![]() ![]() The influx of MicroSHIFT spec is something we discussed recently on Episode 12 of the Bikerumor podcast, who appear to be putting a small, but growing dent into lower-end spec.Ĭannondale’s reasoning is simple: It works, and it saves money to put elsewhere into more important parts that have a greater impact on your ride. That’s right – there’s a Shimano Tourney model sitting below MicroSHIFT. ![]() They opted to use MicroSHIFT, and NOT as their lowest spec. The drivetrain spec is an area where Cannondale took a bit of risk, which intrigues me coming from a major brand. ![]() It’s padded enough to not need a chamois, but like many such saddles, its ultra-softness can become bothersome after about 90 minutes of riding. During our casual ride around Venice Beach, the saddle was surprisingly comfortable while wearing gym shorts. The saddle styling is called “Couch Top”, again borrowed from the motorcycle world. While their other hybrids roll on 700c wheels, 650b was chosen for the ability to run lower pressures for a smoother ride (Optional: taking the bike off sweet jumps). First, the tires are a new-old model from Maxxis – a 650b x 47mm version of their classic DTR-1 motorcycle tire, made specifically at the request of Cannondale. The two key comfort-adding aspects of the bike were borrowed from motorcycles. Seating is upright in general, without quite being the bolt-upright position of a full comfort cruiser. The frame is available in three sizes for the Standard model, and two for the dropped-top Remixte. Your grandparents called these men’s and women’s frames, though today they’re both billed as unisex. The former uses a moderately sloped top tube, while the latter uses a more dramatically dropped top tube for even easier step-through. There are two frame styles: Standard and Remixte. Left: Standard frame, Right: Remixte (dropped top tube). The Treadwell frame is made from aluminum to save weight, and includes nice touches like their Urban Armor Bumper Strips on the top tube to avoid damage from bike racks. These became the key focus of the bike itself, which uses new design and parts spec compared to the existing Cannondale hybrid line. Their investigation found that there are three main barriers keeping millennials from getting in to cycling: Comfort, Maintenance, and Affordability. With millennials making up the largest generation in the US, they decided it was in their best interest to learn more, and did on-site research and surveys in cities like Austin, TX. In speaking with customers and watching market trends, Cannondale realized that today’s fitness customers are buying differently than ten or twenty years ago. However, while the Quick and Adventure bikes mostly center around traditional entry-level double and triple chainring drivetrains, the Treadwell exclusively uses 1x gearing, in an effort to reduce maintenance and customer frustration. In short, the Treadwell fits between the Quick and Adventure lines, as a do-it-all fitness, hybrid, and commuter bike. We attended their launch event in Venice, CA, just ahead of Sea Otter 2019. Today, Cannondale is officially announcing a new addition, dubbed the Treadwell. You could say that the Cannondale hybrid and fitness line is already somewhat crowded, with the fitness-minded Quick, the comfort-focused Adventure, and the Lefty-fork-equipped Bad Boy series. Using a single-chainring-exclusive spec, the bike aims for simplicity and ease-of-use for new riders and cyclists-to-be.Ĭannondale Treadwell fitness hybrid bike with Cannondale smartphone app Their new Treadwell line combines a light alloy frame, 650b x 47mm tires, and an all-new Cannondale app to bring light weight, comfort, and connectivity to your ride. Connecticut-based Cannondale is not new to hybrids and fitness bikes, but they’re hoping to create a new category of them that’s ready-made for millennials, fitness enthusiasts, and neighborhood riders. ![]()
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