Calling all Slate o...
 

[Closed] Calling all Slate owners

 gari
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I quite fancy a slate for hooning around the local trails etc, and some bikepacking/touring.
What's the widest tyre that would fit in the rear? Bit optimistic hoping a 2.1 nano would fit but hoping my Schwalbe 2in marathon would go.
Cheers


 
Posted : 30/05/2017 1:42 pm
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I think max width is about 45mm. No where near what you would like, and of course thats 650b only.
I think Cannondale really missed a trick with this. I like the idea of the Oliver front end but why did they limit themselves to 650b tyres when most rough stuff type frames seem to be going 700c X 42 or 650b X 52 like Mason, UP and Reilly


 
Posted : 30/05/2017 3:07 pm
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I have a Slate, max width on the rear is 42mm. Agree that they missed a trick by not giving more rear spacing, but with a pair of G One's fitted you don't miss a wider tyre.


 
Posted : 30/05/2017 7:39 pm
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Incase you haven't seen Wheelbase have the Slate range on sale.

http://www.wheelbase.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=4&q=Slate


 
Posted : 30/05/2017 7:47 pm
 gari
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Thanks, the bike I have takes 47 horizons ok so no point. As said, missed opportunity given that they were quite early to the 650b trail bike party( to some degree at least).


 
Posted : 02/06/2017 4:29 pm
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The 2017 Slate can be had with 20-35% off at Evans, Cycle Store & Wheelbase amongst others.
Are they clearing the stock before next year's model arrives?
Or is there an issue with them?


 
Posted : 02/06/2017 4:54 pm
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@elshalimo - more like the concept is a bit niche and it's a slow seller over here. Great bike tho, imo.

I like the idea of the Oliver front end but why did they limit themselves to 650b tyres when most rough stuff type frames seem to be going 700c X 42 or 650b X 52 like Mason, UP and Reilly

I think an optimised design is good - it shows in the ride / handling. Some/most of the 'dual size' bikes are just 700c bikes that have the clearance for 650x50 - doesn't mean they handle that well with the 650s though, particularly if loaded up. Just ime/imo though. I'd agree that 650x42 limits options now there are bigger tyres available but for road and a bit of dirt use, 42c is pretty good. Certainly fast. If I was on poor tarmac and good gravel roads 95% of the time 42C might be the ideal.


 
Posted : 02/06/2017 5:50 pm
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Hi
I bought one of the CX1 slates at wheelbase. On my second day I had it I competed a century ride solo which took me 6hrs 15mins. This was a mix of disused railway and b/country roads. This was only a few
Minutes longer than a previous century on a 700c cx bike. Amazing bike amazingly comfortable. Only change planned is a set of schwalbe g ones and tubeless (on order).
Don't be put off - I was a little unsure but am glad I did get it.


 
Posted : 02/06/2017 6:16 pm
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Does anyone happen to know if the rear mech on the 105 Slate is short or mid-cage?


 
Posted : 02/06/2017 7:45 pm
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Interesting that Cannondale have launched the SuperX SE (Special Edition) today as their "gravel" bike.
Its just a cx frame with some adjustment to take slightly wider tyres.
Seems they still haven't got it!

Don't be put off - I was a little unsure but am glad I did get it.

I'm genuinely glad you like the Slate. For me, it just doesn't have the flexibility of tyre choice that I need for my style of rough stuff riding.
FWIW I've decided on the Reilly Gradient.


 
Posted : 02/06/2017 10:27 pm
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Seems they still haven't got it!
Not sure you'd still say that if you tried to follow their frame engineer on a gravel road tour ; )

'Getting it' vs 'having their take on it' perhaps.


 
Posted : 02/06/2017 11:42 pm
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I have the force 1 slate. In the black, I ride it in the hills around huddersfield,/ Peak District area, it's great fun in fast woodland, i put a shorter stem on mine. 80mm, replacing the 100mm one and went tubeless with the G one tyres. I only use it for a couple hour blasts really, that's all I wanted it for. Specialized do a drop bar called the hover which has a slight rise in it which I may get to aid in the neck comfort.
overall. A great purchase. Yet to see another one out n about


 
Posted : 04/06/2017 6:13 am
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Dammit. Just noticed that Evans are offering £250 off an already-reduced Ultegra Slate (or other similarly priced bike) if you trade in any old shitter. Ends tomorrow. Obviously I [i]want[/i] one, but do I [i]need[/i] it? 🙂


 
Posted : 05/06/2017 3:00 pm
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That is a very very good deal with the trade in offer on top... very


 
Posted : 05/06/2017 4:01 pm
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I know!!

an offer I can't refuse?! 😆


 
Posted : 05/06/2017 4:14 pm
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For some reason I'm trying to justify it with man maths

But it would be the biggest waste in the world to commute on the road using a Slate


 
Posted : 05/06/2017 4:16 pm
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well commuting is one thing I'd want it for (although not just that), lack of rack/mudguard mounts is off-putting though!

EDIT: or maybe it does have eyelets, at the rear? conflicting reports online, & can't 100% tell from a pic...


 
Posted : 05/06/2017 4:51 pm
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There are proprietary mudguard mounts on the rear, never seen anywhere stock the guards though.


 
Posted : 05/06/2017 6:21 pm
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For some reason I'm trying to justify it with man maths

Possibly not helping but I bought their last Norco Optic C7.3 which was on sale. Click and collect via Topcashback will pay for the pedals and they gave me 250 quid for a 28yr old rust bucket with a dented top tube. Worryingly I also had really good, knowledgeable service from them too 😯 (MK Xscape branch).


 
Posted : 05/06/2017 6:52 pm
 td75
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I'm thinking of getting a slate. I was wondering about sizing, I'm 6'2" with a 34 inside leg. Large or Xlarge?


 
Posted : 08/06/2017 1:11 pm
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I (Very)briefly had a slate in large, I am 6'1 34" IL and it was the right size.


 
Posted : 08/06/2017 8:22 pm
 td75
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May I ask why you got rid of it? Just curious.


 
Posted : 08/06/2017 8:25 pm
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You can fit a rack. You just need to use one with the flat steel arms rather than the solid bar type for attaching at the top of the back of the seat stays.


 
Posted : 08/06/2017 8:27 pm
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Absolutely loving my Slate CX1. Bought on a whim to replace my full on road bike after seeing the psa on here. I'm 6'1 and about 32" inside leg and went for a large. Seems pretty much spot on size wise.

With regards tubeless mine came supplied with Mavic rims rather than the Cannondale branded ones which I believe were recalled. I had some 3 quid Specialized/Roval valves kicking about so chucked those in and a scoop of Stans in each and so far no problems.


 
Posted : 08/06/2017 9:41 pm