Cannondale Quick Cx 3 Review Single Track

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Cannondale Quick CX 3

Cannondale Quick CX 3 is an affordable and versatile hybrid bike that thrives in different situations — on the city streets, commutes, leisurely rides, and on unpaved backroads. Here's why it's a good deal!

Cannondale Quick CX 3 is a two-wheeler you can use for speedy commutes from point A to point B, but you can also ride it aimlessly to improve your fitness or spend more time outside.

This multi-functional hybrid machine will feel at home both amid the afternoon traffic jam in a big metropolis and on quiet backcountry gravel and dirt roads.

Quick CX 3 is attractively-priced and offers excellent value for the money, despite a slightly higher weight than ideal of 31 lb. 8 oz. (14.28 kg).

Keep reading below to find out more about the good and the bad!

Consider other CX models here.

Cannondale Quick CX 3 Specs

Cannondale Quick CX 3's list of specifications includes a combination of mid-range and entry-level components and solutions, which is to be expected from a hybrid bike that costs $825.

Some of the most important specs that you should be aware of include:

Frame:SmartForm C3 alloy
Fork:SR Suntour NEX-E25 with lockout, 63mm
Front derailleur:Shimano Tourney, 2-spd
Rear derailleur:Shimano Acera, 8-spd
Gears:16 gears
Brakes:Tektro Hydraulic disc brakes
Rims:Cannondale Disc, double wall
Tires: Vittoria Terreno Dry, 700c x 40 mm
Hubs:Shimano QR

For a full list of specs, visit REI.

Quick CX 3 Main Features

Cannondale Quick CX 3 is a mountain bike-inspired hybrid that introduces some road biking elements as well. It puts the rider in a comfortable upright position that provides a good overview of the road ahead and excellent control on all types of terrain.

Moreover, an integrated wheel sensor on all Quick CX models tracks your speed, distance, and calories burned, as well as many other things. It connects to the free Cannondale app and makes all of your important data available in one place.

Let's take a closer look at the main features that define this bike and dictate its price.

Lightweight Aluminum Frame with SAVE Technology

Cannondale Quick CX 3 is built with a lightweight and durable SmartForm C3 frameset. This frame is known for incorporating the SAVE micro-suspension technology that reduces vibrations and improves the tires' contact with the road.

This bike is available in one highly attractive grey color and it's zigzagged with eyelets that allow you to add fenders, a rear rack, and two water bottles. That way, you can equip your Quick CX 3 for long rides and poor weather commutes.

Both men's and women's version of this bike is actually available. The components are completely the same on both models. The only thing that differs is the color and the shape of the frame, as the women's model has a much lower standover clearance.

40mm Multi-Surface Tires

Cannondale Quick CX3 tires

40 mm wide 700C Vittoria Terreno Dry tires

One of Quick CX 3's main selling points is its tires. This bike rolls on a pair of versatile 700c Vittoria Terreno Dry tires that are 40 mm wide. These are not sleek tires, but they are not too knobby either.

Vittoria Terreno Dry is an ideal choice to make Cannondale Quick CX 3 capable of paved and unpaved road rides. They won't slow the bike down on smooth roads and they'll provide plenty of traction on dirt and gravel surfaces.

Unfortunately, they don't have puncture protection, so it's advisable to carry a repair kit on long rides.

Front Suspension with Lockout

Quick CX 3 has an SR Suntour NEX-E25 front suspension fork with 63 mm of travel and a lockout feature. It doesn't make this bike trail-ready, but it makes it possible for you to ride on dirt roads without suffering too much from vibrations.

When you're climbing or riding on a perfectly smooth tarmac, you can lock the fork and pedal more efficiently.

Average Shimano Components

Cannondale Quick CX 3 packs 16 gears on a 2×8 Shimano drivetrain. The groupsets fitted on the bike are Shimano Tourney (front) and Shimano Acera (rear), which are entry-level options.

These groups are intended for beginners and recreational riders who aim for reliability and consistency, rather than speed when it comes to shifting gears.

Highlight: Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Cannondale Quick CX3 hydraulic discs

When it comes to stopping on a dime, nothing beats hydraulic disc brakes. Even better if they are made by Tektro, as is the case with Cannondale Quick CX 3.

Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are often seen in this price range because they offer the best money to value ratio. They're characterized by consistent braking performance no matter the weather or the terrain.

Moreover, they require no maintenance, apart from changing the brake pads once in a while when they wear out completely.

Is Cannondale Quick CX 3 for You?

suggested The Quick CX 3 hybrid bike is a good choice for you if you are a beginner and you simply need a bicycle to ride.

If you want to start commuting to work more often, shed a few pounds off your belly, or start riding with your friends and family, Cannondale Quick CX 3 will make you happy for just $825.

But, if you want to cover hundreds of miles every month, push hard to challenge and improve your fitness, and climb a bunch of hills, you should probably get one of the more expensive models.

Other Models

Cannondale Quick CX 1 — This is the most expensive model of the four. It has a 1×12 SRAM SX Eagle drivetrain, better suspension, and better hydraulic brakes. It's good for fitness riding and long commutes.
Cannondale Quick CX 2 — This model sports 18 gears, Shimano Acera/Alivio components, and Tektro hydraulic brakes. It's available in a beautiful bright orange color.
Cannondale Quick CX 4— This is the most affordable Quick CX model. It's characterized by a 3×7 microSHIFT drivetrain, mechanical disc brakes, and only one color.
All Cannondale Quick series models – Full review

Bottom Line

Even though Cannondale Quick CX 3 has some areas where it can be improved, there's not really much one can complain about for a price tag of $825.

It's a well-built and good-looking hybrid that can tackle paved and unpaved roads alike. Beginner fitness riders, commuters, and casual riders will find its list of specs more than good enough to meet their requirements.

Get From REI