Been a 20-year roadie and picked up a mountain bike last year to try riding in the woods (we have a few great local county-run mtb parks). Didn't know if it would be a passing fancy, so thought I'd do it on the cheap and paid a couple hundred bucks for a 2004 Cannondale Jekyll 600 Disk.
As it turns out, I love riding in the woods, and last year, I put about 150 hours on the mtb. In any case, I started to get a bit of upgrade-itis, and started thinking about getting a SB66, SC Blur TR, or SC Solo. Until it hit me that mountain bikes are (understandably, given the technology) really freaking expensive. Regardless, even a SC Bantam, or other 26 or 27.5 single-pivot bike is going to cost me at least 3 grand.
So I started thinking -- the 2004 Jekyll has the Cannondale adjustable geometry. In the "Freeride" mode, with a 120mm fork, it's got 70/74d angles, a 24.5 eTT, and a bottom bracket somewhere way down around 320mm off the ground. In addition, it's got 135mm rear travel. So, doing some quick geometry...
With a 140mm fork (511mm a-c), it'd end up with 68.5 HTA/72.5 STA, a 24.2 eTT, and a bottom bracket somewhere around 330mm. With a 150mm fork, it's 68/72/24 and 335. These numbers are remarkably close to the numbers of a modern 26" trail bike - the SB66 or the Blur TR.
Now, obviously, the bike would still be a single-pivot but it's in good shape, I like the geo, and it's clear and paid for.
So, a potentially interesting option would be to:
For a total of ~$1150 to 1700 in upgrades to to end up with a short-travel AM "Mr. Hyde" or sell the Jekyll (-$300) and buy an SB66 for $3000, what would you do?
The upsides are it's a fun project and it'd save some money. The downsides are - still 27.2 seat tube ID, so un-dropper friendly, still a single-pivot, and potentially limited support for the trunnion-mount shock.
So, would you do it - upgrade the old iron, or jump to a new rig?
I'm purposefully asking a Cannondale-friendly audience here!
As it turns out, I love riding in the woods, and last year, I put about 150 hours on the mtb. In any case, I started to get a bit of upgrade-itis, and started thinking about getting a SB66, SC Blur TR, or SC Solo. Until it hit me that mountain bikes are (understandably, given the technology) really freaking expensive. Regardless, even a SC Bantam, or other 26 or 27.5 single-pivot bike is going to cost me at least 3 grand.
So I started thinking -- the 2004 Jekyll has the Cannondale adjustable geometry. In the "Freeride" mode, with a 120mm fork, it's got 70/74d angles, a 24.5 eTT, and a bottom bracket somewhere way down around 320mm off the ground. In addition, it's got 135mm rear travel. So, doing some quick geometry...
With a 140mm fork (511mm a-c), it'd end up with 68.5 HTA/72.5 STA, a 24.2 eTT, and a bottom bracket somewhere around 330mm. With a 150mm fork, it's 68/72/24 and 335. These numbers are remarkably close to the numbers of a modern 26" trail bike - the SB66 or the Blur TR.
Now, obviously, the bike would still be a single-pivot but it's in good shape, I like the geo, and it's clear and paid for.
So, a potentially interesting option would be to:
- Add a 140mm fork (e.g. Fox Float 140 CTD) ~ $500 and a matching lower headset ~ $50
- Add some light bicycle carbon clinchers ~ $550 or CrossMax wheels ~ $200 used
- Add an ebay XT group ~ $600
For a total of ~$1150 to 1700 in upgrades to to end up with a short-travel AM "Mr. Hyde" or sell the Jekyll (-$300) and buy an SB66 for $3000, what would you do?
The upsides are it's a fun project and it'd save some money. The downsides are - still 27.2 seat tube ID, so un-dropper friendly, still a single-pivot, and potentially limited support for the trunnion-mount shock.
So, would you do it - upgrade the old iron, or jump to a new rig?
I'm purposefully asking a Cannondale-friendly audience here!