Cannondale Quick 5 (2014) - Review

The Cannondale Quick 5 is a bike that is an ideal scenario of road bike meets hybrid. The bike feels as fast and nimble as most road bikes while focusing on comfort starting with the flat, well designed handlebar. It is a well balanced and weighted hybrid and is very responsive to directional changes. The bike feels compact and well built, and as clich'd as it may sound, it lives up to its name of being really 'QUICK'. Cannondale Quick 5 214 RiderCannondale have used their proprietary S.A.V.E Micro-Suspension Technology which is their micro suspension systems designed to reduce road shock and vibration. This ensures a rigid frame that helps with keeping the momentum forward and is also very responsive in efficiently translating the rider's effort on to the road.

The shifting felt very crisp and precise. The bike employs a Shimano Altus combination for the front and back Derailleurs while choosing Shimano's Acera Rapidfire shifters to control the 27 gear unit. Cannondale Quick 5 DerailleurI personally feel that Cannondale could have thrown in the Shimano Acera/Alivio group set which would made the Quick 5 a dream machine , but also it would have made it a little more expensive. (click here for Shimano component Hierarchy) That being said the current combination is sufficient for leisure/basic fitness riding.

Cannondale have decided to use their in-house brand of brakes with the Cannondale C4 Mini V. The brakes are not top of the line but they do their job, this addition has been made to keep the overall costs low without compromising on the quality of the overall package.Cannondale Quick 5 BrakesThe Quick 5 is a very nimble handler, the angle and design of the fork gives you a very 'Road bike' like feel. It is crisp, sharp and responsive; there aren't too many hybrids that have these kinds of handling capabilities.

Since the Quick 5 was designed to try and amalgamate the best of two worlds (Road bicycles and Hybrids), one would expect the ride quality to be a little harsh a' la a road bike. Be ready to be surprised on this front, the Quick 5 is a very comfortable bike and it's safe to say that Cannondale have got the geometry and ergonomics spot on, on this versatile urban hybrid.Cannondale Quick 5 SaddleThe Quick Ergo Performance Saddle adds a whole new level of comfort to the ride. The stock Kenda Kwik Trax tyres were really good as well. If you want to make your ride a tad bit quicker, you could look at investing in some 28C tyres as well.