How to Choose Mountain Bikes

Built to ignite a passion for the trail and raise your game, the hardtail Cannondale Trail 8 bike is ready to take on the mountains with its progressive geometry and seriously dirt-ready components.
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Imported.
Best Use | Mountain Biking |
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Mountain Bike Style | Trail |
Frame | SmartForm C3 Alloy, post mount disc |
Bike Suspension | Front Suspension |
Fork | SR Suntour M3030, coil, 42 mm offset (27.5 in.) 46 mm offset (29 in.) |
Fork Travel | 75 millimeters |
Crankset | Prowheel, 36/22T |
Bottom Bracket | Cartridge, BSA-73, square taper |
Shifters | microSHIFT Thumb-Tap, 7-speed |
Front Derailleur | Shimano Altus, 34.9 mm clamp |
Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourney |
Rear Cogs | 11-34T, 7-speed |
Number of Gears | 14 gear(s) |
Brake Type | Mechanical Disc Brake |
Brakes | Tektro cable-actuated disc, 160/160 mm rotors |
Brake Levers | Tektro |
Rims | WTB SX19, 32H |
Front Hub | Formula quick-release |
Rear Hub | Formula quick-release |
Wheel Size | XS: 27.5 inches S: 27.5 inches M: 29 inches L: 29 inches XL: 29 inches |
Tires | XS: WTB Ranger Comp, 27.5 x 2.25 in., DNA Compound S: WTB Ranger Comp, 27.5 x 2.25 in., DNA Compound M: WTB Ranger Comp, 29 x 2.25 in., DNA Compound L: WTB Ranger Comp, 29 x 2.25 in., DNA Compound XL: WTB Ranger Comp, 29 x 2.25 in., DNA Compound |
Tire Width | 2.25 inches |
Handlebar Shape | Riser Bar |
Handlebar | 6061 alloy riser, 31.8 mm, 25 mm rise, 700 mm |
Stem | 6061 alloy, 31.8 mm, 8 deg. |
Seat Post | Cannondale 3, 6061 alloy, 31.6 x 350/400 mm |
Saddle | Cannondale Stage 3 |
Pedals | Cannondale Platform |
Headset | 1-1/8 in. |
Chain | KMC Z7, 7-speed |
Weight | 32 lbs. 14.4 oz. |
Bike Weight | Bike weight is based on median size, as sold, or the average of two median sizes. |
Gender | Unisex |
XS | S | M | L | XL | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Height Range | 4'6" - 5'2" | 5'1" - 5'4" | 5'4" - 5'8" | 5'7" - 6'0" | 6'0" - 6'3" |
Reach | 36.5 | 40.2 | 42.5 | 44.7 | 47.0 |
Stack | 60.7 | 61.6 | 62.4 | 63.3 | 64.3 |
Effective Top Tube | 54.5 | 58.5 | 61.0 | 63.5 | 66.0 |
Seat Tube Center-Top | 34.5 | 40.0 | 44.0 | 48.0 | 52.0 |
Standover Height | 71.0 | 74.6 | 79.5 | 82.0 | 85.0 |
Head Tube Length | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 13.5 |
Head Tube Angle (degrees) | 68.0 | 68.0 | 68.5 | 68.5 | 68.5 |
Seat Tube Angle (degrees) | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 |
Bottom Bracket Height | 30.4 | 30.4 | 30.8 | 30.8 | 30.8 |
Wheelbase | 106.7 | 110.8 | 114.0 | 116.6 | 119.2 |
Chainstay | 44.0 | 44.0 | 44.5 | 44.5 | 44.5 |
Fork Offset | 4.2 | 4.2 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 5.1 |
Measurements are stated in centimeters unless otherwise indicated.
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A solid entry-level bike. It competes well against similarly priced/marketed bikes. There is definitely room for upgrades from the stock entry-level components, but that will be the case with any bike at this price point. It wins over its competitors with the drivetrain: it has a 2-by setup, with a larger range on the rear cassette. Other similarly-priced bikes have more travel on the fork (100mm to this 75mm), though. The seat is not the most comfortable, but that shouldn't be a deciding factor. As another review mentioned, it runs slightly large - it may be worth getting the smaller size if between 2 sizes.
Having taken this on a 2-hour trail ride, I'm thrilled with the bike. It's sturdy, the tires are pretty good for an entry-level bike, and it's really not that heavy even with the basic shocks. The only issue is sizing. I'm 5'6" with a 29 to 30" inseam, so that put me in a medium by the size chart. Since my road bike (Jamis) is a medium, it sounded reasonable. No way. The medium seemed big when I picked it up, and after my test ride, I knew I had to swap it for a small. Even with the saddle all the way down, I just make it to a comfortable spot on the pedals. The reach to the handlebars is also a bit large. Size down for the right fit.
The bike rides smooth and shifting is no problem for it. The bike does run big so if you are barley into the next hight zone, it wouldn't hurt to maybe go a size lower, just don't go a size higher. The fork is very soft and even with the preload adjusted to the max with my body weight it's still very soft and squishy. The bike its built solid for the medium and so much room for future improvements like replacing the fork with an air suspension with a lockout. There is no rear suspension so if you're riding trails, just know the rear tire could lose grip a lot, but casual riders would love this as well.
Great ride! I’m 5’8 and bought a size medium which is perfect! I ride easy trails and road. The tires make trail riding so much easier! I’m so happy that I purchased this bike! I highly recommend!
I just picked up this bike today and rode around the block. I am 5'9" and according to the sizing table I needed a large one. I already have a Cannondale road bike that I bought according to the sizing and returned next day for a medium. So this time I bought a medium. But the medium has 29" wheel (which is a size not too easy to find) as the large one. The bike fits, but barely at the lowest position of the saddle I barelyt reach the pedals (I am thinking swing off part of the stem). Remember, I was sized to large. If you are on the low end of medium, definitely get the small one. Since I do not plan serious mountain biking, but just to ride along the grand kids on dirt roads (my road bike would not take it) I think I will keep it.
The 2021 is a great beginner bike at it's price point. It is also a good bike for the more experienced riders as well. There are some components on the lower end that the average rider will not notice. For you more experienced riders, this is a great frame and worth saving some pocket change and upgrade the components. - PLEASE NOTE - I am 5'10 with a pretty portioned torso and trunk. My torso is only slightly longer. - I really suggest you DO NOT go by size recommendations. Based on the geometry and Cannondale's size chart I was stuck between the medium and large. When that is the case I always size down so I prepaid for a medium. Lucky when I got there they had a small b/c the medium was still a bit BIG. Obviously the 29 inch & 27.5 inch come into play but if you are not coming from 29's it will feel like a very big bike. I was looking at a Specialized Rockhopper, Trek Marlin 5 & Haro Flightline. I am very happy I went with the Trail 8. Below are the basic things I did not like: - The seat is a bit uncomfortable. - The pedals it comes with are very cheap. - The crank arm is kinda long. ****I have already already upgrade the seat and pedals Next upgrades are the crank arms, front & rear derailleurs and eventually the forks and all the entry level components. Hope this helps.
I’ve been riding this bike on Oregon trails and city commuting for about a month with zero issues. The sizing is perfect, if you are honest about your actual height. Most people exaggerate their height and give themselves an extra 2”. Be REAL and this bike will fit you perfectly. I stand at 5’11” and the Large frame fits me like a glove.
Amazing bike, the one knock is it shifts a little rough on the front gears, otherwise it would be a perfect review.
Size is not accurate, I'm 5.6 and according to specs I should be a medium; however, upon inspecting the the bike and doing the pre-ride at REI it was difficult to get on bike and pedal comfortably. The seat post does not drop any lower. I was happy to try and demo it but I decided to purchase another bike in stock online.
Its a pretty descent starter bike. Holds up pretty well on street, gravel and paved bike paths. Perfect upright position for a mountain bike without hurting the back even though i ride for 1 hr.