OK - so we got the first frames back from painting today and built it up!

Here are some teaser snap shots :)

Painting is by Spectrum Powder Works.

Pics are hosted on Google photos - you can click them for a slightly larger image.

Cheers!

Noel

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103455314992424818"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/noelbuckley/RtMdkdkz53I/AAAAAAAAAKo/Y6m3L2R1qiA/s800/Endorphin%20Brand%20and%20Model%20names.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103455319287392130"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/noelbuckley/RtMdktkz54I/AAAAAAAAAKw/GlK9pN_QPrA/s800/Endorphin%20Disc%20Tab.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103455319287392146"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/noelbuckley/RtMdktkz55I/AAAAAAAAAK4/wO8jZevSbFA/s800/Endorphin%20Down%20Tube%20Brand.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103455319287392162"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/noelbuckley/RtMdktkz56I/AAAAAAAAALA/y5uTOWz9faE/s800/Endorphin%20Model%20Name.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

A few more pics...

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103455319287392178"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/noelbuckley/RtMdktkz57I/AAAAAAAAALI/rsH1ZTtoGbY/s800/Endorphin%20Rocker%20Pivot%20Boss.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103455400891770818"><img src="http://lh4.google.com/noelbuckley/RtMdpdkz58I/AAAAAAAAALQ/CBF8n8IlHIU/s800/Endorphin%20Swing%20and%20Rocker%20Links.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103455405186738130"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/noelbuckley/RtMdptkz59I/AAAAAAAAALY/F6JoO4exPaM/s800/Endorphin%20Swing%20Links.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103455508265953250"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/noelbuckley/RtMdvtkz5-I/AAAAAAAAALg/_HF2mNO7yxM/s800/Endorphin%20Back.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103455508265953266"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/noelbuckley/RtMdvtkz5_I/AAAAAAAAALo/mWKis8G98t8/s800/Endorphin%20Front.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

psick pictures noel!

p.s. I hate you!

Teaser is right. Back that camera up and lets see the whole frame.
Looks tight.

Droooool.

schaweeeeeet!!!!

Bottle mounts on a Knolly? What's the world coming to? ;-)

They look awesome. When can I get one?

Pretty Noel, very pretty. I've been waiting for pics, then I saw that you have taken up flying and I understood.

Can not wait for a full build shot.

Pretty Noel, very pretty. I've been waiting for pics, then I saw that you have taken up flying and I understood.

Thanks!

LOL - actually the flying has nothing to do with the Endorphin lead times (if it did, believe me I wouldn't have gone!). We're simply waiting for stuff to come in from our suppliers. We have all the parts that we make in stock right now - we're just waiting for the weldments to come back from painting and from laser marking, then we're good to go!

Cheers!

Noel

Knolly is THE bike

umm ... I just remembered I have to go and do something for a few minutes ....

Sweet I cant wait

oooohhhh sooooooo nice.....mmmmmmm

Well done Noel, looks great. A free heli-shuttle with Noel & Co. are included with purchase correct?

Full frame pics added above

My God thats a nice bike

... and to think Noel was toting that frame around the Whistler village yesterday waaay too calmly and unsuspecting when I saw him...
A coupla pitchers of Albino Rhino at Earl's with him and that frame could have ended up in my trunk ! :D
That white frame looks so sick upclose...

Gorgeous! I like the small changes you made since we demoed it at IBike (http://forums.mtbr.com/showpost.php?p=2289482&postcount=3). I want those dropouts and downtube cable routing.

It's a brilliant riding bike, in case anyone is wondering. :)

Really nice looking stuff you have produced again Noel, am looking forward to riding a production model.

Noel,

When will the frames start to ship?

Next couple of weeks - we're working with the painters / laser guys right now to ensure that everything is correct before we run a couple of hundred frames through.

Here are some pics of a bike that I build up for the Eurobike trade show.

Cheers!

Noel


<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103816882519271474"><img src="http://lh5.google.co.uk/noelbuckley/RtRmadkz6DI/AAAAAAAAAMk/m2i--zOj4GE/s800/Endorphin%20Build%201.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103816882519271490"><img src="http://lh5.google.co.uk/noelbuckley/RtRmadkz6EI/AAAAAAAAAMs/K3yBdJM20XY/s800/Endorphin%20Build%202.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics/photo#5103816886814238802"><img src="http://lh6.google.co.uk/noelbuckley/RtRmatkz6FI/AAAAAAAAAM0/URNPaUfnwVs/s800/Endorphin%20Build%203.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/noelbuckley/EndorphinPics">Endorphin Pics</a></td></tr></table>

Tell us about the fork? Pretty please? :D

noooooowwwww. Nice bike. XL gun metal gray please. Looks like Marz 55 fork?

Beauty. Yeah, tell us about the "Prototype" fork. Pre prod 55?

Noel,
Beautiful craftsmanship .Can't wait. Parts standing by......

Like everyone else, I'm interasted on your thoughts of the 55. Debating
on a 36 float or the 55. I have a hard time letting go of my 36 van coil fork, but I'm
hoping the new air forks are getting better so I can lose some #'s.

The completed bike looks much better than I thought it would. And I bet it works too.

Beauty. Yeah, tell us about the "Prototype" fork. Pre prod 55?

Yup - exactly!

See you guys in a bit - heading off to Germany today.

Cheers!

Lookin' good Noel, have fun in Euro land.

Noel,
Beautiful craftsmanship .Can't wait. Parts standing by......


How 'bout a helping of ribs in the meantime?

:D

How 'bout a helping of ribs in the meantime?

:D

HA HAAAA.

I was able to play with one of the early bikes last Spring. What a nice ride.
Thanks Byrce for the great Photo.

Holy Cr@p - the facial expression is AMAZING

I was able to play with one of the early bikes last Spring. What a nice ride.
Thanks Byrce for the great Photo.

http://picasaweb.google.de/TFJ777/Eurobike07Part1/photo#5104592526031660530

i need a new all-mountain bike!:thumbsup:

Holy Cr@p - the facial expression is AMAZING

Very similar to my "OH!-Face"...

http://picasaweb.google.de/TFJ777/Eurobike07Part1/photo#5104592526031660530
Thanks for the link,just made my night looking at all of the new 08 sh!t.There's alot of stuff at this show that we(Inter bike/usa)will never see.BTW Am in love with this new Knolly,if not for my Nicolai love I'd be rocken Knolly 4-sure.CF..

I cant believe that is the only Knolly picture I can find.

Did Knolly not have a booth? Maybe they went guerilla and just brought bikes to show off by walking around the floor.

what do you think the Endorphin's closest competitor is? covert?

what do you think the Endorphin's closest competitor is? covert?
Please don't tell me its a Transtion,if so its no competitor.In fact if its not a Knolly or a Nicolai (which I know its not) it is for sure not a competitor.CF..

That new Nicolai Ion has caught my eye for a DH bike but I am a Brooklyn fan.

updates?

When are we getting a Knolly forum? I think it is time.

I put my request in months ago.

When are we getting a Knolly forum? I think it is time.

I'll second that.
Yeah, mods, it's about time that we Knolly fanboys/girls get our very own forum, don't you think?

I'll second that.
Yeah, mods, it's about time that we Knolly fanboys/girls get our very own forum, don't you think?

+ 1

updates?

We're hoping to start shipping anodized frames next week - right before we leave for Interbike. Yup, it's going to be busy! The laser etching is being finished today. Frames will be built and shipped in the sequence that the orders were received in.

Hopefully we'll be able to ship the painted frames as well, but we don't have an exact date on when we should be seeing them come in.

Cheers,

Noel

We're hoping to start shipping anodized frames next week

Cheers,

Noel

That's some great news - I think. I hope I got my order in early enuf. :confused: :confused: :confused:

We're hoping to start shipping anodized frames next week - right before we leave for Interbike. Yup, it's going to be busy! The laser etching is being finished today. Frames will be built and shipped in the sequence that the orders were received in.

Hopefully we'll be able to ship the painted frames as well, but we don't have an exact date on when we should be seeing them come in.

Cheers,

Noel
WooHoooooooo!!!!!!

I hear that if you give Noel a really nice bottle of scotch it bumps your order to the front of the line. The better the bottle of scotch the further up the line.........

That's some great news - I think. I hope I got my order in early enuf. :confused: :confused: :confused:

We're hoping to start shipping anodized frames next week - right before we leave for Interbike. Yup, it's going to be busy! The laser etching is being finished today. Frames will be built and shipped in the sequence that the orders were received in.

Hopefully we'll be able to ship the painted frames as well, but we don't have an exact date on when we should be seeing them come in.

Cheers,

Noel
Sure hope mine was an early order. Cant wait to ride it.

I wonder if he is single or blended scotch kind of guy.
Glenfiddich or Johnie walker? Whats your poison?

I know he recently had a few bottles of Laphroaig Quarter Cask floating around so I would guess a single type of guy.

I wonder if he is single or blended scotch kind of guy.
Glenfiddich or Johnie walker? Whats your poison?

I hear that if you give Noel a really nice bottle of scotch it bumps your order to the front of the line. The better the bottle of scotch the further up the line.........


LOL!

If anyone wants to get serious about scotch the following collection of Ardbeg official bottlings would get you your frame extremely quickly and for a very, very good price (i.e. free):


Ardbeg Provenance 1974
Ardbeg 30 yr
Ardbeg Committee Reserve


These are NOT easy bottles to find :)

LOL!

If anyone wants to get serious about scotch the following collection of Ardbeg official bottlings would get you your frame extremely quickly and for a very, very good price (i.e. free):


Ardbeg Provenance 1974
Ardbeg 30 yr
Ardbeg Committee Reserve


These are NOT easy bottles to find :)
I will be searching my local package stores today.

Sic Knolly pron here (http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=3564135)

Anyone get their frames yet? I hope mine will be here Friday.

Anyone get their frames yet? I hope mine will be here Friday.

A few lucky people got their frames this past week :)

Most will ship this week and early next week. We've only been back at the office for two business days and most of that was spent cleaning up so that we had room to actually build bikes!

Sikocycles - you're frame shipped out from Las Vegas either Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning, so as you said, you should have it in a few days.

dulyebr - I'll have your frame assembled by the end of this week and on it's way to RBB.

Cheers!

I noticed that some of the Endorphins are built up with a Marz 55. I'm wondering what the geometry looks like with the fork fully extended (~160 to 165mm). I'd guess the HTA & STA would slacken a degree or more and the BB height and WB would increase slightly from the stock specs. Are there known measurements for the Endorphin in this configuration? Any comments on how the bike handles with the taller fork?

Picked it up yesterday at Roaring Mouse in SF. Still waiting on some components, but can't wait to ride it... I think the Heckler's days are numbered.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce22b3127ccebd78b16942d600000026100AZsXDZo4btW KA

Congrats, Mgof, that's one nice looking frame. What color is that? I think that's the color I want(for the wife, of course).

Congrats, Mgof, that's one nice looking frame. What color is that? I think that's the color I want

Gun Metal Gray. I'd put it in between a true gray and brown -- looks really good.

(for the wife, of course).

right...

I noticed that some of the Endorphins are built up with a Marz 55. I'm wondering what the geometry looks like with the fork fully extended (~160 to 165mm). I'd guess the HTA & STA would slacken a degree or more and the BB height and WB would increase slightly from the stock specs. Are there known measurements for the Endorphin in this configuration? Any comments on how the bike handles with the taller fork?

I think it's 68deg with a 160mm fork. I waffled a bit on whether or not to get the Endorphin because I do want to run a 160mm fork, but have decided to do it. I've talked to Noel about it a couple times and he's run it a bunch with longer forks than spec, says it still handles beautifully. I rode the pre-production one with a longer fork, and know a couple people who rode the demo at Interbike this year and, all resulting in the same conclusion. I'm sure Noel can probably chime in with some more exact measurements for you, or I'll post the info when I get mine (will be running mine with a Lyrik).

Larry
Mountain High Cyclery
larry@mtnhighcyclery.com

Gun Metal Gray. I'd put it in between a true gray and brown -- looks really good.
All the colors Knolly have are real nice, I had a hard time choosing a color for my DT.

right...
Ok, I'll come clean, it's just an excuse for me to pick up a new Knolly. But seriously, it'll be the wife's bike first and foremost. What I really want next for myself is a Free Radical, I just love how hardcore Knolly can make a hardtail look and ride.

I have my fingers crossed that it will be here friday.

I think it's 68deg with a 160mm fork. I waffled a bit on whether or not to get the Endorphin because I do want to run a 160mm fork, but have decided to do it. I've talked to Noel about it a couple times and he's run it a bunch with longer forks than spec, says it still handles beautifully. I rode the pre-production one with a longer fork, and know a couple people who rode the demo at Interbike this year and, all resulting in the same conclusion. I'm sure Noel can probably chime in with some more exact measurements for you, or I'll post the info when I get mine (will be running mine with a Lyrik).[/email]

I'll be running a TALAS 36, hopefully I'll know first hand how it rides by the end of next week. I was thinking it might be closer to 67deg in the 160mm setting but I'd think that's great for the steep and fast. I'll probably have it in 130mm for general trail riding.

A few lucky people got their frames this past week :)

Most will ship this week and early next week. We've only been back at the office for two business days and most of that was spent cleaning up so that we had room to actually build bikes!

Sikocycles - you're frame shipped out from Las Vegas either Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning, so as you said, you should have it in a few days.

dulyebr - I'll have your frame assembled by the end of this week and on it's way to RBB.

Cheers!

Noel,
Great reviews from Interbike. Can't wait to build mine up. (Via Hammerhead Bikes in Austin)

Mgof - Congrats dude! You're sooooooo lucky! Can't wait to get mine. Such a beautiful frame...

Make sure you post the build and a pic when it's done. Do you think you'll be riding it this weekend???

Make sure you post the build and a pic when it's done. Do you think you'll be riding it this weekend???

Will do... Unfortunately I can't take credit for good timing. A number of components won't be here until next week. I'm tempted to canibalize the Heckler but why build it twice. I'm planning to make at least one if not multiple Downieville trips before the real snow starts falling, but I should stop thinking about that 'cause I'm getting too excited...

And oh yeah, Thanks Noel, beautiful bike

Thanks for the replies guys. It seems like the HA would be at or under 68*, as the stock spec is 69* with a 505mm A2C height fork. Just thinking out loud here:

A 160mm Lyrik or Fox 36 is 545mm A2C, around an inch and half taller. I'm actually asking because I'm looking at running 170mm fork, so that's another 10mm A2C height. So figure 1.5* to 2* slacker, somewhere between 67* and 68* static HTA with a 160mm to 170mm fork. Of course, with sag accounted for this difference will be a little less. I don't mind a slack HA, what I'd be more concerned about is a slacker STA and putting too much weight to the rear of the bike compromising climbing ability (which is the situation I've got with my current bike).

Any thoughts on this?

I realize that the Delirium T is a more logical match for a 170mm fork, but that's more bike than I need for the use this bike would see. I want to "gear down" from my RFX for trail riding (no big jumps or drops) and still use my Marz 66 fork for it's performance and stiffness. A different frame (V-tach?) with a DC fork would handle DH/FR duties.

Thanks for the replies guys. It seems like the HA would be at or under 68*, as the stock spec is 69* with a 505mm A2C height fork. Just thinking out loud here:

A 160mm Lyrik or Fox 36 is 545mm A2C, around an inch and half taller. I'm actually asking because I'm looking at running 170mm fork, so that's another 10mm A2C height. So figure 1.5* to 2* slacker, somewhere between 67* and 68* static HTA with a 160mm to 170mm fork. Of course, with sag accounted for this difference will be a little less. I don't mind a slack HA, what I'd be more concerned about is a slacker STA and putting too much weight to the rear of the bike compromising climbing ability (which is the situation I've got with my current bike).

Any thoughts on this?

I realize that the Delirium T is a more logical match for a 170mm fork, but that's more bike than I need for the use this bike would see. I want to "gear down" from my RFX for trail riding (no big jumps or drops) and still use my Marz 66 fork for it's performance and stiffness. A different frame (V-tach?) with a DC fork would handle DH/FR duties.


I don't know how it would relate to this frame, but for me a larger concern than HA or SA in going with a longer fork would be BB hieght.

And PC! if you don't "need" a DT, than why do you "need" a 170mm fork? :confused:

I'll be running a TALAS 36, hopefully I'll know first hand how it rides by the end of next week. I was thinking it might be closer to 67deg in the 160mm setting but I'd think that's great for the steep and fast. I'll probably have it in 130mm for general trail riding.

Hey everyone!

Here's some fork information on the different fork options for this frame and how it will affect the geometry:

The frame is designed for forks in the 130-160mm range (ok - the new Marz 55 technically is 165mm, but that's OK). I WOULD NOT run a longer travel fork on this frame. if you're looking to put a 66 or a totem on an Endorphin, you're probably getting away from the intended application of this frame. The frame is warrantied for a maximum 160mm fork (or the 55 ATA at 165mm).

We're offering two distinctly different build kits with this bike (actually - we offer 4 build kits, but these will probably be the two that we sell the most):

The Pro Trail Kit comes with a Fox 32 Talas RLC: head angle will be just under 69 degrees. The rest of the build will include an RP23 rear shock (the high volume version), Magura Marta brakes (180 / 160mm rotors), DT Swiss 240 / 5.1 hub / rim wheelset, Thomson post, Raceface Deus cranks / bar and Maxxis 2.35 Larsen TT tires. Drivetrain will be a combination of SRAM X9 and Shimano XT level components. Build weight will be around 29 pounds.

The All Mountain Lite Kit comes with a Marz 55 ATA fork: head angle will be just under 68 degrees and the BB height will raise by about 8mm (5/16 of an inch). However, once you acccount for sag, the effective BB raise will be about 5-6mm or under 1/4" of an inch). The rest of the build will a DHX 5.0 Air shock, Magura Louise brakes (180 / 160mm rotors), DT Swiss hubs / 5.1d rim wheelset, Thomson post, Raceface Atlas cranks / bar and Maxxis 2.35 Minion or 2.4 ADvantage tires. Again, the drivetrain will be a combination of SRAM X9 and Shimano XT level components. Build weight will be around 32.5 pounds.

We will also have two other kits: the College Kit which is a value oriented kit, but still with fairly high end components; and the SL Trail Kit which is our "Slightly Light" or "Somewhat Light" kit which will get the Endorphin around 27 pounds with real (i.e. daily driver) components on it (without carbon!).

The All Mountain Lite kit represents what we feel is the heaviest style build that's appropriate for the Endorphin. if you're looking to put on a 66 or Totem fork, you're definitely getting into the range of the Delirium T frame.

Cheers!

Noel

the SL Trail Kit which is our "Slightly Light" or "Somewhat Light" kit which will get the Delirium T around 27 pounds with real (i.e. daily driver) components on it (without carbon!).


Noel, did you mean Endorphin here?

Here's some fork information on the different fork options for this frame and how it will affect the geometry...
Good info, thanks Noel.

Good info, thanks Noel.
Just thought I'd tell you I had many friends at I-bike and EVERYONE said you are a top shelf person and a complete pleasure to deal with.Bruce from Sinister bikes was very impressed.:thumbsup: Hey PC are you waiting on one of these bad boys too?You lucky MoFo,No more Turner? Peace CF....

Hey PC are you waiting on one of these bad boys too?You lucky MoFo,No more Turner? Peace CF....

No (I wish), I still have the Turner for now...just exploring all options.

Noel, did you mean Endorphin here?

Oops! yes, you're correct. I just changed the post :)

No (I wish), I still have the Turner for now...just exploring all options.
I see,Well I really hope it can happen for you.Its no secrect that Turner makes super nice bikes BUT,I'm guessing I don't have to tell you that these Knolly's blow Turner(and most everything else)right out of the sky.I'd be scared to death to ride one,cause I KNOW I'd have to own one,and I don't need to nor want to be in a place where I need to but my Nicolai's on the back burner(and these Knolly's would in fact put them there.)Keep us posted PC.;) CF...

Wow Noel your up early! Must be putting bike together. Hope mine is here today

Wow Noel your up early! Must be putting bike together. Hope mine is here today

Yup, it's still crazy (as it has been for the past 2 months) - rushing bikes off to our UK istributor (Riding High UK) for Cycleshow UK; then it's fully into Endorphin builds for all the back orders - ack!!!!

N.

Then XL D-Ts

Thanks for the replies guys. It seems like the HA would be at or under 68*, as the stock spec is 69* with a 505mm A2C height fork. Just thinking out loud here:

A 160mm Lyrik or Fox 36 is 545mm A2C, around an inch and half taller. I'm actually asking because I'm looking at running 170mm fork, so that's another 10mm A2C height. So figure 1.5* to 2* slacker, somewhere between 67* and 68* static HTA with a 160mm to 170mm fork. Of course, with sag accounted for this difference will be a little less. I don't mind a slack HA, what I'd be more concerned about is a slacker STA and putting too much weight to the rear of the bike compromising climbing ability (which is the situation I've got with my current bike).

Any thoughts on this?

I realize that the Delirium T is a more logical match for a 170mm fork, but that's more bike than I need for the use this bike would see. I want to "gear down" from my RFX for trail riding (no big jumps or drops) and still use my Marz 66 fork for it's performance and stiffness. A different frame (V-tach?) with a DC fork would handle DH/FR duties.


PC, I use my DT for mostly trail riding, and no big jumps or drops(or anything near what the DT is capable of). I run a 66rc2x(180mm) and a single chainring and I had no problem climbing anything with that setup. I initially was running a middle/granny with a drs, but chucked that when I realized how easy the DT swallows up climbs, and that's with a 39lbs complete build!
I'll say the DT is not 'too much' bike for anything you want to do, it suits all abilities and riding styles, from long distance xc to gnarly dh.
Hope this helps.
PS Having said this, I'm getting my wife an E. for her b-day which is today, but she'll have to wait a bit first.

I hope your wife rides the same size bike so you can take it for a spin.;)

PC, I use my DT for mostly trail riding, and no big jumps or drops(or anything near what the DT is capable of). I run a 66rc2x(180mm) and a single chainring and I had no problem climbing anything with that setup. I initially was running a middle/granny with a drs, but chucked that when I realized how easy the DT swallows up climbs, and that's with a 39lbs complete build!

I'll say the DT is not 'too much' bike for anything you want to do, it suits all abilities and riding styles, from long distance xc to gnarly dh. Hope this helps.
PS Having said this, I'm getting my wife an E. for her b-day which is today, but she'll have to wait a bit first.
I here ya'. If I had purchased a DT instead of a used RFX I may not be in the quandary I feel like I'm in now. Or maybe I would. :confused:

My RFX is built up to ~40lbs and it's just too heavy for me for trail riding. I'm not a strong rider (understatement) so this thing is like an dragging an anchor up the mountain. It's built up with DH/FR components so that it'll handle DH riding as well, and it does hold up. But with only 5" rear travel, a sort of short wheelbase and unbalanced travel front and rear it's also a compromise on that front. With a 66 on the front end the geometry is a little wacky (slacked out), which is OK on the steeps and on flat, techy terrain but a negative the rest of the time. So that's why I'm considering a move to a little lighter frame with good geometry for trail riding. And a totally separate dedicated DH/FR bike (V-tach) for lift-assisted riding.

A Delirium T with it's adjustable, balanced geometry and extended travel would be a better performer on both fronts, but still damn heavy for me to pedal around on long rides. If we had more extended techy/steep downhills and/or drops and jumps on our local trails I may consider it more closely, but as it is I think it's too much bike for a weaker rider like myself.

Since Noel nixed the Zoke 66 on an Endorphin idea I'm going to have to consider my options. A Endorphin with a 36 Talas on the front would probably suite me perfectly for trail riding in my locale. Stiff frame, with enough travel for the techy trails and light enough that it wouldn't be a burden to pedal up and around. However, that means I need to start from scratch with a whole new frame and fork. That's big $$$, but I guess the best is worth it. Problem is, I also want a V-tach for DH riding. :eek: Any ideas how I can convince my wife I need two new bikes after I spent all of last year convincing her that the RFX was going to be "the one" bike. :o

I here ya'. If I had purchased a DT instead of a used RFX I may not be in the quandary I feel like I'm in now. Or maybe I would. :confused:

My RFX is built up to ~40lbs and it's just too heavy for me for trail riding. I'm not a strong rider (understatement) so this thing is like an dragging an anchor up the mountain. It's built up with DH/FR components so that it'll handle DH riding as well, and it does hold up. But with only 5" rear travel, a sort of short wheelbase and unbalanced travel front and rear it's also a compromise on that front. With a 66 on the front end the geometry is a little wacky (slacked out), which is OK on the steeps and on flat, techy terrain but a negative the rest of the time. So that's why I'm considering a move to a little lighter frame with good geometry for trail riding. And a totally separate dedicated DH/FR bike (V-tach) for lift-assisted riding.

A Delirium T with it's adjustable, balanced geometry and extended travel would be a better performer on both fronts, but still damn heavy for me to pedal around on long rides. If we had more extended techy/steep downhills and/or drops and jumps on our local trails I may consider it more closely, but as it is I think it's too much bike for a weaker rider like myself.

Since Noel nixed the Zoke 66 on an Endorphin idea I'm going to have to consider my options. A Endorphin with a 36 Talas on the front would probably suite me perfectly for trail riding in my locale. Stiff frame, with enough travel for the techy trails and light enough that it wouldn't be a burden to pedal up and around. However, that means I need to start from scratch with a whole new frame and fork. That's big $$$, but I guess the best is worth it. Problem is, I also want a V-tach for DH riding. :eek: Any ideas how I can convince my wife I need two new bikes after I spent all of last year convincing her that the RFX was going to be "the one" bike. :o

PC, if you had gotten a DT, you wouldn't have one ounce of regret right now. 40# sounds like a lot of weight to be pedalling around with, but really, it boils down to how the suspension design works rather than how much the bike actually weighs. Believe me, even though I knew about how heavy the DT would be built up to, I was still a little surprised by the final build weight. But that weight shocker reaction disappeared as soon as I started riding my Knolly. You would never thought that a bike this heavy would pedal this well. I'm not a strong rider either, but I never had uphill problems, and with the DT under me, I'm climbing faster and longer than before(and that's coming from my beloved steel ss!!)
When the going gets flat and technical (roots and overgrown bushes in the way), the DT is as right at home as when bombing down a steep, rocky downhill. This bike is just so stable, it makes me smile every time I think about riding my Knolly.
Do not worry about the 'hard work' you'll have to put in to pedal the DT around ala xc. The 4*4 platform is bob free, even if you are not the most efficient xc-perfect pedalling cyclist around. All my riding friends had taken my DT for a spin and everybody had tried to make the suspension compress under pedaling forces, but so much nobody had succeeded. Yet even if you stand up and mash the pedals grinding up a gnarly climb, not only does the suspension does not bob, it still absorbs all the bumps in your way! Now that's what I call rear suspension that works.
The DT imho, is the perfect middle bike sitting in between the VT and the E. and has exceeded my requirements and expectations of a 6" frame, versatile enough for trail riding and burly enough for dh(btw I weigh around 65kg with gear/water, so this bike is perfect for my weight for everything I need to do).
But in the end, it's all up to you to get one or two bikes to suit what and where you ride. I'll love to have 2(or more) Knollys like everybody else.
PS, about convincing your wife that you need 2 Knollys is easy. Get her a Knolly(even if she's not riding that much), and after riding one, she'll never question your bike purchases again. I'm lucky, my wife actually encourages me to buy bikes and bought me my 66 to go with my DT. What goes around comes around, now I'm getting her an Endorphin(soon I hope) to get her to get into mtbing.

I hope your wife rides the same size bike so you can take it for a spin.;)
?
Siko, my wife is getting an xs, I ride an s dt, so if(and it's a big IF) she ever loses interest in the Endorphin, I can always run a longer stem on the E. and ride it.
But seriously, it's her bike, and I'm not(maybe) riding it. Not that much, anyways.

Hey everyone!

Here's some fork information on the different fork options for this frame and how it will affect the geometry:

The frame is designed for forks in the 130-160mm range (ok - the new Marz 55 technically is 165mm, but that's OK). I WOULD NOT run a longer travel fork on this frame. if you're looking to put a 66 or a totem on an Endorphin, you're probably getting away from the intended application of this frame. The frame is warrantied for a maximum 160mm fork (or the 55 ATA at 165mm).

We're offering two distinctly different build kits with this bike (actually - we offer 4 build kits, but these will probably be the two that we sell the most):

The Pro Trail Kit comes with a Fox 32 Talas RLC: head angle will be just under 69 degrees. The rest of the build will include an RP23 rear shock (the high volume version), Magura Marta brakes (180 / 160mm rotors), DT Swiss 240 / 5.1 hub / rim wheelset, Thomson post, Raceface Deus cranks / bar and Maxxis 2.35 Larsen TT tires. Drivetrain will be a combination of SRAM X9 and Shimano XT level components. Build weight will be around 29 pounds.

The All Mountain Lite Kit comes with a Marz 55 ATA fork: head angle will be just under 68 degrees and the BB height will raise by about 8mm (5/16 of an inch). However, once you acccount for sag, the effective BB raise will be about 5-6mm or under 1/4" of an inch). The rest of the build will a DHX 5.0 Air shock, Magura Louise brakes (180 / 160mm rotors), DT Swiss hubs / 5.1d rim wheelset, Thomson post, Raceface Atlas cranks / bar and Maxxis 2.35 Minion or 2.4 ADvantage tires. Again, the drivetrain will be a combination of SRAM X9 and Shimano XT level components. Build weight will be around 32.5 pounds.

We will also have two other kits: the College Kit which is a value oriented kit, but still with fairly high end components; and the SL Trail Kit which is our "Slightly Light" or "Somewhat Light" kit which will get the Endorphin around 27 pounds with real (i.e. daily driver) components on it (without carbon!).

The All Mountain Lite kit represents what we feel is the heaviest style build that's appropriate for the Endorphin. if you're looking to put on a 66 or Totem fork, you're definitely getting into the range of the Delirium T frame.

Cheers!

Noel

:thumbsup: 160 fork :thumbsup:

Wow! Stunning. I'd give up my 29" wheels for that, or a DT.

PS, about convincing your wife that you need 2 Knollys is easy. Get her a Knolly(even if she's not riding that much), and after riding one, she'll never question your bike purchases again. I'm lucky, my wife actually encourages me to buy bikes and bought me my 66 to go with my DT. What goes around comes around, now I'm getting her an Endorphin(soon I hope) to get her to get into mtbing.
I tell my wife that bikes are a lot cheaper than stomach cancer and that's what I'll get if I have to suffer through the disappointment not getting the bike stuff that I want. Works every time. Sometimes she'll counter by claiming that she'll get stomach cancer if I don't do some yard work. I always laugh and tell her not to be silly; avoiding yard work is the cure for stomach cancer!

Bottom line: It's a good thing she loves me.