The V-tach frame is designed to be a solid chassis for building up an aggressive freeride bike. Its unconventional design is actually a combination of innovative features seamlessly meshed with proven bicycle technology. This is NOT a longer travel trail bike or a shortened DH bike. Every design and manufacturing aspect of the V-tach frame is based on building the highest performing aggressive freeriding frame available.
Submitted by
treebasher
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Date Reviewed: June 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Woodlot
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Different Bikes
Strengths:
***Build quality***, adjustable geometry, super stiff, slack seat tube angle (see below), super tough, and a comfortable bike to climb with! Customer service direct from the guys at Knolly (Noel et al) is great - very unusual to be able to talk directly to the owners for advice.
Weaknesses:
hard to clean! Mud builds up quickly around BB area, and the anodized black is very hard to clean! The other weakness is my fault - I put a 66 ATA on this frame... big mistake on my part! Frame weight is NOT a detractor - pedalling efficiency and fore-aft balance makes this bike feel much lighter than most.
Similar Products Used:
Demo 8, Bullet, Wilson, A-Line, etc. (lots)
Bike Setup:
med. black V-tach, codes, hammerschmidt FR, 66 ATA (don't do this), Rocco TSTr (I do climb, so the 'lockout' is great) XO rear...
Bottom Line:
I chose the V-Tach over the Delirium T for the added strength, and I haven't looked back once. This bike pedals uphill freakishly well for being 43 pounds! This is my 'one bike does all' - despite the weight, I pedal this (easily) up most DH trails I come down. I've landed stunts I probably shouldn't have tried, so this bike definitely is a confidence booster. It's got great stability, adjustable HA and chainstay length, and is very strong - when it occasionally lands a jump without me, I know it's still intact. The slack seat tube angle is an excellent design feature - when you're climbing the reach is perfect, and when you're descending, the seat is forward and out of your way. Easily my favourite bike to-date. I've only had this bike 3 months, but it's relatively high cost is justifiable and well worth it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Gold-Molina
a Downhiller
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mercyful Fate
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Fluidride
Strengths:
Solid, agile, fast, stiff, adjustable head angle and chain stays, it's really versatile, and this baby can climb. Stability is a rare thing in a relationship.
Weaknesses:
None...everything can be adjusted, even the weight!
Bike Setup:
DHX5, '07 888s, Sun MTX rims, Race Face Diabolus cranks, XT Shadow rear derailleur, Avid Code brakes, white Deity handelbars, Maxxis Minions
Bottom Line:
Confidence inspiring is how I would describe this bike -- that and stiff, agile, versatile, and fast. Maybe awe-inspiring is a better description.
My first day on this bike was my first day ever on a downhill bike, and of course, I took it to Whistler. Yeah, okay, I warmed up on B-Line for a couple of runs. I was a little reluctant about hitting the trails too hard on my first day because I wasn't totally confident and it was all pretty new to me. So, then I ran into a guy from my neighborhood and we took the Garbanzo lift and rode our brains out down O-Sin, Freight Train, Dirt Merchant and A-Line...in thick fog, rain and mud! I will NEVER forget my first time riding that step-up next to the O-Sin hip at high speed in fog so thick you could barely even see it from the top of the run.
The thing is, I had never ridden these trails at any kind of speed before, and my first day on this bike it felt like I had been born riding them. The bike felt so good to ride I couldn't get enough, and it haunted me.
After a few more days like that in Whistler, including an incredible two-day Richey Schley clinic, I took it home and started riding with the Fluidride camps. Oh man...! I steepened up the head angle a bit and shortened the chain stays so that I could experiment with the feel of the bike, so it wasn't quite as fast riding with Simon Lawton and company as it was in Whistler, but it was very agile while still being quick on some very technical downhill trails. I believe that this bike could smoke on a race course, so that is where I am going next.
I have read and been told great things about the Knolly V Tach. It feels great to be able to confirm them for myself. As to whether or not you should buy one, well, the path is yours, Grasshopper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Schwartz
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresh Meadows, NY, USA Date Reviewed: January 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Depends on the day
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This bike is totally bomb proof. It holds it line great due to the extreme lateral stiffness of the frame. Its adjustability makes her right at home on the trail, freeriding, or even downhilling. She has a very low stand over height plus a fantastic stance and geometry.
Weaknesses:
It’s hard to say because its weakness is also a major strength. The weakness (or strength) is its overall weight. My frame without the shock weighs 12.5 pounds so she can be a bit heavy in the trail during the climbs. At the same time this weight accounts for it rigidity and overall stability so it’s not really a complaint.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing even close. On the surface it may seem similar to other but when ridden its is Alien (in a good way).
Bike Setup:
Cane creek double barrel/ converted ata 66 to an RC2/ I9's with mavic 721 rims/ X0 everything/ D2 stem/ 08 Avid codes/ twenty 6 pedals/ wtb 2.55 prowlers/ Mavic speedball seat post with remote/ Dual ring set up with chain guide
Bottom Line:
This bike is totally sick. Noel and Trevor gave some great advice on how to build her up and I took their advice (very nice and smart men). I spent a fortune trying to keep her light and strong (44 pounds as is) and I don't regret spending such a massive chuck of cash building her this way. I have never had more fun on a bike and my other bikes are getting allot less play time as she is surprisingly diverse. If you don't mind spending the cash pony up and get one. You will not regret it and if for some strange reason you do anyone of your friends will take it off your hands in a moments notice at a fair price. No other company has better customer service. The bike is great, the company is awesome and the people who build the bike and work at Knolly are even better. Talking anymore would be pointless. It’s like trying to explain being in love to someone who has never been in love. You must experience it to truly get the point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great descender. Nimble and still very stable. Massive durability. Reliable and confidence-inspiring under all conditions.
Weaknesses:
Durability and reliability might weigh a little more than something built on dreams and fireroads.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz VP Free, Specialized Enduro, Specialized SX Trail, Turner RFX, Specialized Big Hit DH
Bike Setup:
721/Hugi 400 wheelset, Saint 8" brakes, Diabolus cranks and bars, 888 SL1 ATA, X9 drivetrain and E13 SRS
Bottom Line:
The best freeride bike ever. Confidence-inspiring under all conditions. Durable beyond words. Amazingly nimble considering how stable it is at speed. Boutique-level price, but hey, you get what you pay for.
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:
2 Years
Strengths:
Too many to list, but I'll try: - perfect cable routing guides (seen too many bikes where this is overlooked) - full seat tube is wicked in the winter (no telescoping post) - 150x12 axle and burly rear-end design makes for super stiff rear end (Knolly uses better quality and bigger bearings than almost any bike company). the rear end on the V-Tach looks and feels more solid than pretty much anything I've ever seen or ridden. - with 7.5" of rear travel, this bike can still do all-day rides if you're a little crazy or your smaller bikes are broken (like pedalling all 3 North Shore mountains in the Triple Crown Ripper) but still have enough travel to hit bigger drops and flow chundery rocky freeride/DH lines with speed and confidence - adjustable chainstays (17.0" to 17.8") change the bike's handling from slow-speed tech/climbing friendly to more DH-style angles in only a minute. - adjustable head angle nice touch to allow a more climbing-friendly or more DH-friendly angles, depending on what you're riding that day (this bike can run a granny ring) - beefy replaceable dropouts and super-thick derailleur hanger are very tough, plus cheap in the unlikely event you need a new one - ISCG chainguide mounts and e-type derailleur allow for setup of solid dual-ring chainguide if so desired - 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 12.5lbs with coil) - not the cheapest bike out there, but you're gonna have to pay more to get a bike this good - the Delirium is only 1" less rear travel, but saves around 2 lbs of frame weight and is a little cheaper ... unless you really go fast or send it large, you may want to consider the Delirium if you plan to do any really huge pedalling on the bike
Bike Setup:
Boxxer World Cup, Saint Cranks, X.0, Mavic 721 with 2.5" DH Nevegals / xc tubes = 41-42 lbs
Bottom Line:
You can definitely pedal this thing all day and because it pedals so efficiently (and can take a granny ring), you can still keep up with people on smaller rigs. But then when you point it downhill you've got a freeride bike to smooth out any chundery sections or nasty drops. It's a little uncanny to ride this bike as it seems to have almost 2 personalities. Because of the rear end stiffness, the bike stays plush and is super quiet even when doing nasty things like landing sideways into gnar/rocks.
The adjustable head angle and chainstays are a very nice touch and like the Delirium, they really alter the ride so that you can dial things in for some old-school tech North Shore riding or some Bike Park action.
This is a wicked Freeride bike, or as I'd call it, a "big trail bike". Noel of Knolly has thought of absolutely everything, just look at the only things I could up with as downsides. If this is more bike than you need at 7.5", you should check out the Knolly Delirium-T... :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
craftsmanship, engineering, attention to detail, customer service
Weaknesses:
weight, but that's getting picky
Bottom Line:
I can echo all of the positive qualities of this bike like the other reviewers have (I've never been more impressed with a bike) but I want to focus on a different aspect of the bike...Noel himself.
When I finally convinced myself to pull the trigger, it was less than 1-week away from our departure to Whistler (about 1 year ago). Noel was very accessible and a great resource in helping me. He would always be upfront with me, even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear. But the extra mile was when he was able to get me my frame and a number of other parts to me in VERY rushed fashion. (Special thanks here to Larry at MtnHigh as well.) There must've been a million different things to coordinate, but Noel was always willing to go WAY out of his way to help. To me, that speaks volumes of a company. There is no doubt in my mind that I can always get top-shelf customer service from Knolly. Add that to a first-call product...what more could you want! Kudos to you, Noel...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Spratt
a Cross Country Rider
from Cardiff, UK Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
RHUK
Strengths:
I'm 6'1" and the large fits me perfectly. Saddle up and it climbs incredibly well, saddle down and it descends even better. As others have said, it's very laterally stiff and the rear suspension just gets on and does its job.
I've only owned the bike for 2 months so have had limited time on it but it's spent a week in Alpe d'Huez where I rode the Mega Avalanche on it. That's a pretty pedally course but the V-Tach rode it beautifully. In the UK I've ridden 50km through mid-Wales including some hefty climbs and kept up with guys on xc bikes, then blew them away on the descents.
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:
expensive, but you get what you pay for overbuilt, but for most people this is a positive heavy (again, its built tough and it rides light)
unreal attention to detail and quality manufacturing and materials really set this frame apart in a league of its own. no more worrying about loose or creaky pivots. lateral stiffness is weird at first unless you're used to a scream or demo. rear end tracks exactly where it should. gets more stable the faster you go, but still very manouverable. very sensitive suspension and nicely progressive with a very low leverage ratio. i've ridden many bikes and this is by far my favorite - i've never heard any other knolly owner say anything different. if you ride a lot, this is the last bike you'll buy for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Hutton
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
North Shore
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Black Sheep Cycles
Strengths:
rear suspension performance, attention to detail, quality of the craftmanship,
Weaknesses:
None identified yet, other than the Axiom pedals that i had specced.
I am totally stoked on this bike. Speak to anyone that I ride with and they will confirm that my confidence and riding skills have improved a ton in the last 3 months. Noel set it up in the full FR mode and I havent even got around to experimenting / changing any of the adjustable settings yet (chainstay / head angle). I love steep tech trails and this bike feels really balanced and nimble in tight situations.
I struggled at first with the Fox DHX5.0 on the rear end, but Noel totally sorted me out one morning on the phone when I was up at Whistler, i basically had way too little sag, once I dialled the rear suspension in, I was blown away. I have ridden this bike at least 20 days at Whistler, a couple days on the Shore and a few days on local Seattle FR trails and every day it just gets better as I learn what the bike is capable of.
If you want a bike that was designed to ride steep and gnarly trails, was built with passion (meet Noel and you will know what I am talking about), is locally manufactured, uses only the highest quality bearings and components and will make you feel like a king every time you ride it...then you are looking at the right bike. The after sales support I have had from Knolly has been unbelievable.
I am extremely hard on my equipment and needed a bike that could stand up to the abuse I was going to throw at it and could also deal with the wet and mud of the PNW...so far I am 100% stoked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
Super burly frame design, laterally stable, great to pedal uphill, reliable, continuous seat tube, adjustable head angle and virtually maintenance free. This bike kills it on the fast downhill, but equally good on skinnies and technical freeride of the north shore.
Weaknesses:
NONE - this product is designed to be disassembled and the bearings and bushings can be replaced if needed. Any weakness can be serviced, and the bike is returned to it's original factory condition.
Similar Products Used:
VPFree, Norco 6.2, Nomad, Bullit
Bike Setup:
Manitou Travis 180 single crown, Magura Louise brakes, SRAM X-9, Shimano XT front derailler, DTSwiss 440 hubs laced to DTSwiss 5.1D's. Midweight freeride setup. Have also tried a V-tach with a 888 triple crown, and that was solid but slightly heavier.
Bottom Line:
If you like compromise - don't buy this bike If you don't ride much - don't buy this bike If you like offshore manufactured crap - don't buy this bike If you like mechanical failures - don't buy this bike
If you like to ride - then buy this bike. Period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a Weekend Warrior
from westport,ct,usa Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
smart cycles
Strengths:
rails thru corners, provides plush landings...very confidence inspiring and an efficient climber for a freeride rig
Weaknesses:
none discovered yet
Similar Products Used:
2002 intense uzzi slx
Bike Setup:
i9 wheelset, magura louise brakes, marz 66, fox dhx, race face components
Bottom Line:
this is a top of the line freeride bike. while it is a touch on the pricey side, you are a better rider once you throw a leg over the top tube. easy to set on edge to carve turns and responsive when you need a few extra pedal strokes. the bike is ultra smooth off drops and forgives many rider mistakes. almost more important than the bikes performance is the level of enthusiasm and customer support exhibited by noel and tim at knolly bikes. i was a touch apprehensive about buying a high end bike from a company 3000 miles away but after many emails with noel and tim i knew i could trust them to stand behind their product. i would encourage anyone who is thinking about these bikes to email them with any questions. their knowledge and energy regarding their product and mtn biking in general is boundless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SaSQuATCH
a Downhiller
from So.Cal Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
The Path Bike Shop
Strengths:
Everything.Words can not describe how good this frame is.
Weaknesses:
No weaknesses here,bub.
Similar Products Used:
I own a Demo 9 also.
Bike Setup:
'07 Marz 888 World Cup,Marz ROCO World Cup w/ Ti spring,Race Face Diabolous cranks,bars,and seatpost,'07 Hope Mono 6Ti brakes,Shimano XT front and rear derailleurs,shifter pods,and cassette,WTB LaserDisc DH rims,Hadley hubs front and rear,Maxxis Minion DH front and rear tires,Easton Flatboy pedals,WTB Power V saddle,Lizard Skins North Shore Lock-on grips.
Bottom Line:
This is the Rolls Royce of freeride bikes.So much thought went into designing and building this frame.The attention to detail on this frame is unreal.It has every feature you could ever want in a big-mountain freeride machine.You want adjustability? There's a whole lot of it.Are you looking for the best in materials and craftsmanship,made in North America out of North American materials? This is it.You want a stout 150mm wide rear end,but want to run 2 rings and have absolutely no chainline problems whatsoever? Gotcha covered! Customer service a priority for you in deciding which brand to go with? Noel,Tim,and the rest of the people at Knolly are 100% committed to backing their product,not to mention they are friendly and helpful.The 4x4 suspension design is a step above the rest.Full seatpost!This is THE frame to buy if you are serious about freeriding.Pony up and build it nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo Jen
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England Date Reviewed: August 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Nelson, Eagle Ridge, Woodlot
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3570.00
Purchased At:
Direct via broker
Strengths:
This frame is handmade and shows. This is not a cheap bike but in terms of value it is worth every penny. Build quality is second to none, there is no flex from the rear end and best of all this bike is silent, even off jumps and drops. Looking over the bike it is obvious that this has been engineered to a high degree. Weight is kept to the right areas, adjustability is simple yet solid, rear wheel interface is uncomplicated unlike some other bikes out there. All in all it is a well thought out, well manufactured bike of all bikes.
Like all other riders on this review forum it seems to bolster confidence is all areas. It allows you to concentrate on your riding as there is no creaking, clattering or back end flex.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Yeti AS-X
Bike Setup:
66RC, Avid Juicy 5, Saint, Chris King, Hope Pro II, Mavic 729, Race Face seat, stem and bars, ODI Ruffian
Bottom Line:
Buy one!
This is an awesome bike for all levels and abilities. It is not the lightest but due to the way the bike is set up it pedals really well; the pedalling efficiency almost offsets the weight penalty!
Adjustablity allows for all applications: Low BB, slack HA, short CS for North Shore/freeride Low BB, slack HA, long CS for high speed stuff, DH/A-line etc Higer BB, tighter HA, short or long CS for trail riding etc.
If you get a chance go and take one for a spin, you will be sold.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mack McClinton
a Weekend Warrior
from Renton, WA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dirt Merchant
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Fanatyk Co
Strengths:
Rails corners like a go-kart! Seriously most drops at Whistler I barely could tell when I landed. Extremley confidence inspiring, made me a better rider instantly.
Weaknesses:
Looks almost too good too ride!
Similar Products Used:
Norco A-line, Big-Hit Expert.
Bike Setup:
Fox DHX5.0, 888rc, Raceface cranks, Hadley hubs and Alexrims, Sram X-0 derailer.
Bottom Line:
Of course the best bike I've ever owned but also the best one ever ridden. Was shopping for a new DH bike, but not one in that $ range(not a racer). The guys at Fanatyk Co in Whistler let me demo one and I almost refused because I really wanted to demo one I would think about buying. After one run I was almost sold. Two runs and my bank account is tapped!. This bike is awesome! I now have a whole new appreciation for the sport and I am doing things that I would probably never before think about. By the way I met Noel-Knolly owner- up there, and what an awesome guy. Really loves and cares about the sport. Hand builds every frame and it shows.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graeson Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: July 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Yoda's Revenge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Knolly Bikes
Strengths:
Fits like a glove. You feel like you are IN the bike, not ON the bike. Stomps the descents, rails the corners, and inspires confidence like no other. I’ve pushed my limits farther on the Knolly than any other bike. I drop 12 footers regularly and feel like I’m not even approaching the bike's potential.
Here’s the catch. My Knolly weighs 48 lbs and actually pedals well. When I bought the bike form Noel he jokingly mentioned that him and his buddies had done an XC race on their V-Tach’s. My buddies and I did a shuttle ride with about 2,000 feet of climbing and the V-Tach albeit heavy climbed like a goat.
Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, Noel Buckley from Knolly Bikes is one of the nicest guys you’ll meet in the cycling world. He’s readily available to backup his frames with excellent customer support.
Weaknesses:
You'll go through multiple wheelsets before you find any weaknesses on this frame.
Similar Products Used:
Canfield F1, Turner DHR, Intense M3, Santa Cruz VP-Free, Santa Cruz V-10
Bike Setup:
Sram + Race Face + Marzocchi
Bottom Line:
Bottom line, the customer service alone justifies the purchase; now, combine that with a frame that absolutely rips and you have the perfect freeride frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Moody, BC Date Reviewed: December 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Confidence inspiring! This bike just rails around corners, and always seems well planted beneath me. It handles steeps and rooted sections with ease, and will do anything you are capable of. It also actually climbs quite well for a big travel bike. The steep seat tube angle lets you extend the post and give you more of a cross country riding position while climbing, but when you drop the post to descend, it gets out of the way.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, but what can you expect with at 13.5 lb. fork on the front?
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Bullitt, Rocky Mountain RM6 and RM7, Norco VPS
Bike Setup:
Monster T, Mavic 729 with Chris King front and Hugi rear hubs, Race Face Diabolus post and cranks
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have ever owned or ridden. After riding it for a year, the V Tach has exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for a freeride bike, try it, and then expect to buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie
a
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: December 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
'cedar house trail' in Golden
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
DIALED GEOMETRY - relatively low BB and 'normal' numbers everywhere else make the V-tach incredibly confidence- inspiring - so much so that I found myself riding death-grip (no finger on the brake lever) down A-line in Whistler all the time UNMATCHED ATTENTION TO DETAIL - lots of CNC work, INA bearings, quality fasteners throughout ADJUSTABLE HT ANGLE/BB HEIGHT - I've always been a 'set and forget' type of rider but the HT/BB adjustment is so easy I used it fairly often. I liked it right in the middle for trail riding but at whistler I ran it in the slackest/lowest position and the bike RAILS PLUSH - plus it's a 4 bar linkage so it's still plush when you're on the brakes PEDALS WELL - actually, pedals extremely well considering it's weight. I raced the 2005 Test of Metal (Canadian epic xc race) on it and placed in the top 15% overall. NON-INTERUPTED SEAT TUBE
Weaknesses:
Don't try unless you plan on buying. It's that nice.
Submitted by
Nicole Howell
a
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: October 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This is the most incredible and satisfying ride I've ever had. Going downhill: from technical gnarly steeps, to fast and flowy, to drops, to rock faces, to skinnies, to stunts, to loose chundry rocks, this bike handles it ALL. And feels consistently solid, responsive and smoooooooth. Going uphill: my previous bike (2004 Rocky Mtn Switch Pro) was quite a bit lighter, and yet the Knolly pedals up so much easier, more efficiently, and FEELS lighter.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness will be your lack of restraint: if you try out a V Tach, then you WILL buy one. I guarantee it. I wasn't even in the market for a new bike...
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mtn Switch Pro, Santa Cruz Bullit, Ellsworth Joker
This bike is such an unbelievable confidence booster. It handles incredibly smoothly. It's solid and yet I can muscle it easily over the gnarly stuff. Goes over drops quietly and effortlessly. I can hardly wipe the smile off my face when I'm on my V Tach. It has taken my riding to a whole new level. This bike LOOKS hot and RIDES hot (esp. in red!). Noel Buckley - you've made an incredible bike. Thank you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Corners well at blazing speed on hard pack, sand-surf steeps or steep, ultra chundry, loose rocky/off camber roots/embedded rock/under leaves, the bike is laid over in such corners with very little effort or even on slower ultra technical rides. Super quick laid over corner to laid over corners too. Front end comes up easily for unexpected slow speed manuals or even more critical unexpected slow speed pedal kicks, and stays even at speeds across the spectrum to a rough mother rock drop. Pedals uphill over roots and rocks as many XC's would, I've watched someone ride most of the road up the woodlot this summer on one no problem (Penny!), five people come to mind that rode this years Test of Metal on them. Chain tensioner with optional e-type front derailleur bolts directly to the bottom bracket, no boomerangs to eventually spin around. Almost a year of hard, frequent riding and the bike shows no play in the linkages, high end bearings/fasteners throughout. 1.5 inch head tube shows zero ovalization despite my best efforts and bails. Ride a 7inch fork for a while, try an 8 inch, whatever manufacturer's ride height and with the head tube adjustment in the rear linkage you can still tweak the head angle to your sweet spot. Adjust chain stay length to your preference too. Interesting that with the adjustable chainstay length at its shortest setting that the bike is still stable in what's described above, haven't lengthened it yet, feels ideal. Lately I just tell people that this ride is too good to believe, just have to try one out to know people riding them aren't just trying to justify the money they spent on a high end bike.---
Weaknesses:
Add one if I find one.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar to this ride. Closest bike that turned so well was a Balfa BB7 at speed, but the v-tach does that well slower as well.
Bike Setup:
04 7 inch 888, zero stack FSA headset, dt swiss FR/mavic 729 Kishi wheels, Diabolus cranks/bar/stem, SRAM X9, gustav with optional stubby levers to slightly decrease sensitivity
Bottom Line:
Ride one in a variety of terrain in various conditions. Talk to Noel, try to stump him with a bike question. Noel is INTO bikes, totally transparent dedication, he lives for them, loads of riding experience with a huge, ever increasing network of industry people and riders to bounce ideas off of and listen to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirk
a Weekend Warrior
from Langley, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: September 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Pink Starfish
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
solid, predictable, excellent bike with plenty of adjustability that does everything on the north shore better than I can. great balance and quiet on the bigger landings. corners well and feels generally excellent.
Weaknesses:
makes me feel like I can do stuff I shouldn't do. that's it.
Similar Products Used:
norco shore
Bike Setup:
8"888 with gustavs, sram x-9, sticky tires, mavic fr rims on hadley hubs, diabolus crankset, raceface xo post
Bottom Line:
excellent bike with a long seatpost that climbs well despite being a large fr bike (rides like a lite bike). drops are solid and predictable. Corners are as fast as you like them and the bike is quiet - no slapping, rattling, creaking, or other not so goods. Great looking bike, amazing ride, locally built. Ideal buyer is one that wants a top performer at Whistler with the ability to climb Roberts Creek/Nelson/Fromme or any other epic out there. Bring on the full day - why stop at 3 loops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Sinanan
a Downhiller
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: August 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all of them?
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Amazing engineering and attention to detail. Great fabricating work (check out these welds!). Personal attention you can only get from a small manufacturer. Outstanding quality all around.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavier than anticipated. But this was more than happily offset by the VTach's unflappable durability, amazing ride and pedlability that rivals my road bike!
Similar Products Used:
Turner RFX, DirtWorks Piranha, Big Hit DH, Psycle Werks, Moots, Cameron, Kona,
This is the best freeride bike I've ever had. I thought my RFX was the best freeride bike ever but the Knolly beats it in terms of quantity of travel, quality of travel, features and standover clearance (!!).
The VTach is a pedalling machine. I outclimbed many xc guys in Utah on this very setup (46lbs). A stable bike with great suspension makes for great climbing if you've got the power.
Matte black? Sexy.
Engineering wise I haven't seen many bikes come close to this. The VTach rivals, if not exceeds the standards set by other high end companies like Intense or Turner. You can see that no detail was overlooked and that attention was paid to every aspect of the design (not just the bottom line). This is a no-holds-barred freeride wet dream.
The fact that I assembled this bike is less than an hour from parts speaks immeasurably to the quality of construction. No drills, files or hammers here.
Full-length seat tube on a freeride bike? Give the man a cigar cuz he actually understands what it means to pedal. I won't ever buy another interrupted seat tube design. If you can't make a design that avoids that then your design sucks. period.
What kills me about this is that it's not just the way the metal is put together. It manages to really add up to something more than the sum of its parts (and that's saying a lot since the parts are so damn good!). This bike rides so well! I don't understand how a bike that's so stable can be so nimble in tight trees. Or how a bike this manoeuvrable can still feel controlled at whistler-terminal-velocity. It's a great balance of opposing traits that makes it such a good freeride bike. And isn't great balance what a freeride bike is all about?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gonzostrike
a Downhiller
from missoula, MT Date Reviewed: July 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
bobo's spastic neurons
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
direct from MFR
Strengths:
predictable handling, unbelievably stable chassis, plush and bottomless suspension, ability to tune geometry to your setup and riding preferences, quality of engineering and execution, and the man behind the design and company at Knolly Bikes.
Weaknesses:
I'll pretend you didn't ask this, as it's a silly notion.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz VP-Free, Santa Cruz Bullit, Banshee Scream, Turner 6-Pack
The king, the dethroner of all pretenders, the most stable and predictable and nimble and dependable ride among all the available FR frames and probably most DH frames on the market today.
Consistent, crisp response to rider input.
Corners like a low-slung DH racer, unflappable in choppy smackdown terrain, suspension is always smooth and cushions everything well from small stutters to big drops and everything in between.
Comfortable manuals and wheelies. Stable when braking through nasty terrain.
Pedals very efficiently and, like the Banshee Scream, feels a good 10 lbs lighter when pedaling than when putting on the scale. Suspension action is smoother and more refined than the Scream, not really fair to compare the two.
Roomy cockpit for longer climbs and epic rides but shrinks with seat lowering for nimble descent and stunt riding. Rear wheel always goes where it's pointed, no lateral or torsional deflection. Carries speed without flinching, can cause you to blow through corners the first few times you ride this bike -- even after riding many other highly rated FR and DH bikes.
Noel set out to build the best available FR frame and he's succeeded. This isn't some yuppie sled designed to perch on top of an uberpimpy Escalade. It's meant to be ridden long and hard and always will be begging you for more -- more speed, more courage, more air, more rocks, more more more.
If you are considering a Banshee Scream, Specialized Demo, Foes Fly, Santa Cruz VP-Free, Iron Horse Sunday or 7Point, or Intense VPX you should be considering the Knolly V-Tach. This is a high-quality frame with no compromises anywhere, and it shows in the ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin Labelle
a Downhiller
from Williams Lake B.C. Date Reviewed: July 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Godspeed
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
sponsored since day1
Strengths:
Its 100% Canadian born/bred/manufactured/tested/engineered! A big bike that pedals like no other, no matter which way your going,up,down, across, all around.When riding up I gotta look down at it to make sure it isin't my xc bike thats headed towards the downhill ahead! Horizontal adjustment of the rear wheel makes this stallion fit for any flavor of trail.Tight techy to your fast and flowy.Big air and huge hits are no problem either.Plenty of travel baby! You'll also find a handling predictability in this bike unmatched by any other. So smooth and, well, downright dreamy!Also the headangle adjustment found on the linkage allows a person to ride almost any fork without compromising the intended comfort and function of this design.T his also alows tolerence for a 24" rear wheel if thats what your into. Nothing, absolutely nothing has been overlooked in this design and it is the best ride I have ever had.
Weaknesses:
none, best bike ever and shes a canuck!
Similar Products Used:
Some say vpfree is close to the same feel or a demo9or8 but I don't thing so having had the opportunity to ride em' all they are all different except they all have two wheels and significant well used travel
Bike Setup:
Magura gustavs,raceface everything,(bars,stem,cranks)dtswisshubs,mavic729s,xtr michelin2.5s bling bling bla bla...Iwanna say the gustavs are the best brakes in the universe.3seasons not 1 problem and they get riden hard and put away wet.the odd set of pads.thats it so go get em'
Bottom Line:
Everyone needs one, the ultimate freeride rocket, it is like 10 bikes in one! Long live Knoll and his Knolly V-ytach
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Washinton Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very well thought out frame design. High quality. By far the best FS frame that I have ever tried. Very stiff rear end, very confidence inspiring ride. Adjustable head tube angle and chainstay length are nice touches. Strong customer service, Noel is very responsive to customers. The bike does pedal well for it's weight.
Purpose built frame for North Shore sytle trails. Exceeds all expectations in this type of riding. Does well as a DH bike for trips to Whistler although I stick with the short chainstay length and middle head tube angle settings there as well. Stretching the wheelbase and slacking out the head angle would be great on A-line and Dirt merchant but I like the tight technical trails at Whistler.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a
from Mill Creek, USA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Engineering! Design! Craftsmanship!! Nothing was left out, no expense spared. This frame is truly a work of art (and not just to look at). All the best materials and manufacturing processes have been used.
Weaknesses:
Nothing that I have found. It needs no attention or maintenance other than cleaning.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Switch, Specialized Demo Nine and Santa Cruz Bullit
Bike Setup:
Shiver DC, DT Hubs, Diabolus cranks and seatpost. Easton bar, direct mount stem, XT disc brakes and Saint Derailleur.
Bottom Line:
In twenty years of riding and racing, this is the finest bike I have ever owned. I have gone through a number of bikes (of different types and brands) but this one beats them all. And this coming from someone who will pay for quality and demands a great deal. The bikes handling qualities are superlative. Balance, braking, decending, dropping and jumping are all easily accomplished on the V-Tach. It is so solid it feels like it has been machined out of a solid billet of aluminium. And it is totally predictable. No handling quirks. It also make a great impression on my first ride to the top of Mt. Fromme. It did not pedal like most 7" travel bikes. The mass of material was there but I arrived much less tired than usual. I have been enthusiastically recommending this bike to everyone I talk to. Freeriders are going to love it!!!! I continue to be impressed. Well done!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Penny
a
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: July 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The xs frame has great stand over clearance for a short rider, a big plus for me. The engineering design allows for an uninterrupted seat tube, necessary to slam the seat low for the steep gnarly descents. Consequently, I feel like the bike is an exension of me, rather than a metal machine that I am simply perched on top of. It doesn't feel like a big bike - its nimble yet solid and is confidence inspiring. It pedals exceptionally well, efficient without kickback or brake interaction. The attention to detail and craftmanship also makes for a very beautiful bike.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy for a small rider, but this hasn't stopped me from pedalling it up as well as down :-) My build is actually lighter than many of my friends' (of similar height/weight) "big" bikes (e.g. Norco, Santa Cruz)
Similar Products Used:
I've never found a full suspension bike with 7+ inches of travel small enough to fit me. Closest I've ridden would be a Norco 4x4, which while lighter, lacks a granny gear, pedals less efficiently, does not inspire the same confidence, and comes no where near in terms of quality of manufacturing.
Bike Setup:
Sherman Breakout Plus, Magura Louise brakes, Saint cranks, 24" rear wheel (needed for my xs frame size as the saddle hits a 26" wheel during the suspension travel), Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain
Bottom Line:
This is a free ride bike and inspires confidence on the gnarliest terrain, whether on the North Shore or in the bike park. The attention to detail in the engineering, design, and manufacturing has few equals. Personally, the xs size is a big plus for me. At 5'2" its hard to find a 7+" travel bike for which I have stand over clearance, and the V Tach meets my needs in that respect. It's a super fun ride and pedalling it up is only making me stronger and fitter :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: July 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Top quality design, construction, and materials used in the frame. The ability to be able to drop the seatpost all the way down or raise it all the way up while still being able to reap the benefits of the 4 bar suspension by Knollys 4x4 linkage. High quality bearings at all pivot points. Frame is VERY stiff. 1.5 headtube.
Weaknesses:
maybe the price, but you truly get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, VP-free
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi 888, Magura Gustav, Mavic EX729, Hugi FR hubs, FSA zerostack headset, Diabolus stem, Diabolus bar, ODI lock ons, SRAM x9 triggers, Diabolus cranks, E13 DRS, Diabolus post, Titec saddle, SRAM cassette, SRAM chain, SRAM x0 read derailleur, xt front derailleur, Ti spring.
Bottom Line:
OK, this bike is simply amazing. The quality of the materials, design and construction is amazing. Makes me proud that is was designed, manufactured, and built in good ole BC. The quality of the frame has to be seen to fully understand.
The ride, what goes up: In order to take part in a ride you have to ride up sometimes. When I built mine up is was on the low side of the mid 40's. Still I was not looking forward to pedaling the thing uphill. The fact that the design provides the ability to run a full length seat tube, combined with the 4x4 linkage makes climbing on this bike (dare I say it) enjoyable. No, it does not climb as fast as an XC hardtail. But for an over 40lb FR rig it climbs very effectively. Stay in the saddle, grind away and the top of the climb comes a lot earlier then expected.
The ride, must come down: OK, descending is exactly where this bike really shines. The tracking/stability is amazing. Hit stutter bumps, it soaks it up with next to no drama. Go off a drop, it casually floats through the air, and reconnects with the ground in such a positive way you have to review if you really left the ground. Heavy braking on steep rockfaces, no problem, the suspension remains active and confidence inspiring.
Nutshell: This bike has made me a much more confident rider. The first time I threw my leg over it I knew I had to get one. Plain and simple it made me comfortable enough to ride things that I would not even attempt before.
Yes, it is an expensive ride. However, if you are looking for a top of the line ride then it would be strongly advisable to put the Knolly V-tach on your shortlist.
$ 3200.00
Overall Rating:
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