$2799
43.2 pounds
7.8 inches of rear wheel travel
Cannondale: (800) 245-3872
Full test: November 2007 (Click here to order this issue)

Highlights: There are two models of the Perp, the $4129 Perp 1 and our test bike, the Perp 2. The 2 has adjustable rear wheel travel between 7 and 7.9 inches of travel through Cannondale's unique shock link design and a Fox Shox Van R coil shock. The RockShox Domain fork has a 1.5-inch steerer tube and a Maxle 20-millimeter thru-axle.

Best quote: "The Perp handled best at low speeds, including corners and switchbacks. On steep terrain the Perp handled switchbacks well when taking it easy was the only option. We had a tough time getting enough weight over the front wheel for traction to hit berms or off-camber corners aggressively."

Bottom line: Cannondale makes the Judge for downhill racers and the Prophet for aggressive trail riders. The Perp falls between these two and is a very use-specific bike. Actually, call it a two-trick pony. It shines on severe drops and sick jumps that have become the staple of bike parks. That's a very narrow window of intended use and probably too narrow for any pilot who plans rides outside a bike-park environment.