The Cannondale Trail 7 is one of the best entry-level models from a series of advanced bikes. The Trail 7 is within a reasonable, affordable budget, with some top-tier components for casual riders. If you’re a newer rider on the trails or you’re looking for a reliable bike that won’t break the bank, the Cannondale Trail 7 is a great option for you.
The Trail 7 is a hardtail mountain bike, best for recreational and casual riding, but it can also provide a good run on rougher terrains. Being a cheaper bike, it can have a few downsides, however nothing too significant. If you’re looking for and expecting an exceptional model for beginners, you’ll be more than satisfied with the Trail 7 made by Cannondale.
Some riders have mentioned that they don’t care for the pedals equipped on the bike, which are standard Cannondale platform model pedals. This is obviously a personal preference, but the pedals can easily be swapped out for a new set if necessary.
Other Trail Series Overviews:
Trail 1- $1,850 – Top model with high-quality components and a 120 mm air fork travel.
Trail 2- $1,600 – 1×12 SRAM SX drivetrain and an air fork, made for intermediate trail riders.
Trail 3- $1,300 – 120mm of travel, hydraulic disc brakes, and 12 wide-range gears.
Trail 4- $1,000 – 100mm Rockshox coil fork, 10-speed Deore drivetrain, and tubeless-ready wheels and tires. Great for on and off-road riding.
Trail 5- $750 – Entry-level trail bike. Solid aluminum frame, Shimano components, and 100 mm of travel.
Trail 6- $650 – Affordable bike with standard quality parts, front suspension and hydro brakes.
Trail 7- $560 – Mountain bike with 24 gears, aimed towards casual, laid-back cyclists.
Trail 8- $510 – The cheapest Cannondale Trail model, reliable components for a fair price, ideal for cyclists on a budget.
The Cannondale Trail series includes a selection of entry-level hardtail models, which are best for new and recreational cyclists. Being the second cheapest model on the list, it’s also one of the more basic ones, but it’s also the perfect bike for anyone starting out with riding, and much more affordable than other models mentioned.
Cannondale Trail 7 Specs:
Frame- SmartForm C3 alloy
Wheel Size:
X-Small- 27.5 inches
Small- 27.5 inches
Medium- 29 inches
Large- 29 inches
X-Large- 29 inches
Tires:
Small- WTB Ranger 27.5 x 2.25
Medium- Front: WTB Ranger 29 x 2.25; rear: WTB Ranger or Nineline 29 x 2.0
Large- Front: WTB Ranger 29 x 2.25; rear: WTB Ranger or Nineline 29 x 2.0
X-Large- Front: WTB Ranger 29 x 2.25; rear: WTB Ranger or Nineline 29 x 2.0
Saddle- Cannondale Stage 3
Pedals- Cannondale Platform
Chain- KMC Z8.1 8-speed
Weight- 32 lbs, 13 oz
Fork:
XSmall to Small- SR Suntour XCT DS, 100mm, Coil, 42mm offset
Medium to X-Large- SR Suntour XCT DS, 100mm, Coil, 46mm offset
Crankset- Prowheel, 36/22T
Bottom Bracket- Cartridge, BSA-73, square taper
Shifters- Shimano EF-505 Rapid Fire
Front Derailleur- Shimano Altus, 34.9 clamp
Rear Derailleur- Shimano Tourney
Rear Cogs- Sunrace, 11-34, 8-speed
Amount of Gears- 16
Brakes- Tektro MT200 hydraulic disc, 160/160mm RT10 rotors
Brake Levers- Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc
Rims- WTB SX19, 32h
Wheel Size:
X-Small- 27.5 inches
Small- 27.5 inches
Medium- 29 inches
Large- 29 inches
X-Large- 29 inches
Tires:
Small- WTB Ranger 27.5 x 2.25
Medium- Front: WTB Ranger 29 x 2.25; rear: WTB Ranger or Nineline 29 x 2.0
Large- Front: WTB Ranger 29 x 2.25; rear: WTB Ranger or Nineline 29 x 2.0
X-Large- Front: WTB Ranger 29 x 2.25; rear: WTB Ranger or Nineline 29 x 2.0
Saddle- Cannondale Stage 3
Pedals- Cannondale Platform
Chain- KMC Z8.1 8-speed
Weight- 32 lbs, 13 oz
Some of the components and materials utilized on the Cannondale Trail 7 model are rarely seen on entry-level bikes in this price range, which means that Cannondale has once again delivered a bargain for cyclists.
Cannondale Trail 7 Wheels and Brakes
The wheel size on the Trail 7 depends on the size of the frame you choose. The Cannondale Trail 7 uses both 27.5 and 29-inch wheels. The bike is available in four sizes from small to extra-large. The small framed bikes are equipped with 27.5-inch WTB SX19 tires. For medium to extra-large frame sizes, 29-inch wheels are used. The tires on the Trail 7 are 2.25-inches wide, which makes them great for single-track and casual riding.
Control and safety are significant for cyclists, and Cannondale does their best to incorporate top-of-the-line components into their bike models for this. The Cannondale Trail 7 features hydraulic disc brakes which provide strong stopping power on all types of terrain and weather conditions.
The Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes and 160/160mm rotors equipped on both wheels assure a quick and controlled stop, even in rainy or muddy conditions. If you’re used to riding with mechanical disc brakes or V-brakes, the hydraulic brakes will seem like a major upgrade. The main advantage with hydraulic disc brakes is the fact that they don’t require as much force to use, and cyclists are able to control their braking power more precisely.
Cannondale Trail 7 Frame and Drivetrain
The Cannondale Trail 7 frame is a premium SmartForm C3 aluminum frame. The frame is stiff and lightweight, with an upright geometry that provides better handling and view of your surroundings. The head tube angle is 68-degrees on the small sized frame, and 68.5-degrees on the larger bike frames. The bike has 16-speed gear shifts, which shift smoothly and easily. The 2×8 drivetrain is great for all types of terrain you may encounter while riding.
Cannondale Trail 7 Derailleurs
The front derailleur uses the Shimano Altus component, and the rear derailleur is equipped with the Shimano Tourney. The derailleurs featured on the Cannondale Trail 7 allow for smooth gear changes throughout rides, even on tougher terrains.
The Cannondale Trail 7 is a great choice for beginner riders who are searching for their first trail bike. The Trail 7 has a wide variety of positive features, and a few minor setbacks, but nothing too serious. This bike is extremely affordable and it offers a great value for the money you spend. The hydraulic brakes provide plenty of stopping power in all types of weather and riding conditions, and the flexible sizing options allow riders to choose what works best for them. The Cannondale Trail 7 meets the needs of recreational and sporty cyclists, and even exceeds the limits for some.
