Cannondale Trail 8 is an affordable mountain bike that helps develop a passion for the trails and serves as the perfect first off-roader.
Having a limited budget does not mean you can’t get a real trail bike and have some fun exploring local dirt roads and bike trails.
Cannondale Trail 8 comes with all the necessary features to do this — front suspension, disc brakes, wide tires — and leaves enough money in your pocket for other important stuff.
WINNER of our Best Mountain Bikes Under $500 review!
Contents
Quick Overview of Trail 8
The Trail 8 costs just upwards of $650 but comes with some seriously dirt-ready components. It’s a versatile bike that works great for commuting, off-roading, casual daily rides, losing weight… you name it!
To achieve such a low price, compromises had to be made in certain areas, but that’s nothing an average rider would notice and should be worried about.
Key Specs
- Frame: SmartForm C3 alloy aluminum
- Fork: SR Suntour M3030, 75mm
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus, 34.9 clamp, 2-Speed
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney, 7-Speed
- Number of Gears: 14
- Brakes: Tektro mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors
- Rims: WTB SX19, 32h
- Tires: WTB Ranger Comp, 27.5/29 x 2.25 in.
- Weight: 32 lbs. 14.4 oz. (14.92 kg)
Trail 8 Main Features
Cannondale Trail 8 is slowly becoming one of the most popular mountain bikes in the $700 price range.
It does not come as a surprise that so many people like it, as it is a good-looking package that includes everything a beginner rider might need and nothing that would raise the price unnecessarily.
These are some of the things that stand out about it.
Lightweight Aluminum Frame with Front Suspension
Cannondale Trail 8, like all other Trail models, is built around a lightweight and high-performing
SmartForm C3 aluminum frame. This is a tried and true frame that has proven its worth time and again.
It features internal derailleur cable routing, two water bottle mounts, and rear rack mounts. The gray paint job suits it well and makes it look like a higher-priced hardtail and the yellow color is quite exciting as well.
The combination of a lightweight and compliant aluminum frame and a plush Suntour fork make Cannondale Trail 8 a capable and comfortable trail machine.
The SR Suntour suspension fork is fitted on the front, offering 75 mm of travel. This fork is on the heavy side due to a coil spring, but you’ll be happy it’s there when you steer off the paved roads and the terrain beneath the tires turns less than ideal.
Introductory Shimano Components
One of the things that make Cannondale Trail 8 an entry-level mountain bike are its components. The front and rear Shimano derailleurs are definitely not made to be abused. The front end gets a Shimano Altus, whereas the rear and shifts with a Shimano Tourney derailleur.
However, as long as you don’t intend to do serious trail riding, jumping, and dropping, Altus and Tourney will do the job well.
The 11-34T, 7-speed cassette and the 36/22T crankset put a total of 14 gears at your disposal. The range of gears is pretty wide, so this bike will climb well.
Dependable Mechanical Disc Brakes
A proper mountain bike can simply not be imagined without a pair of disc brakes. Cannondale Trail 8 more than checks this requirement with its Tektro mechanical discs.
These brakes are paired with 160 mm rotors front and rear, which translates to plenty of stopping power on demand.
Disc brakes show their true advantages in wet and rainy weather, so Trail 8 is ready for all conditions.
Variable Wheel Size: 27.5″ & 29″
Depending on how tall you are, Cannondale Trail 8 can roll on either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. Namely, this bike is available in four sizes:
XS: 4’6″ – 5’2″ (27.5 inches)
S: 5’1″ – 5’4″ (27.5 inches)
M: 5’4″ – 5’8″ (29 inches)
L: 5’7″ – 6’0″ (29 inches)
XL: 6’0″ – 6’3″ (29 inches)
Therefore, the wheel size depends on the size of the frame you choose.
The variable wheel sizing on Cannondale Trail 8 ensures that you’ll get the perfect fit and end up with a bike that feels good in your hands and rides swiftly.
The WTB Ranger Comp tires are 2.25″ in width, regardless of the diameter. This setup means more grip in corners and better descending capabilities while making the bike faster on straights. A 2.25″ tire is not too gnarly, so it won’t feel too sluggish on paved roads.
Versatile Trail Bike
Versatility is one of Trail 8’s main properties. It’s a bike that can suit the needs of the entire family, acting as both a day-to-day commuter and as a proper trail bike for dirt, gravel, and forest roads.
Of course, Trail 8 will feel most at home staying off paved roads and getting dusty and dirty. But thanks to its progressive, upright geometry, it also rides well when taken on different trails and surfaces.
Cannondale Trail 8 Women’s Model
Trail 8 is available in a women’s version as well, which has some important differences compared to the unisex model.
The main difference is the shape of the frame—a slanted top-tube increases stand-over clearance allowing shorter riders to mount and dismount more easily. However, the frame sizes are completely the same.
The paintwork is different as well, as the women’s version sports an attractive gray/turquoise gradient. We like it as it looks a lot more feminine.
Unsurprisingly, all of the components are completely the same, except for the saddle—the women’s version comes with a Cannondale Stage 2 Women’s saddle.
In our opinion, the only reason to go for the women’s model is if you like the paintwork better or if you need more standover clearance. Otherwise, feel free to get the unisex model if you like it better or if that’s all that’s in stock, even if you are a woman.
Is Cannondale Trail 8 for You?
Cannondale Trail 8 is an entry-level bicycle with lots of introductory components. As such, it’s most suitable for beginner riders and those who are still learning the ropes of off-road riding.
If you want a two-wheeler to spend more time outside, get fit, improve your health, and explore the area, you’ll be riding Trail 8 with a smile on your face.
However, if you are an experienced mountain biker and you want to improve your off-roading skills, Shimano entry-level components and a low-level Suntour fork won’t cut it for you.
Other Trail Series Overviews
- Trail 1 – Top model with excellent components and a 120 mm air fork travel, intended for trail enthusiasts.
- Trail 2 – High-specked mid-range model with a 1×12 SRAM SX drivetrain and an air fork, made for intermediate trail riders.
- Trail 3 – A reasonably priced model for trail beginners and enthusiasts with excellent value for money, 120mm of travel, hydraulic disc brakes, and 12 wide-range gears.
- Trail 4 – Excellent introductory model with a 100mm Rockshox coil fork, 10-speed Deore drivetrain, and tubeless-ready wheels and tires, good for on and off-road rides.
- Trail 5 – Entry-level trail bike with a solid aluminum frame, decent Shimano components, and 100 mm of travel, that all trail beginners will love.
- Trail 6 – Affordable bike with quality branded parts, front suspension and hydro brakes, perfect for beginner riders wishing to get a taste of the trails.
- Trail 7 – Versatile MTB with 16 gears, excellent for trails, gravel, and dirt roads, aimed towards casual and recreational riders.
- Trail 8 – Cheapest Cannondale Trail model with reliable and durable components for the money, ideal for budget-conscious cyclists.
Related: Trail SL Series
Verdict: Is Trail 8 Worth the Money?
Trail 8 costs just $650, which is hard to believe considering the attention to detail that apparently went into making it. Sure, it has some entry-level components, but it also has both 27.5″ and 29″ wheels, disc brakes, durable quality tires, and phenomenal looks.
Therefore, Trail 8 is definitely worth the money. If you fit into the rider profile we depicted above, there’s no reason not to buy it. It should serve you well for miles and years to come.
Cannondale Trail 8
Pros
- Excellent price
- Men & Women models
- 27.5" and 29" Wheels
- Mechanical disc brakes
- Capable wide tires
Cons
- Entry-level components
- Heavy Suntour fork
Marlon Suntour does an upgrade program. You can upgrade that coil fork to a nice air fork. You have to email them the serial number on the fork and proof of purchase they’ll give you a coupon code for a really nice fork at a huge discount
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the info. Cheers!
Hello Jeff, I’m looking to buy the Trail 8. I’m not too experienced in bikes other than BMX when I was younger. I’m looking for a bike to be able to ride on the street. Perhaps Santa Monica by the beach etc. But I also want to be able to do some trails with my girlfriend. Is this bike ok for both? Or should I look into something like the Quick 6? Thank you sir and thank you for the information!
Hi Freddy,
I am glad you are getting into cycling. It will bring you many joys. Check out our Review Of Cannondale Trail 8 Let us know if this is something you want.
Hello Jeff and congrats on your job here.
A friend holds me off from this bike because of the fork ,as he says.
Do you think its ok for an inexperienced mountain rider as me?
Would you still recommend the cannondale , among scott aspect 960 and cube aim race?
Hi Syd,
Generally, coil vs air front suspension should not really bother your experience if you are just doing regular riding. However, you might want to read more about that debate before deciding if it is for you: Coil vs Air
This review is spot on. I have a Trail 8 and I absolutely love it. I use it for bike path riding and dirt trails. I eventually want to be a more serious trail rider but for now this does the job. I ride about 14 miles a day and this bike is perfect for my needs.
I’m happy you like it, Melanie! It’s perfect for beginners who are just starting out. 🙂
I bought this bike because of the size and the price is amazing . I needed something little bit of everything on and off road. I am 5’1 guy , the frame became lighter and become more like down hill mountain bike . if I am really getting on serious mountain bike , ill upgrade my forks . which best fork should I get for this trail 8?
Hi Marlon, it depends on your budget, basically. Plus, high-quality forks with a straight steerer are harder and harder to come by. For example, RockShox 30 Gold RL would be a good improvement.
Hello, this article is very informative. It narrow down my options however I would appreciate your opinion since im a rookie.
what do you think of the vilano blackjack 3.0 29er on sale from 600 to $298 vs cannondale trail 8 ?
Im also considering the diamond back overdrive 29er for$ 479.
I was told they were all the same but with your expertise you can help make the best choice. Thanks
They are all very similar, but I’d go for the Diamondback between the three. I think it offers the most for the money. Have fun!
Recently bought the trail 8 from my local bike shop after reading your review and others. Needless to say I am so happy with this purchase, the bike is everything I was looking for and more. Thank you for the in-depth review that assisted with my purchase
Hey Trevor, that’s so good to hear! I’m glad I could help you get out and ride more! Have fun and let us know how you like it after a while. 🙂
I appreciate your review, it was very helpful to a newbie in a sea of information. I was about to buy a cheap bike from a chain retail store but decided to spend a little extra to get a decent beginner bike. I wanted something that could tackle street as well as a semi rugged path and it’s done a great job. I love it so far and can’t wait to better educate myself on the sport. I had forgotten how great it is to ride a bike.
Thanks!
You’re welcome, Candace! Spending a few extra dollars on a quality bike goes a long way and actually saves you money in the future. Enjoy your old-new hobby! 🙂
Thank you Jeff… I will be taking your advice!
You’re welcome. Have fun!
Hello, I am debating whether to go with the trail 7 or 8… I noticed the trail 7 has 100mm travel rather than 75mm on the 8. Do you think that is noticable on most paved or dirt roads. And how much of a difference would hydraulic vs. Mechanical disc brakes make? I will be mostly doing short in town or park riding my 6 and 8 year olds. Although I used to do a lot of downhill mountain bike racing with friends and might get back into it at some point. I had a Kona Sex One full suspension in the late 90’s. Loved that bike! Any response would be appreciated! Thanks!
Hi Zack, Trail 7 is a noticeably better bike than Trail 8. Hydraulic disc brakes make a big difference not only on the bike but off the bike as well. They require almost no maintenance, which can’t be said for mechanical disc brakes.
Considering you say you might want to get back into more serious trail riding, I’d recommend Trail 7, even though it is not a bike that’s intended for very serious trail use, but it’s significantly more capable than Trail 8. Better 100mm suspension and a 2×9 drivetrain instead of a 3×7 also speak in its favor.
Hope this helps!