Cannondale has been making the Jekyll for a number of years now and although the name and the intent is largely the same, the bikes have changed quite a bit throughout the years. At its heart, it’s always been a hard hitting trail bike, designed to go up hills as well as down them, often relying on shock tunes and specialized monkey motion to optimize each experience.
The current iteration is designed as an enduro specialist, which is the modern mountain biking equivalent to a short travel DH bike that can climb back up mountains. Designed around 27.5 wheels, it features 165mm of rear wheel travel paired with a 170mm travel Fox Factory Float 36. It also features stubby 420mm chain stays and the rest of the geo is inline with the long and low with a 65º head angle and 75º seat angle.
We hadn’t taken a close look at the newest iteration, but when we were headed out for a ride with local Canondale reps, Kim’s bike struck out with it tastefully done orange accents, glossy shine and hi-zoot build.
The stock model includes carbon Cannondale house wheels, Fox suspension and SRAM Eagle drivetrain. Kim swapped out the stock bar and stem for Enve units as well as the post for a Fox Transfer.
The carbon frame is Di2 ready with an internal battery mount was designed to accommodate a full size water bottle. (kudos, Cannoindale)
The Jekyll has been known in recent years for on the fly adjustable rear travel. The newest iteration uses the Fox Gemini shock to limit travel and feel for ascending.
The 2018 Cannondale Jekyll 1 lists for $7,750. Check it out at Cannondale.com
