In what may well be a nod to the Cannondale heritage and the Delta V model, but is instead pitched as a playful commuter e-bike, the brand has launched the FlyingV.
This is a bit of a standout e-bike for Cannondale, marking the first time that it has put out a full-carbon frame that comes inclusive of carbon fibre mudguards. With a Bosch Performance Line SX motor between the cranks and a middle of the road 400Wh battery spec, Cannondale has gone for a build that promotes quick acceelleration, agility and compatibility with the urban space. On account of the low weight and smart motor, Cannondale says that the FlyingV will deliver 115km of assisted riding.
This Bosch motor packs a 60Nm torque and a 600W power peak, which is plenty to get up all but the very steepest hills in the urban space. If you need a bit more range from the bike, a Bosch range extender is compatible.
Mirroring the design lines of the DeltaV of old, the FlyingV has a frame that offers a lower stepover on the top tube and a tubing layup that should be a little easier to carry when needed. Into that carbon frame and the custom mudguards there are wired in lights that feed from the main battery’s energy, meaning you’ll always be seen on dim streets.
In the spirit of simplicity, Cannondale also opts for Shimano’s top-of-the-line internal gearhub with Di2 wireless shifting, paired to a Gates belt drive on its top spec, with the secondary spec mechanical rather than wireless. This means that the maintenance need of the FlyingV is sharply reduced, as is the noise when riding and worry of an oily trouserleg.
Above and beyond the carbon mudguards, the rest of the accessory spec is interesting. On the stem and handlebar junction comes an SPC+ phone mount, plus a universal phone clamp on the FlyingV1 spec). Hidden away out of sight is an integrated AppTag that can help with navigation and anti-theft tracking.
Utility capability is afforded to the bike, with a rear wheel pannier rack capable of hosting an 18kg load. Cannondale has positioned the rack a bit further back than on some electric commuter bikes to avoid any heel contact as you pedal.
Despite the marketing imagery showing riders carving the Brooklyn Banks as though these were stunt bikes, the relaxed, swept back handlebar instead reflects an upright riding position that most of us will find very comfortable for urban riding.