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Submitted by
T.Spence
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Dufferin Bluffs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | locally, used | | Strengths: | Very stiff front end, plenty of travel. Robust frame (!), easy-to-ride-all-day geometry | | Weaknesses: | creaking bottom bracket. | | Bike Setup: | XTR fr/rr derailleurs, SI crank w/ 29/42 rings, XT cassette, SRAM Rocket Shifters, Avid Juicy Seven hydro discs, SI fr/rr hubs, Easton Monkeylite Carbon low rise bar, Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | The Jekyll offers plenty of travel for the not-so-serious rider who enjoys a little comfort over absolute performance. For myself, I hadn't ridden regularly in a few years, and at that it was on a SID-equipped Trek SLR hardtail.
Surprisingly, the Jekyll has proven so far to be resilient, standing up to the punishment of my 240lbs. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Uzzi
a Cross Country Rider
from Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | BL and HP Bikeworks | | Strengths: | This is a great frame. I’ve ridden it everywhere, in all conditions and haven’t run in to much it can’t handle nicely. With its dual lock-out it can whiz up long ascents and really fly downhill; with its 5"/6" travel suspension. I got the frame as a warranty for my cracked 00' Raven, which supplied most the parts for the build, | | Weaknesses: | I have few complains about the frame, other than a squeak in the rear emanating from the BB or maybe the swing arm. The weight is a little much but with decent components, that gets knocked down a little. I’ve raced it a couple times but, wouldn’t recommend it if you plan on winning due to the weight. When I built up the bike minus my Helix rear shock and XTR BB wouldn’t fit the frame’s oddball swing arm and had to use the supplied fox shock and new BB. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Cannondale Raven, and a few hardtail CD's | | Bike Setup: | 00' Lefty fork, with the lock out and dampener knobs.
Magura Luise brake system
XTR drive train
Easton carbon seat post and alum. monkeybar. | | Bottom Line: | I’m a big fan of CD, if only for their no questions asked warranty. All of the frames ive had have been great for quality and workmanship. After cracking my carbon fiber Raven I decided on this one because it could take a beating. It’s a perfect bike for the rough stuff, and long rides. This is the kind of bike for a serious XC rider who races rarely and rides in rough terrain a lot, this is definitely the perfect bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Akin
a Racer
from Tucson , AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | 50 yr | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | used, ebay | | Strengths: | mild downhill control, warranty service | | Weaknesses: | weight issues, shock issues, creakie, adjustable geometry a gimic, broke frame, ghost shifting problem, bottom bracket too low | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y | | Bike Setup: | XT groupo, Magura Julie brakes, DLR fork, Manitou SPV rear shock | | Bottom Line: | I race, but this is no racing bike. It's a little on the heavy side pushing 30 lbs. I've adjusted the geometry and could not arrive at something preferable over the other. Bottom bracket has clearance issues, especially if you purchase 180 cranks. I've beat the crap out of this bike and broke the frame at the seat post joint. C'dale sent me a new frame and rear shock, since the old frame had a different shock size. Lefty shock is pretty good, but has needed work, as they all will. Dissapointed with the rear shock that came with the replacement frame. Went soft after about 5 months. In a nutshell, I'd say it's a good weekend warrior bike or one's training ride if they are into racing, but too many sacrafices for the racer in weight and climbing bob. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johno
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Sparrow Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Puts a smile on my dial: 5" travel & 27lb | | Weaknesses: | Proprietry Shock, BB to low in FR setup. Addressed with the Prophet. | | Similar Products Used: | Super V | | Bike Setup: | Easton EC70 lo-rise bar, EC70 Post, 03 XT Cranks,shifters, & rear casssette. XTR F&R Der. Fox TALAS RL Fork, Magura Louise. WTB Laser V Ti.Maxis Ranchero. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fun. The combination of rear geometry changes and TALAS travel settings enables you to get in a very agressive climbing/racing position or upright cruiser position. Real "Attitude Adjust". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from London UK
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | breacon Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | lefty front end is strong stable and responsive
gearing is fantastic for long steep hills
hayes brakes super strong.
light.well balanced.
| | Weaknesses: | no seat adjustment bracket
fox rear suspension starts to turn in housing after a days heavy riding | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC2 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. purchased the 2003 model new in 2004 from a bike shop on ebay. super strong bike. absorbed everything i threw at it. did some fairly steep hairy runs down what could be described as river beds in wales. lefty front end absorbed bumps that I thought were going to throw me over the handle bars. great bike. really recommend it. expensive bike but worth $$$.
this bike is at home for someone just wanting to cruise over the weekends or for doing some more slightly extreme riding. not good for jumping or really really fast downhilling. i think it would be a little too flimsy for this type of riding. get the gemini instead. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne , Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Weaknesses: | MAGURA MARTA BRAKES ARE CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!
My (fourth!!) set were just sent to my shop.The box was covered in oil when they showed up! In the last 5 months my bike has been in the shop for 3 months. Makes it tough to actually ride. Do yourself a favour, and swap them for some Shimano XT's, or XTR's before you leave. Where I live this is a $6500 bike. Don't trust that kind of money, to inferior junk. I hate to say it, but just buy Shimano. | | Bottom Line: | When is Cannondale going to take some responsibility for the "junk" they spec on thier bikes. My last Cannondale had Coda stuff on it. Oh my god!! Anybody who had one, knows what I'm talking about. Now all this grief with Magura. Even the rep told me it is a bad product. Most mechanics I've talked to won't even work on them! My chili rating is just for the brakes. If I could give "no heat", I would. The frame , and fork are still rock solid, as well as most of the components. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Zapf
a Cross Country Rider
from London UK
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | light, sturdy, gearing | | Weaknesses: | rear lockout leaks air | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC1, Giant AC2, rocky mountain | | Bike Setup: | hayes brakes, Lx front derailer, xtr rear, bought in USA | | Bottom Line: | great bike, climbs really well, gears are faultless, smooth changes even under pressure. it's light, a fantastic bike. lefty front works great, lockout feature and dampening adjustment spot on. I bought a 2003 model in 2004 so received a good discount. cannondales are bit expensive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay Travis
a
from Melbourne,Victoria,Australia
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in British Cloumbia | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sports Pacific, Vancouver , B.C. | | Strengths: | Frame, fork | | Weaknesses: | Now that I've had sufficient time to test this baby let me add:
Had problem with air leaking in Magura lever.Was warrantied by Magura rep in Sydney ,Australia.
Front and rear shocks both leak air but not too much to get fixed.10-15 pounds a week.Not a big drama as you always check it before heading out.
Lefty Lock out stopped working but was warrantied | | Bottom Line: | I said before that this bike does everything, but there are some things it does reluctantly.Firstly.Unless you're rich, walk(ride) around the real big drops.This bike makes you think it can handle anything , but it won't.Pancaked a wheel on the shore, doing 7 ft. drop.Wheels are not cheap.Secondly,don't try to turn too much with front end compressed.This makes for a sure trip over the bars.The front wheel/axle will bend like mad.I know it's nit picky stuff but it happens.Thirdly, forget about adjusting your geometry into freeride mode if you have any roots/logs on your trail.It sits way to low.If you must do it, get a chainring slightly bigger than your middle to ring.This should earn you a bit of your ground clearance back | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthias Wirz
a Cross Country Rider
from Zurich, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3250.00 | | Bottom Line: | it is an absolutely great bike. i sold the xt dualcontrol and bought a magura louise FR with two 180mm discs. what a breakpower. i also bought the x-9 triggers. i wasn't out for a lot of rides but what i have seen till now is just great.
the frame has convinced me about his stiffness. manitou SVP 3-way, that rocks!
(sorry for my english, i am a swiss guy) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dogwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Demorest, Ga
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Frady Branch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | 2004 model: swinger shock is great, climbs and accelerates like a 23lb. hardtail, it takes a very, very, very long climb before I begin to notice the extra 5lbs., Lefty max is very plush and well tuned for rough trail. | | Weaknesses: | Stock Hutchinson scorpions don't corner well and they are pathetic on gravel. Leaves pile up quickly in the area behind the pivot, very little rear tire clearance. Matte black finish is beautiful but it means you don't have the protection of a clearcoat, cables rubbed through the finish on my very first ride. I know these weaknesses aren't very weak but I've only put 80 miles on it so far.
| | Similar Products Used: | 2004 Jekyll 600 Feminine (had to buy my wife one too) | | Bike Setup: | stock except for EC70 flat bar, flip stem to angle down, Velociraptors, rear suspension set to full XC. | | Bottom Line: | I fancy myself a good climber but the trails I ride beat my old F600 to death in 2 years. I bought the jekyll thinking the extra 5lbs might slow me down. It hasn't. I weigh 150lbs . so my total weight ridden (not counting water and clothing) is 177.5lbs. Compared to my 22.5lb hardtail, the jekyll is only 3.3% heavier ridden. I feel like the Jekyll 1000 is a good value. The only components they skimped on were the tires, crankset, and cassette. Also consider that it's made in U.S.A. mostly by hand whereas all the popular big brands are now manufactured in Asian sweatshops(not that there's anything wrong with that), And other made-in-U.S.A. brands like Ellsworth, $2700 gets you a frame and fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.P.
a Cross Country Rider
from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood/Chimney Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Bike'N' Gear | | Strengths: | Strong Frame. Lefty fork is plush, responsive and stable through rough terrain. Bike climbs and descends with ease. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Also have a GF Sugar 3+. Have ridden Trek Fuel, Giant NRS and K2. | | Bike Setup: | stock with some upgrades - RF Next LP, XT shifters | | Bottom Line: | This is a solid all mountain bike that yields a smooth ride and is stable on rough xc terrain. This bike has survived multiple crashes/hits - endos, collisions with trees/ boulders/concrete walls/other riders, falls on rocky terrain and into streams/rivers. I have ridden in heavy rain, mud, sand, through small streams, loose rocks, etc. Suspension soaks up anything in your path. Lefty front suspension is amazing - I have had zero problems with the Lefty since I bought the bike, its responds to the full spectrum of obstacles from small bumps to large drop offs. Front and rear suspension make it possible to increase speed over obstacles and boosts confidence on the trail. The Jekyll easily out climbs the GF Sugar. Descending is also not an issue. The bike is light enough for the job - If you are picky about weight, shed a few pounds of fat off your torso instead of complaining about extra ounces on bike frame and components because the fat in your gut is a bigger factor than the extra ounces on your bike (unless you ride a Huffy). Demo this bike and see for yourself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deke
a Weekend Warrior
from Colo.
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Bottom Line: | This is really a review for the frame. Cannondale makes it expensive to upgrade suspension, you're looking at a Franklin for a headset, plus a fork, and you're pretty much locked into the shock. But if you get the good stuff on it this makes for a sweet trailbike. So, I guess, buying a Jekyll is a good place to start, or, if you know what you want, buy from someone who sells a nice frame, and build 'er up right. I bought one because it was marked way down, and have had to change everything but the seatpost, part by part, cause it either was crap or it broke. I like my bike now, so I'll say now that the Jekyll rocks as a frame only.......D. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Severn, MD
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | College Park Bicycles | | Strengths: | This bike is a real jack-of-all trades. It climbs well and descends with confidence. After a year I'm still amazed every time I ride. If you'e looking for a very nimble, light-feeling all-mountain bike, give this one some consideration. | | Weaknesses: | The parts spec seems a little low-end given the price of the bike when compared to other manufacturers. Of course, you don't notice this the second you start riding. The rear shock lockout seems flimsy, but frankly I've only used it a handful of times. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek hardtails, KHS | | Bike Setup: | factory spec except for Michelin Comp S tubeless tires | | Bottom Line: | After a year on this bike (I got one of the first ones to come out in August of last year) I must say this bike is excellent. It handles like it's reading your mind. The best thing I can say for the Lefty fork is that I never think about it (except when someone on a Wal-Mart bike asks about it); it just quietly performs. The rear suspension is plush and bob is really minimal, especially for a single-pivot setup. The only time you notice the rear bob is when you're really hammering out of the saddle, which I seldom do since I'm not a racer.
This bike feels a little heavy when you're putting it on the rack, but the weight seems to vanish when you start riding. It's an interesting effect. When you pick the bike up, you're thinking it's weight is a little more like a freerider than an all- mountain bike, but then when you get on you find yourself climbing with ease. Going downhill on this bike is almost too much fun to be legal; you really can just point it where you want to go and it does the rest (within reason!).
It would be nice to see a little higher parts spec given the price; Cannondale kind of pulls the trick where they stick on a high-end rear derailleur to get your attention, but the less-visible components aren't as top-shelf. Some comparison shopping showed that some other makes will deliver a higher parts spec in this price category. The difference for me is I simply love the way this bike rides, plain and simple. Maybe that's why it costs more.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John McDaniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Penn Valley, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pioneer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2399.00 | | Purchased At: | Auburn Bike Works | | Strengths: | Soo Smoooth, yet strong with out any rear flex. Lefty fork "It just felt better then the rest" Easy lock out up front. Brakes "Mugura Marta's" XTR rear with durable LX shifters" | | Weaknesses: | Cannondale price, but built in the USA. I here the tires could be a problem. To new to really point out any real problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'ed, Specialized Epic, Trek Fuel, Kona, Heckler / Blur, Rocky Mountain, Jekyll won out! | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike just felt great as soon as I got on it, half way up the first hill during my comparison ride I new this was the bike. It moved up the hill with ease. Went on to test other brands but went back to the Jekyll. The bike is very well balanced and tracks straight.
Lots of plush travel front and rear with out feeling bouncy. The quality of Cannondale shows through out on this bike, frame design, welds, paint etc.. I plan on spending some quality ride time on this baby.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver,B.C.,Canada
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | cbc,the Abyss | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Pacific Sports Bicycles, Vancouver | | Strengths: | Does everything you could want.Moves forward gracefully.Stops on a dime.Lightweight(for full suspension).Bomber strong.5 inches of travel are sweet | | Weaknesses: | Hutchison Scorpion Tubeless tires.Yuk..Little creaky form rear end. | | Bike Setup: | Got rid of the clipless pedals.Flats more practical on North Shore. | | Bottom Line: | I must admit I was extremely nervous about buying another Cannondale.I already have a 2001 F-900 hardtail.It was spec'd with all Coda stuff which was absolute rubbish.Top that off with living in Australia, and the complete lack of customer support made me edgy.Now I'm stoked, because this bike rips.You get the proven performance of the Lefty, bombproof frame, and awesome Magura discs.It'll do everything from 5 foot drops, to racing your mates x-country.Front and rear lockouts are a bonus, when riding to the trails.
Basically it is a perfect bike if you can't afford a x-c, or down hill specific bike.Had to do a little bit of work with the hockey tape to prevent cable rub.I would recommend this bike in a second.Ditch the tires in the shop before you leave.The scorpion tubeless are crap, if you live anywhere it rains. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, WA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mountain..I have many | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Old Town Bicycle | | Strengths: | This bike is unreal. Great front suspenion and love the lockout for the rear. When climbing uphill the bike turns into a hardtail with great ease. Just lockout and go. | | Weaknesses: | The handle bars are a bit wide but nothing to major to get used to. It's a bit heavy. It's still a great ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Raven, Santa Cruz Heckler, GT I Drive Marathon, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp | | Bike Setup: | All stocked! Til I make some changes in the future to make a bit lighter. For a XC rider the bike does weigh more then I would like it but oh well. It's still a comfortable ride. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line this bike is excellent. I could have redid my Raven for about $2500 with everything new on it but said what's the point when I can a brand new bike for that price. I have to admit only having it for a about a month and took it on some really tough rides, I was very impressived. Love 9 speed. It climbs like a mountain goat and for singletrack it's unreal. I'm 5'9 and 180 lbs and it fits me just fine. It's a medium size bike. The only thing I had to do to it was adjust the seat and the set up the front suspension and fine tune the rear suspension. Once the bike is dialed in your set. Great XC ride! Roots, ruts and rocks no problem for the Jekyll. It sucks up everything. Just an all around great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deadman
a Downhiller
from West Virginia
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Bear | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2599.00 | | Purchased At: | CBC | | Strengths: | Lefty fork, Fox Float RL, Mavic UST wheels, Magura Marta's | | Weaknesses: | Stock wheels, stem length, | | Bike Setup: | Swap Scorpion tires with Octopus 2.3's and the stem for a shorter 80mm by 20 degree rise. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. With the added travel, a person can lay off the brakes in rock gardens and nasty root sections and just rail it. The magura's offer great stopping power, which you'll need to keep your velocity in check. The rear swingarm doesn't have any noticeable flex, however break-jacking does occur when the brakes are dragged down a long hill. My advice, give the brakes a break and let this bike find its flow.
After making the afore mentioned changes, the bike felt a lot more like a freerider than a XC rig. The tires rolled over anything, and the shorter stem allowed me to perfect my decreasing radius turns. I had to saw a few inches off the Coda seatpost to allow clearance when I lowered the seat, otherwise the post would impact the shock off of large drops.
I took the Remote Rear Lockout off because it would lockout during a long descent, which wasn't the fault of either Cannondale or Fox. The bike climbs decently, but its true home is the rocky and root covered trails of the East. It also feels comfortable doing some urban assaults.
So, who wants this bike? It's a great freerider that can hold its own in the real world. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Captain Fun
a Cross Country Rider
from Superfund, NJ
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Waywayanda | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Get Outside Ride&Trail | | Strengths: | Lefty Tracks very straight and true. Plenty of plush suspension front and rear. Decent component mix. Disc brakes. Remote lockout for the rear is awesome for steep climbs. Tubeless tires are nice, new to me, but I am beginning to like them. Can handle good drops. | | Weaknesses: | A little weighty for use as a xc race bike. Still hard to swallow spending $2500 for a bike. Hope the bike doesn't turn out to be a "crack n' fail" (fingers crossed). Minor bob when you get up and crank hard in the larger rings. Need a frame grabber to mount it on the roof rack due to lefty. Cable rub. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid, Specialized Epic, Heckler, Yeti kokopelli, Giant NRS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for easton carbon sl xc monkey bar, slr saddle. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for all country riding. So much travel all around makes for fun jumps. Large rock gardens, roots are barely felt with the plush suspension. I wanted a bike I could do everything with, some downhills, trails, singletrack, urban jumps, and it does it very well. A little heavy at 28 pounds for xc racing, looking (waiting) for the next level of lighter full suspension bikes for racing. Great bike for all around riding. I ride it hard and fall even harder. For racing would look at the intense spider or superlight.
Overall a great bike and a fun a$$ ride. 5 flaming turds for a great all around ride, and its handmade in Amerika. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
azian biker
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria, Virginia
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fountainhead, VA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Cannondale - employee purchase | | Strengths: | Lefty, disc brake, remote lock out on rear shock, quick manual lock out on front make this a perfect trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | Pedal (Shimano 515: entry level pedal on a high end bike), a bit heavy (28.5lbs) for cross country. Tubeless tires need to inflate every 3 days. | | Similar Products Used: | '03 NRS 1, '03 Kokopelli | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good trail bike. Ride over any log, stair, root system, rock garden easily. Climbs like a mountain goat with rear shock locked out. Easily change the frame's geometry.
I give it 4 chillis for value because there is always a better bike. But for the money you pay, this is a very good bike, so I give 5 chillis for overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayde
a Cross Country Rider
from York, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Redman Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Cycling | | Strengths: | Frame, Lefty, "Hey, it's a Cannondale" Adjustable Geometry, Handling, Magura Marta brake-set | | Weaknesses: | Mountain mix component group. XTR rear ; sram 9.0 cassette ; LX front ; Deore crank ; LX shifters. I mean come on stick with one level in the group. TIRES! They suck! Lost 12-20 psi every ride no traction on hard soft or wet climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'ed just about every FS bike and like the Jekyll the best. | | Bike Setup: | XT complete drivetrain; Panaracer XC pro fire kevlar 2.1 tube tires ; "still 95g lighter than Hutchinson Scorpion Tubeless" pro ritchey seat tube ; cane creek bar ends ; Easton flat bar | | Bottom Line: | Luckly the shop I bought it at let me build a complete XT drivetrain and gave me full credit on everything I took off.
I feel this is the best FS XC bike you can buy. It handles single track here in PA (which is steep and tight) very well. It climbs like a mountain goat I am a better climber with my Jekyll than I am on my hardtail. It is heavier by 3.6 lbs but you would never know it. I have not noticed any pedal induced bob. And if you set it up right you can rip down any decent faster then you ever thought you could. The brakes are fantastic plenty of power, quite, and have a wonderful feel. Just DO NOT store the bike hanging for the wall or upside down as the brakes are an open system and will then need to be bleed. If you are looking for a great bike and love to ride hard and fast off road then buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FireHawk
a Weekend Warrior
from Paradise, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bidwell Park, Feather Falls, Northstar-At-Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2495.00 | | Purchased At: | Van's Cycle, Yuba City, CA | | Strengths: | Really beautiful, quality mtb. Great, smooth ride. Both shocks really compliment the ride. Takes a bit of effort to personally dial in the fork and the rear shock but every bit of effort is worth it. Easy to lock out either shock particular the rear shock. I notice very little bob effect when pedaling hard. Seldom lock out the rear shock. Easy to change the mtb from free ride to cross country. Steering generally follows desired line or course. Very good components particularly the XTR rear derailer. Like the Hutchinson UST tires although there are learning lessons with UST. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano 505 or 515 pedals are very basic. Changed them to combo platform/SPD Shimano 646 which is more safe for me as lower intermediate. Fizik seat is okay but changed to a Specialized Body Geometry which I like better. Changed the chain from the Shimano to a Sram PC-99. Instantly noticed better shifting with the Sram chain. The UST tires can be different and do not really allow field fixes other than inserting a tube. Added Specialized tire good inside both tires. Must have a CO2 device to quickly air up the tire and seat the bead. Almost impossible to develop enough air with a frame pump. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Giant NRS-2 and 1995 Marin Bear Valley SE. | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Shimano 646 platform/SPD pedals, Sram PC-99 chain as stated, Specialized Speed Zone computer and Oury grips. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. Highly recommend Cannondale and the Jekyll 1000. Really worth the money. Quality is great. Everything that you hear positive about the Lefty Fork, welds and paint job is true. Really well built bike. Great ride. Does not bob much at all when pedaling hard.
I recommend this bike and will know more in the future. Have about 300 miles on the bike. I know, small amount. Don't always get to ride daily due to being a firefighter and being on call, sit tight to pager. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mattias
a Weekend Warrior
from Västerhaninge, Sweden
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Technical singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykloteket | | Strengths: | Basically everything. The lefty, the rear suspension... Not to mention the handling and "bump negotioation" | | Weaknesses: | I might be picky but it seems as the way it is designed, it will collect a lot of mud in the "compartment" where the Fox RL is connected with the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Rigid bikes (Crescent, Nishiki, Merida etc), Hardtails (Scott and many more), Full sussers (K2, Gary Fisher 3+ disc), BMX, you name it. I was around when the pros started arguing about the benefits of front suspension (thats about 20 years biking now) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except RooX seatpost | | Bottom Line: | This is just my first impressions and I´ll post a followup later on. I have the european version of the Jekyll 1000 (http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/ce/model-3VN1.html) but as far as I can see there isn´t any difference from the US model. Cannondale are really expensive in Sweden but I decided to take the plunge anyway.
I´m 205 cm tall (about 6 ft 10) and weigh about 106 kgs (does that make me a clydesdale?). The last couple of years I went from a rigid and stiff hardtails to a old full susser to an even older freeride rig to this state-of-the-art go-everewhere-do-anything "thingy". I did the transition from the hardtail world to a Gary Fisher 3+ Disc and was really happy with that old beater. The world opened up and everything was joyful. Then I lost the bike (got robbed) and now I´m on a Cannondale Jekyll 1000. This is easilly one of the best bikes I ridden, if not the best.
You hardly notice the suspension, until your ride buddies (on hardtails) complain that you are seated all the time and that they cant ride the same line as you *evil grin*
I opted for two bikes, one rigid for commuting to work (80 km asphalt back and forth) and one full susser for the singletrack. The Jekyll gives me that since there is a lockout on both the Lefty and the Fox Float RL. When locked, it is totally rigid and fast as a lightning on asphalt. Flip to easy to reach swithces and your are springloaded directly and ready for that twitchy, rooty and muddy singletrack.
The Lefty is really cool (that gotta be worth something :)) and when you glimpse at it in the beginning your mind starts playing games with you. It takes about 30 minutes and then you start noticing the exactness, the stiffness and the plushness. That is a superb fork, comparable with almost any other fork out there (for the same purpose that is).
The frame is super nice (I got the gray one) and you can really see the quality, craftmanship and work hours that have gone in to it. The weldings are so smooth that you really doesn´t notice them. The handling of the frame is to early to say anything of but it feels as I´m the limiting factor now, not the bike :)
The rear suspension soaks it up. Period! Be sure to get the pressure in the Fox correct and don´t be afraid to experiment a little with the setting. Be sure to note your settings before you start tinkering so that you can "undo" your changes. Very little bob, if any, and superb traction. It kind of remembers me of what they say on a rollercoaster ride; "please be seated at all times and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle". It really feels like you are on rails and that all you have to care about is to put pressure on the pedals so that the "vehicle" goes forward. When it is to to go downhill, just point and shoot. Dont touch the brakes, just go forward.
The rear suspension has a lockout switch, and it is connected with a switch on the handlebar. You shouldn´t be flipping the lockout lever al the time anyway, so I dont really see the benefits of it. I´ll remove it in a couple of days when I´m done tinkering with the setup. Also it hinders the "adjustable geometry" ease of change since you need to disconnect the cable before you can rotate the rear shock.
The weels and tires are to soon to say anything about, but it feels as if the Hutchinson Pythons give me the traction I need on wet roots, in mud and in water. They are UST and I cant really say anything about it yet. It was spec'ed on the bike and I decided to try it out.
I havent really tested the "adjustable geometry" as of yet (wanted to get a feeling for the bike first) and I have it in the XC position. It's going to be interesting tinkering with that setting as well. I feel that the AG is a good thing and really something that C-dale should get credit for. Read more about that further down.
In the forrest, I ride hard, agressive and fast (sometimes really slow as well) on twitcy, rooty, muddy singletrack where I tend to go right on and over the obstacles instead of around them.
On asphalt I want something that goes straigth, doesn´t flex and delivers the force that I put in to the pedals.
Combine that with the adjustable geometry and you virtually have two different bikes. Go full susser with the freeride AG setting in the woods and lock it stiff and put it in the XC AG setting for asphalt. Wham-bam, can it get better (probably can with two bikes but that would leave me flat broke :))
This bike gives me that. This is exactly the bike I wanted. Now I´m the limiting factor on the ride and thats the way I want it.
Bottom line: Smooth. Thats how I would sum it all up. In Sweden, this bike is expensive. Is it worth the money? Thats up to you. For me it is, most definitly.
-Doest it handle better than everything else I have tried? Yes it does.
-Will I race the bike on short courses?
Yes I will.
-Will I race the bike in marathon races (+100 kms)?
Yes I will
-Will I do my first 24 hrs competition on this bike?
Yes I will
As you can tell, I´m really satisfied. I´ll post a followup review in about 6 months to see if anything has changed my opinion.
/Mattias | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.P.
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey, USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Excellent performance all around. This bike glides over everything and handles like a true xc bike should. No problems with Lefty fork - easy to lock out and adjust. Solid frame. Performance stands out, you can easily feel the difference between this bike and others in its class. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ disc Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Raceface Next crankset, xt shifters, Hayes brakes | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a world apart from my gary fisher sugar - it accelerates, climbs, and handles the trail with ease. Most importantly - no drivetrain problems. My gary fisher was plagued with drivetrain problems - a change in bb/rings/crankset and eventually frame did not remedy the chainsuck. The Jekyll has performed flawlessly so far. Front and rear suspension soak up anything allowing me to increase speed over obstacles. The ride is ultra-smooth and the bike shifts perfectly. The rebound control on the Lefty actually works - I cannot say the same for other forks including the Manatou Black Elite that came with my Gary Fisher where the knobs didn't do a damn thing. Lock out controls on front and rear are nice to have, but I don't use them much. I am riding much farther and faster with this bike and most importantly with confidence. My gary fisher is sluggish and the suspension is nonresponsive compared to the Jekyll - I feel worn out after riding the fisher for a couple of hours - not so when riding the Jekyll. Hayes brakes and Raceface crankset never let me down. I don't see any disadvantages with the Lefty as compared to standard forks. I have only ridden this bike in xc conditions so I cannot comment on it's performance elsewhere. If you are an xc rider and interested in purchasing a quality bike that will not let you down then buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Lowery
a Cross Country Rider
from LaVista, NE
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Local - Platte River | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Rack | | Strengths: | Company Service, Goes Up and Goes Down | | Weaknesses: | I've heard pedal bob. | | Similar Products Used: | Turner, Giant VT, Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Read Bottom Line | | Bottom Line: | My old super V 700 developed a crack around the pivot point. With all the bankruptcy talk, I was concerned. Let me tell you...CANNONDALE IS BACK!!!! I don't know whether they are trying to counter-act all of the bad press, but they took care of me. I'll be posting the review of my new Jekyll frame soon enough. I have loved every moment on my Super V. It cut twisty single track like a knife...moment of silence.
Bottom line if somebody out there is getting rid of a 'Dale on the cheap, because of all the hype, pick it up now. The deals will be over soon.
Looking forward to making new memories on my new bike.
Thanks Cannondale | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Insane Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodales | | Strengths: | Frame quality, weight(for the travel), brakes, tubeless. | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Trek Liquid, Sugar. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat. Ti Lefty, Mavic UST, LX, XTR. | | Bottom Line: | The Jekyll is a excellent trail bike. Front and rear suspension work together perfectly on single track. Lefty operates smoothly and delivers sharp handling. Tubeless tires add to the ride quality and the mavic wheels stay so true. The Magura Martas are quiet, smooth, and have good power once they are broken in. If your looking for a bike that is a little more plush than a xc racer but don't want the weight of a freeride, Give one a try. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gbs
a Cross Country Rider
from philippines
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Tote | | Strengths: | Titanium Lefty, Rear Lock-out lever, 5.3inches of rear travel. Lightweight Tubeless Wheelset. Magura Marta.etc. | | Weaknesses: | the shifter cables and brake hoses rub into the paint aside from that bike is just perfect... | | Similar Products Used: | '02 jekyll 800, '01 F900sx | | Bike Setup: | '02XTR, Thompson seatpost, Michellin XLs tubeless, selle italia flite, wireless flight deck computer, ride-on shifter cables. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is well thought of and practical. It is light compared to other bikes with 5 inches of rear travel, which makes long climbs much easier. When it's time to go downhill, the precise steering of the lefty plus 5.3 inches of rear travel gives you more confidence to go faster.
The paint job, the quality of the frame finish (the welds are smooth), the parts that came with the bike(marta's, xtr-lx, tubeless, easton handle bars, etc.),you just can't go wrong. The remote lockout of the rear shock is easy to reach same with the lefty... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Puzman
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | go west, young man | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | copious travel front and rear
adjustable geometry
lots of "high tech" parts (e.g. hydraulic discs, UST)
| | Weaknesses: | $$
a bit long in the TT for me
not much standover
high front end
front wheel removal a pain in the arse
Lefty has harsh top-out | | Similar Products Used: | Titus LocoMoto with Z3 coil, Avid discs
lots of similar bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock Jekyll 1000 | | Bottom Line: | Rented a Jekyll 1000 for two days of riding in Utah (Gooseberry Mesa, JEM trail). Geometry is good for overall trail riding, but I felt the handling of the Medium was a bit slow overall (longish wheelbase), even when set for "XC" geometry. Also, front end seems a bit high and standover is limited (I'm 5'9", 32" inseam). Other than fit, the main complaint was that the Lefty tops out harshly, even when the rebound dampening is cranked up nearly all the way (i.e. glacially slow). Also, the Lefty makes front wheel removal for transport a pain. Components are good-excellent for general trail riding, with the discs being particularly nice.
The bottom line is that if you like the Lefty, its not a bad bike. But for $2600, you can build up a nice custom Loco, Isis, or similar, with equivalent or better components and a nice Fox or Marzocchi fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Addison
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tokai Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | Laterally very stiff. Adjustability (but once you've got it right you tend to leave it alone). Great quality. Components (see below). Unique (see below !). Tracks straight and true. Very forgiving, has saved my ass a few times when I've gone beyond my own abilities. | | Weaknesses: | Can occasionally catch the inside of my ankle on the swingarm.
With my set up the front end is a bit too high for real technical steep climbing. It's so beautiful it hurts when you scratch it ! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Suger, Giant NRS | | Bike Setup: | Jekyll 1000 frame. Race Face everything (cranks, stem, seat post, riser bar). Hayes discs. Manitou Black Super Air. Fox Float RC. Spinergys. Python tyres. San Marco Aero saddle (the best !). | | Bottom Line: | My local ride consists of steep jeep track up, and fast, technical single track through pine forest down, a round trip of about a continuous hour and a half.
I used to race cross country on a Bianchi team replica hardtail, my C'Dale is quicker over the whole trail by minutes. It doesn't try to kill me 20 times on the descent, and I don't feel like I've gone 12 rounds with a concrete mixer either. I haven't sat on the pale green bike for ages! The Jekyll is easily the best bike I've ever ridden.
Pure Fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a
from Montreal, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3700.00 | | Strengths: | Super light for the travel, all kinds of technology (Lefty, discs, 2Bliss,... WOW)Tracks like train on rails. ADJUSTABLE GEOMETRY. | | Weaknesses: | Remote lockout issues (won't stay unlocked). Tires not agressive enough... | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Super V 700 | | Bike Setup: | Swappped the stock EASTON EA50 for a MonkeyBar for more rise and less weight. Also swapped the tires for 2Bliss Pythons. Ditched the Remote lockout for the manual lockout (cute little blue lever...) | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks !!! Thought my old Super V was efficient, this one makes it feel like a grandpa on a 3speed !!!
The components hanging on the bike are awesome : cool lookingMagura Marta disc brakes do a great job, XTR rear der. is first class (though the new XTR line is way cooler), LX front der. is OK but must be changed, Easton EA50 bar is a bit heavy and not high enough (changed it for the MonkeyBar, higher riser, lighter), Mavic 24 spoke wheels are sweet, Shimano Hollowtech cranks will probably be wasted in a year.
Finally, but not the least, the LEFTY fork. A piece of tecnological art ! It's plush and stiff and tracks superbly. I didn't service my Headshock fork for the 4 tears I had it, and probably won't service the Lefty as long.
If you're a hard XC rider and like to ride up the hills as well as fire down tose tracks, the Jekyll is the dream bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | BIkeline | | Strengths: | PLUSH fork, responsive fork, lighter, and has more torsional and lateral rigidity than most high end long-travel forks. I have yet to meet someone who has bottomed out a properly set up Lefty. Turning response like a 911. Handmade in the USA - unreal weld quality. Did I mention the fork? 30 ton jets slam onto aircraft carriers on unilateral suspensions - 'nuff said. Oh, also, Hayes - heavy but bulletproof reliability, fade resisitance, and power - for those who know how to set them up properly. | | Weaknesses: | Weight - although not *that* weighty considering the strength of the frame and susp. I've had some ugly falls and bent the stock front Mavic rim but the frame is mint. LX front derailer and cable sucked and needed to be replaced before I broke my thumb trying to upshift. Not as simple to take off the front wheel but we're talking a difference of 1 minute - besides you can change a tube without removing the front wheel - that's way cool. | | Similar Products Used: | CAAD5 Lefty, Trek Fuel 90, Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Stock - Lefty DLR Titanium 100mm travel, Fox RL with remote lockout, Hayes, LX/XTR | | Bottom Line: | Although not a bike for 10ft cliffs, arguably the best value for a XC/downhill bike. A very well thought out design: 5.3in of rear travel, ease of the lockouts (both the Lefty and the remote Fox), adjustable geometry rear suspension allowing a bottom braket clearance of 13.5in, the ability to loosen three 5mm allens and raise and lower the Lefty several centimeters, - this is the most adjustable bike I've seen. This is the bike for someone who wants to do it all. It's also the most forgiving bike I've ridden - it soaks up a lot of pain and climbs well even without lockout. If you have the cash look no further. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T. Ward
a Cross Country Rider
from Pacifica, CA USA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Montara Mt. (all of it) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes | | Strengths: | Versatility, versatility! Faster than should be legal on single track. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires don't have very aggressive treads, and wear quickly. Where do you mount a computer? | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Ellsworth Truth, variety of hard-tails | | Bike Setup: | Stock (replaced tires) | | Bottom Line: | My perspective may be colored by what I had before... a 9 year old, hard tail with 2" in front, and brakes that were older than V-brakes. I am a big (220LB) aggressive rider who loves climbing technical uphills and bombing back down. I found that I was feeling just too abused on technical single track on my old bike, and there were ever more challenging sections I wanted to hit, but didn't dare.
While I prefer to ride single-track the reality is I end up riding a variety of conditions (a wee bit of pavement) a lot of fire roads ranging from very rough to smooth, and my beloved single track, and wanted a bike that would take it all with joy.
I bought the bike for the suspension and the brakes, and have not been disappointed. I've always been fast on the down hills, but folks who used to keep up don't even see my dust. In the technical stuff, just pick a line, point it down hill and don't look back. I can't figure out how much is the plushness of the suspension and how much is the responsiveness of the brakes and I suppose I don't really care. It is so sweet in the corners. I am definitely tackling trails I used to shy away from.
A pleasant surprise has been the drive train. It has fabulous range and versatility as well. The granny may even be a touch too low, I lose too much momentum when I drift into. (Need to work on my spinning technique.) Did a friendly race with some friends a few weeks back and ended up on a very steep and twisty paved road with some flat sections. I locked out the suspension, sprinted hard where appropriate and managed to grease them all. At no time did I feel like I couldn't get into a high enough gear to make pedalling worth while.
I'd say the only issue I have had is that when I do really long, steep downhills I wil sometimes get a touch of heat warp in my discs and they rub a touch, but nothing big. (By the way, for anyone who is breaking in discs, be careful on those first few big descents,they do take a while to break in.)
I've been riding moderately hard over the last 5 months and had no equipment issues. I am delighted with my purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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