Cannondale Trail 5 Review

Quick Jump Links: Full List of Specs | What’s good | What’s not so good | Our Verdict

Where to buy 💵

$960.00 REI.com

Type: Mountain Bike | Frame Material: Aluminum | Number of Gears: 10

YesCycling Score – 9.1/10

Full List of Specs 🔧

PropertyValue
Best UseMountain Biking
Mountain Bike StyleTrail
FrameSmartForm C3 alloy, 1 1/8 in. headtube, dropper post compatible
Bike SuspensionFront Suspension
ForkSR Suntour XCM, 100 mm travel, coil, 42 mm offset (27.5 in.) 46 mm offset (29 in.)
Fork Travel100 millimeters
CranksetProwheel, Charm 30T
Bottom BracketCartridge square taper
ShiftersmicroSHIFT Advent X, 10-speed
Rear DerailleurmicroSHIFT Advent X
Rear CogsmicroSHIFT, 11-48T, 10-speed
Number of Gears10
Brake TypeHydraulic Disc Brake
BrakesShimano MT200 hydraulic disc, 160/160 mm RT10 rotors
Brake LeversShimano MT200 hydraulic disc
RimsWTB SX19, 32 h
Front HubShimano HBTX 505
Rear HubShimano FHTX 505
Wheel SizeXS: 27.5 inches
S: 27.5 inches
M: 29 inches
TiresWTB Ranger Comp
Tire Width2.25 inches
Handlebar ShapeRiser Bar
Handlebar6061 alloy, 25mm rise, 8 deg. sweep, 6 deg. rise, 720 mm
Stem6061 alloy, 31.8, 7 deg.
Seat Post6061 alloy, 31.6 x 350 mm
SaddleCannondale Stage 3
PedalsCannondale Platform
Headset1-1/8 in.
ChainKMC X10, 10-speed
Weight32 lbs. 6.4 oz.
Bike WeightBike weight is based on median size, as sold, or the average of two median sizes.
Gender

What’s good 👍

  • Reliable 1x gearing: This provides a wide range of gears for different terrains, and many users appreciate its smoothness and responsiveness.
  • 100 mm of front suspension: This allows for a comfortable ride on rougher terrain.
  • Sturdy and lightweight aluminum frame: The SmartForm C3 alloy frame makes the bike durable and easy to handle.
  • Stable handling: The slack 68° head angle provides descending stability and confidence.
  • Reliable brakes: The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes offer strong stopping power and control.
  • StraightShot internal cable routing: This feature ensures clean lines and easy maintenance.
  • Wide handlebar: Users have praised the effortless control provided by the wide handlebar on technical trails and rough terrain.
  • Large and grippy tires: The 29″ tires provide great traction, which boosts confidence on wet or muddy paths.
  • Good value for the price: Users have mentioned the bike as an amazing value, offering good performance for its cost.
  • Positive customer service experiences: Some users appreciated the assistance they received from customer service representatives.

What’s not so good 👎

  • Front suspension fork: Some users reported that the front suspension fork is not strong enough for overcoming larger obstacles, such as big rocks or drops, making it unsuitable for highly technical trails.
  • Composite pedals: The bike’s pedals have been criticized for losing their grip after a few rides, requiring replacement.
  • Gear differential design: One user found the gear differential design with a small front gear unappealing, stating that half of the low gears would never be used, while additional high gears would be preferable.
  • Uncomfortable handlebar and saddle: Some users found these components uncomfortable, noting the lack of a saddle slot and the need to replace the handlebar and handles.
  • Potential shipping issues: There were instances where the bike required tuning or repair due to damage that occurred during shipping.
  • Might not be suitable for more intense mountain biking: Although it performs well on moderate trails and for casual riding, some users noted that it may not be robust enough for hardcore trails or more intense mountain biking.

Our Verdict 🎗

Should you buy it, avoid it or shortlist it?

We think that you should definitely shortlist it.

Cannondale Trail 5 Hardtail Mountain Bike presents a strong case for those looking for a reliable, well-constructed mountain bike at an affordable price. Its dependable 1x gearing, stable handling, and robust frame make it an excellent choice for those who engage in moderate off-road biking or wish to venture onto more challenging terrains.

However, it’s important to note the bike’s limitations, including potential shipping issues, an uncomfortable handlebar and saddle for some users, and a front suspension fork that may struggle on highly technical trails. The pedals also seem to lose their grip after a few uses, which could be a deal-breaker for some.

Other Cannondale mountain bikes that we love: