This test bike will take a lot longer to go back than what’s usual. The review was fun to write because this is such a different kind of bike. And that peculiarity means that a longer than normal session is going to be part of my summertime treat.
This is the first bike of the 384 that have been reviewed over the years to feature 650 wheels… they come with 42mm tyres (also a size that’s never been tested in RIDE), and a Lefty fork, and a SRAM 1X drivetrain.
In other words, it’s a bike full of precedents. And it’s glorious fun to ride.
Set off and keep going until the road ends – and then keep going.
That’s my plan for a few weekends over the summer months. And I know exactly where I’ll be going. Away. Into the bush. Off over yonder, to where I’ve not ridden for some time…
I’ll be going exploring and possibly even camping. And this is the vehicle of choice.
Forget lightweight or vertically compliant or laterally stiff or much of the other jargon that’s common in bike tests. The Slate isn’t about that.
It’s a different kind of vibe and it’s perfectly presented. Great value (all things considered) and unique in many ways.
After unpacking, it was a quick build before fun rides.
The Slate is an adventurous bike for the rider who wants to visit places other road bikes may fear to go.
Below are a selection of photos that illustrate what a cool product the Cannondale Slate is.
Stay tuned. There’s a lot more to say about this – but I’ll report in later. For now, I’m going riding.
— By Rob Arnold
