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Submitted by
nic
a
from miami,fl,usa
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | quietwaters park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | biketec | | Strengths: | I Luv this bike its sick I ride dirt jumps in miami usually mostly urban but took it to maob and killed all the spandexers and its crazy light as nothing and can take a crash just gotta keep it pampered and tuned after every couple of rides | | Weaknesses: | The petals I put on some azonics also put on a lizard skin so I wouldnt have to hear the chain banging around so much thinking about changing it to single speed up front with chain guide evil thirteen or something also put dirt jumping seat on and cut the seat post so it sits down flush | | Similar Products Used: | specialized p2 tricked out iron horse porter pro stock specialized rock hopper& stuntjumper | | Bike Setup: | upgraded lefty pro max carbon,azonic aframe petals,dmrjumpseat,atomlab aircorp rims,wtb velociraptor tires | | Bottom Line: | luv it, buy it, if u wanna talk to every one about your bike buy a cannondale with a lefty fork cuz they will talk to you, expecally since i ride mine street and dirt everyone is always askin questions plus it rides like a dream great platform for almost any kind of riding and can bu customized to your likeing for the price | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Marlow
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. St. Helens | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Montlake Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | Lefty's lateral rigidity
totally adjustable geometry
climbing ability | | Weaknesses: | cable routing wears frame and Lefty fork
no front lock-out for Lefty
no oem-supplied adapter for standard fork-mounted bike trays
difficulty arranging shuttles/transporting without carrying fork adapter
challenging to mount cycle computer
longer wheelbase makes navigating twisty, technical trail sections difficult | | Similar Products Used: | My second choice before buying the Jekyll was a Jamis Dakar | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The Jekyll climbs suprisingly better than my previous hardtail. Plus I can now ride technical and downhill trails that I would not have touched before. The Lefty soaks up the biggest drops, but stays true laterally on bumpy descents.
Cdale should skip the remote lockout supplied free and provide the adapter to mount the Lefty on standard fork-mounted bike trays; the adapter would get more use and be one less obstacle to purchase.
That said, this bike is a dream come true. I'd rate it 9.5 out of 10. Only time will tell whether the frame wear from cable routing is a warranty issue...be sure to inspect your frame frequently during first year of riding.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross
a
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Porccupine Rim, Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | River City Cycles | | Strengths: | Welds, Lefty, and pretty much everything else except... | | Weaknesses: | Cranks are starting to creak, tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro FSR, Fisher sugar 1-2-3, many others | | Bike Setup: | stock, execpt pedals, soon to have new cranks and ISIS bottom bracket | | Bottom Line: | I love this thing. It takes all my abuse. Just upgrade the cranks and bottom bracket, then it will be perfect. The bike is more for cross country, but some quick single track downhill is not out of the question. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iain
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | abo trail and poop-shooter | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Supercycle Brisbane | | Strengths: | This is a follow up review of the january 2003 review. Same strengths as previously. | | Weaknesses: | Wanted to report a couple of problems. Fox Float L - would not hold air. Took it to my LBS who sent it to the distributer. Distributer accused me of bad maintenance causing dirty seals. I have a meticulous cleaning routine. If the shock is positioned in such a bad spot as to collect so much crud then a) this should be mentioned in the bike literature b) a shock boot should be supplied as standard c) re-design the bloody thing. Is fixed now with new seals and i have zip tied a bit of tube around it.
Lefty - really bad top out clunk. LBS fixed it by adjusting the damping. LBS mentioned that this has been an issue on a few lefty's. Should'nt Cannondale sought this out?
| | Similar Products Used: | heaps of stuff owned and borrowed | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Cannondale should address these issue's on the design bench. Perhaps the new Jekyll and lefty are better? Will i buy another Cannondale - only if the problems get sorted.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HH
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Austrlia
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oxford Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Lefty Fork, works well when setup just how you like it. Solid feel of quality. Nimble handling. | | Weaknesses: | Frame starts to creak after reasonable use... Can be fixed by cleaning where the rear shock meets the rear swingarm. CODA components, not good when 10 Km's from home and crank rips of bottom bracket!! Wasn't happy with Magura Julie brakes too inconsistent. Fox Float shock, valve dodgy.. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F700, demoed Specialized FSR Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Mainly stock except for change to Hope Mini discs, Easton CT2 XC bar, Selle italia octavia saddle,generally replacing all CODA parts. | | Bottom Line: | Took a while, but now it is set-up just how I like it, this bike has turned out to be an extension of myself.. Do mainly XC riding without problem, but can also confidently do knarly stuff. This bike is plush and turns on a coin. The Hope mini's are a good addition as the excellent modulation on the brakes adds to the overall impressive handling capabilities..
The crack-en-fail name has some merits, but only with the CODA stuff. Otherwise it is a great bike. Was surprising at recent Polaris weekend that so many people had wise cracks for Cannondale riders... All I can say is get over it, if you can't afford one too bad.. Everyone deserves to enjoy their ride just how they like it..
Recommend this bike to anyone that plans on doing plenty of riding. I got the bike cheap but at recommended retail price, a bit too pricey for posers or people riding occasionally.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Francis Bacon
a Racer
from Cheltenham
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The street | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes | | Strengths: | Great handling,comfortable ride,superb looks,nice finish.Inspires confidence to ride hard and fast, a well balanced bicycle. | | Weaknesses: | Cables mark the frame.Why make an effort to produce a quality paint job then not protect the frame with factory applied adhesive pads ? | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Re geared with a 48 tooth large front ring.Hope minis.
Wide slicks (the fatter the better) for serious banking.A very short stem with riser bars sloped back. | | Bottom Line: | I have been very impressed with this bike. I am not an off road rider prefering to ride the streets.Some may say that it is alot of bike for street use but that depends on how one rides.I would recommend a Jekyll any day but do research the components.The original Magura Claras disc brakes were dreadful, the standard Cannondale saddle should have a health warning and the standard stem far too long.I should add that this is my second frame. The first frame had a fault where the rear shock is mounted.This meant that the shock body started to show signs of wear very soon after purchase. The frame was replaced within 3 days under warranty. New frame seems fine.I would like to thank Leisure Lakes cycle shop in Cheltenham for their time and professional service. They rebuilt the bike around the new frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder, colorado
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | hall ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Adjustability, Frame Design and Craftsmanship,Sweet Paint, Clean Welds, Durable, Excellent Fork, Pleasure To Ride (after necessary, even crucial, parts upgrades) | | Weaknesses: | CODA,Coda,and um... coda.
Rear Hub( you have no choice of upgrades for front, but seems to work well with new rim and rebuild )
Handlebars
Seatpost
SADDLE!!! Talk about a pain in the ass...
Brakes. STOP! PLEASE!
Crankset
Cassette
Chain
Tires | | Similar Products Used: | GT I drive, Tomac hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Jekyll Frame,Lefty Fork,Race Face, Avid Mechanicals, Easton, Chris King Disc Hub, Grip Shift NO CODA except for front hub | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best bike I've ever owned. That doesn't mean it's the best bike. I do love it regardless of the money I had to invest to make it tight.At least I can sleep at night knowing I didn't pay full price for mine. Retail would be alot of coin for a nice frame and fork with a schitty component setup.
The travel is just enough for those of us who pick clean lines and ride light. This is not a bike built for clydesdales. I've heard the term "CRIMPANDFAIL" instead of Cannondale but usually from larger riders. Plus C-dale doesn't build bikes for hucking or dropping to flats and the like. So treat her well and she'll return the favor 10fold.
If I had the same money to spend again. I might consider a Giant vt1. mostly because of the parts for the buck plus a decent frame with a cool new manitou rear shock (swinger)
If money were no object I'd spring for a Titus Switchblade or An Intense Spider XVP. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sledge
a Weekend Warrior
from Ausin, TX. USA
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Lefty suspension ROCKS!, proper geometry, braking power, rear shifting, wheels, price, ergonomics and bars/grips/shifters. Action of both shifters, suspension adjustability, warranty service (Fox), paint finish, hubs. | | Weaknesses: | bottom bottle holder is dumb, creaky cranks, creaky seatpost, front derailler touches frame, no frame sock for limiting chain slap damage, leaky original Fox, slippy stock tires, wavy front disk profile, both disks have high friction without lever pulled. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Gary Fisher, Klein, Specialized, Kona, Schwinn, Giant, GT. | | Bike Setup: | Lumpier tires, updated Fox Float seals, carbon bars and seat post, Serfas nad-happy seat. | | Bottom Line: | Fox let me down, but fixed the problem with dealer-installed seal kit (first was recalled due to subcontracted seal material issues and defective) and Fox mailed me a second kit to make me feel better. Front derailler hits the frame lower pivot and can't be adjusted to exactly where I want it. Front brake drags more than I would believe is normal.
Ok, problems out of the way, this bike is the most natural extension of my body that I have found. It is natural to ride, jump, downhill, slide, and wheelie. The stock tires are good enough to ride on, but not if you don't have to.
Actually, I'm justifying it because I paid for it. The squeaks, blown shock, poor initial dealer setup, and average placement of controls are all better than anyone else, but not what I would sell if I could build bikes myself. Still, this 800 stands above the rest for "shock factor" with the Lefty and is a good bargain. I'd call it well engineered if the shock mounts weren't out of alignment and the derailler didn't touch the frame (limiting shift return). Did I mention the lefty ROCKS!? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Bacolod Philippines
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | TUBE | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | CYCLE TOTE | | Strengths: | Lefty, paint job, frame (welds), adjustable geometry... | | Weaknesses: | Continental tires and the chain broke. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel100, Tracer, F900sx, Super V | | Bike Setup: | '02 XTR (Cranks, front and rear derailluers, cassette, shifters), Gore Shifter Cables, Shimano Flight Deck Wireless Computer, Thompson Seatpost, Kore Elite Stem, Specialized Team Control and Team Master Tires,Flite Trans Am... | | Bottom Line: | great bike could handle anything you dish it... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Tipton
a Cross Country Rider
from Willard Ohio
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Best Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I rode the demo & fell in love with one & had to order one for myself. I've got a few weeks before mine actually arrives but I want everyone to know that this is a sweet machine!
What really distinguishes this bike from every other is the way it seems to take on anything you dish out.. In the saddle, you don't feel any suspension movement at all. When I look down at the shock, I can see it moving and absorbing bumps on the way up, but it doesn't rob any of my energy. All the work they did on the geometry paid off bigtime.
| | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80, Iron Horse G-OUT Rocky Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this-------If you are looking for a longtime relationship with the best frame money can buy, look no further than Cannondale. These people are the best there is. There are not enough adjectives to describe their frames, or their customer service. I'm an Cannondale Lifer!!!!!!! I Bought this to supplement my Trek Fuel 80 as more of a fun bike. And fun it is! I'm sure there are better long travel bikes but none that I know of this good for the money. I did quite a bit of research on this bike before making the purchase and I must say that I believe I made the right choice. The bike sucks up the downhills; a handle jumps and drops, and is a great cross-country machine as well. This bike gives me a woody just thinking about riding it. It does everything well. You can plow through the roughest terrain with confidence and do some nice jumps and drop offs. You can get up the hill just fine and put your balls to the single track on the way down. This bike is great for having fun on all day long. So far this bike is everything I was looking for, tough, adjustable, value. This bike is awesome. I did a lot of comparison and reading on the different bikes. After the purchase I wasn't sorry a bit. I was hooked on the idea of the left front suspension right off the bat as it is for all conditions and I like it all; long climbs, long descents, jumps, north shore, jibbing town whatever. I am not super hardcore, the biggest thing that I have dropped is probably under 5 feet and I weigh 180 + lbs, but I do ride as much as I can (five days a week during the summer) if you can only get one bike, get this one. It has a very solid, comfortable feel to it and can do pretty much anything. The Jekyll will be picked as best bike of the year award for 2003, just read the reviews coming out in the near future & you too will be convinced. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Climbs good with shock locked-out, and OK with unlocked. Lefty is unbelievable when you get it dialed in...eats up everything and is razor sharp on a line. Quality frame, light weight enough with a few upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | cable rub on frame above Botton bracket on main tube...GET PROTECTORS!! Of course the cranks suck as all coda's do..switch them out...CODA's hub suck too..switch out the bearings for duramax..chaep bout $$30... | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 1000, c'dale f2000 (2002) VEY FAST, Mongoose TI, | | Bike Setup: | switch out cranks for 2003 XT (AWESOME!!)...Switch out riser bar for TI staright bar..(personal preference)....switch out magura's for avid mechanical disc (easy setup and adjustabilty and lighter) | | Bottom Line: | This bike will do whatever you need...Like the other reviews I agree...EXPERIMENT with the shock pressures..front and back..I initially had mine set up to cushy and hated this bike...I wanted to sell it after my first ride...I pumped up the shocks to be a lot stiffer but not harsh and I love it now...I make my dog stand guard in front of it all night and its inside the house!!! Shocks are kinda like health insurance...you don't need it for the little stuff, but for the BIG stuff!!! And the lefty is always there when you need it to slice and dice and eat up bumps...I have the blue fade one wich I like more than the boring beige...But that doesn't matter...This bike rocks and will take you to the next level if you let it...Worth every penny and will last a long time ( I still have a c'dale m400 from 1991 that I have abused and even hit the carport with twice when it was on top of the jeep, even broke two shocks...and the frame?....still kickin' strong as ever!!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sly
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any fast singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Addiction | | Strengths: | Lefty fork, unusual but works a treat. Frame quality is exceptional. Brakes seem to stop me better than the old XT V brakes on my Psycle Werks. Love the paint job. The adjustability is great, get yerself a shock pump and play around with pressures and frame geometry, it makes a huge difference to how it rides depending on your preferences. Lockout on rear. | | Weaknesses: | Noisy cranks, hope to get them sorted on the first service. The original tyres are crap, swapped them over before leaving the shop. The seat is made for a midget with a micro ass. The paint is wearing through from cable rub only 3 weeks from purchase. Had to get another roof top Thule rack to carry the bugger. Bit of a cost but sure beats removing the slow release front wheel. | | Similar Products Used: | Psycle Werks Wild Hare main bike for last 6 years. Lovely but getting a bit long in the tooth. Nothing else is worth a look. So much garbage out there on the market. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for WTB saddle and WTB Mutano raptor 2.24 tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Riding all sorts of terrain lead me to the Jekyll. Love the versatility. Some days long cross country rides are a joy, others spent riding with the Freeride mates who can't ride up hills and are no faster on the downhills. This bike handles like a Ducati. Super stable and confidence building, especially on rutted downhill and fast single track. The rear lockout is only usefull when climbing steep smooth trails. if its rough, keep the rear active for traction and comfort. If you want versatility, quality and the best handling cross country bike available go the jekyll. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iain
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Very precise steering in the twisty stuff. Set up options - the attitude adjustment really does make a difference. Lefty is very linear in its travel and seems capable of handling anything (a lot more confidence inspiring than previous SID SL and Judy C when the going gets rough and fast) | | Weaknesses: | My first single pivot dually - climbing traction is not quite up there with my previous ride (jamis dakar) but this may be to do with different tires. Bit of a top out clunk with the lefty (a little more rebound seems to help this) | | Similar Products Used: | Owned - jamis dakar with SID SL and mostly XT. Ridden friends Catamount (beautifull Cro Mo URT), FSR, Heckler, Stinky etc etc | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for bell ($50 on the spot fines from the cops without one!!!)oh..and a 40 watt lighting system (scared of the dark) | | Bottom Line: | Very fast and capable bike. Have to be honest and say the first big difference i noticed between the dakar amd jekyll was the breaks - Julies 'v' v-brakes. Will never ride v's again!
In comparison to the dakar the jekyll will handle the rough fast stuff with a lot more confidence. Will bomb down rutted out fast single track with aplomb. It is not the climber the dakar was (is) but thats ok - the climbs are what you have to do before the fun starts.
Make sure you take the time to experiment with the set up ie the attitude adjustment, front and rear pressure and rebound - it makes a big difference. I was having trouble adjusting to a four inch fork - too soft, taking up momentum on slow technical ups and downs - put another 10 pounds in and notice the difference!! The point is - take the time to experiment and adjust the bike to the way you ride. When you get it dialled its a magic carpet ride.
The bike is expensive compared with your run of the mill mass produced bike - but a heckler, isis etc will cost you as much or more, and are they better? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barrett Parks
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue, WA USA
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fast and Twisty | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1649.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech, Tacoma, WA | | Strengths: | The Magura Julie's work good. They have a lot of stopping power. The bike dices and carves well. I love being able to lock out the suspension. I find that I benefit more from locking out the front than the rear in technical sections. The adjustable geometry is nice. The bike excelerates well with the suspension locked out. | | Weaknesses: | I come off of a full suspension bike that weighed 24 lbs. so this bike feels heavy to me. I have blown the rear shock once. The front suspension needs to be locked out in slower technical sections because the front seems to dive and stick a lot in ruts. I have changed the suspension a bit and it is better, but still awkward at times. The tires are bad. It uses the same tire front and rear and it is barely accpetable as a front but just plain bad in the rear. Zero feedback in the front and zero braking from the rear. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS, Giant NRS 1, Santa Cruz Bullit, Giant AC, Cannondale 800 | | Bike Setup: | Stock at the moment | | Bottom Line: | The bike is for those who want a mix between free style and cross country. I like the bike but for cross country and technical trails it is just okay. This bike shines in fast single track trails with drops and ruts. If you are mainly cross country and a medium speed rider I would buy something lighter and more precise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JekyllRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumming, Georgia, USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Lane, Houston, Texas | | Strengths: | Lefty shock, adjustable frame, Magura brakes, front and rear lockouts, value | | Weaknesses: | Magura brakes required adjustments, brake/cable housings abrade paint/frame | | Similar Products Used: | Raven, Super V | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Easton EC70 Monkeylite XC composite bar, Michelin Comp S light tires | | Bottom Line: | I feel compelled to write a follow up review since riding the Jekyll 800 in various parts of the country over the last year.
Frame: The ability to adjust the frame is wonderful. This makes all the difference in handling various terrain. My only criticism is the brake and shifting housings has rubbed through the paint and into the metal, which is a shame considering the great paint job Cannondale provides.
Lefty shock: This shock can handle anything it comes across. The Lefty handles technical sections very well, has a tight steering feel, and the lockout makes a significant difference in climbing and accelerating.
Magura brakes: The Magura engineers have really designed a well performing disc brake system. After a few initial adjustments, I have never had a problem. Stopping and modulation are exceptional (I am over 6 feet tall, weigh about 210 pounds and ride aggressively). Correction to last post: brake levers are not plastic, but alloy. Light and durable.
Fox RL shock: As stated in my earlier review, the original shock failed and was replaced; since then, no problems. The shock responds and holds pressure very well. I cover it with a Lizard skin to keep dirt/mud/water out of the sealing.
Continental Explorer Tires: Great all around tires. Grip well climbing, reasonably light, corner and wear well. No problems, no complaints.
Shimano LX, XT, Deore: Once adjusted, perform well. Seem durable.
I put a lot of time into researching which bike would be right for me, and this was it. Like any full suspension bike, adjustments are critical to the ride. I find that once the frame, tires, and shocks are set that the Jekyll 800 will still outperform my expectations. It has made me a better rider and keeps me excited about the “next ride”.
Everyone is different in how they ride and what they want in a bike. Whatever you finally decide on, I hope you have as much fun with your new bike as I have had with this one.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JekyllRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Cumming, Georgia, USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Lane, Houston, Texas | | Strengths: | Lefty shock, adjustable frame, Magura brakes, front and rear lockouts, value | | Weaknesses: | Magura brakes required adjustments, brake/cable housings abrade paint/frame | | Similar Products Used: | Raven, Super V | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Easton EC70 Monkeylite XC composite bar, Michelin Comp S light tires | | Bottom Line: | I feel compelled to write a follow up review since riding the Jekyll 800 in various parts of the country over the last year.
Frame: The ability to adjust the frame is wonderful. This makes all the difference in handling various terrain. My only criticism is the brake and shifting housings has rubbed through the paint and into the metal, which is a shame considering the great paint job Cannondale provides.
Lefty shock: This shock can handle anything it comes across. The Lefty handles technical sections very well, has a tight steering feel, and the lockout makes a significant difference in climbing and accelerating.
Magura brakes: The Magura engineers have really designed a well performing disc brake system. After a few initial adjustments, I have never had a problem. Stopping and modulation are exceptional (I am over 6 feet tall, weigh about 210 pounds and ride aggressively). Correction to last post: brake levers are not plastic, but alloy. Light and durable.
Fox RL shock: As stated in my earlier review, the original shock failed and was replaced; since then, no problems. The shock responds and holds pressure very well. I cover it with a Lizard skin to keep dirt/mud/water out of the sealing.
Continental Explorer Tires: Great all around tires. Grip well climbing, reasonably light, corner and wear well. No problems, no complaints.
Shimano LX, XT, Deore: Once adjusted, perform well. Seem durable.
I put a lot of time into researching which bike would be right for me, and this was it. Like any full suspension bike, adjustments are critical to the ride. I find that once the frame, tires, and shocks are set that the Jekyll 800 will still outperform my expectations. It has made me a better rider and keeps me excited about the “next ride”.
Everyone is different in how they ride and what they want in a bike. Whatever you finally decide on, I hope you have as much fun with your new bike as I have had with this one.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa AZ`
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hawes | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Good amount of travel and geometery on front fork. Very nimble in tight stuff. Very plush and forgiving ride.
| | Weaknesses: | Magura Juli brakes, broke rear brakes master cylinder, they call it composite I call it cheap plastic. 4 lug rotors discontinued now, I have to admit they grab well.
Continental tires poor hook up in anything. Chain junk, cranks noisy untill locktited, A little front heavy likes to dive when the front tire gets hung up. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose aka the weasel, Lead sled, Iron Maiden, | | Bike Setup: | now has rear XT hydraulic disc, tossed the Magura Juli's front still Magura untill I brake them. Rear Panracer fire xc. mounted pump on back of seat stem, | | Bottom Line: | I would buy this after a Gary Fisher Sugar 2 or 3 with disc or a Specialized stump jumper.
Cheap components, coda crank needed to be locktited, Broke and replaced the cheap chain it came with in a couple weeks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Julian
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wakefield | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | City Bikes | | Strengths: | This bike is an all around performer. I'm new to mountain biking and I have been very impressed with the Lefty Fork and the rear suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Only one place for water bottle. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper and Trek Fuel 98 | | Bike Setup: | Standard F 800 with XT shifter upgrade | | Bottom Line: | I'm glade that I purchased this bike. The guys at my LBS were great. They helped me find the right bike for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D K
a Cross Country Rider
from Elkridge
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Potapsico/Avalon (the whole park) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Prinston Sports | | Strengths: | Excellent handling (and this is an understatement!)and Great geomatry (event for the XL), fast, supple and very responsive suspension, durable (has taken a tremendous beating), the Lefty is everything it is advertised to be and more, Lockout suspension is easy to use on the fly and great for extended climbs, handles highly technical areas very well, and looks great! | | Weaknesses: | None really. It took about three weeks to fine-tune the Julies but that should be expected with any new disks. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper and Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike if you have been riding for a while and ready to upgrade. I would not purchase this bike unless you are fairly committed to the sport. However, if you are looking for a serious performer, you do not need spend $3,000 to get more bike than most will ever need and if you're looking in the mid-1000 dollar range, consider spending a few more bucks and get the Jekyll. The bike has done everything it has asked to do and more. Mile after mile, it delivers great performance and conquers most challenges efficiently. Bottom line, excellent bike and great value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan TeamBallSac
a Weekend Warrior
from Escondido, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Bear | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Love the lefty fork, lock out is a great feature too. Very lightwieght and fun to ride. handled big bear with tremendous control until i started showing off, thats when the mighty cannondale introduced me to the sweet taste of dirt. | | Weaknesses: | Its Rider, but im learning | | Similar Products Used: | Tried the Gary Fisher sugar 3+ a decent ride but inferior to the mighty Mr. Hyde. Tried the super V free ride however it's design seemed quite gay compared to the all fabulous Jekyll_800 | | Bike Setup: | XT shifters installed other than that stock was all i needed. | | Bottom Line: | I Love my Cannondale but i have to say my next bike just may be a santa cruz bullit. But thats only if the rider becomes as good as the bike. may not happen but if it does. wouldnt that be sweet? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | erwin park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | wouldnt't u like to know | | Strengths: | everything so far....ive had this bike about a week and its great.....i love the lefty fork and the bike is just very smooth and i also like the attitude adjustment thing | | Weaknesses: | not really any......the only thing that i think needs inprovment just a little is the magura disk brakes they are good brakes but im just used to a little quicker stoping brake | | Similar Products Used: | none that ive used | | Bike Setup: | 02 cannondale jekyll | | Bottom Line: | ITS THE BEST BIKE IN THE WORLD | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig P
a Weekend Warrior
from Simi Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hummingbird | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Plush ride (Lefty fork); Not a XC bike and not a Freeride--somewhere in between. Big steerer tube (1.5")--strong and before it's time for 1.5 Standard coming on. Fairly light bike for FS w/disc brakes. Handles very nice on the uphill and downhills. Looks unusual. | | Weaknesses: | Was hoping some of the componentry on the bike would've been higher end for the price paid (CODA cranks squeaky, Magura vs. Hayes disc brakes, Continental tires were poor handlers), stock stem too flat and long at 120mm x 5 degrees. | | Bike Setup: | Swapped out stock parts for: WTB Mutanoraptor fr tire (2.24), Panaracer Fire XC rear tire (2.1)-both from Supergo Santa Monica; 80mm x 35 degree Headshok stem (off eBay); Added Supergo HRM&computer--was very tricky to make work w/Lefty fork but worth it. Bought the Yakima Anklebiter for my roof rack to make life easier transporting my ride. | | Bottom Line: | A very good compromise between a full XC bike and Freerider for those limited to 1 bike. Travel on bike is adequate 100mm front(~4") and rear (~4.5")--adjustable air Lefty & Fox L can be dialed in for right setup. Cannondale is a tad pricey but the craftsmanship and final product you're going to get is top notch. Again, the components you get for a MSRP $2k+ bike should be a little higher end but overall this is a nice bike for all kinds of riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Redding, CA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chimny | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Cycle | | Strengths: | Lefty fork, Hydrolic brakes, solid frame, weight (for trail riding and FS). At the end of the ride I may be tired, but not beat up thanks to the supple ride of the suspension. | | Weaknesses: | My biggest complaint has to be the abuse the frame takes from the brake and rear derailer cables. I am trying the new lizard skins (carbon fiber laced sticker), and hoping to save the frame and cables. Any suggestions out there? Brake levers are not adjustable. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin FS, Specialized Rockhopper and FS | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I have enjoyed riding the bike tremondously and would highly recommend it for any serious trail rider. I could not recommend the bike for racers, too heavy, or free riders, not enough suspension. The bike climbs very well, especially over loose rocks, and tears up the down hill single tracks. This is the type of bike that begs to be ridden on all types of single track and one that gives the rider a ridiculous s--- eating grin. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M &M
a
from Oz
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Supple rear suspension, smooth ramp up of rear end even with such limited travel, sharp handling, excellent uphill traction | | Weaknesses: | Weight over equivalent hardtail.
Not for heavy technical/freeride work.
A little pricey | | Similar Products Used: | Caad 2 hardtail, Jekyll | | Bottom Line: | Lovely ladies trail/race bike. Takes the pain out of your back without you having to get used to a different geometry from a similar hardtail setup.
Excellent traction in all conditions without feeling suspension movement.
Ideal for those who want a fast, sharp handling trail/singletrack bike but dont want a painfull, skittish hardtail ride or soggy full suspension setup. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lilo
a Cross Country Rider
from South Bay, CA
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | del cerro / PV | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | CIRCLE CYCLE | | Strengths: | Lefty, Attitude adj. Jekyll frame w. Fox shox , disk brakes, easy front/rear lock-out. Excellent Cust. service and support from dealer.
| | Weaknesses: | Continental tires, Magura Julie brake levers, Shimano M515 SPDs | | Similar Products Used: | Super V 500, Giant NSR, | | Bike Setup: | Stock . | | Bottom Line: | Excellent value even at 1700 +, Cannondale quality.
The bike handles well, on singletrak descents and steep climbs. Pulls out of the curves nicely. Continental tires worked OK in lose terrain, but would prefer FireXCs. Magura Julie brakes modulated well w/ good stopping power, but the brake lever reach could be closer. Shimano pedals had no tension indicator, not even +/- . Both lockouts were terrific on climbs. Nice light bike. I expected to hear creaking from the cranks, but silence is golden! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Markus Parkus
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy, Utah USA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Moab - Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Al's Cyclery | | Strengths: | aggressive suspension, yet light. Mix of downhill, back country and x-country. Lefty shock is excellent. No problems w/ the Fox Floater yet. | | Weaknesses: | Cannondale crank (guess its a Coda) is noisy. But haven't even had it in for the first tune yet. Continental tires are poor in loose stuff. I use a big mouth Thule tray, so I don't remove the front tire for transport, but this could be a point w/ the lefty on a conventional front fork tray. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mt. Carve, Klien Adept, Gary Fisher 3 and 2. | | Bike Setup: | shimano spds, LX front, XT rear, Magura Julie disks, Fox rear shock, all stock. | | Bottom Line: | Have only had it one week. Will update this post at the 6 month point. Great so far, I'm like a kid w/ a new toy. Mostly single track here in No. Utah and slick rock down south as soon as I get a chance. It eats the single track alive and constantly wants to find bumps. I felt like I was one of the dirt bikes I used to ride in my youth when I first rode it. I wasn't so surprised later when I visited www.cannondale.com and found that they also mfger motorcycles. For $2200 a 'GOOD' bike. For the $1450 I paid, slam dunk!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Curtis Bayer
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Arrowhead, CA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them......... | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The Lefty Fork. Disc brakes. Quality frame. | | Weaknesses: | The tires. Low quality cassette & BB. The "barbie" seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR XC, Sugar 2+.... | | Bike Setup: | Swapped out the tires for Panaracer Trailblasters. Other stuff to follow as $$$ comes availible. | | Bottom Line: | This is a fun, do-it-all bike. The Lefty is a great fork! The tires (Continental Explorer's) were absolute crap! They roll fast, but only hook up on hard pack. In loose conditions, they really held back performance. Once I switched the tires form my Sugar 1(Trailblasters), the bike started shining!
It's great in technical singletrack, and the lockout's make climbing reasonable. The brakes are incredible!!! I always thought discs were a joke for XC riding, but I'm converted!
The parts kit needs to be upgraded to equal the quality of the frame and shocks. Just by swapping the pedals, cassette, and seat will equal a pound of weight.
When that happens, I think my Sugar is destined to become the "other bike..."
It's a little costly, but that Lefty makes you forget about the pinch in the wallet.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stefaan
a Cross Country Rider
from gent, belgium
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | theux, ardennes | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | -plush ride
-adjustability (lock out, frame geometry (although you won't change this much, i assume))
-good climber (complete lock-out on lefty), while forgiving *a lot* in the more technical descends
-looks (duh)
-fun bike (not a XC racer, nor a freerider (shocks!), somewhere in between i guess) | | Weaknesses: | -coda crancks are a nightmare (loosen, squeak & squeal,...), will replace them asap.
-generally, parts are too cheap compared to frame (what else is new?)
-fox floar L leaked air from the beginning, upgraded it to RC which up until now holds, but "lock out" is overrated: bike even pumps when out of the seat!?
-when speed > 75km/h on a descent (road), the bike started to shudder considerably, had to slow down to stop it.
-fun bike (not a XC racer, nor a freerider (shocks!), somewhere in between i guess)
-european price
| | Bike Setup: | XTR rear, XT front, XT shifters, magura louise, fox float RC, rest=stock | | Bottom Line: | funny bike, highly addictive & seducing you constantly to ride more, handles virtually any situation. makes it real tough to wipe that grin from your face. makes you also want to sprint wherever you've got the chance, while at the same time, it's an excellent long distance daytripper (except seat maybe), leaving many road racing bicyclists far behind, when on the way to a trail. if you can, fork over some extra $$ & upgrade most of the parts from the start: in the end, it will pay off. if you look for a rather "complete" bike, this one possibly will be it, if you only want to do drop-offs or XC competition, there's probably something better suited for you out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Local (Foothill mountain range) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Lefty, Lightness, Lock-out, Aesthetics.
| | Weaknesses: | Magura's scraping against calipers, but maybe this was an assembly problem by the LBS. | | Similar Products Used: | Piece of shyte Wal-mart bikes! (which shows that I haven't much basis for comparison). | | Bike Setup: | All stock (so far). | | Bottom Line: | So far the only problem I have had is with the Magura disc brakes scraping against the calipers, but my LBS will fix that. Otherwise the bike has been phenomenal compared to what I have previously ridden. I studied many bikes for over 8 months before I pulled the trigger on this one. I have been very happy so far. I intend to learn how to ride better on the componentry I have, then upgrade the parts to get into racing in the future. I didn't spend this kinda dough to become a weekend warrior. Hopefully, by next year I will be out of the weekend warrior category and tearing it up in Big Bear! Oh ya, did I mention that I got a killer deal on the price? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Calabazas Cyclery | | Strengths: | Design, full suspension, weight, lefty, looks | | Weaknesses: | Cannondale typical xt rear der, lx front der, lx shifters. Cannondale really needs to up compoments on the upper end bikes. I can understand Jekyll 600 coming with these components, but even the 800 still has the same stuff! Coda really LOUD freewheel, no water bottle cage on small frame! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale f600, Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Hayes disc brakes, XTR F/R, XT shifters, speedV WTB saddle, velociraptor WTB tires, niterider 6v digital evolution. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike, rides like a dream, fully lockoutable while riding, preload adjuster on lefty. I ended up paying around 2900 total for my custom Jekyll. Would I buy it again? YES When I commute to work on it, at stoplights people in cars even start talking to me about how nice a bike it is. It is true, if you do buy one, you will be riding around with this stupid grin on your face :o) Although it was a bit pricey, for my first mtb in years, my original was a Diamonback Topanga 1995, I think the fact that just looking at it gets me inspired to do some serious riding. On days that I dont feel like riding, I still do, cause of the bike...Get one if you are interested in full suspension, super light weight, and aesthetics. I am giving it 3 chilis for value, cause Cannondale really needs to up the components on any bikes around 2 grand. Overall rating gets 5 chilis, cause I wouldnt want another bike for this price!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hayes Baber
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hobby, Clemmons, NC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2050.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikesellers.com | | Strengths: | Lefty, overall ride, rides like a lighter bike, geometry setup options. Looks great. Good for serious XC riders who want to have fun and ride a steady moderate pace. | | Weaknesses: | Fox shock - seals replaced twice, sent back to Fox for replacement. Been in the shop for repair frequently. Cannondale crank. Riser bars to shallow. Julie discs are OK , need Magura Louise or Hayes discs. Had to purchase specific bike tray (small price to pay for lefty performance). I wouldn't buy this bike if you have racing in mind. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight, Scalpel, Klein Adept, Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Happy with bike. Took a little getting used to coming from a Santa Cruz Superlight. Lefty is best front suspension I've ridden. Very smooth through tight single track (set up bike to shortest wheel base). Goes over practically anything. First discs I ridden, like the stopping power. Plan to replace bars and seat post with Easton C2 Carbon. Plan to replace Cannondale Crank (worst feature of the bike) with Shimano LX or XT. Fox needs to work out the problem with the rear shock. Good for serious XC rider. Not good for racing. Very fun bike to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alain cousineau
a Cross Country Rider
from Hudson, Qc, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | village cycle & ski | | Strengths: | LEFTY headshock, fox float (w/lockout), weight, quality of the frame. | | Weaknesses: | the adjustability of the magura julie disc brake, the seat on the "bluemoon", the deore shifters???, CAN'T PUT A BIG WATER BOTTLES ON A MEDIUM FRAME | | Bike Setup: | stock except: fizik ninsene team seat, huntchinson mosquito gold tires (KEVLAR) | | Bottom Line: | its a very well built bike. Without the LEFTY and the disk brake, the jekyll is not in the game. But jekyll 800 is hard to beat in term of quality, perfomance, versatility and ...................FUN | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott C.
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lone Mountain, Wartburg TN | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zoo, TN | | Strengths: | Great Components (Shimano LX/XT), Awesome Hydraulic Brakes (Magura Julies), Lefty 100mm, NO Pedal Bob, and easy lock-outs. | | Weaknesses: | Lefty is pain to rack on a tall SUV--you almost need a ladder. They need to come up with a cheap and easy adapter for a regular fork mount Thule-type tray. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 2+ disco, C-dale Super V, K2 Razorback, I have a FISHER Paragon Hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for XT cassette and shifters. C-dale appears to have upgraded the crank (LX) and tires (Continental's) from their catalog specs | | Bottom Line: | SWEET all around performance for any trail and/or conditions. The full suspendo takes performance, speed and fun to a new level for ol'hardtail riders. The super PLUSHNESS of the Lefty and Fox rear shock makes technical terrain even more fun. The Magura Julies are excellent so far -- very good feel and no noise or fade.
Definitely recommend C-Dale Jekyll 800 for a high performance full suspension bike for the money $$$. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lumpy
a Weekend Warrior
from Durango CO
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The frame, the plush ride, the handling. | | Weaknesses: | The price and everything else. | | Bottom Line: | I just read the previous review & wanted to advise the guy to hang on to the Jamis, he'll need another bike to ride many times while he's spending $$$$$$ on the new one. The factory warranty is a myth dude, but I guess you've already found that out. Later. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brennon O'Sullivan
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, West by God Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Wallow, CampCreek State Forest - Lake View Trail, Pipestem State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Extreme Sports | | Strengths: | Full Suspension with LOCK-OUT! Julie's G R E A T!! Total Adjustability. Awesome looks. Not too heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Took almost two months to get (dealer said 2-3 weeks) - got the run around from the dealer, so I e-mailed Cannondale. How do you think that went???? Not too good!! They said they had already sent the bike to the dealer. "Great," I say, I'll just check back with the dealer. "No, they sent us someone else's bike, and that dealer must have yours. We will try to have Cannondale track it." So... I call cannondale..."we don't have any idea what the dealer is talking about." This went on for 3 weeks. Finally, I let the dealer & Cannondale know if I didn't get my ride within the week, they could cancel my order - and I would buy from another manufacturuer. (All the time the dealer blamed Cannondale, and visa versa) Needless to say that I was very dissapointed in my dealer & Cannondale's handling of this matter. If my bike dosn't prove to be the great bike I expect over the next 5 years, I can assure Cannondale that I will never purchase from them again.
You would think, for the money and the chance at a return consumer, that Cannondale would have been more attentive. (sniffel)
Mine came with Continental tires (appeared to be for casual riding) very disappointing!
Rear brake housing rubbed frame down to the shiney metal and the Dealer says that I need to adjust it.
After 1months of riding, the small chainring came loose, and caused a nasty lock-up - the thing looked like a taco. There was no warning! I guess I should have been checing the bolts before every ride (just didn't expect it so soon) - the damage was bad enought that I will need a new crank set. (again, dealer says that I stripped the threads when I fixed to to ride again - opps)
Now they tell me that I have to get a complete crank set to repair it. Uggghh! | | Similar Products Used: | My only other bike was a Jamis Arora - Great hardtail! Many many many miles on her, and NEVER a problem, not even one! | | Bike Setup: | Adjusted seat and bars to better accomodate myself (6'2")
Shortened wheelbase - I just couldn't get comfortable with the long setup from the dealer.
Made the typical shock pressure adjustments.
Now that I have a feel for the bike as is, I am going to screw it all up by putting some decent tires on it. (You'd think it would come that way from Cannondale - or did it and the dealer swapped'em out? Hummm! | | Bottom Line: | I really do enjoy my Cannondale (the bike).
It took a while to get used to the full suspension. After working with the suspension, setup, and geometry, it was smooth sailing from there. As an x-motorcycle roadracer - I found the adjustability of this bicycle absolutely awesome! I am still fine tuning the geometry (which is easily done) to better suit my riding style - but just the fact that it can be done on a bicycle is just A M A Z I N G! If you don't know how to make the bike fit YOU, find someone who does. You will be amazed.
Oh Yeah! My rear shock has worked GREAT from day one! (hope it stays that way)
I LOVE the lock-out option (a main reason for choosing this bike), because I occasionaly ride on the road also. It is Soooooo easy to lock-out on the fly. So, to all my friends who said never get a full suspension - HA! I've got both!
This bike glides on the downhills. I just love the feel and comfort this bike relates to its rider. Once it is dialed in there is no sway, or Bob. After I got the feel of the suspension, I felt more confident on the downhills than ever. (sometimes too confident- ouch!)
Gotta love the Lefty. The dealer warned that I should start riding this bike at night, to help me adjust to the feel without the visual effect of a one sided shock. CRAZY!
If you didn't see the thing, most people would know the difference - heck, I've been riding a long time & I'm not sure I can tell the difference (less torsonal twist, etc..)
I do know that it looks way cool, and gets comments from nearly all riders. The downside is that I can't mount it on my friend's truck racks. It is always the one laying sideways near the tailgate (shame - she is so pretty)
As for the Julie's.... the only other disc brake bike I have ridden is my brothers Cannondale F-600 with Hayes cable disc brakes. I really liked them - but when looking for a new bike, I really wanted the feel of hydrolics.
I am glad I got them!
The brakes work GREAT in all conditions (dust, rain, mud & snow) I have NEVER had a failure, and the one finger feel has been the same since day one. Do they stop? Hell Yes they do - just like a race preped Suzuki GSX-R 600 - If you're not holding on and ready when you squeeze the levers, you'll be laying on your back with the bike high above you like THAT!
They don't squeek, they aren't mushy, they are always tight and firm - being so sure about my brakes lets me spend more time enjoying my ride, and working on my riding skills.
If you don't have Hydrolic Julie's on whatever you are riding - getem'!
I am dissapointed that the chain ring broke so soon however, I did tell myself that I would upgrade to better components when the cheap'os wore out - but so soon?
This bike would be great for anyone who has ridden and received a sore bum. Although it is really geared for the more advanced rider, someone that will actually take advantage of the adjustablity this bike has to offer. It makes a great Cross Country ride - and with a good shave, it would make a great racer (kinda heavy to race as is).
This bike is truly a joy to ride & look at. It is a piece of art.
researching for almost 9 months before purchasing, I looked at Trek, Rocky Mt., Jamis, Kona, and Cannondale. The three main reasons I went with the Cannondale are:
#1 Full suspension with lock-out.
#2 Hydrolic disc brakes.
#3 It could be purchased in good ole West Virginia. (can we say keep the tax dollars at home?)
When I finally put the fiascoe with the dealer & Cannondale out of my mind, I will be able to say that my Cannondale experience has been pretty good - all things considered.
I am anxious to see how she rides after the tire & crank set changes. I'd better get to it, the messy spring riding that WestVirgina has to offer is just about here, and it is nothing to miss!
Last word to the wise.......
......Learn to do maintanence on your ride! Learn from me silly!
Amigos, Me tango que ir. Adios! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress forest peeples (all routes) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Dales Cycles GW | | Strengths: | Very light and Plush with cool lefty fork (don’t listen to the bad reviews about them!)Comes with raised bars as standard and the blue paint job is excellent. The bike handles excellently. If you are upgrading from a hardtail as I did you will notice an enormous difference on climbs as well as downhill’s. You'll be going faster and for much longer in comfort and under control. | | Weaknesses: | THE FECKIN REAR SHOCK!! Just like almost everyone else submitting reviews I had to take the bike back several times until a new one was eventually fitted. Come on Cannondale/fox did no one notice that a bad batch was getting fitted to every bike??
I might replace the saddle (nicknamed "the raper!")plus being 6 foot tall the bars could do with being higher rise but that’s being picky!
| | Similar Products Used: | Hardtail Giant and other cannondales | | Bike Setup: | SRAM 9.0 sl rear mech, powerglide cassette and Halfpipe shifters (my preference over shimano) | | Bottom Line: | I would say I ride mostly XC but enjoy a bit of downhill fun and this bike does it all. It's light, comfortable and flexible enough to ride all day on trails but tough enough to tackle the mighty Ben Nevis and Innerleithen Championship downhill courses. I spent a week in Glencoe doing bits of “The West Highland Way” including The Devils Staircase and the bike performed brilliantly (see www.teamtuck.co.uk ). I think it's the best bike you'll get for the cash if you're like me and enjoy all aspects of off roading. If you want to compete then perhaps a short travel or hardtail would do better in XC and obviously you'd need a "proper" downhill rig for the tougher stuff. There are so many freeride and lightweight dual sus bikes around these days it's difficult to choose between them but this bike just stands out from the crowd and in my opinion takes the prize! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Giorgio Rossari
a Cross Country Rider
from Casalmaggiore, Cremona, ITALY
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ledro Lake, Dolomiti mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Similar Products Used: | DBR xr-1 | | Bike Setup: | rigours original! | | Bottom Line: | Very, very, easy to drive. The anterior precision is very reassuring (Lefty fork is fantastic!) for rear shock to follow the instructions in Fox users manual, is OK for all terrains. I recommended the Jekyll for long distance, fun freeride or light downhill. Ciao friends, visit Italy!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a
from NJ
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | deathmans peak, anything gnarly | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Vernon Bike, best shope ever!!! | | Strengths: | LEFTY!!!!!!!! the frame is awesome, drivetrain, anything and almost everything for this price is awesome, and the warranty is AWESOME-lifetime no questions! | | Weaknesses: | i had some trouble with the brakes at first, but it turned out to be a deffective unit and got them fixed for free, | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel 90, gary fisher 3+ with discs, etcetc | | Bike Setup: | stock except for michellin wildgripper 2.1 in the back and kenda collosal 2.6 up front | | Bottom Line: | can you get a better bike for the money?? i think not! this bike decends like a pro, climbs like a goat, accelerates like a ferrari, and stops on a dime!!! this bike is a kick ass bike. especially if you get everything set up from your shop, then your good to go
five flamin chillis only because theres not six
if your still debating on weather to buy this bike, stop and go buy it....NOW! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby Shingleton
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Manly Dam, Cliffs of death, any with lots of singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Addiction (great shop!) | | Strengths: | Lefty (this fork is simply awesome), quality of frame building, excellent design and general good feeling from owning such a beautiful piece of metal. | | Weaknesses: | Difficulty in removing front wheel for transport, annoying click from coda freewheel. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Kona Bear, 2001 Jekyll 1000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except changed pedals to ones with a larger cage. Put quick release on seat post for tough sections. | | Bottom Line: | I spent heaps of time looking for a dually, including alot of time reading all the reviews on this site. I also own a 2000 Norco Nitro which is a great bike, but I wanted something which would allow me to ride a little harder. I also must admit that I really wanted to own a Cannondale as I have long admired their beautiful bikes and thought that owning one would be a bit like owning a Porsche, that is something to get enjoyment from owning as well as taking out and giving a good flogging to.
I thought about buying the 1000, as I wanted Hayes and LX cranks. But after talking to the guys at Bike Addiction and looking at the extra $1200 (aussie dollars) I just couldn't justify the money. The think cost $4900 as it is....
My only gripe would be the difficulty in removing the front wheel to attach it to the roof of my car. After coughing up $140 bucks for an adapter, I learnt that I have to remove the brake caliper everytime (the Julie's are just the wrong shape to get the caliper past by about 2mm).
This would be OK if it wasn't for those damn little washers that hold it in exactly the right place. Surely the design guys could have come up with a better solution.
The bottom line though is that I am very happy. This bike gives me everything I wanted in a package which makes me feel good and ride harder.
Thanks Bike Addiction for fixing me up with such a great bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JB
a Racer
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Brianshead Singletrack, Utah | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | The adjustability with out any travel loss in the rear suspension has been proved very well by Cannondale. Disc brakes are very powerful, much better than the CODA. | | Weaknesses: | NEEDS XTR Rear!!!Who cares about a front derraileur(they're cheap. Cannondale should make a titanium lefty for extra cash. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro FSR, Enduro Pro, and Big Hit Pro.
GT i-Drive 2.0, 3.0 (see the review), XCR 1500, and LTS-3
Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ w/discs
Cannondale 3000 SX, 900 SX, 900 SL, and 2000
Schwinn Stage 1, I could say more but the list is long. | | Bike Setup: | Demo'd most of the bikes I've tried | | Bottom Line: | Great all around mountain bike, not too much travel, but not to less
Ideal Buyer: Freerider who isn't too sure about those 6 ft drops, you'll need the Big Hit for that.OR Cross-country rider that takes his chances with speed and needs all the smoothness possible.
PROS: Light weight, weighs only 23.5 lbs. Powerful brakes. Proven suspension system. No BOB on climbs. Well-balanced 4"-4.5". Smoother than smooth. No need for lockout, but it's there.
CONS: Needs a better lefty, mine made an airy noise that made me think it was broken. Needs better componentry. BOBS on long sprints, I did a long stretch of flat jumped from 6 to 9th in back and 2nd to 3rd in front I gotta big boost of speed but it bobbed like crazy before and after the change. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Redding, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Chimney | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Cycle | | Strengths: | Lefty Suspension, Great Package. This back seemed like the best value out there for quality dual suspension/disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Fox rear shock. I see other people had these problems too. They went flat immediately. I sent the first one in twice for repair. They gave me an adjustable as a replacement, which went flat too. Finally, they got the original back and it works now... three tries! Cannondale should find a new partner here! This was a real bummer when buying a new bike and having it in the shop constantly, not able to ride. Fox wouldn't ship out a shock as replacement until the other one came back. (until my shop kicked and screamed for me)... grrr, I feel better now... | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F1000 1997 model w/Headshock. | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus XT shifters/Profile Carbon Fiber Bar-Ends/Avid Flak-Jacket cables/2x9 shifting | | Bottom Line: | Once I got the Fox shock repaired, and the air dialed in for my weight, this bike is smooth! Rides so sweet, and the disc brakes work great. I ride hilly roads/single track in Northern CA all year long. Dust/Mud/Creek/Night time...Climbs great with dual-suspension. Inspires confidence in my downhills. The 2x9 setup is a little sensitive, I'm hoping the 'flak jacket' cables help that out a little. Never had a regret spending the money for this bike! Just do it, and every time you go out for a ride you will be the guy or girl with the silly grin on their face!
Note on the lefty--It's a great shock, not just for wow factor, but it has no flex, except the supple travel up and down. But it won't fit on your normal 'skewer' rack. You need an adapter, and an allen wrench to take off the wheel. On the other hand, you don't need to take off the wheel for a flat. It has a titanium hub! All this for under $2000? Not bad! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darron Gibbard
a Cross Country Rider
from Newbury, Berkshire,UK
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Snelsmore Common | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Trax | | Strengths: | Cross country go anywhere bike, can upgrade parts at later stage to shave the weight off. The lock out of both front and rear shocks helps on the climbs, the long travel helps on the hit's. I've raced a couple of times with this bike, and I've knocked time of my laps. The bike absorbs the bumps, it has the longest travel front shock. This bike is suited to long rides as well as short sprints. | | Weaknesses: | The standard tyres, not a lot of grip for the typically wet and muddy UK weather and the seat is too slippery, for long rides the standard seat was uncomfortable. Dealer did a deal on both and not looked back since. | | Similar Products Used: | Whyte PRST-1, Marin Attack Trail, and Giant Mountain Snow. | | Bike Setup: | Magura Julie hydraulic discs, Lefty fork, see bike spec. | | Bottom Line: | I had been looking for a good all round bike and was ready to part with my cash for a Marin Attack Trail with the TARA system. I'd always dreamed of buying a Cannondale but never had enough money to do it. It's the best extra £300 I've ever invested on a bike and would recommend this bike to anybody who wants a go anywhere, do (almost) anything bike.
Putting it mildly | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kazista
a Weekend Warrior
from Jersey City, New Jersey USA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1525.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock's Cycling & Fitness, Idaho | | Strengths: | Rides like a Cadillac. | | Weaknesses: | Seat broke on my first ride. Rear shock blew out a couple of weeks in, Cannondale is repairing it free of charge. Fox shipped defective units. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80, Gary's Sugar, Hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock with Specialized BG Comp saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Fun ride, decent value. A lot of good upgrades from 2001 model year (mavic rims, shimano 51 pedals, rear lockout, etc.) You can really pound on this beauty and expect it purr. Digs and claws very well. The whole Fox Shock failure thing is a little anoying, but in reality is no big deal. The Magura Julie brake set-up has never squealed or failed in any way. My brake levers are NOT plastic, some kind of alloy. Them seem very durable.
Cannondale as a company seems fantastic. I spoke with them a few times before my purchase, and a couple of times since. They all are very helpful and informative. Hell, they even give you their name and extension in case you think of another question. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JekyllRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Texas
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Lane | | Strengths: | Versatile, light (for full suspension), quick, Lefty fork, climbing ability, lock-outs (fr & rr), and a lot of bike for the money | | Weaknesses: | Plastic brake levers (however, may be a weight saver) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Have been mountain biking for years, and this is the best overall bike I've been on. Accelerates quickly, climbs exceptionally well, nimble on the trails, and very responsive. Is a great value, considering all that is on the bike.
Big improvements with the Magura brakes; excellent stopping power (I'm 210 pounds and ride pretty hard), no squeaks, adjustmenst, etc. I blew the Fox rear shock, but Bike Lane replaced it without a problem. Since then, no complaints.
Seems to be the most verstile bike frame (and value) among full suspension bikes. Also, forget the tan color...get the optional moon blue fade. Looks much better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jonathan
a Weekend Warrior
from western maryland
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | adventure sports(frostburg md) | | Strengths: | suspension(lefty and fox float l) | | Weaknesses: | none that can be found | | Similar Products Used: | haro hardtail and kona manomano | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ lx shifters | | Bottom Line: | I have very little time on the bike, but the time i have has been great. The suspension is very active, but with the front and rear lockout you can still climb well. accelerates and climbs incredible. everything about this model is incredible the lefty and disk brakes work so well.
if you like to trail ride and possibly race, forget the others and buy a jekyll 800 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PAPAGRANDE VATALARO
a
from LONGISLAND NY
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | JULIO KILLINGTON VERMONT | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | BYRON LAKE OAKDALE NY | | Strengths: | ITS AS LIGHT AS MY 99 GIANT HARDTAIL AND IT EXCELLERATES IN AND OUT OF TURNS TOP SPEED IN AND OUT THE LEFTY IS DOWN RIGHT SWEET CLIMBING WITH THE LOCK OUT LEFTY IS A SNAP | | Weaknesses: | AFTER JUST ONE RIDE WITH 16 YEARS ON MANY BIKES I FIND VERY LITTLE TO FAULT THE BIKE IS VERY RESPONSIVE AND STURDY IN NORTHEAST LATE NOVEMBER TRAIL CONDISHIONS | | Similar Products Used: | 97 FSR 2002SUGAR 2 PLUS 2001`GIANTXTC | | Bike Setup: | XT FRONT 9.O SCRAM GRIP SHIFT AND REAR MAVIC 223 RIMS SMOKE AND DARTS TIRES MAGURA JULIE BRAKES RACEFACE CRANK AND BB | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A SERIOUS RIDE FOR LONGISLAND NY ITS PLENTY FOR CP OR ROCKYPOINT NEXT RIDE I WILL PUSH IT AT STILLWELL IF YOU ARE THINKING OF THIS BIKE DONT JUST GET IT AND RIDE PS SCREW CLIMB | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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