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Average Rating
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4.31/5
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# of Reviews
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29
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MSRP
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$ 1200.00
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Weight
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More Products from Cannondale
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Description:
- Frame: Jekyll
- Rear: Shock Fox Float RL Pro Pedal
- Rims: Sun Black Eye Disc, 32 hole
- Hubs: Cannondale Fire Disc
- Spokes: DT Champion
- Tires: IRC Serac XC, 26 x 2.1"
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Submitted by
bennyjekyll700
a Downhiller
from Elk WA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | cherry hill in Coeur d 'Alene ID | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Coeur d 'Alene ID | | Strengths: | very strong frame, took a crash a whole lot better that i did, perfect welds | | Weaknesses: | magura clara breaks they suck i wanna get some avid juicy 7's. And the hutchensen mosquito tires pop VERY easily | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock | | Bike Setup: | lefty ELO front shock,rapid fire shifters,XT rear derailuer,LX front deraileur,fox float R rear shock,SRAM 7.0 cassete SRAM chain and crank,clara breaks(soon going to change) o'neal azonic bars 2" rise ,specialized saddle,cannondale DODA expert rims and hubs,32 hole | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike i use it for downhill and freeride,
it takes jumps very well lefty is the best fox float is awsome too. The day after i bought it i took it off a jump, landed crooked broke at least one of my ribs,separated my shoulder and cracked my kidney (ouch)
the only thing that was wrong was the front rim was bent a little. I love this bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jazon
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | Frame is handmade in the U.S., looks awesome, descends extremely well, adjustable travel fork, adjustable geometry, decent components. | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires were so-so, somewhat on the heavy side(I have the Jekyll 600 All Mountain). | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Alite 1000, Cannondale Super V, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR. | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Cannondale Jekyll 600 All Mountain, Selle Italia Nova Saddle, WTB Velociraptor Tires, Specialized Enduro Grips, Kore Stem. | | Bottom Line: | It was a great bike for the price, they have been out of production for a few years now but I'm sure there are some deals on Ebay. I would like to try the lefty version though. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, VA, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | McDowell Trail systems, AZ. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Washington Bike Center, Virginia | | Strengths: | IT'S A CANNONDALE/ Nice Welds/ Classic Tri- angle style Main Frame/ Low- Maintenance Single Pivot rear swing-arm /5' Travel/ adjustable rear shock (coil-over) style.-also changes the headset deg.0.3 from XC geometry to FR/AM ride. | | Weaknesses: | Poor Cable routing f. Derailer/ and rear brake. due to the "S" bend w/ Mechanical Brakes -not a problem for hydro.
Rear Shock is integrated into the frame make it hard to find upgrades. | | Similar Products Used: | GT iDrive 4/ Mongoose Teocali/ Trek EX 5.5/ Yeti ASX | | Bike Setup: | 05' Cannondale Jekyll 800/Custom Paint/08'Fox Vanilla RLC/ Fox Float RL rear/All XT Drive/ XTR Shifters/Avid Juicy 7's/ Mavic Crossmax wheelset/ Kenda Nevgal 2.35 rear/ 2.5 front stick-e for all this loose rock out here in AZ.
Race Face -(stem,bars,seatpost) CNC only! | | Bottom Line: | I have a lot invested in my jekyll since the fall of 2006. I've upgraded everything from stock. Built up more for Trail/ All Mountain Now-This Bike will get you out there and back.UP Hill "It climbs like a damn billy goat"and Yes this Single Pivot is Efficient w/ properly set up suspension! On the way Down it will descend with confidence, and still feel agile at speed. 5' Plenty of travel and solid frame this bike has turned me from an "Average Joe" rider to a more technical/ adventure Epic style rider. I trust my Cannondale to hold up to everything I can dish out! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DON CAPS
a Weekend Warrior
from SINGAPORE
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Bukit Timah & Pulau Ubin | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2070.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | (1)One strength is actually its strength, per se'. The welds are massive yet nice and smooth. Somehow gives the impression they won't fail that easily. The large head tube also looks tough; tougher than most other bikes that use the regular size head tube. I guess this all builds up some confidence when riding tough and demanding portions of a trail.
(2)LOOKS. I really lke the looks of my older version frame, the one with the forged or bonded swing arm. I think it's called the raven type swing arm, if I'm not mistaken.
(3)Geometry adjustability via rear shock position.
(4)Did I say LOOKS? | | Weaknesses: | (1)The suspension is fine, although it's not the latest in rear suspension technology.
(2)The rear shock mounting is customized, so you cant just by any after market shock. This is an issue if you want to upgrade to other models or brands such as those with pro-pedal.
(3)Rear tire clearance allows only up to 2.1
(4)I have loved this bike (frame) so much eversince I got it, that it's been hard to let go... | | Similar Products Used: | I would say my Morewood Ndiza because of the single pivot suspension. Although the Ndiza is a more specialized bike (designed for 4x). | | Bike Setup: | 01 or 02 cannondale jekyll frame (not sure about the year), fox vanilla rlc fork, 07 xtr cranks, mavic 321's on A2Z hubs, 50mm X4 thomson, race face next sl os carbon riser bar, thomson post, Avid BB7 brakes, Avid Ultimate black ops levers, 07 XTR shifters, XTR M960 rd, XTR M953 fd. Kenda nevegal at front, Panaracer Fire XC pro behind.
| | Bottom Line: | Really great on the trails where I ride. Confidence inspiring. Really tough. Frame is still as good as it was the day I first laid my hands on it. I think I am an above average rider (maybe just slightly above). I don't think my skills have ever reached the full potential of this frame....err...or any frame for that matter.
This bike marked my transition to full suspension bikes. I have lost all attraction to hard tails eversince. It has quite a sentimental value to me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric whiteside
a
from Osan AB, South Korea
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anything where I ride more than I push | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | bought frame from a friend | | Strengths: | Great design...efficient AND aesthetically pleasing, versatile bike, adjustability to different riding styles, beautiful welds | | Weaknesses: | Poor cable routing (rear brake and front derailleur cables go under bottom bracket), rear shock leaks in cold weather | | Similar Products Used: | GT I drive 2.0 and 0.0 (2001 and 2003 frames) | | Bike Setup: | Clydesdale set up...i.e. heavy bike for a heavy rider. Marzocchi bomber up front, Fox float RL rear, LX/XTR, aftermarket wheelset | | Bottom Line: | Follow up post from 21 August post:
Okay...I've riddent this thing for about 4 months now and I'm even more convinced of what I already knew...THIS BIKE ROCKS!!! It motivates me to ride more often and my riding has definitely improved...specifically my climbing. The short chainstays paired with this single pivot suspension design make for a hell of a climbing bike...even for a 200 pounder like myself.
I set the geometry back to the "middle" because the bike was very "twitchy" in the full XC setting. It became much more predictable and stable after that. I switched to low rise bars and now the bike is a little sluggish in the turns, so I'll be adjusting the geometry again later...but it's a beautiful thing to have the ability to "customize" your ride to your riding style and not the other way around.
Weak points: The cable routing is horrible for the rear brake and front derailleur. It goes under the bottom bracket...precisely where you can pick up the most water, mud, and other debris from the trail and lodge it squarely in your cable housings. Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this: Sealed cable housings. I'm running Aztec Powerlines and they work flawlessly. It's a segmented metal housing that you can bend to fit your frame but it comes with a Teflon liner that runs the length of the cable all the way to the end of the housing. Bottom line...the gunk never touches your cable so your shifting/braking isn't affected. Problem solved.
Next weakness: Fox Float RL loses air pressure in cold weather. Honestly, I don't think there's a fix for this...it's just physics. The seals probably shrink and get more brittle in cold air and the air volume decreases due to the weather I guess. I just keep pumping the shock up when it's low...which is often. No problem in the summer though.
In closing...this bike is AWESOME. I can't for the life of me figure out why Cannondale stopped making this frame in favor of the Prophet. The Prophet is a great bike as well, but I don't think the Prophet is as much of an "all mountain" rig as the Jekyll. It leans a little more towards the XC side of things. To be fair, I've only ridden my friend's Prophet in the bike shop parking lot and up and down a few curbs...but even that didn't feel the same...the Jekyll just feels "RIGHT" to me.
If you can find one in good condition, GET IT!!! I would recommend getting just the frame if you can and building it up custom, but the complete bike won't let you down either.
If you are an "aggressive" trail rider (NOT A FREERIDER) and your trails require you to suffer through the climbs in order to enjoy the descents, then this is the bike for you!!
I rated the value as a 3 only because I got a great deal from a friend...I doubt the bike shop would be able to touch the deal that I got on it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jonathan
a
from kentucky
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | good frame design, adjustable rear height, reasonable weight, overall good bike | | Weaknesses: | basically only 2 rear shocks to choose from.. but the float rl is perfect. | | Bike Setup: | manitou minute 1 100 - 130, fox float rl, rhino lite wheels w/ disc hubs, hays nine carbon disc brake, 2.35 in. tires. | | Bottom Line: | My dad bought me this bike off of ebay for around 800 used. it was a humble jekyll 400.. I loved it then too.. over the years as I started making money on my own I upgraded the forks, rear shock and disc brakes. I've jumped this thing off of my 4' porch several times, and just plain hit any jump I encounter on a trail.. and it takes it all in stride.. I've tried jumping my mom, dad, and brother's bikes and none of them even compare. The only problems I've had with it are the derailers are always going out of adjustment (but that's on shimanu not cannondale). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric whiteside
a Cross Country Rider
from osan ab, south korea
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Annadel state park, Santa Rosa, CA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | efficiency AND easy on the eyes, short chainstays great for climbing and acceleration | | Weaknesses: | I haven't found any yet...I don't think I'm going to!! | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-drive 0.0, and 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z2 Drop off, LX/XTR, Mavic 117 Disc, Avid Mechanical Disc | | Bottom Line: | I broke my SECOND GT I-drive frame. This one broke where the "pseudo seat tube" is welded to the I-drive concentric (2003 frame.) This is my second full susp. rig and I had no idea how different the Jekyll would ride. My setup is pretty heavy, but I adjusted the shock for full XC geometry and it climbs EXTREMELY well. I'm not a strong climber, but this bike does make it less of a chore than it was on the GT. The weights are very similar but the Jekyll just "feels" lighter when you ride. My setup has 5 inches front and rear and I have yet to push the limit of my travel...this bike just BEGS for me to ride harder. My first ride on it, I stated to my friend: "This bike makes me stupid!!!" I take lines that I would not have even considered before...and I MAKE them. Bottom line, I am a new Cannondale convert...this bike ROCKS...It makes me want to ride everyday again!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Beltsville, Md
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$375.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | It's a Cannondale! So that means that it's bombproof, and built to last FOREVER!!! | | Weaknesses: | Stock, it was a little on the heavy side at 27.7lbs with pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | I am an ex-factory rider who started with Cannondale back in the early 90's. So while I've tried MANY different bikes over the years, I've always remained true to my Cannondales. Currently, I own 14 of them, and I wouldn't trade any of them for anything else. | | Bike Setup: | Mine is totally Custom. I started with just the frame that I bought off of ebay. Since I am primarily a cross country rider, I didn't want to build I build it like the typical free-ride bike, so I'm using a Headshock instead of the Lefty. The other unusual thing is that I am running a single 38T chainring with an Ethirteen bashguard in the front instead of the typical 3 chainring setup. So I get only 9 usable gears instead of 27 gears that just overlap. Than I added the following components: XTR rear derailluer and cassette, Avid BB7 Brakes w/ speed Dial levers, Easton Monkey Light bars, Control tech Seatpost, SLR saddle, and Mavic SLR wheels. Plus I used Avid Flak jacket full length housing on the entire bike, so I never worry about dirt and grime effecting my shifting. But the greatest thing of all is that this the bike weighs in at an incredible 23.7lbs with pedals. That's SWEET for a bike that you can actually ride without fear of breaking something. | | Bottom Line: | When you start with a Cannondale frame you can't go wrong. Even thier stock bikes are sweet. Thier component selections may not always be the lightest, but they ALWAYS work. So like i said, I am true to my C-dales, even though I haven't been a factory rider for over 10 years. Keep the rubber side down!!!
Big "Jim" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan Ixic
a Weekend Warrior
from Croatia
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | dotrscina | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | some guy | | Strengths: | Great climber,shock 'eats' bumps,not too heavy for FS bike. | | Weaknesses: | Frame broken after small crash.;(( | | Similar Products Used: | author versus | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Scareb super,Xt dics brakes, xt dual control,xtr rear,mavic x223,manitou swinger 3 way spv. | | Bottom Line: | This was my first FS bike,i used to drive some rough trails with him,driving very fast over roots,jumping from 3 feet high
jumps.Also,great climber and during the city ride,very fast(when both shocks locked).BUT,i'm very dissapointed that frame cracked on B.B.When i bought it it was in perfect shape.If we consider fact it is AM bike,that's even harder to understand.For xc very good bike,but AM not at all. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tad Drake
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Fountainhead - Lorton, VA | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop - Jacksonville, NC | | Strengths: | Excellent frame design. Rear shock is money, no complaints about the front either - fine for my size and weight (195 lbs), if a little soft. | | Weaknesses: | Component setup is a bit weak. Have had some issues with the stock disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Splice Super fork, SRAM X.7 Rear, SRAM X-Gen front. FSA Pro Carbon crankset, Crank Bros Eggbeater-c pedals. Performance Pro Carbon straight handlebar. All the rest stock. | | Bottom Line: | Well worth the original price, especially if you're willing to drop some cash to upgrade the parts that you don't like so much. Definitely happy with the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deborah O'Sullivan
a Cross Country Rider
from Pawling,NY USA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Pawling Cycle and Sport | | Strengths: | GREAT bike | | Weaknesses: | Crappy Manitou Splice fork. Didn't last a full season and I am a small woman rider. Toeclips on the platform pedals, Horrid seat- | | Similar Products Used: | Jameson, Canondale Prophet | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float fork, Crank bros. pedals, Terry saddle | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE this bike...I got the small frame. I am 5'4 woman and tries a LOT of bikes. As soon as I got on this bike I fell in love!:-) Awesome going up and handles great on singletrack and tight switch backs. I really like the shorter wheel base on this bike.. Upgrade the fork and loose the toeclips! This is an awesome bike! Did I mention that I love this bike? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
george sharp
a Weekend Warrior
from gillette, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | chimny rock | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | High gear | | Strengths: | efficient climber, stable high speed decender | | Weaknesses: | all componets need to be replaced | | Bike Setup: | marzzochi mx pro fork, shimano xtr derailers, xtr breaks, xtr wheels | | Bottom Line: | a top level bike for all around trail riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Tattam
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Sparrow Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3790.00 | | Purchased At: | Rideshop - Canberra | | Strengths: | The frame - the large single pivot is indestructable. I've put this bike through hell and the frame still looks new bar a little paint missing. | | Weaknesses: | I initially purchased the Jekyell 600, and since then I've updated everything bar the frame and rear shock. The original spec didn't quite cut the mustard for the endurance riding that i tackle. solo 24hr format is way too sweet. The only weakness I guess is the weight of the bike was still a little heavy for my liking, esp with the spec kit I added (see below). | | Similar Products Used: | None really. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float RL rear shock, Crossmax SL W/S, 06 Reba Fork, FSA carbon bar and post, FSA stem, gobi saddle, Larsen TT tyres and complete XT dual shift group set. Continuous outers on cables with assistance from hydro hose clamps. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has served me well in several solo 24hr races (except the last where the rear shock seal finally let go forcing me onto my DBR hardtail - ouch). I really just wanted to write this review as a tribute to the bike before I update to the RUSH soon.
Will be nice to smell some new bike smell and shave a kilo and a half off the overall weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a
from C.P., Oregon
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Sims Cycle | | Strengths: | Solid frame and construction. Good looking bike thats easy to upgrade. Adjustable geometry is great. | | Weaknesses: | Weak stock front fork. Rear shock isn't upgradable due to the way it connects to the frame. | | Bike Setup: | Minute One front, SRAM X.Gen front deraliure,Thomson Elite seatpost with WTB saddle. Soon to be Raceface Atlas crank. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the money. Will take a beating and stay true. No problems yet except for the weak front fork that broke, but manitou replaced it free with a minute one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Winchester, VA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Light weight, eficient peddeling, out crank friends on hardtails, | | Weaknesses: | Weird rear shock that cannot be replaced. Stock tires wash out like crazy. C-Dale is pricey | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit, Raligh M50 | | Bike Setup: | jekyll -- stock, and 2001 Bulit with 2004 888r | | Bottom Line: | The Jekyll is a freaking awesome bike that lets you do a lot. I've done everything from 6' hucks to 20 mile XC runs. The stock tires suck, but that’s a simple fix, the frame and fork are sweet. There is room for improvement but not too much. 4 chilis for C-dale's price and 4 for a sweet frame that’s efficient with a weird one of a kind rear shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Calixto bello
a Cross Country Rider
from Camaguey, Cuba
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | razorback | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | mach cycles | | Strengths: | Frame, Fox Float rear shock, wheels. | | Weaknesses: | am a two hundred pound rider that used to ride at 250 and my monitou splice gave out in like the first month but i was very rough on it so i added downhill springs to it and now its very rigid and works perfect for me,the tires would get easily pinched so i switch the rear tire to a michelin tubeless. heavy | | Similar Products Used: | none, trek 830 hardtail | | Bottom Line: | its a good strong bike 4 starters and i recomend it for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick L
a Weekend Warrior
from Sherbrooke
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Coaticook | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | 2003 400 model in oct. 2004. Frame is rock solid, no flex (I'm 235). Go well downhill. Great position on bike. the manitou black 100mm in frt is ok. | | Weaknesses: | Some ghost shifting. Poor (stupid) cable routing. eat alot of energy uphill(no pro-pedal. bob. poor wheel, very flexy. rear triangle too short. Hubs. | | Similar Products Used: | sugar 2+, hardtails GT Spec. Fisher, Trek | | Bike Setup: | stock except FireX Isis, rear wheel,swap the med sprig for x-stiff spring in the Black, change 750 spring in rear to 1050, alot better now) | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike to try a full suss. and dont want to spend alot of $. In general i like the bike. Better in torsion at bb than the sugar. but the parts are less than wanted for the capabalities of the bike. The wheels are flexy. I almost lost a v-Brake pad in front in a technical descent and the brake was under the rim (flexible rims). I dont know if its a lot better with the pro-pedal with this bike, but the vanilla eats about 50% of my energy uphill. Also in flat area it feels like somethings grabbing me, feel alot of resistance (rear sus.).
Change the Crank after i wear the small ring because there was no parts available for this bolt pattern crank (sugino remember??)(I had the same problem 4 years ago with a specialized crank made by sugino) it is unacceptable by Cannondale to put this junk on the bike while they should know the problem. The cable routing...or how to eat everything cable routing???(Change 2 times cables and jackets in one summer) looks like the same thing on prophet and rush. This bike is better suite for all mountain with alot of downhill, too long wheelbase for technical xc. I'll check for a new bike, 4' double sus with pro-pedal, spv more xc oriented.
3 Chili for value for the przed paid and 2 chilis overall because there is too much weakness and sometimes stupid weakness on this bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles (online) | | Strengths: | Price £800.00 (Jekyll 400)Cannondale reputation, raw aluminium frame. rear shock with lockout, adjustable geometry. Frame warranty | | Weaknesses: | Manitou Axel Super Forks (throw them away), brutal stock saddle, rubbish wellgo pedals, V - Brakes.... | | Similar Products Used: | None...first full susser purchased after my Cannondale M1000 hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Standard drivetrain & derallieurs, Upgraded to Lefty DLR (after threw manitous away, upgraded to Hayes HFX9 carbon discs, DMR V12 pedals, new WTB saddle, Fox remote lockout for rear shock. Continental Vertical 2.3 Tyres (ultra grippy). | | Bottom Line: | Had to buy Jekyll 400 as only one with RAW frame which was a shame....fantastic first suspension bike if you can afford to upgrade it (unless you get better spec'd newer model as mine is a 2004 model)...Lefty fork is a MUST BUY!!!super smooth travel that handles everything you throw at it and the stiffest fork ever!!!....Won "bike of the year" and it shows why. Poorly spec'd as stock but still value for money as frame is FANTASTIC...frame can still be found for £800 (frame only). If youare on a budget this will be hard to beat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arthur Mee
a Racer
from Germany
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Stiff frame, great geometry with long top tube (great for tall people like me). Lifetime warranty on frame. Great build quality. Good damper. Adjustable geometry, hence very versatile. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou Splice very weak, even with the firmest spring it's still too soft for my weight (95+kg). High bike weight with stock parts. Shimano inverse rear derailleur needs to get used to. Geometry adjustment requires removing the damper. Brake/shifting cord positioning not ideal (cords rub the finish). Rear wheel clearance does not allow for tyres wider than approx. 2.25" | | Similar Products Used: | - | | Bike Setup: | So far, I've changed the brakes (to Shimano XT with 203mm disc), complete drivetrain (XT/SRAM X.9) and tyres (Schwalbe Nobby Nic). Changes to come are fork (Rock Shox Pike 426) and wheels (DT Swiss Onyx/EX5.1d). | | Bottom Line: | Great beginner all-mountain bike. I've had a 9+year break from mtb-ing, so I re-started relatively cheap with the 05 Jekyll, because my calculation was: if I would not enjoy Mtb-ing that much, the bike would remain stock or even be sold (with little money lost). If I would enjoy riding the Jekyll (which I do) I'd have a great basis to build up upon (the Jekyll frame + damper). I use it mainly for single trail riding, which is great fun. I thought about buying a Lefty Max, but since it has no travel adjustment (only the new and expensive Carbon Max has) and the aftermarket prices are insane, I'll go for the Rock Shox Pike from which I expect a huge improvement performance-wise. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cake Traylor
a
from Riverside, california
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | too top secret to tell | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Bike feels great to ride. Great frame design. Has lockout and rebound adjustment for rear shock. It is easy to change the geomety from downhill to cross country too. And the price is nice too. | | Weaknesses: | Only complaint I really have with this bike was the fork. I weigh about 200 pounds and on climbs it is too soft. And the cable routing isn't the best. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant warp | | Bike Setup: | Only thing that i have changed out are the pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for someone who is looking to get into mountain biking. For the price, you can't really beat it. Some of the components could use an upgrade for serious riders. but an all around great bike that has required very minimal maintenence and has been very reliable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan
a Racer
from Concord, Ca
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Rubicon Jeep trail; Tahoe technical | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | This is an amazing bike! Great geometry, Lefty takes Huge hits and rails through tight, twitchy singletrack; incredibly comfortable and fun bike for all-mt./technical riding, and yet perfectly capable to podium a XC race -- stock. | | Weaknesses: | A bit more bike than average rider needs and can use (not really a weakness until the beginner gets in over his/her head and hurts him/herself); rear lockout takes a bit of fussing to get working well; for a cyclometer, go wireless. | | Similar Products Used: | a great many -- testing, demo'ing, racing against | | Bike Setup: | Jekyll 800, only ugrades so far: carbon fiber seatpost, handlebar. soon to come: titanium bb, lightweight, racing wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | This review category is a bit ambiguous since it does not delineate the different models . . .perhaps because the Jekyll has been fazed out for the prophet. Several reviewers, especially the less-experienced ones need to test-ride other bikes and realize what they have. Swapping out a Lefty for traditional susp. fork? Are you nuts!?
On my Jekyll 800, I've podiumed three times in 2nd place for 21-23 mile XC races (> rugged track than smooth = better), and been part of a first-place team of 3 in a 12 hour endurance race, being the rider with the fastest times and the fifth lap. Get real; the only other two bikes I'd consider are Kona's Dawg series or Rocky Mountain ETSX series. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mannymo
a Weekend Warrior
from orange county
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | all of aliso woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | sportchalet | | Strengths: | love the ride,awesome components for the price the sram x7 double thumb shifters are awesome they are the same ones that come on the prophet 1000 i know this only cause my buddy has one and its the saaaaaame thing, nice solid feel rear lock out is awesome handles anything! | | Weaknesses: | tires are to narrow i wanna throw some 2.4;s on if i can fit them thats about it | | Similar Products Used: | first full sus | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | IF YOUR NOT LOOKING TO SPEND ALOT OF MONEY GO WITH THIS BIKE ITS A SOLID WELL MADE BIKE FROM A LEGIT COMPANY KNOWN FOR QUALITY, I HAVE FRIENDS THAT HAVE $2000 + BIKES THAT HAVE BROKEN OR SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG WITH THEM AND I RIDE JUST AS HARD MAYBE EVEN HARDER AND I HAVE HAD NOOO PROBLEMS WITH THE JEKYLL ITS A SIMPLE SOLID BIKE THAT GETS THE JOB DONE! WHETHER IT BE UPHILL OR DOWNHILL AND THE BEST THING IS ITS THE BEST BIKE FOR ITS PRICE RANGE GO WITH CANNONDALE AND U WILL NEVER GO BACK! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampstead, NH
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | single track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Goodales Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Very good i like how it rides between rocks and trees. Good stopping ability. | | Weaknesses: | The front shock is two soft for climbing hills and all around. The front shock does not have a locking point like the rear does, so then when u are climbing hills u can lock it out and not be bouncing around every where.
| | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid 10. Hydraulic brakes everything. | | Bike Setup: | N/A planning to put a set of new forks on it and a wider tire. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that if u are just looking to get out on a nice day and enjoy your ride this would be a good bike for any one including beginners. If u are not looking to spend a lot for a full suspension bike thios would be the one. the rear suspension locks out, u have 5 inches of travel in the back its nice. Later Much | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Suncrest, WA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | rei | | Strengths: | comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Front shock too weak bottoms out and slaps back at top end. The rear shock location???How do you air it up without removing one of the pivot points? | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Not much of a bike for the retail price asked. The bike is not set up for hard single track or double track for that matter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MARTY RIGGINS
a Cross Country Rider
from YORK, PA. USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ROCKY RIDGE STATE PARK | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | ADVENTURE CYCLING & FITNESS | | Strengths: | PLENTY OF TRAVEL, GREAT BODY POSITIONING | | Weaknesses: | FORK IS VERY SOFT, PRODUCT SPECS ARE MISLEADING FOR THE FORK. THE SPECS SAY AT IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPLICE SUPER AND FAILS TO MENTION THE FORK HAS ADJUSTABLE TRAVEL AND REBOUND DAMPENING ADJUSTMENT ONLY. IF YOU GO TO MINITOU'S NET SITE THE SPECS READ ADJUSTABLE TRAVEL 100 - 130MM, ADJUSTABLE REBOUND DAMPENING, ADJUSTABLE SPRING TENSION AND A LOCKOUT. THE JEKYL DOES NOT HAVE ADJUSTABLE SPRING TENSION OR LOCKOUT. I AM A NEW RIDER AND WAS MISLED BY THIS. ONLY WHEN THE FORK GOT SOFT DID I REALIZE THIS. THE TOE CLIPS ARE FORMED IMPROPERLY IN MY OPINION. THEY ARE ARCHED DOWN RIGHT ON THE TOE. THIS PUTS TO MUCH PRESSURE ON THE TOE AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET YOUR TOE OUT QUICKLY. | | Similar Products Used: | TREK 4600 HARD TAIL | | Bike Setup: | I TOOK A CLASS ON GENERAL MAINTENANCE AND PROPER SET UP. AFTER I TOOK THIS CLASS I DID FINE KEEPING MY BIKE TUNED UP. | | Bottom Line: | THE JEKYL IS A GOOD DEAL FOR THE MONEY. I THINK IT RIDES WELL. THE ONLY DOWNFALLS WERE THE FORK PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD AND I TOOK THE TOE CLIPS OFF AND THREW THEM AWAY. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher
a Weekend Warrior
from Campbell, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Sweet ride. Stiff in all the right places, love the rear lock-out on the FOX float. This bike climbs like mountain goat, and stay on it's feet on the way down. I've been riding in the XC position for the float, haven't actually tried the other position yet. Takes a 3 foot drop without flinching (I'm close to 300lbs). | | Weaknesses: | Saddle leaves little to be desired. The grippy surface of the Selle Royale was driving me crazy. I replaced it with a Selle Italia Flight (same saddle I ride on my road bike) after about 50 miles. The front shock is a good midrange shock but I will replace it eventually, I would like to install the rock solid lefty fork but that won't happen until the current one wears out. The pedals are throw aways...I already had Attack Alum. from my last bike ready to install. | | Similar Products Used: | I test road 12 different bikes before purchasing this one. Mostly similar price range hardtails
(after a few upgrades) and a few more expensive full suspension bikes. I liked the feel of the Jekyll above any of the other bikes, and after 200 miles I am quite pleased with my choice. If I had an extra $1000 I probably would have purchased a Prophet. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Splice Super 100/130, Fox Float RL Pro, TruVativ IsoFlow 22/32/44, SRAM PG-950 11-34, SRAM X-7 Rear Derailer and Shifter, Shimano Deore Front Derailer. | | Bottom Line: | For the money I spent I feel like I got a steal of a deal. There is definately room for improvement on the components but the package is the fantastic. Ride it till the stock parts wear out or break and then upgrade. If your looking to ride on more than the average trail I highly suggest this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lorne Catalano
a Cross Country Rider
from Buffalo,NY,USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Holiday Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Red Door Ski Shop | | Strengths: | Excellent rear suspension, even for a heavier rider(216 lbs). Avid Disc Breaks are great. Incredible value. Handmade quality in the USA | | Weaknesses: | Seat, pedals, Manitou Splice 130mm is set soft(upgraded to beefier internal spring due to my size and its fine). I do alot of X-Country ride so its heavier than Im used to but its also my first full suspension bike. Paint - would of preferred brushed non-painted. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Gary Fisher and Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Dealer replaced the Seat to WTB Gel and changed the shifters to Grip Shift. The Fork was modified with stiffer spring. Still considering alternative pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bang for the buck. Nothing comes close within $300 especially with the Avid 5BB disc breaks!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Woody Banko
a Weekend Warrior
from Bridgewater CT
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the one thats rocky........ | | Duration Product Used: |
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