A hardtail mountain bike that’s fun for beginners and veterans alike. Cannondale Habit HT
I got myself a hardtail MTB.
A few years ago, I got an eMTB and rediscovered the joy of pedaling under my own power. Last year, I started riding a gravel bike, which built up my stamina and made me appreciate that joy even more.
So, what was the answer to enjoying the local MTB fields more? A hardtail MTB. The local fields have trails, short downhill sections, flow trails with jumps, pump tracks, and more. Full suspension would be too comfortable, and a gravel bike would require some compromises. I felt that a hardtail was perfect for enjoying all these fields comprehensively.
The one I chose is the Cannondale Habit HT.
There's also a campaign announcement at the end.
The Habit HT is a hardtail MTB that isn't overly race-oriented, but rather allows you to feel the joy and exhilaration of riding in the mountains.
Features include:
Aluminum frame
130mm front suspension travel
64° head angle
440mm rear center
55mm BB drop
The design offers stability on descents, and the suspension travel, which isn't too long, is just right. The handlebar position isn't too high, so climbing is also quite manageable.
It's not overly aggressive, making it very easy to handle and enjoyable.
It's a fun hardtail bike that I recommend to both beginners and seasoned riders.
Three Grades to Choose From
I chose the middle-grade Habit HT2.
It features RockShox JUDY air suspension and a Microshift 10-speed drivetrain.
While I plan to replace most of the parts, I chose this grade for its minimum usability as is and the frame color.
Details👉here
220,000 JPY (tax included)
The top-grade Habit HT1 features
RockShox 35 air suspension and Shimano Deore 12-speed. It has a more robust component selection.
The silver looks cool.
Details👉here
260,000 JPY (tax included)
The base-grade Habit HT3 features
Coil suspension and Microshift 10-speed. It's the most affordable model.
Details👉here
170,000 JPY (tax included)
I recommend the Habit HT1 or Habit HT2, which come standard with air suspension and tubeless-ready tires. You can also choose based on color.
The Habit HT3 is recommended for those who want to keep the budget as low as possible.
Since the Habit HT is not available as a frame-only option, it helps keep initial costs down if you want to build it with your preferred parts or if you're replacing a frame.
Smaller Sizing
I chose the S size this time.
I (163cm) prefer mountain bikes with a reach around 430mm, but the S-size Habit HT has a reach of 415mm, which is a bit more compact than usual. The M-size, by the way, is 440mm.
Both sizes would work for me, and I deliberated until the end, but I chose the compact S-size to better enjoy courses with jumps.
The reach for each size is:
S (suitable for riders 154-165cm tall) 415mm
M (suitable for riders 162-175cm tall) 440mm
L (172cm and up) 465mm
Compared to bikes in the same category from other brands, it feels a bit more compact. Some people might prefer one size larger than usual.
My Habit HT will be at the shop, so if you're interested, please feel free to ask Shimizu. Test rides are also welcome.
Also looking forward to customizing it.
I'm in the process of customizing my Habit HT2.
Although most parts will likely be replaced except for the frame, I plan to introduce them as I go along.
Finally, an announcement about a campaign
Habit Helmet Present Campaign
During the campaign period until Sunday, June 30, 2024, customers who purchase eligible models from the Habit series or Habit HT series will receive a Cannondale mountain bike helmet, either "Terrus" or "Tract," as a free gift.
For more details, please see the article below.
👉Cannondale MTB Helmet Present Campaign