Cannondale Launches the New Trigger and Jekyll

Cannondale have long been known for doing things their own way, from pull shocks to the instantly recognizable Lefty fork. Today, they announce updated versions of their Trigger and Jekyll models. While there may not be any wild changes, there's still new tech from a collab with Fox Shox, and a couple of unique frame features that mean these bikes are distinctly Cannondale. Get all the details from Cannondale after the break.

Cannondale, today introduced entirely new versions of its high performance, long-travel mountain bike platforms – Jekyll and Trigger. Jekyll is purpose-built for enduro racers looking for an edge on every stage, while Trigger is for aggressive all-mountain riders who live for big days in the high mountains. Both bikes feature exclusive new dual ride-mode shock technology and cutting-edge geometry that give riders exceptional traction, agility and speed on the way up, and no-holds-barred, full throttle performance on the descents.

“This is an exciting new start for both bikes,” said Peter Vallance, Global Director of Product Management for Cannondale. “The goal was to stay true to the technological advancements of previous models, but push the performance envelope with simple but powerful features like our new Gemini shock, Ai offset drivetrain and LockR pivots. We even designed them to accept a full-size water bottle in the main triangle.”

The heart of the new Jekyll and Trigger is the patented Gemini rear shock technology, a collaboration between Fox Racing Shocks and Cannondale which adds two distinct ride modes—Hustle and Flow—to the stellar performance of the Fox Float X and DPS shocks. Activated by a handlebar remote, Hustle mode shortens the travel and keeps riders higher in the stroke for snappy response on climbs and rolling terrain. Flow mode drops the ride height, unleashing the full amount of travel and lets riders rip with confidence when pointed downhill. 

“The Gemini’s ability to reduce travel on the fly, without diminishing its sensitivity to bumps, is a huge advantage,” said Jeremiah Boobar, Director of Suspension and Component Development at Cannondale. “It not only improves traction and efficiency on the climbs, but lets you pump harder and carry speed through smooth sections of the downhill so you descend faster as well.”

Helping to make the most of the new shocks’ capabilities, Jekyll and Trigger both get new progressive and aggressive geometries that combine supreme stability with uncanny agility. Appropriately slack head angles (65° for the Jekyll, 66° for Trigger) and long front-centers provide full control on descents. Steep seat angles put you in a power position on climbs. Cannondale’s proprietary Asymmetric Integration (Ai) offset drivetrain delivers incredibly short, 420mm chainstays for unreal traction and nimbleness, with unmatched tire clearance and a stiffer, stronger rear wheel.

Other notable features include Cannondale’s lightweight, stiff and easy-to-service LockR pivot thru-axles, interchangeable cable management system, and full carbon shock link.

Athletes and teams played a crucial role in the development and testing of the new Jekyll and Trigger. Cannondale riders have been racing prototypes of the bikes for over a year, and in February, actually picked up the new bike’s first win as Cannondale Enduro Team athlete, Jérôme Clementz, won the 2017 Andes Pacifico Enduro on his prototype Jekyll.

“I knew from the first couple of rides that the new bike was good,” said Jérôme Clementz, Cannondale Enduro Team athlete and an Enduro World Champion. “I had a lot of success and a lot of fun on the old version. When I started beating my best times and taking KOMs right away on the first prototype I received, well, you just know they’ve got it right. I feel like it just gives me a little something extra everywhere on the course. It’s FAST.”

Cannondale Jekyll is available in four models, with a price range of $3,199.00 - $7,749.99 USD. Cannondale Trigger is available in three models and one women specific model, ranging in prices $3,999.00 - $7,749.99 USD. For more information on the all-new Jekyll and Trigger, visit www.Cannondale.com/Jekyll and www.Cannondale.com/Trigger. Be sure to also follow Cannondale on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.