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Cannondale Drops Entry-Level Cujo 3 Hardtail MTB to Introduce You to the Sport

Christmas is coming up, and if you're like me, one of the gifts you'll be wishing for this year is a bicycle. However, if you don't need some ten-thousand-dollar monster, this next one is a machine you could consider.
Cujo 3 Hardtail MTB 6 photos
Photo: Cannondale
Cujo 1 Hardtail MTBCujo 3 Hardtail MTB Dropper PostCujo 3 Hardtail MTB ForkCujo 3 Hardtail MTB DrivetrainCujo 3 Hardtail MTB
Folks, it's called the Cujo 3 and looks to be one of Cannondale's most affordable yet capable hardtail MTBs. How affordable? Well, this little trinket flies in with a price of 1,150 USD (1,015 EUR at current exchange rates), leaving you with enough cash for Santa's milk and cookies and some for yourself too.

You've picked up that Cannondale is the team behind this machine, and with a history since 1971, you can only guess what's in store with this bike. After all, Cannondale is the sort of team with its fingers in all significant cycling events held around the globe. Those years of knowledge and experience are poured into each bike that leaves the company's assembly line, and the Cujo 3 is no different.

As it stands, every Cujo is completed using SmartForm C2 Alloy with internal cable routing for all lines on the bike. However, the Cujo line has a trick up its sleeve. Just like the Cujo 1, the 3 features the same SAVE frame micro-suspension. Wait a minute. A frame suspension? On a hardtail? Oh yeah.

The rear triangle of Cujo is built with certain flex zones that absorb some of the vibrations riders experience on singletracks or other surfaces. You should feel roots a little less, rocks, and even small drops.

Cujo 3 Hardtail MTB Fork
Photo: Cannondale
Adding even more cushioning to your ride is a front fork from Suntour. An XCR-34 with 120 mm (4.72 in) of taper and a 51 mm (2 in) offset takes the edge off root systems and helps offer a stable trail. Another component to soften your ride will be the tires, in this case, a pair of 27.5 in WTB Ranger Comp rubbers. Don't like them? Switch them out as tires are a relatively inexpensive component to replace.

Unlike the Cujo 1, for the 3, a plethora of drivetrain component manufactures are in place. A Prowheel 30T crank and bottom bracket spin a KMC chain on a Sunrace 11-42T 10-speed cassette. A Deore GS derailleur is also in place to move your chain. Sure, it may not be the most pleasant drivetrain setup out there, but if you're nifty with a wrench and have a favorite drivetrain lying around, toss it on.

To help you control descents and maneuver the bike accordingly, Cannondale throws on a pair of Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm (7.1 in) or 160 mm (6.3 in) rotors, enough to handle you and the bike.

Cujo 3 Hardtail MTB Dropper Post
Photo: Cannondale
The remaining components are all covered in-house. Grips, handlebar, saddle, and even stem, all from Cannondale. However, a big bonus for future owners of the Cujo lineup is that each frame features a TranzX dropper seat post, perfect for helping you tackle downhill segments with ease.

With components, the Cujo 3 cruises in with a weight of 32.1 lbs (14.6 kg), so not the lightest nor the heaviest hardtail on the market. As for this bike's weight limit, there is no mention whatsoever.

Now, it's not the lightest nor the strongest in the Cujo lineup, but the 3 does present itself as a suitable bike for folks that want to make their entrance into trail and mountain biking. If you like it, add it to your holiday wishlist.
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About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
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