Zerode or Jedi?

[Philliam]

Been riding an old F1 for a few years and have loved every minute of it, but it finally needs to be retired. Looking to build up a new sled over the winter. Always thought I'd upgrade to a new Jedi, but Zerode has me very interested.

Which would you pick?

[blackohio]

theres quite a price difference between the two. Both bikes will love the rough, the jedi will probably jump and corner better, but the zerode is gearbox.

[Philliam]

Yeah, I know the differences in design and price. Interested in the two because of rearward travel which I have become addicted to. I like to plow and don't race or care much about weight. Just want to gobble up the trail and be smiling big the whole time.

[blackohio]

why not just buy an M9 then?

[ianjenn]

Keep in mind the 400-500 saved in drivetrain. I have ridden and tested both.

I import the Zerode telling you that up front. They both chow rough terrain. The rearward growth on the Zerode wasn't as noticeable in tight turns. There is less noise with the Zerode, there is less weight with The Canfield.

I cannot put my finger on why but the Zerode seemed a little more poppy easier to get off the ground it could have been just the shock difference or maybe the leverage ratio or curve not sure. We used a Elka on our Jedi BTW and a Fox RC4 and CCDB on the Zerode.

Demo 9 has owned both he may chime in.

[Philliam]

Thanks for the info, ianjenn.

And blackohio... Thanks for your feedback/suggestions. Fwiw, I've ridden an M9 and it didn't do much for me. Probably wasn't totally dialed for me, but still.

I've ridden and/or owned countless DH bikes. I've narrowed my search based on experience, preference and curiosity.

[StyledAirtime]

buy a zerode. they are cool (so are jedis). Zerodes are wicked cool and great to ride.

[no skid marks]

Zerode. Gearbox is worth it, Less maintenance, More durable, Shift anytime, Less unsprung weight.
You can't go wrong with either. Good choice.

[Philliam]

Yeah, I'm thinkin gearbox. Any reco on shock? I'd probably go ccdb unless convinced otherwise. At 5'9", large or small?

I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but really appreciate feedback from those in the know. Thanks.

[UiUiUiUi]

what size bike are you riding at the moment, the zerodes are rather short,
the large is only about 400mm reach...

[Philliam]

Was on med F1. First gen. Fit perfectly, but it's in frame heaven now.

[ianjenn]

Get the MD/LG it is for people 5'7" and up unless you like your bikes small.

[odinnn]

Just upgraded my F1 to a Jedi, had the last F1 before the Jedi version. Really happy with it, same feeling just easyer to handle. Lighter and nimbler makes it more fun. If I were you I would contact the brothers, they really appreciate their riders and like to talk to them. I'm running mine with singlespeed so the gearbox is not the same dealchanger for me as for many others. Would love to own the Zerode, it looks killer, and thats why I bought tickets to ianjenn's raffle maybe I need to buy more...

[Kntr]

I'm 5'9" and I love the small/medium Zerode. I like my bikes small though.

The price difference of the Zerode and Jedi is almost nothing when you consider a chain guide, shifter, and derailer. Oh, and don't forget the cost of replacing derailers too.

I have been on my Zerode for a year now. I had a 951 before that. I have ridden V10, cV10, Wilson, Demo 9, Foes Fly, Slope Style, Trek, Giant, and a lot of other DH bikes. The Zerode jumps well after you get use to it. Its just as easy to pop over obstacles as my 951 and a lot better than the V10s I've ridden. It corners like no other bike I've ridden. It rolls over the rough stuff so easily. There is no slowing down or stopping when you hit square edges.

I was like you and couldn't decide between the Zerode and Jedi and am soooooo glad I went with the Zerode. I get a new bike every 2-3 years and I will be keeping the Zerode for a long time, unless I buy a newer one.

Zerode's customer service has been the best I have ever had to deal with.

[blackohio]

The price difference of the Zerode and Jedi is almost nothing when you consider a chain guide, shifter, and derailer. Oh, and don't forget the cost of replacing derailers too.

Thats not really true either, but apparently OP doesnt care about cost difference. Jedi is 3150 w/ guide. So your looking a a derailleur and shifter. The new zee can be bought for $150 for both. So $3300.

Compared to the jedi's box price of $4500. Thats $1200 difference. Thats alot, in-fact thats almost the difference between buying a jedi and another used 6" AM frame or complete bike.

Also, Alifne hubs arent cheap and you certainly don't want to have to replace one of those, dunno how well they've held up in the zerode's. I assume decently as you don't hear about issues.