Knolly Endorphin MX29

It has been almost 5 months since I picked up a new and improved Knolly Endorphin test bike. A first look article was already published with spec details and a first impression here. I rode this bike through some very awful autumn conditions and then into a typical rainy BC winter. My home trails are on the North Shore, but I managed to take this bike on multiple rides throughout the Sea to Sky region.

There was no shortage of compliments coming from those who noticed the updated frame design. It's impressive how a straight top tube can completely change the look of a bike. The Seafoam green is eye catching and really accentuates the beautiful and delicate details of the frame.

It took a while for me to wrap my head around this bike and its true intention. Because the Endorphin is essentially two different bikes, but also … not? The two build options have different front wheel sizes, which is the opposite of what we normally see for bikes running different wheel sizes. The change in front wheel size is accompanied by a significant change in fork size, giving the two builds a variance of 20mm in travel.

So how can two bikes with so many differences be considered and marketed as the same bike. When I asked Noel Buckley what other model out there he would compare this new Endorphin to, he had a hard time answering. It led me to realize Noel doesn't want this bike, or any of his bikes, to be limited by a certain label, and especially not by the size of the fork.

Sizing & Fit

I tested the Endorphin XT|MX29 build in size small. I graduated from full 27.5" bikes a while ago, but I appreciate and understand that there is still a place for them in the market. According to the website, they technically recommend a size x-small for a 5'2" fun-sized person. In my first article, I mentioned that I felt the 440mm reach was long, particularly when climbing, and had been compensating for that by slamming the saddle forward.

I did not take Knolly up on their offer to test the x-small as I was comfortable and enjoying the bike on the descents. I wasn’t having any issues getting my weight over the bars but I was feeling slightly unstable at higher speeds, so I figured shortening the wheelbase would have amplified that further. The size small and x-small have the same chainstay lengths, but a 29mm difference in wheelbase and a 25mm difference in reach. Those differences are not insignificant for a smaller rider and definitely something to consider when looking at the fit of the bike.

After riding the bike longer, I am confident in my decision to stay with the size small but do wonder what the climbing comfort would have been like on the x-small.

Suspension & Settings

There are many different suspensions designs out there, but none like Knolly's Fourby4 design. The linkage is designed to deliver an optimal balance between pedaling efficiency, traction and bump absorption. At first bounce, I quickly realized I've never experienced a suspension that is as plush as this one.

I did have to play around with the settings a decent amount for the ride to feel comfortable. It's a more active suspension than I am used to and I noticed it right away on the climbs, as I bobbed my way up the road. Firming up the LSC close to its max and increasing the PSI helped. This came at the expense of some small bump sensitivity but it was worthwhile nonetheless.

I struggled more with the fork. It was my first time on a Fox 34 and it is certainly less forgiving on the North Shore than a Fox 36. The fork felt nervous and was not particularly confidence inspiring in technical and fast terrain. The front and rear end almost felt like opposites which made it difficult to predict how the bike would react from one section of trail to the next. I ended up with a fully open rebound on the fork, something I hear is relatively normal but it doesn't leave room for any adjustments if needed.

Float X

• PSI: 146psi 27% sag
• LSC: 10 out
• Rebound: 9-11 (weather dependent)

Fox 34

• PSI: 62psi with 2 spacers for 25% sag
• LSC: 12 out
• HSC: 6 out
• LSR: 14 fully open
• HSR: 7 out

Climbing

My daily driver (Stumpy Evo) has a shorter reach with a less active suspension that I really enjoy climbing on and rarely feel the need to lock out. The Knolly's active suspension had me feeling like I was sitting deeper in the travel and thus even further away from the bars. The lock out was almost mandatory for any road climbs just to reduce bobbing and improve the power transfer but I kept it unlocked on technical or loose gravel climbing.

I enjoyed the technical climbs on this bike more than road climbs as this is where that suspension system thrives most. No matter the condition, the wheels stay planted. I was floating up sections I usually have to work hard for, especially in slippery conditions. Climbing steep gravel sections was also noticeably more enjoyable and I felt I could be less calculated with my line choice, and confident that the bike would make it over loose rocks and chunder – a bonus for those who live near a lot of gravel road climbs.

While the traction and active suspension is a significant bonus, I wouldn't describe climbing on the Endorphin as particularly biomechanically efficient. An effective seat tube angle of 76 degrees is nothing crazy but I found the power transfer less than expected. As I was climbing and going through the travel, I felt like I was sitting way behind the bottom bracket. On top of that, the Endorphin is not light so it doesn't have that sprightly feel I was expecting from a short travel bike. Longer rides with significant elevation gain definitely had me worked.

I like comparing the climbing experience to a diesel engine – a bit slower to respond to an acceleration but steady and planted once moving.

Descending

Riding my way through different Shore trails had me conclude this bike is made in the rear. Bottom heavy some might say. The rear suspension is extremely active, plush and downright fun. The suspension remains active while braking, allowing for that extra traction to kick in and boost my riding confidence through the roof. The feeling of trusting that the bike will stay planted through corners is like no other.

I had the most fun on lower angle terrain that was playful with lots of line choices. Getting the bike off the ground was effortless once my settings were optimized and it responds well to firm order. The bike is super playful when riding smoother terrain and with the 701mm stand over height there was plenty of room to freely maneuver it under me when riding.

I had to be more deliberate about line choices when the terrain became technical and with steeper terrain. The geometry is there but it requires more control, finesse and calculation. I'm a fan of the mixed wheel size as it adds stability and traction in the front while keeping the rear maneuverable, something the bike certainly takes advantage of.

My biggest challenge was getting the bike to feel balanced in that technical and steeper terrain. I often felt unstable with the Fox 34 up front when I would get pushed off line or after a big compression. At higher speeds, it was almost like a constant party in the back with strict business only up front. I don't particularly enjoy having to tone down my riding, especially when the rear end bike is egging me on. The rear of the bike is very confidence inspiring for only 135mm of travel and I certainly got carried away a few times with some close calls. The bike is clearly capable of more and I can only imagine what it bike feels like with a more capable Fox 36/Lyrik or equivalent.

Neutral VS Slack mode

The slacker setting decreases the head tube angle by half a degree and the bottom bracket height by 10mm. It also decreases the effective seat tube angle by half a degree. I don't have much to say about the two settings except that I mostly rode in neutral. I didn’t feel enough benefit descending in the slacker mode to outweigh any added hinderance on the climbs. You can also argue that both ways, so maybe it's all in my head. Regardless, it is a small change that is available if you want it.

Technicalities & Value

The bike caused me no mechanical problems and the XT build was more than enjoyable to ride coming from a SRAM gal. I took the linkage apart and can confirm there are indeed no bushings hidden in there. As someone who has stripped and broken too many bolts (hehe) the titanium bolts are a damn luxury. Take my money.

I can also confirm that putting the fourby4 suspension linkage back together is no walk in the park. There are a lot of pieces and some of the bearings on the pre-production frame weren't flush, so getting the axels back in required some mallet action. More links means more parts that need to be replaced at regular intervals. Something to consider if you live in an element heavy area.

Number-wise, the geometry is in the pocket for someone to have fun on all types of trails with enough versatility to customize if necessary. The frame quality and workmanship is up there for Knolly standards and that is factored into the price. While I have no complaints with the XT build, I feel the 7,299 CAD price point is steep. Even the Deore build is hefty for 5,999 CAD. Comparing to a Norco Fluid FS A1 XT, fox 34 factory for 4,999 CAD, or a Santa Cruz 5010 R build for 6,349 CAD. You are paying for that fresh design, premium aluminum frame and the patented fourby4 suspension and straight seat tube.

Pricing

• Full 27.5 Deore - 5,599 CAD / 4,199 USD
• MX Deore - 5,999 CAD / 4,499 USD
• MX XT - 7,299CAD / 5,499 USD

Spec.

The bike I was given is the full XT mullet in size small with a different cockpit and wheels than what will come stock. Specs are below:

• Fork: Fox 34 Factory 140mm
• Shock: Fox Float X Factory 135mm
• Brakes: Shimano XT 8120 with 203/180mm rotors
• Seat Post: SDG Tellis 170mm
• *Saddle: SDG Bel-Air V3
• Drive Train: Shimano XT 12 spd 10-51T (30T chain ring)
• *Wheels: DT Swiss M1900 29" front (15x110) 27.5" rear (12x157MS)
• Front Tire: Maxxis Assegai 29" x 2.5" MaxxGrip EXO+
• Rear Tire: Maxxis DHR II 27.5 x 2.4" MaxxTerra EXO+
• *Stem: Spank Split 50
• *Handlebar: Spank Oozy 800
• *Grips: Spank Spoon

*Products not to spec on the bike in photos

So who is this bike for?

This bike is likely to resonate with younger and intermediate riders who prefer less technical terrain. While it can handle advanced conditions, it thrives in a more forgiving and playful environment, offering remarkable traction for both descents and climbs.

The bikes limitations start showing for stronger riders and technical/steep terrain - something I noticed quickly because of the my trail choices. A 140mm Fox 34 is at the very end of its potential travel range where the next step would be to move to a 150mm Fox 36. Comparing this to the shock, the spec'd 135mm factory float X is at the very beginning of its travel range. So with the fork and shock overlapping and the opposite ends of their potential use purpose range, it has me question why the MX29 build wasn’t also just spec'd with a Fox 36.

I believe a bike should be ridden as intended and the model's ability to adapt to various categories without clear focus can pose some geometry challenges and undoubtedly alter its balance. At the end of the day, it really depends what you seek from a bike and what terrain you will ride it on.

Conclusion

In spite of its quirks, this bike is designed specifically for small riders with smaller inseams, addressing a notable gap in the industry. Within a realm that is untouched, they have managed to also offer a bike with substantial versatility. Hate it or love it, Knolly remains true to its unconventional approach. As for the bike's intention, maybe it will just live in its own category of shapeshifting short travel bikes for fun-sized humans.