|   jekyll - a good choice? (kinda long) | castrello
Sep 18, 2003 3:41 AM | | Hello all,
I want a jekyll - and if possible some feedback on my decision. I want a bike for xc/trailriding. I have been riding a 2000 super v 500, but it has started to show its age and I dont want to upgrade it anymore. I ride technical terrain (lots of ruts, roots and rocks) but also lovely and smooth singletrack. There are some climbs in my region (and I like to climb), but they are kinda short. The bike I´ve been looking at is a jekyll 600 (euro edition, black)
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/ce/model-4VN6D.html
comments?
I could also get a really nice deal on a fuel 90 disc, but coming from a cannondale background I dont really like the fuel´s handling, even though I would surely get used to it. Plus, three of my friends have fuels and they have all broken their frames, swingarms etc (one several times), even though they´re just xc riders. Warranty has covered it all, but those incident has put me off. At the same time I also know that Cannondale has a reputation for this as well, but I have never experienced anything bad.
Comments on my thoughts, the jekyll, components, frame or anything else (except my spelling, cause I´m from Finland and therefore supposed to suck) is truly welcome! And of course, other suggestions as well. However, my budget is kinda in the jekyll600gooddealfuel90-land, so there will be no klein, santa cruz or intense this time.
Specialized have some nice bikes (one is the epic comp, another one the enduro /&/&??, but both of the are out of my price range), and Ím not much of a mechanic so for that reason I dont think that 4-bars are for me. My three year old super v has never needed pivot service (at least it´s still going strong).
For the same reason I´m kinda against the Giant nrs2 (another excellent bike according to some people). I agree, it´s one helluva deal, but Í´m not sure the rear suspension is for me. First, it´s a 4-bar, and second the "dropout pivot" is too close to the ground for the kind of riding I do (lots of small rocks, roots and so on). Plus, I think I want a bike that´s closer to trail riding than to xc racing. But I have to agree that the giant has great componentry.
The jekyll I was referring to has a manitou black elite fork. I have heard some bad things about this fork (stickers falling off etc), but I hope Manitou has figured it out by now.
I know it´s silly but I want this model because of appaerance. This bike comes in jet black. The following model (800, w/ lefty) is half white, half black and I do not want a white frame. I´ve had one before and it´s such a drag trying to keep it clean. The following model is a 900 which I like, but it´s too expensive....
I like the way a single pivot feels plus I dont want to spend too much time servicing the pivots. The pivot on my super V has been next to maintenance-free.
So I guess I´ll go for a jekyll (even though santa cruz heckler/marin/orange sub3 or 5/sunn neuro have been alternatives a while ago.). However, any further comments on the spec would be appreciated.
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/ce/model-4VN6D.html
Frame Jekyll
Fork Manitou Black Elite
w/Rapid Travel Wind Down
Rear Shock Fox Float RL Pro-Pedal
Rims Mavic XM 117 Disc, 32 hole
Hubs Cannondale Fire
Spokes DT Champion 1.8mm
Tires Hutchinson Scorpion, 26 x 2.0"
Pedals Cannondale Clipless
Crank TruVatiV FiveD ISIS A1
Chain Shimano HG-53
Rear Cogs SRAM PG-950, 11-34
Bottom Bracket TruVatiV ISIS GigaPipe SL
Front Derailleur Shimano LX
Rear Derailleur Shimano XT
Shifters Shimano Deore
Handlebars Cannondale Earth riser, 6061-T6, 275g
Stem Cannondale 3D forged
Headset FSA 1.5"/HeadShok to 1 1/8" converter
Brakeset Magura Julie w/SL Rotor
Brakelevers Magura Julie
Saddle Fi'zi:k Nisene
Seat Post Alloy 6061 forged one-piece
Colors Red tinted clear w/Gold Dust swingarm (gloss) (RED).
To me it seems like the bars, crank set and tires are the place where I could easily lose some weight and gain some performance.
What do U think? |
| re: jekyll - a good choice? (kinda long) | The Greek
Sep 18, 2003 5:02 AM | | I have a 2001 Jekyll I'm trying to sell if you looking used. You are right in thinking the Jekyll is a perfect trail riding bike - basic same design as the super v
t_pappas2001@yahoo.com if your interested |
| re: jekyll - a good choice? (kinda long) | castrello
Sep 19, 2003 1:00 AM | | I would surely be interested, but... thing is, I live in Finland so buying used from someone in the US is out of the question....:) |
| re: jekyll - a good choice? (kinda long) | The
Sep 19, 2003 4:07 PM | | |
| re: jekyll - a good choice? (kinda long) | The
Sep 19, 2003 4:08 PM | | shoot me an eamil (or give me your address) and I'll give you specs. I will provide shipping "across the pond" if we can work something out.
thanks
Ted
t_pappas2001@yahoo.com |
| Good Choice (short) | SuperB
Sep 18, 2003 7:28 AM | | I also ride a Super V 500 - 2001. I always seem to be upgrading components, but I've lost a bunch of weight and got it pretty much dialed in. The Jekyll is a great bike - I've test rode one before. Like the Super V it is a fun trailbike, that can handle a lot of varied terrain. Cannondale makes a great product - bulletproof frame with quality paint job. I would definitely go for the Jekyll, and I might do the same in a year or so as my Super V runs down. Good riding! |
| re: jekyll - a good choice? (kinda long) | iceaxe
Sep 18, 2003 9:57 AM | | I have a 2000 jekyll 900sl. Keep in mind that they changed the Jekyll for 2002 (it has more travel than my version). First off, as far as lateral rigidity and "snappieness" go, you're not going to find many bikes that compare (certainly none in your price range). The fuel and the Jekyll not only have totally different geometries, but are also geared for different types of riders. The fuel is a little more geared to XC racing where as the Jekyll is more geared to the trail rider. Not that it can't be raced, but it just has more travel in the back than the trek. Like wise can be said about the NRS, even though it's a 4-bar, fully active it is definitely not, as pedaling forces act to extend the suspension (you're supposed to ride it in a topped out position).
I've owned my cannondale since early 2000. I had some problems with CODA components but cannondale swapped them out for better stuff. Other than that, the ownership expirience has been great. I've ridden NRS's, a Klein Adept (full XTR), an SC superlight, and a titus SB during the past 4 years. The only bike that felt as competant as my 'Dale was the titus (and for twice the price).
Also, beware, there is a lot anti-Cannondale sentiment on this board; if you like the way it feels, get it, it will hold up. And if it doesn't they 'll give you a new frame.
-Amadeo |
| I like mine... | JoelW
Sep 18, 2003 10:03 AM | | Lots of miles on mine.
There are certainly more efficient, lighter and more XC Race capable bikes out there but I really have enjoyed mine. There will be lots of people who talk about all the frames and swingarms cracking, but I've ridden the hell out of mine and weigh 190 and it hasn't skipped a beat yet.
My bike is a 2001 CDale Jekyll frame with about everything else changed/upgraded. It started with a Fatty Headshok and I didn't care for that much. I swapped it to a Manitou Black Elite 80/100 with a stiffer spring and the ride improved for me.
The main complaint I have with my Jekyll is the bob when I'm hammering down the straights and stuff. I run it in the full XC (high bottom bracket shock position) all the time. I would think with a pro pedal shock the Jekyll will be incredible.
I even put road slicks on mine and get out on the road for rides. Even though its heavy (compared to road bikes) and inefficient I can still average a 16 to 17mph pace over 40 miles.
Here's a pic of my trusty steed. Since the pic, I've added an Avid mechanical to the rear paired with my sweet new OddsAndEndos Velocity VXC/WTB LaserDisc Lite wheels. |
| Jekyll is a nice ride | AK Chris
Sep 18, 2003 5:23 PM | | Until mine got stolen, I really liked it. I will say this though, if you can step up to the 800 over the 600, you will not regret it. The componenty spec is much better, so you will spend more, but do less ugrading.
Also, and this is the main reason why I say step up, is the Lefty. It is a perfect compliment to the rear end of that bike, so stiff and so smooth. I wish they made them with 1 1/8" steerers so I could get one for my currrent ride.
Anyway, the Jekyll is a great do it all bike. Plush, not too heavy and a lot of travel. The only thing I did notice, moving from the Jekyll to a Turner, is the typical monopivot shortcomings, most of them will be cured with the new Fox propedal. It is a great bike, I loved it. |
| Jekyll is a nice ride | jeffj
Sep 19, 2003 1:10 PM | | I have been riding a 99 Super V 900 since new and recently bought a Jekyll 500 for my daughter. I added a riser bar, WTB saddle and Hayes disc brakes to the Jekyll and I am pretty impressed with it so far. We tested the Fuel 90 and 80, the NRS , Rockhopper FS and others and we both preferred the ride and feel of the Jekyll. She actually bobs very little if at all (130 lbs) on the Jekyll, but I am a much larger and could feel it more. She has the Black 100/120 Comp fork and has preferred the 100 setting for climbing for obvious reasons. I also like the Manitou Black Comp 100/120 fork better than any others offered on bikes in the same class (Six, Pilot, Skareb, Axel, Judy, Duke).
I have ridden all of the 2003 Jekylls (the 400, 500, 600, 800, 1000 and the 2000) and must say that the Lefty that comes on the 2000 felt noticeably better than any of the forks on the others that I tried. JMHO
I would be interested to know if anyone has tried any of the new shock technology on these Cannondale frames??? Seems like they would be ideal candidates for a retrofit. |
| I agree... | JoelW
Sep 19, 2003 1:30 PM | | that the Jekyll is begging for a pro-pedal setup.
I've been emailing/calling/asking the shock companies about getting a no-bob shock for my 2001 as I think it will be the an incredible ride with the no bob shock.
That is my only complaint with it at all. |
| Jekyll is a nice ride | brandolbca
Oct 17, 2003 12:19 PM | | While the Jekyll 400 looks nice and is American made for the most part, the bouncing was so bad up hills that i got rid of mine like a hot potato. I got a GT and NRS2 both of which perform better on hills, very little to no "biopacing". Of course both gt and nrs are worth almost twice as much as the Jekyll 400. |
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