Cannondale was one of the pioneers of welded aluminum frames with oversized tubes. Also in terms of construction, this all-terrain bike was ahead of its time in 1986 and is an example of 'East Coast Geometry', with a high bottom bracket and a sloping top tube.

In the late 1980s, views on geometry were still divisive in the American mountain bike world. On the east coast, the shape of the ATB started to evolve into the profile we are familiar with today, while on the west coast people stuck with the traditional horizontal top tube.

The fact that it was not yet clear where things should go is shown by the fact that the SM 800 also existed in a version with a 24" rear wheel. For a shorter wheelbase and better traction, as was claimed.