Strengths: Very Adjustable Lefty works Great. Frame and Geometry fits me and my riding style relatively light for FS Make my Hardtail friends jealious. Great FS xc design if you like active travel and alot of it.
Weaknesses: Taking off and putting on the front tire gets " tiring " Took almost 6 months to get it " setup" right. Rear swingarm clearance won't go much bigger than a 2.25 tire. had to ditch the Cannondale cranks for some stiffer ones.
Bottom Line:
Weighing in at 200 LBS I have not encountered any of the frame breaks that other in the review have encountered . I did bend a Salsa Shaft seatpost that was on it , but thats it for any breaks , denting or cracking . I have ridden this on some very rough trails in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Northern Minnesota as well as some of the sweetest singletrack I have ever seen in Wisconsin . It did take me a good 6 months and some tweaking to get the fit perfect but now that I have I love this machine. The bike came with some Cannondale (coda) componets that were to flexy for me , I replaced them with the Race Face items . the Lefty fork and rear suspension setup are nice and plush and to me a dream to ride . Great for a XC FS bike . Did have some problems with the FOX Float rear shock rotating in it;s holder but fixed that with some locktight . Also had issues with the damping unit on the same shock . had the LBS send it back to FOX to get fixed , Took 2 weeks and it has been working great 4 months later. have not had one problem with the lefty or the frame . the Hayes brakes are wonderful , but took a good month to "break" in . overall I wouldn't have paid for hte original $3800 for this bike but the $2500 I put down for it was fine with me . I will keep this one for along time !
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel (tested) Giant NRS (tested) Gary Fisher Sugar2 (tested) 3 hardtails before jumping ship to FS . Trek 850 and 8000 Cannondale F700
Bike Setup: Race Face seatpost , crankset , handlebar , profile design stiffy stem , salsa knick-knatcks , Time pedals , hayes disc brakes
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Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002
Bottom Line:
Epilogue to 2/4/01 post: I have finally heard from Cannondale! After some crafty receipt work I finally got C-dale to get of their asses and step up to the plate. After being told "it'll be here in two weeks", several times dating back 6 weeks ago, they have assured me that the new frame is "in the mail". So, after just 76 short days, I will have my warranty replacement frame. You can bet I am oozing with zeal to place my ass on the saddle of that bike again. Oh yeah, can't wait to never see another Cannondale again. If you are looking, I will sell it real cheap!
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002
Strengths: Very plush, fun to ride, Lefty is cool and great control. I never messed with the adjustable geometry.
Weaknesses: I have had a little trouble getting the set-up exactly as comfortable as I want it and it is a little light in front. It does climb pretty well but the front tire has a tendecy to rise up. The rear shock deal is funky and the lock ring is very hard to keep tightened down. The frame and Cannondale's warranty is the clear winners here though!. I broke the top tube where it meets the seat post. There is clearly a design issue at that intersection. Try welding a little more! Because I am not the original owner, Cannondale will not replace it, which is BS!!! I have this bike tricked and they want $1200 for a new frame. Whatever! The bike is less than one year old and they should warranty it no matter who owns it , what is the difference!!? This is my 3rd Cannondale, I am loyal, where are you C-dale?! If I don't get this frame warrentied I am dumping you.
Bottom Line:
In summary, I have not gotten any love at all from C-Dale. Analagously if you sell a car that is still under factory warranty, it doesn't matter who owns it, it is under warranty! It is not like the bike is 5 years old, it is 1 year old! I'd better get what I want in the end or Santa Cruz here I come. 1 Chili for value because there is no value in a product the manufacturer won't stand behind
Bike Setup: King rear hub, Monkey lite bars, Race Face cranks, XTR all over, Grimeca System 8 Discs (like glue!), yadda yadda...
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Submitted by
Jerry
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2002
Strengths: Very adjustable Lefty is super stiff always worked how I wanted it to
Weaknesses: Too many adjustments Fit was always a problem lockring on shock was always slipping lots of flex in the rear triangle
Bottom Line:
This bike pretty much sucked. I'm a big rider, 6'4" and I weigh 265 pounds. I could never get this bike set up in a way that fit me. No amount of tweaking got the seat and handlebars in a good position. Finally went to a setback seatpost on an attempt to open up the cockpit. All that got me was a broken frame. The rear triangle flexed and loaded up badly on hard cornering in rough terrain. Cannondale's vaunted warranty took 8 weeks to come through. Come on. Oh, the Fizik seat came off the rails on the first month. So I sold it and bought a racer-x. I had shopped for this bike for some time as the first full suspension bike and considered it a big change from my hardtail. Almost caused me to look at a new hardtail to relpace it. Then the boys at Titus convinced to to try a racer-x THank You Alan and Chris.
Similar Products Used: Fuel - tested Sugar 2 rode for more than 100 miles Titus Racer-X
Bike Setup: Stock with Hays Hydraulic
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Submitted by
bill forget
a Downhiller
from edmonton
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2001
Strengths: great all aound bike. perfect for a cross country rider.Light, light, light." This bike “rocks” and is “well worth the dollar. “bulletproof” “wreckin’ machine” is “strong as hell” The “great looks” of this “easy-to-upgrade” bike make it a favorite among biking enthusiasts
Weaknesses: rear supention some times locks out. other than that a great bike.
Similar Products Used: kona stinky, rocky mountain RM7, RM6, RM9
Bike Setup: _________??
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Submitted by
Keven Cintron
a Cross Country Rider
from Newton,NJ
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001
Strengths: Great choice for someone that wants versatility –full suspension with full lock-out option and geometry adjustment for different terrain/ride. Nice design–looks shouldn't matter, but if your paying these prices, it better look good too...it does. The Lefty is awesome–has saved my a** many times when another fork would have bottomed out. The Lefty can be adjusted a few different ways just for you or the terrain, and seems bomb proof.
Weaknesses: 27.25 lbs.(I weighed mine brand new) isn't bad, but there are lighter full suspension bikes in the same price range. Rear shock attitude adjustment moves/loosens after a ride or so(lock tight will fix it-thanks to MTBR product review I just read). Not too pleased with CODA line, but apparently other riders have been having more trouble then me. CODA cranks got loose 3 times when I first bought it, but I believe that's the shops responsibility. Cannondale is overpriced(my opinion).
Bottom Line:
I like quality. I research before I buy. I love this bike. I paid for innovation and technology with a little more weight, instead of lighter weight and an empty wallet. For me it was worth the sacrifice. Granted it's no Ellsworth, this bike is best for my "multi-personality" riding desires. I needed the best of both worlds. I love fast and technical downhills, obstacles that make me think, and I respect all climbs. My Jekyl doesn't creak, clank or squeek(the front disc sqeeked for 3 weeks,...got contaminated). I don't know how anybody could judge/complain about bobbing and pedal feedback, unless of course they have ridden other full suspension bikes for a good amount of time(and not for a short test ride). Yes, I do feel some bobbing while sprinting, but its seems pretty minor to me. besides, there's lock out to fix that. I don't give it five stars because its not that cheap, the CODA parts kinda bite, and there's always room for improvement, right.
Similar Products Used: Trek fuel, Cannondale Killer V, GT Zaskar, others but only test drives
Bike Setup: hayes hydraulic discs, XTR rear derail., XT front derail., along with everything else stock for a year 2001 Jekyl 2000
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Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Mooresville, NC USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001
Strengths: Adjustability, Lefty Front Shock, Hayes Discs
Weaknesses: Cable routing does rub paint (use colored electrical tape to eliminate problem).
Bottom Line:
The Jekly is simply AWESOME! The Lefty is NOT a gimmick! It's for real. And NO it doesn't make you pull to the left. You don't notice it when you're riding it. Plus, if you do, then you are looking down at your front wheel - I wouldn't want to ride with you. There is a learning curve to this bike, however. You need to play with the adjustable shock placement to find the best fit for your type of riding. There's a lot of travel and if your not used to it - look out! Also, the Hayes brake can be modulated once you get used to them too. The best part is there is no flex anywhere. Again, nothing steers like a Cannondale!
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Hard Tails, Delta V. I did an A/B test of this bike against a Trek Fuel 100. Trek is nice but NOTHING steers like a Cannondale. Also, I was worried: What if a taco-ed the $700 set of Rolf wheels on the Trek? OUCH!
Bike Setup: Jekyl 2000 SX: Pretty much stock except for carbon seatpost and handlebars.
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Submitted by
jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001
Strengths: - Overall suspension design works great for XC applications - Light weight package - Adjustability - New 2002 Magura Louise brakes
Weaknesses: - Cable routing rubs paint and front deraillure - Fatty Ultra could use more adjustments and travel - Relatively short seat tube
Bottom Line:
I was considering a Scalpel, but heard there were some early production problems and was weary of buying a first-generation bike. I bought my first Jekyll in early 2000 and had geometry (short top tube) issues. The 2001 geometry was normalized (longer top tubes) and I opted for another as a race/fast training rig. The bike is simply amazing, especially with brakes that actually work. I've been dealing with different CODAs for three years w/ limited success. However, the Experts on my hardtail aren't too bad. The new 2002 Magura Louise brakes are self centering and have two cylinders. They stop as well as Hayes, but are a little noisy at times. They are such an upgrade from the CODAs. With the suspension dialed in the bike floats over everything big and small. My only complaint is to make the Ultra Fatty more tunable. I have an older 5-way Fatty SL cartridge in my closet and will install it ASAP. I don't use the lock outs. The rig doesn't need them if it's set up to match your pedal stroke. With all the XC upgrades, including the wheels and easton cockpit, my large jekyll weighs in at a hair over 24 pounds. I've raced this bike at some 24 hour races where it really shined. It's also great for shorter XC formats where the terrain is rough. It takes so much abuse and doesn't wimper. This is truly a nice rig and will remain in my stable of Cannondales for quite a while.
Similar Products Used: GT LTS, 2000 Jekyll 900, a slew of Cannondale hardtails
Bike Setup: Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain, 2X9 crank, Chris King Disco-Tec/Mavic 317 wheelset, Easton CT2 post and riser, Selle SLR seat and 2002 Magura Louise disc brakes
Strengths: Weight (light for a full suspension bike with disc brakes) Suspension (adjustability, and lockout front and rear) Brakes (Hayes hydraulics.. nuff said) Paint (3 color fade with a deep clearcoat.. from the factory!) Excellent climber (especially on steep technical climbs)
Weaknesses: Lack of rear tire clearance for any tires larger than 2.1! Shimano 9-speed.
Bottom Line:
This is a GREAT trailbike. The suspension on this bike soaks up the roots and rocks here in New England. The bike is a great climber and a great descender. A great technical trail bike. The only drawbacks I've experienced with the bike is: 1)Lack of rear tire clearance around the rear swing arm for any tire larger than a 2.1. I like to run a larger tire, and I think a great trailbike like this one, should have the ability to run a larger rear tire, 2) Shimano 9-speed is a very high maintenance system, at least based on my experience with this bike. It doesn't take much dirt to create shifting problems with the drive train (i.e. chain skipping). My previous Cannondale ran a Shimano 8-speed drive train, and I never experienced the drive train problems that I have with the 9-speed. Perhaps this winter I will change to an 8-speed system. Other than the 2 problems I have experienced, I would highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a great all-around trail bike.
Submitted by
Peter Muench
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001
Strengths: The "tightness" of the frame and fork, no slop in the rearend. Predictable handling in corners. Climbing ability for a full suspension!
Weaknesses: The syntac bar/stem combination. Does not seem very strong, replaced this with a Profile STIFFY / Easton CT2 stem & bar.
Bottom Line:
This is the bike for all around trail riding and long race events. Recently completed a 24hrs of Adrenalin race where by the third lap the bike started to shine.
The fork is super strong, allowing you to let go of the brakes during the night and letting the bike take some of the abuse for you. No binding or stiction, always working from small to large hits, this fork just recoils ready for the next impact.
The rear suspension does not bob, assuming you do not mash your pedals, when you climb. It feels more comfortable climbing on rooty/rocky terrain where hardtails get caught, this just abosorbs and keeps climbing.
I recomend this bike for any one looking for a smooth problem free bike!
Similar Products Used: GT i-drive, Specialized FSR S-Works
Bike Setup: Stock except for new wheelset King/Coda with WTB Lazerdisc rims (very strong & only a few grams heavier than X317.) New bar & stem.
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Submitted by
Ian Foo
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2001
Strengths: cant get much of a better frame, drive train is the best(shimano XTR throughout), lefty shock
Weaknesses: Cannondale components( replaced CODA hubs, brakes, headsets) cannondale makes great bikes, but their components arent great
Bottom Line:
The best. if u r shopping for a top of the line bike, ur probably considering a cannondale, yeti, intense and so on. I have all three of them, they're all great bikes, it depends on the use u need it for and ur budget and ur own preference. but the cannondale has the most innovations in the lefty fork and frame.
Similar Products Used: Intense Tracer, Yeti ASR, Ironhorse Ginsu(all with reviews
Bike Setup: shimano XTR drivetrain, lefty fork, fox float RC
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Submitted by
Dino Vizzoca.
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Strengths: Adjustable geometry, Lefty with ELO, Fox Float Rc, Hayes hydro, Mavic 317 disc, Hugi rear hub.
Weaknesses: Coda Comp. Cx3 crank rings. The rings wear too quickly.
Bottom Line:
I got a good deal on the Jekyll 3000 frame set with wheels and brakes from a guy from Phoenix AZ. on Mtbr.com I built this bike up as I'v done with my other bikes. I think if you can find the frame you want, the way to go is to put your components of choice on the bike. This works for me. The Jekyll, I feel is a good all around bike for cross country where I ride which is the Pocono mountains. I can blast over rocks and roots with a confidence my other bikes did'nt allow. The lock out feature is nice to have although I basically only use the rear Fox lock out when I do some major climbing. The bike is quite nimble in handeling tight single track trails. Climbing hills with this bike is as impressive as the F1000 I owned previously, although it weighs approx. 26 lbs.. The only gripe I have to date is the middle chain ring teeth are wearing a tad sooner than other rings on my previous bikes and I have had to tourque the crank arms to eliminate creaking which seems common on most all crank sets. I think for someone wanting a good shock absorbing dual susp. rig , you won't be dissappointed with the Jekyll. If the bike was stock I would probably give it 4 chilies but since I built it up I'll give my self 5.
Bike Setup: XTR derailures, Rapid fire XTR, Easton Monkey Lite Ct2 bar, Thompson post, WTB SST 98 seat, Hayes 6" hydro brakes, Michelin Wildgripper Comp tires, Sram 91 chain, Time ATAC composite pedals.
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Submitted by
Bear Files
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Strengths: Front & rear air shocks, front & rear lockout, adjustable geometry frame, climbs well for a Cannondale. Stable on any terrain. Hayes disks. 4" of front travel. Lifetime warranty.
Weaknesses: Lefty was defective - dealer replaced the fork. Sun rims and light-guage spokes are flimsy - taco'd front wheel on my 3rd ride. Rear shock "migrates" during rides. A few too many Coda parts.
Bottom Line:
This bike is stiff and fast with plush, adjustable suspension. It's sharp-looking and has some innovative features like the adjustable geometry and Lefty fork.
The fork has been problematic. Halfway through the 1st ride the fork started making a clunking noise at the top of the rebound. The dealer (Bike USA in San Diego) has been very supportive... they tried 2 new cartridges, different oil, then finally swapped it out with a new fork and it's been great for two rides since. My 97 Super-V's headshock was also in the shop a lot for replacement cartridges and factory rebuilds. I'm a little skeptical about Cannondale's forks, and the bike shop techs aren't too crazy about the problems either. But they sure are stiff and lightweight! The rear shock (Fox Float RC) keeps slowly migrating/twisting in the housing while I ride. Solution so far has been to loosen the plastic housing, re-align the shock to the straight up position, then tighten again. Next ride though and it's the same problem all over again :(
On the plus side, I'm using my middle ring a lot more on the climbs and I'm able to stand up on climbs anytime - without bobbing, which is very different than the "bobbing and power robbing" when I tried to stand up on my older SuperV. Great on downhills... 4" front travel is a lot better than the 60mm of the old S-V. Locking out the front on steep clims or locking out both shocks on the flats is great.
I have the rear shock geometry screwed to the more slack freeride position, so I'm guessing that this bike would be even better at cross-country rides than it already is if I tried the more upright cross-country positions.
The rapid fire is much more crisp-shifting than my old gripshifts ever were. The disks are great, with no finger fatuigue... but squeaky at times. The bike is good for jumps, too - unfortunately on my first attempt I taco'd the front wheel... pilot error.
Cannondale's size large frames seem too large for me, yet this Medium is a bit snug... but by moving the seat back a little and using a medium/long stem the positioning is comfortable. As with my S-V I bang my knees on the stem every so often. The seatpost has to be almost fully extended to be high enough, yet a longer post would make it impossible to lower it sufficiently on extreme downhills.
This bike is stable at speed, a capable descender, predictable through turns... a great all-around trail bike, and very adjustable to fit almost any type of rider or riding style.. As with my other Cannondale, I think that it is best suited to stronger riders, since it isn't very lightweight.
Similar Products Used: '97 SuperV 900, '00 Lefty Hardtail
Bike Setup: '01 Jeckyl 2000... Dumped the Syntace adjustable stem/bar combo for a regular riser bar, 424 pedals, Tioga saddle, XT cranks instead of Coda, Yeti speed grips, QR post clamp, Velociraptors... 28.25 lbs.
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Submitted by
Matthew
a Racer
from Corvallis, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Strengths: The Ride. It is stiff, but full of travel.
Weaknesses: Weight. The lightest I can get it down to is 25.5 pounds, which is a little heavy when comparing it to the hard tails I am racing against, but that's to be expected with 4.5 inches of rear wheel travel.
Bottom Line:
It's hard to imagine a smooter, and more versitile ride from a full suspension XC raceable bike.
I could go on at length about it, but don't feel like typing that much. Suffice it to say this bike kicks major heini. Read the January 2001 Mountain Bike Action to get the full low down on it. I pretty much agree with everything they say in there.
The best testament to the bike is a dialogue between me and a buddy of mine as I screamed by him on the downhill of the last race:
Him: Argh (no joke he really said "argh") Full suspension! Me: I LOVE MY BIKE!
He had me outclassed on the climbs but this bike delivered the goods, allowing me to catch him on the downhill, and putting me ahead of him at the finish line.
I give it a value rating of only 3 Flamin' Chilis because it's so freakin expensive, but if you want the best you have to pay.
Similar Products Used: '96 Cannondale Super-V, Specialized FSR, KHS hardtail
Bike Setup: I custom built up the frame with a mix-n-match component group doing whatever it took to get it as light as possible without sacrificing performance.
