Cannondale Habit HT Review

Marketing, pricing strategy, and even the aesthetics leave no doubt: Cannondale has tailored the Habit HT for a young, progressive audience. But does this bike meet the expectations raised by the clips from the 50to01 crew?

When it comes to budget bikes, it’s important to take a close look at the frame since components can be easily swapped out later. With the BSA bottom bracket standard (threaded), the tapered head tube, and the 148×12 mm dropout spacing for the rear wheel, you’re set up for a future-proof ride.

The Habit HT2 boasts a geometry that stands out from its competitors. With a 64-degree head angle, it is one degree slacker than, for instance, the Orbea Laufey or Cube’s Reaction. Even though the reach (main frame length) is at a comparable level, the Habit HT feels noticeably more stable on the trail.

Moreover, the upright seating position during climbs is immediately apparent. The bike’s steep seat angle facilitates a comfortable position in the saddle. The slight kink in the top tube gives the Habit a distinct look.

The Cannondale Habit HT1 tipped our workshop scales at over 15 kilos without pedals. That’s not exactly light for a hardtail. However, the Cube Reaction TM One 2025 Test weighed the same. A look at the Santa Cruz Chameleon Trailhardtail Review or the Orbea Laufey Review reveals: If you’re willing to invest more, you can get a trail hardtail weighing around 13 kilos – but then you’re looking at over 2000 €.

Starting a local cross-country race or marathon is not much fun with this weight and the high rolling resistance of the tires. Even though the gear range (difference between the largest and smallest gear) of the drivetrain is a good 510%, this bike is no uphill rocket.

For 1699 €, the spec is not exactly a standout. However, considering the current discount landscape, it’s a different story. You won’t even find the Shimano 1×12 Deore drivetrain and RockShox fork at the value-for-money experts at Cube for 1099 €. The components not only appear high-quality but also perform well on the trail.

The clear criticisms of the spec are the weak brakes and the heavy wheels. There’s definitely tuning potential here. According to the spec sheet, a dropper post with 175 mm travel is also factory-installed. However, our test model only had 120 mm available – which was a bit disappointing.

The Cannondale Habit HT is a hardtail that prefers fast trails and rough terrain. With its slack head angle and relatively long chainstays, it’s more fun at higher speeds than during leisurely cruising rides. The RockShox fork and Maxxis tires handle their job in the dirt solidly.

The Shimano brake system, on the other hand, is less confidence-inspiring. The long lever isn’t particularly ergonomic, and the braking power could be higher. As a quick tuning measure, we would definitely install a 200 mm rotor upfront. In the long run, seasoned riders will probably consider upgrading to a higher quality braking system here.

The HT 1 is the top model of the 3 equipment variants. The HT 3 is available with the current discount for €799, and the HT 2 serves as a middle option at a price of €919. For those for whom money is not an issue, you can also check out our detailed review of the Cannondale Scalpel HT made of carbon.