I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box to find that the Cannondale Catalyst 3 was not a frivolous bike to collect dust in the garage. The C3 is a little bike that packs a lot of bang for the buck. The first thing I noticed after taking it out of the box was its light weight. The bike weighs less than 8 pounds, so it is not a traditional “woman’s bike” in any sense of the word. When I got on the seat and put it into the lowest gear, the bike accelerated quickly.
The 2015 Cannondale Catalyst 3 is the smallest bike in Cannondale’s line-up and offers a precise fit with its integrated power meter, created especially for the new bike. The sleek new frame is made from aero grade carbon fiber, which makes it stiffer and lighter, and the integrated power meter is to help you get the most out of your training.
Feeling guilty after eating a mud pie? Does the last piece of pizza always have more guilt and less flavor? If you answered yes to these questions, you are one of thousands of people in the same category. There is nothing wrong with eating extra carbs from time to time. The only important thing is that you don’t do the same thing over and over again. You should aim to burn more carbs than you take in to stay on track. If you want to burn carbs regularly, there is nothing better than cycling on difficult terrain. Cycling is one of the best exercises to increase your core strength and endurance. You can choose any terrain for a bike ride, as long as you have the right bike.
There are many good products on the market, and one of them is the Cannondale Catalyst 3. It should definitely be at the top of your list when you have to choose between options. Here’s a comparative analysis of the Cannondale Catalyst 3 to help you make an informed decision.
Technical data
Cannondale used their C3 alloy with smart design for this product. It is a very light bike, weighing only 12 kg. Below is a brief overview.
Frame
The loop frame sets the tone of the usage. If the construction is heavy and solid, the bike is rough and tough and can be used intensively. However, if the frame is light, the resistance may be less. Cannondale has combined elements of both starting points to create a product that is both light and durable. They used their 6061 alloys with a bootstrap coating to create a lightweight product that will enhance your efforts on the trail. The construction of the whole bike is very well planned and executed. Everything was measured, from the position of the seat to the installation of the suspension kit. The suspension system consists of a 75mm coil spring that eliminates the effects of bumps and potholes that occur on the road. The bike is available in different sizes, from small to very large. These options are designed to give the customer total independence, regardless of size. The colors are incredibly eye-catching and will make sure you become the talk of the day when you ride this ATV.
Brakes
An excellent braking system is essential. You can compromise on everything except this element. Especially if you’re considering a mountain bike, an advanced braking system is a top priority. The Cannondale Catalyst 3 uses 160mm Tektro mechanical disc brakes. These brakes are present on both wheels and are sufficient for normal transports. However, the company could have optimized the braking system better, as the brakes did not stop the engine immediately. The short Shimano brake levers were also a nice addition to the overall package. They look good on the handle and are comfortable to hold with just a few fingers. The overall design is very efficient and does not hinder easy mobility.
The company has also equipped the product with a flat handlebar. The sole purpose of this addition is to give riders more grip and control. The flat handlebar integrates perfectly with the aluminum frame and improves the overall user experience.
Slide
The transmission system plays a very important role when driving in difficult conditions. At those times, simply shifting gears is a useful tool. The Cannondale Catalyst 3 is equipped with Shimano EF51 EasyFire shifters. These switches are highly optimized and offer superior smoothness and no shifting errors. If you don’t have a good experience with shifters, this product is exactly what you need to change that perception. However, this can be a problem if you need to change gears constantly, but the 24-speed system is very comfortable. You should only play with the track on a flat surface, as this can ruin your experience without fail.
Rims
Cannondale has equipped the bike with two wheels with 27.5″ forks, which is the ideal size. The wheels are big enough to avoid bumps on normal roads. The WTB Beeline tires mounted on the bike can withstand gravel surfaces. They are heavy duty, which reduces the risk of slips and falls. The only disadvantage of these tires is the lack of fenders.
You can mount a fender to complete the package and make it a complete set.
Price
The Cannondale Catalyst 3 is reasonably priced. In the value for money category, the product received four stars and more. Amateur users really like the performance of the bike thanks to its advanced features. The product is very durable and can be used for many years. Thus, the entire shopping experience becomes an investment. You can enjoy this investment for years to come if you take good care of your bike and maintain it on time.
Cannondale Catalyst 3 Best Performance
As with all of the company’s new product offerings, Cannondale has introduced some great benefits with this bike as well. You can be sure that all eyes will be on you when you step onto the catwalk. This is entirely due to the inks used in the manufacture of this product. Neon green with black details is a great color choice. The frame of the bike is light, so you can easily pick it up and take it to places where you can’t paddle. For the beginner, this is extremely important. The overall design ensures a good posture while cycling. This feature helps clients maintain good posture while burning some calories. This is a good buy for people who have posture and stretching issues. The last and final thing that attracts customers to this product is the ease with which it can be customized. If you find that some parts of the bike can be improved, you can easily upgrade them. This also points to the ease with which replacement parts can be obtained in the event of damage to a particular item.
Roadblocks
The Cannondale Catalyst 3 passed the test in almost all parameters. This is an excellent ride for beginners looking to start their career. However, there are a few things to consider to get the full picture. The lack of fenders definitely requires your attention. If your bike is not equipped with a mudguard, your experience may be compromised. Every day you need to spend some time maintaining your engine. The colors the bike is currently available in get dirty quickly, so watch out for puddles when you ride.
Its suspension could have been better, considering it’s a mountain bike. It will never let you fall on flat, undisturbed surfaces. However, this can be a problem if you are on an uneven surface. Suspension and brakes should be better optimised for unpredictable situations. For a mountain bike, this should be the deciding factor. The price is quite high compared to other devices in a similar price range. If you are not satisfied with a particular part, you may want to consider exchanging it and moving the engine up a notch.
Professional
- Attractive design
- Robust construction
- The perfect tyres
- 24-speed shift system
- Price-performance ratio
Cons
- No fenders
- Disadvantages of the suspension
Advice to clients
Now that you know the intricacies of the product, you know the offer is safe. The company has tried to include all the elements that can help you have the best experience. If your budget allows for this bike, you can buy it without hesitation. You should also be clear about your expectations, as the product is designed for both beginners and advanced players. If you are a professional, make sure you look for options that meet your expectations.
Concluding remarks
Cannondale consistently delivers high quality bikes. The Catalyst 3 is built with the Trail 8 frame that is popular with many users. This product is similar to their MTB trail series, which gives it an advantage because of its reputation. Now that you’ve made your purchase with determination and thought, it’s time to burn some calories and immerse yourself in the experience of riding a great bike. On rocky terrain and unplanned expeditions!
