Cannondale Quick Review
Category: Hybrid Bikes
Overview
The Quick has spawned several alternatives in the Cannondale range, including the Quick Neo SL e-bike, the Quick CX which adds in off-road capability, and the Quick Kids for younger riders. But the ‘original’ Quick is a wide-ranging, hybrid all-rounder for commuting and longer, leisurely rides.
| Women’s Version Available | Remixte (step-through) Version Available | Groupset | Frame material | Fork material | Brake type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick 6 | Yes | Yes | Shimano Tourney | Aluminum | Steel | Rim |
| Quick 5 | Yes | Yes | Shimano Tourney | Aluminum | Steel | Mechanical Disc |
| Quick 4 | Yes | No | microSHIFT Advent | Aluminum | Steel | Hydraulic Disc |
| Quick 3 | Yes | No | Shimano Altus | Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc |
| Quick 2 | Yes | No | Shimano Sora | Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc |
| Quick 1 | Yes | No | Shimano 105 | Aluminum | Carbon | Hydraulic Disc |
All built around an alloy frame, the range starts at the entry-level Quick 6 complete with steel fork, entry-level spec and triple crankset. It builds up to the Quick 1, however, where you will find a Shimano 105 groupset and carbon fork which very much puts it in the fitness category as opposed to just commuting.
All six bikes come in men’s and women’s options, providing plenty of choice for urban riding and taking on the local bike paths for those not ready for a full-blown road bike.
Frameset
Cannondale have built the Quick range around a SmartForm C3 alloy frame, which blends low weight with comfort and innovative lay-up tech. Available in men’s and women’s versions, all Quick bikes are built with a more relaxed geometry.
| Frame | Fork | |
|---|---|---|
| Quick 6 | SmartForm C3 Alloy, SAVE, tapered head tube, Straightshot hidden cable routing, flat mount disc, rack/fender mounts, 360° reflectivity | Chromoly, 1-1/8″ steerer, fender mounts, 360° reflectivity |
| Quick 5 | SmartForm C3 Alloy, SAVE, tapered head tube, Straightshot hidden cable routing, flat mount disc, rack/fender mounts, 360° reflectivity | Chromoly, 1-1/8″ steerer, flat mount disc, fender mounts, 360° reflectivity |
| Quick 4 | SmartForm C3 Alloy, SAVE, tapered head tube, Straightshot hidden cable routing, flat mount disc, rack/fender mounts, 360° reflectivity | Chromoly, 1-1/8″ steerer, flat mount disc, fender mounts, 360° reflectivity |
| Quick 3 | SmartForm C3 Alloy, SAVE, tapered head tube, Straightshot hidden cable routing, flat mount disc, rack/fender mounts, 360° reflectivity | Full carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, 1-1/4″ to 1-1/8″ tapered steerer, flat mount disc, fender mounts, 360° reflectivity |
| Quick 2 | SmartForm C3 Alloy, SAVE, tapered head tube, Straightshot hidden cable routing, flat mount disc, rack/fender mounts, 360° reflectivity | Full carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, 1-1/4″ to 1-1/8″ tapered steerer, flat mount disc, fender mounts, 360° reflectivity |
| Quick 1 | SmartForm C3 Alloy, SAVE, tapered head tube, Straightshot hidden cable routing, flat mount disc, rack/fender mounts, 360° reflectivity | Full carbon, 12x100mm thru-axle, 1-1/4″ to 1-1/8″ tapered steerer, flat mount disc, fender mounts, 360° reflectivity |
Not only is the frameset built to shave off weight without hampering the reliability and durability you would expect from a commuting bike, but it has also been designed with SAVE technology. SAVE comes from higher in the Cannondale range and essentially refers to the shape of the tube profiles, and their ability to soak up road buzz more effectively. A more comfortable, less fatiguing ride is the end product.
Other smart features on the frame include 360-degree reflective decals, internal cable routing and a tapered headtube for greater control. On the Quick 6, 5 and 4 the alloy frame is paired with a chromoly steel fork with a tapered steerer. Move up the range and the Quick 3, 2 and 1 show their fitness-focused heart by swapping out steel for full carbon. Carbon is lighter and dampens road vibrations more efficiently, highlighting the fact the top-end Quick models are built for more than just the ride to work.
Groupset
The mechanical heart of the Quick is where things differ greatly throughout the range. Not only do the groupsets change but the braking power and the type of gearing too. At entry-level you get an entry-level group and v-brakes but things really step up when you get to the Quick 1 at the top of the scale.
| Quick 6 | Quick 5 | Quick 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shifters | Shimano Easy Fire EF41, 3×7 | Shimano M315 Rapidfire Plus, 2×7 | microSHIFT Advent, 9-speed |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Tourney, 31.8 clamp | Shimano Tourney, 31.8 clamp | N/A |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourney | Shimano Tourney TX | microSHIFT Advent |
| Crankset | Prowheel, 48/38/28 | Shimano Tourney, 46/30 | Prowheel alloy, 38T |
| Brakes | V-Brake | Promax mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors | Tektro hydro disc, 160/160mm rotor |
| Cassette | Shimano HG200, 12-28, 7-speed | Shimano HG200, 12-32, 7-speed | microSHIFT, 11-42, 9-speed |
| Chain | KMC Z51, 7-speed | KMC Z51, 7-speed | KMC Z9, 9-speed |
Starting with the Quick 6 then, Shimano’s entry-level urban derailleurs, Shimano Tourney, are paired with a triple Prowheel crankset. It serves up a wide range of gears when paired with the seven-speed cassette. Tourney is also used on the Quick 5, including a double crankset, but Rapidfire shifters are swapped in for more efficient shifting and Promax mechanical disc brakes step up the stopping power.
Cannondale have designed the Quick 4 with a single 38T Prowheel crankset and nine-speed mircroSHIFT cassette, but braking again steps up with Tektro hydro discs. A mix of Shimano Altus and Acera – two more low-level groupsets from the brand’s urban range – feature on the Quick 3, meanwhile. They all feature enough gear options for the urban commute, but the rider looking to clock longer miles would want something smoother, more efficient and higher-spec.
| Quick 3 | Quick 2 | Quick 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shifters | Shimano Altus, 2×9 | Shimano Sora, 2×9 | Shimano RS700 FB, 2×11 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano Acera, 31.8mm clamp | Shimano Sora, 31.8 clamp | Shimano 105, 31.8 clamp |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Altus | Shimano Sora GS | Shimano 105 GS |
| Crankset | Prowheel, 48/32 | FSA Tempo, 50/34 | FSA Omega, 50/34 |
| Brakes | Tektro hydraulic disc, 160/140mm rotors | Tektro hydraulic disc, 160/140mm rotors | Shimano MT201 hydro disc, 160/160mm RT56 rotors |
| Cassette | Shimano HG31, 8-Speed, 11-32T | Shimano HG50, 8-Speed, 11-34T | Shimano HG400, 9-Speed, 11-32T |
| Chain | KMC Z9, 9-speed | KMC Z9, 9-speed | Shimano HG601, 11-speed |
The Cannondale Quick 2 wears Shimano Sora, which takes you into the brand’s dedicated road groupsets. Mixed with an FSA Temp crank and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, Sora offers smoother shifting but is still entry-level by the brand’s standards. If you want a top fitness bike choice, the Quick 1 is your best bet instead. Cannondale have dressed it in Shimano’s ever-popular 105 groupset with 11-speed cassette. Not quite a full group (the FSA Omega crank is used), it is nevertheless impressively well-specced for a hybrid bike.
Realistically, if you are only after a bike for commuting, 105 is over-the-top – you should be shopping down the hierarchy. But for a hybrid bike, or commuter-plus-fitness as Cannondale market the Quick, it is a top spec with trickle-down technology ensuring it packs a punch when it comes to quick, smooth and efficient shifting. Cannondale have also swapped in Shimano MT201 hydraulic disc brakes for their flagship model in the Quick range.
Wheels
Cannondale use their own-brand wheels on the Quick range to keep costs down, with their standard alloy hoops on the Quick 6 and their disc-specific versions on the others. The Quick 6, 5 and 4 are built around standard alloy hubs but the Quick 3, Quick 2 and Quick 1 roll with Formula hubs. Formula are a common choice on branded wheels.
| Rims | Tires | |
|---|---|---|
| Quick 6 | Cannondale, double wall, 32h | Kenda Kourier, 700 x 35c |
| Quick 5 | Cannondale Disc, double wall w/eyelet, 32h | Schwalbe Spicer, 700 x 35c, K-Guard, reflective strip |
| Quick 4 | Cannondale Disc, double wall w/eyelet, 32h | Schwalbe Spicer, 700 x 35c, K-Guard, reflective strip |
| Quick 3 | Cannondale Disc, double wall, 32h | Schwalbe Spicer, 700 x 35c, K-Guard, reflective strip |
| Quick 2 | Cannondale Disc, double wall, 32h | Schwalbe Lugano, 700 x 32c, K-Guard, reflective strip |
| Quick 1 | Cannondale Disc, double wall, 32h | Schwalbe Lugano, 700 x 32c, K-Guard, reflective strip |
The Quick 6’s build as a budget-friendly, entry-level commuter is reflected by the use of Kenda Kourier tires, built for increased puncture protection and grip. The Quick 5 through to the Quick 3 upgrades the rubber to Schwalbe Spicer. Schwalbe are known for their excellent tires and the Spicer is a popular touring option, having attracted rave reviews for its puncture protection and durability over rough roads. They are smooth rolling too.
Finally, the Cannondale Quick 2 and Cannondale Quick 1 are equipped with Schwalbe Lugano tires. They are slightly narrower at 32c compared to 35c on the others, which should reduce rolling resistance further. The Lugano is Schwalbe’s entry-level road bike tire, so on a hybrid like the Quick it is very good spec. Once again, it proves the fact the Quick is built for more than just urban riding and commuting.
Ergonomics
All except the Quick 6 and Quick 5 also come equipped with some smart tech up front, with the Cannondale 3 alloy bar and stem featuring Intellimount. Intellimount is an integrated phone mounting point, which combines with an in-built wheel sensor to essentially turn the phone into a bike computer via instant connectivity with the Cannondale App.
The handlebars themselves are super-wide at 640mm and look more like a mountain-bike than a regular city hybrid. It ensures greater control, however, and adds to the versatility. All bikes come with Cannondale Fitness flat pedals too.
| Seat | Handlebar | Pedals | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick 6 | Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density | 6061 double-butted, 25mm rise, 8° sweep, 6° rise, 640mm | Cannondale Fitness |
| Quick 5 | Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density | 6061 double-butted, 25mm rise, 8° sweep, 6° rise, 640mm | Cannondale Fitness |
| Quick 4 | Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density | 6061 double-butted, 25mm rise, 8° sweep, 6° rise, 640mm | Cannondale Fitness |
| Quick 3 | Cannondale Fitness Ergo Double Density | Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy, 18mm rise, 8° back, 4° up, 640mm | Cannondale Fitness Reinforced Composite |
| Quick 2 | Cannondale Quick Ergo Performance | Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy, 18mm rise, 8° back, 4° up, 640mm | Cannondale Fitness Reinforced Composite |
| Quick 1 | Cannondale Quick Ergo Performance | Cannondale Riser, 6061 Alloy, 18mm rise, 8° back, 4° up, 640mm | Cannondale Fitness Reinforced Composite |
Cannondale have equipped the Quick 6 through to the Quick 3 with their Fitness Ergo saddle, which is built for comfort and packs in the padding. The top two models use the Cannondale Quick Ergo instead, however. It is a narrower, sportier saddle and better reflects the fact it has been built for longer rides. The Quick 1 sits closer to a road bike in many regards than the commuter market.