I have a slate and really like it for many reasons. You spent the entire video pointing out the negatives but the bike isn’t really that much of a downer. Goes to show we all have our preferences;).
Cool review, It seems in 2020 with GRX and better tyre clearance, the gravel segment has matured a lot. I personally have a 2020 Fuji Jari 1.7 with a stay protector, double fork mounts, and a slew of mounts on the frame.
I have one road bike and the other one is the cannondale slate. For me, if wanna go fast the slate isnt that good because of the aerodynamic etc. my perspective for the slate is that the bike is so versatile. I enjoy using slate for both like mountain biking (trail riding, a few mtb light mtb routes etc). Besides, i was wondering if i could get myself a dirt jump bike, but instead of buying new one, this slate can also be use in skate park, city riding. of course i shouldnt mention "gravel riding" as it is slate sole purpose. In my opinion, you just bought a wrong bicycle for your needs i guess?
Cannondale now has the SpideRing 46/30 that would be a must for a bike like the Slate, paired with a 36 cassette that works well with the Ultegra derailleur that came in that model.
Gravel bikes are a great all-rounder if you don't have another bike, my Cannondale touring bike would fit into that category. The bike I like the most is a Roubaix, it's a Mtb'rs road bike, can give it a beating and it won't cry.
I just watched your vid on the Volt because I'm considering one, but the hang up for me was transporting a road bike/MTB. Since you appear to also be into bikes: can you fit a road bike into the Volt or is the trunk too small?
The big problem with that model was the gearing 52/36 and 11/28 block. That’s pure race bike gearing on s gravel bike . The 1by version was far better in that respect .. the slick tyres are easily replaced
Beware: Read Cannondale’s fine print in their Warranty Policy. They may use it against you for their best interest. My $5000.000 carbon fiber frame Jekyll broke after six years of use. Cannondale never made a finding that it was due to use or abuse. A hairline crack formed at a weak point in the frame. The bike was sold to me with a lifetime warranty on the frame. The best offer Cannondale gave me, under their lifetime warranty, was 20% off of retail - yes, that's right 20% off of retail. I fought them on it over a two month period and lost. So, I am now stuck with a 34lb paperweight. Cannondale has what I feel is the worse warranty in the bike business. If you do purchase a Cannondale bike and something goes wrong, know that they probably will not work with you at any level in your best interest. In my opinion, they do do not value you as a customer, they only value your money. This has been my experience.
I rode my Slate in a 150 mile event - no problem keeping up with my team whom were all on hi-end road bikes. I've also entered XC MTN bike events and gravel events on my Slate - it performed quite well. I also own a Cannondale SuperX SE, but prefer my Slate - its waaaaay more fun. I have a background in BMX and cyclocross racing - I love my Slate for local canyon rides with my buddies here in SoCal.
I think you could do nice reviews. But on this one you're just bummed out you bought the wrong bike for your riding and the area your in. The stuff you complain about were evident before purchasing it, I mean - e.g. the handle bars didn't shrink while in your garage.
Wish it was like 30 pounds and like made of chinesium and like pink orange 🍊with a Brooks saddle made of sharkskin with a battery and 5g. Oh boy u yanks are on somethings 😳
I have a slate and really like it for many reasons. You spent the entire video pointing out the negatives but the bike isn’t really that much of a downer. Goes to show we all have our preferences;).
Agreed
7.54 That's the key point. You bought the wrong bike for your needs and then criticise the Slate for not performing like a mountain bike.
You're right. I do wish it had better tire clearance though
Cool review, It seems in 2020 with GRX and better tyre clearance, the gravel segment has matured a lot. I personally have a 2020 Fuji Jari 1.7 with a stay protector, double fork mounts, and a slew of mounts on the frame.
Great review - thx for this open feedback
Any time!
Looks like you need a mountain bike not a gravel bike. The slate will probably go down as THE iconic grand breaking gravel bike
I have one road bike and the other one is the cannondale slate. For me, if wanna go fast the slate isnt that good because of the aerodynamic etc.
my perspective for the slate is that the bike is so versatile. I enjoy using slate for both like mountain biking (trail riding, a few mtb light mtb routes etc).
Besides, i was wondering if i could get myself a dirt jump bike, but instead of buying new one, this slate can also be use in skate park, city riding.
of course i shouldnt mention "gravel riding" as it is slate sole purpose.
In my opinion, you just bought a wrong bicycle for your needs i guess?
Cannondale now has the SpideRing 46/30 that would be a must for a bike like the Slate, paired with a 36 cassette that works well with the Ultegra derailleur that came in that model.
Interestingly 2017 year model 1x had 44T and 11-42T for gravel (not climbing)
Gravel bikes are a great all-rounder if you don't have another bike, my Cannondale touring bike would fit into that category. The bike I like the most is a Roubaix, it's a Mtb'rs road bike, can give it a beating and it won't cry.
What do you think of that Lefty fork, is it worth the extra 1 to 1.2k as compared to the same model Slate with a rigid fork?
Wish they made a 3rd world budget version running sram 1x11 and 50+mm tyres even non sus to keep cost down but love a lefty
I just watched your vid on the Volt because I'm considering one, but the hang up for me was transporting a road bike/MTB. Since you appear to also be into bikes: can you fit a road bike into the Volt or is the trunk too small?
with seats folded down and one wheel off bike it should work. but tight
The big problem with that model was the gearing 52/36 and 11/28 block. That’s pure race bike gearing on s gravel bike . The 1by version was far better in that respect .. the slick tyres are easily replaced
Beware: Read Cannondale’s fine print in their Warranty Policy. They may use it against you for their best interest. My $5000.000 carbon fiber frame Jekyll broke after six years of use. Cannondale never made a finding that it was due to use or abuse. A hairline crack formed at a weak point in the frame. The bike was sold to me with a lifetime warranty on the frame. The best offer Cannondale gave me, under their lifetime warranty, was 20% off of retail - yes, that's right 20% off of retail. I fought them on it over a two month period and lost. So, I am now stuck with a 34lb paperweight. Cannondale has what I feel is the worse warranty in the bike business. If you do purchase a Cannondale bike and something goes wrong, know that they probably will not work with you at any level in your best interest. In my opinion, they do do not value you as a customer, they only value your money. This has been my experience.
What in the world is the benefit of having a one tine fork? Other than saving a few ounces, I can't think of anything.
Wondering if any slate owners ride road and how it fares on the road?
It does pretty well!
I rode my Slate in a 150 mile event - no problem keeping up with my team whom were all on hi-end road bikes. I've also entered XC MTN bike events and gravel events on my Slate - it performed quite well. I also own a Cannondale SuperX SE, but prefer my Slate - its waaaaay more fun. I have a background in BMX and cyclocross racing - I love my Slate for local canyon rides with my buddies here in SoCal.
Thanks so much I just bought an upgraded one
@@colefarley3213 have to ask - was it the 2018 Slate offered on eBay?
Man you just need an MTB. Slate is great.
Where are you located?
The Ebike your getting is much better suited for you
I think you could do nice reviews. But on this one you're just bummed out you bought the wrong bike for your riding and the area your in. The stuff you complain about were evident before purchasing it, I mean - e.g. the handle bars didn't shrink while in your garage.
It's not about the bicycle. It's about your legs
Wish it was like 30 pounds and like made of chinesium and like pink orange 🍊with a Brooks saddle made of sharkskin with a battery and 5g. Oh boy u yanks are on somethings 😳