Cannondale has long been a brand that doesn’t play by the rules and the Treadwell range of urban bikes, particularly the EQ (equipped) model on test here, is further proof of that.
It looks like a traditional sit-up-and-beg tank, but at 13.9kg it’s nowhere near as heavy as you’d first imagine.
It’s nimble, comfortable and practical – the front rack has a 10kg weight limit, but load the front of the bike with much more than that and the handling would be compromised anyway.
The Treadwell EQ is the only bike in the range to come with a rack as standard and, combined with full-length mudguards, makes this a machine well-suited to everyday cycling, while remaining fun to ride.
The Treadwell range was launched in May last year and is made up of three builds, the 3, 2 and EQ, each available in two frame styles.
The ‘standard’ Treadwell frame has a kinked top tube with a low standover height, while the second (bikes with the Remixte suffix) has a step-through frame for even easier mounting/dismounting.
All Treadwell bikes are available in small, medium and large sizes, with a geometry that aims to provide a comfortable reach to the handlebar and make it easy to put a foot down.
Meanwhile, a feature squarely aimed at urban use is the protective rubber strips down each side of the top tube, which should prevent scrapes when locking up the bike.
The relaxed position ensures the Treadwell offers a luxurious ride, as long as KOMs/QOMs aren’t the name of the game.
Another nice touch is the rack mounts integrated into the seat clamp, in case you need more load-carrying capacity in the form of panniers.
The EQ is the most expensive bike in the Treadwell range. The 1x9 Shimano Altus gear setup is simple to maintain (the 38-tooth chainring is paired with an 11-36t cassette) and the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are powerful and fuss free.
The Maxxis DTR-1 tyres are reasonably fast-rolling and big enough at 650b x 47mm to offer a good level of comfort.
Mounted to the front wheel is a sensor to track speed and distance, which will communicate with the free Cannondale app, developed with Garmin.
You can also use your phone as a bike computer by mounting it on the stem, but you’ll need an SP Connect-compatible case for this.
The Treadwell range also includes the Treadwell 3 and Treadwell 3 Remixte, the most affordable bikes in the line-up, with Shimano Tourney components and Promax mechanical disc brakes.
The Treadwell 2 and Treadwell 2 Remixte sit in the middle, with Microshift Advent 9-speed shifting and the same Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic discs as the EQ.
Cannondale Treadwell EQ bottom line
The Treadwell EQ is a great runabout. It’s perfect for short, quick rides.
Running errands or a bit of shopping is what this is made for, and it puts a smile on your face every time.
Cannondale Treadwell EQ geometry (based on size L)
- Seat angle: 71 degrees
- Head angle: 71 degrees
- Chainstay: 46cm
- Seat tube: 51.3cm
- Top tube: 60cm
- Head tube: 19.6cm
- Fork offset: 5.5cm
- Trail: 6cm
- Bottom bracket drop: 6.4cm
- Bottom bracket height: 28cm
- Wheelbase: 1,097mm
- Stack: 61cm
- Reach: 39cm
Product
| Brand | cannondale |
| Price | 1500.00 AUD,899.00 EUR,800.00 GBP,950.00 USD |
| Weight | 13.9000, KILOGRAM () - |
Features
| Fork | SmartForm C3 Alloy |
| br_stem | Cannondale 3 with Intellimount |
| br_chain | KMC X9, 9-speed |
| br_frame | SmartForm C3 Alloy |
| Tyres | Maxxis DTR-1, 650b x 47c |
| br_brakes | Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic disc, 160/140mm rotors |
| br_cranks | Prowheel, 38T |
| br_saddle | Cannondale Treadwell |
| br_wheels | Cannondale, double wall on Sealed Alloy Disc hubs |
| br_headset | Tange Semi-Integrated |
| br_shifter | Shimano Altus |
| br_cassette | Sunrace, 11-36, 9-speed |
| br_seatpost | Alloy |
| br_gripsTape | Cannondale Comfort |
| br_handlebar | Cannondale Cruise Control riser, 6061 alloy |
| br_bottomBracket | Cartridge Sealed |
| br_availableSizes | S, M, L |
| br_rearDerailleur | Shimano Altus |
