Cannondale is a historic brand in the world of MTB that often stands out for its counter-current and unconventional choices: see the Lefty leg fork and the lifetime warranty on the frames even in unsuspecting times.
This time the F-SI WORLD CUP was tested, a top-of-the-range model for the Cross Country sector in the front derivation, given that in this sector we also find the Scalpel, a dual-suspension XC. In the World Cup the official team is often preferring the Scalpel but the F-SI always remains among the most sought-after bikes on the market. Everyone describes it as a real colt that is difficult to tame. Let's see if all this is true.

€9.999
FEATURES
The frame structure is made of high quality carbon: BallisTec Hi-Mod MR70 and YS60 high modulus carbon fibers: the first is for tensile strength, the second for stiffness. Thanks to the innovative blend of intermediate, high and ultra high modulus fibers, the frame is extremely light, resistant and responsive: the declared weight is 900gr, in line with the references cross country (Stairs and S-Works).

The thru axle has been improved and is now faster in wheel replacement: The notched design of the dropouts allows the axle to stay in the hub thus making changing wheels quicker and easier. Compatible with standard 148 × 12 thru-axle hubs. For the front wheel, simply press a button and unscrew the screw to remove the caliper. Vice versa, for assembly just screw the screw and you hear a "click" when closing (be careful to first press the safety pin that blocks it since if you force the screw without pressing it it breaks). The FS-i is designed for mounting the double and for the telescopic seat post (eye to the diameter contained in 27.2cm) with internal cable routing. The bottom bracket is a 30mm BB73.

LEFTY OCHO
At the front, another nice novelty: the Lefty is renewed and changes structure, no longer with a double plate but a traditional stem and headset. The new Lefty Ocho does not slide on the bushings like all other forks, but runs smoothly on three connected sets of needle bearings, thus preventing the inner stem from rotating inside the outer stem. All this leads to an increase in rigidity and precision, as well as to improve its smoothness. Another positive aspect is that you can finally change the stem without having to resort to proprietary or compatible stems.

The Lefty Ocho provides a compression adjustment at low speeds (6 clicks), the classic rebound (23 clicks) and handlebar remote control with 2 positions (open and closed). For maintenance we recommend the "Vuforia view" APP, thanks to which it is possible to consult the manual, view the recommended setup and many other useful functions simply by "scanning" the code imprinted on the Lefty plate: bringing the phone close to the fork, you can see the its mechanisms showing the details. The range of adjustments is designed for riders with a weight between 45 and 105 kg, while to increase progressivity it is possible to insert up to 4 spacers (token style) in the positive chamber.
VERSIONS AND COMPONENTS
We find 7 models: F-Si Hi-MOD World Cup (in test) for € 9,999, F-Si Hi-MOD 1 for € 6,999, Carbon 2 for € 5,299, Carbon 3 for € 3,499, Carbon Women's 2 for € 2,799, Carbon 4 at € 2,799 and Carbon 5 at € 1,999. The frame of the F-Si Carbon 1 and WC are in Ballistec Hi-Mod carbon with a weight of 900 grams declared in size M while the models 2,3,4 and 5 are in “normal” Ballistec.
cannondale hi-mod 1 - € 6.999 cannondale f-si carbon women - € 2.799 cannondale f-si carbon 5 - € 1.999 cannondale f-si carbon 4 - € 2.799 cannondale f-si hi-mod world cup - € 9.999 cannondale f-si carbon 3 - € 3.499 cannondale f-si carbon 2 - € 5.299
GEOMETRY
The geometry is very modern when referring to the XC canons: the steering remains more relaxed than other models (69 °) with a 55mm rake, very abundant that goes towards the open steering to make the F-SI manageable. The top tube has been lengthened by one centimeter from the last version and the rear is now extremely compact (427mm) in order to keep the wheelbase under control, which measures 1134mm.
The seat angle is 73,1 °. Cannondale uses a fairly short stem (70mm) and a fairly wide handlebar (76cm) which, as we will see later in the test, are essential to ride the F-SI well.

THE RESPONSE OF THE TEST
The first feeling when riding the F-SI is that of a stable bike well planted on the ground: the seat on the saddle is central and the wide handlebar makes me feel at ease. However, the front does not seem to be there: it has a 0ms rotation reaction (probably derived from the rake increased by 55mm) and a feeling of lightness that at first is intimidating. The 69 ° head angle, and the presence of a single-stem (or knee-high) fork at the front, induces aggressive driving, but in the early stages of the test I go who goes there. Uphill and in the stretches of distance, you feel very centered on the bike, thanks to the abundant values of reach and top tube: the bike in steep sections does not rear up, it drives easily and is very stable. The SAVE micro-suspension, that is the flexible areas and the directional layout of the carbon, allow the rear triangle and the seat tube to absorb the blows even if they cannot work wonders since it is a Front: if there are direct hits, it takes a full house (for example Scalpel) to feel real benefits, however these are precautions that make it stand out among the Front frames; including the 27,2cm seat post, used in this size to be more flexible than larger sizes.

Only words of praise for the Lefty which proves to be a truly high-performance fork in the Cross Country field: a blade that goes exactly where we want to put the wheel. The sensitivity is superior to many of its XC competitors and it feels like riding with a 130mm all-mountain fork for how sensitive it is. Once you use it and learn to understand it, it is difficult to abandon it: it is a fork where you can perceive a more refined hydraulics than many rivals, including the low speed adjustment and, for those who are sensitive in their riding, they will appreciate it a lot. The wide handlebar and the short stem bring the right characteristics to be able to appreciate the F-SI as a whole: woe betide anyone who tries to shorten the handlebars excessively or lengthen the stem without having first tried it well. The reactivity of the front due to the increased rake requires a fairly wide handlebar otherwise the front would turn into an ON/OFF when turning. The sensations on the saddle are truly shocking, with a mix of excellent stability (overall) and handling (at the front) thanks to innovative geometries and technical solutions: the bike is stable, especially in curves, but agile at the same time. It is a very technical bike that requires mastery of the vehicle, given that on the saddle you need to have a well-centered position without leaving the front too light: the beginner or the biker with little technique will not feel at ease, while the expert rider will be able to bring out all its features.

A small drawback is the remote control which is too sensitive in its operation: it is not uncommon to have activated the lever inadvertently and, when it is activated, the fork locks (instead of unlocking it). ENVE approved carbon wheels: on a bike like this too much stiffness hurts but the ENVE M525 were excellent and stiff at the right point, keeping the performance to the maximum without taking the characteristics of the F-SI to the extreme. Nothing to say about the SRAM AXS (wireless) gearbox: flawless and precise, as well as the SRAM LEVEL Ultimate brakes, although a larger disc at the front could be an improvement (from 160mm to 180mm).
XC | MARATHON | TRAIL | ALL MOUNTAIN | ENDURO | FREERIDE | DOWNHILL |
XXXXX | XXXX |
Geometry |
|
Sizes | S, M, L (test), XL |
Steering angle | Inline |
Vertical tube | 480 mm |
Steering tube | 113 mm |
Rear chassis | 427 mm |
Wheelbase | 1134 mm |
Bottom bracket height | 308 mm |
Reach | 440 mm |
Stack | 623 mm |
Particular signs | LEFTY OCHO Extremely fluid. The Ocho doesn't slide on bushings like all other forks, but rides smoothly on three connected sets of needle bearings, thus preventing the inner leg from rotating inside the outer leg. No friction, no friction. |
€9.999 Euros | |
Price of frame + shock | nd | |
Italian distributor: www.cannondale.it | |
Weight (without pedals) | 8,9kg |
Fork | LEFTY Ocho Carbon, 29″, 100mm, Chamber Damper with cable lockout, OppO Spring System, tapered steerer, 55mm offset |
Shock absorber | nd |
wheels | ENVE M525 Carbon, 24h, tubeless ready |
Service |
(F) Schwalbe Racing Ray 27.5/29 x 2.25″, Snake Skin, Addix Speedgrip Compound, tubeless ready (R) Schwalbe Racing Ralph 27.5/29 x 2.25″, Snake Skin, Addix Speed Compound, tubeless ready |
Rolling mill chocks | SRAM XX1 Eagle DUB, 34T, Ai offset |
Rear gearbox | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS |
commands | SRAM Eagle AXS, 12-speed |
Brakes | SRAM Level Ultimate hydro disc |
Sprocket pack | SRAM XG-1299, 10-50, 12-speed |
Headset | Integrated, 1-1/8 to 1.5″, sealed angular contact bearings (Integrated steer stop size small only) |
Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle, 12-speed |
OFFENSE | CANNONDALE 1, 7075 Alloy, 1-1/8″, 31.8, 7° |
dumbbell | ENVE M5, Carbon, 760mm, 31.8mm, 5mm rise, 9° sweep |
seatpost | ENVE Carbon, 27.2 x 400mm, 0mm offset |
Sella | PROLOGUE Zero II, Tirox rails |
Color | Black (test) |
FINAL VERDICT
Bike for the incognito agonist
If your only thought, when you get up in the morning, is not to lose too many watts and not to ingest too much fat for breakfast, the F-SI World Cup is the bike for you: a real Supercar of the Mountain Bike world with unique characteristics of stiffness, weight and speed. The performance of the new Lefty Ocho closes the circle in terms of sensitivity and lightness. But be careful: not suitable for those seeking compromises and beginners.
+ | - |
• Proprietary standards that bring many unique innovations. • Lefty Ocho fork as a whole. • Unique mix of stability and handling (at the front) thanks to innovative geometries and technical solutions. | • Proprietary standards that raise costs for upgrades / maintenance (Lefty, AI Asymmetric wheels, crankset sprocket and Lefty compatible wheel). • Remote control too sensitive. |

Video featured in episode # 15
