If you’ve been scouring the mountain bike market for a bike that blends raw descending prowess with surprising climbing versatility—without sacrificing comfort or control—you’ve likely stumbled upon the Knolly Chilcotin 155. Hailing from Canada, Knolly isn’t your average bike brand. They march to the beat of their own drum, and the Chilcotin 155 is a bold testament to that philosophy.
In this in-depth, hands-on review, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about the Knolly Chilcotin 155—from its unique 4x4 suspension system and aggressive geometry to real-world ride impressions on everything from steep Scottish singletrack to high-speed alpine descents. Whether you're a seasoned enduro racer or a weekend warrior chasing flow, this guide will help you decide if this bike deserves a spot in your garage.
What Is the Knolly Chilcotin 155?
The Knolly Chilcotin 155 is a long-travel, full-suspension enduro mountain bike built around 29-inch wheels. As the name suggests, it offers 155mm of rear travel, though the same frame can be configured with 170mm by swapping the shock stroke length. Up front, it’s typically paired with a 160mm fork (or 170mm for the longer-travel version), though our test model came with a 170mm fork—a setup that leans even more into its downhill DNA.
Crafted from 6066-T6 aluminum, the Chilcotin 155 is durable, stiff, and built to handle the kind of punishment that would leave lesser bikes dented and demoralized. But what truly sets it apart isn’t just its burly construction—it’s Knolly’s proprietary 4x4 suspension platform.
The Secret Sauce: Knolly’s 4x4 Suspension System
Knolly’s 4x4 suspension is more than just marketing jargon—it’s a genuinely unique take on rear suspension kinematics.
Unlike traditional four-bar systems where the shock is directly actuated by the rear triangle, the Chilcotin uses a dual-linkage design: the rear wheel follows a four-bar arc, while a separate set of linkages drives the shock. This decoupling allows Knolly to fine-tune anti-squat, leverage ratio, and anti-rise independently—giving them unparalleled control over how the bike behaves under pedaling, braking, and big hits.
Key Suspension Metrics:
- Anti-squat: ~80% in climbing gears, dropping further down the cassette
- Anti-rise: ~50% at sag (typical for four-bar designs)
- Leverage ratio progression: ~22%—ideal for both coil and high-volume air shocks
This low anti-squat means the Chilcotin 155 prioritizes traction and bump compliance over pedaling efficiency. On technical climbs, it’s plush and grippy. On smooth fire roads? You’ll want to reach for that climb switch—more on that later.
Geometry That Defies Convention (But Works)
Knolly doesn’t play by the rules—and that’s especially true when it comes to geometry.
The Chilcotin 155 features extremely long reach numbers, even for today’s stretched-out standards. Our reviewer, standing 6’2” (189 cm) with a short torso and long legs, opted for a size Medium—yes, Medium—with a 483mm reach. That’s longer than many Large frames from other brands!
Why? Because in Knolly’s native British Columbia—where trails are steep, fast, and littered with roots and rocks—a longer front center enhances stability at speed and confidence in chaos.
But here’s the catch: that aggressive reach comes with trade-offs, especially for riders in tighter, more technical regions like the UK’s Tweed Valley. The bike can feel less agile in tight switchbacks or wooded sections unless you’re perfectly matched to the sizing.
Notable Geometry Features:
- Slack seat tube angle: 69.5° (actual)
- Effective seat tube angle: ~76° at 830mm saddle height (due to long, straight seat tube)
- Chainstay length: 442mm (size-specific across the range)
- Rear hub standard: Super Boost 157mm (enhances stiffness but limits wheel compatibility)
Knolly compensates for the slack seat tube with exceptional seat post insertion depth—even the Medium supports a 200mm dropper post. This is a huge win for taller riders who often struggle with dropper compatibility on smaller frames.
Real-World Ride Impressions: Where the Chilcotin 155 Shines
After weeks of testing on everything from rooty climbs to rock gardens and high-speed berms, one thing became clear: the Knolly Chilcotin 155 is a descending monster.
Downhill Performance: Calm, Composed, Capable
The Chilcotin doesn’t just survive rough terrain—it thrives in it. Thanks to its progressive leverage curve and low anti-rise, the rear end remains active under braking, soaking up chatter while maintaining control. Big hits are handled with composure, and the bike never feels overwhelmed—even when pushed hard.
The plush suspension feel makes it incredibly forgiving on unfamiliar or sketchy trails. You don’t need to be “on” to ride fast; the bike does the heavy lifting. This makes it ideal for riders who value confidence over razor-sharp precision.
That said, it’s not a race bike. If you’re chasing Strava KOMs or podium finishes, you might find it slightly less responsive than ultra-efficient enduro rigs like the Santa Cruz Megatower or Yeti SB160. But for all-day comfort and reliability, the Chilcotin excels.
Climbing: Efficient? Only With a Lockout
Let’s be honest: the Chilcotin 155 isn’t designed to be a climber. With low anti-squat and a supple rear end, it bobs noticeably on smooth ascents. On technical climbs with roots and rocks, that compliance translates to unmatched traction—but on fire roads or paved climbs, you’ll burn energy.
The solution? Use the climb switch. Our reviewer found that engaging the shock’s lockout transformed the bike into a much more efficient pedaler. In fact, they suggest the Chilcotin 155 would be a perfect candidate for electronic suspension systems like RockShox Flight Attendant or Fox Live Valve—tech that automatically adjusts damping based on terrain.
As eMTBs and smart suspension become mainstream, Knolly’s low anti-squat philosophy may prove ahead of its time.
Build Quality & Component Choices
Our test bike came with a Fox Float X2 rear shock and a Fox 38 Performance fork. While the rear shock performed beautifully—offering tunable high- and low-speed compression—the 38 Performance fork fell short.
Despite its reputation on eMTBs, the Performance-level 38 felt under-damped and unbalanced on the lighter Chilcotin. Finding the sweet spot between support and compliance was a struggle. Upgrading to a Factory-level fork (or equivalent from RockShox) would significantly elevate the ride experience.
Weight & Durability
- Weight: 36.5 lbs (16.56 kg) without chain guide
- Tires: Enduro-casing
- Wheels: Sturdy alloy set
- Frame: 6066 aluminum with titanium pivot hardware
While not ultralight, the weight is reasonable for a durable enduro bike. The Super Boost 157 rear end adds stiffness—great for handling, but it means you can’t easily swap wheels from your old bike.
One minor concern: the pivot bearings are relatively small, though reinforced by titanium hardware and the extra linkages of the 4x4 system. No flex was detected on the trail, but long-term durability may depend on riding conditions and maintenance.
Who Is the Knolly Chilcotin 155 For?
This bike isn’t for everyone—but if you fit the profile, it could be your dream machine.
✅ Ideal for:
- Riders who prioritize descending performance over climbing efficiency
- Those tackling steep, technical, or high-speed terrain (think BC, Alps, or Pacific Northwest)
- Taller riders with long legs and short torsos who need deep dropper post compatibility
- Enduro enthusiasts who value comfort and control over race-ready sharpness
❌ Not ideal for:
- Riders in tight, twisty forests who need quick handling
- Weight weenies or XC-curious riders
- Those on a tight budget (more on pricing below)
Pricing & Value: Boutique, But Justified
Knolly is a small, Canadian boutique brand, and that’s reflected in the pricing:
- Frame-only: ~$3,500 USD (includes choice of Fox or RockShox shock)
- Complete builds:
- Entry-level (GX build): $5,799 USD
- Higher-spec (XT build): ~$7,100 USD
While not cheap, the pricing is competitive within the premium aluminum enduro segment. You’re paying for unique engineering, robust construction, and a bike that’s hand-assembled with care—not mass-produced in a factory.
Note: UK pricing wasn’t available at the time of review, but expect a premium due to import costs and distribution.
Final Verdict: A Thoughtfully Crafted Enduro Machine
The Knolly Chilcotin 155 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone—and that’s its greatest strength. It’s a purpose-built descending weapon that excels where it matters most: in the rough, the steep, and the unknown.
Its 4x4 suspension system, long-and-slack geometry, and exceptional dropper compatibility make it a standout for aggressive riders who refuse to compromise on downhill performance. Yes, it bobs on climbs—but with a simple flick of a switch (or future electronic suspension), that’s easily managed.
If you’re tired of bikes that feel “jack of all trades, master of none,” the Chilcotin 155 offers a refreshingly focused, rider-first approach to enduro design.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
✅ Pros:
- Exceptional descending stability and comfort
- Unique 4x4 suspension with tunable kinematics
- Long reach and deep dropper post compatibility
- Super Boost 157 rear end adds stiffness
- Well-rounded for technical and high-speed terrain
❌ Cons:
- Climbing efficiency requires shock lockout
- Fox 38 Performance fork underperforms (upgrade recommended)
- Super Boost 157 limits wheel compatibility
- Aggressive geometry may feel unwieldy in tight trails
- Premium pricing for a boutique brand
The Bottom Line
The Knolly Chilcotin 155 is more than just a mountain bike—it’s a statement. It says, “We build bikes for the way we ride, not for trends.” And if your riding mirrors the steep, rugged trails of British Columbia, this bike will feel like it was made just for you.
For riders seeking a calm, capable, and confidence-inspiring enduro bike that doesn’t demand perfection from its pilot, the Chilcotin 155 is absolutely worth a test ride.
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