PRODUCT REVIEW: CANNODALE TRIGGER CARBON 2

PRODUCT REVIEW:

CANNODALE TRIGGER CARBON 2

THE FASTER OF 2 OVERMOUNTAIN DO-IT-ALL SIBLINGS

 

 

Just what is the role of the Cannondale Trigger in the brand's OverMountain line-up? At the top of the list stands the 160/95 mm travel Jekyll in its various spec-ed offerings. At 140/85mm travel, is the Trigger worthy of Cannodale's OverMountain label? And more importantly – is this bike good enough for us to shred the tropical rainforest in these parts?

 

 

FIRST IMPRESSION

On first riding the Trigger, the good fit of the cockpit was immediately evident ( Our 1.65m rider tried a size Small bike). We had a first experience of tuning the FOX DYAD RT2. It isn't too complicated tuning the shocks once you get the hang of it. Standing at 140mm front with an adjustable rear travel of 140/85mm, this bike is touted as a bike for all-mountain riders looking for a complete one bike package.

The Trigger Carbon1 frame is made of BallisTec Hi-MOD Carbon, and matched with stuff picked from Cannodale's "preferred parts" component bin. That includes Lefty SuperMax Carbon 2.0, Fox DYAD RT2 Dual Travel/Dual Geometry rear shock, WTB i23 tubeless ready rims, Lefty 60 front hubs, Formula DC300 rear hubs and full Shimano XT Group set.

With an effective top tube of 23.5 inch for a medium sized frame and a wheelbase of 1151mm, this bike has a relatively comfortable geometry. Similar to the Jekyll, it does not feel cramp. Instead it gives the rider a good feel of agility and all day riding comfort. 

The Trigger has a head angle of 68 deg and a seat tube angle of 73.5 deg. This translates to a relatively quick handling bike based on today's all mountain and enduro bike standards. The Trigger's few close competitors have an average head angle of 67 deg.

Once we started rolling, the first feel that came to mind was its stiffness! The frame is solidly built and the amazing Lefty fork contributed more stiffness, control and confidence for the bike.

The Trigger adopts a single pivot linkage system that employs the DYAD RT2 rear shocks. Now, the DYAD RT2 is actually two shocks in one!  (Ed: Dyad: something that consist of 2 elements). In this case, the DYAD RT2 gives rise to a bike that Cannondale has been proud of over the years for its duo personality – one a well-behaved climber and the other a wild descender. In Elevate mode, the DYAD activates the shorter travel, lower volume air shock for rolling and climbing. In Flow mode, the longer travel, higher volume, linear air shock is activated for aggressive descents.

We took time to appreciate the meticulous thought that went into building Cannodale bikes. From the design and rationale behind pull-shocks, to the way the Fox DYAD RT2 works and just how special the Lefty Supermax Carbon fork is. Click here for the details

All in all, the Trigger started off on all the right notes!

 

 

TRIGGER PERFORMANCE

Initial impressions looked really good for the Trigger Carbon 1. But how did it measure as a Do-it-All? Can it climb as well as it descends? And how good is it for Asian tropical terrain? Would the Jekyll be a better purchase if a rider is searching for a Do-It-All bike?

As expected, the Trigger climbs like a mountain goat. And we enjoyed the few long climbs we had with it. The Lefty Supermax Carbon showed no excessive dives throughout the ride, be it on climbs and descents. On bigger bumps and drops, it was virtually "bottomless". Simply smooth, stiff and in control. The DYAD RT2 also made the bike very well-behaved. The rebound was balanced throughout its travel strokes. There were some brake jacks down rough descents but they were expected and bearable.

 

 

One weakness we note about the bike, or rather the DYAD RT2 is that it doesn't handle square-edge bumps as well as it should. In other words, it loses speed quickly when going through a series of obstacles. On rougher climbs, more body english is required to keep traction at the rear.  

There is also one observation we wish to highlight with the DYAD RT2. It tends to be overly active at the initial stroke of travel. This is not a major issue and may depend on different riders' styles when moving off. On descents, the bike was composed at moderate speeds, but on a quicker pace, the rear tends to be a little too bouncy. Tweaking the rebound knob to the slower setting helps a little as the shock became a little less responsive to small bumps. In short, we feel that there is an imbalance of performance (and feel) between the front and rear suspensions. The front end's Lefty out performs the rear shock of the Trigger. (Ed: Alright, that may not be a real "weakness" in actual fact. It does not mean we are recommending the use of conventional forks to pair with the Trigger, it just goes to show that the Lefty set a standard that is hard to match.)

Comparing the Trigger with Jekyll, the former is clearly a more efficient bike. Under the hands (and legs) of a good rider, this would translate to riding faster and further at most trails.

 

 

 

WHO SHOULD RIDE THE TRIGGER

The Trigger Carbon 2 is a beautiful bike that can conquer the trails in Singapore and regional rainforest efficiently. It is totally suitable for long rides.

It will serve very well as a do-it-all bike for trails, including long XC races and enduro races. With its adjustable travel, top class workmanship and stiff structure, the bike is made even more versatile and ready for anything. Definitely a worthy do-it-all. But, if in case a rider prefers to be a little more ready for downhill actions, then the Jekyll would be a better choice.

The Trigger is designed for people who ride and not cycle. It is a capable bike for 90 percent of the time for riders who enjoy everything that the trail offers – be it, long climbs, rough climbs, single tracks, rough descents, flow trails etc…  Imagine a full day of ride at the local trails, soaking up whatever the trail throws out regardless of the weather, or just pedaling the plantations and hills in Malaysia – where the distances are long with lots of climbs and descents. This bike would enhance the enjoyment of these long rides as it is light and easy to control, be it for beginners or advance riders. Just don't bring this bike to a UCI sanctioned downhill track. 

Go get this Do-It-All bike!

 

 

For more information of the Cannondale Trigger, contact Cannasia at:

 

Cannasia@Frankel

83/85 Frankel Avenue Singapore 458211, Tel: (65) 6441-4772 

 

Cannasia@Vertex

#01-20, 33 Ubi Avenue 3, Singapore 408868, Tel: (65) 65-700-634

 

Email: cannasia@cannasia.com