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Cannondale Trail SL 4 29er

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J Hartman

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Just picked up a 2013 cannondale trail sl 4 29er. I've been out of the biking scene for quite awhile, I'm just wondering what kind of upgrades would you all do this bike and why.

Things I already know i'm getting

Clipless pedals,

(I want the carbon SAVE seatpost, don't know if it fits this frame though)

What other upgrades would you do on this bike?
 
#4 ·
I changed out pedals and rims so far on my 2011 Trail SL4 29er. Rims were a necessity because of a couple bent rims in the first year. Grips are also deteriorating so probably will get them at some point before spring. Otherwise the brakes and drivetrain have performed well. Lockout on the fork has broken a couple times and is no longer functional, but if I get a upgraded fork I've pretty much spent what I paid for it in upgrades.The 2013 looks to have better components across the board to start with...the new SL4 is better/cheaper than the 2011 SL2! For me the frame (I think its exactly the same as 2011) and feel of the ride are worth some upgrades.
 
#7 ·
I didn't have a lot to spend when I got new rims so I went with the Alexrims G6000, they were handbuilt and got them at the local bike shop which stands behind them. So far I've been happy with them and they have held up well on trails with a lot of rocks and roots. I would agree with you that it's probably worth investing a good wheelset. I had zero bent rims with my 26" and a few with the 29er, I've been between 240 and 215lbs.
 
#8 ·
J Hartman said:
I was wondering about what Wheel set to go for later on. I'm a Clyde. About 230 with gear. And I've heard on any 29 er it is a must to invest in a decent wheel set
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I went to a DT Swiss wheelset (350 hubs, m520 rims) on my 2011 SL4. I noticed a huge difference in acceleration and handling. Worth the cash. I'm 250lbs and have has no issues.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
I'm really looking into a lefty fork for this machine, What is ya'lls opinion on that? the SL4 is the first frame that is 1 1/2 headtube, that is what it takes to run a lefty right? I was thinking I would try some of those light bicycle carbon rims, get a lefty hub for the front and lace it up... Sound good? I really like the way this bike fits me, so I believe it would be worth putting some monies into it. (ended up with a never going to sell it hardtail.... Don't you HATE those?!?!?! lol)
 
#12 ·
Nice lookin machine, love the black and white colour scheme.

The Cannondale dealer I bought mine from says you can run a lefty fork on the SL no problem. They are quite expensive though. You might be better served by putting a tapered conventional fork on it and using some of the saved cash for other upgrades (crank, stem, handlebar, etc.), but a trail SL would look killer with a lefty IMO.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
RatchAttack said:
Nice lookin machine, love the black and white colour scheme.

The Cannondale dealer I bought mine from says you can run a lefty fork on the SL no problem. They are quite expensive though. You might be better served by putting a tapered conventional fork on it and using some of the saved cash for other upgrades (crank, stem, handlebar, etc.), but a trail SL would look killer with a lefty IMO.
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I think it would be like a flash / f . It is almost identical geometry. Its not an upgrade I'm going to do all at once. I know it'll be expensive. I'll focus on pieces Abe parts, then I should have it all ready by middle of next season. I rode a flash with a lefty it felt great. That is why I want one.
 
#14 ·
i had that bike before i upgraded to the jekyll 3. do you notice the breaks squeek when breaking?
 
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#16 ·
We picked a 2012 up off of Craigs List to tide us over until he can get a second full suspension 29er. We don't ride super aggresively, but do some longer CC stuff. We put Ergon grips on, as well as a suspension seat post. If we were going to keep it, I think we'd replace the wheels. I rode it a bit faster for one loop of a longer race that we did and jumped off some pretty small stuff. The wheels were out of true pretty badly after that. I am 160lbs.
 
#17 ·
lamiam said:
We picked a 2012 up off of Craigs List to tide us over until he can get a second full suspension 29er. We don't ride super aggresively, but do some longer CC stuff. We put Ergon grips on, as well as a suspension seat post. If we were going to keep it, I think we'd replace the wheels. I rode it a bit faster for one loop of a longer race that we did and jumped off some pretty small stuff. The wheels were out of true pretty badly after that. I am 160lbs.
Click to expand...
Oh and clipless pedals too!
 
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