| |
Submitted by
Nick Graham
a
from Victoria, B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very light, yet durable. I use this bike for cross-country, freeride and I've even used it for dirt jumping before I got a proper dirtjumper. The Jekyll has proven itself to be a great bike by being light enough for cross-country yet tough enough to endure trips to Whistler. | | Weaknesses: | When put into the "freeride" position the bottom braket is too low to the ground. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kikapu, Kona Stinky, Devinci Hucker, Brodie Hellion. | | Bike Setup: | Eight inch hayes mx-2 mechanical disc brakes. Mavic xm117 front rim with alexrim dm24 rear rim. Deore lx rear derailler, and deore front derailler. All parts except frame, fork and cranks are off of a 2004 brodie hellion (other than the odd specialty part). | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. If you get the chance to buy or even test ride one of these bikes, go for it! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony Hocking
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Glentress, Scotland | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3075.00 | | Strengths: | Light for its capabilities, endless travel, efficient climer, chews up big hits and rough terain, Lefty fork is sweet, super solid frame. Looks like a lamborghini on 2 wheels. | | Weaknesses: | original specs included XT derailler & XT dual-controllers. Not nearly as good as SRAM X9 equivelant. Eason EA50 Handlebars too wide. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Reign, Rocky Mountain ETSX-70 | | Bike Setup: | SRAM X9 derailler & shifters. Took 2" off riser bar. Original Hutch Scorpion tyres are rubbish for most terain. | | Bottom Line: | This is an amazing "all in one" bike. Its brilliant for XC, the best thing ive ridden on trails, and can follow the downhill boys on most runs. For someone who wants to do everything, this is the bike that is capable, and very forgiving if your not an expert rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Denis van der Wal
a Weekend Warrior
from Utrecht Netherlands
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | lage vuursche | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | rijwielpaleis | | Strengths: | It was just the bike I needed ! Handling, looks and solid as a rock ! | | Weaknesses: | Bearings on the rearwheel | | Bike Setup: | Standard, except for a 660 mm handlebar. Bit more pressure in the rearshock cause I damaged too much the big chainwheel. | | Bottom Line: | I can go out with freeride pedals and the seat 3" lower for an ultimate city-ride . Or set it up for nice trails. Even ride marathons with it ( after I throw away the ciggies ). Very, and I mean VERY fast on singletrails and I can sit and enjoy the surroundings on a very fast downhill track. Only thing is, I'm still looking for the balance when doin' airtime. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
drew martin
a Weekend Warrior
from cape carteret north carolina
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | haven't found it yet! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | weight-handling/tracking- legendary c-dale frame strength- overall decent purchase | | Weaknesses: | bloody fox float rc rear shock, "has to be trunion mounted fox float- special make for jekyll" as quoted by c-dale rep | | Similar Products Used: | more than enough to know what i want, not enough to realize one major fallback. Rear shock special make for jekyll, no other will work. So you are not goiing to upgrade, just replace/rebuild- which means downtime. | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for saddle- c-dale stock is hard as a rock | | Bottom Line: | I really wish the rear shock was not an issue because the bike is otherwise fantastic. I must be far and tell you I am no doubt pushing the envelope on what the engineers anticipated for weight of a rider. I am 240lbs. So- heavier riders may want to either find a ride that better accomidates yo big behind, or just stick to a hard tail. BTW- the lock-out on the shock was the first thing to fail... It is not like I am doing any spectacular drops either..
The lefty fork is much stronger than its appearance suggests. The illusion is it will track funny but that is not so.. It will take all you can give it and bounce back- and sticks where you drive it. The lockout for the fork is located well and handy in some situations.
I wished the brakes didn't make so much noise, but I had heard about coda beforehand so all I am doing is confirming they are screamers. One of my riding buddies thought I had run over some sort of bird the first time he stopped abrubtly in front of me! If I would have had a grill full of feathers I probably could have convinced him it was so!
The bike is great. Both c-dale reps and fox shocks reps have been good searching for remedy of the downfalls. I now have a back-up shock and I would recommend you do too before going off on a weekend of riding. I will however read some reviews to educate myself on hard-tails.. The jekyll will be mothballed for the ht I decide on because of the shock issues... I like my red meats too much to diet to the weight the shock can handle! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AP
a Cross Country Rider
from PRINCETON, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Solid frame for all mountain riding. Lefty has been good to me through thick and thin. Great climber as well as descender. Bike has made it easy to negotiate technical terrain. Frame is beefy enough for all mountain, but not over built for XC. | | Weaknesses: | Difficult to remove front wheel when you need to. Rear shock is in the most awkward position in frame which makes it difficult to pump air into it. Ugrades/replacement of rear shock limited due to design of frame/positioning of shock. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar (P.O.S!!!) | | Bike Setup: | RF LP CRANKS, TIME PEDALS, SRAM X9 REAR, EASTON CARBON BAR, THOMSON SEAT POST, HAYES, UST CONTINENTAL VERTICAL PROS, ODI GRIPS. | | Bottom Line: | AS FAR AS XC AND ALL MOUNTAIN GOES, THIS BIKE HAS DONE IT ALL. FRAME AND LEFTY HAVE STOOD THROUGH THE TEST OF TIME AND ABUSE. MUD, SNOW, ROCKS, STREAMS, DINGS, CRASHES, AND RAIN. THE LEFTY "FORK" IS FINALLY SHOWING SIGNS OF USE AND ABUSE, BUT I BLAME THAT ON MY LACK OF MAINTANENCE. THIS FRAME HAS DELIVERED A STABLE AND RESPONSIVE FEEL TO THE BIKE AND THE LEFTY HAS BEEN A PLEASURE TO USE AS IT HAS TAKEN THE BITE OUT EVERYTHING THROWN AT IT WHETHER XC, ALL MOUNTAIN TERRAIN OR URBAN RIDING. THREE YEARS OF RIDING 3-5 TIMES A WEEK DURING SEASON AND FRAME/LEFTY HAVE HELD UP. OBVIOUSLY COMPENENTS WEAR DOWN/BREAK AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED, BUT REAR (FOX RL) AND LEFTY ARE STILL IN ONE PIECE. I WOULD SAY THAT AS AN ALL MOUNTAIN BIKE THE JEKYLL HAS MET ALL OF MY EXPECTATIONS IN THE AREAS OF - WEIGHT, CLIMBING, DESCENDING, HANDLING, BB HEIGHT, FRAME ALIGNMENT, AND ADJUSTABILITY. IT IS AMAZING WHAT A GOOD COMPONENT SPEC CAN DUE FOR THIS FRAME AS THE RESULT IS ONE AWESOME MACHINE. I ASSUME THAT THE JEKYLL WILL FADE OUT UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE PROPHET, BUT ITS TRACK RECORD WILL LIVE ON. I PLAN ON MOVING ON TO A TURNER FIVE SPOT, BUT I WILL ALWAYS APPRECIATE WHAT THIS BIKE HAS DONE FOR ME AS IT (ESPECIALLY THE LEFTY) WILL SURELY BE MISSED. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeremy swanson
a
from milford
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | onion river | | Strengths: | does what it's told. Great responce and handles drops well. Great overall bike. | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike so far, and the lockout of the rear suspension helped out a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
darrick
a Weekend Warrior
from san jose, ca usa
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Powerline | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | mikes bikes | | Strengths: | climbs extremely well.... descends even better... lefty is the best i have ever used so far.... | | Weaknesses: | stock crank is cheap... | | Similar Products Used: | blur..enduro..liquid 20... palomino... | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | bottom line this bike is for bike lovers. forpeople who love to ride... and ride hard....... u can jump.. u can do a lot... ahah just ride. its what the bike was made for | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great all mountain bike. Lefty is a plus. Handles any trail with ease. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro. Santa Cruz SL | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | One of the best mountain bikes I have ever ridden!!! Man does this machine take a beating!! I have put around a thousand miles on this thing in less than three months without a single problem until a freak incident last week. I collided with a couple on a tandem mountain bike as they were coming down. We slammed into each other as I was crossing paths on a perpendicular trail. All three of us were ejected from our bikes. I landed in a nearby stream. The woman on the tandem rolled down the trail until she crashed into a tree. Luckily nobody was seriously injured. During the crash, my right brake lever tore off. The brake and shifter cables also severed in the front. After picking up the pieces and limping back to the parking lot to dry off I noticed that the front brake rotor was mangled and the rim bent after several spokes broke off. Taking bike back to shop for repairs. I still rate this bike high because the damage would of happened with any bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marios
a Weekend Warrior
from Cyprus
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | GOES UP AND FLIES DOWN. Putting everything else aside this is the main strength of this bike | | Weaknesses: | 1. Need to remove the link between the shock and the swingarm to access the rear shock valve (but it is still a quick straight forward process)
2. Need to overpump the SPV side of the rear shock in order to keep air after the pump is removed from the valve. | | Bike Setup: | geometry = 80% XC
Changed stock tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up (6 month) review to the one I posted on the 10th of May 04.
By now I can confirm that the Jekyll is indeed a perfect all-rounder. I only used my hardtail once, since I got the Jekyll, during the 24hrs of Adrenaline race in Canmore Canada during August. I still climb anything me and the gang used to climb with our hardtails. In any climb, exept for the steepest technical uphill of a true XC course, the Jekyll will go up without any feeling of pedal power loss.
On the downhill the suspension practically flattens all the "bads" on the trail. I didn't do any freeriding or jumping but the jekyll makes rough, badass rocky trails ridiculously easy. It also tracks straight while being very manouvrable in tight singletrack
... I am realy curious how the Prophet handles... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Lowe
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mission Trails, Tierra Santa | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Hooked Up Fat | | Strengths: | This is a nice bike. The Lefty fork is very sweet, with smooth, lengthy travel (I was a Rock Shock only type of guy…..not any more). The rear shock is fitted in a housing with fully adjustable geometry, which may not seem to be a big deal (I first thought nothing of it until I started messed with it), but it does make a difference! The stock wheels and disc break system are good quality, and the frame is strong, fairly light, and is forged in the USA. | | Weaknesses: | The free hub (the slotted peg that the gear cog fits onto) has broken twice over a 650 mile/3 month period. This is truly a huge bit*h! And I mean HUGE (getting the part I mean). The closed bearing in this housing opens, and the bearings shred themselves-the rear tire starts to wobble-and then the disk break rubs and it’s just a mess! It’s only about a $30.00 part, but good luck finding a local bike shop in San Diego that has this part on hand! It basically sets you back about 5 working days for the order from Cannondale, and if your not lucky (like me) you may get stuck out in the middle of sh*t hole, USA (oh, sorry, El Cajon/Santee back country) with a busted bike that you can’t even push.
Some of the components are a little lame…. LX and Deore. The Hutchinson Scorpion Tubeless Tires are a bit loose in my opinion, so I would suggest at the very least swapping out the rear one right off the bat.
The handle bar/ seat stem could be upgraded, but they aren’t horrible.
Don’t get me wrong, nothing on this bike is crappy (except for the free hub on the rear wheel), but some things could use an upgrade.
Also, it’s a bit tuff to mount a computer on the Lefty, but all you need to do is buy a rear wheel mounting computer; no big deal.
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumjumper FSR Pro Disc
Kona Dawg Primo | | Bike Setup: | All XTR cmpnts.
Easton bar/stem
ect. | | Bottom Line: | Hey, this bike is what it is, and its sick. Overall, It’s the best bike I’ve owned, and that’s saying a lot b/c I’m comparing it to my other newer mountain bike, a Specialized St-jumper FSR Pro Disc.
I have only had one problem with it (the free hub thing). And although this is a problem to me, it seems like it is just a weird thing, and does not happen to a lot of people. Plus its not a $$$$ problem.
The Lefty Max is surly a front shock evolution, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a traditional forked shock. The frame is true, the bikes hardware is top notch, and the rear shock system with the adjustable geometry is tits. If you don’t have the XTR components lying around the house, or on an unused bike hooked up with XTR that you are willing to cannibalize, there’s really no need to upgrade anything. Off the sales floor, it’s good to go for the average rider. It looks sharp, and is a comfortable cross country/downhill combination bike.
All in all, if you are thinking about getting this bike, you should. Nothing else to say about it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from St. George
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Scary One's | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Client | | Strengths: | The frame quality is superb. I admire how Cannondale has spent attention to detail on the welds. Great price for the kit- except the LX front deralieur. | | Weaknesses: | The tires didn't work for this type of terrain. I swapped with a buddy that wanted them for racing. The LX front der. is not the best choice- trade up the front der., or have your lbs swap it out for and XT or higher. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro
Racer X
Yeti 575
| | Bike Setup: | XT front der.
Tires- change all the time
| | Bottom Line: | I got this bike as a payment for my services (my client did not have enough cash). I was going to thrash it until my VP-Free came in (very long wait). I was never a big Cannondale fan until I got a hold of this. I can't believe how well this thing tracks. It is VERY stable and can handle alot- keep in mind- I got it for virtually nothing and I abused it. I was doing drops that cracked many other frames I have owned. After a few weeks, I really began appreciating this ride. THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE TO THIS BIKE IS THE ADJUSTABLE GEOMETRY. Since the shock is attached to a threaded yoke- you can get the feel just right. This is much easier that changing stems etc....
After six months and getting my $5K Santa Cruz VP Free, I must say, this Jekyll is the most fun ride I have ever had. I rode it on the down hill trails I took my V10 on- granted i had 8+ inches of travel- and I am still alive and so is the bike. My friends were surprises that I would suit up in body armor and wear a full face helmet and join them on nose bleed desents on this Jekyll. I was aprehensive at first, but realized that this is one tuff bike.
If i could redesign this bike, I would have the same frame design as the Jekyll feminine or the small with the slanted top tube. The stand over height is a little too high. I put a pad on mine (80's BMX style) to save my jewels.
I was planning on dumping it on e-bay after my VP Free came in but there is no chance. I am sure the Prophet is going to be an awesome ride- but it is not as tweekable as this- only two settings. If you can find one for a good price- GET IT. Take it from someone who has owned and thrashed many a bike- This is the best! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Lovell
a
from Kalamazoo MI USA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Frame quality, Lefty, Rims. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, XT duel control shifter / brake levers, seat, handlebars. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with bars cut down to 23" and new grips. | | Bottom Line: | I got a sweet deal on this bike because Prophet and end of year. Overall, this is a great all purpose duel suspension bike that bombs down hills and climbs way better than I expected it to. Cannondale frames are works of art and this one is no exception. The lefty tracks awsome and feels great, but at 185 lbs I Think I am too heavy for the spring (blue) that came with the large size bike so I have ordered the red spring that would normally come with the XL to stiffen up the front. Rear shock seems to work good and pivot area feels strong! Can't beat the mavic rims, I have similar rims on my F4000 race bike and they rarely need to be trued. The XT duel controllers are pretty stupid, but I'm used to riding full XTR (which this will be next year with the exception of Avid Juicy Seven brakes). It seems like no matter how well I adjust the XT disc brakes, after 10 miles or so they are rubbing again! Handlebars are way too wide but can easily be cut down. All in all this bike works well and for what I stole this one for (2000$ out the door), I can put up with some cheap components like the front derailler, cranks, seat and shifters, until I can swap them out with choice parts. There are plenty of duel suspension bikes out there for 4K and up that don't even come close to this ride! This is my second Cannondale and I am an aggressive rider. If it performs as well as my other Cdale I have no doubt that it can handle anything I throw it's way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
darock
a Weekend Warrior
from san jose
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | wilder ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2499.00 | | Purchased At: | mike's bikes | | Strengths: | lefty !!!! light bike overall. climbs very good descends even better. cannondale components( stem, seatpost, handlebar, handlebar grip, hubs) are very good, great quality, light in feel. great welds on frame. matte black paint. | | Weaknesses: | no lock-out on lefty but if set the right way it wont bob if you stay seated. | | Similar Products Used: | enduro, blur, vt1, heckler, klein palomino | | Bike Setup: | single track bar ends, stock everything else | | Bottom Line: | if you want a great bike buy a jekyll, if you want great quality get a jekyll, if you love to ride get a jekyll, if you are a extreme trail rider/light freerider get a jekyll. climbs great descends like a dream. nice componets. get it now while its on sale bcuz the new 2005's are comin out n u wont be able to get the lefty on it. cannondale has come out with a new all mountain bike called the prophet(nice). email me with questions | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Thumb
a Cross Country Rider
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Nimble and very responsive. Excellent value for such a well built frame. Very sturdy in light of the extreme abuse I subject it to. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are horrible for rocky terrain. How they were rated so high in MBA's August issue is anyone's guess. The front der. is an insult to the rest of the drive train. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT2-
Marin Quad
Fisher Cake | | Bike Setup: | The bike has new tires and new grips. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. It took some time to find the perfect head angle and SPV setting. I prefer the shock in the center with greater sag. This puts the bottom bracket at a lower level, slackens the head angle and provides a super plush ride.
I have taken this bike off of 8 foot drops and I ride very aggresively. It has saved me on very poor line selections and overly daring down hills.
At first, I thought the bike wandered, but sooned realized that the Lefty is very responsive.
Get one as soon as they go on sale (the Prohpet is coming) it is the best bike in its class. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Trabuco Canyon, CA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Whiting Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Good geometry; Exceptionally plush ride; Very efficient pedalling while seated--Swinger SPV is great, virtually NO BOB! Lefty fork is unbelievable! Feels like it will be way too soft, but never bottoms out. Completely eliminates small bumps, and handles 2-3' drops w/ ease. Rapid Rise XT rear derailler is different, but nice--no more jammed thumb joint. XT discs are great. Bike looks wicked. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy tires; No Front shock lockout; Rear shock requires disconnection from frame to check/change air pressure (very annoying when trying to find your ideal shock pressure); Matte black paint scratches easily (cables wore through it after 1-2 rides); Bike should be full XT in my opinion for this much money. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS for past 7 years; Demo'd Specialized Enduro Expert and Pro recently (Found cockpit/reach to be VERY short--difficult climbing steep technical sections). No Buyers remorse here. My friend just bought an Enduro Pro, and was amazed at the plushness of MY bike compared to his. Sorry, Pal... | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now; Tires will be going soon; Will also be adding 1.5" riser bars. At 6'1", my seatpost is maxed out (on size Large), so seat is quite a bit higher than grips, affecting my geometry/position. But XL cockpit just felt too long. An extra 3/4" rise on the bars should help a bit, | | Bottom Line: | An awesome all around bike!! It has completely renewed my love for riding. I was a little hesitant to buy a single pivot bike, but I couldn't be happier. It looks cool, rides like a magic carpet, and is made in the USA! But introverts beware...this thing attracts a lot of attention! Be ready for 20 questions about the Lefty fork! Overall, I highly recommend this bike to any rider that wants a high quality, American bike, that can do it all (within reason)...predictably. Seems a little pricey at MSRP of $2600, but should be able to find a good deal soon (end of year sales). I heard that Supergo will no longer be carrying C'Dale, so they will be blowing them out pretty soon! Go get one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a
from Tallahassee
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Red Bug, Tom Brown | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2699.00 | | Purchased At: | Higher Ground... Thanks Todd | | Strengths: | Lefty!!! Great Frame design and frame adjustability. Will roll over just about anything and keep on going. | | Weaknesses: | None thus far... | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This was the best gift I could of asked for. The ride is incredibly plush and can be adjusted to just about any riding style. It decends increibly fast and the tracking is supurb. The climbing is up to par as well.
If you are looking for an all mountain bike that can handle just about everything you can throw at it, then this is the bike for you. The price is a bit steep, but you get what you pay for! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gungadin
a Weekend Warrior
from Henderson
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bootleg Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2599.00 | | Strengths: | The geometry of this bike is the most nimble of all the others in it's class. Incredible and efficient plush ride. | | Weaknesses: | The Hutchinson Scorpions are terrible for the Southwestern United States and the grips are not my favorite. | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti 575
Jamis XLT 2.0
Fisher Cake
Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great ride for riders who ride in very rocky terrain. It is bottomless and can handle all most anything that is put in its way. It alows very plush and stable descents, and very efficient climbs. This is Cannondale's most popular bike and is soon to be replaced by the Prophet, but for those who might find one on sale- don't pass it up.
The Lefty TPC+ is the smoothest stroking shock available and I have tried many different forks. The swinger 3 way is not as plush as the fox on previous models, but will allow the rider to conserve a great deal of energy while climbing.
The cranks are good enough because they are 1) stiff, 2)durable,3) look good and 4)you won't cry when you bash them on techinal sections.
This is an excellent ride and the only bike that I haven't second guessed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from Berks UK
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4314.00 | | Purchased At: | mountain trax | | Strengths: | Great frame, rear shock is as good as they say, lefty works well, nice overall bike, a real pleasure to ride :) | | Weaknesses: | no lock out on lefty, although i only really miss this on road,make sure you're sitting down and take a look again at the uk price of this bike in dollars, now you've wiped the puke off of your chin, you can pay attention to the LX crank and front shifter,ouch! oh and the tires had to go, but hey it didnt come with pedals, why bother putting tyres on eh cannondale? oh and heaps of bolts were loose as hell,(including the ones that hold the lefty on) good job i checked eh lol make sure you tighten these babies up! not cannondale's fault there though. it'll be some limp wristed muppet at the Bike shop | | Similar Products Used: | F700, factory set up, (this bike was stolen so if you have it, and are out riding one day, and feel my fists pounding your head till the tears sting your rosie little cheeks, you have only your self to blame) | | Bike Setup: | Standard "as is", Fitted a 1watt arc flashlight LSH to it using a rubber snorkel clamp(available from diving shops),http://www.arcflashlight.com, 23 lumens, weighs nothing, and you get to keep your bottle cage! | | Bottom Line: | love the bike, rides and handles very well, minor gripes only really, LX crank etc, worth a look if your're in the market for a FS bike, | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
oleg babich
a Cross Country Rider
from hightstown nj
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | dirt and more dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | halter cycle | | Strengths: | ohh yeahh!!! this thing rocks. my last bike was a hard tail and this is my first full suspension bike. it flies through the single track and over the beaver dams, though i still flip trying to go over some of them. the new lines i can take are awesome, goes well through the root sections its like they're not realy there. lefty front suspension is the coolest looking thing on the market, and it rocks. the frame is made in the good old USA. | | Weaknesses: | Tires-they suck. will replace ASAP. Components for the price, but you still get the lefty. a rude know it all at the dealer where i bought it, he thinks that if anyone but himself will work on a bike it will be ruined. i paid top $ for this thing, please be courteous and amuse me by listening and saying yes sir. HALTER CYCLE NJ. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock- new michelin tires | | Bottom Line: | Iwas going to get Jekyll 800 but the wife said go ahead and get the 1000, so if you can get the 4, dont even think about it twice. its the coolest looking and most awesome all around AMERICAN mashine out there.
I LOVE YOU HELEN BABICH | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Worringham
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | SO MANY TRAILS!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Supercycles Indooroopilly | | Strengths: | It performs extremly well, looks really good and is simply a quality machine! OH YEAH! | | Weaknesses: | Minor things that are easily fixed. One or two component specs that are good rather than great. | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive 1.0, Specialized Big Hit | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, simply because most things are working fine. Oury grips of course, they are a must for everyone who is cool. Will be swapping to new tires soon. With Stan's no tubes this time! Take the time to change stem/seat/grips/bars etc etc etc at your bike shop if you need to. I work at a bike shop so this would have been easy in my case, but I got lucky and everything worked fine. But if you are going to purchase such a fine beast, make sure your shop fits it up the way you want. And get some No- Tubes.
| | Bottom Line: | Well, it rocks hard. I rode the bike for a bit over 3 months before reviewing it to see if anything went wrong, but nothing. The Hutchinson Scorpion tubeless tires are very average, not much grip for a bike that otherwise says 'ride hard'. To those people who say the cranks are 'too cheap', I would like to make the following points:
1) They shift very well 2) They don't weight much 3) they are stiff as buggery and 4) They match the fully sick paint job on the frame.
Everything else works really well, and there is no denying that this bike is one of the best looking bikes out there. There is something very nice about owning a bike that looks as good as the 1000, even non-bikers will stop for a second look. Especially if you happen to be dropping off a huge flight of stairs* or, for that matter, hopping up one. And the Jekyll can do both! Fantastic! The ultimate trail bike (Trail= ride almost anywhere)! The Value is 4 chillis due to the expense of getting ones hands on a J 1000, but when you consider the awesome features and overall coolness, the truth becomes apparant. If you are still hesitant, please email me and I will give you the low down on the coolness and goodness that could be yours!
(stairs may also be substituted for logs or rocks) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nash
a
from Switzerland
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Nice finish on the frame, clean geometry, tested suspension system. | | Weaknesses: | Unique mounting of the rear shock with the threads make buying an aftermarket rear shock difficult. Hopefully Cannondale will support the model with future shock technologies. Overall the bike is definately pricey, you pay for the name (hence the four chillies in price). Difficulty in releasing the front tire from the Lefty. No lock out on Lefty Max. | | Similar Products Used: | Scott Genius, Spec. Epic, Stumpjumper, '03 Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | XT Cranks, Easton Bars, Nixe Selle Italia saddle, XTR pedals | | Bottom Line: | Very nice bike. It tracks really well and has very reactive handling for tight manuvers. The bike also climbs relatively well as compared with the Scott, whose front was difficult to keep on the ground.
The SPV 3way swinger requires frequent pumping to maintain the pressure in the SPV chamber (to minimize bobbing). Given the bike's frame geometry, however, it is not easy to access the rear valve of the SPV with the pump. In all, the SPV is a nice suspension.
I upgraded the cranks from LX to XT. For the price of the bike, I find LX cranks to be a weak component choice (no bike in this category comes with LX). Also the saddle is average, but this is a personal choice.
On the whole the bike is a lot of fun to ride. I felt it to be a plusher ride than the Epic, but equally responsive. I felt it much better handling than the Scott I rode on downhill sections.
The Lefty Max is a nice fork with a plush and smooth feel, yet rigid and responsive. On the other hand, the Lefty Max has no lock out. I do not understand why this is the case. On a climb, you can feel the fork bobbing as you pedal. I certainly hope Cannondale intends to change this (including changing it for current owners through a kit or otherwise). This single problem brings the Rating from 5 to 4. Otherwise, the bike would be Outstanding.
The remaining components are nice to adequate (LX front derailleur).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tyson kaman
a Racer
from marlborough, ct
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | competitive edge | | Strengths: | the ride is stable, yet just quick enough for fairly tight singletrack. new spv valve shock behaves better than expected, especially when climbing. fork is great. single pivot rear end should be durable...
and i can put a h20 bottle in the triangle! | | Weaknesses: | it is heavier than i thought it would be 26+ lbs but i do still have stock tires. the du bushing in my shock has some play. more importantly the lefty fork can be a hassle when it comes time to put the bike in the trunk of the car | | Similar Products Used: | enduro | | Bike Setup: | full xtr, mavic xmax wheels, easton bar, thompson post, heavy ass hutchinson tubless tires that grip pretty well, and an old school bontrager seat | | Bottom Line: | possible the best do it all bike.
this is the bike that i would recommend to someone that just wants to ride. it is a blast to rip around on and it's simple design should prove the frame to be durable. and bearings make me think the fork should last a long time too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marios
a Weekend Warrior
from Cyprus
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Very good climber for a five incher. Swallows rocks and glides over the rough staff. Good component matching | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Rider weight= 165 lbs, SPV pressure=116 PSI, main pressure=145 PSI, Frame geometry=Freeride biased
Changed tires: Continental Vertical 2.3 (Front), Michelin Wildgreeper light S 1.95 (rear) | | Bottom Line: | I review the Jekyll 1000 only after the first ride mainly to compare the feeling with my high end hardtail I've been riding for the last 3 years.
I tested the Jekyll on the exact same trail I rode last week on my Bianchi 5000 typhoon XT equiped hardtail (25 lbs) in order to keep all the comparison parameters constant. There is a 11 Km, 7% avg grade continuous fireroad uphill and a 7.5 Km singletrack downhill. The terrain is dry with many rocks and gravel.
Hardtail climbing time=1hr 8 minutes
Jekyll 1000 climbing time=1 hr 11 minutes
As long as the rider doesn't pull any out of the saddle sprints or similar race related stunts the Jekyll can climb anything a hardtail can but with much better traction and comfort. Out of the saddle it will bob.
BUT
On the downhill singletrack it is simply unbelievable. I used lines that for the last 3 years I was riding this trail on my Hardtail I considered unthinkable. The Lefty max and the rear end will swallow anything in front of them. Straight line stability and manourvability are simply top notch.
If you are not a racer and your are between a hardtail, an XC full suspension or the Jekyll 1000 don't even think twice. The Jekyll 1000 will take you anywhere, up or down, with three times the fun and confidence.
I will get back with a follow up review after a few months. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
daniel
a
from austria, vienna
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | radsport-biking.de | | Strengths: | the jetblacklook, lefty, agility, plush damping | | Weaknesses: | sometimes its cracking | | Similar Products Used: | enduro specialized, epic03 | | Bike Setup: | xt-thumbshifter (yeah the old ones, work perfect even for 9 gears), xtr crank, magura marta, ringle moby post, schwalbe black jack, nokon, | | Bottom Line: | till now very satisfied, changed a lot, for the look, painted lefty black, had a kona kilauea for 11 years now, never ever would go back to hardtail, downhill abilities are astonishing, uphill as long as you keep seated very nice, bobbing when you stand, sometimes it makes odd sounds (XTR cranks?).this is the bike for everything, can recommend it to everybody, especially freeriders | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dogwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Demorest, GA
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Frady Branch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Lefty max is fantastic, very well damped and predictable. SPV makes it a good climber. Very good wheels, brakes, shifters, and saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Have new tires ready because Scorpions are a joke. Cranks and front derailleur aren't great either, but they will last 6 mo. to a year. 10mm. threaded axle in my rear hub mushed into the right dropout causing the rear wheel to angle slightly left. Threaded axles are bad, especially when they only extend less than half way into the dropout. Keep skewers REALLY tight until you get better hubs. | | Similar Products Used: | '04 Jekyll 600, '95 F600 | | Bike Setup: | EC70 flat bar, Velociraptors w/ Stan's, 3x Ti eggbeaters, I weigh 150 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I have a specific course that I time myself on. I hadn't ridden much since 2000 until I got this Jekyll in Nov. 2003. I'm getting really close to the all time best with the 23 lb. F600. I'm sure the Jekyll's downhill prowess will compensate for or exceed the weight penalty, especially on a rough course.
The jekyll weighs @ 29.5 lbs. stock. Mine is now 28 lbs. Changing cranks, cassette, seat, seatpost, and f.derailleur will put it at 27 lbs. If you go with delicate weight weenie stuff you'll probably achieve 26 lbs. maybe 25.5. This bike has shown me, however, just how misguided weight weenies are. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from American Fork, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Alpine Perimeter | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Timpanogas Cyclery | | Strengths: | The overall design is simply incredible. It is very plush but very controlled in all aspects of ascent and descent. With the compliant suspension, climbing has never been easier. All roots and rocks are absorbed so the tire stays planted. There is no pedal bob while sitting down cranking and the gears are well suited for mountain goat style riding.
The ride down is very fast as the bike remains highly agile. It absorbs all the quick hits so you are never driven from the trail. The brakes feel strong and can be easily modulated. It is very different from a stiff rider like my Homegrown. You cannot easily kick the bike around because it just absorbs the push instead of moving. At the same time, you can also use this to your advantage and kick it over as it rebounds. I don't know how else to describe how it feels to go from a 4"/3" stiff cross country rider to a 5"/5" all mountain rider other than that.
The tubeless tires are new for me, but enhance traction due to the lower tire pressures I can run. Your tire selection will be smaller because of this, but the rims should be able to handle a regular tire at the expense of a little extra weight.
Drivetrain is very crisp, albeit a little weird at first. It uses the ergonomic all-in-one shifter/brake levers. Once I got over the initial wierdness, I love them. Great choice of XT components. | | Weaknesses: | The rear shock accessibility leaves some to be desired. I haven't seen how to adjust the geometry without partially taking apart the rear suspension. You cannot simply spin the shock or the locknut and move the shock. My shock pump cannot access the rear fill port without dismantling the rear and partially removing the rear shock so tweaking your rear suspension might be a pain.
The valve stems on the tubless wheels are too short to accept my Joe Blow pump. I was able to get an adapter for $1 to convert the presta to a schraeder so I can fill the tires, but it was an initial shock when I couldn't fill my tires.
Severe pedal bob if not sitting down. The bike is super plush and will take each pedal stoke if you stand up. Even so, this is not a real weakness because it resists perfectly where it counts.
The new lefty includes spacers to stiffen up the pre-load, but the compression and rebound don't seem to have much effect on the shock stroke. Not much of a problem since it feels absolutely incredible at full soft.
Cable rub WILL happen so make sure you place the rub protectors that are included with the manuals. Chainstay guard is recommended.
Finally, it is a lefty so mounting your ride computer can be a pain. There is a company selling mounts for the lefty on ebay or Cannondale suggests mounting your magnet to the disc brake itself. I chose to mount to the disc, but to do so I had to purchase some 1/8" neodymium magnets and superglue them in place. Again, not a problem as long as you have a little ingenuity.
The cheaped out on the crank and the front derailer. Deore cranks and LX front derailer?? | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll 900 SL, Specialized FSR Comp, Schwinn Homegrown All-mountain | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock except for Planet Bike Protege 9.0 | | Bottom Line: | Absolute champion on the mountain. It takes all the hits and keeps you glued to the trail. It climbs as well as it races down the hillside. The technology present is absolutely amazing. If you are riding a bike that is a little dated take the plunge and go with the new stuff. It is well worth the investment! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Chapin
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Clarita, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cannondale dealer | |
|
$ 2599.99
