FranzB

Hi,

My 2015 Giant Escape 2 (*) got stolen a week ago. I'm not happy, but at the same time I've long outgrown that bike and needed a newer, faster, lighter one.

Long story short: I'm on the market for a new hybrid, and I have a significantly more substantial budget than eight years ago. For context, my bike is my main mode of transportation, and I also do quite a bit of "fitness" biking (50 km with hills, or 25 km up a mountain). I live on a lakeside in the French alps, so some long flats but also lots of mountains and hills.

I was first eyeing toward the Giant Escape 0 (being familiar with the brand), then the Trek FX 3, but now I'm looking at the Cannondale Quick 1 (**) and I really like what I see. I haven't tested it yet but it fits almost all my criteria and it's within my budget (at the higher end of it, admittedly).

My main questions at this point:

1. Is the gearing (50/34 crank, 11-32 rear) going to work going up a mountain? Should I consider switching to 11-34 on the rear (assuming it's possible)? Should I consider another combo?
2. I'm 175 cm tall (5′9″). Should I consider getting a size M or L? Likely no nearby shop will have it in stock so I'll need to order it. For the Giant Escape the right size for me was M but on the Trek I was more comfy on a size L.

Anything else I should know about the Cannondale Quick 1? I couldn't find a ton of reviews online...

Thanks!
Franz

(*) Upgraded to Shimano Deore and fully equipped with city stuff like fenders, etc.
(**) Which I would similarly equip with the city stuff.

Trav1s

I'm one of the Quick 1 owners here and mine has received a fair amount of upgrades along the way. Read up here if you like: Cannondale Quick 1 Disc

1. Gearing - I upgraded my drivetrain to full 107 7000 series this spring - 50/34 crank, new front and rear derailleurs, and replaced the original cassette with the 11-34 unit. I think my bike was originally 11-34 so I cannot comment on the difference between 11-32 you mentioned. Only when I have a long and significant incline do I wish I had more gear. I really like the 2x11 setup and after the full 105 upgrade the bike is really quiet and smooth.

2. Size - I'm 169 cm with a 75cm inseam and I comfortably ride a medium. If I recall correctly, I also felt comfortable on mediums in the Trek FX series when I was shopping in 2019. I'd call a Cannondale dealer and talk about sizing. I'd try riding a Quick 4/3/2 if in stock as they share the same frame. For reference, I tried out a 51 Synapse 105 and it fit me well.

FranzB

Hi Travis,

Thanks for the feedback!

That post series of yours is super interesting, and should I go with the Quick 1 (which I think I just might), it'll provide valuable information regarding upgrades.

I'm likely to go with the Cannondale "city kit" (fenders, kickstand, rack) since I need this stuff for my daily rides. Hoping it is of good quality.

My main concern is still the gearing, 11-34 is a no-brainer but I wonder if that'll be enough. If you've watched the Tour de France, you've seen where I live (the legendary mountain stages near Alpe d'Huez, Mornize, Les Gets... this is it): any significant biking day will involve significant hills. Maybe I'd consider a smaller crank if that's an option?

Franz

DorkDisk

Going from 32t to 34t in the rear is not too noticeable in my experience; I'd recommend a 30/46 crank for lower gears, with a 34t large cog for climbing.

Climbing is also about having many gears to climb with, not just one super low gear; so if a 32t cassette will work, the tighter ratios might be a better choice.

FranzB

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I'll talk to my LBS about a 30/46 crank option.

I just ordered the bike (on bike24.fr). They say 8-19 days for delivery, I suspect it's going to be on the upper side of that estimate, unfortunately...

Franz

(PS: How does one likes posts on this forum?)

FranzB

From another thread:

That must be it then

Franz

FranzB

Hi all,

I'll soon receive my Cannondale Quick 1. I'd like to equip it for the city life: fenders, kickstand, rear rack, etc. I'd like to go with the official Cannondale gear if it's decent (and decently priced). Unfortunately I'm unable to find the references on the official Cannondale site. Could someone help me locate these? Once I have product numbers, I hope to be able to find them locally (France).

I'd also like to go with a 30/46 crank and a 34T large cog, similarly I don't know where to look to find the correct products.

Your help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Franz

DorkDisk

I'd recommend a Shimano GRX crank, 810 for 11sp, 600 for 10sp and less.

Shimano 105 is a good cassette that has a spider for light weight. Speaking of weight, I'd recommend your next major upgrade for climbing be lightweight wheels. They're expensive but worth it, look for something around 1600g & $500.

Trav1s

I'm slow to respond and this posted after Dorkdisk's responses - I am not aware of any Cannondale-specific accessories and all of my upgrades are from reputable international brands.
Here's Cannondale's French website: https://www.cannondale.com/fr-fr/bik...ick/quick-1.fr

Looks likes specs are the same for the US and French market.


Fenders/mudguards - SKS Bluemels - https://sks-us.com/collections/eyele...0c-650b-wheels

Crank/BB - Shimano 105 7000 series - 50/34 is smallest combo available in 105 group and required new bottom bracket
You will likely need to look into a gravel crankset/bottom bracket to match the crankset you choose. This Shimano GRX looks like an option --> https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/produ...-RX600-11.html

Rear cassette
Shimano 105 series 11-34T https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/produ...-HG700-11.html
There's a 12 speed 11-36T option but I'm not sure if it is compatable - https://bike.shimano.com/en-EU/produ...-HG710-12.html

I also have installed a Selle Anatomica saddle, RaceFace Turbine handle bars, and other small items from other vendors. With specs from Cannondale's site, you can figure out what will and will not work.

Trav1s

That's on my radar for 2024. Now to figure out the options. Suggestions?

DorkDisk

Here are a few choices for around 5-600:


1) Fulcrum 5DB

2) Hunt Four Seasons

3) Easton EA 70AX


All three are QR/thru axle, tubeless ready, and centerlock.

t2p

I have a 810 crank on my Topstone 10 speed - works flawless

went with 810 over the 600 because 810 is significantly better / weighs less

Shimano does offer 10 spd and 11 spd 600 crankset - but I could not find significant difference … the 34t rings are the same part nbr I believe … (been a while - not positive) … the 46t 600 and 48t 810 rings are same thickness …. might be a very small difference in the spacing between the rings - if so can’t recall and again not significant

actually did get a 46t 600 ring and considered replacing the 48t 810 ring - but the mounting area is slightly different and the 600 ring is slightly lower quality so stuck with the 48t 810 ring

don’t forget - if you go with a GRX crankset will prob need to go with a GRX front derailleur due to the increased spacing / chainline of the GRX cranksets

added pic above of the Topstone - this bike is a frankenstein asst of parts: GRX RX810 48/31 11 spd crank, Tiagra 10 spd 4725 shifters, Ultegra R8000 11 spd rear derailleur, GRX RX810 front derailleur, XTR M980 10 spd 11-34 cassette

this is one of the best shifting / performing drivetrains I have - however the front shift throw is a little long / clunky from small to big ring (maybe typical for GRX front derailleur or I have incorrect adjustment ?)

t2p

another option for 46/40 crank is FSA crank - including FSA Omega AGX+ Alloy, 46/30t

this will require the appropriate bottom bracket - but could / should work with the standard front derailleur (as opppsed to GRX which will typically require the GRX front derailleur)

DorkDisk

I'm not a fan of FSA, especially their cranks. I find them ugly (apologies to FSA crank lovers everywhere) and many use weird BCDs; the one you posted weighs 944g, which is a ton.

That's a cool Topstone. Most of my bikes use mix n match also.

t2p

we might be discussing two different FSA cranksets - ? - the crankset I was referring to is the Gossamer Pro AGX - have these specs in my notes:

FSA Gossamer Pro crankset
Modular AGX+
46-30
735 g

attached pic above (fairly certain this is the crank - but not 100 %)

DorkDisk

Probably, Omega AGX+ turned up this behemoth

FranzB

Got the bike!

Went around the lake (45 km) as a first ride, felt pretty good!

Since these pics, I've added a kickstand and a rear rack. Still looking for good front & back fender options that work well, look good and aren't too heavy. Any advice?

Next spring —when the riding season picks up again— I'll start looking at alternative gearing options (great conversation going on here btw).

Franz

PS: Sadly I don't have 10 posts yet so I can't post my photos!

Trav1s

https://sks-us.com/collections/eyele...0c-650b-wheels

FranzB

Hi,

I'm looking to order the fenders online as my LBS doesn't have them. The site you linked to says "700c/650B", does this mean they work for both sizes?

Franz

FranzB

Also, the site says 20-28 mm for the tire width but I think the Quick 1 is 32 mm by default?

Franz

FranzB

The SKS Germany site also has a version of these fenders for tire widths 28-37 mm (SKU: 11811) instead of 20-28 mm (SKU: 11807, the one you linked to).

Would appreciate your perspective Trav1s

Thanks,
Franz

FranzB

Oh, and I can finally post pics of my new bike




That was right out of the LBS. I'll post fresher pics with accessories mounted (sans fenders at this point) soon.

Thanks,
Franz

Trav1s

Looks great, FranzB Sorry I missed the earlier post about the mudguards. I'll follow your thread so I don't miss out.

Trav1s

FWIW - Black Friday Sale right now!