Bill’s review on Cannondale’s Quick 2
Cannondale’s Quick 2, a great option for the Americana Bike Tour or Civil War Cycle
Ohiopyle Bike testing
Today, I was fortunate enough to test a Cannondale Quick 2, which we just added to our bike tour rental fleet. The Quick series was designed for the rider looking to: recreate, commute in an urban setting, stay fit, pedal instead of drive to their favorite weekend destination, and just plain have fun. In the past, when I thought of commuter style bikes, I always pictured a bike that would compromise style and comfort. Yes, I can be vain from time to time. However, I have never come across a bicycle that could do all these aspects of cycling well. In fact, sometimes bicycle companies try to make a bike do too many things, which results in a bike that doesn’t perform well at anything. The Quick certainly isn’t lacking in the style department.
How does the Quick 2 ride you ask?
Lets start with the frame. This bike features a Hydroformed 6061 Alloy main frame with Carbon seat stays for a more compliant ride. By adding carbon only to the seat stays, it allows Cannondale to give cyclists an incredible ride without breaking the bank. However, Cannondale does have the Quick Carbon 1 and 2 for those looking for the utilmate in compliance and light weight. I was a firm believer in the Quick’s forgiving nature after riding over many downed branches along the trail. Be sure to watch out for branches that move. They aren’t always black snakes like the fella I made friends with today.
The fork is Cannondale’s full carbon Ultra X with just enough rake to make the frame and fork combination incredibly snappy and responsive, hence the name, Quick. I found this out after weaving in and out of various trail users on my way to Blue Hole, and could totally picture this bike tearing it up through city traffic. This setup was incredibly comfortable with the flat bar and ergonomically sensitive grips, which are designed to take the pressure off one’s hands that often contribute to numbness after a few hours of riding. I found the Quick’s geometry to be comfortable in the full on racer boy position while trying to make time, and to test the lateral stiffness, as well as a more upright position to lower the heart rate and enjoy the scenery. Both positions have their place on our bike tours.
How about the parts group? The Quick 2 features a solid 105 level build. After working in the bicycle industry for over 12 years, I have been fortunate enough to ride everything from Alivio and Deore level components to ultra bling Campy Carbon 11 speed and Sram XX. This is particulary beneficial to me when it comes to choosing parts for my personal bikes. I have always preffered a working man’s build on my everyday bikes. Typically, you are going to sacrifice durability and longevity for the ultimate in lightweight and overall performance. Granted, I like high-end components on my race bike because I don’t ride that bike everyday, but the build spec on the Quick 2 is going to give you a solid combination of performance and value. This is the first adventure/commuter style bike I ever tested that came spec’d with the new industry standard BB30 shell. The BB30 was devloped by Cannondale in response to the standard 24mm BB Shell that had gotten the job done for years, but Cannondale engineers wanted to make it better. The larger diameter 30mm shell of the BB30 increases stiffness and saves weight. It was proven in the Tour De France in 2000. Cannondale Racers gave rave reviews, and it’s now being adopted by many other companies as more people are seeing it’s benefits, definitely a very nice feature on the Quick 2. The spec also includes Formula CXR 350 wheels, Kenda Kwick Roller Sport 700/32 tires, an FSA Omega Mega EXO Triple crankset 50/39/30, Shimano SL R440 9 speed shifters, Shimano 105 derailleurs, Tektro Mini V brakes. It also featured a sleek yet comfortable Selle San Marco saddle. I have spent time on this saddle without wearing full on cycling shorts, and I have to say, it was incredibly comfortable. These components are tried and true, which is why we chose this model to be part of our bike tour rental fleet, since you will be enjoying them for longer than the average ride around town.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed riding this bike. The large frame fit my 5’10, 32 inch inseamed carcass well. Usually, I have to do some tweaking to the headset spacer stack height, saddle position and sometimes include an offset seatpost in order to fit me comfortably on account of a bum hip. The only thing I dialed in was my saddle height and it was good to go. It was very responsive, comfortable, laterally stiff yet forgiving all while turning heads on the trail. To be honest with you, I would consider adding the Cannondale Quick 2 to my personal fleet as an everyday commuter, and all around transportation bike. It will be a great option on either the Civil War Bike Tour or Americana Pennsylvania Bike Tour. Feel free to stop by the store if you have any questions about the bike tours, the Quick 2 or any of the other phenomenal bikes in Cannondale’s line up.
My name is Bill and I love to talk bikes.
2014 Update: Cannondale is now up on Version 4 of the Quick, and it just keeps getting better.
Stop in and see us if you are in Ohiopyle;
The main shop can be found; Wilderness Voyageurs, 103 Garrett Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 800-272-4141
Directions to Ohiopyle Outfitter Store
If you need to see one of our awesome mechanics, head to our Ohiopyle Bike repair shop which is the red building behind Falls Market and facing the Great Allegheny Passage The bike shop has seasonal hours. So primarily weekends in the Spring and fall, transitioning to open every day at the end of May through mid- September.