Submitted by
Vaikko
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, ME, USA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003
Strengths: This bike is ultra durable. Been riding it for 3 years now without replacing anything but tires, break pads and cables. Also added clipless pedals. I have done nothing to the front fork and it still works great. Mangled the rims several times, but am still riding them after a visit to the truing stand.
Weaknesses: Kind of a clunker at 30 lbs, but reliable. Brakes were hard to set up right, but they're fine after a few adjustments. Replaced panracer smoke and dart with wider 2.1 width tires. Fewer pinch flats and better ride and tracking in sand.
Similar Products Used: Comparable Trek, Fisher, Cannon
Bike Setup: Stock settings, friend has similar with XTR components, much improved.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
andy
a Weekend Warrior
from pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Strengths: great xc bike, noleen fork, funky orange paint
Weaknesses: NR1 shocks, xt v-brakes
Bottom Line:
this was a great bike for the money (back in '98 was $1,000) now at $550.00 on the web it is an amazing price. the frame design is great for a FS XC. I had XT V-brakes which were the worst part (rattled, squeaked, & barely helped to stop)
I complained to K2 about the rear shock & they upgraded me to an NR2 with rebound adjustment, what a big difference. kudo's for their cust. serv.
the grease ports on the fork are a great idea.
overall the bike is a well designed bike for almost any terrain.
Bike Setup: shorter stem, riser bars, moved seat waaay back (this helps move the rider back for better downhill performance), upgraded most components.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Glen Harrod
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2000
Strengths: Good geometry, excellent front fork (tracks/responds well) very sticky in turns, excellent value for the $$. Unlike others, I really like the Panaracer tires.
Weaknesses: Repeat from other posts: weight, tubes, saddle, stem too long. The Noleen NR1 shocks are marginal.
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike you can get in the $500 range, bar none. It is an excellent performer, and once you tune in the geometry (stem length, angle, and seat height), it is excellent. It just weighs a lot. I am having a lot of problems with my NR1 on the rear. First of all, I really wish that I had upgraded to at least an NR2 with some dampening adjustment. Secondarily, after a few good descents, there is oil leaking from the shock, which is affecting the dampening. I have heard this can be a problem with the NR1's. Otherwise, you can't beat this bike, and I really like the cross link front fork!
Bike Setup: Stock. Added downhill bar, Revolt ST, Koobi saddle. Slime-Light tubes.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Webster, Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Strengths: Suspension, feel, components
Weaknesses: Heavy-30 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I have not had one problem with the suspension system on the bike. For the money, the bike has been a very good value. I am trying to drop weight on the bike but I forsee dropping some big bucks for a new crank (STX to LX) and wheelset (SUN CR18/STX to M517/XT). This will probably run me $250 OR SO. The bike now weighs 30 lbs. I am hoping to drop to 28 lbs.
Favorite Trail: Hodges Village/Greenbriar Park, Oxford, Massachusetts
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Similar Products Used: 97 Proflex Reptile
Bike Setup: Upgrades: LX V-brakes, bottom bracket (UN72), Gore cables, Specialized Body geometry seat
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Allan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary Canada
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1999
Strengths: Its cheap Its strong It looks cool
Weaknesses: The components on it suck. I find myself having to replace shitty parts esspecialy the brakes. I hate cantilevers.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this is a great beginner bike. It was alot cheaper than something worth while. The frame is great but everything else sucks. The bottem line is if your interested in a full suspention bike but don't want to spend alot buy this one.
Hey everyone -
I am looking into parting ways with my 1998 K2 Proflex 2000 and didn't know if anyone on here could give me a rough estimate as to its worth. If it isn't worth m Read More »
