$4999.99
26.2 pounds
4.3-inch rear wheel travel
Cannondale, (800) 726-2453
Maxi test: July 2006

Highlights: While the carbon fiber Lefty fork with its Fox TerraLogic internals grabs your attention, it is what you don't see that may make the biggest difference once the Rush hits the trail. The Rush uses cold-forged pieces at the frame's highest stress points. The swingarm pivot, lower shock mount, and the central post that triangulates the swingarm are a one-piece forging, as are the rear dropouts. The upper shock mounting bracket is machined from a block of aluminum. Cannondale's trademark double-weld technique, combined with the efforts of the polishing crew, make the Rush frame appear almost seamless.

Best quote: "The Rush's steering lives up to its name. This is a quick steering bike. It is ultra responsive to directional input from the rider. "

Bottom line: Cannondale's Rush is a refreshingly simple design at a time when most mountain bike makers are selling complexity. Single-pivot suspension and weight close to a cross-country race bike result in a bike for the trail rider who is more interested in pedaling and climbing performance than downhill bravado. This bike shines on tight trials where the only certainty is the unexpected.