Cannondale F-Si
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Facts
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Cannondale F-Si. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
18 reasons to buy
- The F-Si cornered with precision at high speeds, in racing situations.
- It was deemed ‘striking’, ‘head-turning’ and ‘uniquely good-looking’.
- Single-tined Lefty Ocho forks weighed only 51oz and handled large hits well.
- Climbing was considered to be fast and efficient atop the F-Si.
- A cable-actuated fork lockout system simplifies tuning and maintenance.
- Powerful Shimano XT brakes impressed on the F-Si 2.
- A slack 69° head-angle and 55mm fork offset gave a planted and agile ride.
- New 1⅛ x 1.5 tapered headtubes were now compatible with standard steerers.
- Asymmetrical rear stays allowed stiffer, symmetrical lacing of the rear wheel.
- Tire clearance allowed for rubber up to 2.35” in width.
- The Schwalbe Racing Ray / Racing Ralph combo was fast and grippy.
- An integrated seat-clamp allowed extra seatpost flex and kept lines clean.
- Testers reported direct power transference into the F-Si’s back end.
- SRAM’s Eagle groupset was regarded as reliable and exacting in its operation.
- The ‘stunning’ carbon chassis design featured internal cabling.
- A steel Eagle NX Cassette on the F-Si 5 was heavier, yet resilient.
- Internal cable routing was readied for dropper-post connection.
- The rear wheel’s ‘Speed-Release’ thru-axle made removal quick and easy.
7 reasons not to buy
- Experts agreed that descents on the F-Si demanded attention and skill.
- The ‘Ai’ system means that replacement rear wheels must be very specific.
- Many testers and owners were keen to see a dropper-post specced on the F-Si.
- The single-tined Lefty Ocho fork requires a front wheel with a unique hub
- One expert said the bike came across as jouncy on rugged terrain.
- A tester was not dazzled by SRAM Level T brakes on the F-Si 3.
- Fork offset, wide bars and long stems led to slightly twitchy handling that suited advanced riders.
Bottom line
Not a beginner’s bike, but definitely a great option for your first race bike. Years of refinement see Cannondale’s unique technical innovations coalesce into the cross-country beast that is the F-Si. The manufacturer’s iconic Lefty fork, in this ‘Ocho’ configuration, sports superior low-friction sensitivity to small impacts due to the use of needle bearings and a progressive air shock. This sensitivity is perceived as a characteristic of the bike’s racy demeanour. Asymmetric ‘Ai’ rear stays make for a stiffer rear wheel, while an unprecedentedly slack head-angle and 55mm fork offset aims at a stable yet nimble ride. What is the upshot of all this tech banter? The F-Si is a refined, high-performance machine that might be too much for beginners, but which is a proven winner at breakneck speed in challenging conditions. Complete bikes range from around $2K to over $10K, allowing entry on a range of budgets.Expert Reviews
83/100 based on 4 expert reviewsCannondale F-Si Hi-Mod World Cup Review
Uniquely-forked, arse-kicking, ultralight XC racer but not for the faint-hearted or under-financed.
Cannondale F-Si Carbon 3 Review
Cannondale F-Si Hi-Mod World Cup: Next Level [Spanish]
The F-Si remains an impetuous and somewhat nervous bike in the fastest descents . It’s very light and responds vehemently to any insinuation.
Review: Cannondale F-SI Carbon 5 [Dutch]
Cannondale F-Si Carbon 3
If you’re looking to get your first serious mountain bike, the Cannondale F-Si Carbon 3 should be vying for your attention. Road riders looking to get dirty, look no further… a serious competitive weapon.
