$3500
28 pounds
4.8-inch rear wheel travel
Maxi test: January 2008  Click here to purchase the issue

Highlights: The most obvious change to the Rush 3z is the absence of Cannondale's Lefty fork. In its place is a Fox F Series RLC fork. That means a conventional stem is used instead of Cannondale's SI stem/steerer system. While the Rush 3z doesn't wear the Shimano XTR and SRAM X.O jewelry of the Team model, there are only quality components on the 3z.

Best quote: "Cannondales have always been famous for their tight-woods, quick-handling characteristics. That's not entirely gone with the 3Z, but things have been slowed down considerably due to the use of the Fox fork (the frame geometry is the same as last year). This adds stability in high-speed corners without making the bike feel sluggish in the tight stuff."

Bottom line: The Cannondale Rush 3z brings that amazing carbon fiber Rush pedaling performance to a more affordable package. It also brings you a conventional fork that adds some travel at a very slight weight penalty. This added travel gives this Rush a different personality, boosting confidence while descending and slowing down the steering on singletrack. Since the fork travel is tunable, the Rush 3z rider can pick the type of handling that suits his style best.