Submitted by
Andrew Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Libertyville, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002
Strengths: Light, XTR, Durable, fun factor of a 10!
Weaknesses: brakes can cause problems, expensive to fix
Bottom Line:
This bike is the Shiz! of all the bikes i have ridden this is by far my favorite. It is very adjustable, easy to use, and it really fun to ride. I can't say enough about this bike, i love it!!!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Stumpjumpers, Jekyll 2000,Trek 9000,
Bike Setup: Stock except for a EC-90 riser bar
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD USA
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2001
Strengths: Lefty! Lefty! Lefty! Interesting design for changing the bike geometry but but I've not tried it yet.
Weaknesses: CODA SUCKS! The brakes squealed so loudly that people thought they were hearing the mating call of some large animal.
Bottom Line:
The Jekyll lets me ride trails that I've never tried before and at speeds I've never dared before. Not as good on the climbs as my 600 disc hardtail but not too far off. I was skeptical about the Lefty but I became a believer after the first ride. The Lefty tracks straighter than any other fork out on the market. Especially on the technical sections with a lot of mid sized rocks and roots. Even when hit from the side, it just will not go off track! Yeah, yeah sure, there are forks with more adjust and damping options but on a twisty singletrack with the occasional surprises, no fork stays on track nearly as well. I must add some words about the CODA parts that came with the bike. No company that charges over $2K for a bike should have the unmitigated gall to say that the crap that is CODA belongs on a bike... any bike. Words can't express how happy I was when Ed at Princeton Sports in Columbia, MD agreed to swap out the CODA brakes for the Julies. Great bunch of guys, Geno, the tech is great about talking to you without making you feel like a complete idiot for some of the questions you ask. Cannondale customer service has gotten some darts from some people but my experience has been nothing but great. The weld on the left chainstay cracked rather badly but I had a new rear triangle in 2 weeks. It would have been faster but I didn't check my messages for a while. Final word? I love my bike. I will be making some more swaps in the future, esp. the derailleurs, chainrings and the cranks, but nothing I've seen so far in the stores has made me regret my choice. 5 chillis for overall and 4 for value because of the CODA bits that I am replacing.
Bike Setup: '00 900 SX setup, stock except for the following: Syntace VRO stem, Ultralite7075 bar Michelin Wildgripper Hot S WTB Trilite saddle Time ATAC pedals Magura Julie brakes
Strengths: Very lightweight for a fully, excellent frame geometry, very stiff frame, with the adjustable frame in 'racing' setup; very high bottom bracket; a lot of ground clearance. Lockout option is awesome I use it all the time (front and rear). Very fast bike for a fully. Very comfy rear shocks.
Weaknesses: All the Coda stuff, especially cranks and disc brakes. It speaks for itself that cannondale equipes its 2002 modells with magura disc brakes. Paint job; my paint has been coming off of the frame after a few months. Something went wrong in the chemical paint process of the bike and it didn't hold. I got a new paintjob through Cannondale Europe for free, I had to miss my bike for a couple of weeks though. The rear shox does tend to pump a lot when sprinting or climbing out of the saddle. This is to be solved by using the lockout or increasing the air pressure in the shocks. Bike is also quite expensive in Europe.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike; it's really fast, but on the other hand also very comfortable. Weakness is that the bike pumps when sprinting or climbing while standing. I use my bike for racing too and just use the lockout option. Even with the rear shox locked there's still a little bit of travell; it then rides like a Scalpel. Coda sucks, so replaces it all when you buy your bike, not when it brakes down.
Similar Products Used: Giant NTC, Trek Fuel, Cannondale Super V, Raven and Scalpel, Klein
Bike Setup: I actually have a 2000 SL (European Modell?). I took all the f@%#ng Coda of and upgraded the bike: complete XTR including cranks, Hope pro dc2 disc brakes, mavic X317 rims with Hugi 240's and DT spokes, gore cables, thomson seatpost etc.
Strengths: Light 24.5lbs.(shop scale), XTR shifters,Front/Rear D., Stiff 'normal' frame, 4.5"-active rear suspension, stiff fork, easy dual lock-out, excellent modulation on Coda disc brakes and excellent Botton Bracket concept.
Weaknesses: Weak overall power on front brake. Low travel fork (70mm)and no rebound adjustment. Attitude adjustment doesn't stay adjusted. Suspension bobs a little.
Bottom Line:
Overall this bike is fast, really fast. The adjustable geometry really makes a big differance on how this bike rides, from XC racer twitchy to full-on down hill laid back. This is not a downhill bike. This bike is better than ordering a custom 'fixed' set-up. Once I found the right setting for where and how I like to ride, I hardly mess with it. Except, the lock ring constantly needs attention. A dab of lock-tite on the shocks threads solved this issue. The front fork is 'racer' only. At 70mm it isn't very plush and cannot not be adjusted for rebound or preload. The fork stills tops out hard despite the bike shops efforts. ie.-no negative. On the good side it only weighs 2.8lbs and it is very good for XC racing. There are better overall fork offerings on the market for less money. I will be replacing the front brake with a dual action, full hydro model. (Formula B-4 or Hope mini) The stock brakes, even with softer 'white' pads, require 2 fingers on the front 1 on back. I prefer 1 finger braking like Hayes provided. They offer excellent modulation (better than V-brakes) and run drag free, sometimes. The lock-out/s are what I thought I wanted when I bought this bike. I rarely use the back and only use the front on pavement. Both are easy as hell to use, nice placement. The BB comes stock with a Ultegra roadie model. I've replaced mine with Dura Ace for $40 and have had no troubles. XTR BB weighs 215gm. and cost $75, Dura Ace 175gm. for $40(mail order), a nice way to save weigh and money and it's splined! I've raced this bike twice and it rocked! Disclaimer:I suck at racing. The rear lock-out allowed me to stay with most hardtails through the flat sections and the full suspension design worked every where else. I passed a lot of riders in technical sections. I finished better overall than on any other bike I've tried. This bike gets lots of attention, too much sometimes. Some people like that sort've thing which is why I mentioned it. Overall this bike is a good deal for $2k, however the list price is $3400+. That's too much for any bike, including this one. Cannondale are always over priced retail. To Cannondale's credit there is not much weight saving upgrades to be done here without big dollars being spent. ie. wheelset and dieting. My bike weighs 23.25lbs, I've save .25lb for $375. Big deal. This bike was built for racing, but with a longer travel fork and the adjustable geometry it makes an excellent all around 'free ride' bike stock. How many bikes out there can pull that off!
Purchased At: Orange "Better Service Your Own Bike"Cycle
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Super V 3000, Klein Mantra, Specialized FSR, Gary Fisher Sugar, Trek VRX, (Pacific 'full suspension' from Target- I was drunk!)
Bike Setup: Stock except for the following: Dura-Ace Botton Bracket, Monkey Lite carbon bar, Flite saddle, Time titan pedals, Gore-Tex Ultra lite cables, Titanium bolt kit, and me.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Cockburn
a Weekend Warrior
from Farnham, Surrey, UK.
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001
Strengths: Well thoughtout and innovative frame design. Stiff Ultra forks. Lock out suspension options. Variable Geometry. Looks great.
Weaknesses: Unfortunately, after just two rides, it looks like the CODA components are going to cause me misery. Why not match the front and rear travel? Wish I could afford Titanium (not the bikes fault!).
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I impressed with the highly innovative thinking behind the design. I welcomed the lockout options (coming from hard tail), liked the idea of the variable geometry (although, as this can hardly be done on the fly I wonder if it may be a bit of a gimmick) and ultimately loved the way it looked.
I took it home a few days ago, have been out twice, and am now feeling a bit deflated.
I have tackled down hill tracks at speeds that I never could of on my hatrd tail, but I guess that would be the same on any full suspension bike that I tried.
Unfortuantely, the down side of this relatively expensive bike are overwhelming at present.
The Ultra fork seems to be loosing air, but I will test some more to confirm.
The stock tyres where swapped out after my test ride at the shop, but I guess tyres are a personal thing.
The rear wheel hardly free wheels at all if you tighten the skewer. A CODA hub problem.
All of the above I could live with if the thing didn't squeek, clank, clonk and squeel like some rusty piece of 20 year old junk I'd just bought second hand from a dodgy East End market. Even with the application of Lockite, the crank arms still move on the BB.
To sum up, a brilliant concept hugely let down by ..... you guessed it ... CODA parts.
I think marking out of 5 is a bit unprecise. I'd give it 7 out of 10 at the moment, or 3 flames on this survey. Even this is high considering how disappointed I feel right now, I'm just hoping the problems can some how be resolved making it the great bike it should be.
I've contacted Cannondale, and if they resolve the problems then I'll resubmit the review with a higher rating. But my bike was not delivered perfect and should never deserve a perfect score in my case.
Similar Products Used: Fuel 90, Sugar 2, FSR Enduro Expert.
Bike Setup: 900 SL with riser bars and Panaracer tires.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
sloan Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Anniston
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001
Strengths: light, stiff, headshok,lockout (front and rear),disc brakes
Weaknesses: stock tyres, cable routing(seems to direct mud,water into the housings), headshok(durability?),wheels are light but seem pretty weak
Bottom Line:
i really like this bike! I am starting to get it dialed in and the more i do, the more i really, really like it. Some of my riding buddies say i'm a weight weenie(my current weight is 25.2 lbs)but i don't mind. I really like the way the jeckyll rides and i'm shooting for 24.5. I know i can get there with the planned upgrades i've mentioned. the jeckyll is very responsive, quick, stiff. It does have a couple of rattles i'm having a hard time tracking down but a lot of fs bikes do. it rides so much faster quicker than my super v did and can really outclimb it Climbing on the jeckyll is a cool experience I usually keep my bike active on climbs I feel this helps the bike to hook up better and i really can't tell if there is any energy loss. i am a big guy, around 205 lbs and i think that fs xc bikes are the best choice for occasional racers (4-5 a year), like me. I have more fun on fs and don't seem to fatigue as quickly. i did have trouble with my last headshock, it lost some travel, and this one doesn't seem to be holding air very long, and those stock 1.85 tyres are super light but too wimpy for me, esp for someone as big as i am. the routing of the cables does seem to attrack mud/water i had the same prob with my v 800 i hope the gore set up helps that i know many will think this is crazy but i have enjoyed my brakes The stock coda's are working great. they're light strong and i've had not problems with 'em and they stop on a dime, wet or dry. i do think setup is very important with these though and i wouldn't be surprise with all i've read and heard if i start having trouble with them soon my bike was around 2000 you can probably find one cheaper now (closeouts)i have about three hundred in upgrades Bottom line: very good ride
Bike Setup: large jeckyll 900 sl, ct2 bar and post, titec carbon 100 bar ends, flite ti saddle, gore ride on cables, xt front der, xtr rear der, sram attack 9 speed shifters and grips, coda disc front and rear, fox float rc, coda crank and pedals,irc mythos xc 2.1 (front and rear), coda expert disc wheels stock coda pedals, planned upgrades: time attak carbons or frogs, 2 x 9 crankset, 11 x 34 xt cassette, avid mech or magura louise brakes (but prob not until coda's give up the ghost),lunar light tubes, conti explorer pros, and, when my stock wheels are totally taco'd, custom built tubeless wheels with hugi's or king's disc hubs ( i know they don't exist yet but they will soon)
Strengths: Great traction,adjustable geometry,spec'd good,makes me look faster than I really am,babe magnet
Weaknesses: I really haven't found one yet.Maybe not having an external adjuster on the rebound on the Lefty.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a blast to ride.I have not had one issue with this bike.This bike can go places at speeds a hardtail can only dream about.......My bike weighs in at 25.7 pounds with disks w/4"travel in the front and 4.5" travel in the rear.I don't think many trail bikes can be built with this amount of travel at this weight. Price..........Cannondales got a rep as being overpriced.If you add up the exact parts with another frame you might save a buck or two,but at this level your not pinching pennies.. I swapped out the 3 front chainrings for for the 2x9 setup and for the places I ride it works well. I ride medium to tight singletrack with rocky and rooty climbs and decents,fast switchbacks ect. This bike never sees asphalt or those boring fireroads in So.Cal bike mags seem to do all there testing on....how pathetic. I tend to run my suspension on the stiff side so I rarely use the lockouts. Also this bike's suspension works best when seated and riding hard,with the amount of travel this bike has it bobs when standing and pedeling hard, this isn't a problem for me though.Bottom line........don't listen to those people that bad mouth Cannondale you ride, you decide. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with this bike.
Similar Products Used: Been riding M2's on and off for 10 years.Riding a hardtail after the Jekyll is slumming.....
Bike Setup: A bone stock 2001 Jekyll 3000.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
SirF
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Strengths: -Stiff -Strong -Plush -climbs like the fabled goat -worthy frame of anything you want to do to it -lefty
Weaknesses: -a little bob in the granny (oh well) -not free (dang) -lefty (sometimes i wonder...) -C..O...D...A...
Bottom Line:
I love my Jekyll, i can damn well do whatever i want on the thing. It's light (still need an offical weight though), plush, when you step on the gas (well, so to speak) it jumps forward like a scared cat. Most importanly the frame is excellent and i feel it's ready for whatever i want to stick on it.
I like the lefty right now, still playing with it to get it right but it really does work great.
There is one nagging problem...CODA. As soon as i can anything saying CODA i can get rid of i am...dislike the cranks...already got rid of the pedals, and hope to replace coda cockpit bits ASAP. Only thing i'll hold onto till they break is the wheels...
Over all for what i paid i couldn't be happier and i hope to have this frame for years to come.
Weaknesses: Price, tire clearance backwheel, active rearsuspension on flats (but thats where the lockout comes in :-)
Bottom Line:
I was very sceptical going to a full suspension bike after riding a great Trek 8000 hardtail for almost 3 years. But after testriding this Jekyll I was sold. I initially went for the Trek Fuel 98. But the super stiff frame and the lockout suspesion made me buy the Jekyll. Altough the Fuel suspension propably fits my XC riding style better.
After playing with several setups en stems (I'am 1m98 and 85 Kg) the bike fits great. On our first realy rough ride this weekend I was able to shake of of my buddies on the rough parts. Usually I got behind on these rough parts because the hardtail was throuhing my out f the sadle constantly. Climbing smooth hills, the Jekyll can't beat a hardtail, but on rough terrain, rough climbs and decents this bike is more then great. So 5 Chillies here. Only weakness I can find is the rear tyre clearance and the price........
Submitted by
Jeremy Clow
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL USA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Strengths: Too many to name! This frame is really sweet and the XTR groupo, speaks for itself!
Weaknesses: The model I demo'd had a really squeaky front disc and the Lefty had a problem with it's rebound. After it was compressed it would slam back into position with a sharp whack. My LBS says this is a common problem and they're working with Cannondale to remedy it.
Bottom Line:
I went out to Ocala with some of the guys I ride with from Orange Cycle, in Orlando Florida, for a Cannondale Demo. Cannondale had brought out about 20 Jekyll's for us to ride. I was a F/S skeptic. I thought, "So everybody has one. It's just a fad and it'll disappear soon." I have now come to see the light. That bike was by far the fastest bike I've ever ridden. It instilled so much confidence in me, I rode things I hadn't ridden before. Four foot drops we're nothing and when it came to the twisty, fast, tight stuff, that bike followed my line and just carved through the corners. My average speed was up 2.1 mph compared to my hardtail. Skeptic no longer! I'm giving the bike 5 flamin' chilis as an overall rating. The Jekyll I rode had the carbon and titanium Lefty with the ELO (which I don't think I need unless I win the Lotto) and besides the rebound problem on the fork and the disc squeal, the bike rode like a demon. I am going to buy one of these machines. Now to just work it into my budget...
Strengths: fast, plush, climbs great, decends great
Weaknesses: rapidfire shifters not as precise as gripshift
Bottom Line:
I have ridden a hardtail for 6 years. I got to ride this bike on a rough technical course for 1hr, and was absolutely blown away at how much faster I was and how much less effort it took to ride vs. my hardtail. Climbing, decending, hammering, rough stuff, no problem. I am now a full suspension convert and have to get one soon. If money were no object, I would definitely buy this bike.
Submitted by
MATT
a Cross Country Rider
from SEATTLE, WA.
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2001
Strengths: WEIGHT,SINGLE PIVOT,FOX REAR SHOK, HAYES DISK BRAKES, CLIMBS WELL, DECENDS EVEN BETTER.
Weaknesses: NOT ENOUGH REAR TIRE CLEARENCE AT SEATSTAYS. COMES WITH A LEFTY FORK AND CODA COMPONENTS
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE KICKS A** AND TAKES NAMES!!! MY ONLY GRIPE ABOUT THIS BIKE IS THAT YOU ARE LIMITED TO YOUR TIRE SIZE IN THE REAR. I'VE FOUND THAT YOU CANT RUN ANYTHING BIGGER THAN A 2.1 IN THE REAR. CANNONDALE CLAIMS THIS AS AN ALL AROUND BIKE. TIGHT SINGLE TRACK TO FREERIDE STYLE, BUT MOST FREE RIDE BIKES I'VE SEEN CAN EXCEPT A 2.235 TO A 2.6 . CANNONDALE SHOULD HAVE DESIGNED THIS AREA OF THE BIKE A LITTLE BETTER. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO RUN AT LEAST A 26-2.3 ON THE REAR TO MAKE IT A "DO EVERTHING" BIKE. I'VE GOT NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS BIKE AT ALL. I BOUNCED THAT STUPID LEFTY FORK AND HAD THE GUYS AT MILTON PUT A Z1 MCR ON THE FRONT, YES YOU CAN RUN OTHER FORKS ON ANY CANNONDALE. CANNODALE THEMSELVES MAKE ADAPTERS TO FIT THE HEAD TUBE SO YOU CAN RUN 1 1/8 FORKS. BOMBERS ARE THE CATS MEOW. THE JEKYLL IS GREAT BIKE FOR ANYBODY TO OWN, NEW RIDER OR NOT. THE PAINT JOB IS AWESOME AND THE HANDLING IS GREAT, JUST POINT AND SHOOT. ONE OF THE BEST CLIMBING FS BIKES ON THE MARKET. ANYBODY LOOKING FOR A GREAT FS BIKE WHO'S LOOKING FOR MORE THAN XC RACING AND LESS THAN NORHTSHORE DROPS THIS BIKE IS IT. TRUST ME GET RID OF THAT DAMM LEFTY FORK THERE PUSHING DOWN YOUR THROAT AND PUT A BOMBER OR A PYSLO ON THE FRONT AND HAMMER. I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE TARANTULA CRANKS BY CODA BUT THATS THE ONLY THING OF CODAS I'D RUN. I'M GIVING THE VALUE RATING THREE CHILI'S BEACUSE OF THE LEFTY, MY OVERALL RATING OF THE JEKYLL GETS FIVE CHILI'S BECAUSE OF THE WAY I HAVE IT SET UP. IF YOU WANT A NORMAL FORK ON THE FRONT ASK YOUR LOCAL BIKE DEALER TO SWAP THE FRONT END OUT. THE GUYS AT MILTON WERE COOL ENOUGH TO DO THIS FOR ME, YOU GUY'S ROCK. THAT'S ALL I'VE GOT TO SAY ABOUT THAT.
Similar Products Used: TEST RODE GT-I DRIVE, KLEIN, SPECIALIZED AND KONA
Bike Setup: 2001 JEKYLL 2000. MARZOCCHI Z1 MCR, HAYES DISK BRAKES, CHRIS KING DISK HUBS, MAVIC X317, CHRIS KING HEADSET, THOMSON STEM, CODA TARANTULA CRANKS, RACE FACE BB, TIME PEDALS, AZONIC RISER BAR, WTB MOTO RAPTOR TIRES(2.4 FRONT 2.1 REAR) GRIP SHIFT SHORTY ROCKET, THE FENDERS
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Strengths: Adjustability
Weaknesses: Bottom Bracket
Bottom Line:
As a new convert to off-road, I could only afford one bike. The Jekyll does it all. On my second ride, the bottom bracket made a squeaking noise. The shop fixed it with a little Loctite. This is my third Cannondale (road and tandem) and they all had bottom bracket loseness. This bike allows me to ride places I wouldn't ordinarily ride.
Bike Setup: Swapped out tires (Panaracers), pedals (646s), seat (Serfas Arc)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Derik
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamburg
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
Strengths: looks great, plush ride, fast
Weaknesses: brake levers, cheap BB and crankset, qickreleases, only Fox rear suspension possible, Heashok fork maintenance difficult
Bottom Line:
After the first ride in the rain there was a chrackling noise in the rythm of pedaling. I checked the botom bracket and the cranks ... It took me one hour to find out that it was the pivot of the rear swingarm. I Greased everything, now its o.k.. The coda hubs are modified sram 7. Not the best stuff, but they work. I thing they are better than shimanos, cause the have bigger and stronger bearings. Time will tell. Sometimes they start to squiek, but that's just the rubber sealing. Oil it . Forget the coda saddle. I tried a fizig nisene and it feels great. 4-5 hours of riding and my butt is still alive. I set the adjustment of the bike to steep. Good for the tiny tracks in the little woods around Hamburg. I changed the handlebar to a syntace downhill bar. It gives me more control and a more upright position. And it's bend in an ergonomical angle. The maintenance of the fork is a nightmare. You have to grease it and check for water after every wet ride in the rain. Water can kill the suspension. You have to grease it often and cange oil once a Year. Disassembling the bearings of the fork is impossible, unless You are very skilled an have the right tools. This is the first bike I can't disasemble on my own. If the fork brakes down I change to Votec. The make great rigid forks. The components are cheap. Strange mix of coda STX and XT. Looks like the componets are selected by marketing and not by testing. But, I love that bike. You can ride for hours without getting tired. It's great for long tours in the countryside. And if there is a little hill in front, it goes up that hill like chamois. And down that hill like sitting in a sofa. It's a little pricy, but If You can get one cheaper than listed, buy one.
Bike Setup: Yekyll 600 stock, new parts: fizik nisene saddle, XT brake levers, Shimano qickreleases
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Matthador
a Cross Country Rider
from Payerne, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2001
Strengths: Frame, Lefty, E.L.O, Fox rear-shock (lock-out feature)
Weaknesses: Some CODA components (why no XTR cranks?), special tools needed for lefty: if one busts the frontweel, no normal bike shop can provide rapid replacement.
Bottom Line:
Great bike, wouldn't want another one (though it is not a cheap toy). I am getting up steep singletrails I wasn't able to with my former bike (Moab 2). The Lefty is great, but I never could feel much flex in my Z2, what makes it great is the E.L.O. Last week-end I took part at the first XC race and I must say that on a short steep road, being able to get out of the saddle and feel like on a road bike was a superb feeling.
Had to replace the rear tire: can't deal with mud at all (even worse than Wild Gripper Sprints in my opinion), might use it again in the summer.
