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Cannondale
Jekyll 600 Disc
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Submitted by
Marco Hermes Peruzzi
a Weekend Warrior
from La Spezia, Liguria, Italy
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | 5 terre and liguria's Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Hot Bikes - sp - Italy | | Strengths: | Amazingly light in climbing up-hill and in the same time extremely strong and safe in down-hill (be careful, not extreme down-hill, not with this bike!). The best bike in All-mountains/enduro. | | Weaknesses: | I can't find, may be the same old story of "too-customized" spareparts of Cannondale (Lefty and Shock only for Cannondale p.e.) | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll 1° serie, Cannondale F800 CAAD5, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Viner Vy Pro | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to Jekyll 2000: Front derailleur XT, Rear der. XTR 2008 Shadow, Lefty Max spv 140mm, brakes XT 2007 disc, | | Bottom Line: | A bike for everyone, the Cross-country rider and the weekender enduro free-rider. I think the best Cannondale ever built. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Bogosian
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lock 4 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Used From Classifieds | | Strengths: | Great Suspension. Strong Frame. Great Components. | | Weaknesses: | None right now. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Fox Vanilla front shock. | | Bottom Line: | Prior to this I was riding a Specialized Stumpjumper hardtail. I was getting beat up on the trails and my back was killing me! After 2 good rides on this I have no back pains and really enjoyed my ride. It is not too heavy so the transition was not bad. Components are decent and can be upgraded as they break. I picked this up used with a fox vanilla front shock for $800. These are a great deal used. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse
a Cross Country Rider
from Fredericksburg VA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Any, when I can get to them! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Solid frame design, front and rear lockout, travel, paint scheme,versitility. | | Weaknesses: | The cable routing looks as if a 5-year old designed it. (I built it from the frame up, so I didn't have the component complains other reviewers had.) | | Similar Products Used: | Giant's AC-1 and NRS-1. | | Bike Setup: | Set up primarily for XC, Mavic XC 717's mated to Hugi hubs, XT crankset, XT front der with XTR in the rear. XTR 9-speed cassette. Hays Comp hydraulic disc brakes. Titec X-Wing seatpost with a Selle Italia Ti saddle on it. Race Face Low Riser up front with LX shifters and Specialized Control grips. | | Bottom Line: | Coming off a couple of race seasons aboard an XTC NRS-1, this bike was a breath of fresh air. So long had I been used to the finicky, spindley handling of XC race rigs that when I took my first ride aboard the Jekyll, I understood why I so loved to ride a bike. The suspension soaks up whatever XC harshness I dish out. I can ride all day on this thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Flagstaff AZ USA
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Factory team buddy | | Strengths: | Great frame, very solid ride. Climbs great and rips up the DH (not stock though) | | Weaknesses: | Whoever designed that seat should be beat to death with it. Rims and tires are weak. Sure the paint rubs off a bit in places but find me any bike that doesnt...its a mountain bike you pansies. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88 / Gt iDrive | | Bike Setup: | Sun DH rims (must for freeride) / Rockshox Recon 351 / Race face bars / stem / seatpost / crankset...wtb DH tires | | Bottom Line: | People who expect this bike to be a freerider out of the shop need to wake up....takes a bit of love and money to beef it up. The frame is great 4in of rear wheel travel isn't spectacular but does nicely on the jumps and 4 footish drops (havent bottomed out the rear yet). Bottom line ...great XC bike (stock) good Freeride (with a few bucks). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Preston
a Weekend Warrior
from Philipsburg, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | local mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Eddies Bicycles & sport equip. | | Strengths: | Awesome suspension, lockout is great. Adjustable geometry makes it easy to fit the bike to the rider. Good components. | | Weaknesses: | Just like all the other reviews...the seat sucks. The paint job is terrible. Although it is a mountain bike and it is supposed to get scratched, its not supposed to have cable rub to the bare metal in three months...not good. I also dislike the hutchinson scorpion tires, they just don't have any traction, but thats nothing really, all tires get replaced. I think the rims could be stronger. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Giant NRS 1, 2, and 3, Trek fuel 70, 80, and 90. Also have tested Specialized epic(wow). The jekyll is my first FS that I have owned though. | | Bike Setup: | I keep the rebound on the black about medium and travel as high as she will go. I also set the adjustable geometry so that my wait is shifted back for better hill decents. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, I do like this bike. It fits me perfect. The paint scheme is great( black and silver), but the clearcoat is terrible. All the other problems can be changed over time like the tires and seat. Other than the small problems that any other bike has too, I am really digging the bike. IT takes a licken and doesn't keep ticken as long as your adjustments are right. :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pascal Gaumond
a Cross Country Rider
from Bromont, Qc, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Momo Sport in Granby, Qc | | Strengths: | 5" travel fork and rear suspension, good tires (hutchison scorpio, lockout suspension, | | Weaknesses: | rear derailleur - little bit slowish to respond to rapid change demands. I will upgarde to XTR or sram X9 by mid summer. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized FSR Xc, Giant NRS Xc | | Bike Setup: | Fork: Manitou Black Elite 90 / 120 travel
Rear Shock: Fox Float RL with ProPedal
Brake Levers: Cannondale Fire
Handlebar: Cannondale Earth
Stem: Cannondale HeadShok SI
Headset: 1 1/8" threadless FSA Converter
Front Der: Shimano Deore LX
Crankset: TruVativ Five D, 22/32/44 teeth
Rear Der: Shimano Deore XT
Pedals: Shimano clip
Mavic crossmax rims
Tires: 26 x 2.00" Hutchinson Scorpion | | Bottom Line: | This bike is totally wild, very versatile and sturdy, it takes me uphill faster than it takes to say the alphabet. It is pretty lightweight(less than 30 lbs with disc brake)and responsive enough to manage very fast and technical downhill. The 5" travel on the fork is just marvellous for the arms, works very well. Brakes or truly efficient in any conditions(wet or dry). The lockout suspension is appreciated during long climbing the prevent the bob sensation. I have tried many other bikes including specialized, giant and i find that for the price and spec this is a very very enjoyable bike. Would recommand it to any newcommer and even intermediate rider for the soft and agressive ride it gives. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Cottrell
a Weekend Warrior
from Bournemouth, UK
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Heath | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1990.00 | | Purchased At: | Ride Cycleworks | | Strengths: | Good brakes, lockable shock, colour (mine is in the black) 5" travel | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, tyres, saddle and paint work (cable rub) | | Similar Products Used: | Speciaslised Enduro, GT Zaskar Race, Marin Mount Vision | | Bike Setup: | Mostly Standard, new WTB saddle and easton seatpost, Shimano Pedals and WTB Tyres | | Bottom Line: | I have had great fun on my Jekyll as my first adventure into full-sus. The bike is sure-footed and seems capable in a variety of terrains. I chose the Jekyll over other similar entry level full-sussers because of the lockable shock and have found this useful on long climbs.
The basic bike does need a tyre change and new saddle but its biggest weakness is the cable rub. Everytime I clean it, I seem to stumble across another piece of bare metal. The cable runs are a nightmare and I have taken to cutting up old Lizard Skins and placing these over the worst effected areas.
Apart from this the Jekyll is a lovely bike, if you can still get your hands on one I'd reccomend it. It does stand out from the crowd a little more than many other bikes and there are a few deals about as the Prophet slowly takes over. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josefino Diaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Duluth, MN
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hartley Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Erik's Bikeshop | | Strengths: | Very steady and fluid. Front shocks that you can adjust to your gusto. Geometry adjustable too. Good traction for a trail that has roots, rocks and most of the time wet and soggy trail. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy but I don't race so I'm fine | | Similar Products Used: | I'm a canondale man, my 3rd canondale from rigid to hardtail to FS | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden it twice, the trail is very technical with great climbs and of course downhill among rocks, roots, and fallen logs. Climbs well despite heavy frame. Rear tire traction big plus for my medium frame though I have a large size bike (the only one available...closeout). Highly recommended, reasonably priced, proudly made in the US of A. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin mather
a Weekend Warrior
from mansfield ct us
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | back yard | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | vernon cycles | | Strengths: | this is a good bike for xc n trail but not good for agressive riding with jumps n small drops, good brakes | | Weaknesses: | rims r really weak replaced two already, fork is too squooshy
components arnt that sturdy | | Bike Setup: | stock with new rims flack jacket cables new tires | | Bottom Line: | good bike for xc n trail but i am into more freeriding, didnt no much about biking when i bought this so i thought it was a good freeride machine n dh, but as i pushed myself it started breaking apart rims are constintly bent, fork has been rebuild twice, lock out nob broke off, and i'm not even that hard core, i do small jumps and no bigger drops then like 5-6'. the avid brakes are really nice and the lock out is good to have (when its not broken) i am now looking for a freeride bike, and trying to sell this for about 700 email me if u have ne questions (futballa25@netscape.net) wouldnt reccoment this bike to a jumper or agressive rider | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander Lai
a Racer
from Pembroke Pines, Fl, USA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Markham Park trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Geometry of Fork, Disc brakes, Adjustable Rear shock, Awesome frame construction and finish. Hand Made in USA for $1300, is a bargain!!! | | Weaknesses: | Fork is tooooo soft. Need to replace spring on the fork, Seat is a joke. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuels, and Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Changed tires to Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Seat post to Thompson Elite, a better seat, and Time z pedals. and very soon I will changing the spring on the fork to a stiffer one.
| | Bottom Line: | This is my second MTB bike and this thing is awesome for climbing and the flexibility of the frame's geometric thanks to its adjustable rear shock allows for XC and light freeride. Quality of construction is superior. After replacing minor parts, you can make this the perfect bike! It isn't the best bike around, but for $1300.00 is probably the best value around and the best part of all...it isn't made in China, or Taiwan!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from West Greenwich, RI USA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rena's trail, Arcadia | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | providence bike | | Strengths: | This is a six month update. This bike is great. I had the remote lockout installed, but once you get used to the bike, you don't really need it. The adjustments are endless on the frame. It's got to be one of the best bikes ever for riding in new england. Avid discs are awesome. No bleeding and plenty of power. | | Weaknesses: | The cable routing could be better, and the clear coat isn't very tough. But as long as you keep the cables lubed, the bike shifts and brakes very well. The stock saddle and tires are really bad. | | Similar Products Used: | Pro Flex 855 | | Bike Setup: | Answer carbon bars, Cook Bros. F crank, shimano peadals, IRC mythos tires, WTB saddle. | | Bottom Line: | After riding 250 miles on my jekyll this summer, I have to say it has been worth every penny. I put some frame saver patches on the cable wear points to protect the finish, and I've had no problems otherwise. The stock tires are no good for new england. Too many rock gardens and roots. Upgrade the tires and saddle, and this bike is one sick trail bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Forbes Burkowski
a Weekend Warrior
from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hydro Cut | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Ziggy's Cycle and Sport | | Strengths: | Very smooth ride, handles as if it is alive: you make a suggestion and it does the job. | | Weaknesses: | cable routing, came with tires that could use more or deeper treads (I do not do pavement). | | Similar Products Used: | Older Cannondale F600 | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Manitou Black front forks (no lefty for me)
Changed pedals to Shimano's | | Bottom Line: | I am really enjoying this bike, but I am currently in the honeymoon phase trying to adapt to a rear suspension (previous bike was hardtail). I do feel that the remote lockout is necessary for a challenging hill climb. I do love the front and rear suspensions: My first impression on the Jekyll was like being a kid gleefully jumping up and down on my parent's bed. At any rate, low roots and small rocks just seem to disappear. It seems a bit skittish on loose gravel but that might be due more to my technique in this learning phase. It does not take long to get spoiled: In order to appreciate the difference, between old and new bike I went back to my old bike trying to go up a few stone steps that were easily done with the Jekyll. My scrapes and wounds should heal in about a week. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rusty Shackleford
a Weekend Warrior
from So Cal
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mashing | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Incycle | | Strengths: | Plenty of plush travel front and rear. Ball bearing swing arm. Adjustable travel fork. Avid mechs stop on a dime. Lifetime warranty on frame. Light and stiff. Mavic rims. | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing. Tires. Front fork needs lockout. Not to hot about the brake levers. Stickers on fork look good but don't stick. Stock pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 555(first 26" mtn bike), Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: | Added lockout in forks. Exchanged stock clips for shimano platform/clips. Adding 8" rotors for my big a$$ downhill. XTR teflon coated cables. | | Bottom Line: | Best bike I've ever ridden. I added compression dampening/lockout in Manitou Blacks. I weight 190 but I still wanted to use the suspension. Great bike for those into hard core trail riding. Jumps like a grasshopper. Rides like a Cadillac. This bike is sick regardless of the small flaws. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Yorkshire, England
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Glentress, Scotland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes | | Strengths: | Superb Frame / Shock combo. Plush travel front & back, agile handling | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing. Gear cable has worn through paint and starting on alu frame near pivot. Resorted to the faithful lizard skins! Hutchinson Tyres! Rubbish one's worn out completely and the others on its way. | | Similar Products Used: | Scott Nitrous, Marin East Peak, Trek Liquid | | Bike Setup: | Stock with DMR V12 pedals, Manitou firm ride kit and soon new tyres! | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike, would buy the same again. Shame about the cable routing but nothing can be perfect. Once the tyres are changed the bike will be just as i want it. Good spec for money. If you've got £1300 and you need an all round full susser in the UK buy this! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Porter
a Cross Country Rider
from Owls Head Maine Usa
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Camden Snow Bowl | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bikesnjava | | Strengths: | Nice bike for the price. Very plush shocks. Pretty good component spec. Doesn't bob. Great lockout feature. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, the cable routing is very vulnerable to get crudded up because the go along the bottom of down tube but full housing fixes that. Other posts have complained about paint but it's a mountain bike. It's not for display! | | Similar Products Used: | kona bear(dawg) jamis dakar gary fisher cake giant vt2 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for irc mythos tires | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike for the money. Climbes great, lockout good. It felt like any other fully I've tried until I got it on a downhill trail. Wow!! It's like riding a couch. Buy it, you wont be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sctrix
a Weekend Warrior
from ny
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | As a heavy rider (210) The suspension has been able to handle everything I can take it through. The Avid breaks are excellent. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are not the best on NY trails. The seat is very hard and should be replaced immediately. The cable routing for the derailers. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Factory with WTB V Seat | | Bottom Line: | This is an amazing trail riding bike!! The cable routing needed work, but once that was dealt with the bike was shifting and riding very smoothly. The suspension is excellent and the lock out works great. Overall this is an excellent cross country as is and with a few upgrades can be one of the best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from canal fulton,oh usa
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | vultures knob, mohican st. park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | eddy's bike shop | | Strengths: | Frame rigidity, fox float rl w/propedal, adustability for freaking everything | | Weaknesses: | tires, brake levers, forks too squishy for weight (215 lbs), paint job but i dont care too much about that and i will upgrade the springs in the fork
| | Similar Products Used: | trek 4900, kona dawg, giant nrs 2, gf cake, trek fuel 90, specialized enduro, specialized fsr | | Bike Setup: | completely stock for now | | Bottom Line: | Wicked bike! Talk about versatility. Very balanced suspension. Handles drops like butter. Absolutely motors on descents. Lockout is a godsend. If your a rider who rides a couple of days a week on aggressive cross country type trails. This is your bike. Will use this bike for years with some epics in mind too! This is pretty much as good as a bike twice the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Good ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1335.00 | | Purchased At: | RVC | | Strengths: | Nice geometry. Suspension can be set for plush or firmish. Front end and back end seem balanced under almost any configuration. LOTS of travel. | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing. This is abysmal. I can see that I am going to have to go to full housing on the rear derailleur cable since the shifting is already starting to ghost shift and get flakey. Only 1 week of riding. The cables can get full of mud easily. Stock Hutchinson Scorpion Air Light tires are really bad also. Why Cannondale, why? | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I think this is one of the best bikes out there for the money. It really makes me feel confident riding it, and I feel that I can do far more on this bike that I could on my old one. The suspension is really really nice. The single pivot rear end given a stable feeling, and it HAULS around bumpy corners, with the rear end soaking it up like a champ. It looks nice, and is OK for weight, given that it is really truly feels like it sits in between a light race bike and a heavy downhiller. However; Cannondale really needs to address the brutal cable routing. I mean, seriously, the area where the cables go from open to housed is right UNDER the front triangle bar - right where the front wheel spits up mud, water and sand. Guess where all that crap goes? Right into the cable housing, and the rear brake starts to feel scratchy.. blah blah... just stupidity. I will probably convert to full housing and that will fix it forever. The rest of the best is fantastic. Aside from the cable routing, I think they did a bike that can be setup perfectly for almost anyone. Ratings lose one Flamin' Chili due to brutal cable routing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james booth
a Racer
from park city utah usa
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | to many to name | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | cole sport | | Strengths: | everything i freeride every day iv hit 4 1/2 drops to flat with no ploblems the back shock is great the fox float rl air shock 4 in and 5 in in the front great for freeriding crosscountry downhilling
the bike can handle it can you | | Weaknesses: | uh
the pedles butt the pedles matter where you buy it at cole it had clips but iv got some oddesy black widdows now | | Similar Products Used: | gt idrive 5.0 trek 4900 giant | | Bike Setup: | stock cept peddles
| | Bottom Line: | this bike can take anything you can dish it can you
only get this bike if you are a rider butt if you want to ride on the street no dont get it
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Downhiller
from Santa Rosa California
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Marsh trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Santa Rosa Cycle | | Strengths: | Great for bombing hills, very smooth ride | | Weaknesses: | Saddle | | Similar Products Used: | Dawg, Coiler, | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awsome. Great on the way down and is not bad on the way up. The lockout on the fox Float is very helpful for the long rides up. Great all around bike for less cash. This bike can handle anything you put it through. Great Buy | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TrippinBilly
a Cross Country Rider
from Yakima, Wa. USA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Little Bald Mt. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Silverdale Cyclery (Wa.) | | Strengths: | Fox Float RL, plush ride, single pivot frame, comfort, adaptability to terrain, looks I realize that is secondary to all else but it does look good, mine is all black. | | Weaknesses: | I agree with the other guys pertaining to weaknesses including the Hutchinson Scorpion tires, poor paint and or clear coat, also the stock saddle was poor. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 950 HT, Raleigh MT500 HT, K2 Lithium 4.0 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for new saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Great plush ride, I noticed the single pivot frame really did away with lateral movement while riding. Descents are fantastic. Still getting dialed in while climbing, I am still utilizing the lock-out option on the Fox Float RL, which is an amzing option to have if you have traditionally been a hardtail rider. The weight of the bike is marginal, but I did know how much it weighed before purchase so I cannot complain. The biggest upside to the Jekyll 600 is its adaptibility to almost any terrain, especially single track decsents. I recommend the Jekyll 600, and go with the disc brakes if you can afford them. It is a good enough frame that upgrading is an option the longer you have your Jekyll. If you are considering the Jekyll you already know the weaknesses, all of the write-ups have been pretty consistent with each other. Good Luck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Badger
a
from Bolivar, Oh
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Gemini Bikes | | Strengths: | Gives a very plush ride from the get go. Just got it yesterday, and today went on a ride on one of my familiar trails. Had a Gt Avalanche, and the first time i went down the tech downhill section on the Jekyll I was doing lines that I never even looked at before. Also I had the first endo that I've had in years. Just pulled on the binders (pretty hard) and instantly went over the bars! Great bike! Makes me feel like I am riding my dirtbike, I think that's why I like it so much. | | Weaknesses: | Paint scratches and chips easily. I did dump it on a rocky section, but was amazed at how many scratches there were already! Rode in wet sandy conditions today, and the tires were washing out everywhere! | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg, Gary Fisher Cake, Trek and Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock | | Bottom Line: | What an amazing bike. It is so plush... but not something that makes you feel like it's overly soft. Did a 4 foot drop today and hardly felt it! Great trail manners, wonderful bike! If you are looking for an all around bike, this is it. Haven't had a chance for any long fast downhills, but I know it will not dissapoint. Pedals very well, and I don't notice and bob at all. I love the Jekyll!!! Buy it, you won't be disapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from west greenwich, RI
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Providence Bike | | Strengths: | This bike build confidence. The slack headtube and plush suspension are outstanding. | | Weaknesses: | Cables rub the paint off very easily. Cannondale could use to put a tougher clear-coat on the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | 97 Pro Flex 855 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except added the lockout for the rear shock, and IRC Mythos tires, Cook Bros. "F" crankset to keep me Ol'skool. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is outstanding. The suspension is great for the rocks and roots of New England. Outside of the clear coat, I have no qualms with this bike. I love it! It climbs very well, and decends with much control. The Avid Disc's are great stoppers in mud and water. The shifting is strog and reliable. I swapped the crank out for a Cook Bros. F, and added IRC Mythos tires. The stock Hutchinson's were not too good for the areas I ride. Not enough tread. Now that I put my goodies on there, I can't stop riding my Jekyll. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Tattam
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, ACT, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | All good single track around Canberra's unburnt Pine forests | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ride Shop, Canberra | | Strengths: | I chose the gloss black frame and had the boys fit the bike out with a complete XT group-set, which included the XT dual pods and rapid riser mechs. The XT crankset is a funky thing to lay your eyes on too. I highly recommend this move if ya have the bucks (we bloody pay more for bikes down under too, which really @#%$*@$ sucks). The group set looks and operates just sweet. Shimano, hats off is all I can say. *** Anyway the Jekyll 600 is an awsome frameset and I'm glad I'm the owner of one. It sticks to the single track like #%*@ on a stick and I can't believe I've ridden my last three solo 24hr races on a hardtail, wish I picked up one of these machines before those races. Weight is no problem (not at my level anyway) and the forks and fox rear are very plush indeed. I thought I'd be locking out the rear for hill climbing quite often but this has not been the case. Oh, and a special mention to the dude or dudette that did the welding on the frame, what an awsome job. | | Weaknesses: | The bike I feel was a little under spec, hence the complete XT fit out. I would never expect the 600 to be factory fitted with a complete XT g/s I just did that because I don't like to do things by half. However, the bike was under spec in the first place. No problem though, I just threw the original 600 parts on my tired hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | None really, except short bursts on my mates' Enduo, VT and AC's. They're all good too. | | Bike Setup: | Like I mentioned before, all XT with rapid riser. I can't believe how awsome this setup is. It works so well and looks fantastic. The fox rear is sweet and my lower back appreciates it. | | Bottom Line: | Like the great Ferris said, 'If you have the means, I highly recommend it'.
The bike sits in my bedroom against the wall (teeving period), just nice to stare at before I hit the hay.
Never thought I'd buy a Cannondale,....glad I did. I'm sold. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Godden
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Beach, Va, USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Most anything with dirt. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Conte's Fitness in VA Beach | | Strengths: | Great bang for the buck. It seems to me like you get moderately good components on an awesome frame that will be easy to upgrade in the future. | | Weaknesses: | I weigh 250 lbs so the rear suspension feels a little squishy. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F600 hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Avid Break levers and XT shifter pods. | | Bottom Line: | The rear suspension seems a little squishy to me for my weight but that may be because I have never ridden a suspension bike before so it may take some getting used to.(or I need to ride more so I weigh less) My LBS says that the rear shock is set up properly for my weight. I intend to ride the bike till stuff breaks and upgrade as needed. Overall I am very happy that I was able to get this quality of suspension for under $2000. I would recommend this bike for people who are just getting started into full suspension and plan on doing normal type trail riding. Test ride one today and decide for yourself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TIM ARNOLD
a Cross Country Rider
from POOLE, DORSET, UK
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | RIDING THE PURBECKS | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | RIDE CYCLE WORKS UK | | Strengths: | GREAT FRAME,PLUSH FORKS,POWERFULL BRAKES. GROUPSET WORKS WELL | | Weaknesses: | SADDLE NOT VERY COMFY,TYRES | | Similar Products Used: | JAMIS DAKAR COMP, OFFROAD PRO-FLEX, MARIN RIFT ZONE | | Bike Setup: | STOCK EXCEPT SADDLE, TYRES (PANARACER), STEM (EASTON EA50) AND AN X-LITE QUICK RELEASE SEAT COLLAR | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE IS STUNNING TO RIDE AND LOOK AT. MINE IS BLACK AND IT TURNS HEADS. I DO A MIXTURE OF RIDING, FROM ROAD TO FREE-RIDE. IT COPES AMAZINGLY WELL WITH ANYTING. FLIP LOCKOUT FOR ROADS AND CLIMBS AND IT DOES REALLY WELL. WHEN LOCKED OUT REAR CAN SKIP ON ROUGH CLIMBS, BUT CLIMBS WELL WHEN NOT LOCKED OUT.
SUPER PLUSH ON DOWNHILLS. MAKES BUMPY DESCENTS SEEM SMOOTH. THE MANITOU BLACK ELITE FORKS ARE VERY PLUSH AND WORK WELL WITH THE REAR END (160PSI), I HAVE MINE MAINLY SET AT 110MM.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE USED DISC BRKES AND I WAS A BIT WORRIED IF THEY WOULD BE SQUEALERS BUT THEY DON'T. THEY WORK VERY WELL AND ON COLD DAYS THEY ACT AS HEATERS AND KEEP YOUR HANDS WARM AS THE DISCS GET VERY HOT.
OVERALL I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THIS BIKE. IT HANDLES LIKE A DREAM BUT COULD BE LIGHTER FOR XC RACING BUT HAS A LOT OF POTENTIAL FOR UPGRADING.THIS BIKE IS SUITED IDEALY TO AN AGGRESSIVE XC RIDER WHO LIKES A BIT OF PLAY TIME. BEST BIKE RIDDEN, WELL DONE CANNONDALE.
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$ 1499.99
