Excellent Hybrid Range for Budget Enthusiasts
Cannondale is well-known for its high-end road and mountain bikes intended for elite cyclists who aim to win races and set records. However, that’s not the main reason why average cyclists buy a bike and start riding.
That’s why Cannondale has designed the Cannondale Quick — a series of entry-level to mid-range bikes intended for commuters and health enthusiasts who aim for quality, durability, low price, and ease of use.
Let’s take a closer look at all the models in stock and talk about their strengths and weaknesses.
Contents
Cannondale Quick Series Overall
Cannondale Quick is a line of urban commuter bikes with more than reasonable price tags. It stands out from the competition by offering a blend of affordability, speed, aesthetics, and reliability that the name “Cannondale” comes with.
In essence, these are high-speed urban commuters on workdays that double-up as recreational and fitness bikes on the weekends.
The models on offer include men’s and women’s variations named:
CX Series
The lineup also includes Quick CX models, which feature front suspension and are thus more off-road ready.
The pricing starts at $650 which you need to pay for Quick 6 and caps at $1,600 which is how much you have to spend if you want to own a Quick 1.
Depending on the model, the materials used are either a combination of aluminum and chromoly, or aluminum and carbon. There are no all-aluminum or full-carbon models in the Cannondale Quick series.
The components used are mainly a combination of Shimano entry-level MTB groupsets on cheaper models and Shimano mid-range road groupsets on pricier models. However, some other labels that can be seen as well include:
FSA. Formula, KMC, Schwalbe, Tektro, Sunrace, microSHIFT
One interesting feature regarding the 2021 edition of Cannondale Quick is that all bikes come with a Cannondale Wheel Sensor as an extra. Therefore you can connect it with the official Cannondale app to measure important metrics like time, speed, distance, and calories. It also stores information about service history and the service that needs to be done.
If you like what you saw so far, keep reading below to find out more about each individual model.
Cannondale Quick 1
Race Ready Shimano Components
This is the most expensive model from Cannondale’s Quick line. It costs $1,600, which is a price that will get you an aluminum frame and a carbon fork. This model also has the famous Shimano 105 drivetrain with 22 gears to get you up and down any hills you find and make sure you’re never late.
Main Specs:
- Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy
- Fork: Full Carbon
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105 GS
- Front Derailleur: Shimano 105, 31.8 clamp
- Rims: Cannondale Disc
- Tires: Schwalbe Lugano, 700 x 32c
- Brakes: Shimano MT201-UR300 hydro disc
Quick 1 can also boast with a pair of powerful and precise Shimano hydraulic disc brakes that clench two 160mm rotors. It’s a bike that weighs just 23.41 lbs, so it’s ideal for commuters who want to be fast, or for fitness riders who are thirsty for better results.
Quick 1 Women’s
The women’s model has the same components as the men’s version but comes with women-specific geometry and some women-specific parts. Thanks to some different components, this model is also slightly lighter, with a weight of 23.28 lbs. The color of this bike is also different—the men’s model is black, whereas the women’s is gray.
| Pros | Cons |
| Shimano 105 groupset | The same rims as on the cheapest model |
| Shimano hydraulic brakes | |
| Sleek design and matte black paint job | |
| Lightweight carbon fork |
Cannondale Quick 2
Best for Fitness Riders
Cannondale Quick 2 will set you back just $1,000, but you’ll still get a carbon fork. However, you’ll have to give up some components seen on Quick 1. The biggest highlight is the Shimano Sora drivetrain with a total of 18 speeds on a 2×9 setup.
Main Specs:
- Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy
- Fork: Full Carbon
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Sora GS
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora, 31.8 clamp
- Rims: Cannondale Disc
- Tires: Schwalbe Lugano, 700 x 32c
- Brakes: Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc
The brakes on this model are also hydraulic, but they are provided by Tektro. Moreover, the rear rotor is smaller than the one on the front — 140 mm compared to 160 mm. The bike weighs 24.56 lbs, which is slightly more than Quick 1, but still low considering the relatively low price.
Cannondale Quick 2 is a high-performing bicycle perfect for riders who aim to improve their fitness, lose weight, and be more active on the bike overall.
The color of Quick 2 is a breathtaking shade of orange called “Crush,” which makes a lot of sense, as it’s easy to fall in love at first sight with it.
Quick 2 Women’s
The components seen on the women’s model are pretty much the same. You get identical reliable Shimano Sora components and strong Tektro hydraulic brakes. However, the saddle is more suitable for women’s anatomy, and the stem is shorter to fit women’s shorter torso. The color of the women’s model is purple.
If you want a reliable, quality bike for daily commutes and weekend fitness rides, Quick 2 allows you to save $500 compared to Quick 1, while still getting most of the perks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Bargain price | Weaker rear brake than Quick 1 |
| Reliable Shimano Sora groupset | |
| Remarkable looks | |
| Carbon fork |
Cannondale Quick 3
Best for Entry-Level Riders
Cannondale Quick 3 will cost you $925, which is still enough to get you a full carbon fork and a lightweight aluminum frame, according to Cannondale. How awesome is that?
Full Review of Cannondale Quick CX 3
Apart from the carbon fork, this bargain package also contains a 2×9 drivetrain with Shimano Acera and Alivio derailleurs, which are an excellent choice for entry-level riders who often don’t use the full potential of their bikes.
Main Specs:
- Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy
- Fork: Full Carbon
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Acera
- Rims: Cannondale Disc
- Tires: Schwalbe Spicer, 700 x 35c
- Brakes: Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc
This price tag also still gets you a pair of Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, which is another big plus. However, the tires on Quick 3 are Schwalbe Spicer, which are 35 mm wide. They might be a bit slow for some urban riders, even though they are much more comfortable and stable than 32 mm ones.
Cannondale Quick 3 a great bike for fitness riders and regular urban commuters who don’t want to pay through their nose for high-specced machines they will have no benefits from.
Quick Disc 3 Remixte Women’s
If you are a lady and you want to ride the Quick 3, the women’s model is a much better option. You get all the goodies seen on the men’s model, you pay the same price, but you also get a bike that is more suitable for your body’s geometry. Plus, if you ask us, the color is better as well—an attractive shade of green and gray.
| Pros | Cons |
| Full carbon fork at a low price | Slower 35 mm tires |
| Powerful & reliable brakes | |
| Attractive color on the women’s model |
Cannondale Quick 4
Best Budget 1x Setup
Quick 4 is the first model in this line of Cannondale bikes which does not come with a carbon fork. Realistically, it would be too much to expect such a feature for $875 even from Cannondale. Instead, it comes with an aluminum frame and a chromoly fork that’s stiff and comfy but weighs a bit more.
Main Specs:
- Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy
- Fork: Chromoly
- Rear Derailleur: microSHIFT Advent
- Front Derailleur: None
- Rims: Cannondale Disc
- Tires: Schwalbe Spicer, 700 x 35c
- Brakes: Tektro hydro disc
The $875 price will get you a 1×9 drivetrain with a microSHIFT Advent rear derailleur. We don’t see many low-priced bikes with 1x drivetrains nowadays. That makes Quick Disc 4 kind of unique and an ideal choice for reasonably flat and swift urban rides.
microSHIFT Advent is a brand-new rear derailleur developed by this Taiwanese company, that has a plan to take a piece of the market away from Shimano and SRAM.
So far, Cannondale Quick Disc 4’s microSHIFT derailleur has proven as a reliable choice that offers solid shifting.
Another good news is that you will still get a pair of Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, but this model weighs a bit more than the others — 25.49 lbs.
Quick 4 Women’s
If you like the Quick 4 but you want a more feminine version, we recommend the Quick 4 Women’s model. It is the most lady-like of all Quick bikes thanks to a beautiful pink paint job. Component-wise, it is the same as its male counterpart, except for a slightly different geometry, and several different parts.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great value for money | No carbon fork |
| Tektro hydraulic disc brakes | |
| microSHIFT Advent 1×9 derailleur | |
| Low weight |
Cannondale Quick 5
Best for Budget-Conscious Riders
With a price tag of $725, the Cannondale Quick 5 still offers a lot for the money. You’ll get a SmartForm C3 aluminum frame and a chromoly fork, with a total weight of 26.41 lbs.
This bike also comes with a 2×7 drivetrain, which does not provide you with too many gears, but you won’t be lacking any if you are an average rider.
Main Specs:
- Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy
- Fork: Chromoly
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Tourney, 31.8 clamp
- Rims: Cannondale Disc
- Tires: Schwalbe Spicer, 700 x 35c
- Brakes: Promax mechanical disc
Apart from that, the Quick 5 has a pair of ProMax mechanical disc brakes which have plenty of stopping power but are not as precise as Tektro and Shimano hydraulic brakes seen on other Quick models.
Cannondale Quick 5 offers more than decent performance in spite of the ridiculously low price.
The good news is that you can choose from two attractive colors (blue and gray), which is a plus as it makes Quick 5 one of the rare Quick models that are available in more than 1 color.
Even though this is one of the cheapest models, it still has the same rims and tires as more expensive ones, as well as the same frame and fork. Therefore, entry-level riders who go for Quick 5 will buy themselves a durable bike that will get them from point A to point B for years to come.
Quick Women’s 5 Remixte
In terms of components, Cannondale Quick 5 Women’s is the same as the male’s model. The only difference, as is the case with the other models, is when it comes to the geometry and several other parts, such as the stem and the saddle, which are made to accommodate the differences in the average female body.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low price | Mechanical disc brakes |
| Two colors | |
| 14 gears | |
| Quality rims and tires |
Cannondale Quick 6
Best for Budget-Conscious Riders
Cannondale Quick 6 costs just $650 but don’t let that price tag fool you. You will get a high-quality bicycle that you can ride every day or just enjoy on the weekends in and out of the town.
The Quick 6 model is equipped with entry-level microSHIFT components that bring 21 gears. The bike is built around a lightweight aluminum frame and comes with a comfortable Chromoly fork.
Main Specs:
- Frame: SmartForm C3 Alloy
- Fork: Chromoly
- Rear Derailleur: microSHIFT 7-speed
- Front Derailleur: microSHIFT 3-speed
- Rims: Cannondale Disc
- Tires: Kenda Kourier, 700 x 35c
- Brakes: Promax V-brakes
Instead of disc brakes that are seen on the other models, Cannondale Quick 6 features a pair of trusty V-brakes. They’re not as powerful nor as precise as disc brakes, but they will get the job done in most situations.
Cannondale Quick 6 comes with excellent components for the price and attractive modern looks.
This model is available in two breathtaking colors, black and red. Both look really nice and complement the bike’s design. The women’s model comes in just one color, which is light blue.
This is Cannondale’s cheapest model, but it shares a lot of the features with the more expensive Quick 5. It has the same wheels and tires, an identical frame and fork, and the same quality of the build. Therefore, if you are an average rider or a beginner, you should be quite happy with this buy.
Quick Women’s 6 Remixte
When it comes to the components, Cannondale Women’s Quick 6 Remixteis completely the same as the men’s version. The only difference is the color and the shape of the frame. As you can see, this model has a step-through frame with low standover clearance. The geometry is very similar, so you will be riding in a comfortable upright position.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very cheap | V-brakes |
| Two attractive colors | |
| 21 gears | |
| Quality components |
Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 E-Bike
Best Electric Bike for Commuting
Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 is a lightweight and streamlined hybrid e-bike that’s ideal for commuting, fitness riding, and just getting around town.
It’s powered by a MAHLE ebikemotion X35 250W rear hub motor that will assist you up to 20 mph on the toughest sections of the road. It’s paired with a 250Wh battery integrated into the down tube that guarantees a 40-mile maximum range and takes 3 hours to charge fully.
Main Specs:
- Frame and Fork: Aluminum/Carbon
- Motor & Battery: MAHLE ebikemotion X35 250W / 250Wh Battery
- Range: 40 miles
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus
- Tires: Schwalbe Energizer Plus, 700c x 38mm
- Brakes: Shimano MT201 hydro disc
Quick Neo SL 2 comes with a lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork combo that offer upright geometry. Still, the riding experience is sporty enough when you want to get good exercise or get somewhere fast.
This e-bike does not have a built-in display, but it has an intellimount on the stem that holds your smartphone and shows you all the important stats via the Cannondale App.
Even without the electric assistance, this would still be a capable fitness bicycle due to quality components intended for long daily rides.
Quick Neo SL 2 boasts a Shimano Altus 9-speed derailleur, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and Schwalbe Energizer Plus, 700c x 38mm tires. Therefore, you can point it uphill and downhill, as well as ride it on paved and hardpacked gravel roads.
If you need a bike to get from point A to point B as fast as possible and enjoy the comfort and electric assistance, Cannondale Quick Neo SL 2 is a great choice.
CX Series
Cannondale Quick CX 1
Just like Cannondale Quick 1, Quick CX 1 is the highest-spec’d model from the CX series. It’s built around the same SmartForm C3 Alloy frame which comes combined with a SR Suntour NEX fork with 63 mm of travel and a lockout.
The fork is tapered, so you can easily upgrade it in the future. Plus, it provides additional strength. This suspension is not capable of serious off-roading, but it will make riding on unpaved roads significantly more comfortable.
When it comes to the components, Quick CX 1 sports SRAM SX Eagle all over the place. The 1×12 drivetrain gives you plenty of gears on a wide-range cassette. A women’s model is available as well, with the same components.
This bike is suitable both for paved and unpaved roads thanks to 40 mm Vittoria Terreno Dry tires that are wide enough to offer plenty of grip but narrow enough to be fast.
Therefore, if you need a capable all-road commuter, Cannondale Quick CX 1 is a good choice!
A women’s model is available as well, with the same price and components, but a different frame and geometry.
Cannondale Quick CX 2
Cannondale Quick CX 2 is an affordable on-road and off-road commuter that can serve either as a fitness bike or as an everyday workhorse.
It’s characterized by a lightweight aluminum frame coupled with a SR Suntour NEX fork with lockout and 63 mm of travel.
This bike is available in two beautiful colors — orange and blue — both of which really stand out on the road and make the bike look more expensive.
When it comes to the components, Quick CX 2 sports Shimano Acera front and Shimano Alivio rear derailleurs with a total of 18 gears. That’s a good combination for fitness rides or commutes.
Tektro’s hydraulic disc brakes are considered to be an excellent deal for the money, offering lots of stopping power and precision.
If you don’t want to spend too much money but you want to get a versatile fitness/commuter bike, Cannondale Quick CX 2 is the right choice.
Of course, the women’s model is available as well, which is pretty similar to the men’s. However, it has a unique, feminine color, a different saddle, and a slightly different frame shape.
Cannondale Quick CX 3
If you’re buying your first hybrid bike for fitness rides, commuting, or weekend leisure cycling trips, Cannondale Quick CX 3 will amaze you with the price and with the components.
It comes equipped with some more expensive parts seen on higher-end Cannondale Quick CX models. An example is the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, quality aluminum frame, and Vittoria Terreno Dry 700x40c tires.
Where CX 3 differs is in terms of components. This bike is fitted with a combination of microSHIFT components, which are considered entry-level. This combo gives you 16 gears which is more than enough for any type of riding.
However, if you plan to do fitness rides and really stomp the pedals, you might be better off with a more expensive setup.
All in all, if you’re a casual rider or your goal is to ditch the car and commute by bike every day, Cannondale Quick CX 3 will meet and exceed all of your demands.
It’s available in two modern colors (agave and slate gray) and a women’s and men’s version, so it looks attractive as well!
Cannondale Quick CX 4
Quick CX 4 is a very affordable hybrid bike that’s significantly different from its Quick 4 cousin. However, the fact that it’s cheap does not mean that it’s bad. So CX 4 offers some pleasant surprises but comes with some downsides as well.
Namely, unlike other Quick CX models, this one does not have hydraulic disc brakes. Instead, it brakes using Promax mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors. That’s still more than good enough for entry-level riders.
The drivetrain puts 21 speeds at your disposal, with 3 gears up front and 7 gears in the back. The cassette has a 14x34T range, which is a decent range for flats and hills.
Front and rear derailleurs on this bike are Shimano Tourney, which is an entry-level solution, but it’s hard to get a better deal elsewhere for this much money.
The same can be said for the SR Suntour NEX fork with a custom crown and 63 mm of travel, which is slightly heavier than the NCX model.
If you’re buying your first hybrid bike or you just want to ride recreationally, Cannondale Quick CX 4 is still an excellent buy!
Considerations
The bottom point when it comes to the Cannondale Quick series is that you get a lot of bike for your money, no matter how much you decide to spend.
As a result, you need to be aware of what these bikes are intended for and who they are meant for before you make the final decision.
Cannondale is a renowned bicycle manufacturer, so the quality of build and durability should not be a problem.
| What we like about Cannondale Quick | What we dislike about Cannondale Quick |
| Fantastic value for money on all models | The same rims & tires on all models |
| Comfortable upright geometry | Most models come in just one color |
| Cannondale Wheel Sensor | |
| Models suitable for different riders |
If you are a fitness enthusiast and are looking for a bike that you can cycle thousands of kilometers on every season, the more expensive models like Quick 1 and Quick 2 can definitely handle it.
However, if you want a cheap and reliable commuter to ride to work and back every day and go on a weekend adventure from time to time, then Quick 3, Quick 4, Quick 5, and Quick 6 might be a better option.
The bottom point when it comes to the Cannondale Quick series is that you get a lot of bike for your money, no matter how much you decide to spend.
If you want to have more comfort and ride on both paved and unpaved roads, one of the Quick CX models is the right choice for you.
All in all, whichever model you choose, you’ll get plenty of comfort, speed, and performance, without unnecessarily breaking the bank.
