My Ride...Cannondale Slice Review

The new 2008 Slice from Cannondale is the first full-carbon tri/TT bike from Cannondale. The improvements over 2007 are remarkable. The geometry has changed a bit to better accommodate a steeper (78+ degree) riding position. The ride quality has improved due to the the carbon fiber chainstays designed to dampen road vibration. No longer is Cannondale synonymous with teeth rattling stiffness. This bike is made for the long haul. I spec'd mine out with the SRAM Force grouppo, which includes lots of cool carbon bits. The crank, rear derailleur cage, shifters and svelte brake levers are all carbon, making this a lightweight and affordable option for a tri bike setup. I opted for the FSA Vision aero/base bar and stem combo. The armrest cups are rock solid and instill confidence when all your weight is resting on them.

My first ride on the Slice was during a combo hill climb workout in East Rock Park, New Haven. 3 climbs to the top of the park and then 3 six minute runs around a grass field. The ride to the park goes through some sections of really crummy city pavement. The bike is smooth through the rough stuff and wants to ridden hard. In fact, the faster and harder you go, the better this bike feels. The climbs are steady at around 5-6% grade for 7-8 minutes. The seated climbs in the aero bars felt great both in the big ring at 85 rpms and in the small ring at 105 rpms. Out of the saddle the bike feels like, well, a bike that wants to be ridden in the saddle. Descending on this bike takes some practice. I found myself sliding off the back of the saddle MTB style to navigate the fast switchback descents of East Rock. The geometry of this bike is set up to be ridden flat, straight, and fast, fortunately most triathlon courses are set up the same way.

Cannondale specs this bike out with a cool rear mounted water bottle holder and has an option of an integrated SRM using the BB30 bottom bracket and the Hollowgram Crank. I would like to see a better seat clamp that makes adjustment of the saddle angle easier. I spotted Bill Keith, the Cannondale product manager at the Health Net triathlon, he was sporting a slick white slice with new graphics so you can bet to see that color option in 2009.

In conclusion: Smooth is fast, fast is smooth. This bike makes me feel fast even when warming up. I can't wait to give a go in my first race.