![knolly endorphin review knolly endorphin review](https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/products/25439/photos/42801/s1600_2019_Knolly_Endorphin_frame_3.jpg)
This provided just enough platform to make pedaling feel efficient, while maintaining a good grip on surfaces while climbing. I spent most of my time on the bike with the CTD shock set to Trail mode and the low speed damping on 1 as suggested by Knolly’s global director of sales, Kevin Waterbury.
![knolly endorphin review knolly endorphin review](https://cdn.mtbdatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/02024806/s1600_2019_Knolly_Endorphin_bike_2-1024x805.jpg)
This was especially helpful during this year’s wetter-than-normal riding season, making trail features a little slicker and sketchier.īecause of the active rear suspension, Knolly relies on the shock to keep pedal-bob to a minimum.
![knolly endorphin review knolly endorphin review](https://vikapprovedblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/img_0783.jpg)
No matter what type of obstacle I found myself trying to negotiate, the rear wheel felt well planted and the tire’s knobs continuously found their footing. Climbing through roots, rocks, and the like demands as much rear wheel contact with the ground as possible.įortunately I get to ride on a lot of trails that require just what the Endorphin delivers-grip. The Endorphin’s mechanically active suspension prioritizes traction over pedaling efficiency, which makes a lot of sense for riders who are riding in terrain similar to the suspension design’s birthplace. It allows for the separation of wheel path and spring curve, which in turn allows independent tuning of both. The heart of the Endorphin, and all Knolly Bikes, is Buckley’s 4×4 suspension design.
#KNOLLY ENDORPHIN REVIEW UPGRADE#
If you go that route you can get your hands on a frame and CTD shock for $1,975 or upgrade to the Cane Creek Double Barrel Air, with Climb Switch for an additional $325. While this build was solid, about 85 percent of Knollys purchased go out as frame and shock only. In 2014 look for Knolly to offer a Shimano XT group as an option. I was told new kits now come with a SRAM Type 2 Clutch derailleur as well, which is a very good thing. We didn’t get a dropper post with our build, but you can expect that to be available during purchase. The Endorphin we got our hands on came with a SRAM XX drive-train and brakes, a Fox CTD shock and 150mm travel 34 Float fork, DT Swiss M480 rims, and uber-sweet carbon RaceFace Next cranks. Don’t let my choice of words fool you, the Endorphin would hardly ever be classified as tame in some other manufacturers’ line ups, but at 140mm, it’s the shortest travel bike Knolly offers. From the Red Bull Rampage tested Podium and the all-mountain monster Chilcotin, to the relatively tame Endorphin, all are built to take a bit of abuse. This is quite apparent in Knolly’s lineup of bikes built for the rocks and roots of the North Shore. Knolly Bikes’ CEO and chief designer, Noel Buckley (hence the correct pronunciation: noll-lee), not only has a degree in engineering and physics, but was born and bred on the trails of Vancouver.