Hi all, in a nutshell I used to be MTB mad up until about 12yrs ago. My then proflex beast got pinched about 9yrs ago and replaced with a 2003 Cannondale Jekyll 700. As I’d already given up riding I refrained from selling it due to the delusion that I’d start riding it at any moment. I’ve done a total of 37 miles (shameful, i know) but have now decided I’m coming back into the fold and dusting it off. And there’s a lot of dust.

Unfortunately my MTB knowledge froze in a time when proflex were the daddies, Shaun palmer was the new boy, Steve peat was just starting to look world class etc… So I don’t know what to do with it.

1st step is a reputable shop service tomorrow to setup, lube and replace and cables, chain etc that may be done. Other than that I’d really appreciate thoughts on what else may need doing e.g. To the suspension or other bits to get it tip top then also what must-have upgrades have been invented since 2003? Obviously I’ll get a few miles under my belt before upgrading but would like to start looking into it now.

Current spec is stock but with Easton riser bars, cateye, dmr v8s. So: lefty jake, fox float, xt and deore, thru active cranks, mavic 139 rims, Hayes hfx brakes that have been dripping fluid and binding to discs for years despite being bled twice.

Full spec here:
http://web.archive.org/web/20061016001214/http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/ce/model-3VN7.html

My type of riding once my stamina allows it will be typical all mountain stuff. Bit like the bike.

What would you do??

I had a 800 for a while last year, loved it. Brakes may be a weak spot

Brakes as mentioned is the obvious one for initial upgrade the hfx9’s can be a bit temperamental and very on/off. There have been developments in the chainset so down the line that may be something to look at but I wouldn’t bother till you knacker that one.

As for servicing you may want to look into a cannondale specialist for servicing of the lefty I don’t know if any of the big suspension service places do cannondale lefty forks. But there are a number of people who still use the lefty so don’t write it off.

For your shock you can do a basic service on it quite cheaply, have a look on you tube for fox air can service.

Obviously you should do as you say and ride it first, but the latest improvements that are worth considering are:

– Wider bars/shorted stem
– Remote dropper post
– better discs (since yours leak and seals etc may be shot)
– rear shock tuning if it hasn’t got pro-pedal
– disc specific, wide/light/strong rims to support wider tyres nicely assuming the frame has decent clearance
– consider SPDs

OR you can ride it, and if you keep it up, sell it and buy a stumpjumper/ 5 / fuel / trance. The frames and geometry have moved on a lot – slacker angles, lighter, difference top tube lengths, bolted dropouts and longer travel / more efficient suspension designs. I’d do the new bike route if you get back into it.

Ditch the brakes (and buy other ones of course! Mid range Shimano or Avid are fine) and ride. I wouldn’t put a ton of cash into the bike. It’s perfectly fine but it’ll still ride largely the same even if you sink 1000ukp into it. If you enjoy mountain biking but not the bike, I’d just buy something else!

sell it to a punter on retrobike and buy a modern sussler which will be far superior.

Slx brakes from a German site.

As above, possibly a shorter stem depending on what you have but defo wider bars.

What size is your seatpost? If you have the cash then dropper posts are the best invention since decent forks and disc brakes.

Basic service, then ride it – when bits break either fix/replace.

If you are still riding at Xmas, treat yourself to a new bike.

Clean it, lube it, ride it, have fun! (sounds like my teenage holiday in Malia…..)

Most important thing is to ride it. The bike is not the reason you havn’t ridden it in 9 years….

Thanks for the replies guys. I’ve booked it into the shop next week for a full going over. The guy anticipated a few cables, check air pressure on the shock and also recommended slinging the brakes in the bin and putting some deore ones on (use same discs) or hope ones if I wanted better ones. I think it may only be the front brake that needs immediate attention, so maybe a hope m4 then match it at the back at a later date?

In terms of anything else, as mentioned, I’ll get some miles done first but I do like the remote dropper posts – hadn’t even heard of them but can see the obvious advantage. A future reward for me…

For those saying “get a new bike” – I can pretty much rule that out until I’m very much back to riding v regularly. But I’m interested to know what advantages say a new orange 5 might have over mine? the Jekyll is 135mm fox float with remote lock out, the lefty has remote-ish adjustable rebound and is around 135mm too. Geometry is also adjustable between FR and XC setups. What would a new bike give me that maybe a stem change and suspension refurb wouldn’t?

Also, last Q… The current tyres and tubes… Hutchinson scorpion, I’ve heard they’re crap all round? What would be a good all mountain, mostly fair weather tyre recommendation be? Id like light and low rolling resistance, but just as crucially im forever fearful of the front washing out. And will the tubes be dodgy after being flat for 9yrs?

This old bike of yours…

…most of the bits on my bike are older, so I wouldn’t worry a bit.

I would get the Deore brakes if they are cheaper, maybe put on a shorter stem – but not till you’ve ridden it as the Jekylls were a well regarded bike so the angles shouldn’t be too old skool.

Tyres – to an extent it depends where you’re riding but I ride Bontrager XR4 Team issue everywhere. 2.35 or 2.2. They’re tubeless ready but are fine with tubes in. I doubt I’ve got a newer tube than yours, either.

Tubes cost a less than a pint of beer if bought online.

Tyres are harder to recommend, I have found a 2.25 Maxxis ardent rear and 2.35 Maxxis High Roller super Tacky front work well together for what i ride but they may not be your cup of tea.

have a look at nextdaytyres.co.uk for pictures of tread patterns and user reviews of the tyres.

Done lot of reading on tyres, I really like sound of the bontrager xr4 team issue. Latest version apparently a big improvement. Defo put a 2.2 on the rear, but will a 2.35 be a bit big for all mountain / hard xc ride? Will it do my fragile stamina no good?

Just ride….

XR4 2.25 are quite accuraitly sized. Mine are bigger than the 2.35 high rollers that came off. 2.25 would seem big enough for XC/trail IMHO (they are quite tall)