With geometry much like a 26 inch bike, Cannondale's first 29er is fast, stiff, and light. In fact, they claim it is the lightest and stiffest aluminum hardtail they have ever built. I could feel the acceleration as I passed a dozen or more people on the long uphill fireroad that leads to the Interbike test trail. Handling is cross country race inspired and felt similar to a 26 inch hardtail. In fact, it wasn't until I hit the loose sandy sections of the trail where I was reminded of one of the benefits of being on a 29er.
I learned later that both the top tube and bottom bracket height are the same as on the 26ers. How do they do it. Go for the silver color though, I'm just not a fan of the race paint job. What no java brown? Guess that would have been too obvious.
