New Cannondale Lefty fork seen at World Cup #1

[ALWO]

I'm glad to stumble onto the topic, as I'm looking for new wheels, the 29er Cannondale is at this stage top of my list but get various versions of pro's and cons on teh lefty, anyone with advice to confuse me more?

[Cav']

I'm glad to stumble onto the topic, as I'm looking for new wheels, the 29er Cannondale is at this stage top of my list but get various versions of pro's and cons on teh lefty, anyone with advice to confuse me more?

Ask Iron

[kosmonooit]

Only cons is bit more TLC required than normal fork & no quick release

 

Mannie Heymans just did the Epic on a Scalpel 29'er

 

mannie heymans @misterafrican "Thanx for a problem free ride in the @AbsaCapeEpic"

 

http://s1-03.twitpicproxy.com/photos/large/551454166.jpg?key=32642448

[Iron]

I'm glad to stumble onto the topic, as I'm looking for new wheels, the 29er Cannondale is at this stage top of my list but get various versions of pro's and cons on teh lefty, anyone with advice to confuse me more?

 

The Lefty is a lot of PT when it comes to maintance ( needs more TLC ) but in say that it is hands down the best fork ( half a fork ) i have ever ridden, period!

 

ive owned 29 mtb in the last 20odd years and ridden countless more . its light , stiff and will out perform anything and this i will argue with to anyone.

 

As for the cannondale frame , light, stiff and climbes like a home sick angle ( flash )

 

My 2c

[vanniri]

The new design is unlikely to result in not having to reset the bearings. From my understanding the same design (needle bearings) are used, the bearings are however set higher up the shaft to provide space for the round shaft lower, i.e. the shaft is still octagon (eight sided) shaped at the upper end of the shaft but then has a rounded shape at the lower end. The benefit is having the bearings closer to the clamps (should be stiffer) and being able to seal the shaft. The downside is more friction since it is now sealed.

 

My concern is that you will still be required to regularly grease and reset the bearings since ALL needle bearing designs require this at regular intervals. Since the needles are now higher and behind the lipseal this could require more time and special tools.

 

For a regular maintenance item I would prefer the simpler version.

[nickc]

Absolutely agree with Iron, been riding MTB for 15 years and ridden nearly everything and nothing compares to my current Lefty. Yep they need a little more TLC, lift the rubber boot once in a while and grease the bearings and a bearing reset every few months - 10 minute job.

 

My Cannondale is also the best MTB I have owned so far.