Knolly Chilcotin 151: initial thoughts and road trip!

[@jimfrandsen2863]

I have a Chilcotin 151, Overforked Fox 38 to 170mm. Put a Dvo Jade X on and can change the bike from 151mm to 167mm rear travel and one in between in on minute with a different spring clip on the coil. Super simple. I think its a pretty cool option that anyone can do. I love mine and the water bottle issue isnt a thing on my XL and I assume a L would be similar. Thanks Jeff for the positivity and the great reviews.

[@trillbill9378]

that's dope! Y'all got me wanting to check out a Chilcotin 151

[@raivkka4313]

Lot's hate the looks but I don't, I dig it. Totally industrial, especially if you like metalwork.

[@th_js]

I also like the looks.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Seems like it's a bit of a polarizing, love/hate thing with the looks, eh?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yeah Tomi, I find them OK, somehow I'm just neutral on it. Where as many others are love/hate!

[@satn3345]

I love my Knolly! Noel and his company are top knotch!

[@gerardopino5199]

Please take more time when building the bike, its pure pleasure haha, cheers from Bolivia.

[@gerardopino5199]

I also have the same dropper on mi bike, works perfectly and 200 mm is the best.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Saludos Gerardo! I was using mostly old parts off other bikes for this build, and had to get out and film, so I was in a huge rush to get it together.

[@glennpace9783]

Great review...lI'm a big fan of locally designed/built bikes, but I have not ridden a Knolly yet...looking forward to getting a Chilcotin in the near future....for now, I'm enjoying my Chromag and I was on that 1st upper trail you were on 3 days ago....only slightly less oily/slick.

[@currentsupply]

Like the music choice on the video

[@elijahmoore9740]

that bike looks sick!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Elijah!

[@justinvaughnatx]

Stoked to hear some of your additional thoughts on the bike. I love what their platform brings to technical riding. Looks...I like the look but I'm really more focused on the trail in front of me.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Cheers Justin! Hope you're enjoying plenty of Spider mountain this spring!

[@justinvaughnatx]

@@JeffKendallWeed been trail riding a bunch, little Spider so far this year! Actually swapped my X2 for an Ohlins air per your other videos and have been having fun learning that shock. Quite a bit more supportive through the mid stroke, def changes it up from my Avalanche tuned 167mm coil.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Interested to see the comparison to the Ripmo AF. How linear/progressive is the back end of the Chilcotin? My biggest pet peeve with the Ripmo is the too linear back end that is at least partially fixed with a cascade link, but is still nothing compared to a properly progressive back end like the RM Altitude.

[@oliverwhite9092]

@Jeff Kendall-Weed how would you say the Knolly compares to your Evil Offering? Curious about your point of view. Cheers.

[@cadegocal6227]

Can you please try a nicolai Saturn 16? I ride a nicolai on the north shore as well and it’s awesome. I’m sure they would send you out a frame! There super adjustable and Horst link!

[@cadegocal6227]

Also my friend lost one of his shock bolts on his warden in whistler so it’s definitely common. Looking at the design of the main rocker arm it not being connected to it self does put my load into the shock so that could contribute.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note Cade! I've been hearing about Nicolai bikes for 20 years now, but they have not really seemed to catch on much here in the states. I have a couple cool bikes lined up to try next, but unfortunately, none is a Nicolai. Maybe one day!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

To be fair, I torqued those down with a bigger Allen key later, and now after 2 months, they haven't budged again. 12nm is A LOT of torque, kind of surprising for that fastener, but it makes sense since it sees rotation and a lot of odd forces.

[@cadegocal6227]

@@JeffKendallWeed you should try to get something lined up with them! Their whole team is awesome, they make a bunch of different adjustments for the frame so you can tune to wheel size (27.5, Mx, 29), shock progression, chainstay length (21mm of adjustment) and you can fine tune bottom bracket drop and the affected angles super precisely. It’s Frickin amazing imo. I think they definitely has helped the industry move forward.

[@brentyancich]

Enjoying the bike reviews . That is a sharp bike

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you Brent!

[@JLambinator]

Logan did something amazing out of nowhere with the camera backpack on?? I feel like I've seen that before! :) Great vid Jeff. I know some are hating on the Knolly's looks, but I dig it. But then, I like industrial looking AL frames from grass roots companies. Great riding and review, as always.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Cheers Jason! Thanks!!!

[@JLambinator]

@@JeffKendallWeed you bet, always love your vids. Glad to hear you've got some other cool bikes coming up to test. I'm trying to get my hands on the new Fezzari La Sal or the Commencal Meta SX. Both look cool, and I want to do some testing on an MX/mullet bike. Is it the best of both worlds... Or just hype? 🤔

[@jack_guin_mtb]

You should try a transition spire

[@brianleger5896]

I have had 4 Knolly's over the past 3 years and the linkage/ suspension bolts getting loose is common.I always make sure to lock tight them.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the feedback Brian!

[@jeffsharp4982]

I lost one of the trunnion screws on my Warden, but it has never come loose again after replacing.

[@Roddzilla71]

Any thoughts on trying it out Mullet, so far I've only found a couple riders on you tube that have tried it.

[@FreshToTheExtreme]

So the seat tube before the bottom bracket makes it climb better?

[@NickBainas]

Mackenzie Trails are amazing. What was your favourite trail there?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Not sure who Mackenzie is?

[@loamchasers]

That “teeter totter held with tires” is called the discombobulator 👍

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Ah yes, the PC name! I had forgotten about that...

[@BushmanCanuck]

You should just move up here 😉 Eagle and Burke local 👋

[@josemorenoporras7506]

Roman roads were like any gravel road we know today. Those "stone roads" are streets indeed,close to the city. Very nice video as always! Plz test the S.Enduro and Michelin DH 22/34 tires.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Cheers Jose- I'd love to try a Stumpjumper EVO, hopefully one of these days!

[@NDemanuele1]

Awesome video! Do the review between the AF! I'm considering buying a Ripmo or Ripley AF as a backup to my V1 Ripmo.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Workin' on it Norb! I prefer the Ripmo AF, for me around the PNW, it just does everything better than the Ripley AF. It's got better suspension, better geometry, and is about the same price. Climbing wise, they climb pretty similar IMO, tho I'm not a climbing snob either. For bay area riding, I'd do one "bigger" bike (Ripmo or the like), and one smaller bike, like a good hardtail, or a light weight build on a Ripley. That way the bikes compliment each other.

[@eprohoda]

yahoo-amazing , all the best-Jeff-

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you!

[@darrinkulyk9560]

I 💕 My CF Warden 😎

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

Great stuff Jeff hopefully you are keeping well over the pond 😜 enjoyed the video buddy 👌🚴🏿‍♂️👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks man!!!! Have you ridden here? Looks sick: blackmountainscyclecentre.com/

[@sigvarth]

Any updates on how you're getting on with it? Would you think this would be a good choice for a heavier rider? On an Evil Offering now and looking to switch it up for something brand new instead of used!

[@LastAphelion]

I would go for it

[@sigvarth]

@@LastAphelion sent it on a 'lightly used' Chilcotin 167! So far pretty stoked!

[@micheandmikey]

Wet skinnies.......avoid, ride on, and smile. Thanks for asking Jeff! LOL

[@aaronburela432]

Very interesting linkage design. I and not crazy about the down tube shape not that it matters when you're riding. Looks like a super nice alloy bike! love how it had that opening to route the cables easier. That's always a nightmare.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note, Aaron. This bike is such a different mouse trap than some of the other options out there, but a lotta folks do indeed love these.

[@Cole351]

I have a Chilcoltin 151 and I found it really hard to manual as well too, but other then that great bike!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I've gotten more used to it now, but there was a learning curve. Cheers Cole!

[@RogelioMtbRider]

Have you tried the nukeproof mega 275? I think it has a horsk link suspension but also a race bike.

[@shaneganter6582]

One bike i feel like you would love is the new alchemy arktos!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Maybe!

[@AndreaCampaner88]

"Gotta stay on brand" LoL that made my day🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hahahaha, same joke, new video!

[@joeMopar412]

Hi Boss! QQ: Is that the mini or long RRP fender?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Not sure exactly, it’s a bolt on. my other fender is indeed longer but uses 6 zip ties.

[@hannes6114]

You still remember the guy who didn't wash his kit and wrote a weird comment about it? That's me - I wash my stuff now. But to be sure you know it: It only was that way for a few weeks or months

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey Hannes, I don't recall that specific comment, sorry! I try not to wash all the DWR coated stuff too often, it then requires re-coating to maintain that water resistance.

[@hannes6114]

@@JeffKendallWeed Thanks for the tip!

[@gtbreaux]

How does it compare to the RM Altitude?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Well, I have not ridden the aluminum Altitude, so I can't give an apples-apples comparison. I much referred the carbon Altitude over the aluminum Knolly. The Altitude rides a lot more like the rest of the bikes I've been on lately, where as the Knolly has a different sort of balance that I haven't quite fully adapted to yet. The Altitude was a few pounds lighter, and had a bit more suspension travel. The sprung weight of the rear end of the Altitude was really light, and I was able to get the suspension really dialed in, so that I had more traction on tap, but it was just progressive enough that I wouldn't bottom too easily. The 170/160 travel numbers were great, too. I had a few months on the Altitude tho, and I've only got a few weeks on the Knolly thus far.

[@gtbreaux]

@@JeffKendallWeed Makes sense, thanks! I have an aluminum Altitude and absolutely love it, but the Knollys look great as well.

[@mikethomasmcm]

Doesn’t this linkage have an extra link that differs it from a Horst link? Not sure if it actually makes a difference but it’s something they tout

[@LegendsOfTheLoam]

It’s called a Four by Four. A smaller 4 bar linkage is connected near the rear shock linkage to allow a more independent tuning of the rear shock. Pretty cool stuff

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Horst link refers to the wheel being placed on the seatstay, rather than on the chainstay. Chainstay mounted wheel would be a single pivot. There is an additional linkage beyond a standard 4 bar system, so the full term could be "linkage driven horst link", but the extra linkage really just controls progression, so it's not that big of a deal. Regardless, it's a lot of parts for the suspension system.

[@brysonhollar]

What wheels are you running?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Those are Industry Nine Enduro 315 Carbons, which use the Hydra hubs (690 poe), aluminum spokes, and a carbon WR1 rim built for I9 by WR1 in Kamloops, BC. Check them out here: bit.ly/IndustryNineEnduro315cJKW

[@CP-qx2ff]

sweet looking bike, I think the seat tube being so far in front of the bb is why many don't appreciate the looks. What made you choose the smaller travel version? this bike is marketed as an enduro race bike so interesting to hear your perspective. Did it feel much different in the low position?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey CP, the 180/167 bike is just bigger than what I need for my regular riding. I'd consider that if I were going to be doing a lot of bike park stuff. 160/151 is a good mid-travel size for the PNW riding around here. The low position has slightly better geometry but slightly worse suspension characteristics, so yeah. It feels like the back end has more anti squat or something, and offers less traction, in the low position. I've left it in low for now, as I tend to prefer good geometry first and foremost. But it's not a drastic difference either way.

[@willienillie6337]

Jeff, looks like you run your own bike shop…

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Super lucky to have accumulated a good stash of back up parts, but believe me, I need them for what I do!

[@ryanautomator5760]

Hi Jeff, I've been watching u ride and your skills are at superman level, in the same breath is also annoying. In this vid you ride some trails I love, it was amazing to see you ride them at a level I'll never reach. Your riding shows us what's possible and I respect its really cool to watch. Do you think a longer chainstay can make a manual harder to initiate and easier to maintain? Is a shorter chainstay always better or does reach and bar height make more of a difference? Or is it all brake control? Thx.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for the note Ryan! The hardest part of a manual is getting into it smoothly- balancing is the easy part. The second hardest part of a manual is keeping the bike going in a straight line. I find that the shorter stays help make it easier to get into the manual, but the shorter reach (Orbea Occam is a PERFECT example of this) makes it much easier to control the manual. Bar height is not as significant as reach. Longer reach feels good when bombing down hills, shorter reach feels better for bike manipulations.

[@BikeLifewithRob]

Skinnies!!

[@ToddNZMTB]

Cannoli

[@mbelfry]

Leave the gun.

[@Mediarahan003]

Truly a bike I'd rather not look at.

[@pcpwcail]

Why?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Fair enough, opinions have been quite divided on the looks of this bike, love/hate!

[@pcpwcail]

I guess that goes for any design,to me the rocky mountain bikes from a few years back were the same for me, I knew that they were good bikes just not for me

[@boiing9274]

INSANE WET SKINNY STORY: so basically this one day i was riding a completely wet skinny and then I slipped and ate shit. the end.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

*can relate!

[@pauldelarzac615]

Looks weird, but I don’t mind it. 36lbs on the other hand, no thanks…

[@JeffKendallWeed]

*37lbs with dirt on it!

[@RCKING1]

My god knollys are ugly. and I don’t normally don’t care what my bike looks like. I’ve not ever gotten on a knolly and enjoyed it tbh

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, RC fellow!