The DeliriumT uses the Quad DRAC bearing and dual 17mm axle pivot system as its heavier-duty sibling to ensure a high degree of lateral rigidity. However, the lighter frame package makes it suitable for extended climbing and epic all day riding. Featuring adjustable head angle and chain stay length, the DeliriumT can be quickly transformed into a nimble slope style competitor or short course DH racer.
Submitted by
megrim
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver, B.C., Canada Date Reviewed: May 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Robert's Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Different Bikes
Strengths:
A big strength for the Delirium is the ability to adjust the headangle and wheelbase length to fit your riding style, fork height, and riding terrain. I find this feature especially useful if this iis your only bike. If I was doing a long pedal up, or on some very tight, technical terrain with lots of stunts, I would push the wheelbase all the way in. It makes the bike feel a lot smaller and more manouverable. If I was heading up to Whistler, slacken the bike out and lengthen the wheelbase. The bike feels like it gets a lot more travel and is definitely more stable at speed.
The other big plus for this bike is stiffness. This bike is crazy stiff. So it's great for off-camber corners, side hills, log rides, and if you land the occasional moto-whip sideways.
One more thing; customer service from Knolly. Noel Buckley (and the crew from Knolly) are great and have tons of tips to make you Delirium feel like you had the bike custom made for you. Shock set ups, dropouts, etc.
Weaknesses:
I guess price, but you get what you pay for (as noted by the other reviewers). And maybe weight, but depends how you build you bike.
Fox 36 RC2 TALAS, Cane Creek Double Barrel (or Roco TST R air), Saint brakes, etc.
Bottom Line:
The best all around bike you can buy. There's nothing you can't take this bike off, then pedal back up to the top and do it again. I ride this bike 2-3 times a week and everytime I throw a leg over it, I fall in love all over again. I haven't met anyone who has regretted purchasing one of these bikes.
The only thing is that I can't go quite as fast on extremely rough terrain. So if you're in DH racing, maybe look into the V-tach.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbguy44
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 4, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Spokewrench Cycles
Strengths:
Flexibility. No, not in the frame. This bike is flexible in that it can be built to suit any need (short of cross country racing) from trail-bike to freeride machine. This is enhanced by adjustable head angle and chain stay length. The rear end is super stiff and the 4 x 4 suspension allows this bike to be pedalled easily even when built over 40 lbs. The only time I've ever noticed the weight is on small inclines where I'm not used to having to put a little more into my pedal stroke. On the steeper climbs where I'm used to harder effort, I don't feel any penalty. When you add this to how well the DT climbs technical bits, this bike is very agile indeed.
Weaknesses:
The anodized gun metal looks more purple than gun metal. But that's nit picking. This bike is so much fun to ride, I'd take hot pink if I had to. The real downside of this bike is that the flexible nature of it makes it hard to decide how to build it. 7" fork or 6"? Air or coil shock? AM wheelset or bombproof? Is it a trail bike or a downhiller? Or do I mix up any combination of the above? The answer to all of these questions is yes which doesn't help a decision. The upside is that however you build it, you will love it.
Bike Setup:
DHX Air, Talas 36 RC2 (1.5 steer tube), Hammerschmidt, DT Swiss 5.1 rims on 240 hubs, CC 110 headset, Thomson stem and seatpost. Magura Louise brakes. Total weight just under 38 lbs.
Bottom Line:
This bike is big fun. It pedals up quite well, goes down even better and flies great. Yes its expensive but what is it worth to have a perma-grin everytime you ride? This bike delivers on its hype and you quickly forget how much you paid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dominator13
a Weekend Warrior
from NorCal Date Reviewed: January 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything DH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Fanatyko
Strengths:
Solid, solid and more solid. It is suprisingly plush on the DH and climbs well to boot.
Weaknesses:
I guess price!? But you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Titus EG, Titus ML, Santa Blur 4X, Spec Enduro
Bike Setup:
Totem, CCDB, Formula "The One" etc...
Bottom Line:
Honestly, this bike is probably too much for what I ride ona day to day basis. But, that is what makes it a great bike. You really don't suffer for what you get form the DT. It pedals like a 33lb AM bike but, descends like a 48lb DH beast. I think this bike can be classified as "THE ONE BIKE" with out question.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thefriar
a Downhiller
from Stamford, CT, USA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat.com
Strengths:
Stiff, plush, and wicked wicked tight. Thing takes what ever I've been able to give it and more. High quality build and extremely solid welds with great customer service behind the product. Adjustable headtube angles/geometry.
Weaknesses:
None that I've run into yet. Weight, but I have it built beefy.
Similar Products Used:
Enduro SL, Norco Six One, not similar but great Moots YBB
Bike Setup:
Totem, Avid Codes, Fox DHX 5.0, i9 Enduros, SLX cranks, x9 transmission, joplin lever seat post and kenda 2.5 single ply stickees
Bottom Line:
I recommend this as an all round all mountain bike that can manage days at the park and a good bit of the gnarly stuff that can be found on trails anywhere. Its great for bigger riders and I imagine could be a dedicated freeride/park bike for lighter riders.
I don't know where to start with this thing. I have to say that it pedals about 10x better than the Norco Six One and is about 6-7lbs heavier and out classes the Norco by 50x. It is significantly stiffer than the Enduro Sl and the Six One, I believe its because of the 4x4 linkage and the quality of the build of the Knolly.
I'm about 240lbs with gear and find that the DT holds the trail like a gecko, especially with the Kendas on it. I find I'm taking the more challenging line, bigger drops, steeper rollers, and what not because the suspension is so plush and has enough love to pull out a win on my novice landings from drops.
As far as pedaling goes, I have the head tube at its slackest angle and I'm running the Rock Shox Totem up front, yet I'm still able to take it around the woods and mountains like its a trail bike. Albeit, have to pedal and sweat the weight over the moots (23#s) and enduro sl (<30#s), but its astonishing how much better it pedals than the lighter Norco. I think if I went to a 36 TALAS and ran 2.3s, lighter brakes, and tightened the head tube it would be a quicker ride, but then I don't think it would give me the same level of confidence to rock through the rough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clvlc4door
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville sc Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Greenslick
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2499.00
Purchased At:
mtn high cyclery
Strengths:
Wow where do I start? While the bike is heavier than some it still climbs just as good as my hardtail, rear suspension stays active under steep DH braking which is rare in most full suspension bikes. its VERY ridged and very plush. This frame is perfect!
Weaknesses:
Heavy, hard to wash
Similar Products Used:
Nothing is as good as this frame for AM and light duty DH/FR
Bike Setup:
pike,dt swiss wheels, formula k24 brakes, hope pro II hubs, cane creek headset, e13 chain guide, and more
Bottom Line:
Now this bike might be out of most peoples cost range but just save up a little longer and you will be able to get it and be so much more happier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ayup
a Weekend Warrior
from Squamish, BC Date Reviewed: July 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sea To Sky and stuff in Verbier, CH
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
On Top, North Van
Strengths:
Amazing build quality and super stiff. It's my one bike for big xc pedals through to slow techy shore riding and speedy local shuttles. The small size is perfect for me at 5'6.
Weaknesses:
Bit heavy but it'll get lighter as I get fitter.
Similar Products Used:
Bullit and before that a Heckler but they don't really compare.
Bike Setup:
DHX 5 Air and Totem Solo Air with Chromag bits. Crossmax SX wheelset and tubeless Minion / High Roller tires. Old D521's for park and shuttling. Flatties.
Bottom Line:
After 4 years on a Bullit and my first multi-pivot bike since a Lobo, the DT is a revelation. Very plush and very stiff. I beat myself up about spending so much on a frame for about all of 5 minutes into the first ride...this thing is mint! Can't recommend it enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
woodyak
a Downhiller
from North Shore, MA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
G-Spot, Lynn Woods, Mom's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Mountain High Cycler
Strengths:
Super high quality, sooooo stiff, and ever so plush. It also pedals like a dream for such a big bike
Weaknesses:
Heavy. To be expected though for such a burly bike
Similar Products Used:
El Guapo, 6.6, Moto-light, Quasi-moto.
Bike Setup:
CCDB, Van36, XT bits, 5.1 wheels w/Hadley & Hope hubs. Basicaly a hefty AM build.
Bottom Line:
I got this to replace my El Guapo as my do it all trail bike. I live in New England and our trails are very rugged. We don't have much elevation but we do have a ton of steep technical uphills and downhills that abuse bikes. I've broken almost every bike part imaginable including several frames. So I needed a bike that would take my abuse but would also pedal like a mofo so that I can keep up with the Hammerheads. This bike fits that bill. At first I was very concerned about pedaling a bike this heavy but after doing 3 full days of XC riding w/my buds those concerns were waylaid. Sure the bike was overkill for these trails but who cares!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GaryM
a Downhiller
from Calgary, Ab, Canada Date Reviewed: June 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Bottomless feel to the suspension, build quality, frame strength, adjustable geometry
Weaknesses:
No real weaknesses. It does tend to collect a lot of crud around the front derailleur but it doesn't really affect the shifting.
Similar Products Used:
Santa cruz heckler, VP-free, bullit
Bike Setup:
CCDB rear shock, either fox van 36RC2 or 66RC2X (180mm)fork, x-9 drivetrain, dt 5.1/hope pro2 wheels, 2.4 maxxis advantage tires.
Bottom Line:
This is truly a bike that can do it all. I ride a lot of very aggressive alberta and BC trails that require a special breed of bike. We often do 8-10km climbs followed by 5km downhills that could easily be good runs at a lift accessed bike park. The problem always is that a bike that can handle the DH isn't going to be fun to climb up. The delerium does both with ease. It can be a blast on tight singletrack and then with just one adjustment of the head tube angle it feels like a very agile DH bike. Mine weighs in at around 36-37lbs but climbs and pedals better than my 32lb heckler ever did and feels as solid as my 40lb VP-free. The 6.3" of travel easily feels as capable and deep as the free does especially with the CCDB shock.
The build quality of the frame is above anything else I have seen and the small details really set it apart. The cable routing and hardware are amazing...no cable rub anywhere and all the bolts are super high quality which make working on it a joy. I already plan of adding an endorphin next year and possibly a v-tach after that. The delerium can cover the entire spectrum but sometimes you just want a slightly different bike to optimise your experience on a certain trail or just to mix it up a bit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
llittrup
a Weekend Warrior
from helena mt Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Shaheen's
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The Delerium-T is amazing at everything I try. I love pedaling through rock gardens and having the suspension stay active. It is great at eating bumps even when I am hard on the rear brake. Feels solid and smooth over anything.
Weaknesses:
The downside to having a Delerium-T is that now my friends' bikes all feel like crap.
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, Enduro SL (cringe) Maverik (double cringe) it just seems wrong to call anything else a similar product. How similar are a Yugo and a Porsche?
Bike Setup:
Delerium-T with a 66ata and a pretty cool build.
Bottom Line:
So if you are reading this review and are thinking about buying a Delerium-T I have only this to say:
DO IT!
The cost of the frame is nothing compared to the horrible feeling of regret you will have if you get something else.
If you don't believe me please go ride one for yourself; you don't need to know anything about the tech-the ride speaks for itself.
Myself and the other reviewers are not exaggerating; the bikes are really this good. Please find out for yourself. Just get in touch with Noel and he can set you up with something I am sure you will love. Don't settle for anything less!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
llittrup
a Weekend Warrior
from Helena, MT Date Reviewed: June 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Not tellin :)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The Delerium-T is great at climbing, descending and anything inbetween.
Weaknesses:
Makes my friends bikes feel like crap when we trade
I am just as stoked on my bike now as I was the day I bought it. My advice to anyone thinking about buying this bike: DO IT NOW!
The money is nothing compared to the horrible feeling of regret you will get if you buy something else.
If you want to get the most versitile, best handling bike for light freeride/ all-mountain use this is it. There is no downside; the bike is incredible as are Noel and his crew.
Everyone who reviews the Delerium-T loves it because it rides sooooooo well. The way that the brake and pedal inputs are isolated from the suspension is awesome! When you factor in the progressive travel and the adjustable geometry what you get is a versitile and fantastic riding bike.
Want to clear rock gardens that you always thought were impossible? Care to rail turns at unbeleviable speed without being scared? How about boosting some air? Perhaps you would like to pedal local trails during the week and then do some shuttle runs on the weekend? Not a problem, this bike has got you covered.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shelly
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Creek Date Reviewed: February 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anyone I can ride well
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Well being a chick, my response will be different from all of the technical mumbo-jumbo the guys here have posted already. I have to say that I noticed immediately how well the bike climbed (I went from a Rocky Mountain full suspension to the Delirium), even though it is about 10lbs. heavier. The other very obvious trait was how it just rolls over obstacles! I couldn't believe how smooth and easy this bike was to ride on my first ride. I really didn't think that I would notice such a big difference, but I did. I have now had the bike 1.5 years, and still love how well this bike flows through the trails. I enjoy mountain biking even more now with my Knolly.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy to pick up and put on top of the car. That is why I take my husband riding with me.
Bike Setup:
You would have to ask the husband. But I do have pink spacers on the headset.
Bottom Line:
I highly recommend this bike to everyone, especially women. Most women think that it will be too heavy to climb up hills, but it pedals so easily and smoothly, you won't notice the weight difference. Ride the bike, and you will never want to ride another.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Collins
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: December 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Got Dirt?
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Power Bikes and Boards
Strengths:
I'm over the 3 month period now, so time for a couple of comments...
The Knolly is WAY stiff. It goes where you point it. I ride alot of ATV double track. If I drop the front into one rut and the rear into the other rut, there is no flex, or squirm, I just shift weight a little and the rear climbs out of the rut with no problem.
The bike is very plush and very active, but it does not sap power. Noel has done an outstanding tuning job regarding isolating pedal and brake forces. The Knolly is about 5 pounds heavier than my 06 Rocky Mountain Slayer, but the Slayer feels heavier on the trail and climbing.( The Slayer has a Pushed RP3 on it too, so WAY better than stock, but it still is not even in the same game as the DT.) While both will "bob" when you stand and hammer, the Slayer uses a lot of travel, you get a bit of a pogo feeling, on the DT more of subtle rock if that makes any sense. Movement is minimal in comparrison. This is with a DHX5 Air, and I expect it to get even better when the CCDB goes on.
Braking on anything is amazing, but on rough steeps it is just unreal. Rear end stays planted, no chatter, no jack just glued to the ground. Again on the RM the back end tends to "skip" over rocks and roots and this is with the PUSHED RP3.
I have quite easily cleaned climbs on the Delirium T that I struggled to get 2/3-3/4 the way up on the RM. It just digs in and goes. Rear end stays nice and active, so you just power over the ruts, roots and steps. Shifting to out of the saddle, you just seem to naturally fall into the proper position to balance front stability and rear traction. If you have the legs the DT can climb it.
With this bike you feel like you're in a cockpit, not riding on top like a horse. This is quite noticable in the tight tech stuff. The handling is very precise, the bike can be controlled by a light touch on the weight shifts, no severe heavy inputs needed.
No ghost shifting. Not even once. I may get a bit of noise if things go out a bit but never a missed or unwanted shift. Quick adjust with the cable adjust barrel's and we are good to go. Again in comparision, on the Rocky Mountain, both bikes have SRAM drivetrains, but if things are not pretty much perfect, I get ghost shifting on occasion. Same whilst under power, not often but enough to notice; if your in the rough and make it squirm and you may catch a different gear. With the Knolly SOLID - not a one missed.
Weaknesses:
Downsides? Not really, more a bit of nit-picking.
Weight. Even though it pedals lighter it is still a solid bike. The bigger you are, the less this will probably bother you.
Cleaning - this can be a bit of a pain. Lots of nooks and crannies - especially the BB / F deraileur area. This area is a bit of a crap magnet - it can get pretty packed with mud and dirt. Good collection area, however I have never had a problem shifting even with a severe build-up.
The seat tube angle has some good and bad points. Good, when adjusted for proper fit / leg extension, you are in an almost perfect pedaling position, however when you drop the seat it drops forward. This is awesome for the steeps, but when I drop the seat an inch or two for a bit of tech, the cockpit can feel a bit tight.
Similar Products Used:
Many BMX Kona Kilauea Norco Wolverine Rocky Mountain Slayer ( 2006 )
Bike Setup:
Large Black Ano frame Magura Wotan fork Cane Creek Double Barrel rear shock Fox DHXa 5 rear shock ( spare ) DT Swiss 340 /5.1 wheels Kenda Nevagal 2.35 DTC Front and Rear Magura Louise BAT brakes 203mm F&R SRAM X9 Trigger Shifters SRAM X9 Rear Deraileur Shimano HONE front E-type deraileur Shimano Hone cranks ( 2 ring version ) 22 / 34 SRAM 980 11-34 casette SRAM 971 chain Dark Cycles Arachnid Pedals E13 DRS Thompson X4 70 and 90mm Post Sunline V1 medium (1.5") rise handlebar ODI Rogue Lock-on Grips AMP 1 & 4" drop remote adjustable seatpost WTB Pure V Race saddle Red Ano Dangerboy Maple-Leaf bar-end caps Red Ano Headset spacers Red Ano Hope Seatpost collar.
Bottom Line:
Outstanding. Best bike I have ever ridden or owned. The support provided by Noel and all of Knolly Bikes is second to none, if you have questions call them. I did, and I bought mine without a test-ride and never even having seen one outside of the web. Best blind purchase I have ever made, and probably ever will make.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Dibley
a Weekend Warrior
from Southampton, UK Date Reviewed: November 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything Whistler
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2850.00
Purchased At:
FanatyCo
Strengths:
A follow up review from two down
Weaknesses:
A follow up review from two down
Bottom Line:
I just thought I'd drop an update from my reveiw you'll see just below. Three months in and I'm more convinced than ever, that this is the best bike in the world. I just went to Moab and rod cross country and climbe silly steep climbs faster than other fit looking guys (i'm 230lbs) on Specialized Epic's, then turns around and rides down faster than guys on full on downhill rigs. Man, this thing is AMAZING!!! My next bike is a Knolly for sure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lim Shi Hong
a
from Dali, Yunnan, China Date Reviewed: September 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Different Bikes, Vancouver
Strengths:
Quality of build is the best I've seen on an fs. Climbs better than my ht ss and descends like a dh bike. The bike works with you, not against you. Doesn't bob even when you stand up and mash the pedals, I've found out that propedal is not a necessity for climbing or flatter trails. Super plush suspension. Cable routing makes perfect sense. Full seat tube. Easy full adjustability, head angle and chainstay length. Makes other fs bikes dream of being reborn as a Knolly in their next life.
Weaknesses:
After I've gotten my Delirium T, I pretty much cannot stop thinking about riding her, all the time. This is not a bad thing. I wish I've bought this bike earlier.
Similar Products Used:
Dekerf Implant(I know it's a ht, but it's more hardcore than many fs out there including my RM Slayer), RM Slayer.
Bike Setup:
Small, ano black Delirium T, 66rc2x, x9, truativ chainguide(I had a drs but found that I only need only ring to climb anything), other stuff that'll break and need to be replaced way before I'm done with this frame, if ever.
Bottom Line:
I've very little to add to what all the Delirium riders have said about this bike. This is one amazing frame from a company who knows what they're doing. This bike has exceeded all my expectations of a nice frame and more. Do not be offended by the 35lbs+ weight of the complete build, this bike pedals better than most bikes 10lbs lighter. The suspension does not bob, but still soaks up all the bumps. The handling is smooth and predictable, makes me feel almost invincible when I'm on my bike. And yeah, it's one scary fast bike if you let it be, but yet tracks and balance super well when you're going slower than a snail as well. This bike is really quiet, no creaking, clanking or any other 'normal' noises that you'll expect from a bike with this many linkages. And he!! yeah, this is one SEXY bike, but it doesn't end there, she rides as good as she looks. I really feel that this bike can read my mind. I know some people think that the price tag is a little steep, but you get what you pay for and you do get your every hard earned penny's worth.
Customer service by Noel and co. is by far the best I've come across in the bike industry or any industry, for that fact. Noel answered all my inquiries for months, yes, months, way before I decided that I wanted to buy a Knolly. He even came in on his day off to put my frame together so that it could be shipped to Hong Kong in time for my pickup, talk about taking care of your customers. I just couldn't imagine the owner of any frame manufacturer taking that much time and effort just to sell you one frame and making sure that you're happy with it afterwards as well. For sure, my next bike(if I need one) would be a Knolly.
So if you're looking for an am/fr/dh/adventure bike now, do yourself a favor and check out a Knolly. They are solid, well balanced, superb handling bikes that'll give you years of riding pleasure. Your only regret would be not getting one earlier. Ok, that about sums it up for now, I'm going to go ride my Knolly now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Dibley
a Weekend Warrior
from Southampton, UK Date Reviewed: September 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
CBC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2850.00
Purchased At:
Fanatyk Co, Whistler
Strengths:
Rides like a down hill bike when going down hill, rides like an all mountain bike up hill. Strong and sooooo stiff!!! Super adjustible different....boutique.
Weaknesses:
erm......seriously, this is the best bike I could possibly own.
66, Rohloff (oh yes), King, Brooks saddle, Formula Oro Puro
Bottom Line:
I have owned loads of nice bikes and have always wanted a turqoise Yeti (I know this is a Knolly review). I eventually built one up for my trip to Whistler, but only 6 weeks after buying it, it snapped. I was forced to buy a new frame. The only one in Whistler that would work for me was this Knolly Delerium T. Being from te UK, I'd never heard of such a brand. I took 24 hours to think about it as the cost was very high. I plumped for it and purchased it. A week later I have heard noting but praise from fellow riders who know the Knolly brand. I have been riding it hard and it keeps coming back for more. Lots more. It pedals really well, but handles like a DH rig when plumeting down hill. Having the Horst Link four bar suspension, is the way forward. When you own this bike, you realise everything about it makes so much sense. Superb cable routing, outstanding bearing quality, superb welding and geometry. It weighs so much more than I would normally have considered, but when a bike rides this well, weight honestly does not matter one bit. So okay, it's not going to win an XC race, but that's not what I do. It's inspiring. I am becoming a better rider because of this bike. My long love for Yeti is fading and a new love for Knolly is growing.
What else could be great about this bike? The company behind it. Noel Buckley is a top chap who created the idea and builds the bikes in Vancouver. I sent Knolly bikes an e-mail telling them how happy I am with my new frame and Noel himself responded 48 hours later appologising for a slow reply as he was in Europe, I presume at Eurobike. He offered for me to call him with any questions about the frame and even suggested meeting in Vancouver with my bike to get the shock set up for me. Now that is customer service to an extreme level! I'm hooked.
I have been a frequent author on www.yetifan.com, but perhaps Knollyfan.com is on the books eh?
top flamin chilli's marks for this bike. Lots of cash? Yeah, but you get oh so much for your money.
Please feel free to e-mail me (tom@dibley.com) with any questions I might be able to answer and visit www.tomdibley.com for pics of my awesome build.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from Mill Creek, WA Date Reviewed: August 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
too many to pick one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Quality, workmanship, engineering, durability and most importantly function. Noel and his team are great!!
Weaknesses:
None, period. People comment about the price, but you get what you pay for and these bikes are priced comparably with others in the same class.
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed, Rocky Mountain, Santa Cruz and Knolly.
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox Lyric U-Turn, Cane Creek Double Barrel, CK hubs, Thomson post, Easton carbon bar, Hone cranks, SRAM rear derailleur, DT 5.1 rims, XT brakes.
Bottom Line:
I am the owner of two Knolly Bikes. One V-Tach and one Delerium T. Both are the best bikes I have ever had the pleasure of owning. I use my V-Tach for Whistler and shuttling. The Delerium is for everything other than XC racing. If Noel built an XC race bike, I would have one of those as well. The V-Tach (I know I am reviewing a Delerium) has been going strong for almost 3 years and I have had the D-T for almost a year now. I have ridden it hard and for many miles and it still is as good as the day I bought it. It weighs in at 36 lbs and pedals like a 26 pounder. But it rides like a 6" travel bike when it gets rough.
I must comment that during my first visits, to my favorite trails on the Delerium, I was cleaning them as I never did before. Therefore I really love this bike. Anyone who wants to buy the BEST all mountain bike made, should by a Delerium T.
Noel builds great bikes that will never disappoint their owners. Great job Noel!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
secret loams
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Too many to list: - perfect cable routing guides (seen too many bikes where this is overlooked) - full seat tube is wicked in the winter (no telescoping post) - 135x12 axle and burly rear-end design makes for super stiff rear end (Knolly uses better quality and bigger bearings than almost any bike company) - 6.5" of rear travel nice balance for a bike that can do all-day 32km technical xc rides (the famous Comfortably Numb in Whistler) or also ride pretty much anything the Whistler Bike Park with confidence - super short chainstays (16.4" to 17.2") gives this bike incredible handling in the shortest position. it feels incredibly nimble for a 6.5" bike, like a hardtail with travel. - adjustable head angle nice touch to allow a more climbing-friendly or more DH-friendly angles, depending on what you're riding that day - beefy replaceable dropouts and super-thick derailleur hanger are very tough, plus cheap in the unlikely event you need a new one - ICSG chainguide mounts and e-type derailleur allow for setup of solid dual-ring chainguide - Knolly's 4x4 linkage seems to put very little stress on rear shocks and bushings -- shock bushings ("DU"s) seem to last forever on these bikes
Weaknesses:
- decals could be more durable - frame weight could be an issue for very very light riders (around 9.5lbs with coil) - not the cheapest bike out there, but you're gonna have to pay more to get a bike this good
Bike Setup:
Totem Solo Air, Saint Cranks, X.0, Mavic 721/729 with 2.35" DH Nevegals / xc tubes = 38-39 lbs
Bottom Line:
This bike can be built up quite differently depending on what you're riding. With different wheels especially and also changing head angle and chainstay length, the bike will feel radically different and the weight difference could be large. Here's taking it far ...
freeride: Totem or similar, DH rims & tires, DHX Coil, medium chainstay length, slacker headangle ... 38-40 lbs
epic riding: Lyrix or similar, allmountain wheels, DHX Air, short chainstay length, steepest headangle ... 32-35 lbs
----
In one line: Best bike I've ever owned.
If I could only have one bike to do everything from all-day xc rides to downhill-type stuff, I would take this one without even having to think about it. Look at the only things I could come up with in the "Product Weaknesses:" ... just very minor things.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: August 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Godsmack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
eyebrow raising control in steeps, low speed super technical turns, fast turns, jumps, etc, etc
Weaknesses:
None after 8 months riding.
Similar Products Used:
Nomad
Bike Setup:
RF Atlas bars, 50mm RF stem, 66 SL1 ATA fork, King DH hubs/Alex Supra D rims, Maxxis 1.35" super tacky, x0 triggers and RD, RF Atlas cranks.
Bottom Line:
I mostly ride the vtach in bike parks and on the gnarlier shore trails. I ride the DT on the rest of the trails I hit. I avoided trying a DT for a while thinking I could just ride the vtach on everything and grunt a bit more on trails where a smaller bike would be more appropriate. Sure one can ride a big bike on most trails, but I was completely amazed how much more fun the DT was on most of the shore and Squamish where slower average speeds and pedaling is more common.
I ride it in the slackest position, with a dhx air shock, mid chain stay position and the bars as low as possible. It has the same predictable, inspiring vtach handling, while being expectedly more nimble with the lighter frame and build. the same confidence building feel as the vtach in high or low speed turns, super steeps, unexpected do or die low speed manuals, in the air, and super technical anything. Initially I thought I’d have to take it easier on the DT, but it's taken everything I’ve thrown at it. No problems on some harsher 10 foot+ drops and rough high speed turns.
I’m repeatedly blown away by my DT and Vtach, when people ask about the ride now I often suggest people just try one out, I think all my praise gets hard to believe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Limone Flemming
a
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
7th Secret
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Different Bikes
Strengths:
This bike climbs as well as any 'race set-up' cross country bike, yet will descend much tougher terrain than a lightweight XC bike. Construction is top of the line, and customer service is excellent. Frame size is perfectly proportioned for a petite rider. Buy this bike if you value high quality, want a strong performing bike for climbing, descending; whether Whistler DH park or Comfortably Numb, or North Shore, or Vancouver Island.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
None really, Kona Bear Dee-Lux, and a hardtail.
Bottom Line:
Completely happy with this purchase, and haven't sacrificed any type of riding by buying a 'big' bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karen
a Downhiller
from Surrey, B.C., Canada Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Boundary, North Shore, N.Vancouver
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
On Top Cycles, North Vancouver, B.C.
Strengths:
Nimble, adjustable, full length seatpost, locally tested, grown,and built, amazing ride, love it more every time I take it out.
Weaknesses:
None as of yet.
Similar Products Used:
Not much compares.
Bike Setup:
Juicy 7's, RC2X 66, Mavic 729 front and rear with King and Hope hubs, Azonic bar and pedals, Raceface post, rear coil.
Bottom Line:
I talked to a heap of people about full suspension bikes when I began my search for my first FS and the list I had in my head quickly dwindled. Then it became a choice between the V-Tach or the Delirim-T. It being a locally tested bike was a huge thing for me. I test rode a couple bikes; but I kept coming back to the Knolly. It always stood out. Owner of Knolly was super about getting me a good fit as well; lots of follow up. For my first full suspension I have absolutely no regrets at all; and have recommended Knolly to anyone considering a full suspension bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clark
a
from squamish Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
high-end fabrication and materials throughout thoughtful design elements overbuilt adjustable head angle and chainstay length massive lateral stiffness very active suspension neutral pedaling and braking pedals like its 5 pounds lighter than it is continuous seat tube progressive suspension, even throughout travel customer service (best there is)
Weaknesses:
may be overbuilt and heavy for you, depending on what "all mountain" means to you
Similar Products Used:
there aren't any
Bike Setup:
66, loaded
Bottom Line:
this frame is ridiculous. its the nicest bike i've ever ridden, in any category. feels deeper than 6.3", super plush and active. pedals like a light trail bike, but descends like a ninja. tracks exactly where you point it, rails corners, very stable yet reacts instantly to input. feels perfect right from the first ride. impossible to bottom out! feels like a stealth version of its big brother, the v-tach. the perfect all rounder if you like long trails rides with hard descents. "the one" bike doesn't exist, but the delerium is perfect for 80% of the riding we do around here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Turner
a Downhiller
from Bellingham WA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007
This bike owns the all mountain catagory. You can literally ride everything on the mountain. I rode it all day on Seymour, and it was amazing. On my first ride down I was hitting lines that I had only considered before. To call the rear end stiff is an understatement. The back tire tracked as well as the Turner DHR. This bike handled drops, skinnies and rock gardens like a fifty pound dh rig, but climbed like a twenty eight pound cross country ride. This bike is amazing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Mattox
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, MO Date Reviewed: May 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Every one of them.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
This bike is very, very efficient. It will ride like a cross country bike, climb like a goat, and soak up almost any hit you throw at it. It ride like my XC race bike. I was, and still, am impressed every time I ride it. Every aspect of this bike has been milled over with a fine tooth comb. The way the cables are routed and protected from crashes and syspension travel. The geometry. The full length seat tube that places the seat up there when you need it, but tuckes it forward and away when you don't. Ride one. You will see. Buy this bike if you want the best all mountain bike out there that will do the XC stuff as well as the drops.
Weaknesses:
NOT ONE! I would not change anything and that says alot for me. I alway think I can make something better.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Coiler, Santa Cruz VP Free. So many others, but that is what I accually owned.
I used to ride a VP Free and am in the outdoor industry, so I have ridden several bikes over the years. I had the VP free for about a year. I really liked the bike, but have retired it for a Delirium-T from Knolly. Thinking about going out and rideing 50 miles of single-track on the VP Free would make me sick to my stomack. With the Delirium, I cannot wait to get to the trail head. I have to be frank; there is no other bike on the market that can even come close to competing with the Knolly. Everything on the bike is perfect and well thought out. You will be bleeding brake fluid on any other "big" bike on the market. All the suspension linkage on other bikes cause the brake lines to flex, and over time, break. I used to replace my brake lines every three rides. The Knolly frame has the cables placed in such a way that it will not wear them out. This is a big deal to me in that I used to have to keep cable in my pit box and if one breaks when you are 50 miles out. It sucks. That is only one of the smart aspects of this bike and if they put that much thought into where to run a brake line, imagine what else they thought of? It soaks up anything you throw at it and the pedaling. I cannot say enough. This bike rides like my XC race bike. It climbs just as well. I don't expect you to believe me. You just have to ride one. It is truly amazing. It is the only bike I will ever own. I have access to anything on the market and I choose the Knolly. You will be making a mistake if you get anything else. Don't get me wrong here; there are some great bikes out there. The technology is amazing. Then there is the Knolly. It is in a class of it's own. James
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse Keefer
a Weekend Warrior
from Galiano Island,BC, Canada Date Reviewed: February 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
CBC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
4000
Strengths:
Great suspension action, great on all kinds of terrain, pedals extremely well, craftsmanship is flawless and you could not ask for a nicer company to deal with.
Weaknesses:
None that I can detect. I was skeptical about having one bike for everything but this bike shines on all kinds of terrain.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Reign, Santa Cruz Blur LT
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi 66 fork, Sram, DT wheels, RF components
Bottom Line:
This bike was not cheap but unlike the offerings from major manufacturers it is built to last and is back up a small yet very well-run company. The bike is a real head-turner and does everything I could ask for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred Schuldt
a Downhiller
from Asheville, NC, USA Date Reviewed: January 26, 2007
Marzocchi Z.1 RC2 ETA fork, Hope Mono-M4 brakes, RaceFace Evolve DH ISIS cranks/BB, SRAM x.9 shifters/rear der, XT E-type front der, Time ATAC "Z" pedals, Industry Nine Enduro wheelset, Thomson post & stem, RaceFace riser bar.
Bottom Line:
The frame came in a serious box. Triple-layer corrugated with big rigid chunks of some new space-age paperboard keeping my frame from slapping around inside. The paint is beautiful, shimmering electric blue. As a CNC guy, I love all the CNC’ed pieces. The bottom bracket extrusion is a work of art. The serial number is milled in during the CNC operation! I have never seen cables routed this well. Having probably assembled over a thousand bikes in my bicycle shop career, I wish they were all done this well. They go exactly where they ought to, awkward bend-less, and are well-protected from laydowns. I clocked out early to snatch a maiden voyage from encroaching winter. My first impression was that the Delerium felt exactly the way I wanted it to. The front end came up when I pulled on it, yet stayed down when I pointed it up the steeper climbs. It felt very neutral in the air, so much that I found myself hucking off waterbar kickers to blind backsides. The DHX Air 5.0 surprised me, feeling extremely supple and balanced with a Z.1 RC2 fork. The bike never felt unsettled, and never did anything sketchy. The next day, I checked out some Shore-type stuff. The ride up included this crazy-steep climb I didn’t expect to clean. I started riding up with the intention of high-marking. I stopped when I got to the top. I can’t think of another bike I could’ve climbed that hill on. The Knolly eats up steep ridgeline descents. On a 15-foot ladder drop to tranny, I had to really nose into the transition, and it was very easy to position the Delerium in the air. On long twisty skinnies, I can tell exactly where my tires were. On a fresh loamy road gap, which ran into a rocky creek bed crossing, the Knolly felt very intuitive, very easy to place. It was the most satisfying first two rides on a new bike ever. I have loved it from the start. The more I ride the Knolly, the more I want to ride it. It makes the technical moves easier, the big moves less scary, and the fast gnarly stuff a little faster. The rear end tracks amazingly through rocky sections of trail - I am able to feel the suspension working, rather than sloppily bouncing from boulder to boulder. I love this bike! It excels at everything I want it to do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce Muehlchen
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: December 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Saw Blade
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Different Bikes
Strengths:
- Engineering & fabrication - Plush, active suspension - Adjustable geometry - Handling and balance - Strength & lateral stiffness - Customer service
Weaknesses:
- Price (like most fine things)
Similar Products Used:
Blur, VP Free, Nomad, V-Tach, RFX, Norco 6
Bike Setup:
Light free-ride/all-mountain. Fox air front and back, 2.5 single ply Kenda's, Stan's FR rims
Bottom Line:
This is a very confidence inspiring ride. Within the first few weeks I was doing things I had been afraid to before. It has a very solid and balanced feel that seems to urge you to up your game. Amazing tracking and stability. Laterally the stiffest frame I have ridden. I love to climb and was skeptical of the seat tube angle until I tried it. As Noel pointed out, it is just an illusion. As long as you are on the correct frame size you will be in the right spot to climb efficiently.
The Delirium T fits the all-mountain/light free ride description for the type of terrain we have here in BC. I am sure it would be considered overkill as an all-mountain bike in less rugged regions. But hey, it was designed for here! The bike built up a bit heavier than I had hoped at 35lbs, but that probably contributes to the sense of security it gives. The weight is not a noticeable factor when climbing and I was surprised to see no bobbing during out of the seat efforts. The rear suspension is very active and hooks up amazingly during technical climbs and braking.
The geometry is easy and fast to adjust. It’s a nice feature if you want spend a day at Whistler. Just slacken the head angle and lengthen the wheel base in a few minutes and off you go.
Noel is very passionate and knowledgeable about bikes. I had been considering another brand but after meeting him a few times through a friend I really wanted to support his business. My bike was one of four frames assembled at 3 am the day of his flight to Interbike. How’s that for customer service! I’d be surprised if I have a problem, but if I do I know I will be taken care of.
This is a well engineered and beautifully fabricated Bike. I highly recommend you demo one before buying something in the all-mountain/free-ride category.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
