Intense 5.5 to Knolly Endo. Worth it?

Same travel, totally different bike. I'd keep the 5.5, build it light, and make it a dedicated XC/trail bike. Build the Endorphin burly.

Climbing:
Compared to my MotoLite I find the Endorphin sluggish on fireroad climbs. But, technical climbs, which are my favorite part of mtn biking, are hands-down easier on the Knolly.

yes it's worth it. no creaking issues on an endo. way more of a burly frame. fully active all the time vs vpp one. it does feel like it has more than 5.5" of travel too.

This is going to be a really different ride from your 5.5. The more chunky the better. Slide forward on the seat and with a good spin, you'll have glue like traction up the nasty climbs. Incredibly stable when things get ugly, and the drops are butter smooth. 4x4 is the real deal.

Enjoy

Thanks guys, what I wanted to hear.
It's going to be XCish (sorry) but for most UK riding, 36s and chainguides would be overkill (IMHO). So XT w/bash, 32 TALAS and Hope tech M4s it is.
I've been wanting to take my riding to the next level and this may be what I need!

I'll echo what Lakesnake said. I came from a 5.5 which I sold to a friend and we swap rides occasionally. The Endo may be a tad heavier but it feels more solid on the chunky climbs and descents. I don't notice the additional weight at all.

I do have more confidence in doing drops & jumps on the Endo. The 5.5 is still a good bike but the Endo is just better, IMO. I probably replaced the pivot bearings 2-3 times in the 2-3 years I had the 5.5

dobbs59 said:

Thanks guys, what I wanted to hear.
It's going to be XCish (sorry) but for most UK riding, 36s and chainguides would be overkill (IMHO). So XT w/bash, 32 TALAS and Hope tech M4s it is.
I've been wanting to take my riding to the next level and this may be what I need!

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That build will be just fine on the Endo, It does work well with a 140-150 fork if that's the route you go, I rode mine for two years with a Pike before recently going to a Lyrik. If at all possible go with the 15mm thru axle 32, the frame is so laterally stiff that it's nice to balance the front end with a stiff fork as well.

you will love it!

My Endorphin weighs in, (and I know this because I finally weighed it today) at 36.11 pounds.

I don't think of it as heavy, I just can't imagine a way to have a more durable bike without having the weight savings bite me in the ass. Been there, done that. I know how I ride and what I can get away with, so I consider that 36.11 pounds to be pretty freaking light to let me do everything I want to do on a mountain bike.

I don't think it's a good idea for me at least, to let my equipment dictate my limitations, which is why I'm riding Knollys to begin with.

Like I said, you'll love your new bike. It will take you places

dobbs59 said:

Just wanted some confirmation that I'm doing the right thing.
Going from a 5.5EVP to an 09 endorphin.

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Yes, definitely yes. I've had 2 months of serious hammering on the Endo and I continue to be amazed. Impeccable handling, predictable and confidence inspiring suspension action and not so much as the faintest squeak from the pivots during a sloppy southern hemisphere spring. Truly exceptional. :thumbsup:

more then worth it, but seriously, burly is the way to go on the endo, well at least for me. been riding mine for 8mths and still lovin every sec i spend with her.

super stable, takes anything that i dare to try.