From 2000 to 2005, the Cannondale Jekyll was considered one of the best fullys on the market. Initially with 100-millimetre suspension, later with up to 135 mm and geometry adjustment. Even back then, the Jekyll was able to do both: climb up and ride down with confidence.
With its completely new development, Cannondale gave the competition a run for their money in 2011: the second-generation Jekyll set new standards. It impressed with its adjustable suspension with two suspension travels, stiff construction (far outboard bearing, 1.5-inch head tube) and, in the case of the carbon version, a low weight. In the first tests in BIKE, this bike came out on top.
Aluminium models with high weight, no real problems
However, the more affordable aluminium versions caused some disillusionment: they weigh 14 kilos, but are just as capable and variable as their more expensive brothers. While the carbon frame with shock weighs just under three kilos, the aluminium version adds 600 grams. Its strength clearly lies in the downhill.
The high weight is a point of criticism from owners that we frequently came across when researching this buying guide. However, there are hardly any complaints about real problems. Sure, tuning the Fox DYAD dual-chamber shock is complicated, and the rebound damping was borderline slow even in the open position. We had one case where an M damper rocker was accidentally fitted to an L-frame, which meant that the bottom bracket was too low and the pedals touched down.
2012 Jekyll Carbon 1 - used from 2500 euros
Please note: The new price of the 2013 model was ten per cent higher than in 2012 due to currency fluctuations. Cannondale did what many owners had already done for 2013: fit a 160 mm fork. However, it makes sense to regulate the level here too, as this is the only way to conjure up two characters from the bike.
In the 2014 season, the 2013 Jekylls continued to run virtually unchanged. The third generation Jekyll was not presented until mid-2014. Now inflated to 160 millimetres of suspension travel, with a super-stiff Lefty fork and 27.5-inch wheels - a thoroughbred enduro bike. Spare parts can be found here: www.cannondale-parts.de
Facts at a glance: Cannondale Jekyll (2000-2014)
New prices 2000-2005: From 3749 D-Mark, the top model cost 10990 D-Mark in 2001.
New prices 2014: 1899 to 5499 euros, two aluminium and two carbon versions. 2015: 6799 euros
Driver profile: Full-blooded all-mountain, also suitable for marathons from 2011 as the top model, trimmed towards enduro with the 160 mm fork from 2013
StrengthsStable downhill ride, excellent uphill performance thanks to suspension adjustment (aluminium models somewhat heavy)
Problems: Occasionally there were cracked rear swing arms, broken valves on the shock and sluggish shocks. The drainage hole in the bottom bracket is missing on some aluminium frames.
Our recommendation: If you're looking for a versatile all-mountain bike, the Cannondale Jekyll is the right choice - especially the carbon version. Both are characterised by high rigidity, our first choice would be the Carbon 1 with telescopic seat post.
You can find out more about the Cannondale Jekyll here
