Trail Test: The Cannondale F-Si Carbon 2, an entry model with top specs for tearing up the XC course
A brand’s base model of a bike line usually shows cost-saving choices throughout its spec. Often the frame material and production process are altered as well.
Reviewed by Brad Hunter
A brand’s base model of a bike line usually shows cost-saving choices throughout its spec. Often the frame material and production process are altered as well. You don’t see those measures taken with the Cannondale F-Si series of bikes. Even the entry model, the Carbon 2, has the Ballistec highmodulus carbon-fibre frame equipped with the new Lefty 2.0 fork, SRAM X01 1×11 drivetrain, Stans ZTR Arch EX rims and Cannondale’s own lightweight cranks, carbon seatpost and handlebar. Out of the box, my large test bike weighed a svelte 22 lb. without pedals.
A serious bike such as this in my possession got me thinking, “Hey, I could probably do pretty well at a race on this thing,” even though I had no prior plans to go to an XC competition or to train for one. So, I signed up for the next local race on the schedule, which left me four days to get used to the bike and recon the race course before the start gun would go off.
I wanted to test the bike as it comes out of the box. But after my pre-ride of the very hilly and rocky, root-strewn course, I realized that I was in for some suffering come race day. A bike that is going to be ridden at maximum effort for 90 minutes should have some degree of personal tweaking.
While the layback Save 2 seatpost was is ultra-compliant when combined with the 73-degree seat angle, I found it didn‘t allow the saddle to come forward enough to my preferred riding position. As well, I would need the shortest compatible stem available to combat the unavoidably higher handlebar position inherent on 29″ rigs.
If this bike was my personal steed, I would swap out the inner tubes by adding the required valves and sealant for tubeless. It wouldn’t be a big undertaking as the stock rims and tires are tubeless-ready. This step would increase the alreadyimpressive bump-smoothing ability of this hardtail frame’s ride and help the Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires find some added grip.
I would have liked the handlebarmounted remote lockout that comes standard on the higher models. I found myself unable to switch between the open and locked settings fast enough in race situations, especially as a right-hander reaching for the lockout button on the only side the fork has, left. Other than that, the fork performed well with no detectable stiction or flex, and setup was very quick and easy.
With features on the F-Si, such as its asymmetrical rear end that allows for stiffer, shorter chainstays and improved chainline and a stronger, non-dished rear wheel, Cannondale has shown again what can happen when you don’t follow the crowd. Overall the bike’s handling was predictable and stable. When properly dialed in, this bike could take a more serious racer than me to the podium.
Cannondale F-Si Carbon 2
Components: SRAM X01
Suspension: Lefty 2.0 PBR 100 29
Wheels: Stan’s ZTR Arch EX 29, Lefty SM front hub, Formula DCL-301 rear hub
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Price: $5,420
Website: cannondale.com
