The Cannondale Adventure is a comfortable hybrid bike.
It comprises the Cannondale Adventure 2, 1, and EQ models. Obviously, they have a lot of competition in terms of price.
In this article, we will explain what features the Cannondale Adventure has, what we like and what we don’t like.
Later in the article, we also make a brief comparison of some of the bike’s competitors. We hope to help you choose the right hybrid bike for you. Let’s get started quickly.
Features
Common Features
Frame (4.4/5)
All Cannondale Adventures use the aluminum SmartForm C3 alloy frame. This is similar to the 6061 aluminum frame, but uses the same technology as the rest of the SmartForm line, but presented at a reduced cost.
Less aggressive butt joints, less aggressive tube forming, and smooth welds that we only use in areas where strength and aesthetics are critical. This also adds more weld area to the Cannondale Adventure’s underframe tube welds.
With this, the frame increases longevity and reduces manufacturing costs. There is also the low straddle frame that allows for easier straddle riding. This is not only convenient for riders with limited mobility, but also for women who like this type of frame.
The new Cannondale Adventure ditches the original staggered frame, which is somewhat similar to the Trek FX’s low-step frame. The thickness of the downtube has been increased to make the overall look less bulky.
With a comfortable 69° head tube angle, it is combined with the Cannondale Adventure’s comfort riding purpose. It allows the rider to maintain a good sit-to-stand riding position. So this is a sturdy frame that allows the rider to ride comfortably.
Clean internal alignment (4.8/5)
The clean internal alignment protects the brake and brake cable cables from damage very well. Moreover, it makes the bike look more fashionable and avant-garde. This is attractive to young urbanites.
Plush saddle and adjustable seat post (4.6/5)
A comfortable restful holiday ride or a long commute can’t be done without a soft seat.
The Cannondale Adventure features the Ergo Comfort seat.
In some forum reviews, no one has much to complain about the seat. However ours also really liked the plush saddle with the added interior padding.
Even riders over 250 pounds will feel the softness of the seat. The height-adjustable seat post requires some help with tools.
Suntour NEX-E25 front fork (3.9/5)
More terrain-friendly shock forks are also becoming more popular with manufacturers.
The Cannondale Adventure uses a Suntour NEX-E25 fork with 50 mm of travel, which makes it a good ride on trails or the cobblestone surfaces of the park.
Tires (4.0/5)
Not all riders like the tire size of the 700c. Adventure chose the Goodyear Transit Tour, 27.5 x 2.0″ tires.
With the smaller 650b tires, the ride is not as fast as the 700c. But it is very friendly to small riders. The drawback is that for taller riders, it’s the choice of a larger size frame that doesn’t allow enough leg extension.
In the city or trail terrain, the 50mm wide tires have the advantage of being not only tough enough but also absorbing ground vibrations. They also provide good traction in bad weather. Our recreational riders are very fond of this tire.
Original rear rack and fenders (4.5/5)
Although this is not expensive to equip yourself, but as a component that comes with the package. It makes the rider who wants to have a hybrid bike save more time and effort.
The frame is reinforced and can carry up to 55 pounds, allowing you to take more snacks and items with you when you go out to the supermarket or on outings. It can even be fitted with a seat for children to ride. A convenient configuration for picking up and dropping off children. The role of the fenders is obvious.
Different features
Drivetrain
Cannondale Adventure 2 (3.9/5)
The Cannondale Adventure 2 is Cannondale Adventure’s most affordable bike.
It is also the least expensive of the three in terms of drivetrain configuration. The microSHIFT 1X7 drivetrain is used.
Essentially, this gear range is acceptable for the commuter rider who is looking for comfort. But when hoping for more complex trail riding, it will be slightly inadequate.
The Sunrace, 11-34 tooth, 7-speed Rear Cogs, is rugged enough to be unbreakable.
Cannondale Adventure 1 and EQ (4.0/5)
The Cannondale Adventure 1 and EQ are powered by the same brand’s microSHIFT 1X8 drivetrain, which is still the popular 1X drivetrain.
For beginners friendly enough. Even for riders who are new to bikes, it’s a very easy hybrid bike to get started with. But still slightly solves the problem of insufficient gear count. Climbing ability in forest trails is still slightly lacking.
So by the looks of their drivetrain, the configuration is suitable for urban neighborhoods or rugged trail riding.
Brakes
Cannondale Adventure 2 Tektro Mechanical Disc(4.0/5)
This is also a relatively low-cost mechanical disc brake, but much better braking than the cheaper alloy cable pull brakes.
It has a relatively short braking distance and good brake response speed. As a commuting rider, this configuration is sufficient for use.
Cannondale Adventure 1 and EQ Hydraulic Disc (4.5/5)
These two bikes are both powered by Tektro M275 hydraulic disc automatics. It requires very little maintenance.
This provides more precise braking compared to the Adventure 2 Tektro Mechanical Disc. And it provides more braking power in case of emergency braking.
Seatpost Suspension (4.5/5)
There is no Seatpost suspension on the Cannondale Adventure 2.
It is only available on Cannondale Adventure 1 and EQ. This is a detailed component that turns every ride, trail, and road into a joyride. Slight vibrations from the rear wheels are also absorbed by it.
But the downside of this is that it reduces the fastest riding speed by about 5%.
Adjustable Stem (4.5/5)
The Cannondale Adventure 2 has a fixed stem. It has a slight 8° rear sweep.
Cannondale Adventure 1 is Promax A-headset Adjustable, which is height adjustable.
The Cannondale Adventure EQ is 90 degrees rotatable with a wider range of adjustment angles for a more comfortable ride.
Other comfort details (4.8/5)
The main explanation here is the more expensive Cannondale Adventure EQ.
At the footpegs, Adventure EQ is added with foldable footpegs. It has a lower storage space. And it will not be damaged during transportation or hanging on the rear of the bike.
Then there is the self-powered Dynamo light that facilitates night riding on excursions. No need to charge, you can always have lights that can be illuminated with some technological elements.
Benefits of the Cannondale Adventure
- Aluminum low span frame for easy rider access
- Clean internal alignment
- Small 650b tires are very friendly to smaller riders
- Wide range of great paint colors
- The shock front fork absorbs ground vibrations
- Upright riding position
- Adventure EQ for easy storage and transport and self-powered Dynamo lights
- Disc brakes for precise braking
What we don’t like about it
- Not very fast riding speed
- Only a speed number of 7 or 8
Cannondale Adventure Specs
| Cannondale Adventure 2 2021 | Cannondale Adventure 1 | Cannondale Adventure EQ | |
| Frame | SmartForm C3 Alloy, SAVE, low-step thru, tapered head tube, Straightshot hidden cable routing, disc brakes, rack/fender mounts | – | – |
| Fork | Suntour NEX-E25, 50mm travel, coil , custom crown, 1 1/8″ steerer | – | – |
| Bottom Bracket | Cartridge, square taper | – | – |
| Headset | Semi-Integrated, Tapered, 1-1/2″-1-1/8″ | – | – |
| Stem | 6061 Alloy, 31.8, 8° | Promax A-headset Adjustable, 31.8 | 90 degree rotatable, 31.8, 7° |
| Handlebar | Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy, 60mm rise, 15° back, 685mm | – | – |
| Saddle | Cannondale Ergo Comfort | – | – |
| Seatpost | Alloy, 27.2 x 350mm | Suspension, 27.2 x 300mm | Suspension, 27.2 x 300mm |
| Pedals | Cannondale Comfort | Cannondale Comfort | Reinforced folding nylon pedals |
| Grips | Cannondale Dual-Density | – | – |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | microSHIFT M26S | microSHIFT Acolyte | microSHIFT Acolyte |
| Crank | Prowheel, 38T | – | – |
| Shifters | microSHIFT MS25, 7-speed | microSHIFT Acolyte, 8-speed | microSHIFT Acolyte, 8-speed |
| Cassette | Sunrace, 11-34, 7-speed | microSHIFT, 12-42, 8-speed | microSHIFT, 12-42, 8-speed |
| Chain | KMC Z7, 7-speed | KMC X8, 8-speed | KMC X8, 8-speed |
| Brakes | Tektro Mechanical Disc, 160/160mm rotors | Tektro M275 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm rotors | Tektro M275 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm rotors |
| Brake Levers | Tektro 4 finger | Tektro hydraulic disc | Tektro hydraulic disc |
Wheels
| Rims | Cannondale Disc, double wall w/eyelet, 32h | – | – |
| Spokes | Stainless steel, 14g | – | – |
| Front Hub | (F) Formula DC-1420, QR / (R) Formula DC-27A, QR | (F) Formula DC-1420, QR / (R) Formula DC-1422, QR | (F) Shimano Dynamo DH-3D37, QR / (R) Formula CL-1422, QR |
| Rear Hub | (F) Formula DC-1420, QR / (R) Formula DC-27A, QR | (F) Formula DC-1420, QR / (R) Formula DC-1422, QR | (F) Shimano Dynamo DH-3D37, QR / (R) Formula CL-1422, QR |
| Tires | Goodyear Transit Tour, 27.5 x 2.0″ | – | – |
FAQ
- What is the body weight of the Cannondale Adventure?
The estimated weight of the Cannondale Adventure is 30.6 lbs.
- What paint colors does the Cannondale Adventure come in?
| Bicycles | Color |
| Cannondale Adventure 2 | Abyss Blue、Lavender、Black Pearl |
| Cannondale Adventure 1 | Cool Mint、Stealth Grey、Deep Teal |
| Cannondale Adventure EQ | Candy Red、Grey |
- How much does Cannondale Adventure EQ weight?
35Ibs.
- What frame sizes does the Cannondale Adventure come in and what height rider does it fit?
| Frame size | Suitable height |
| SM | 4’11-5’6” |
| MD | 5’50”-6’10” |
| LG | 5’90”-6’20” |
Comparison Table
| Bicycle | Frame material | Wheel size | Speed Number |
| Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep | Aluminum | 700x45c | 18 |
| Trek Dual Sport 3 | Aluminum | 700x40c | 10 |
| Schwinn GTX Hybrid Bike | Aluminum | 700x38c | 24 |
Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep vs Adventure EQ
The Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep is the choice of many casual commuter riders due to its superb comfort riding experience.
The frame design of these two models is very similar, and we think the Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep is a strong competitor to it. And both models share some similar improvements in the pursuit of ultimate comfort riding.
For example, the adjustable handlebar and suspension seatpost and hydraulic disc brakes are both used, but the Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep has a road bike pedigree without the limitations of a shock fork, so it can reach speeds of 35 mph on road rides. But that also makes the Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep a poor performer on rough trails compared to the Cannondale Adventure EQ.
Then there are the basics, although the Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep comes with a reserved rear rack and fender mounts, the original does not come with such components, and the Cannondale Adventure EQ has not only these components, but also a kickstand.
Finally, for night riding, both bikes can be fitted with lights, and the Cannondale Adventure EQ comes with Spanninga front and rear generator lights. This will make it much easier to ride at night.
So do you like the Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep that can go slightly faster? Or do you prefer the Cannondale Adventure EQ with more extra accessories for night riding?
Trek Dual Sport 3 vs Cannondale Adventure 1
One of the most direct competitors of the Cannondale Adventure is the Trek Dual Sport series. I chose the Trek Dual Sport 3 and Adventure 1, which are extremely close in price, to compare.
First is the frame, the Trek Dual Sport 3 doesn’t have a Lowstep type frame, which diverges them for the right crowd.
Next is the tire size, the Trek Dual Sport 3 is equipped with 700x40c tires. The Trek Dual Sport 3 tires are a bit larger for fast, hilly riding.
Then the Trek Dual Sport 3 is equipped with a 1X10 drivetrain, which has a wider range of gears than the Cannondale Adventure 1 and has great climbing ability.
Lastly, we see the Trek Dual Sport 3 with a 63mm travel shock fork with coil spring, preload, and hydraulic lockout, which provides better damping as far as the fork is concerned.
Overall, the Trek Dual Sport 3 is more suitable for the everyday adventurer who likes mountain riding. The Cannondale Adventure 1, on the other hand, is for the rider who likes a slower pace.
Schwinn GTX Hybrid Bike VS Cannondale Adventure 2
If you are on a budget, the Schwinn GTX Hybrid Bike will be a better fit for you.
The Schwinn GTX comes with an aluminum frame, 700x38c hybrid tires and a 50 mm travel shock fork. It’s enough of a setup to make a commuter rider happy. The MSRP can also be as low as under $500.
Yet the ride will be less comfortable than the Cannondale Adventure 2. The choice between these two models is more a matter of budget. The Cannondale Adventure 2 is a very good choice for a budget.
Learn more: Schwinn GTX Comfort Adult Hybrid Bike Review – Is It Worth Buying?
Final Verdict (4.4/5)
The Cannondale Adventure hybrid bike, with its excellent and comfortable riding experience, is no less equipped than its selling price. There are also various optimizations for riders who seek different riding styles. This makes the Cannondale Adventure a line of bikes worth buying.
Whether it’s the affordable Cannondale Adventure 2, or the relatively well-equipped Cannondale Adventure 1 and EQ, it’s a great riding and buying experience for riders. Our final rating is 4.4 out of 5.
