Cannondale Habit 3: The Ultimate Trail Mountain Bike for Adventure Seekers

Are you on the hunt for a versatile, high-performance trail bike that can handle everything from steep climbs to thrilling descents? Look no further than the Cannondale Habit 3. This full-suspension mountain bike is designed for riders who crave fun on the trails without breaking the bank. With its modern geometry, reliable components, and agile handling, the Cannondale Habit 3 stands out as one of the best trail bikes in its category. Whether you’re a seasoned rider exploring rugged terrains or a newcomer building confidence on singletracks, this bike delivers exceptional value and performance.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the Cannondale Habit 3 specifications, features, real-world performance, and more. We’ll also include an FAQ section to answer your burning questions. If you’re searching for a full-suspension MTB that’s primed for grinding climbs, mashing flats, and ripping descents, keep reading to see why the Habit 3 might be your next ride.

cannondale habit 3 2018

Key Features of the Cannondale Habit 3

The Cannondale Habit 3 is built around a SmartForm C1 Alloy frame, which offers a perfect balance of strength, lightness, and responsiveness. With 130mm of rear travel and a 140mm fork, it’s engineered for trail domination. Here’s a breakdown of its standout features:

Proportional Response Suspension

Cannondale’s innovative Proportional Response system tailors the suspension kinematics to each frame size. This means whether you’re riding a small or extra-large, the bike feels balanced and centered, providing incredible traction and control on varied terrain. The rear shock, a RockShox Deluxe Select+ with DebonAir technology, offers adjustable rebound and a 2-position mode for efficient climbing and plush descents.

Modern Trail Geometry

Boasting a 65.5° head tube angle and a steep 77.5° seat tube angle, the Habit 3 positions you optimally for powering uphill while maintaining stability on downhills. The reach measures 480mm on a large frame, making it roomy yet maneuverable. Chainstays are 445mm on larger sizes, ensuring quick handling without sacrificing stability. This geometry makes the bike feel playful on twisty trails and confident on technical sections.

Reliable Drivetrain and Braking

Powered by a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, shifting is crisp and reliable across a wide range of gears (10-52t cassette). Paired with SRAM G2 R 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes (180mm rotors front and rear), stopping power is modulation-friendly and powerful, even in wet conditions. This setup is ideal for all-day adventures where reliability matters.

Wheels and Tires for Grip and Speed

The Habit 3 rolls on 29-inch wheels with Stan’s NoTubes Arch D rims laced to Shimano MT400/410 hubs. Tires are Maxxis Dissector 2.4″ EXO up front for aggressive cornering and a Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ EXO in the rear for efficient rolling. This combination provides excellent grip on loose dirt, roots, and rocks, making it a top choice for trail mountain bikes.

Other notable features include a TranzX dropper post (150mm on large frames), integrated cable routing for a clean look, and a UDH hanger for easy derailleur replacements. The bike’s weight hovers around 15.4kg (without pedals), which is competitive for an alloy full-suspension trail bike.

Cannondale Habit 3 review – Singletrack World Magazine

Detailed Specifications Table

To give you a clear overview, here’s a table summarizing the Cannondale Habit 3 specs based on the latest models:

These specs make the Habit 3 a well-rounded all-mountain bike that’s ready for anything from cross-country loops to enduro-lite runs.

Performance Review: How the Cannondale Habit 3 Rides

On the trail, the Cannondale Habit 3 truly shines. Reviewers praise its balanced suspension that absorbs bumps without feeling mushy, allowing for efficient pedaling on climbs. The steep seat angle keeps you centered, making technical ascents feel manageable. Once pointed downhill, the 65.5° head angle and plush fork inspire confidence, letting you charge through rocky sections with ease.

In terms of handling, it’s agile and fun – perfect for popping off jumps or carving berms. The 29-inch wheels roll over obstacles smoothly, and the tires provide predictable grip. However, some note that the bottom bracket could be slightly higher to avoid pedal strikes on rough terrain. Overall, it’s a bike that encourages you to push your limits while remaining forgiving for intermediate riders.

Compared to competitors like the Specialized Stumpjumper or Trek Fuel EX, the Habit 3 offers better value with its spec level at a similar price point. It’s not the lightest in class, but the alloy frame’s durability makes it ideal for everyday abuse.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Fun, playful ride
• Reliable components
• Size-specific geometry for better fit

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than carbon alternatives
• Limited dropper post insertion on some sizes
• Could benefit from a slacker head angle for extreme descents

2020 Cannondale Habit Women’s 3 Bike – Reviews, Comparisons, Specs …

Who Should Buy the Cannondale Habit 3?

If you’re looking for a do-it-all trail bike that excels in varied conditions, the Habit 3 is an excellent choice. It’s great for riders who want a bike that’s efficient on climbs but capable on descents. Beginners will appreciate its forgiving nature, while experts can upgrade components as needed. At around $3,000-$3,500, it’s positioned as a mid-range option with premium features, making it one of the best mountain bikes under $4,000.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Cannondale Habit 3

What is the Cannondale Habit 3 best suited for?

The Habit 3 is a trail bike optimized for all-around riding, including climbs, flats, and descents. It’s ideal for singletrack, flow trails, and light enduro.

How much does the Cannondale Habit 3 weigh?

It weighs approximately 15.3-15.4kg for a large size without pedals, depending on the build.

Is the Cannondale Habit 3 good for beginners?

Yes, its balanced geometry and reliable suspension make it forgiving for new riders, though some experience on trails is recommended.

What sizes are available for the Cannondale Habit 3?

It comes in XS, S, M, L, and XL, with proportional geometry for each.

Can I upgrade the components on the Habit 3?

Absolutely – the frame supports upgrades like better wheels, forks, or drivetrains for personalized performance.

What’s the difference between Habit 3 and Habit LT?

The Habit LT has longer travel (140mm rear, 150mm front) for more aggressive riding, while the Habit 3 is lighter and more trail-focused.

Does the Cannondale Habit 3 come with a warranty?

Yes, Cannondale offers a lifetime warranty on the frame for the original owner.

Is the Habit 3 tubeless-ready?

Yes, the rims and tires are tubeless-compatible out of the box.

How does the Habit 3 compare to the Carbon version?

The alloy Habit 3 is more affordable and durable, while carbon models are lighter but pricier.

Where can I buy the Cannondale Habit 3?

It’s available at authorized Cannondale dealers, online retailers like REI, or directly from Cannondale’s website.

Cannondale Habit 3

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