Issue: January 2002, pg. 72
Price: $1999
Purpose: Dual-suspension road and trailbike
Contact: Cannondale (800) 726-2453
C Value
C Weight: 25.4 pounds
C Frame design
D Fork performance: Headshok Fatty Ultra DL w/lockout, 2.7" travel
D Rear suspension: Airshox, 2.5" travel
C Component selection
C Climbing performance
C Cornering ability
D Descending prowess
Test highlights: Cannondale sells the Bad Boy with Magura Julie disc brakes laced to 700c road wheels. For 23 percent more money you can also buy a set of mountain wheels laced around the same discs. The disc brakes make changing between the mountain and road wheels a quick and simple, no-adjustment operation. The full size, 700c wheels allow you to run skinny road tires without a total loss of gear inches. The 2 x 9 transmission works better on the road than in the dirt -- it is too much of a compromise ratio for steep singletrack hill work. The mostly good trailside manners are limited by the underdampened, simpleton monoshock and Headshok suspension. The Airshox is a hassle to adjust and lost air over every 48 hour period. Serious trail riders will have to upgrade this weird, bladder-type air damper.
Best quote: "The Bad Boy Jekyll breaks all the rules. It comes with skinny road wheels and a burning desire to get dirty. The Bad Boy is intended for riders who want two bikes but can't afford the space or dough to pull it off."
MBA's Bottom line: Once you add the price of the extra wheel set ($450), you are up to $2449. Could you buy a better Cannondale.
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