their web sire says the e440 is going to be 38" at the seat, I am 5,7" and ride alot of hills and tight trails and goto the mountains a couple of times a year. No motorcross as all.

Right now i ride a xr250 with a lowering link, it is droped 3/4" and the honda web site says it started out at 36". it is perfect for me when i get into trouble, i can always reach the ground when i need to.

I know with the electric start i will be a little beter off because that is when part of the height problem kicks in but i would like to be able to lower it some. anyone know if it is possible since it doesn't have a link like the honda?

hmmmmm
3 solutions....one not really recommended.....
1. Can modify the foam on your seat.....might cause valley syndrome...where you get into one spot and cant move!...
2. Have the suspension lowered by a good suspension shop.....expensive.
3. Suck the forks in and run the rear soft...but this is counter productive and messes everything up....worst of all cases.....

4. (I know I said 3) Write to Cannondale and see what they say.

You already mentioned it...with the happy button....most of the tall concerns may go away....

HR

Man, that is a tough call because the Cdale has linkless suspension. Best of luck. HR has it right, call the factory.

Kevin

It should be no problem to lower the cannondale, or at least no different than any other bike. When you have your suspension set for your style of riding have it lowered then.PT

"3. Suck the forks in and run the rear soft...but this is counter productive and messes everything up....worst of all cases....."

does anyone know how bad you screw up your handleing by just backing off the nut on the back shock? I am sure i could drop the bike to where i like(run the rear soft) and then can i adjust the compresion and rebound to get it to handle right? someone told me once that you cant just adjust everything down without really messing up the bike.

How bad do you screw it up ?
wow....depends on the machine, as each one has different geometry...= different results.
Forks are designed on modern bikes to be slid out a "bit" either way....if you get out of wack with that (move em a whole bunch), you stand a good chance with a good hit to start having some contacts with the clamps etc you aint supposed to. Plus....as I had said, it the very last method....and honestly....not really a viable one for any lowering of the machine.
Bottom line: would not recommend it at all.
I would offer you ride it first and see just how tall....is toooooooooo tall for you....if you are looking at the e start machines, (dont count out the berg....especially if you havent ridden one)....you may find out...what used to be tall throwing a leg down....isnt any more.
Ride it....let it settle down....and then look hard at other options.
With that...I have a Turkey to inject with butter, etc etc.....gonna fry that bird tomorrow!

good luck....just my $.02 worth

HR

Factory connection lowered a yz 1.5 inches for me and told me that the handling wouldnt change, i think it cost about 350$, i have been to the Cannondale factory and ridden the "e" and thought it was by far the best bike they are making

Agree 200%....lowering the suspension by a firm that does it professionally is the way to go...and if done right shouldnt alter your handling at all. One of the reasons a good job costs $$$...you get what you pay for.
The other "solutions" are just that...other...and not the best, but the cheapest!.
and as far as you getting to ride the E....

thats not nice!

HR

When done correctly it wil improve handling because the CG is lower.PT