The Cannondale Bad Boy range - bikes just packed with street style

Once seen, never forgotten - the Cannondale Bad Boy range of hybrid bikes really stand out from the rest. But are they able to deliver on the promises, or is the matt black look just for display?
At first, hybrid bikes were the consequence of applying mountain bike ideas to road bike frames, to create a go-anywhere machine equally suitable for off- and on-road riding.
Cannondale have started from the other end - turning a mountain bike into a road-friendly machine - the Bad Boy. The 26" wheels with wide tyres and the disc brakes I think are evidence of this.
How then do the various versions compare?
There are different features which are common all through the range. All have hand-built 6061 aluminium frames. the finish is a smart matt black with reflective logos and details. All carry front forks which will take disc brakes.
The design of the frame and forks means that either 26" or 700mm wheels can be fitted. Cannondale stress that it is their intention that wheels can be chosen to suit the sort of riding you want to do.
All models have the same flat hybrid handlebars. The wheels are black, shod with specially designed Bad Boy tyres from Schwalbe. So all Bad Boy bikes have this great distinctive look.
The entry-level model is the Bad Boy Al V26. Fitted with V-brakes as you would expect, but with a fork that will take a disc brake system if you choose to upgrade at a later date. The gear components are basic Shimano, and give you 27 gears. The semi-slick 50mm tyres are a good amalgamation of low rolling resistance and shock-absorbing for off-road. A great hybrid bike.
Changes to the brake system are the only difference in the Bad Boy Al. Tektro discs give you the benefit of somewhat greater stopping power and will keep the braking surfaces out of the mud when going off the beaten track. For the extra money, this looks like a good idea.
The Bad Boy Deore is the next model up the range and features gear components upgraded to Shimano Deore. You should get smoother changing between the 27 gears with these mechanisms. The bike features narrower rims and tyres, at 35mm. Still wide enough for the bridlepaths but a bit quicker on the road. The rest of the specs are the same as the Al.
Next up the Cannondale Bad Boy range is the R-SLX. A further upgrade to Shimano SLX gear mechs delivers still better performance. Replacing the triple chainset with a double means that you now get only 18 gears. Additionally the 26" wheels are changed for 700mm, showing that the R-SLX is going to perform far superior on the road. Frame, fork, disc brakes etc are unchanged.
Top of the range is the Bad Boy Ultra. The only alteration from the R-SLX is in the front suspension. Rather than a conventional suspension fork, the Cannondale Headshock fork has just one suspension module, above the two fork legs. This is both simpler and lighter. The fork is fitted with a lockout which is engaged for greater stability when you need it. Other than the fork, it's unchanged from the R-SLX. The Ultra looks to be the ultimate street machine.
So whatever you want from a hybrid bike, theCannondale Bad Boy range looks to have an option for you. Don't dismiss the more basic models, there appears to be class right through the range. However, the pricier versions have features well worth finding the extra for.