Cannondale Habit HT 1 review | Budget Mountain Bike of the Year contender

The Cannondale Habit HT 1 hardtail boasts premium components such as its Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and RockShox 35 fork.

While it excels on smooth trails, its versatility could be enhanced through a tyre upgrade to reduce the bike's weight.

Overall, the Habit remains a solid budget mountain bike option for riders seeking comfort and stability on smoother terrain, with potential for improvement when funds permit.

Cannondale Habit HT 1 frame

The Cannondale Habit utilises a SmartForm alloy frame, with internally butted tube sets. It’s got an integrated headset, a tapered head tube and the cables are routed internally using the StraightShot system.

This guides cables into the down tube via machined grommets, neatly secured by Allen bolts. Exiting the down tube through the StraightShot 'window', the frame’s aesthetic is clean and uncluttered.

Providing comprehensive protection, a custom-formed chainstay protector shields against chain-slap damage and safeguards the inner, lower surface of the seatstay.

The bottom bracket is a BSA 73mm standard and the Universal Derailleur Hanger equally ensures ease of finding replacements.

Additionally, threaded mounts within the front triangle provide convenient attachment points for accessories and bags; three located on the upper aspect of the down tube and two beneath the top tube.

Cannondale Habit HT 1 geometry

Described as playful, stable and fun, the Habit’s geometry is aimed at trail riding. It has a 64-degree head angle, a short reach of 415mm for this size-small frame and a 1,177mm wheelbase.

With chainstay lengths consistent across the size range, the 440mm length is relatively long on the small frame and the bottom bracket is high at 325mm.

Cannondale Habit HT 1 specifications

At this price point, Cannondale has equipped the HT 1 with a comprehensive Shimano Deore M6100 12-speed drivetrain. Shimano Boost thru-axle hubs are laced to WTB ST i30 TCS rims, paired with the aggressive tread pattern of the 29x2.4in WTB Vigilante tubeless-ready tyres.

Complementing this setup are MT400 4-piston hydraulic brakes with long lever blades and adjustable lever reach.

A 130mm-travel RockShox 35 Silver Solo Air fork with an adjustable air spring, turnkey lockout and adjustable rebound damping is fitted.

Cannondale contact points complete the package, including a size-specific DownLow dropper post (125mm for S, 150mm for M, 170mm for L-XL), 780mm bar and a zero-rise stem.

An Ergo XC saddle and Trailshroom grips round out the component line-up.

Cannondale Habit HT 1 ride impressions

Testing occurred at Glentress Forest in Scotland's Tweed Valley, where I evaluated the Habit's performance in diverse conditions.

Cannondale Habit HT 1 climbing performance

The Habit's 76-degree seat angle and 579mm effective top tube ensure a comfortable riding position for seated flats and climbs.

The tall stack (634mm on my size-small test bike) makes you sit more upright, both relieving stretch on your back and providing a strong riding position for munching miles on the flat and when climbing.

On the flipside, it hindered being able to get weight over the front wheel for powering up steeper sections and lifting the front wheel for getting up and over rock steps.

Climbing was also affected by the long 440mm chainstays, which on this size-small hardtail proportionately shifts the rider further forwards on the bike when compared to a size-large frame.

This is part of the reason that manuals and wheelies required much more effort to achieve than bikes with shorter stays and 27.5in wheels.

While overall climbing performance was good, progress was hindered by its chunky 15.7kg weight.

The Habit is 2.4kg heavier than the affordably priced Rockrider AM100, with a good proportion of the extra weight in the wheels and tyres.

Combine that with the drag of the grippy, aggressive WTB tread pattern and you can expect climbing to be slower than a lighter-weight rival fitted with fast-rolling XC tyres.

Cannondale Habit HT 1 descending performance

When the time comes to point the Habit down the trail, standing up on the pedals reveals the compact nature of the ride.

Some riders may prefer this short stance, however I found it impacted my freedom of movement around the bike through tight berms and natural off-piste trails.

The 325mm-high bottom bracket and tall stack also result in a high-up rider position, which reduced my confidence in slippy and unsupported turns.

The Habit has the second shortest reach in this Budget Mountain Bike of the Year category, behind the Rockrider. However, it feels shorter, possibly due to the tall stack height, which is 16mm taller. While favourable on steep descents, it hindered being able to get my weight over the front wheel on steep climbs.

However, on worn, wet trail-centre sections, my position was further forwards on the bike than I’d like.

This was particularly noticeable in turns, and possibly the consequence of the long chainstays (440mm on the small frame), which may not be felt in the same way on a size-large and above.

While grip is good on smooth trails, the bike’s not as forgiving as its competitors, such as the Giant and Rockrider. Its stiffness can feel unsettling on rough terrain, causing a sketchy ride and a lack of grip.

Primarily suited to green and blue-graded trails and smooth forest paths, the Habit's stiffness and comfort while seated shine. Its tyre choice suggests a focus on rugged, natural trails, prioritising grip over climbing speed.

You should consider swapping the tyres for lighter XC alternatives to improve performance and reduce weight.

How does the Cannondale Habit HT 1 compare to the Giant Fathom 2?

Around £100 separates these two hardtail mountain bikes, with the Fathom cheaper.

The 12-speed setup of the Cannondale is more desirable as an all-mountain ride for ease of climbing. However, the Fathom somewhat makes up for the deficit, being almost 2kg lighter – along with the ease of pedalling the fast-rolling Maxxis tyres.

Taking into account ride quality, the Giant offers a plusher, less jarring ride. Combined with the high fork quality, it enables you to ride more aggressively, safe in the knowledge that speed, control and grip can be better maintained than the Habit.

The Giant's balanced geometry and manoeuvrability makes it the more fun to ride of the two.

Cannondale Habit HT 1 bottom line

The Habit offers a comfortable seated rider position with its steep seat angle and well-sized top tube, but its weight negatively affects climbing.

Transitioning from seated to standing, it feels compact with a short reach figure.

Ultimately, this bike is best suited to smooth trails, where frame stiffness is less noticeable and grip is unhindered.

A tyre upgrade may enhance performance and reduce weight for a faster-rolling and more fun ride.