Cannondale Habit 4 Reviewed

With the Habit, Cannondale intends to win back the market and revive the flame of the RZ120 in its heyday. For this new 27.5 wheel beast, Cannondale has worked to provide an interesting geometry, so that the Habit can tackle any terrain. Read our review of the Cannondale Habit 4 here.

Specs

Frame

• Material / sizes: Aluminium / S, M, L, XL
• Weight (without pedals): 13.58 kg

Suspension

• Fork: Lefty 2.0 aluminum (120 mm)
• Shock: RockShox Monarch R (120 mm)

Drive & Brakes

• Circuit v / h: Shimano Deore / SLX
• Shifters: Shimano Deore
• Crank: Shimano Deore
• Brakes: Shimano Deore (180/160 mm)

Wheels

• Hub / rim: Lefty, Formula / Stans Rapid
• Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic (2.25 “)

Parts

• Handlebars: Cannondale C3 (760 mm)
• Stem: Cannondale C3 (70 mm)
• support: Cannondale C3 (350 mm)
• Saddle: Cannondale Stage 3

Design and Built 

The Cannondale Habit 4 is the high end version of the brand. The frame is composed of 100% aluminum alloy. Nevertheless, the technical edge adopted for the most prestigious model is indeed present here. We find the simple single-pivot suspension aesthetic. Cannondale provides an effective way to gain stiffness and save a few grams. To facilitate the mounting of the rear wheel, the derailleur hanger is movable. This comes in handy especially when handling the rear wheel.

Only the flat mount rear brake type is not used here but requires a post mount adapter to mount the caliper brake. It has a 50 mm offset pushed maintain excellent maneuverability. Moreover, its hydraulic cartridge is reworked to provide better support. It comes with preload adjustment, relaxation and a manual lock.

The front triangle is neither too long nor too short. Associated with a seat tube angle of 74°, the Habit offers a longer reach of 430 mm. A compromise that still allows it to be equipped with a short stem perfect to optimize handling once in the saddle. The stability should be enhanced by a moderately low bottom bracket.

Cannondale has not forgotten the equipment on the Habit 4, with a choice of consistent and thoughtful accessories that do not blow the budget. The rear damping is entrusted with a RockShox Monarch lockable shock RT. The Japanese giant Shimano handles the transmission and braking part with its Deore. The wheels are entrusted to Stan’s ZTR Notubes. Rapid circles OE which are fit with Schwalbe tire performance carcass. Cannondale does the rest of the components with in-house products.

Cannondale Habit 4 – Agile and Fast in the Trails 

Before taking off the handlebars of Habit, care is taken to adjust the preload suspensions. Cannondale recommends 30% penetration for both the fork for the damper, once in position on the bike. Perfectly installed on the Habit, we rushed to the trails. In the saddle, the position is good and the seating is comfortable.

Although this aluminum version is not the faster one with 13.8 kilograms on the scale, the Habit is doing really well. The bike is stable and easy to handle. The combination of the steering angle and fork offset do wonders in the winding. The cockpit also helps to maneuver and short chainstays provide what is needed dynamism to the bike.

However, in winter conditions, the tires are a bit clunky. Anyway, it rose to the top without major difficulties. Only in very steep roads, when meeting an obstacle, the front wheel can slightly lighten up. It will play with the upper body to rectify the balance point and overcome this kind of difficulty. For the rest, it’s all good, Habit stays glued to the ground.

On rolling terrain, it can be necessary to block the suspensions to gain efficiency. At the time of releasing the brakes, it takes full advantage of capabilities of the outsized Lefty. Once again, the suspension surprises us. It is rigid, offering a sensitive and progressive cushioning. It is one of the strong points of Habit.

It perfectly guides the bike down the slope. The lateral grip is good and it picks up speed without you even realizing it. Nevertheless, the telescopic seatpost is remains comfotable. One detail that does not take away the dynamic qualities of the bike, which, despite a slight overweight, offers an excellent compromise when choosing an MTB for everything.

Conclusion

If you are looking for bike that has climbing ability, comfort and control, go for Habit 4. The combination of a short stem and the 760 millimeter wide handlebar fit the application range of bikes. On winding trails and at high speeds the bike can be controlled very precisely. The Habit 4 is equipped with 20 gears and works with the mix of SLX and Deore.

To make the Habit even better, we advise you to opt for tire that is a bit up beefier. This is all the more true if you live in an area with rocks, where Schwalbe Performance will not be enough. To make the bike a little more versatile, you could also opt for a telescopic seatpost.