Submitted by
Steve Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, UT Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Pedersons
Strengths:
hi-caliber components
Weaknesses:
My bike has been in the shop more than on the trails. I had to bring it back three times the first month I owned it. On the third trip to the shop the K2 rep reluctantly replaced the rear cassette, which fixed the shifting problem. I've had to replace most everything on the bike in only three years. The latest problem is with the front shock...sounds like the bike is about to break down on the way down the hill. That one kept the bike in the shop for more than two months while the shop waited for the parts from K2, which did not fix the problem. The brakes and gears are constantly out of sync and the wheels have never been straight. The rear XT derailleur shifts whenever it feels like it. The coil spring bounces you up and down like a baby carriage on down the road. There are so many squeaks and creeks that my bike is always the center of attention. The smart shock is a waste of weight. I have had the full rebuild done on the bike at least three times and it rides like a champ for a week or two, but then it’s back to the falling apart piece of junk that it really is.
Bike Setup:
xt all around, except avid brake handles and lx hubs
Bottom Line:
look elsewhere... My $750 Gary Fisher hard tail gets me there faster and much more reliably, though I can barely hang on down the rocky trails here in Park City.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston,ma Date Reviewed: March 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
whatever I'm riding at the time
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$999.00
Purchased At:
Irvine
Strengths:
Grin Factor!! ride - smooth and efficient recovery - just seems to get out of anything durability value
Weaknesses:
loose battery connection in smartshock slight flex in swingarm - not serious that's about it - unless you want to get really picky
Similar Products Used:
far from stock gary fisher hardtail various bike shop tests of c1999 FS bikes
Bike Setup:
close to stock - full XT;
Bottom Line:
As an engineer and a physicist, I got pretty serious about understanding FS efficiency before I bought FS. chose this bike for the compromise of reliability of single pivot and minimized bob - and it really works, so I was glad I did the math! In middle ring, there is almost no bob (unless you try to make it so)- and very little in the other rings. This bike outclimbs my hardtail - both speed on short steeps and stamina on longer climbs - even though its heavier. If you stay in the seat and don't mash, it just keeps smooth rolling traction up anything.
What really got me to write was the durability - after 3 years of reasonable abuse and not a few crashes, the thing is almost like new! One point I would make - you have to lube the fork pivot points regularly, if you want it to keep performing.
Oh yeah - and did I mention the grin factor :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, CA USA Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Ediscountbikes.com
Strengths:
Frame design, Mine is a 98 so I have the Carbon Swingarm.
Weaknesses:
A Little heavy, stock wheels were junk.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper M2FS
Bike Setup:
Rhynolite wheels, Marzochii Z3 QR20plus, Hayes front discbrake, Panaracer FireXC Pro tires. XT shifters and deraillurs.
Bottom Line:
I am 6'2" tall and weigh in at 200lbs. This bike has held up to my abuse for more than a year now. The wheels that came with it were destroyed by the second ride. The bike climbs better than any hardtail that I have ridden. Since changing to the Marz fork with the hayes disc it is like a new bike. This bike handles great, it goes exactly where I point it. The 4.5" in the rear and the now 4" in the front will soak up most things that I come across. I am very happy with this bike. Yea, of course I would like to have an Intense Uzzi SL but who wouldn't. For the money the K2 is hard to beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bag
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Sport Chek
Strengths:
Great design, relatively strong and light, handles great. Looks pretty cool too.
Weaknesses:
The Noleen crosslink forks that came with the bike were too stiff and didn't have enough travel, and the shimano brake pads were junk. The wheelbase is longer than I', used to, but for the price I paid for the bike, I'm not about to complain.
Similar Products Used:
Nishiki hardtail, Gt hardtail,
Bike Setup:
Michelin tires; Bomber Z1 Drop-off forks; XT v-brakes, derailleurs, and levers/shifters; LX hubs, BB, and crank; Titec Hellbent handlebars, Titec Lil' Al stem; Brody brake boosters.
Bottom Line:
-The Panaracer Duster tires were junkand they buzzed like a banshee on pavement. I put on a sweet pair of Michelin Tires instead.
-I upgraded the brakes and front derailleur from LX to to XT, and added brake boosters which I strongly recommend, especially with carbon-fibre frames. The Shimano M-system brake pads were horrible, so I put on some Kool-stop Brake pads. THe bike stops on a dime now.
-I also putTitec Hellbent riser bars on it. The original stem was too long which created understeer and the flat handlebars were uncomfortable.
-I also replaced the Noleen cross-link fork with a pair of Marzocchi Z1 Bombers. The cross-link fork handled extremely well on smooth easy trails, but were too stiff and didn't have enough travel for any kind of serious off-roading. The Bombers practically transformed the bike into a free-ride bike. It rides much better now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenner
a Cross Country Rider
from Brantford Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: November 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gilkison
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This bike loves to stay on the trail. Smooth and reponsive. Climbs like a dirtbike. Downhills great. This is the 98 4000 that i'm reveiwing
Weaknesses:
Front derailleur is very hard to adjust because the swingarm is in the way. Change the tires, the stock Panaracer dusters are junk. Change the crappy brake pads to stop annoying anyone within 1/2 mile from you. Jury is still out on the Wellgo's may change them
Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock. Good choice of build kit. Changed tires for some Michelin Wildgripper Lite S. Changed Shimano chain to Sachs
Bottom Line:
This was my first F/S. Was skeptical about climbing. Not any more. This bike climbs like crazy (once i changed the tires and put on a real chain!. I think Shimano makes chains just so you will buy more rear derailleurs after the chain suck blows them up!!)The 4000 has taken everything I have given it. I'm going to change the stem for a shorter one. It feels a little endo prone but not too bad. It really likes to hug the trail whether dry or wet, rocks or roots. It likes to jump too. I'm around 200lbs and I've tried to break it but can't. Too bad for my buddy totally trashing his Fisher Joshua trying to catch me! I ride one to three times a week. Too bad to anyone who doesn't like it. Go back to your BMX. This bike kicks butt!! 5 chilis from me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alynn McKinney
a Weekend Warrior
from Jackson CA USA Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kirkwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
private
Strengths:
Climbs great, Judy shocks awesome, responsive. i love this bike, its lightwight, well constructed but what else would you expect from a K2
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Rocky Mountain
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Its great, anyone who doesn't like this bike needs to ride a huffy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Donnelly
a
from Sacramento,CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Salmon Falls
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1125.00
Purchased At:
Bennetts-mail order
Strengths:
Components
Weaknesses:
BB is too high to accomadate the suspension. The seat tube must be cut to match the rider and allows very little adjustment. Feels just plain funny.
Similar Products Used:
Only hardtails, including a Bianchi road bike.
Bike Setup:
ESP 9.0, Panaracer Fire 2.1 on the back, 2001 RS Psylo SL w/ blue spring (~83 in.lbs.), 750 in.lbs. rear spring, FSA head set. Rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
I really hate this bike. The first time I took it out on a good trail, I dumped it 3 times. That never happened with my old hardtail ( Trek 930 w/ RS Q5). The seat sat high enough that I could easily step off and tended to fall over the first few times. I hack sawed the seat post to get me at a little better postion, but that put me at less than proper leg extention. I tryed to adapt to it for 2 years and thought that I was doing ok. But it always felt wrong. It stink bugged really bad and I misinterped it as the stock Judy being too short, so I bought the Psylo. Great fork, but the bike still sucks. Over Spring break I went to Moab UT. I thought could eat up everyone out there. I was the last one comming down hill. At Slick Rock it sucked. I couldn't drop my seat without taking a saw to it. I had to come completely off the seat and stick it in my stomac to keep from flipping. All the hardtails kicked my ass. I did ok on the climbs, but you know I was wasting energy. I switched bikes with one of the guilds and he said he was very uncomfortable with it. He was scared to take it up to a high speed and said that he could suspend himself better with his own legs on a hardtail. I took his Specilized M2 for a short while and did the best I had done all week. He also commented on how loud the bike was on the trail. I'm not talking chain slap, I'm talking pivots and shocks. Now I am debating on whether to strip the frame and build a hardtail or just sale it and buy a hard tail. If some one wants it, I will sale it as a whole or part it out as a fork and frame, either the judy or psylo. With the judy, it will be a good deal. With the psylo, I want the cost of the fork back. But remember that that psylo is mounted and kicks ass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Algots
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno,CA,USA Date Reviewed: December 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Squaws Leap
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
Every smooth and fast on any kind of trail, holds its lines, and can put up with freeriding.
Weaknesses:
The rear shock is cheap and blows out now and again. Weak drivetrain.
Similar Products Used:
First FS bike, but rode BMX for Four years Before this.
Bike Setup:
70mm stem, hellbent bars cut to 23 inchs, beartrap pedals, soon a 2001 z.1 mcr
Bottom Line:
This Bike is made for XC and I freeride the hell out of it. I've done 6 foot drops to flat landings,8 foot drops to slops, and rode down steep a$$ 70 stairs, and the bike screams for more. Soon as I put the z.1 on I'll been doing 10+ drops,[remember this is a XC bike]. Watch Kranked 3, there are pros on these bikes doing phat freeriding, all they do is get bigger front shocks. So all in all you get a lot of bike for a little price, and with a couple upgrades you can have a mad freeride bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Angler
a Weekend Warrior
from planet of New Orleans Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
hooper
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Irvine Bikes (don't bother)
Strengths:
Handling, downhills both technical and fire roads. Climbing in the saddle. Standover height. Rear shock an NR-2.
Weaknesses:
Some moderate biopacing when out of the saddle (so stay down). Noleen Crosslink fork not for beginners. Stock Panaracer Dusters are pretty poor except they shed mud.
Similar Products Used:
My first MTB.
Bike Setup:
XT rear, GripShift, LX front/cranks, Noleen Crosslink changed out to Manitou Mars 1, RaceFace stem, WTB SST saddle.
Bottom Line:
Great handling bike biased for downhills, both technical and fast fire roads. Rear shock (NR-2) is a fine coil w/ oil dampening. Lots of rear travel, I can bomb down the hill and smoke my buddy who rides a hardtail (for another few weeks, till he builds up his new FSR frame). I don't notice any flex in the carbon fiber swingarm (these could be expensive to replace if you break one).
Climbs well and keeps good traction if you stay seated. Standover height is very good.
Some biopacing if you aren't at least somewhat smooth in the saddle, biopacing more noticeable out of saddle (true for most FS).
Stock Noleen Crosslink on mine was a good fork in terms of stiffness, tracking, and overall performance on small and large bumps. I eventually noticed that this fork has one design flaw... as you compress the fork, the front wheel moves up of course, but moves slightly back towards the pedals... traverses a J shape. This causes the front tire to slightly knuckle under the bike on bigger hits due to the inherent design. (You need to see a pic of this fork, it's a strange single external spring with some linkage arms...resemble a dual crown but is different). For beginning riders, this is a bad feature that makes it just that much more likely you'll do a Superman/Endo/augur. I know this. I've learned my lessons quickly.
I like the Mars 1 (post recall) very well, but it's brand new. Stiff, tracks well, stiction mild but it's still new. It's easy to adjust, anti-bob lever works... I can't feel the transition from MCU to air. Love it so far.
Great frame. I see them on sale now for around $400. Between this and a Jamis Dakar (a bit more XC and less downhill biased), you have some great frame choices out there in this price range if you wanna build your own.
Irvine Bikes is extremely disorganized, by the way (they may have changed their name) ... I'd pass on these clowns unless you know EXACTLY what you want and are willing to putz around with them until they send you the right stuff. Example: newbie mistake -- I said "XT brakes"... they sent XT levers with LX brakes (unmarked)...took me a while to figure this out and it was too late. (this was after they sent me some other dude's bike, a $700 machine, and sent mine to someone else. That is just absurd, chaotic and random.)
I give the 4000 a rating of 4.5 flaming kielbasa's only because I think there is much to be said for a 24lb XC tuned GT I-drive (not the race tuned version), the Intense Tracer, the Giant NRS if they make it lighter, adjustable and less like a hardtail most of the time, and the Specialized FSR with bearings instead of bushings and a plusher shock. So I give it 4, knowing the price adder it takes to get into a Tracer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce Hickey
a Cross Country Rider
from Annandale, VA Date Reviewed: September 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too many
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Advance Cyclery Syracuse NY
Strengths:
Eats bumbs desends great climbs well great groupo
Weaknesses:
Little heavy rear swing arm a little flexy stock tires (Panaracer Fire XC) suck
Bike Setup:
Mostly Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Rode it off the shelf for a week and then replaced the tires with Continentals Pro 1 and Navigator. The shimano chain kept breaking as well so I now use a Sachs. This season added Gore Ride-on Cables, Avid Rolla-ma-jig (sp), and a Terry Fly saddle. The bike desends and tracks really well. Biggest apprehention about buying a FS was climbing, but it climbs like a dream. MUST have smooth full range pedal stoke (read: you must spin) Have had no problem with either shock. I grease the front about once a month and have never touched the rear. The K2/Wellgo pedals were never used. I took the Shimano 747's off the old bike. I have recently switched to Speedplay Frogs (due to blown ACL). Over bike is a great all around FS. This bike is good for people who are technical riders with decent technique (you'll get the most beifits out of the bike). If you really really like to stand and grind out the hills look elsewhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Palmer
a Cross Country Rider
from Billings, Mt Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Montana
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Solid build. Came stock with all XT and Avid 2.5.
Weaknesses:
Weight, but what FS bike doesn't have this problem without spending $3000
Bike Setup:
Full XT with Avid 2.5 brakes. Girvin Smart Shock on front
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike at a really good value. I rode a hard tail for years and couldn't believe the difference. This bike makes some of the roughest trails very smooth.
It also weighs just a hair over 27 lbs so it isn't too bad in the weight department (I had a 22 lb hard tail so it is noticeable).
It handles great at high speed. Slow technical stuff is okay. What surprised me the most was how well it climbed, even at 27 lbs. I thought I could climb really well on my hardtail and I am getting up stuff on the K2 that I couldn't before.
I still don't know about the Smart shock or the Girvin fork. It is really stiff but also heavy and a pain getting in/out of roof racks. On a Thule rack with a lock, it won't let it lock. I haven't noticed any better or worse performance with the Smart Shock on or off and it brings the price up some.
All around, still a great bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve railsback
a Cross Country Rider
from steamboat springs colorado Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excellent bike for the money.I paid $800 2/1/2000 from ediscountbike.Excellent warranty dept.Worthy of eventual upgrades.rear suspension is tight and easily adjustable;rebuilt nr4 rear shock is great and adjusts to however I need it
Weaknesses:
Bulls&%# tires(mine came with panaracers), not exactly light
Similar Products Used:
1995 specialized f.s.,1998 SpecializedM2
Bike Setup:
1998 K2 proflex4000se way big,lx cranks,hubs,xt brakes,noleen coil overs front and rear,8 speed xt
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. For those of you on a budget check ediscountbike's ad in M.B.A. for a deal.The way big frame is way big, I am 6'3 1/2" 205lbs. and had to flip my stem downwards. The Noleen smart shock is good but seems to have a high center of gravity, an important consideration for tall riders.I might go with a different shock one of these years to get a lower center of gravity on my front end(and lose 1/2lb. in the process).Otherwise the Noleen fork rolls right over cat, dog, and baby heads with confidence! Since my bike was 2 years old when purchased new in feb. 2000, the rear nr4 seals peed all over my gorgeous carbon fiber swingarm. K2 warrantied the repair and I was back charging down hills.As long as the rear swingarm pivots don't act up, I know this bike will continue to be a smooth, fun ride.It makes riding so much easier than a hardtail since I ride fairly technical trails. Easily a great price and I can upgrade when I feel the need or desire.Weighed in at 28 lbs.If you are not a hardcore racer but want to purchase a fairly inexpensive bike that can keep up with some of the best(many of my friends ride Moots') buy now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Wood
a Cross Country Rider
from Vernon, NJ Date Reviewed: February 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mountain Creek Slopes
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great ride and appearence, cool graphics, minimal flex.
Weaknesses:
Fork was a pain to install and properly adjust.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrown hardtail
Bike Setup:
Full XT, Raceface cranks, Spox M1 wheelset, Michilen Wild Gripper Lite S tires, Thompson post, Flite gel seat, Kore Lite 3 stem, TIME pedals, all anodized ti bolts and skewers etc., etc.
Bottom Line:
This bike totally kicks. I'm a young fifteen year old making minimum wage. I put every dollar that I made into this bike. When I saw the frame and fork for over 75% off, I just couldn't resist buying it. It turned out to be a great investment. Not only does my bike look like a dream, but it rides like one too. Even the guy who owns the local bike shop was impressed with it, even though he doesn't sell K2s. I definitely recommend this bike to anyone who's tired of flying down the mountain at 40 on your hartail, but want's a FS that can make it back up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: February 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light Components frame swingarm
Weaknesses:
front shock seat post
Similar Products Used:
xcr-3000 joshua f4
Bottom Line:
it is a great bike. it is a good deal for the price i got it at (969.95). the only disadvantages are the front shock and the seat post. and the rear shock is hard to change (size-wise).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bretter
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Alison Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Whiting
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Components, frame, price
Weaknesses:
Shocks, chain flys off regularly
Bottom Line:
I am not an advanced rider and weigh less than 200 lbs yet I blew the rear shock out (dampening) in less than 4 months. The dealer I bought it from does not have any replacement shocks in stock but said he would send mine in for repairs, which would take about 10-20 days. I am in the process of ordering a replacement and will swap it out soon. Once I have the replacement, I will send the Noleen NR-4 in for repair.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Pete
a Cross-Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
I have to pick? not possible.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great all-around design for a FS bike The Price is SO Right Just super fun to ride Longish cockpit = comfy ride for long torso people
Weaknesses:
A little porky - working on fixing that Blew both front and rear shocks. Shitty tires. Yuck! Wellgo/K2 pedals are so-so.
Similar Products Used:
Have a Gary Fisher Hardtail - never, (and I mean NEVER) ride it anymore. Schwinn S-10 homegrown - YUCK! Crappy rear suspension - call it Robert cuz it really Bobs.....
Bike Setup:
98 K2 4000 w/Judy XC long travel front, Noleen NR4 rear. Upgrades - Bontrager Crow Bar (VERY recommended), Serfas ARC saddle (ditto), Easton seatpost, buying Moonlight brake ti brake boosters, Avid ArchRival 50s and new wheelset (spins?) soon.
Bottom Line:
Got mine for, hold your horses.... $799! REI had it on closeout, and Bennet's matched the price (I live in Minneapolis, and their Uptown store is 2 miles from my house). Flat out an AWESOME bike - I ride mostly xc singletrack and it is a dream! I just blow over stuff that I used to go around - I'm SUPER fast now! Took it to B.C. for a week of riding with the boys at Fernie Fat Tire (a super tour operator - go visit them at www.ferniefattire.com) and it was good going uphill (for freaking 5 or 6 hours at a shot!) and KILLER flying down the other side. Just floated down at speeds that would make Scotty scream Captain - she's giving me all she can!.I have to note that it's not the perfect set-up out of the box (and what bike is?) but at the price I got it for (I think Bennet's still has a few...), I can put all kinds of expensive add-ons. I want to reduce the weight, and I think that a light wheelset would really help (Prolly Crosslands or maybe some Chris Kings.... who knows?). Also, had to replace the stock spring in the back with a mountainspeed speed spring, but then I'm a super clydesdale and the stock bike comes set-up for sissyweights like the rest of you. Also, the blown shocks (both F and R) were a pain, but Noleen got me a new one in less than a week! Thinking about upgrading the Judy's cartridge, so that should take care of that.Seriously - this bike is just freakin great. Heck - order one from Bennet's and if you don't like it, you'll prolly be able to sell it for pretty darn close to what you paid for it!So, can you tell I like it? 5 flamin Mr. Hankeys for the K2.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross-Country Rider
from Malta Montana Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Little Rocky Mountains
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great selection of componants. Long cockpit.
Weaknesses:
Saddle
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
1998 K2 with carbon fiber arm. Smart shocks front and back. Specialized comp saddle.
Bottom Line:
This bike is worth the money ($1,430 delivered from Bennett's) I had read a lot of articles on several bikes at MTBR. I then went around and tried a couple of brands and styles. I really liked the 1999 K2. But for the price I took a new 1998.This thing really climbs. The brakes are fantastic. Shifts on a dime. No trouble with any of the shocks. ( And I weigh 250lbs) As for the pedal bobbing. If you're a masher you'll see the bob. If you have a smooth peddle strook you will never notice it. I have not had one problem with this bike and have over 100 miles on it. I give it the highest rating.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chip
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999
I can gain so much time over my buddies on the descents, that it's almost laughable. Going back up, on the other hand, is a little harder that with my old Stumpy. It's a weight thing. Should be a 4.5 chilies.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Herder
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pittsfield, MA Date Reviewed: October 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fantastic Front Shock. Fantastic Rear Shock. Very nice components, mostly XT, some LX.The Noleen front linkage suspension system is very sweet! It handles small stuff great and big hits almost as well. This blows my Cannondale DD60 Headshock away - it is much softer and seems to have more travel, better dampening. It's better than anything I've ever seen (Rock Shock Judy or Manitou).I have lots of top tube clearance - my Cannondale top tube was quite high.It probably goes without saying but this bike descends like a dream. It is so smooth I can't believe I'm riding on the same trails I normally ride on.What suprised me is - the bike climbs very well too! I'm riding up technical sections I always used to fall off on. I seem to be able to spin (use a lower gear) up things without loosing traction.
Weaknesses:
Smart Shock kept turning itself off. I fixed this by cutting a small piece of inner tube an wedging it under the 9 Volt battery. This kept the battery in good contact and that problem went away.Smart Shock sticker along the side which you press on to turn it on/off is peeling away. I've order new ones.Weight - it's not bad, but it's a bit heavy. BUT - I seem to be able to climb tough hills faster than on my lighter hardtail and can descend much faster on the K2 4000.Feels horrible when climbing on smooth dirt roads - especially if you stand up.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F700 - not really similar - just front suspension.I loved this bike... but like the K2 better!
Bike Setup:
Cannondale DD60. Mostly LX components.
Bottom Line:
I was very skeptical about going to full suspension but got a great deal at http://www.cyclesport.com/ and decided to try it.I highly recommend the Noleen front shock - I know K2 seems to be phasing it out, but it's easy to maintain and feels SOOO GOOD! I don't think the SMART SHOCK does much for you - it feels great whether it's turned ON or OFF.I'm finding I can keep up with people I normally couldn't keep up with on the up-hills (which is very suprising) especially if they are rocky, slippery or just plain difficult. On the downhills, I'm all of a sudden one of the faster people instead of one of the slowest. That scares me a bit - I don't feel like I'm going any faster - in fact - I feel like I'm totally in control.I find I'm sitting down more - both up hill and down - and I almost feel like I'm cheating because of this - while everyone else is doing the downhill ski exercise (standing in a squat position to absorb bumps), I'm resting. I can hardly wait to race this bike - even though it's heavier than my old one - I am pretty sure I'm going to be significantly faster on it! Sorry for the long review - but I love this bike!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gator
a Cross-Country Rider
from ctrl florida Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
puerco canyon in malibu
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
great deals if bought at closeouts supple suspension
Weaknesses:
shocks
Similar Products Used:
GT's Specialized Amps Fishers Ritcheys
Bike Setup:
Stock switched stem bars and saddle
Bottom Line:
Took my new 4000 to Pisgah for three days of riding...Blew the NR2 on the first day and spent the next day tracking down a proflex dealer...of course they did not have a repacement shock in stock(so no warranty) and had to buy a new fork to use the bike...fixed it and got to ride one day of my vacation.. I wish these guys at girvin K2 could get it together because the bikes are great when they work but as they now stand they are a hassle.... the nitrogen shocks fail without warning and you are screwed...Proflex K2 Girvin sucks
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe S.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: October 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Desert Classic
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Price, LX and XT component group,
Weaknesses:
Needs some work out of the box to get it setup
Bike Setup:
Traded the Noleen Chubby fork for a Manitou SX R with the external compression and rebound adjustment, replaced stock 140mm stem with a shorter stem with some up angle (stock setup stretches you out to far, too far over the front end, made for the original fork)
Bottom Line:
First of all the bike I am writing about is a K2 Proflex 450. It is basically a mid 98 year introduction. K2 had alot of 97 animal frames in stock and wanted to get rid of them so they introduced the 450. It comes stock with a the 97 animal frame which is a McPherson strut design. Mine is large frame and weighs in at 28 lbs. Stock fork is a Nollen Chubby with 5 of travel. All LX and Xt components. It's painted black with red trim. It comes with grip shift stock. I bought this bike based on price versus value. Very good component group. I paid $700 stock and traded the fork for a Manitou SX R fully adjustable for another $100. I traded out the grip shift for LX rapid fire shifters at no charge. I broke the stock head set bearing cover the first day. The shop replaced it free with a basic YST Geforce. I do very little downhill because it's too boring. Anyone can go fast down a hill after a couple of beers. All of my riding is in the rocks alot of up and down and a long travel fork is too bouncy. The Manitou fork is great. 80mm of travel is perfect. One major thing I had to do to get the frame setup was to get all of the slop out of the shock to frame bushing. To do this you have to remove the bolt that holds on the NR 4 shock to the frame and file about .040 off the bushing length and that stiffened up the frame. Otherwise you get alot of side flexing when you work the suspension.Also you need to check all bolts and make sure they are tight. This includes tightening all spokes. They come too lose and you can feel the wheels flex in the corners. I am an ex-desert motorcyle rider (XR400R) so I tend to ride it like my motorcycle, hard in the corners and hard on the rear brakes. Overall the bike is good. As with any new bike it takes some time to get it setup. After a month and a half I finally got the suspension dialed in and the bugs rung out. We will see how long the frame lasts. Previous reviews on 97 animals talk about frame breakage alot but K2 claims they have a lifetime warranty. the aluminum is the Easton Program variety. Will keep you posted.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirkstir
a Cross-Country Rider
from Santa Cruz Ca Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lock'um-up
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great Service Great Prices Hospitality No Pressure Flexability
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
All kinds of shops
Bottom Line:
I wrote the review below and neglected to mention the bike shop (it was brought to my attention by many e-mails)! I tested and bought the K2 4000 from Aptos Bike Trail in Aptos Ca. 831-688-8650. I'm not invested in this shop in any way except as a loyal customer. The owner Ken is an honest man that believes in and rides K2's. If your considering a K2, Trek, DBR or just want the scoop on bikes I recommend you call him or if your in the Santa Cruz area stop by.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirkstir
a Cross-Country Rider
from Santa Cruz CA Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lock'um up
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Design, versatility, comfort, price
Weaknesses:
Weight -but only a small weakness
Similar Products Used:
Trek VRX 300 Heckler Schwin S-10 Amp DBR
Bike Setup:
Stock set-up
Bottom Line:
So you want to buy a full suspension bike? Where do you start with all the possibilities? Right here! I've been riding the Fisher Big Sur for about a year now (my review can be seen here at MTB Review or Epinions.com) and it has proved to be a great bike but as my riding became more advanced I found myself out of control more and more. Not to mention the abuse my body was taking being beaten up by high-speed descents on washboard fire roads and diving over the bars on steep technical runs. So I started looking into full suspension bikes. I examined many types and designs including Trek VRX 300 (too heavy), Schwin S10 (too heavy), Santa Cruz Heckler (too expensive), Specialized FSR series (too expensive), AMP (bad reviews) etc. etc. I had about $1500-$1600 to spend but was hoping to not go that high. Finally I came across the K2 4000. I liked the design and component mix so I started scouring the Internet for reviews and information on the bike. MTB Review is always my first stop for mountain bike information and I was not disappointed in this case. The K2 uses something called a Noleen Elite smart shock on the front and I found that the reviews on this shock were either really good or really bad. The bike on a whole seemed to get good reviews but I was concerned about this fork set-up. I found a local dealer that was closing out the '99's at $999.00 (retail is $2099.00) and after discussing the bike at length I was invited on one of their weekly rides to demo the bike. If you have ever shopped for a new bike you know it is impossible to get a true feel for the ride in a parking lot (which is about all you can expect from them). But this dealer let me ride the actual K2 4000 that was for sale on a very grueling XC wilderness run that goes straight up for about 8 miles and then of course straight down (a mix of very steep high speed stuff and technical single track stuff. I had done this ride before on my hardtail so I had something to compare the K2 with. I was hoping not only to get a look at the K2 but answer a lot of questions I had about full suspension bikes in general; how prohibitive is suspension bob (bio-pacing or whatever you want to call the bike hopping up and down while pulling steep hills), control and comfort verses a hardtail and how well they handle steep technical situations. After having the bike set-up- seat post position, suspension tuning etc. -we hit the trail. Let me give you some background on the K2 4000: The before mentioned front shock is a computer controlled single nitrogen charged shock. The bad reviews site electronic malfunctions and stiffness. The computer has three dampening settings that allow good absorption over small bumps but re-adjusts in a millisecond to handle heavy hits. I think this is a little techy and gimmicky but I'll be darned if it didn't work like it's supposed to. I like a shock in front that isn't too squishy (my current Judy XC is a little too spongy even on the highest setting) and I found the Elite shock to be one of the nicest shock I've ever ridden. The rear shock is also a nitrogen charged unit that gives 4.7 of travel and has a recoil adjustment (so does the front for that matter). The aluminum swingarm is well positioned and has bearings not just bushings. The componentry is LX rear and XT crank and front. The bike weighs in at about 28lbs- not heavy but not light either. Now back to the test ride: I found that the K2 4000 climbed like a hardtail! Virtually no suspension bob and it was not a factor at all under any of the climbing situations. The weight however was noticeable (compared to my hardtail) and although it was not horrible I did notice it. The performance of this bike on the fast downhill was nothing short of fantastic, the med. size fit my body well 5' 7 160lbs and my comfort AND control level was higher than it has ever been on a hardtail. While in the saddle bombing down the trail at light speed I never once felt squirrelly or out of control. I also did some high speed panic stops to see how the suspension would respond- very fast stopping and once again good control. Ordinarily I like to ride steep technically challenging single tracks so I was very anxious to see how this bike would perform. When I hit the technical part of the run I didn't know what to expect. The bike was unbelievable (I'm running out of adjectives). Instead of hitting obstacles while out of the saddle and trying to maneuver the bike on the front wheel while waiting for the rear to come back to earth I scooted back on the seat and just flowed over whatever was in my way. The rear suspension ate up everything and I was in complete control riding faster than on the hardtail. There were three hardtails on this ride and I waited almost five minutes at the bottom before they showed up- not because I was a better rider but because the full suspension allowed me to ride faster and in more control and in comfort. I went into this ride thinking the K2 4000 (even at the incredible price) would have to knock my socks off to make the switch from hardtail worthwhile (because I love my Big Sur) -and it DID. The only complaint is the weight (not a huge complaint) but I figure I can always switch parts later to lighten it up. I was still worried about the front shock holding up, so I e-mailed a bunch of people from the reviews I had read (good and bad) and most of them wrote back. The bottom line is there are some problems with the electronics on a few forks but for the most part if maintained well they hold up fine and if you like a fork that tracks well and isn't too spongy it's a good choice. Plus I just liked the way it felt, I liked, no loved the way this whole bike felt and in the final analysis isn't that what counts?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P.D. Nick
a Downhiller
from Colorado Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Keystone DH
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Nice company, Great frame, and great swingarm, also good weight
Weaknesses:
Comes with horrible stock components, the Noleen Elite is horrible, Must have the NR-4
Similar Products Used:
ProFlex 857
Bike Setup:
K2 4000, Manitou X-VertR front, Noleen NR-4 rear, full XT
Bottom Line:
It is a great bike just the components it has stock are horrible. I had to change the fork, handlebar, stem, headset, cranks, levers/shifters, rear derailleur, brakes, seat, tires, and wheelset. Otherwise it's a great bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TRAVIS
a Weekend Warrior
from TRUCKEE, CA Date Reviewed: September 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
SOLID, FUN RIDE
Weaknesses:
HEAVY, MYSTERY CREAK
Similar Products Used:
LIGHTSPEED OBED FS, MOUNTAINCYCLE CXS, AMP B5
Bike Setup:
XT, JUDY 100
Bottom Line:
GREAT BIKE. I'VE HAD HIGH DOLLAR RIDES, BUT THIS ONE WAS CHEAP AND I LIKE IT BETTER THAN SOME OTHERS ($400 FOR 99 FRAME). DON'T NORMALLY MIND A LITTLE EXTRA WEIGHT, BUT THIS ONE IS PORTLY. RODE CINDER CONE LAST WEEK, FULL OF COBBLESTONES, AND IT WAS AS SMOOTH AS I COULD ASK FOR. STRAIGHTER FRAME THAN LIGHTSPEED OR AMP. BOTHERSOME NOISE SOUNDS LIKE BB/CRANK CREAK, BUT ITS NOT. NOW I CAN FINALLY RECOVER FROM CXS GETTING RIPPED OFF. WANNA BUY A CHEAP AMP B5?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from Englewood, CO Date Reviewed: August 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Keystone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lots of rear travel, great design, and good price.
Weaknesses:
not at all adjustable.
Similar Products Used:
Pro-Flex 857/ full XT
Bike Setup:
K2 4000/rear NR-4/front Manitou X-Vert R
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike, but the Noleen Elite sucks. To get The whole 3 you would have to have 3,000 lbs. pushing down on the handle bars. The swing arm is awesome, carbon fiber. The K2 design is much better than the older Pro-Flex 857.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Morgan LeBlanc
a Cross-Country Rider
from Fresno CA Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Millerton Lake Loop
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
price(was a 98 model close out. The XT components carbon fiber swing arm Rock Shock XC long travel fork
Weaknesses:
Seat Pedals Panaracer Tires Handle bars
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo Klein Mantra
Bike Setup:
Specialized Body geometry seat Shorter stem with more angle Azonic riser bars WTB VelociRaptors Wellgo 804 pedals
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension bike. It was a huge jump up from my 1987 Specialized StumpJumper. I am 6' and weight 200 pounds so finding a bike that fit me correctly was very important. After testing Gary Fisher and Klien model which I liked also and was ready to buy both but the bike shop did not want to move on the price of the Mantra at 1300.00 and did not have a Hoo Koo E Koo in my size. I went down the road to the K2 dealer and test rode a couple of bike. When I test road the Proflex 4000 I immediately liked it. The bike was at a reduced price of 999.00 and after some more talking they reduced the price to 899.00. After about 12 rides I have made several changes in order to get the bike to fit me better. Two of those changes came after the second ride on which went flying over the handle bars after going over a small dip. The straight bars were switched with Azonic riser bars and a shorter stem was also installed. This changed my riding position where I don't feel like I am hanging out over the handle bars and has been one of the best changes to date. I also had trouble locking into the pedals on the trail so I switched them out for a set of Wellgo 804 pedals which work much better. The Panaracer tires which also came with the bike did not offer the traction I needed to keep me on the single track trails that we ride so the were switched out with a set of WTB Velociraptors which I love. The more I ride this bike the more I love it and at the price I could not go wrong.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian E.
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn Hills MI Date Reviewed: July 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
highland
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike looks cool, rides awsome and beats the hell out of my hardtail but still climbs like one.
Weaknesses:
a little bit sluggish in tight single track(probably me)
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
nr4 rear, also with 99 Manitou sx ti fork, xtr and race face.
Bottom Line:
This bike rides great. Glad it was my choice for 1st full suspension. So far it climbs better than I do. This bike is awsome. This bike was sold to me on the FUN FACTOR and it has proven to make every ride so far way more fun.(this is the 1998 with easton carbon fiber rear swing arm)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul graziano
a Cross-Country Rider
from mahopac new york Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
rides nice and plush,but stable. frame awesome ,so is easton carbon fiber rear,looks awesome also
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
giant ds2,haro exo,specialized fsr sport
Bike Setup:
bone stock
Bottom Line:
this is a 98 leftover in gloss red ,,i tried many dual suspension bikes in this price range, but this had the best suspension and was loaded wuth all the features i was loooking for,,rides awesome looks incredible and so far very durable see if you can get a 98,,, you wont regrett it
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross-Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
National Trail/South Mt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
No mixed up components! Mine is XT from start to finish, right out of the box.
Weaknesses:
On the heavy side.
Similar Products Used:
This bike replaces a Giant ATX 980. I also owned a Specialized Ground Control.
Bike Setup:
Noleen coil overs, with the K2 Smartshock on the rear, Crosslink ELT fork, all XT components.
Bottom Line:
My previous ride was CU92 alu and in the AZ desert it beat the hell out of me. My K2 is actually a 98 model so it came with the Easton carbon fiber swing arm (99 models are spec'd with aluminum swing arms), the carbon fiber really eases the pain. Its absorbent yet rigid.I can't say enough about the Crosslink fork...extremely accurate, no flex and none of the problems that plague telescopic forks. Also the crosslind moves in such a way that it doesn't change the wheel-base of the bike as it compresses, this makes any suspension dive negligible. The K2 Smartshock on the rear has served well, and I was skeptical at the start. The setup allow a significant ammount of suspension bob on the pavement, but it vanishes off road. Even with the suspension setup really loose, a renegade drop-in has yet to bottom out the Smartshock.I love the pivot point on this bike! Its well placed and BIG. This thing climbs like a hardtail. The plush travel and carbon fiber work together to smooth out the rough stuff. If I lived in a different climate, I might consider the weight a drawback (about 28 lbs on mine), but in 120 degree heat, loose rock and sand like we have in this dump, I would rather ride a heavy bike than push a light one ANY DAY!No question, this is a top notch ride!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross-Country Rider
from CA Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
East Government Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
plush and active suspension, easton carbon fiber swingarm, 7000 series easton elite aluminum frame, beautiful
Weaknesses:
suspension bob when hammering out of the saddle.
Similar Products Used:
trek, fisher, schwinn, k2, and other fs xc bikes
Bottom Line:
The 4000 is by far the best FS XC bike I've ever thrown a leg over. The easton carbon fiber swingarm and 7005 aluminum make for a super rigid setup. The fraem also delivers 4.7 inches of plush noleen nr-4 travel. I've heard a lot about noleen shocks leaking from the seal, but after 6 months of hard XC and DH riding around 5-6 days a week, not a drop yet. My only complaint is the swingarm position. The pivot point is way forward to eliminate suspension bob, and lock out while braking. This is true, however when mashing the pedals out of the saddle, you're weight is moved forward, cross-cancelling the pivot point location. This results in moderate suspension bob when pedaling upright. 5 flaming chillis for my bike judy.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leet
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, Australia Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mt Bold
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Totally adjustable suspension. Smooth feel when XCing. Steers well. Girlfriend likes the colour
Weaknesses:
NR 4 shock leaks
Similar Products Used:
Proflex 757 Raceline ST (dual)
Bottom Line:
Good. I wish I could ride it more
Overall Rating:
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