Bike models › Mountain
Cannondale Trail 6 (2013, 26"): specs, upgrades and what fits
Cannondale's entry 26 in. aluminium hardtail with a 100 mm SR Suntour XCT coil fork, Shimano 3x8 gearing (42/34/24 crank, SunRace 11-32 cassette, Altus rear derailleur) and Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors; it sold new for $650. Later Trail 6s use 27.5 or 29 in. wheels and different parts, so check the year. Best for: Beginner trail riding, dirt paths and everyday riding.
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My take, from the specs
An entry 26 in. hardtail for beginner trails, dirt paths and everyday riding, with a 100 mm coil fork, 3x8 gearing and Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes on 160 mm rotors that keep stopping steady in mud. The coil fork is a basic part, so keep it to moderate trails. On a used one, check the fork for play, look at pad and rotor wear, and confirm the year, since later Trail 6 bikes use 27.5 or 29 in. wheels and different parts.
Sizes: SM: 5′1″–5′4″ (155–163 cm) · MD: 5′4″–5′8″ (163–173 cm) · LG: 5′7″–6′0″ (170–183 cm) · XL: 6′0″–6′3″ (183–191 cm)
Stock specs
| Type | Mountain |
|---|---|
| Year | 2013 |
| Price when new | $650 |
| Sold at | Bike shops (discontinued; common used) |
| Wheels | 26" × 53 mm tires |
| Gears | 3×8 · 42/34/24T · 11–32T |
| Brakes | Tektro Novela mechanical disc, 160 mm |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCT-100-26, 100 mm, coil spring, 1-1/8" |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Altus |
| Shifter | Shimano Altus, 3x8 |
| Crank | Shimano FC-M131 triple (square taper est.) |
| Bottom bracket | Tange Seiki LN-3912 cartridge |
| Axles | Quick release |
| Seatpost | 31.6 mm |
| Sizes | SM, MD, LG, XL, Jumbo |
| Stock colors | Silver, White / Blue |
Upgrade limits
How far each part can go on this frame, and why. Measure your own bike to confirm the estimated ones.
| Part | Limit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Widest tire (current wheel size) | 53 mm | Unknown until measured. Your 30 mm internal rims suit roughly 44–78 mm tires. |
| Tubeless | Not recommended | Tubeless needs a rim built to seal (bead hook + channel) and tubeless-ready tires. |
| Valve type | Schrader | Decides which tubes and pump heads fit. Presta tubes fit Schrader rims with a grommet; not the other way. |
| Replacement wheels | Quick release · 100/135 mm · 6-bolt disc | Any wheel matching axle type, spacing and brake mount fits. Rear also needs the right freehub. |
| Front gears | 3x (42/34/24T) · needs 39T capacity | A 3x drivetrain needs a front derailleur and left shifter. Your rear derailleur must take up (biggest − smallest ring) + (biggest − smallest cog) = 39T. Going 1x drops the front derailleur: simpler and quieter, with a slightly smaller range. |
| Chainring size | Unknown (now 42T) | Estimated from similar frames. Measure the chainring-to-chainstay gap to confirm. Check whether your ring is bolted or riveted. Spindle length (? mm) sets chainline; a big change in ring size may need a different BB spindle. |
| Gear count upgrades | 8 → 9 or 10 speed | Shimano HG 8/9/10-speed freehub: takes 8, 9 or 10-speed cassettes, Shimano 11-speed MTB and CUES/LinkGlide cassettes (7-speed needs a 4.5 mm spacer; most 11/12-speed road cassettes need an 11-speed road freehub, though the 11-34 HG700/HG800 fit). Shifter,… |
| Cranks & bottom bracket | Square taper · 68 mm shell · ? mm spindle | Any square-taper crankset fits with the right spindle length. Upgrading to Hollowtech II needs a new BB (same threaded shell). |
| Pedal thread | 9/16" × 20 | Every adult multi-piece crank uses 9/16". One-piece kids/cruiser cranks use 1/2". |
| Brake pads | Shape unknown | Disc pads only fit calipers with the matching shape. |
| Rotor size | 160/160 mm now · front up to 180 mm | 6-bolt rotors. Going bigger needs a caliper adapter: adapter type depends on the mount (post, IS or flat). Most steel forks allow 180 mm; check the fork if a max rotor is printed on it. |
| Caliper upgrades | Long-pull (MTB) mechanical | Your levers pull a lot of cable, so upgrade calipers must be long-pull (MTB) versions: TRP Spyke, Juin Tech M1, Avid BB7 MTB. Road calipers (TRP Spyre, BB7 Road) would feel mushy. |
| Stems & bars | 1-1/8 steerer · 31.8 mm bar clamp | Any stem for a 1-1/8 steerer with a 31.8 mm clamp fits. You can cut a bar narrower but not wider. |
| Drop-bar conversion | Possible with mods | Needs road brake/shift levers (microSHIFT R8 makes 8-speed ones that pull Shimano 8-speed cable correctly), a drop bar, tape, and road-pull brake calipers because road levers pull less cable. Usually $250+. |
| Seatposts | 31.6 mm | Buy posts in exactly this diameter. |
| Racks, fenders, bottles | No rack · No fender · 0 bottle | Threaded eyelets at the dropouts and seat stays take a rack and fenders. Fork leg mounts take cargo cages. |
| Max load (rider + cargo) | Unknown | Wheels are usually the weak point under heavy loads. Stay under this with rider plus luggage. |
Best upgrades by area
Three options that fit the Cannondale Trail 6 (2013, 26") as-is in each area, from budget to best. ★ marks the one most worth the money. How we pick. Typical US prices, checked October 2026. They change often: check the price at the store.
Upgrades that fit as-is
Brakes
- TRP Spyke mechanical disc calipers, long pull (pair), $$$$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
- Juin Tech M1 cable-hydraulic calipers, long pull (pair), $$$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
- Jagwire Mountain Pro brake cable kit (Kevlar KEB-SL housing), $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Shimano Tourney BR-TX805 mechanical disc calipers, long pull, post mount (pair), $$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · Long-pull caliper ↔ your flat-bar (long-pull) levers
- Shimano SM-RT56 160 mm 6-bolt rotor (1 rotor), $. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · 160 mm rotor ↔ your 160 mm front rotor
- Galfer Wave 160 mm 6-bolt rotor, 1.8 mm (1 rotor), $$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · 160 mm rotor ↔ your 160 mm front rotor
- Shimano SM-RT86 Ice-Tech 160 mm 6-bolt rotor (1 rotor), $$. Disc-brake part ↔ your disc brakes · 160 mm rotor ↔ your 160 mm front rotor
Comfort
- Ergon GP1 ergonomic grips, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Budget ergonomic lock-on grips, $. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- 35° rise 60 mm stem, $. 1-1/8" steerer matches · Get the 31.8 mm clamp version for your bar
- WTB Volt saddle, $$. Medium-width shape that suits most riders. Measure sit bones if comfort is the goal.
- Race Face Chester riser bar 31.8 x 740 mm, 25 mm rise, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Brooks C17 All Weather saddle, $$$. Vulcanized rubber top that flexes like a hammock, and this All Weather version is fully waterproof. No break-in like leather. Firm, not padded: made for long…
- Bikeroo oversized comfort saddle, $. Wide, soft and sprung for short upright rides on cruisers and hybrids. On rides over an hour wide padding can chafe; a firmer saddle that fits your sit bones…
- Ergon GA3 lock-on grips, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Selle Royal Respiro Moderate saddle, $$$. Made for a 60° "moderate" back angle (most flat-bar hybrids). Very upright cruisers suit the wider Respiro Relaxed. Standard round steel rails.
- Fizik Terra Argo X5 saddle (150 or 160 mm), $$$. Pick 150 mm for narrower sit bones, 160 mm for wider. Round 7 mm alloy rails fit every standard clamp.
- Ergon SR Allroad Core Comp saddle (men's or women's), $$$. Comes in S/M and M/L widths (measure your sit bones) and men's and women's shapes. Round CroMo rails; 120 kg rider limit.
- Ergon GP5 ergonomic grips with built-in bar ends (S or L), $$$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- SR Suntour NCX suspension seatpost 31.6 x 350 mm, $$$. 31.6 mm post ↔ your 31.6 mm seat tube
- Redshift ShockStop Endurance suspension seatpost 31.6 mm, $$$$. 31.6 mm post ↔ your 31.6 mm seat tube
- Cirrus Kinekt 2.1 Aluminum suspension seatpost 31.6 mm (LR or XR spring), $$$$. 31.6 mm post ↔ your 31.6 mm seat tube
- Race Face Ride riser bar 31.8 x 710 mm, 25 mm rise, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- SQlab 30X alloy riser bar 31.8 x 780 mm, 12° backsweep, $$$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
Control
- Race Face Chester composite flat pedals, $$. Big platform with pins. Feet stay put on bumps and in rain. Install with an 8 mm hex key (no wrench flats).
- ROCKBROS aluminum flat pedals, $$. Budget metal platform with pins. A big step up from stock plastic.
- Shimano PD-M520 SPD clipless pedals (cleats included), $$. Nearly indestructible two-sided SPD pedals. You also need SPD (2-bolt) shoes, about $60–100 more. Set the release tension low and practice unclipping before…
- Crankbrothers Stamp 2 aluminum flat pedals (small or large), $$$. Sized by shoe: small for US men's 5–10, large for 10 and up. Grease the threads and tighten to about 35 Nm.
- OneUp Components Aluminum flat pedals, $$$. Bearings and bushings can be serviced with a cheap kit instead of replacing the pedal. Grease the threads and tighten to about 35 Nm.
- Shimano PD-EH500 dual-sided SPD / flat pedals (cleats included), $$$. Comes with SM-SH56 multi-release cleats, which are easier to get out of in a panic. You still need 2-bolt SPD shoes to clip in.
- Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 SPD pedals (cleats included), $$$. Cup-and-cone bearings are fully serviceable and last for years. Shoes with a 2-bolt SPD cleat sold separately.
- KS eTen-R external dropper 31.6 mm, 100 mm drop + KS Southpaw remote, $$$. 31.6 mm post ↔ your 31.6 mm seat tube
- TranzX YSP22 external dropper 31.6 x 450 mm, 125 mm drop, remote included, $$$. 31.6 mm post ↔ your 31.6 mm seat tube
- KS LEV external dropper 31.6 mm (100–150 mm drop) + KS Southpaw remote, $$$$. 31.6 mm post ↔ your 31.6 mm seat tube
Utility
- USB rechargeable front + rear light set, $$. Daytime flashing lights cut collisions. Required by law at night.
- Pletscher adjustable kickstand, $$. Handy for errands. Check it clears the rotor and chainstay.
- Lisen clamp-style handlebar phone mount, $. Cheap and tool-free for maps on paved rides. On rough gravel or trails a locking mount (Quad Lock or Peak Design, about $45–70 plus a case) is much safer.
- Topeak TopLoader top tube bag (0.75 L), $$. Keeps snacks, keys and a multi-tool within reach. Straps on, with a rain cover. Check your knees do not rub it when you stand up.
- Knog Oi Classic bell, $. Slim ring bell that wraps the bar. Large fits 23.8–31.8 mm bars; Small fits 22.2 mm kids and BMX bars. Required by law in some places.
- Wald 137 front basket, $$. Made for flat bars ↔ your flat bar
- Planet Bike Beamer 200 + Blinky Squared USB light set, $$. USB rechargeable, tool-free mounts. Use flash mode in daylight. Rear light is 30 lumens: good for town, modest on fast roads.
- Cygolite Metro Plus 800 + Hotshot Pro 150 USB light set, $$$. Nine headlight modes including a daytime flash. Aim the beam slightly down so you do not blind oncoming riders.
- Trek (Bontrager) Ion Pro RT + Flare RT light set, $$$. Daytime-running flash modes on both lights. ANT+ lets a Garmin or Wahoo show battery and switch them. Full power runs about 1.5 hours; medium lasts much longer.
Tubes
- Slime self-sealing tubes 26 x 1.75–2.125 Schrader (pair), $$. 26" wheel size matches
- Schwalbe AV13 26 x 1.5–2.4 Schrader tubes (pair), $. 26" wheel size matches · Schrader valve ↔ your Schrader rims
Drivetrain
- KMC X8 8-speed chain with Missing Link, $. 6/7/8-speed chain ↔ your 8-speed drivetrain
- KMC Z8.3 6/7/8-speed chain (116 links), $. 6/7/8-speed chain ↔ your 8-speed drivetrain
- KMC X8 EPT 6/7/8-speed anti-rust chain with Missing Link, $$. 6/7/8-speed chain ↔ your 8-speed drivetrain
Tires
- Kenda Kwest 26x1.95 reflective (pair), $$. 50 mm tire ↔ your ~53 mm clearance
- Schwalbe Big Apple 26x2.0 (50-559) (pair), $$$. 50 mm tire ↔ your ~53 mm clearance
- Schwalbe Marathon Plus 26x2.0 (50-559) SmartGuard (pair), $$$. 50 mm tire ↔ your ~53 mm clearance
- Kenda K-Rad 26x1.95 (50-559) wire (pair), $$. 50 mm tire ↔ your ~53 mm clearance
Gearing
- Shimano Acera RD-M3020-8 SGS 7/8-speed rear derailleur (40T max), $$. 8-speed ↔ your 8-speed drivetrain · Shimano cable pull ↔ your shifter
Fits with small changes (32)
- Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic brake set (pair, levers included), $$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Suspension seatpost 27.2 mm (budget), $$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 27.2→31.6 shim.
- Redshift ShockStop suspension seatpost 27.2, $$$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 27.2→31.6 shim.
- External dropper post 27.2 mm, 100 mm drop + remote, $$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 27.2→31.6 shim.
- Shimano BR-MT420 4-piston hydraulic brakes + BL-MT401 levers (pair), $$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Ritchey Comp 2-Bolt alloy seatpost 27.2 mm, $$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 27.2→31.6 shim.
- Thomson Elite seatpost 27.2 x 330 mm, $$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 27.2→31.6 shim.
- Ergon CF Allroad Pro Carbon flex seatpost 27.2 mm, $$$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 27.2→31.6 shim.
- SR Suntour NCX suspension seatpost 30.9 x 350 mm, $$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 30.9→31.6 shim.
- Redshift ShockStop Endurance suspension seatpost 30.9 mm, $$$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 30.9→31.6 shim.
- Cirrus Kinekt 2.1 Aluminum suspension seatpost 27.2 mm (LR or XR spring), $$$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 27.2→31.6 shim.
- Cirrus Kinekt 2.1 Aluminum suspension seatpost 30.9 mm (LR or XR spring), $$$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 30.9→31.6 shim.
- KS eTen-R external dropper 27.2 mm, 100 mm drop + KS Southpaw remote, $$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 27.2→31.6 shim.
- KS eTen-R external dropper 30.9 mm, 100 mm drop + KS Southpaw remote, $$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 30.9→31.6 shim.
- PNW Components Pine external dropper 27.2 mm (90 or 110 mm) + PNW Loam lever, $$$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 27.2→31.6 shim.
- TranzX YSP22 external dropper 30.9 x 410 mm, 125 mm drop, remote included, $$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 30.9→31.6 shim.
- KS LEV external dropper 30.9 mm (100–150 mm drop) + KS Southpaw remote, $$$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 30.9→31.6 shim.
- Wald 8095 swept touring handlebar 25.4 mm, $$. Clamp is 25.4 mm; your bike's is 31.8 mm. Needs a shim or a matching stem/bar.
- Sunlite Northroad Touring alloy handlebar 25.4 mm, 3.5" rise, $$. Clamp is 25.4 mm; your bike's is 31.8 mm. Needs a shim or a matching stem/bar.
- Nitto B352AA Albatross handlebar 25.4 mm, 55 cm, $$$. Clamp is 25.4 mm; your bike's is 31.8 mm. Needs a shim or a matching stem/bar.
- Stan's NoTubes tire sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- Orange Seal Endurance tubeless sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- SILCA Ultimate Tubeless Sealant 16 oz, $. In tubes: needs tubes with removable valve cores (Presta or Schrader to match your rims).
- Shimano Deore BL-M6100 + BR-M6100 2-piston hydraulic brake set (pair, levers included), $$$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Shimano Deore BL-M6100 + BR-M6120 4-piston hydraulic brake set (pair, levers included), $$$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Shimano SLX BL-M7100 + BR-M7120 4-piston hydraulic brake set (pair, levers included), $$$$. Replaces your brake levers. Your shifter stays.
- Shimano SM-RT56 180 mm 6-bolt rotor (1 rotor), $. Your front rotor is 160 mm: a 180 mm rotor fits with a post +20 mm caliper adapter (check your fork's max rotor size).
- Galfer Wave 180 mm 6-bolt rotor, 1.8 mm (1 rotor), $$. Your front rotor is 160 mm: a 180 mm rotor fits with a post +20 mm caliper adapter (check your fork's max rotor size).
- Shimano SM-RT86 Ice-Tech 180 mm 6-bolt rotor (1 rotor), $$. Your front rotor is 160 mm: a 180 mm rotor fits with a post +20 mm caliper adapter (check your fork's max rotor size).
- Kalloy Uno SP-602 alloy seatpost 25.4 x 350 mm, $. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 25.4→31.6 shim.
- Thomson Elite seatpost 25.4 x 330 mm, $$$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 25.4→31.6 shim.
- Sunlite adjustable suspension seatpost 25.4 mm, $$. Your seat tube takes 31.6 mm: needs a 25.4→31.6 shim.
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Buying one used? Fair prices
Worked out from the price new ($650), age and condition, not live market data. If it needs tires, a chain or brakes, take off what fixing them would cost.
| Condition | Today (2013 model) |
|---|---|
| Like new | $165–$220 |
| Good | $145–$190 |
| Fair | $120–$155 |
| Needs work | $90–$120 |
See what these really sold for on eBay · Other used bike prices
Compare with
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- Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3 · compare frames side by side
- Specialized Rockhopper Sport · compare frames side by side
Sources: Cannondale (via web.archive.org): 2013 Trail 6 specs and $650 MSRP · BikePedia (via web.archive.org): 2013 Cannondale Trail 6 (3x8, Tektro Novela, sizes, colours)