Written by: Daniel Shaw
This year, I started building my Chilcotin 170 in January, piecing it together from the frame up. I chose SRAM and RockShox components throughout for a cohesive and high-performance setup. The size large frame in RAW was a no-brainer for my 6’0” height, and the finish perfectly complemented the silver components I selected.
I opted for the Chilcotin 170 because it truly is a “one bike quiver killer” here on the Shore. Whether I’m hitting the bike park, doing shuttle laps, or heading out for an all-day adventure, the Chilcotin balances youthful playfulness with serious pedaling efficiency.
Why the Chilcotin Stands Out
This is my seventh year riding Knolly Bikes, and I’ve had the chance to test nearly every model in the lineup. While the Fugitive is a close runner-up for me, I find its 140mm of travel leaves me feeling a bit rattled after a full day in Whistler. The Chilcotin 170, on the other hand, feels perfectly suited for full-on downhill sessions while still excelling on technical climbs.
I also prefer the full 29” wheel setup for its rolling speed, and my long legs make it easy to throw the back end around. Features like the slack/neutral shock position for on-the-fly geometry adjustments and Knolly’s secure cable ports, which eliminate internal rattling, make the Chilcotin an easy choice.
Testing the Flight attendant set-up
After a few months of riding a relatively stock Chilcotin, I got the chance to test RockShox’s Flight Attendant suspension. This involved changing to a Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, a new damper in the ZEB fork, an XX power meter crank, and a left pod shifter on the bars.
Right away, I noticed the bike felt more responsive on flow trails and technical climbs. The Flight Attendant system uses the power meter and altimeter to automatically adjust the suspension between open, mid, and firm positions. On smoother trails, the bike felt more like the Fugitive, with improved cornering speed and better ability to pull for lines I previously thought were out of reach. When the trails got rougher, the Chilcotin’s long travel came into play, effortlessly soaking up big hits.
My biggest concern was battery life, especially on long or multi-day rides. Fortunately, the Flight Attendant offers around 35 hours of ride time per charge, making it perfect for bikepacking trips without constant recharging.
Switching to the Vivid set-up
By August, I pivoted my riding focus toward bike park days, so I swapped out the Flight Attendant. I installed the new Vivid air shock and the Charger 3.1 damper in the fork, paired with a stealth Reverb 200mm dropper post. While the longer drop felt like a step back in tech compared to the AXS Reverb 170, the added adjustability was a welcome upgrade, letting me get the saddle as low as possible for descents.
I also removed all spacers below my stem, which lowered my center of gravity and improved cornering traction at higher speeds. This setup gave me incredible confidence on the trails, allowing me to predict responsiveness, push the limits of control, and find creative lines.
Final Thoughts
With the Chilcotin 170, I’ve found my dream bike. Whether flying through the bike park or tackling technical climbs, this setup delivers unmatched versatility, performance, and pure fun. It leaves me grinning after every ride—and occasionally shaving a few seconds off my favorite segments!
Ride photo credit: Tandem Photography
