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Submitted by
Mickey
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Harold Parker | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Rides over everything; climbs great; super used-bike bargain. | | Weaknesses: | factory Manitou Black fork | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Slayer, Cannondale Prophet, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Double crank w/ bashguard, SRAM X-7 derailleurs & triggers, Avid mechanical disc brakes, Panaracer Cinder 2.25 tires, Fox Float L Rear shock, custom tuned by Push Industries, Fox Vanilla R suspension fork | | Bottom Line: | The Jekyll is a great all-mountain ride. Switched out the Manitou for a Fox immediately and had the factory Fox Float L customed tuned to my riding style/weight by Push Industries. These two upgrades created the best riding mountain bike I've ever had.
This thing soaks up whatever you through at it. I'm not dropping off 10-footers or riding high in the Vancouver trees, but for the rocky, rooty trails of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, this bike is perfect. Just the right amount of travel for comfortable all-mountain riding. If you're a downhill xtreme rider--don't buy it. If you are a low weight cross-country junkie--don't buy it. But, if you are like most of us and ride a variety of trails and need a bike that does almost everthing great--BUY THIS BIKE! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Heirtzler
a Weekend Warrior
from Durango, CO USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Horse Gulch/Test Track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | Nice frame, plush suspension, adjustable geomotry, Cannondale | | Weaknesses: | components | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Element | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Avid Mechanicals and a Fox Vanilla 130mm Fork | | Bottom Line: | I picked this bike up "barely used" from a guy heading home to Europe. Very glad I did. This bike is great. I used to ride a Cannondale hard tail and always thought that Cannondale built a quality product. It is a little heavier than my '02 Element, but I am getting more travel so I'll take the few extra pounds. It climbs nice and I haven't noticed any bob. On the way down, the bike is plush and just a joy to ride. The components on the 500 are not great, but it allows me to upgrade the bike how I want. So far the Avid mechanical disc brakes and Fox fork have made a huge difference already. Bottom line, very fun bike to ride and I will be riding this frame for quite some time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Manning
a Cross Country Rider
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Monon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Cash America Pawn | | Strengths: | Absolutely the finest frame design in strength and function. | | Weaknesses: | I can't even critisize it! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale 900 | | Bike Setup: | As purchased...Shimano Deore Drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | After cycling nearly 10,000 miles since I purchased this bicycle, I believe it has spoken for itself! I came into the purchase only because I previously owned a Cannondale and was very pleased with it. It had been stolen from me before I could really determine its true potential. This is a light weight, very strong bicycle that if well maintained should last many years. I believe it will be back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark richardson
a Weekend Warrior
from bovey tracey
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | monkey bumps | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | very light very strong | | Weaknesses: | hard to get parts or chane like the forks are headshock size(1/5th????) have to buy a seperate adaptor | | Bike Setup: | stock except tyres(tioga factory DH) | | Bottom Line: | i think this bike is an amazing bike the only thing i dont actually like about it is how the forks look.(bit ugly cannondale) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PizzaFiend
a Weekend Warrior
from Sturgeon Bay
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Stadium Bike | | Strengths: | FS frame with adjustable geometry | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized RockHopper(rigid), Klein Palamino Race w/Marzocchi forks and Hayes Hyd. front brake | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike new because it was a great deal on a full suspension ride and seemed to be very versatile as far as setup and upgrades go. The components may not live up to some rider's standards, but they are more than adequate for me to start with, and function perfectly. I've read some reviewer's complaints of the seat, but I find it perfectly comfortable on two hour rides - a seat's a pretty personal choice anyway, right? I weigh in at about 185lbs., so the suspension was perfect once I set the sag on the rear. I can lock out the rear shock and change the fork travel from 120mm to 100mm (which adds stiffness) on the fly, so changing from "bike path" to singletrack or visa-versa is a snap. I absolutely love this bike! I'm going to upgrade this bike as my needs and wallet see fit. If you're more comfortable than I am shelling out a lot more cash up front and are a component-envy freak, maybe this bike isn't for you. If you're new to the sport and want a good full suspension bike, I recommend it highly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emilio Fernandez
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego,CA,US
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | H canyons Chula Vista | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1249.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance bike | | Strengths: | The Frame Geometry, weight, full suspension MTB, | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT ONE, Giant NRS 3 | | Bike Setup: | Handlebar Easton carbon Monkey XC, Avid disc brakes, LX shifters, XT front deraulier, egg beater pedals, remote lock out, Cossland Mavis tubless Wheels. | | Bottom Line: | I really like the Jekyll geometry, I updated to better components, and it is lighter.
It is a great bike for XC and Downhill, I just change tires to WTB Motoraptor Laser 26 x 2.4 and that is it.
I recomend this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taso
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Daley Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Perfomance (store was closing) | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry, fork | | Weaknesses: | Weight, components. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuji Outland, Trek 8900 | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talas RL Fork, EC90, Ritchey WCS stem/post, Terry fly saddle, XT drive train, XTR Shifter/Brake levers, Bontrager Racelite Wheels/King hubs, AVID SD7 brakes. | | Bottom Line: | First thing I did with this bike when I bought it was I got rid of every component on the bike minus the front derailleur. The fork that was on there was actually pretty nice. I liked it. But the FOX TALAS I had was nicer. So the "black" had to go.
So the review is mostly about the frame. And what a frame it is. Only weakness it has is it’s a little on the heavy side, but with the choice of components, the bike weighs in at 26 lbs. The geometry is perfect, everything really is perfect, bike is a lot of fun to ride, and very comfortable as well, which was the idea when I built it up, because when you're out on that long a$$ ride, around the 6th hour or so the difference is obviously noticeable, and you body is thankful. To sum it all up, performs like a Porsche, but comfortable like a Rolls.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hartwood Acres in Pittsburgh | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1125.00 | | Purchased At: | Gatto Cycles in Wexford | | Strengths: | Frame has a really sweet geometry with invisible welds (extra attention spent on that when manufactured). Decent front and rear suspension. Front is a Manitou Black Comp 100/120 (120mm travel and rear is a Fox Float L. I'm about 150lbs so no complaints there plus they are both lockable which is just plain great! I had the bike in storage over the winter (Nov-March) and didn't lose any air in the rear shock whatsoever which I thought was incredible. | | Weaknesses: | Stock saddle had to go when I bought the bike - what a cheappo! Definitely baaaad components also! Had to change the free hub (on the back wheel) after couple months of riding (cassette wasnt'running freely anymore). Just recently had to change the BB (bottom bracket) due to an awful creaking noise (when I took it out it didn't even have any markings on it as to what brand it was - plain junk!). Cheap Shimano 440 crank but I can live with it for now I guess. Cheap cage pedals - upgraded them to clipless right away anyways. Cheap stock brakes which started squealing right away so I upgraded to Avid mechanical disc brakes - best upgrade so far! Brake and shifter cables are running down the bottom frame tube so the mud thrown from the front wheel gets caked up all over the cables. I'm really having a problem with that as I had to change those cables three times so far. I had the dealer put in rubber caps at the end of each housing on there to prevent mud getting inside which seems to be helping now but that setup is definitely a flaw. You gotta run cables down the top horizontal tube so they are out of the mud-zone! Also, the rear brake cable flow is goofy and it's rubbing into the bottom corner of the frame with the rear swingarm motion. Also getting mud stuck in there makes it worse. Stock tires seem to shed off the mud very well but their grip especially on uphills when you really need it is poor. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Boulder | | Bike Setup: | Avid machanical disc brakes, hellbent 26" handlebars, bar ends, Telluride saddle, XT skewers, clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The bike frame geometry is really cool (fairly heavy frame though) and the stock suspension works good for me but other components are all cheap and crappy so be ready to replace and upgrade in the process.
I've put about 150 miles or so on the bike so far and plan on putting many many more. My next upgrade is a quality set of tires, the crank and a new set of lightweight wheels | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington Beach, CA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Good price for a FS bike, made in the U.S.A., Frame geometry is sweet and strong. Adjustable suspension front and rear is a big plus. | | Weaknesses: | The components suck. The pedals, cranks and bb, brakes, seat, and wheel set are pretty low quality, but the price is right so I cant complain that much. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F800, GT, S&M. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Jekyll 500 | | Bottom Line: | The bike is pretty solid. For what I paid I was happy with how it preformed stock. I knew the components werent the greatest when I bought it,(one of the reasons the price was so good), but I was planning on upgrading most of them anyway. Even after upgrading to the components that I want im still way under the price of a Jekkyl 800 and I have the parts that I like. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timur Jurkashev
a Weekend Warrior
from Kazakstan, Celestial Mountains
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all day thru 2 passes over 11.000 foots | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | ordered from USA - not cheap | | Strengths: | Frame design - easy to serve, no FSR's creaks
1-1/8' standard - you can use other fork than Headshock
| | Weaknesses: | Cheap components, really heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Spec. Stumpjumper FSR 99', Enduro Comp 02' | | Bike Setup: | RS Plyso SL, Sun-Rhyno Singletrack/Shimano XT hubs wheelset, Shimano XT disk brakes, Answer Protaper handlebar, Pazzaz steam, Shimano LX crankset/BB, Selle Italia Flite Ti saddle, IRC Mythos tires ...
Original are ony frame-shock-headset, Deore shifters, derailleurs, seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | Bike's weight is about 30 lbs. - a little heavy for "all-mountain" bike (do not ask what does it mean, just take a ride in mountains). Bike is not racing XC or DH machine, just good climber, stable on descents. And I did not break it yet like Scott, even we have same weight and riding styles. I ride my Attitude Klein more frequently, but for all-day-epic-technical-ride (geez, plain ads terms here) I will take Jekyll. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from Lake Stevens WA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Devils Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Strengths: | susp. travel, price | | Weaknesses: | seat, brakes, pedals, BB | | Similar Products Used: | First FS-- This replaced my 13 yr old c-dale w/early Manitou fork. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized seat, Specialized Armadillo tires | | Bottom Line: | The test ride was great, but it was a bit soft up front for my size(6'3", 260lbs). I don't like Fattys (at least in forks!) so the Manitou made it desireable. Once I upgraded the fork spring to an x-firm ($20) it felt more balanced, yet I am still using most of the 120mm. And the 100mm preload lever eliminates most bobbing with the stiffy in for climbs, so I won't be tempted to buy the lockout retrofit. (DON'T get the x-firm unless you are 250+, my scrawnyass friends hate it.)
The seat and tires came from my old ride, the Hutchisons just didn't look beefy enough and the 'dillos are pretty much bombproof. Due to budget constraints I have deferred the necessary brake and BB upgrades until I wear the originals out. (Hey, I just upgraded from cantilevers, so these are an improvement.) The rear installation is too much in the way, seems like I am always banging into it no matter how I route the cable. The BB has just started creaking a bit on the last ride (about 250 miles so far, most off road).
Overall it's a great ride. When I do pop outta the woods for a road ride home, the rear lockout and front shock preload make it feel almost just like my old c-dale hard tail (a compliment).
Saw the 2004 lineup at the LBS yesterday. The 600 disc version has Avid discs, nice tires, Truvativ BB/crank, and an RL shock (rebound damping adjustable) and the seat looks nicer-- but it's $1500+. The new 400 has the RL but also a lower quality fork and other stuff ($1049). Find a deal on an '03 500 like I did and customize your upgrades for less, as the pocket allows.
My first Gulch dh ride with it, I felt less confident, but my fellow riders pointed out that I was going about 40% faster, so that's a given. 4 jalapenos overall because of the needed upgrades... but I knew that going in. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Moore
a Weekend Warrior
from York, UK
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Boneshakers | | Strengths: | frame geometry, colour, wheels, headshok - not necessarily in that order | | Weaknesses: | pedals, brakes, tryes (good but really soft compound - had tom replace within 2 months use), handlebars, seat | | Similar Products Used: | Spec Enduro comp, giant ac1 | | Bike Setup: | easton bars, tima tac pedals, panaracer fire xc pro tyres, spec body geometry sport saddle, raceface prodigy dh cranks, remore lockout kit, hope minis | | Bottom Line: | This bike is ace. I have added a second comment (earlier one up the list). This bike is treated me well even when having a go at freeride sort of riding. the tracking when xcing is fantastic. The only possible big upgrade I am thinking about is some marz z1 mx comp fork upgrades. To see some pics of our rides and check out the bike setup go to - http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andrewmoore.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terence
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Suspension, Strength of Frame, | | Weaknesses: | Saddle has to go! | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Avid Disk Brakes, Thompson Seatpost and Stem, Easton riser handlebar, XTR Frt & Rear, Terry Saddle | | Bottom Line: | I am no where near the caliber of some, I am just a guy who loves riding, before buying, I must've tried everything under the sun, but has soon as I got my butt onto this bike I felt great, very solid feel. I would highly recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for something that'll last, the only negative is the saddle, it was a bit hard!
Gotta go! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Anderson
a Cross Country Rider
from Avondale, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Desert Classic | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | The biggest strength is the suspension package. The Jekyll 500 comes with 120mm's of travel in the front and 4 1/2" in the rear. The rear shock allows a quick change from the torque you get from a hardtail to the comfort you get from a softtail. I'm a big guy (6'2" 230lbs) and the suspension delivers everytime. | | Weaknesses: | The weight. The frame is solid, the suspension is solid, but in doing so Cannondale made this bike a little on heavy side. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Aggressor 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | Standard Jekyll 500 with Mavic 517 rims and Veloci Raptor tires. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It's a solid value for the money. I wouldn't recommend it for competitive racing, but for a bike that is going to keep coming back for more this bike is the one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
happy bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark de.
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | middle run, fair hill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Wooden WHeels | | Strengths: | Frame, suspension, front shock, rear shock, wheels | | Weaknesses: | v-brakes, crankset/b.b. | | Similar Products Used: | klein mantra, trek y bike, schwinn full suspension, specialized enduro, c-dale scapel | | Bike Setup: | I added avid disck brakes, lx crankset and b.b., riser bar, and gripshift 9.0 shifters and rear der. c-dale rear remote shock lock out lever | | Bottom Line: | After some time on this bike i can say that it really is a great ride. As mentioned by others upgrades to the brakes re a must, after that it's all personel choice. I wasn't going for light(i'm 205) but for durability and performance. THe biggest two upgrades were the brakes, and the rear shock remote lock out lever by c-dale. This little item is pricy but it really does the trick. I find myself using it more than the sshifting it seems. THe bike has a tendency to hit a pedal when in active mode pedaling over bumps or risers. Still i have no qualms about racing this thing next year and having a blast. As a big rider this bike fits the best of all. Long top tube and the adjustability of the rear and front suspensions allow for a fine tuned ride. I would recomend this bike to anyone who is looking for a bike to put a smile on their face, and to still feel good at the end of a ride. All this in an american made product. It's a keeper | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Herb Valdez
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle WA USA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Greggs Cycle | | Strengths: | Nice geometry, great rear suspension, nice price for full suspension | | Weaknesses: | Weak brakes and stock front suspension is pretty stiff | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F600 | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded shifter to Gripshift 2.0 and upgraded front suspension to oil-dampened fatty | | Bottom Line: | This bike looks slick, rear suspension took a little getting used to(especially when climbing hills). After upgrading the front shock, this bike handled like a dream. I have a few more upgrades to do: front v-brakes to disc (I weigh 200lbs)and I am looking for the ultimate seat for this bike. Overall, I miss the take-off speed of the hardtail, but the rear-end suspension makes for a more comfortable ride. I would recommend this for the mountain rider who prefers style and comfort as opposed to pure performance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry
a
from Farmington, CT
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Price, Strong Frame, Good Full Suspension | | Weaknesses: | SEAT! Brakes are a little weak. Stock petals are just bleh. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Changed to Seat and will be changing bar. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great overall mountain bike for the money, especially for a full suspension. If you're looking for a cheap hard-core bike this isn't it. If you're looking for a solid mountain bike that can take a decent amount of beating for a good price, then you're golden.
The stock seat is horrible, the bar is weak, the petals are just not right, and the brakes are a tad weak. But I didn't purchase this bike for the components, so to me these don't matter. I was planning on upgrading anyway.
Overall, if you upgrade a few things such as the seat, petals, and bar you're set. I love the full suspension ride and it's ability to deal with my off and on riding throughout the week.
Buy this for the overall frame and get some upgrades, you'll be happy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Barr
a
from Bellingham
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sean's to C & L | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Gregg's Bellvue | | Strengths: | Price, relatively speaking. | | Weaknesses: | Delicate, if not flimsy. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS, Kona Stinky, Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Upgrades: Avid Discs, risers, flat pedals, bigger tires (i.e. realistic off-road tires), saddle, xt cranks/bb w/ bash ring | | Bottom Line: | Cannondale attempts to pass the Jeckyll off as an 'all-mountain' bike. I'm not sure which mountains they're referring to, but I broke this frame in less than 6 months of standard trail riding here in the Pacific Northwest. No 10 ft. drops or urban silliness--just regular singletrack trailriding. I'm 5'9" and 185# and a smooth rider of 23 years experience. This is a boutique bike that almost has the look of a real trailbike, but utterly lacks the durability or performance of say a Santa Cruz or a Kona 'All Mountain' bike. (These are both brands I looked at but didn't buy--big mistake).
After being told to expect a 6 week (!!??) wait for a new frame, it turned out that the local Cdale rep had a replacement front triangle in his truck. In a comical effort to save some corporate face, the rep maintained that the large 5" crack was in fact a human hair caught under the clearcoat. (Ummmm . . . that's why they call them 'hairline fractures') Anyway, because he'd scratched the frame to find this very clever hair; I got a new front triangle--clearly a factory second, as the stickers are crooked and the headtube reducer cups (1.5" to 1 1/8th") creak loudly in the frame.
While Cannondale has attempted to beef this model up by increasing the rear travel to 135mm, they've failed to account for the way the pedals then smack on the ground if you so much as roll over a cigarette but. A poor design made worse for this year. At least they had the good sense to make this model available without the heinous Headshock.
The 'adjustable' head angle/bb height cannot be effected without removing the shock entirely from the frame. If you attempt to turn it in its mount--as the outdated online manual instructs--the lock out lever hits the frame, preventing the shock's rotation.
In short--this bike is a joke. I've seen some positive reviews here on MTB Review from beginning FS riders. If this is you, then you've probably found a decently priced intro to FS riding, but if you're a more experienced rider looking for a trail-worthy bike, look elsewhere--Kona and Santa Cruz, for example.
Cannondale's spec suggests that the bike begs to be upgraded for serious trail duty--disc ready hubs, longish travel, etc. and the frame on the 500 is the same as on their high-end Jeckylls--but trying to make this a real trailbike has been a futile experiment for me and I find that I can't ride this bike with any real confidence. The ubiquity of the snide appellation 'Crack n' Fail' is wholly justified. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay P
a
from Vt
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Rack in VT | | Strengths: | Great Frame...solid and confident in any terrain, did change the tires to grip in the slick stuff here in VT. Plush enough suspension yet it feels real tight when pumping the cranks for some speed. Love the lockout rear shock for the climbs! Disc ready hubs! | | Weaknesses: | Handlebars, brakes..the rear cable has an awful path, causes a ton of dirt to get stuck in the housing causing the brake to not function! Will be swtiching to Disc this winter. | | Similar Products Used: | Super V 1000, FSR, NRS,Jamis Dakar | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Monkey riser bars and tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike...I have fun riding this bike and feel comfortable in any terrain. I race this bike as well and it makes thing fun. Not a true XC racer by any means but it does the job for people looking to get into racing but not live to race! Just an all around good bike for the money for anyone who rides for fun and fitness. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeromy
a Cross Country Rider
from alberta,Can
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow Cycle | | Strengths: | I love the front shock!!! The adjustment on the fly is a great option. Also the lockout rear shock is a bonus if you have time before climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is hard and my next purchase will be some disc brakes to handle the downhills a little better. Only problem so far.... | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and I am very happy with it. It has handled everything so far and the weight is pretty good for the price. Once I repalced the seat, the long treks were even better. Two thumbs up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
F C
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Great frame. Strong. Pretty light. Can take abuse. Frame geometry is awesome! | | Weaknesses: | A lot of the components are pretty weak, but hey, it's a pretty inexpensive FS bike! | | Bike Setup: | Performance racing seat, Avid mechanical disc brakes, Azonic platform pedals, Profile riser bar with Yeti grips, XT chain, XT cassette, XT cranks and BB... yup, I think that's it! | | Bottom Line: | As long as you're not expecting a top-end FS bike for the asking price, you won't be disappointed. It's pretty obvious where Cannondale saved some money.. seat, crank, BB, bars, etc. I put about 600 miles in 3 months, and it was pretty obvious.... although it won't take you nearly that long to know that the seat has got to go!
Having said that, once you replace some of these items, you'll have a FANTASTIC bike.. capable of XC and some light freeride/downhill stuff.
Bottom line, it's an awesome bike.. highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Moore
a Weekend Warrior
from York
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Boneshakers, Harrogate | | Strengths: | The bike is cool as. Please see earlier review I posted when I Bought the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Seat is uncomfortable, rubbish chain (snapped 3 times), Tyres are good but soft compound and have worn out, handlebars are Flat! and grips are worn out. | | Similar Products Used: | GT RTS3 | | Bike Setup: | as std except, new riser bars from Easton, Panaracers xc pro kevlar tyres, hope mini upgrade from new!, xt chain, lx crank, bodyfit tit li pro saddle | | Bottom Line: | After changing the said bit my bike as fantastic to ride and look at! get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Helmut Wolf
a Weekend Warrior
from Burnt Hills
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The NE Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1249.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Therapy / Burnt Hills - NY | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything - especially rock-solid frame and great components. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle! Ouch - get an upgrade or lower the front a bit. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh - Doesn't even come close! | | Bike Setup: | Standard, but added front disk and raised handle bar. | | Bottom Line: | Just got the Bike and took it out for a few rides on local trails, and I am sold. I am 190lbs / 6' and the Bike just feels perfect in every way. Great buy - and what was also important for me: Handmade in the USA! Thanks Cannondale for keeping it local! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean Henthorn
a Cross Country Rider
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | National Trail - South Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path - Hayward | | Strengths: | price - value ratio is great. disk ready- compatible | | Weaknesses: | bottom bracket and crank are weak, handle bars need changing, shifters are sloppy and bulky,tires are below average for desert /rock/sandy terrain. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB tires | | Bike Setup: | stock with exception of tires and pedals and Deore hydraulic discs. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first mountain bike and I have ridden it hard, very hard. It has taken what I call the first bike beating. After approximately 1000 miles and 8 months, everything on the bike out has worn out or bent (not the bikes fault). The bike will do everything you want it to do. A bit heavy and not the best climber the bike handles very well and great on the big stuff, bumps and down hills. An excellent bike for all but those who want to race seriously in any class. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Scheneck
a Cross Country Rider
from Landing, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Allamuchy Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1125.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Works, Byram, NJ | | Strengths: | Great Value for the money. Disc-ready hubs makes for easy upgrade. Adjustable geometry allows for more options, depending on your riding style. Overall, a great bike! | | Weaknesses: | Comes with weak cantilever brakes -- easily fixed by getting some Avid Mechanical Discs! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale CAAD 4 frame with various XT-level components, Avid Mechanical brakes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock set up with an upgrade to Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great value. The Manatou Black Comp shock is great on the front end and the Fox Float L does a great job on the rear. Basically, for the list price of $1250, you get a high quality Cannondale FS frame, a fantastic cross country shock on the front end and a bike that allows 120mm of travel both front and rear. While I intend on using this for east coast technical cross country, this bike is set up for some lighter free ride stuff. And, you have the option to adjust the geometry of the frame to lower the bike (and put the front shock on its 100mm setting). Great bike with a good mix of components! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john dukeson
a Weekend Warrior
from alaska
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | whistler | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1249.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | bars, Cranks, Rims Breaks and seat | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 cannondale jekyl | | Bike Setup: | stock except race face next LP cranks, Azonic pyrimad bars, MRP minime, Hayes Brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for the person who likes to do everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc-Andre
a Cross Country Rider
from Redlands, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Two Trees | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo, Fountain City | | Strengths: | 5 inches of Rear Travel, 120/100mm up front, Fork and Frame are solid with good geometry, disc ready | | Weaknesses: | BB died wihtin 6 weeks, a bit heavy, stock brakes and pedals are laughable, stock seat post was not long enough | | Similar Products Used: | K2 evo 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock with following modifications: 2003 LX BB and cranks, avid mech discs (front and rear), Thompson Elite seat post | | Bottom Line: | The stock bicycle is more of a bike kit than a finished product. The cheap V-brakes (they are actually made by Tecktro if you look closely) provide insufficient braking power given the type of riding allowed by 5 inches of front and rear travel. Rat cage (strap pedals) are pretty silly too.
I was looking at the F600 and F500. I picked the F500 because the manitou black was a better fork than the lefty jake (longer track record, more travel). Buying the stock bike at a discount, you can upgrade the other components to be the same or better than the F600 for cheaper than the F600's MSRP.
On the trail (with upgrades) 5 inches of front and back travel allow the bike to bounce over the sickest stuff. A bit heavy, but it's not a cross country racer by any means. You don't need to use the lock out on the rear shock. Rebound control would have been a better option. For technical climbs, flip the switch on the front fork to 100mm of travel. This allows you to keep the front end down. The on the fly adjustements are great.
Things I didn't like: The BB died in 6 weeks, but I knew I was going to upgrade it anyway. When you go through choppy terrain, the rear shock body tends to rotate pinning the lock out lever to the frame body making it difficult to access. This problem can be minimized by switching the screw-on adjustment coller to the rear-wheel side of the shock mount. This allows you to tighten and lock the coller against the shock mount and minimize the shock's ability to rotate.
You do not need to adjust the geometry much. Keep it in the full forward XC suspension for wonderfully tight handling. You only need to rotate the shock body to the FS position for extremely fast and sick downhill.
The F500 is a very sturdy trail bike. On the whole a very good deal for $1050. I hear that Cannondale filed chapter 11, so I worry about my lifetime warrantee. Otherwise I would give it 5 chilies. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Robinson
a Cross Country Rider
from NY
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Danny's | | Strengths: | Geometry, Front and rear suspension adjustability and set up,Disc ready wheels | | Weaknesses: | Seat was first to go, brakes next, cranks, and handlebar. Race Face Cranks did'nt mix well with Shimano unlike my other rides. Switched to XT. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher, Giant, Specialized. Hard and Soft. | | Bike Setup: | Easton Carbon, Hope Mini, Specialized seat, XT Components all around. | | Bottom Line: | The Jekyll 500 is a tank. It climbs, decends and handles great. I like to ride Tech and single. I use the lock out on the Fox once and a while, but usually dont need it. Whatever bob is there, I dont even notice it, and I am a husky rider (215lbs)! I made the necessary upgrades and the bike is perfect. The price and value is great for an entry level FS. Highly recommended. Thank You Danny's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Moore
a Weekend Warrior
from York, England
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | North York Moors | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Boneshakers (Harrogate) | | Strengths: | The Fox Float L is fantastic once pumped to correct pressure. The bike is light and responsive and is perfect for the weekend warrior who enjoys nasty downhills. | | Weaknesses: | The handlebars are flat? After first ride have changed to Easton Monkey bars. | | Similar Products Used: | GT RTS3 (1997) with complete Deore | | Bike Setup: | As standard - xt rear mech, deore front mech, lx crackarms and stx bottom bracket. | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike to someone who enjoys a serious ride out whilst still looking the business. The bike is practical, effecient and great fun to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Scrip
a Weekend Warrior
from Farmington, Mi USA
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | NCT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very comfortable and well controlled bike. Built sturdy and great paint job. Excellent Product support on and off-line from cannondale! | | Weaknesses: | Pedal straps are weak and the cannondale brakes are junk. These were the first to go. The Manitou shock appeard to be cheap looking with stickers (it performs great). Lastly is the $1300 price tag, but well worth it! | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock except Shimano Hydro brakes and pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from Provo
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ridge trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Timpanogas cyclery | | Strengths: | Rear suspension adjustments. New front fork. nice bike for those who like to xc and freeride. | | Weaknesses: | pedals, stem, brakes, tires, are all a bit weak and I had to upgrade them. I also put on a new handle bar. | | Bike Setup: | time atac, carbon low riser upgrades and continental vertical tires | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike, it is bit heavy 29 LB, but a good all around bike. After a few ebay upgrades It is the perfect bike. It handles very well when used for xc not as good for downhill.
I am writing this review because how well the bike has treated me, I recommend it to all, but remember it will need a few upgrades, pedal, brakes and tire specifically. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bill trautmann
a Cross Country Rider
from wilmington, de.
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | fair hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Wooden Wheels | | Strengths: | This is the frame big and tall people have been waiting for. I looked and looked for a long top tube bike with a nice tall front end so i would'nt feel like i was falling over the front of the bike all the time. At 6'2" tall and carrying alot of my 205lbs in my upper body this bike fits like a glove. The long toptube(25 1/2") is about the longest i've found in the industry. Also since they kept the original headtube you can be assured that if forks go to that new 1,1/2 size that it will fit your dale. This bike is smooth and supple and with the adjustable geometry you can really dial it in to your style of riding. The manitou fork is very nice and the adjustable travel makes for a very balanced ride. | | Weaknesses: | The seat. The crankset/bottom bracket. In this day of super bottom brackets/super cranksets. The old square taper B.B./ crankset just don't cut it. Also i'm a firm believer that gripshifts esp 1:1 ratio works better on full suspensions. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek y bikes, klein mantra, | | Bike Setup: | I did swap out a few parts to suit my taste. A set of 2"riser bars, gripshift esp 9.0 shifters and rear der. Also a LX octilink crankset with bottom bracket. | | Bottom Line: | With just a few additions i can't see spending more money and getting any better of a bike. C-dale has a winner in the sense that you get a heart that is pure lion, nad all the rest can be bolted on. The abilty to adjust the geometry, lock out the rear shock, single pivot for ease of maintance, use any fork on the market, makes this a real best buy. If weight is an issue then look at spending a fortune for a specialized or and scalpel. If you want a great bike thet will run and run well day after day, take a good look at the is baby. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Weaknesses: | The brakes suck! The seat sucks too! | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black fork, Avid Disk brakes, Remote lockout for rear shock, Enduro tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sweet. I bought the 500 because I did not want the cannondale forks. Because of this I can upgrade the fork to whatever, whenever I want! The bike handles and rides great. I have not had a complaint yet other than the original brakes sucked. I took care of that with a set of avid disks and BAM, I have a kick ass bike. I have upgraded a bit to make it much like the higher model Jekylls', and I can't feel the difference when compared to the Jekyll 1000. As for the saddle, I have had softer ones, this one is a bit on the hard side. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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