The ENDORPHIN™ trail bike is new for 2007 and while wholeheartedly Knolly in quality, design and application, the Endorphin features a substantially lightened frame from our previous offerings.
Rear travel: 140mm (5.5")
Recommended fork travel: 130 - 160mm (5" - 6")
Full length seat tube: 31.6mm seat post
Head tube: 1.125"
Rear hub: 135mm quick release
Front derailleur: 31.8mm band clamp
Tire clearance: 26 x 2.5" with room to spare
Drop outs: fully replaceable 9mm (3/8") thick derailleur hanger and disc mount
Four by 4 linkage: new version for lighter duty frame applications
Submitted by
axlissel
a Weekend Warrior
from lima, peru Date Reviewed: November 23, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
frame used on ebay
Strengths:
versatility, efficiency, strength to weight ratio, suspension, coolness, frame stiffness, warranty and customer service
Weaknesses:
broke seat tube but knolly responded as expected. You realize when service is good only when you have problem and knolly responded quick and to the point with no "buts" - very well.
Similar Products Used:
enduro sl if you can say something like that...
Bike Setup:
Large white frame w/FOX RP23 - 2 tested setups:
1st all mountain: with specialized E150 double crown fork, mavics 721 laced to I9s, elixir cr, XT drive-train 33lbs
2nd XC: XTR drive-train, Fox talas 32, I9 ultra-lite, avid ultimate, easton monkeylite - 29lbs
Bottom Line:
Ok set up 1 works better for me as one bike only, this bike is more like an nomad or Enduro SL rather than a Stumpjumper or Blur. It is not Xc as described in their website is a pure all mountain for ""us"" the avg rider...
very efficient pedaling, climbs everything, suspension is excellent and when you go down at speed you realize its full potential. like it a lot. Like it so much that after using this bike for 8 months I bought an Additional Knolly DT.
This is why I went from set up 1 to set up 2, so now I have the DT for more heavy ridding and the endo more for XC in a lighter package.
If you do not ride too hard (jumps, etc) this is the bike for you not matter how heavy you are. If you ride in parks or jump high, etc go with the DT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JimC.
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: November 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Where to start. The handling: this bike puts you right in the centre of it all, a place where you feel confident and balanced no matter what you're about to tackle or what you're faced with. When spec'd with the right parts for my neck of the woods, there simply isn't anything I can think of that would make the bike handle any better. Climbing is not an issue, and descending is simply a pleasure - confidence inspiring, fun enhancing, this is a frame design that will give your skills a push and will save your bacon if you make an error. The bike has that bottomless feel for travel, and the compression and rebound make the toughest parts of the trail a breeze - and yet technically challenging at the same time.
Weaknesses:
With a Fox 36 and RP23 and some Maxxis tires, it weighs in at 33.44 lb, a bit heavier than I thought I would like. I have lost 4 lbs already from eating less and riding more, so a few more pounds of weight loss off my middle spare tire,and I will have the bike down into the high 20s or so. While not a bike weakness, the Endorphin makes me ride way faster than I'm capable of safely doing right now, thank goodness the brakes work so well. this bike wants to run fast, if you can call that a weakness. Actually, it brings out the weaknesses in me for some of my technique and handling skills.
Similar Products Used:
Spec. Enduro, Stumpy FSR, VTach, Bullit.
Bike Setup:
2010 Fox Float 36 TALAS RC2; RP23 shock, Louise BAT discs SRAM X9 drivetrain and RaceFace cranks and bars etc.
Bottom Line:
Who should buy it? Anyone wanting a high quality, long lasting serious AM bike, this is it. Who shouldn't? Just weight weenies, but it can be built as low as 26lbs if you want.
I couldn't be happier. For years I've been buying the "last bike I'll ever need", and now I'm sure I've got it. Now I have to step up to what the bike can do, as each time I ride, it improves me and challenges me to try a bit harder section, or a bit steeper descent.
If you can get a demo bike to try, make sure you have some $ in the bank, you'll want to buy one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg weiss
a Weekend Warrior
from boulder, co Date Reviewed: July 17, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2450.00
Purchased At:
agency bike and boar
Strengths:
strong, high quality construction, relatively light great climber and super stable on descents
Weaknesses:
poor rear tire clearance in thick mud no other weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
yeti 575, giant ac1
Bike Setup:
fox 36 talas, fox rp23, shimano xt, spank subrosa wheels, dt swiss hubs, chromag stem/saddle, race face cranks formula k24 brakes
Bottom Line:
i bought this bike based only on the strength of reviews on this board, and in bike magazines. I was unable to arrange a test ride prior to buying and just went for it. huge risk for an expensive bike but it paid off. i couldnt be happier. the frame geometry fits me much better than the yeti 575 i owned prior, and the bike is just solid all around. the bike pushes me on climbs and feels very sturdy on descents. frame construction is burly and the bike turns heads. the bike is perfect for long cross country and all mountain rides and the fox 36 is super plush on aggressive descents. rear tire clearance in heavy mud was an issue on one ride i did but fortunately we dont get much mud here in colorado. no other compaints
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikesinmud
a Racer
from Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: March 17, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Hardcore Bikes Edmon
Strengths:
Quality of this frame is unlike anything I've seen before, USA/CDN made, customer service, low standover-curved top tube, ability to build it light or heavy and not compromise the build, bottom bracket stiffness, build kit choices. Proper hardware that is easy to source when needed. The cable routing is genius.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Turner, Titus, Intense, Ibis, Santa Cruz, Ellsworth and many more.
Bike Setup:
Endo 1: full XTR, talas 140 15mm, RP23, SLR's, CC110 headset, Raceface Carbon bar and post, dues stem= 25.8lbs
Endo 2: talas 36, DHX air, Crossmaxx SX's, XTR shifter, FD/RD, cassette, dues cranks post, atlas bar/stem combo= 33lbs.
Bottom Line:
I always find these reviews on mtbr extremely subjective. So don't take my word for it but you owe it to yourself to see these frames in person and if you can get lucky enough to test one out do so. It'll change your current view on how a bike should ride, you'll be surprised at how XCish or AMish the Endorphin can be built. I was hesitant to jump on the bandwagon but after riding one for awhile I have no UGI running through my viens and will keep these bikes for a long time. No creaks, no funny noises from the frame, just a super quiet and efficient ride, climbing, decending, dropping-in, etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rzozaya1969
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico, DF, Mexico Date Reviewed: December 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Whatever
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Red Barn Bicycles
Strengths:
Well, the geometry is excelent. I feel it has very good handling for singletrack, and it's also pretty stable on the downhills. The suspension is pretty well integrated, does what it supposed to do, and then some. The quality of the frame is very impresive, and it is pretty strong.
Weaknesses:
Well... I don't know. Maybe that it's not the lightest bike out there, but it wasn't built (nor bought) for that.
Similar Products Used:
I came from a Titus Moto Lite. Pretty good bike, but I prefer the Endo.
I have used the bike not that much (or at least, not as much as I have liked), but it is pretty much the bike I was searching for. As a whole, it's pretty nice. Shifts and brakes smoothly, the suspension is pretty sweet, it works excelent with the fork set at 140mm for most of the time, and it rips the downs at 160mm. I have done things on this bike which I think I wouldn't had dared on my previous bike.
I'm 230lbs (plus gear), and the bike is pretty rigid, which is very confidence inspiring. However, if someone is looking for a light xc bike, this ain't it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
grave-digger
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: December 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Different Bikes, Nor
Strengths:
In 25 years of mountain biking the Knolly Endorphin is best bike I have come across, period. The ride is incredible. It climbs like a mountain goat and descends extremely well for a bike in its weight class. The workmanship is first class all around. It is a piece art. The lateral rigidity is out of this world. This bike is about as good as it gets! The anodized finish is outstanding.
Weaknesses:
The Endorphin has no weaknesses that I have encountered after a full hard season of riding.
Similar Products Used:
Over the years the rides I have had include Ritchey Ultra, Rocky Altitude, Rocky Blizzard, Specialized FSR, Kona Stinky, Giant NRS and Banshee Chaparral.
Bike Setup:
Race Face Atlas cranks, XT derailleurs, cassette, shifters & pedals, Chris King hubs and headset, mavic 721 rims, Thomson seatpost & stem, Flite seat, fork Marzocchi Z1 Freeride (20mm), Hayes Stroker Trail brakes w/6 inch rotors.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a top-end 6 inch bike, the Knolly Endorphin will impress. Even after hundreds of hours of riding this bike, I am still amazed on how well it rides. Noel has made no compromises in designing and building this bike. The Endorphin is as good as it gets in both quality and performance!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
barelylegal
a Weekend Warrior
from Metro Manila, Philippines Date Reviewed: September 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sta Rosa/cavite/Baguio/batangas trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Sabak Sports and Adv
Strengths:
Looks - appearance looks like a killer bike...
Suspension - The 4 by four linkage... this suspension really works in uphill and downhill... one of the best technology out there
Paint - does not chip
Geometry - the geometry of the bike design is awesome.. coming from a 5" bike, i thought i will have to sacrifice the climbing part of my biking, but after a a couple of months used, I am really amazed of the climbing prowess of this bike... absolutely phenomenom climber for a 5.5" bike.. this bike lives up to its patented suspension...Four by 4 linkage... it is indeed the 4x4 of Mountain bikes
Descent- this is where this bike is sensational... It doesnt feel like a 5.5" bike when it goes down rocky and rooty descents.. it feels that it has more travel...
Climbing - Climbing a rocky hill and technical climbs, or just climbing some steep paved road... you can feel the traction of the wheel, very confidence inspiring! I feel that there is no energy wasted
Stiffness - this bike is awesomely stiff... similar stiffness with my ML
Customer service - A1!!! Noel buckley even guided me about the size that suits me... above and beyond customer service
Weaknesses:
So far none..
Similar Products Used:
Motolite
Bike Setup:
small black anodized endorphin frame, float rlc, xo rear der, xo shifters, juicy 7 brakes, mvic 819 rims, chris king hubs, dt revolution spokes, Thomson 100mm stem, thomson seatpost, kenda nevegal tires, xt front der, shimano pedals, xtr crank, max m handlebar, xtr skewers,
Bottom Line:
This a very stiff bike, I love how the suspension works goin downhill, it just bombs the rocky and rooty descents in our raw undeveloped local trails, feels more like a 6" bike than a 5.5"... it goes really fast going down, and there is the amazing feeling that this bike can handle huge rocks and ruts.. Going uphill, I thought I will have to sacrifice this part, by going slow... I am very surprised, that this beast climbs amazing..The traction of the rear tire can be felt in technical climbs and in rocky climbs... so I get the best of both worlds with this bike... Climbs well and descent well.. cannot ask for more with this bike... this is a stellar bike.... Mountain bikers who wants and loves to bomb rocky descents and will not have to sacrifice their climbing ability will definitely love this bike... Awesome! amazing! stellar! I got this bike because of the review in the Forum, ... Now I know why the owners of this bike rave about it. I love it : )
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
All Mountain
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia, Tasmania Date Reviewed: June 19, 2008
- Pedals very efficient yet supple with traction climbing.
Corners like it is on rails. In fact better than rails.
- Handles chop and high speed runs very smoothly and stable.
- Rockets through single track.
- Spot on linkage rates and tuning.... perfect is a good way to describe it!
- Neutral braking and pedaling. When you are riding the steeps and your on the Anchors... rest assured the wheels will be still glued to the terrain.
- On steep climbs it easily finds traction whether your on or off the saddle. On long climbs it's efficient.
Did I already mention how agile,stiff and responsive it is?
Trust - It's designed by Noel Buckley.
Reliable.
Predictable.
Performance.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Motolite
Bike Setup:
Black Ano Knolly Endorphin medium, Fox 36 Talas RC2, I9 hubs on DT 5.1 rims, Schwalbe Fat Alberts, Cane Creek 110 headset, Magura Louise brakes, Syncros Bulk bar, Syncros 70mm AM stem
Bottom Line:
The Endorphin lives up to it's name. The harder you ride it, the more it responds. For XC I found the Endorphin surprisingly better than my Motolite.... up or down or sideways. I always knew the Endorphin would be better going down but finding out it outshines the ML in XC and is more agile at the same time, was a very very pleasant surprise.
The Endorphin loves steep terrain and is definitely Is the single track surgeon. The handling is truly sensational and is also a switchback slayer. Very balanced in switchbacks.
The Endorphin not only shines in XC, but point it straight into the Chunk and ride it. It is surprising, really, how composed the Endorphin can be. It will get you onto trouble but will also get you out. This thing is only a trail bike... I'm busting to see what sort of trouble the Delirium T can get me onto.
With stiff dropouts there is not stutter or chop felt at the rear wheel axle when you expose the bike to maximum lateral loads. When you ride the Endorphin into some technical terrain feel free to check out the highlights if the scenery. The Endorphin is so confidence inspiring with it's agility and sheer rigidity it will keep the chosen line.
Bolt up any shock to it... the linkage rates are tweaked to deliver the goods on the drops, yet get you up that monster rock infected climb.... it will even live happily ever after in flat terrain. Pedals and climbs efficient and will corner like there is no tomorrow.
Six months on and I still have those happy new bike endorphins flowing through me. Each ride still delivers some aspect of discovery. I'm still stoked.
Thank you Knolly!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GaryM
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Ab, Canada Date Reviewed: June 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Incredible suspension design climbs unbelievably well, smooths out the roughest trail, lands drops well and pedals efficiently
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Santa cruz, superlight, heckler, bullit, nomad, vp-free
Bike Setup:
Float RP23 shock, RS revelation air u-turn, x9 drivetrain, schwalbe nobby nick tires
Bottom Line:
I recently purchased the endorphin frame for my wife to replace her santa cruz superlight. She was very hesitant at first because she loved her old bike but 5 minutes into the first ride she told me to sell her old frame because she never wanted to see it again. She is already cleaning stuff she never did in 5 years on her old bike and is a completely different rider. She now attacks technical stuff with much more confidence and climbs faster to top it off. She also has a santa cruz nomad built up with a 7" single crown for her DH bike and she says the rear of the endorphin easily matches it for pounding through the rough stuff. I have never seen her so happy and eager to head out riding.
Anyone who wants top of the line suspension design, amazing build quality, and perfect geometry for their all mountain trail bike should buy one of these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave K
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, Canada Date Reviewed: May 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 Float fork Fox DHX 5.0 shock Shimano XTR shifter controlling XTR rear derailleur Shimano Saint cranks and DX pedals E-thirteen SRS chainguide Shimano XTR levers driving XT 4-pot brakes Cromag flat bar Mavic 729 rims shod with IRC Kujo tires
Bottom Line:
I've set this bike up as more freeride rather than all mountain. So far it has easily handled any of the steepest trails North Vancouver has to offer. The rear suspension works very well. It carries speed very well over fast bumpy sections. It is very easy to jump and lands drops very well. The excellent lateral stiffness keeps the rear end in-line around corners.
It climbs pretty well considering I've got it over 35 lbs. Traction up technical climbs is great thanks to the short chainstays and responsive suspension. The full length seatpost is great. No fiddling with telescoping posts.
I know this is supposed to be an all-mountain frame, but I will be using it as a more DH bike. I think it works extremely well for this. I like the fact that it is quite a bit lighter than the Delirium T and thus quicker and more nimble. And given the typical Knolly build quality, I feel that it is strong enough to deal with the punishment it will get (at least for someone of my size). If you're pushing 200 lbs, then perhaps the DT is a better choice :)
Great bike Noel!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Bartlett
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin,Texas Date Reviewed: January 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Engineering design,fabrication,attention to detail,finish Pivot bearings etc.
Weaknesses:
frame design looked a little odd at first. But the engineering behind the design make perfect sense.
Similar Products Used:
Owned: Titus quasi moto, super moto,psycle werks, Ridden coutless others
Bike Setup:
Medium Frame ano, Fox van 36, I-9 wheels XTR cranks,Hope Mono m4 brakes. Fox RC coil rear w/ti spring. Kenda 2.5 blue grooves run tubless. 30-31 lbs complete.
Bottom Line:
Wanted to wait a few months and some serious miles before posting a review. To start with, Noel at Knolly bikes is a great guy. Answered all my questions regarding frame design in detail before the first production run was complete. Like many small frame builders, the fabrication and finish are amazing, but this is the best I've ever seen. I recommend checking out the design features on the Knolly web site. The ride is very stable through the roughest terrain, yet has incredible climbing characteristics. Stiffness is a commonly used term claimed by all manufactures, but this is the first bike I've been on that the difference is obvious. Rough off camber turns, or acceleration while climbing, this thing defines stiffness. Short chain stays,supple suspension, and stiffness make this a technical riders dream bike. Make no mistake. This is no light weight, light duty 5.5" frame. However, considering all the Pivots and Monster bearings (even at the Horst Link), 7.5 - 8 lbs is a very respectable weight. There are several other 5.5 & 6" frames in the 5 - 7 lb range, but the Endorphin is in a "Heavy duty" class by itself. If your concerned about hauling an extra pound or two up long climbs, don't be. It climbs very well. There are several frames out there over $2k, and I've ridden several. The Endorphin is a very good deal in comparison. In terms of durability (which ranks high on my list) , the high quality bearings (angular contact bearings designed for side loading), and the fact that it's made in the sloppy free-ride capital of Vancouver, give me confidence that maintenance will be minimal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazy Fred
a Weekend Warrior
from Gloucester,Ma. Date Reviewed: January 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
What ever one I'm on.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
Bike Medics
Strengths:
It was made by Noel,enough said.
Weaknesses:
I HATE the cable routing,I like clean looking bikes.The cables all bunched up on one side makes me nuts.So I ran them under the down tupe with zip ties.WORKS FINE.(see CF's new toy Knolly Forum)
Similar Products Used:
NONE,this is what makes the Endorphin such a winner,This bike is EVERYTHING a Turner should be but is not.DT gets no sleep because of Noel and his bike line up.Knolly is the new king of the Mountain.
Bike Setup:
White med.rp23,08 Fox 36 Float(this fork rocks)king Head set.Thomson x4 stem RF Next carbon bars and seat post.hope brakes,and seat collar,I9'Enduro's.small block 8's(4 now)XTR cranks,pedels,XO shifters and rear der.990 cass,and chain.
Bottom Line:
I have owned and or ridden just about everything that is considered custom/high end.I am now and always will be a HUGE Nicolai fan.Truth is I sold my 07 FR for this Endorphin(the week after I ordered a crazy sweet custon sky camo 08 Nicolai CC)so I still was able to have the best of both worlds.Is the Endorpnin better than a Nicolai FR? for me it was not better,just different and at that time it was a difference that I wanted to own.I'm really big on the 08 FR but my best freinf has one coming so I can whip that any time I want.If I find its really really nice I'll just buy one.I'm sure some clown('s)out there are going to have a field day with this review,trust these are the guys that wish they could step out of there ghay arse little click and own this bike but just don't have the balls to stand up on there own.Oh well there lose.This is the BEST all mountain 5 in.whatever you want to call it bike out there.Waste no more time and order one already.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dulyebr
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal Date Reviewed: December 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
redbarnbicycles.com
Strengths:
Knolly has unbelievable attention to detail. From its customer service to the quality and finish of its bikes.
Weaknesses:
Would like more color selection.
Similar Products Used:
2005 Titus MotoLite
Bike Setup:
Knolly Endorphin (smoke ano/ black ano), Fox HV Rp23 shock, Geax Lobo Loco 2.3 TnT tires, FSA Orbit Extreme Pro headset, HD Chris King/ Mavic,XM819d/ Sapim CX-ray, RockShox Pike 454 U-Turn, Magura Louise 180/160mm, FSA Gravity Lite bar, XTR cranks, XTR front der., XT 11-34 cassette, X.9 triggers, X.0 med cage rear der., Thomson 70mm/ 0deg stem, Thomson Elite seatpost, WTB Rocket V Stealth saddle, Time ATAC XS pedals, Oury Lock-on grips
Bottom Line:
This bike has made me a better rider. The suspension is very plush so it is easier for me to clean features with ledges and square bumps; ie. the bike just rolls up technical terrain. The amazing, "free lunch" part about the Four by 4 linkage (patent pending) is that in addition to having a very supple, smooth feeling suspension, this bike pedals *phenomenally* well.
It's also a very stout bike. My medium sized frame weighs ~7.5lbs. The strength and stiffness of this bike has given me extra confidence to really push the envelope of my riding. Jumps and drops seem a lot less intimidating. Honestly, I look at the same stuff that used to give me the freak-willies, and think, I can't believe how easy that looks now...
$ 2750.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
