Knolly’s Endorphin trail bike has been patiently waiting for an update, and its time has come. The endorphin is the first of Knolly’s MTBs to debut their sixth generation frame revisions, and the bike has shifted into a model that will appeal to smaller trail riders.
Earlier this summer I got a peek at the new Endorphin during Crankworx Whistler, but complete info for the new models wasn’t yet available. Today we have all the details on the new Endorphin lineup.
Knolly Endorphin – Frame Updates:
Our Crankworx article covered the significant updates Knolly made to the Endorphin, so check out that post to for the full scoop on what’s been revised on the brand’s first sixth generation frame. We can expect to see these revisions applied to Knolly’s other MTBs as they get updated too.
To sum it up quickly here, Knolly has introduced size-specific chainstays for the new Endorphin. XS and small frames do share the same rear end, but medium and large frames get their own sizes. Its suspension has also been re-tuned to improve pedalling efficiency and increase bottom-out resistance, but without losing Knolly’s high-traction ride quality.
They’ve also cleaned up the frame’s shape, most noticeably with a straight top tube. This revision offers a cleaner look, but also a lower standover height. Actually, almost all the tubing on the new frame has been updated with revised shaping.
Knolly now includes a one-piece Monolink rocker link on the new Endorphins. The new link is more rigid than the outgoing design, and it reduces lateral stress on the shock mount. The updated Endorphin now runs Enduro bearings in every pivot point, instead of a combination of bearings and bushings. Knolly has also made it easier to service the bearings with flat tooling bearing locations.
One thing that hasn’t changed is Knolly’s straight seat mast, which can fit long-travel dropper posts. The XS-L frame sizes can run posts ranging from 175-210mm travel.
Keeping up with SRAM’s current standard, the Endorphin now offers UDH compatibility. Knolly even made their own machined aluminum hangers which are stiffer than SRAM’s and offer better shifting.
Knolly is sticking with 157mm rear axle spacing for the Endorphin, and the frame features a 180mm brake post mount. They’ve also added an accessory mount on the bottom of the top tube, and the lower shock mount uses a 30mm axle so it’s compatible with Fox’s Roller Bearing shock hardware kits.
Wheel Options/Rear Travel:
Please note, two things have changed since Crankworx: All frame sizes of the Endorphin will be sold with the option of full 27.5” wheels or mixed wheels. Previously Knolly was thinking about selling different frame sizes with different wheel setups.
Also, the amount of rear travel is not the buyer’s option, but depends on wheel size. 27.5” bikes get a Marzocchi rear shock with 150mm travel, while mixed-wheel bikes run Fox Float shocks offering 135mm travel.
Geometry:
Knolly wants the Endorphin to cater to smaller riders, so they’ve introduced a new XS frame size that will fit riders down to 4’11”. Taller riders may need to look elsewhere, as there will be no XL Endorphin frame. Check out the charts below for all geometry figures.
Build Specs:
Pricing:
- 27.5” Deore – $4199
- MX Deore – $4499
- MX XT – $5499
The new Endorphin is available as of today. Frame color options are Raw, Sea Foam, or Champagne.
