E-bikes have been getting heavier, bulkier and more complex in recent years, but Cannondale want to break that trend with the FlyingV. Their new urban e-bike prioritises low weight, and pairs it with a strong focus on design. Inspired by the legendary DeltaV mountain bike from the 1990s, the reimagined V-shaped frame is designed to make hopping on easy, carrying effortless, and the overall silhouette look sleek and sharp.
As such, the FlyingV is tailor-made for anyone after a lightweight, fast and fuss-free e-bike for everyday urban use. And, considering the specs, Cannondale haven’t held back: full carbon frame, carbon fork, even carbon mudguards, paired with the lightweight Bosch Performance Line SX motor and a compact 400 Wh battery. The result? A complete bike tipping the scales at just above the magic 18 kg mark. And that includes a maintenance-free belt drive and geared, electronic hub on the flagship model.
So, can the FlyingV live up to Canondale’s promises? Lightweight, quick and uncomplicated – that’s the claim for the entry level model, starting at € 4,999. For that price, you get a whole lot of carbon on a bike that’s made in the Netherlands. We put it to the test for you in sunny Brixen to see how it actually performs.
The New Cannondale FlyingV in Detail – A Sleek City Rocket?
The design of the Cannondale FlyingV has a light and agile look with its flowing lines and slender tubing. That said, it’s undoubtedly made for the city, though it certainly isn’t dull or generic. Quite the opposite, in fact: the bike’s sleek, distinctive look brings a breath of fresh air to the urban e-bike scene.
Despite all the design flair, the Cannondale FlyingV is still available in four sizes: SM, MD, LG, and XL.
Cannondale are offering two different builds of their new urban e-bike. The top-end FlyingV 1 on test is available exclusively in Silver. Technically, it’s a two-tone finish with silver as the base and black accents, which makes for a stylish combo, especially on the fork legs. The colour scheme is reminiscent of the LAB71 edition, like on the brand-new Cannondale Synapse Allroad, which our sister magazine GRAN FONDO has already put through its paces on skinny tires.
This elegant finish isn’t available on the slightly more affordable FlyingV 2, but instead you can choose between Tungsten Blue or Tiger Eye, the latter of which is a striking burnt orange. Unlike the flagship model, which features a geared Di2 hub, the FlyingV 2 comes specced with its mechanical counterpart.
Despite its sporty, slender profile, the Cannondale FlyingV doesn’t skimp on the urban riding essentials: integrated lights, mudguards, a kickstand, and a rear rack rated for up to 18 kg. Theoretically, you could even carry a second FlyingV on the back… but let’s not get carried away. The permissible gross weight, including rider and luggage, is a decent 150 kg.
To keep the weight down, Cannondale have gone with the light-assist Bosch Performance Line SX motor (check out the review in our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE for more info). Despite its lightweight credentials, it’s one of the most powerful in its class, delivering 60 Nm of torque and an impressive 600 W peak output – not far off what you’d expect from a full-power motor.
Of course, if you’re riding at full tilt, the relatively compact Bosch CompactTube battery won’t last all day with its 400 Wh capacity. However, there’s good news for urban riders with range anxiety: the FlyingV is compatible with the Bosch PowerMore range extender, adding an additional 250 Wh.
The Bosch SX motor powers the rear wheel via a belt drive and 5-speed hub – a brilliant combo for everyday urban pursuits. It promises a low-maintenance and hassle-free experience. The Gates CDC carbon belt is built to last up to 30,000 km before needing replacement. Just to put that into perspective: if you commute 25 km a day and rack up another 80–100 km a week for fun, one belt will see you through nearly two years.
With a traditional chain drive, you’d be looking at replacing at least two cassettes and four chains in that time. Barring the cost, there’s the faff of actually doing the replacements. With the Cannondale FlyingV, it’s more riding, less servicing.
Shimano’s geared Di2 hub is also designed to be low-maintenance. The Nexus INTER-5E Di2 fitted to the FlyingV 1 gives you five gears and, if you prefer, can shift fully automatically. On the FlyingV 2, Cannondale go with the mechanical version of the same 5-speed hub.
The New Cannondale FlyingV 1 Specs – the Lightness of Being
The top-tier FlyingV 1 on test differs just slightly from the FlyingV 2. The most noticeable difference is the smaller Mini Remote fitted to the 1, whereas the 2 comes with the larger LED Remote. On top of that, the pricier model rolls on tubeless-ready tires – a clear sign of Cannondale’s target audience for the FlyingV: sporty riders who might be from the world of MTB or gravel.
Both versions share the same 50 mm-wide tires with a relatively smooth tread, fitted to 28″ aluminium wheels from Dutch brand Ryde.
Stopping power comes from Shimano’s hydraulic two-piston brakes, paired with 180 mm rotors front and rear – a solid choice for the lightweight city e-bike category. The cockpit has been given just as much thought, with a generously swept back handlebar for a relaxed riding position, plus comfy Ergon grips – spot on!
The lights are taken care of by the premium German brand Supernova. The headlight does a great job of illuminating the road ahead, while the tail light ensures you’re clearly visible from behind with its 34 LEDs and integrated reflector. Supernova also back their lights with a 5-year warranty and promise 10 years of repairability. But one question remains: Why skimp on a brake light function, Cannondale?
Connectivity on the New Cannondale FlyingV – App-solutely connected!
Almost no modern e-bike is complete without connectivity features, and the Cannondale FlyingV is no exception. The Bosch Smart System alone offers a whole host of useful functions, including theft protection, motor customisation, navigation, and firmware updates. In theory, Bosch’s optional ConnectModule also offers tracking.
However, the module doesn’t fit into the FlyingV’s compact frame. So Cannondale have come up with their own clever solution: providing a hidden slot inside the frame for a Bluetooth tag from Chipolo, letting you track the bike via the Chipolo app or using Apple’s and Google’s location services – pretty slick!
Cannondale also offer their own app, which provides ride data such as speed and distance. Furthermore, to make sure your smartphone has a secure place on the bars, the FlyingV comes factory-fitted with an SP Connect SPC+ mount integrated into the top cap, along with a universal SP Connect phone mount.
Riding the New Cannondale FlyingV – Ready for Take-Off!
Set the saddle height, hop on, and ride – the Cannondale FlyingV is no fuss to set up or get used to. You immediately feel right at home, like you’ve never ridden anything else. The V-shaped frame isn’t just easy on the eye, its low standover height is practical too. Getting on and off is a breeze, and stopping at traffic lights feels just as relaxed.
You won’t really miss having a dropper post, though it would be a nice comfort upgrade. That said, it would likely add both cost and weight, which goes against the FlyingV’s design ethos.
The riding position aboard the FlyingV is balanced, fairly upright but with a sporty edge. The stance suits the bike’s character to a tee. If you want to fly, you’ll need to be at least a little fit and flexible – this isn’t your living room sofa on two wheels. There’s no suspension to speak of, but the 50 mm-wide tires and carbon fork do offer a decent level of compliance. Of course, it’s nowhere near as comfortable as an SUV-style e-bike (if you’re interested, check out the SUV e-bike group test in our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE), but those bikes are in a whole different weight category.
Like the rest of the bike, the SX motor is impressively quiet. You only really notice it under heavy load, in which case it rattles slightly on rougher terrain. Power delivery via the automatic hub works perfectly, and the entire system is virtually silent together with the belt drive. No need to think about shifting – unless you want to, of course. That said, we would have welcomed additional gears. The SX motor isn’t the most powerful, and it works best at a high cadence. But the fairly large jumps between gears means you often end up pedalling at a slower cadence than you would ideally want. That said, more athletic riders will adapt just fine. Ultimately, this is nitpicking at a high level.
When it comes to the bike’s handling, there’s little to criticise: nimble as a weasel, yet stable and easy to control. You’ll practically fly through city traffic, and the reliable Shimano disc brakes bring the Cannondale FlyingV to a safe stop whenever needed.
The FlyingV turned plenty of heads during our test in sun-drenched Brixen. We were approached multiple times about its sleek design, and the same question kept popping up: Does it even have a motor? If Cannondale set out to build a stylish and fast city bike that looks just as good rolling through traffic as it does parked on the promenade, then they’ve absolutely nailed it.
Who is the new Cannondale FlyingV for?
If you’re looking for a lightweight, sporty city e-bike with a modern design, the new Cannondale FlyingV is definitely worth taking for a test ride. Its light weight and low-maintenance drivetrain make it a great option for daily commutes as well as leisurely rides around town. Carrying the bike over a short distance isn’t an issue either, with it tipping the scales at just 18 kg.
However, long, steep climbs aren’t exactly where the 5-speed drivetrain and light-assist motor shine. But the Cannondale FlyingV is a solid and seriously good-looking companion for sporty leisure riders and style-conscious city dwellers.
Conclusion on the new Cannondale FlyingV
Domestic flights are rightly frowned upon these days – unless you’re cruising aboard the Cannondale FlyingV. Admittedly, you won’t actually lift off, but this lightweight, ultra-stylish e-bike is guaranteed to lift your mood, whether you’re commuting or cruising around town. Cannondale have gone to great lengths to keep the weight as low as possible, and it’s paid off. The FlyingV has a sporty, zippy ride feel and it’s light enough to carry up to your flat without breaking a sweat. A more finely tuned or wider gear range would make it more accessible for less athletic riders, but even so, the Cannondale FlyingV is a thoroughly convincing urban e-bike that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Tops
- well through design
- lightweight, easy to carry
- low-maintenance drivetrain
Flops
- limited range 5-speed drivetrain
For more info, visit cannondale.com.
Words: Robin Ulbrich, Patrick Gruber Photos: Lars Engmann
