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Cannondale Trail 8

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8 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [8]

81
Total expert reviews: 8
  • with a score: 3
  • without a score: 5
Highest score by singletracks.com
100
Average score based on 8 reviews
81
Lowest score by bikeride.com
60

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
84
The Cannondale Trail 8 is an affordable mountain bike that offers all the necessary features for trail riding while leaving enough money in your pocket. It's a versatile and capable bike that is perfect for beginners and those on a limited budget.
+ pros
  • Affordable price for a mountain bike with necessary features.
  • Lightweight and high-performing aluminum frame.
  • Plush Suntour suspension fork for a comfortable ride.
  • Shimano derailleurs that do the job well for average riders.
  • Tektro mechanical disc brakes for reliable stopping power.
  • Versatile bike that can be used for commuting and off-roading.
  • Available in different sizes and wheel options for a perfect fit.
  • Women's version with slanted top-tube for easier mounting and dismounting.
  • Suitable for beginner riders and those learning off-road riding.
  • Great value for the price.
- cons
  • Entry-level components may not be suitable for experienced riders.
  • Limited capabilities for serious trail riding and off-roading.
The Cannondale Trail 8 is a budget-friendly mountain bike packed with modern features, making it a great choice for beginner cyclists. Despite some minor setbacks, it offers a reliable and enjoyable riding experience with the potential for upgrades.
+ pros
  • Packed with modern features and worth every dollar.
  • Swift and efficient handling on and off trails.
  • Reliable entry-level components for beginners and intermediate riders.
  • Better performance in wet conditions with mechanical disc brakes.
  • Versatile for off-road riding with burly wheels and knobby tires.
  • Available in five frame sizes for a good fit.
  • Positive improvement with the updated Shimano Tourney derailleur.
  • Adequate front suspension for the price range.
  • Good value for recreational commuting on mixed terrain.
- cons
  • Noticeable gap in quality if planning on upgrading parts.
  • Chain falling off and slipping sensation when riding uphill or standing to pedal.
  • Disappointing customer service experience with Cannondale.
  • High demand and quick sell-out of the bike.
  • Some issues with bike assembly and tuning.
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Expert consensus

The Cannondale Trail 8 is an entry-level mountain bike praised for its lightweight and durable frame, comfortable suspension, reliable components, and versatility for beginner and intermediate riders.

The Cannondale Trail 8 is an entry-level mountain bike that is praised by experts for its lightweight and durable SmartForm C3 Alloy frame. The frame is designed to withstand the demands of off-road riding and provides a nimble and sturdy feel on trail rides. The bike is considered durable for everyday commuting and light off-road adventures, but may not be suitable for very long and demanding off-road rides.

The 100mm SR Suntour XCT-100 suspension system on the Trail 8 is highly regarded by experts. It provides a comfortable ride and handles various undulations with ease and confidence. The remote shock lockout feature is appreciated for reducing bob and making the bike easier to ride on roads, commutes, and climbs.

The suspension is considered capable and suitable for trail riding, making it a good choice for riders looking for a comfortable and reliable bike for off-road adventures.

The components on the Cannondale Trail 8 are praised for their reliability. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes provide excellent stopping power in all weather conditions, making them preferred over V-brakes. The Shimano drivetrain components work smoothly and shift easily, providing a wide range of gears for versatility on different terrains.

While they may lack precision and durability for intense use, they are considered reliable for basic trails and flat surfaces. The Cannondale wheels are built with 32-hole rims, offering durability and stability for off-road riding.

The Cannondale Trail 8 is intended for beginner riders and those who are still learning off-road riding. It is designed to develop a passion for trails and serve as the perfect first off-roader. It is also suitable for light trails and urban commuting, making it a versatile option for everyday use.

The bike performs well on a variety of terrains, with a progressive, upright geometry that allows for a smooth ride. However, it is not intended for extreme trail rides and abuse, as it has entry-level components that may not withstand the demands of such riding.

Overall, the Cannondale Trail 8 is recommended for riders who want a reliable bike for year-round riding, including wet weather, snow, and mud. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate riders who go easy on the bike and offers the potential for future drivetrain upgrades. The components, including the brakes, drivetrain, and wheels, are praised for their performance and reliability in various conditions.

Frame Material

The Cannondale Trail 8 features a lightweight and durable SmartForm C3 Alloy frame, making it ideal for mountain biking and off-road adventures, although it may not be suitable for very long and demanding rides.

The Cannondale Trail 8 features a frame made of SmartForm C3 Alloy, a lightweight and durable aluminum alloy commonly used on Cannondale bikes. This material provides a strong and sturdy frame while keeping the weight low, making it ideal for mountain biking. According to expert reviews, the SmartForm C3 Alloy frame on the Trail 8 feels nimble on trail rides and is designed to withstand the demands of off-road riding.

Experts describe the Cannondale Trail 8 as having a durable build, with dependable components that can handle everyday commuting and off-road riding. However, some caution that the entry-level components may not be able to withstand extreme trail rides and abuse for prolonged periods.

While the bike is considered durable for its intended use, it may not be suitable for very long and demanding off-road adventures.

The exact weight of the Cannondale Trail 8 is not specified in the expert reviews. However, it is designed to be lightweight, durable, and strong due to its SmartForm C3 Alloy frame. This makes it suitable for trail riding and other off-road adventures.

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Suspension

The Cannondale Trail 8's 100mm SR Suntour XCT-100 suspension system is highly praised for its comfort, effectiveness, and remote shock lockout feature, making it a great choice for off-road trail riding.

The Cannondale Trail 8 features a 100mm SR Suntour XCT-100 suspension system that is generally praised by experts. The suspension is said to work well and provide a comfortable ride, with the travel being utilized as much as 80%+ to handle various undulations with ease and confidence.

The remote shock lockout feature is also appreciated, as it reduces bob and makes the bike easier to ride on roads, commutes, and climbs. Overall, the suspension on the Cannondale Trail 8 is considered to be capable and suitable for trail riding, making it a good choice for riders looking for a comfortable and reliable bike for off-road adventures.

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Components

The Cannondale Trail 8 is highly praised for its reliable components, including Tektro disc brakes and Shimano drivetrain, making it a suitable choice for riders of all levels who want a versatile and dependable bike.

Based on the expert reviews, the Cannondale Trail 8 is praised for its reliable components. The bike is equipped with Tektro mechanical disc brakes, which are considered to provide excellent stopping power in all weather conditions. They are preferred over V-brakes for their performance and reliability.

The drivetrain components on the Cannondale Trail 8 are from Shimano. The front derailleur is Shimano Altus, a second-tier component, while the rear derailleur is Shimano Tourney, an entry-level component. Experts mention that the drivetrain works smoothly and shifts easily, providing a wide range of gears for versatility on different terrains.

While it may lack precision and durability for intense use, it is considered reliable for basic trails and flat surfaces.

The Cannondale Trail 8 features Cannondale's own brand of wheels. The smaller frame sizes come with 27.5" wheels, while the larger frame sizes have 29" wheels. These wheels are built with 32-hole rims, offering durability and stability for off-road riding.

Overall, the Cannondale Trail 8 is recommended for riders who want a reliable bike for year-round riding, including wet weather, snow, and mud. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate riders who go easy on the bike and offers the potential for future drivetrain upgrades. The components, including the brakes, drivetrain, and wheels, are praised for their performance and reliability in various conditions.

Show product research

Intended Use

The Cannondale Trail 8 is an entry-level mountain bike that is versatile, comfortable, and suitable for beginner riders looking to develop their off-road riding skills.

The Cannondale Trail 8 is an entry-level mountain bike designed for beginner riders and those who are still learning off-road riding. It is intended to develop a passion for trails and serve as the perfect first off-roader. It is also suitable for light trails and urban commuting, making it a versatile option for everyday use.

The bike is capable of cross-country/marathon-type riding, with a lightweight and compliant aluminum frame and a plush Suntour fork that provide a comfortable and capable trail experience. It performs well on a variety of terrains, with a progressive, upright geometry that allows it to ride smoothly on different trails and surfaces.

However, it is not intended for extreme trail rides and abuse, as it has entry-level components that may not withstand the demands of such riding. Overall, the Cannondale Trail 8 is a reliable and comfortable bike that is suitable for beginner riders and offers a smooth and enjoyable ride on any trail.

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Position in ranking

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Cannondale Trail 8
The Cannondale Trail 8 is an entry-level mountain bike praised for its lightweight and durable frame, comfortable suspension, reliable components, and versatility for beginner and intermediate riders.
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Show all rows
2nd Plance: Runner up!
14 Sep 2024 (2 months ago)
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ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. mountain bikes below are at the top of our ranking this December.

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REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Cannondale Trail 8 (this item)
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Price
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The REI Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 mountain bike is a reliable and durable option for recreational riders who want an affordable bike for off-road adventures, offering a lightweight frame, powerful brakes, and a good range of gears. The Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp is a high-quality and durable mountain bike that excels in aggressive trail riding and enduro racing, offering a smooth and controlled ride with powerful components and a strong carbon fiber frame. The Specialized Turbo Levo Comp is a durable and reliable electric mountain bike with high-performance capabilities, although there have been some recent reliability issues with the motor. The Cannondale Trail 8 is an entry-level mountain bike praised for its lightweight and durable frame, comfortable suspension, reliable components, and versatility for beginner and intermediate riders.
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