Cannondale's latest addition, the Habit, is for once not designed for racing like most of the other bikes in the portfolio. With this trail bike, the focus is on fun. Climbing power and unrestricted riding fun on the trails is what it is all about. This includes 120 millimeters of suspension travel and a playful geometry. However, various technical details and proven technologies from the other models are also used on the Habit. A Monarch Debonair suspension strut from Rock Shox and the new, improved Lefty 2.0 suspension fork are used as bumpers. These can be locked hydraulically at the same time.

In terms of geometry, Cannondale relies on a 68-degree steering angle and 50 millimetres of offset for the fork. Although this achieves a certain smoothness, the lively handling is retained. The chainstays with a length of 429 millimetres also testify to agile handling. The riding position is somewhat reminiscent of racing. This is because it is sporty and the seat angle of 74 degrees also stands for good power delivery.

The frame of the Habit is available in carbon and aluminum - there are ten models in total. Despite the different materials, both have something in common: the rear triangle with "Zero Pivot". The seat stays are so flexible that both the carbon and aluminum versions have no additional pivot point. With the aluminum rear triangle, this is only possible thanks to a specially developed process. With the carbon rear triangle, on the other hand, the technology comes from the Scalpel.

The love in the detail
Another small innovation is the ECS-TC axle system, which connects the seat stays and rocker arms. The ECS-TC pivot bearing is an oversized axle with a clamping system called "Lockr". This is designed to greatly increase lateral stiffness. The carbon rocker arm connected to it weighs just 64 grams. The aluminum one weighs more than twice as much at 136 grams.
For the carbon frame of the Habit, Cannondale relies on its proven and durable BallisTec carbon technology. The total weight of the Habit, with pedals and in size M, is 11.7 kilograms.

Cannondale's own 27.5-inch "CZero" carbon wheels are emblazoned on the top model of the Habit. These are broadly supported and weigh just 1,600 grams. The Habit has a swinging dropout so that the rear wheel, or other wheels, can be easily installed and removed. The new chainring, the single spider ring, is also unique. Very light at 51 grams, it also features Sram's Xsync tooth technology.
Two models are also available as 1x11 versions, and the Habit is also available with two chainrings at the front. The frames are equipped with a front derailleur mounting option.

Ten models and an eye-catcher for the ladies
The new Habit models will be launched in mid-September 2015. The line starts with the Black Inc version at CHF 11,999. It then continues with Habit Carbon 1, also with the high-modulus carbon fiber, the Habit 2 and 3 models and the SE with the 130-millimetre Lefty with the slightly cheaper carbon fiber. The Habit 4, 5 and 6 models are aluminum versions. It is interesting to note that the Habit 6 is available from CHF 1,999.

In addition to the eight "men's models", there are also two women's models: the Habit Carbon Womens 1 and the Habit Womens 2. The former is particularly impressive with its eye-catching pink color, which many men also like very much.

With the Habit range, Cannondale has not only closed a gap in its range, but also shown that you can take bikes to a new level without fat tires and new axle standards. Furthermore, the cult brand is very colorful, but not too obtrusive and also color-coordinated with the components. Another very positive aspect is that with a price range from CHF 2,000 to CHF 12,000, there really is something for everyone.

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