All my friends have bought single speed 29er rigid bikes. I have to say, I felt left out. But at the same time I can’t rationalize buying a “blinglespeed”. So to that end I picked up a Cannondale Trail SL 29 3 Single Speed. What I liked about it was that it used the same lightweight aluminum frame as a few of the higher end Cannondales, but comes with more… ahem … meager parts. That low entry price for SS is why I purchased the dale’, if everything works out I can just upgrade this bike.
I have had two previously failed attempts at going SS, but they were both Single Speed Cyclocross bikes, and a SS mountain bike is totally different. It is way more fun. I will need to switch out the gearing though, its 33×20, I’m going to go 32×21, at least until I get stronger.
I’m kicking it 90s NORBA style with some old bar ends up front.
My first impressions of the 29er wheel are pretty good. The hype about rolling over roots and rocks is pretty well deserved. And the Kenda Small block 8s are great tires so far.
I am pretty amazed with how nice this bike rides. I don’t think I am ready to sell my Turner and join the cult of “one-gear-more-beer”, which doesn’t work since I don’t drink anyhow…
I’d love to try out front suspension fork. Anyhow expect a full review later, it is fun to ride for now!
Cannondale says: http://www.cannondale.com/catalog/product/view/id/16893/s/2011-trail-sl-29-3/category/86/
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- FrameTrail SL 29’er, Optimized 6061 alloy, SAVE, 1.5″ headtube
- ForkCannondale Fatty Rigid 29’er
- CrankTruVatiV Isoflow 1.0g SS 33T
- ChainKMC Z-99 SS
- RimsMaddux DC 3.0 29’er
- SpokesStainless Black
- TiresKenda Small Block 8, 29×2.1″
- PedalsVP Platform w/ steel cage
- Bottom BracketTange Seiki LN-3912
- Rear CogsFormula 20
- Front Derailleurn/a
- Rear Derailleurn/a
- Shiftersn/a
- HandlebarsCannondale C3 riser 20mm, 6061, 680mm
- StemCannondale C4 1.5″, 31.8
- HeadsetTange Custom 1.5″
- BrakesPromax Orange Mech Disc
- Seat PostCannondale C3, 31.6 x 400 mm
- Wheel RimsMaddux DC 3.0 29’er
- NipplesBlack Brass
- Rear Shockn/a
- SaddleCannondale Stage 2
- GripsCannondale Alloy locking grips
I got my '11 Trail SL 29'er 3 about three weeks ago as my 'first bike'. I am sooo freakin' happy with this thing. So much fun to ride and I can go anywhere I want pretty much, with the limitation being my own strength and endurance (total newbie to any form of biking).
what size?
Its a Medium, I;m 5'10".
I've got a 2013 ordered. Do y'all know if I Niner ridged carbon fork and a Niner ebb can be installed on this bike?
Hey Kirk – A niner fork would work, it is a 1.5" steerer though. The Niner EBB would work too, although I heard the bushnell was the jam on this bike.
Have fun with it!
-Joe