Two new bike models
Cannondale is launching two new bike models for the 2015 season on 27.5-inch wheels. The All Mountain Trigger with 140 millimetres of travel, as well as its bigger brother Jekyll with a potent 160 millimetres. In addition to the new Trigger 27.5, the 29er Trigger version with 130 millimetres will still be available. Depending on the rider's preference. The 26-inch Trigger presented not so long ago and the 26-inch Jekyll are now a thing of the past.
What has changed?
In addition to the new wheel size, the frame, geometry and damping elements have of course undergone some changes. One highlight is undoubtedly the new Lefty Supermax suspension fork, which is used in the Trigger and Jekyll with up to 160 millimetres of travel. The extremely stiff fork weighs just 1855 grams in the top version with carbon top section and is said to have very long maintenance intervals. In addition to the fork, the DYAD damper has also been extensively revised. The function of the Pullshock damper: the rear suspension travel can be reduced by 40 per cent using a remote lever, while a separate damping circuit continues to provide the necessary damping. The shim stack and compression valve have been redesigned for a higher oil flow for better absorption of fast and big hits.
The key data of the new Trigger 27.5:
- 5 models available from 2599 to 8999 euros
- Frame weight carbon without shock approx. 2000 grams
- 140 mm front, 140/85 mm rear suspension travel
- 68° steering angle, 73.5° seat angle
The key data of the new Jekyll 27.5:
- 4 models available from 2599 to 6499 euros
- Frame weight carbon without shock approx. 2200 grams
- 160 mm front, 160/95 mm rear suspension travel
- Steering angle 67°, seat angle 74.9°
Last season, the Jekyll was one of the most versatile and successful enduro bikes ever. With Jerome Clementz's victory in the Enduro World Series, Cannondale crowned its Über-Enduro with the world championship title. We spoke to Jerome about his new tool.
What are the main differences to the previous Jekyll?
First and foremost, of course, the wheel size. We have also optimised the geometry. The wheelbase has been lengthened by around two centimetres, which gives you more confidence on fast sections. In addition, we have flattened the steering angle by one degree and steepened the seat angle by more than one degree. The result is a smoother ride and even better climbing behaviour. The shock setup has also been significantly revised. At the front, a 160 millimetre long Lefty is used for the first time.
Will we also see you with a Lefty fork this season?
No, as a Sram athlete I will continue to ride Rock Shox forks. The entire Cannondale Overmountain Team will be using the Lefty Supermax. I was also involved in the development and tuning.
A steering angle of 67° is still quite steep for an enduro bike.
You can't just go by the numbers. It's the overall package that counts. When determining the geometry, we rode four different prototypes and had to name our favourite without knowing which geometry was which. All of them independently chose the current geometry. If the steering angle is too slack, agility suffers on flat sections and uphill.
The old bike was already extremely successful. Why was a customisation necessary at all?
Of course, we wanted to put an even better bike on top, and not just because of the wheel size. The wheel size is only one part of the whole. The right geometry is more important. I am convinced that I am faster with this bike than with the old one. Especially in high-speed passages, it offers more safety thanks to its smoother ride and slightly more suspension travel. The increased traction also has a positive effect. I am confident that I will be able to defend my world championship title with it.
All further information, pictures and the first ride report can be found in BIKE 06.
