Cannondale Treadwell EQ Review 2024

When you first encounter the Cannondale Treadwell EQ, you might be struck by its retro, sit-up-and-beg design. This classic look, however, hides a modern, lightweight structure. At just 13.9kg, the Treadwell EQ is much lighter than its robust appearance suggests, making it incredibly easy to handle and maneuver through city streets.

Cannondale Treadwell EQ Review 2024

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Practical Design Meets Fun Riding

Cannondale has always been a brand known for pushing the boundaries of bike design, and the Treadwell EQ is no exception. This bike is not just a practical mode of transport; it’s designed to make your urban rides enjoyable. The Treadwell EQ is nimble, allowing you to weave effortlessly through traffic. The comfort it provides is top-notch, making long rides feel like a breeze.

Everyday Convenience

The standout feature of the Treadwell EQ is its practicality combined with fun. The bike comes with a front rack that can carry up to 10kg, perfect for daily errands or small shopping trips. While the rack is useful, it’s important not to exceed the weight limit as it could compromise the bike’s handling. Additionally, the full-length mudguards are a blessing, keeping you dry and clean in all weather conditions.

A Range for Everyone

Launched in May last year, the Treadwell series offers three models: the 3, 2, and EQ. Each model is available in two distinct frame styles. The standard frame has a kinked top tube with a low standover height, which is great for easy mounting and dismounting. The Remixte frame, with its step-through design, offers even greater ease of use, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed approach to getting on and off the bike.

Comfortable and User-Friendly

The Treadwell bikes come in small, medium, and large sizes, catering to a wide range of riders. The geometry of the bike ensures a comfortable reach to the handlebars, making it easy to maintain an upright and relaxed riding position. This design is perfect for urban commuting, where comfort and ease of maneuvering are essential.

Urban-Specific Features

One of the urban-friendly features of the Treadwell EQ is the protective rubber strips on each side of the top tube. These strips are designed to prevent scrapes and damage when you lock up your bike, adding to its durability and longevity. Another thoughtful addition is the integrated rack mounts in the seat clamp, allowing you to expand your carrying capacity with panniers if needed.

High-Quality Components

The Treadwell EQ is equipped with a 1×9 Shimano Altus gear setup. This system is simple to maintain and offers a reliable range of gears suitable for city riding. The 38-tooth chainring paired with an 11-36t cassette ensures you have the right gear for various urban terrains. The Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are another highlight, providing powerful and reliable stopping power, which is crucial for safe city cycling.

Comfortable Ride

The Maxxis DTR-1 tires are 650b x 47mm, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. These tires are fast-rolling, which makes your commute quicker and more efficient, while their size ensures you remain comfortable even on rougher city roads.

Smart Features

Cannondale has integrated smart technology into the Treadwell EQ to enhance your riding experience. A sensor mounted on the front wheel tracks your speed and distance and communicates with the free Cannondale app, developed with Garmin. This feature allows you to monitor your performance and track your rides. Additionally, you can use your phone as a bike computer by mounting it on the stem, although you’ll need an SP Connect-compatible case for this feature.

The Range in Detail

The Treadwell range also includes the more affordable Treadwell 3 and Treadwell 3 Remixte. These models are equipped with Shimano Tourney components and Promax mechanical disc brakes, making them a great option for those on a budget. The mid-range Treadwell 2 and Treadwell 2 Remixte come with Microshift Advent 9-speed shifting and the same Tektro HD-R280 hydraulic discs as the EQ model, offering a good balance of performance and value.