First of all, the new Jekyll is not for the faint-hearted. It is clearly a racing machine, created for enduro racers and bike park enthusiasts. Like a junkie, it screams "speed". If you want to make the most of the 170 millimetres of travel at the front and 165 at the rear, you have to get down to business.

• The shock sits deep in the down tube. We call this system Gravity Cavity and it means that the bike can be steered with enormous precision and stability thanks to the low, centered center of gravity.
The kinematics and geometry adapted to the different frame sizes. This is what we call proportional response design, which means that every rider feels comfortable in and on the bike according to their size.
• The high pivot point, which gives us a super-sensitive rear triangle on the Jekyll that generates immense grip. Thanks to the pulley and guide (we call it the Guidler) attached to the pivot point, the rear triangle remains absolutely neutral when braking and pedaling.

Statement by: Daniel Häberle, Marketing Manager, Cycling Sports Group Europe

Special features

• Gravity cavity, oscillating shock absorber half-integrated into the frame
• High pivot system
• Guidler: idler pulley and chain guide
• Different kinematics and geometry adapted to the frame sizes
• Offset rear triangle: asymmetrically spoked wheel
• Mother-of-pearl paint finish
• Circumferential chainstay protector
• Mudguard between rear wheel and bottom bracket area

On the flat

You sit very upright and compact on the Jekyll, which means you move at a correspondingly leisurely pace. This is also thanks to the high total weight of 16 kilos. It quickly becomes clear that this enduro bike likes to go straight ahead and loves open stretches; tight courses require a lot of physical effort.

Up the mountain

Yes, that's definitely the wrong direction. Here, too, you pay for the high weight and the downhill-oriented tires. With enough pressure on the pedals, it climbs well on moderate inclines, but pedaling up blocked single trails is not much fun. If you have enough traction on the chain when seated, the rear end remains calm, but it bobs a lot when pedaling out of the saddle.

Downhill

This Cannondale likes open and fast trails, regardless of whether they are flattened slopes with big jumps or rough trails with steps. On narrow, rough single trails in the Alps, where you often have to cycle at walking pace, the Jekyll is a fun brake. The motto is "brakes on". The faster you ride, the better the suspension works. It scores with a sensitive response, but gives almost too much counter-pressure in the mid-range, the end progression is high. This is evident on high jumps or huck-to-flat, where you hardly feel how you land. When braking late and hard, the rear end remains active and firmly on the ground. At top speed, the bike is easy to control and the steering is direct and precise.

Conclusion

With the latest edition of the Jekyll, Cannondale has created a thoroughbred racing machine. Shoot in the bike park and heat up Finale Ligure until the irons glow, then the advantages of the high-pivot system really come into their own. Ideally from early in the morning until late in the evening, so you can enjoy the wonder of color in all its diversity.

Recommendation

Bikers weighing less than 70 kilograms will not be able to push the suspension to its limits due to the high compression damping of the shock absorber. A visit to the tuner will certainly remedy this

Specifications

Geometry

All data here: Link

Manufacturer

www.cannondale.com

Test report published in issue 78 of Ride magazine.