Originally Posted by
Amani576
As much as I love the way those look. What purpose does it serve? It's not a folder, it's not a mountain or BMX bike, it's not a road bike or a hybrid. They're cool as crap, but I just don't see why Cannondale built those in the first place.
How does it ride? And other than a commuter, how do you view the bike?
-Gene-
Its a mini velo. They are popular in areas where there is not a lot of storage space, and there are models from manufacturers like Bianchi and Miyata. Most of them are city and road bikes, there's the odd mountain mini velo out there, the Hooligan is relatively unique in that it is a very BMX-ish mini velo. I'd imagine Cannondale made them for the asian / european market, and they just made their way here through the spiffy factor eventually. In Japan, they have 3 models of that bike, in a bunch of vibrant colours too!
Purpose? Small footprint like a folder, without the hinges and proprietary parts. Most mini velos are perfectly normal bicycles with the exception of the small wheels. You can get it up small staircases / elevators with ease, have more space in your apartment, and then go enjoy a nice riding bicycle later.
I rather like how it rides, and just wrote a review here if you are interested in reading it:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?448381-Cannondale-Hooligan-review&p=10993220&viewfull=1#post10993220