First Ride: Review of the Complete Cannondale Overmountain Line

The trigger 29 has been available in aluminum and carbon fiber for some time now, and to complete the lineup, Cannondale has recently introduced the trigger 27.5 “and the new Jekyll 27.5”, offering a choice to those want to try the 27.5″. We had the chance to compare all three models now directly against each other and figure out which bike is best suited to which rider.

All three models come with typical Cannondale features like the Lefty Supermax fork, the Hollowgram SI crank and the FOX Dyat Dual Shock damper. Depending on the bike, the travel ranged between 130mm – 160mm. The bikes look pretty similar on paper, But the question remained, which bike best suits each type of rider.

Cannondale Trigger 29 Carbon

The carbon version of the trigger 29 was presented last year. With a different geometry as the aluminum version, and 130mm travel that can be reduced on the uphills to 80mm. However, the damping unit of the fork and the shock have been redesigned for this season.

Facts:

• Rear travel: 130 Millimeter in Flow Mode, 80 Millimeter in Elevate Mode
• Front travel: 130 Millimeter
• Wheelsize: 29″
• Headangle: 69,5° Size Large
• Seatangle: 73,5°
• Chainstay length: 448mm
• Wheelbase: 1176mm Size Large

On Track:

On the Trigger 29, the top tube gives a roomy feel, and the rider sits slightly stretched compared to the other two OverMountain models. The Reason is certainly due to the long stem fitted to our test Trigger 29. On flat ground the bike permits very effective pedaling and it rolls very fast. On the uphills the bike has typical 29er impressive traction, the Elevate mode with 80mm travel and reduced SAG ensures an efficient pedaling position.

On the descents, the trigger 29 carries speed well, it changes the direction really willing, and only becomes nervous on the very high speed sections. The steep steering angle makes the bike less suited when the trails get really steep and rough. The rear suspension of the trigger uses its 130mm progressive travel firmly, and does not harmonize perfectly with the Lefty SuperMax fork in front. The big wheels bring a lot of composure to the ride when it comes to handling big steps and sketchy stairs.

Bottom Line:

The trigger 29 is especially recommended for riders who enjoy long days out on the pedals, who value an efficient and comfortable seating position on the uphills, not concerned in the hunt for seconds on the downhill.

Cannondale Trigger 27,5″

Whereas The Trigger 29 has been available for some time, the new Trigger 27.5 is new to the lineup. Like the other bikes in the Overmountain line, the Trigger uses the Fox Dyat damper with 140 or 85mm of travel on rear. At the front wheel of our test bike the new Lefty Supermax fork brings 140mm of travel.

Facts:

• Rear Travel: 140 Millimeter in Flow Mode, 85 Millimeter in Elevate Mode
• Front Travel: 140 Millimeter
• Wheelsize: 27,5″
• Head angle: 68° Size Large
• Seat angle: 73,5°
• Chainstay length: 438mm
• Wheelbase: 1179mm Size Large

On Track:

The seating position on the Trigger 27,5″ is compact and central. From the first turns of the crank we are fascinated by the propulsion of this bike. With fast rolling Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires, the Trigger represents an effective ground coverer, providing good performance on long rides. Even with the short stem and without a lowered travel Fork the front wheel never leaves the ground. The low weight and effective suspension give you the hope to be the next KOM on Strava. Compared to the other models, the Overmountain Trigger 27.5 “convinced us the most.

After the saddle gets lowered and the rear suspension is put into ‘flow mode’ the downhill can begin. Here we really like the good balance of the new Trigger, the Dyat Shock and the new Lefty SuperMax Fork work brilliantly together. The suspension is not overly plush, but they have a really nice ending progression and always give the rider very good feedback from the ground. The really stiff fork needs some time to get used to, the reason is that the SuperMax acts directly to every little movement from the handlebar and you will ride exactly the line you choose. The Trigger is a really fun trailbike, with good suspension and nice geometry, allowing you to use each compression to push or jump and carry a lots of speed. The Geometry fits perfectly to the travel and convinced us with balanced handling. If it comes to a rough downhill section, the tires reach the limit first, rolling well but without enough grip in corners and out of their depth at the limit!

Bottom Line:

The trigger is the “Home Trail Hero” of the Cannondale Over Mountain line. It impressed us with extremely agile, playful handling and really good rolling efficiency. Both uphill and downhill, it convinced us with the most responsive ride.

Cannondale Jekyll 27,5″

Last year, Jerome Clementz won the Enduro World Series on board a Cannondale Jekyll. For 2014, he resolved to continue the successful story of the bike, and had already won the Andes Pacifico race in Chile on the new Jekyll. Just on first looks the bike appears to be the same, but Cannondale has changed everything, wheelsize, geometry and the suspension setup of the Dyat Dual Shock. The Shock has a new faster rebound tune which should work better for lighter riders.

Facts:

• Rear Travel: 160 Millimeter in Flow Mode, 95 Millimeter in Elevate Mode
• Front Travel: 160 Millimeter
• Wheelsize: 27,5″
• Head angle: 67° Size Large
• Seat angle: 74,9°
• Chainstay length: 440mm
• Wheelbase: 1208mm Size Large

On Track:

As we mentioned above not only the wheel size has changed on the Jekyll, the entire geometry has been adapted to reflect the current state of the art. The new Jekyll has a 1.3° steeper seat angle which gives the rider a better position on the bike, providing more effective pedaling and keeping the front wheel on the ground. Despite the additional travel and a slightly higher weight, the Jekyll pedals almost as well as the two Trigger models – not least because of the Dyat Dual Shock. The difference between the bikes here is really marginal.

Due to the fact that Jekyll has to be run with about 30% of sag, the effective head angle for the downhill is slacker then you might expect. The Suspension of the Jekyll feels much more comfortable and plush than on the other models, but the shock still has enough ending progression, making bottom outs impossible, and the feedback from the terrain is pretty good. The bike has no problem with fast and rough sections, forgiving a lot of mistakes. Technical sections can mastered quickly and without excessive physical effort, the entire geometry feels good and well thought out.

Bottom Line:

One thing is certain, Jerome Clementz would win against every normal mountain biker even on a beach cruiser bike. With the new Jekyll he now has a bike which is well prepared for the tough tracks of the EWS and strong competition against the fastest racer in the World. The Jekyll is the perfect bike for hard fights against the clock, but still offers a lot of fun to every normal rider.

Cannondale now has something for every biker in their program, with a bike suiting every personal preference and individual riding style.

Text & Fotos: Christoph Bayer