Cannondale made waves in the cycling world several years ago when it began working on the Jackknife concept bike, a sleek looking urban commuter that incorporated Cannondale’s single sided fork technology into the rear of the bicycle, eliminating the rear triangle. It was just a concept back then, but Cannondale recently announced that due to overwhelming support and interest in the concept, the company would move the concept forward to production, calling the innovating new design the Cannondale ONBike.
Cannondale said on its blog that it had “committed to bringing the ONBike concept into production in the near future,†although there is no concrete time table set. Cannondale’s website says that only 250 of the ONBikes will be made, and each will be individually numbered because of the small run.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the fully folding bikes will be the all new drivetrain system; a single sided, fully enclosed casing that is actually a structural component to the bike, replacing the entire rear triangle with a single beam connecting the bottom bracket and rear wheel on one side. The ONBike uses a traditional chain and cog to power the rear SRAM 9-speed internal hub, and the chain and gearing are completely protected by the case so there is no danger of getting grease on you while storing or parking the bike, while also providing a clean, maintenance free drivetrain. To make the bike truly one-sided, it also uses a HeadShok Solo 50mm front suspension fork, although the drivetrain and front fork are on opposite sides of the bike.
All cables are internally routed and the 6061 alloy frame keeps Cannondale’s signature aesthetics using sharp, aggressive tubing. The bike is spec’d with Cannondale SI BB30 cranks and bottom bracket, and front and rear Avid disc brakes, along with house-branded wheels, bars, and pedals.
The bike will come only in the matte black color scheme above, and has to be ordered through your local Cannondale dealer. No word yet on a price. At Interbike last year, Cannondale estimated a steep $3900 price point, but we are unsure if that still stands. (UPDATE: According to one dealer, MSRP could be as high as $7,000 USD. – Editor) Our local Cannondale dealer was expecting more information on pricing and availability “very soon.”
Full pictures after the jump…
