a few different price points for those looking for the best all-weather braking. All of the bikes also feature full rack and fender mounts, to keep them versatile for all seasons, as well as integrated kickstand mounts on the chainstay.
The Quick will be available in eight models from a starting price of just $400 for the Shimano Acer 3×7 Quick 8 build with the base frame, all the way up to $1,200 for the top end Quick 1 Disc with a 105 double. In between there are mostly Shimano double and triple drivetrains, with the exception of the 1×11 SRAM Apex 1 on the Quick 2.
There are also women’s models of each build, with slightly different (but not pink!) color schemes and one smaller size per bike. Only the lowest level Quick Women’s 8 gets a step through frame. All of the bikes will be available through Cannondale dealers by mid May.
