Aluminum hardtails are the cornerstone of the Cannondale Empire. Cannondale knows aluminum hardtails. They have a reputation for agile handling with a high-performance ride that doesn't punish the rider. This is the Holy Grail for any aluminum hardtail.
Cannondale's Caffeine hardtail line has no fewer than nine models split between 26-inch wheels and 29-inch wheels (with a couple of women-specific models thrown in for good measure). We requested the 2009 29er 2 (positioned right below their top-of-the-line 29er 1) for our test.

Test quote: "The 29er 2 breaks with tradition by offering slightly more relaxed steering that will appeal to more riders (on wide-open, faster trails) without alienating the tight-woods gang. The 29-inch wheels that stick like nobody's business aid cornering performance"

Stoked:
Fast and fun
That Cannondale aluminum feel
Big hoops smooth the trail

Bummed:
Check for loose-fitting grips
Watch the front wheel bearing (keep it lubed)

Bottom Line: The 29er 2 breaks with tradition by offering slightly more relaxed steering that will appeal to more riders (on wide-open, faster trails) without alienating the tight-woods gang. The 29-inch wheels that stick like nobody's business aid cornering performance.
(See full specs below)

CANNONDALE 29'ER 2
Price...$1799
Country of origin...U.S.A.
Weight...www.cannondale.com
Hotline•(800) 726-2453
Frame tested...18.7 (large)
Bottom bracket height...12"
Chainstay length...18"
Top tube length...24.5"
Head angle...70°
Seat tube angle...73.5°
Standover height...32"
Wheelbase...44.3"
Suspension travel (front)...3.1"
Suspension travel (rear)...None
Frame material...Aluminum
Fork...Lefty Speed DRL2
Shock•None
Rims...Jalco Disc X320 (29-inch)
Tires...Continental Race King (2.2)
Hubs...Cannondale Lefty/Shimano (r)
Brakes...Avid Juicy 3
Brake levers... Avid Juicy 3
Crankset...Shimano FC-M521
Shifters...SRAM X-5 Trigger
Rear derailleur...SRAM X-7
Chainrings...Shimano (44/32/22)
Cassette...Shimano XTR (11-34)
Pedals...Wellgo Clipless