Submitted by
Alexandre Gauthier
a Downhiller
from St-Luc de Matane Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mont-Comi,Mont-castor fr trail and st-luc fr trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Stephane Vaillancourt
Strengths:
Very good bike, the new fork are smouth and progressive,the adjustable rear shock(reabond)ave a very good action, the wheels is very srong,the shimano xt rear derailleur ave a good shifting and i like the handlebar whith a good rise.
Weaknesses:
The crank suck because after a gap of 13.5 feet it has broken,the stem are very long for the freeride and the frame is few large for the freeride.
Similar Products Used:
rmb switch,norco atomik,devinci jonhson and rmb pipeline
Bike Setup:
I change the crankset for a hussefelt (not good),the fork for a marzocchi jr t (good), the stem for a axiom and the tire for a irc kujo dh 2.35.
Bottom Line:
The bike is very adapted for freeride and dh light. After you are changed the crank and the stem this bike is magic for freeride and dh.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat Dougan
a Weekend Warrior
from Glasgow, UK Date Reviewed: August 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Innerliethen XXX
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Recyle bike co.
Strengths:
Great ride, Geometry, quality of bearings, seatpost adjustibility, not too heavy.
Weaknesses:
Rear swingarm if disk fitted. The rear swingarm has failed on my nice baby Stinky at the disc side dropout. It is actually the metal after the weld what has failed and not the weld its self. There appears to be a design flaw with the frame regarding this - the whole bending moment of the disc braking force goes onto that small area of tubing - not good design and asking for trouble! (at least if you have big powerfull disc brakes (mine are 180mm Hope m4's on the back)
Great riding bike, but huge question marks lie over the potential for rear end problems with the dropout design. My rear end did fail in a controlled maner however, which was a bonus. IF you use disks and are a *hard* rider (i use my bike like hell, racing down flights of stairs and escalators as well as more trad DH). If you use V brakes, then in my opinion there is little better, but if you ride hard and use disks, look for a better design (more up to date Stinky??) Oh yeah, a replacement Swingarm costs £250 - mondo expensive! Exept for the dogdy rear swingarm this bike would score 5 chilli's no problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bravis
a Downhiller
from Nelson, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001
ive snapped the bolt that connects the linkage to the shock a couple of times but that is it. Only 5' of travel.
Similar Products Used:
Cove G-Spot, Devinci Guzzler
Bike Setup:
2001 Z3 QR20, raceface north shore cranks, XT disc brakes, rhyno lite rims, MAXXIS high roller 2.5 tires.
Bottom Line:
Great for all around free riding and lite downhill racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from illinois Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dwight's
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Colorado
Strengths:
beefy frame, awesome brakes, the Bombers kick a**, rear shock was awesome too
Weaknesses:
chain kept on comin off and got stuck between the crankset and the frame
Similar Products Used:
Elsworth Isis, Cannondale super v500, and Cannondale Jekyll 500
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this bike rocked, if your in the market for a sweet DH or freeride bike that is below $1500 get this bike it was SWEET!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazy Bit%$
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate NY Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Plattekill
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
-Beefy and solid-feeling!Hard to snap this bike but.. -..Also climbs well for a 33-lb bike(doesn't bob too much) -PLUSH!!! -Killer paint(RASTA MON!) -DAMN GOOD all-around freeride bike
Weaknesses:
-Comes with V-brakes(my friend upgraded to Hope O2's--they are the BOMB!!) -Doesn't pedal or handle as nice as a Straight Six(don't think I'm dissin' the Stinky...because NOTHIN' compares to the 'Six man!) -Some crappy stock componentry(my friend upgraded most of it out) -Bent seat tube means you can't lower the post all the way
My friend's bike.1999 Stinky w/XT front&rear der.,Raceface Turbine crank w/triple rings(AWESOME crank),Marzocchi Jr. T fork,Sun Rhyno(without the Lite)rims,GT platforms,Hope O2 brakes on Hope Bulb hubs(THE SH$T)...cool freeride bike
Bottom Line:
I borrowed this bike off my friend for a week.This bike is SWEET!It is obviously not stock setup(my buddy's an insane freerider/ex-sport level DH racer who bends almost anything and has rebuilt his bike to suit).
For such a heavy bike(33 lbs.) with a triple-crown on the front,the Stinky climbs and handles damn well.It feels real stable and takes jumps like nothin'.The rear suspension,while not as kickass-trick as the 'Six,doesn't bob too much(yet the travel is there in spades when you need it)and feels REAL solid!You ain't gonna break this thing!
This thing LAUGHS OFF 6-footers,curbs,logs,you name it!It takes some crazy sh$t to bottom the suspension out!
It's no Six,but it's still an AWESOME bike!I give it four chilies on all counts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton, MA, US Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
- Strong Frame, great geometry - Plush Suspension - Great handling
Weaknesses:
- Some stock parts are weak
Similar Products Used:
- Specialized FSR - Diamondback Full suspension
Bike Setup:
-Z1 QR20, XT components, Avid Disc breaks
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike for the frame and planned on upgrading the components. This bike's perfomance has greatly exceeded my expectations. I definitely ride much more agressively due to the confidence this bike inspires. And the bike takes whatever you throw at it. I was initially concerned about the weight for cross country trails, however, the bike rides much lighter than the scale shows. I find I have lost little on the up-hills and gained much on the flats and down-hills compared to my Litespeed hardtail. This bike is a great value, and well worth upgrading!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin Dunlop
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, Canada Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hillbilly
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Gerrick Cycle - Nelson
Strengths:
Super strong frame (folded my Rocky Mtn Blizzard frame after 3 months and got nothing from Rocky - They suck!) Plush, plush travel - good linkage design Great geometry Mostly great components - few exceptions (although the '00 don't have the same)
Weaknesses:
Seat is plastic - Didn't last too long Stem is big, ugly and weak STX cranks - still intact but... STX rear hub didn't last - rebuilt to XTR
Similar Products Used:
FSR - Big Hit, Enduro, XC Brodie - Libido (I liked this one also) Rocky Mtn - Element (Rocky sucks!!!) Klien - ? Outland - ? Various hard tails
Bike Setup:
Marazocchi Drop offs(5")-front, Fox Vanilla-rear, Avid 4.0 Brakes, LX front derailler, XT rear Derailler, Sun Rims, STX Cranks, 646 pedals(not ready to go back to straight platforms yet!), Rock ring
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike for 2 seasons now and it has been outstanding! The frame's got a great geometry and has held up though some huge crashs - it's tough. It's given me the confidence to try way bigger drops than I probably should (thus the crash tests), but I am going to put bigger springs on the drop offs - a little too soft. Its a bit heavy but you really don't notice it and there is a price you got to pay for strength. The weaknesses I identifed are all pretty minor and I've been upgrading components slowly as they break or wear out. This bike won't disappoint you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roscoe P
a Downhiller
from Valley Forge PA Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
whoop dee doo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bikesport
Strengths:
Great performer Decent weight Indestructable frame actually climbs
Weaknesses:
Rear chain stays a little narrow (fat tires) but other than that none.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Dare
Bike Setup:
2000 creamsicle stinky, Z3 QR20, XTR deraillures, Syncros post, Kore stem, Azonic bars, ODI lockon grips, Formula Evolution discs, SDG saddle, etc...
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks ass. There is no other way to put it. The way it comes stock is a little weak put it is probably one of the best upgradable bikes out there. It looks pretty damn cool too. If you are a freerider or urban assualter this is the bike you want. It can tear up most trails and anything man made in the city. Being a Pitt PA college student, the city is pretty much all I got. This bike can take anything in the city including any 10 foot drop you can find. If you need a bike that you can beat the hell out of and not give a **** than buy it. If you go to Konaworld.com they are getting rid of it pretty cheap right now. Take advantage of it you will love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DaKing
a Downhiller
from O-Town, CA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Book Cliffs, CO
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Value, ease of upgrades(full disc mounts), well thought out spec.s. it's rare to find this much plush travel for this price. You can actually ride it up a hill!
Weaknesses:
Minor gripes. The tires, well, suck. All of the STX stuff was kind of a bummer(the cranks started creaking 6 weeks in), and them grips is uuuuglyyyy... Spend another couple hundred aftermarket - in cooking it's referred to as "season to taste"
Similar Products Used:
Mantis pro-floater, Control Tech DH,
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great DH starter kit. A guy at Kaibab in Moab has made a custom mod to get 6" out ouf the rear end(?). Now that Shimano has made disc brakes more affordable, a whoppin' fun DH rig is only a couple hundred away. I rode this beast stock at the Mammoth National and she absolutely sang. When was the last time you saw a DH-worthy ride with (gasp) a waterbottle mount? The folks at Kona Hooked me up with a better front wheel when the original one was a wee bit defective.(If you break the cheap Ritchey skewer, Yakima skewers fit great and are bomber). The '00 model is even nicer - checkitout.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Downhiller
from Montara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This is one well thought out bike, the suspension soaks up anything I throw at it. Kona makes an excellent product.
Weaknesses:
I have found no weaknesses in the bike as of yet, it just keeps on going.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stab
Bike Setup:
1999 Stinky Special Edition, Mr. T, Race Face, D321's, many stock components
Bottom Line:
I bought my bike used, but even the cost of a new one might be warranted if you are serious about riding. This bike is great, period.
Frame,handling,looks,light weight,components are ok for the price,nice thing is this bike is incredibly easy to upgrade.
Weaknesses:
Stx hub,crank,sun rims(didn't have any luck with these rims).saddle,pedals.
Similar Products Used:
Tried most bikes in this range before I bought,used to have Trek Y-22(piece of junk),and specialized stumpjumper,and a couple of GT's.
Bike Setup:
I upgraded the wheels to Mavis d-321 on the front,d-521 on the back.Hope disc brakes on the front.Also put a Mr. T on the front cause I bent the stanchions on my drop offs when I dropped off.I also put flat peddles on,berzerker saddle hmmmmmmmmm I can't think of anything else at the moment,of yeah heavier springs cause I weigh 200 pounds .I think thats it
Bottom Line:
The bike rocks well worht the dollar compared to anything in its class.Easy to upgrade,it has to be the most responsive bike I have ever ridden as far as high speed,landings.Totally solid,I don't know how anybody could break one of these I weigh 200pounds,must the way they are landing or something.I think this makes almost the perfect downhill bike cause after you upgrade it you can exit corners fast and get quicker pedal response because of the lightness of this wreckin machine.Enjoy your new toy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Vance
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Moody Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
severed dick and B&A
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
-Plush -Not terribly heavy
Weaknesses:
-squeaky -Where are the hayes???
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn 4 banger,Cove g-spot
Bike Setup:
It has wheels
Bottom Line:
Nice bike!Go buy it!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Simmons
a Downhiller
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Braille
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Beefy, it feels so stable and solid, pick a line, point it there and it go's exactly where you want it to. And it looks bad ass, I often go out into the garage just to stare at it, my wife thinks I'm sick.
Weaknesses:
The Formula Mechanical disc breaks suck, but it's pretty easy to upgrade.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler, Specialized Big Hit, Iron Horse G-Spot
Bike Setup:
Hayes Hydraulic disc brakes, Race Face SYStem. All the rest is stock
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, it is well built, feels bulletproof, solid, very little flex, handles great. I am a big guy (~225lbs) and I never worry about breaking this bike. I like freeride type terrain, downhill is what MTB'ing is all about, but have to pay for it with some climbing. I think the bike climbs pretty well, but it's optimized for the downhill, just the way it should be. To keep the cost down they used some lower end components (deraileurs, shifters, brakes) the stock brakes just don't cut it, but everything else makes sense for this price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikey
a Downhiller
from Mill Valley CA USA!!! Date Reviewed: April 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
I make my own trails on this bike
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
** Easton RAD tubing ** Bad Ass looks ** Strong as hell ** Perfect geometry ** Super ride
Weaknesses:
Hmmmm... I'm hard pressed to think of any. Just so I can say something here, it would be nice if there was a little bit more adjustability for the rear suspension. They are bit pricey too, but really they are more than worth it.
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS, RM6, Specialized Enduro, Kona Stab Primo, Karpiel Disco Volante, Bullet, DBR X-6... I don't know, there's more, I just can't think of them right now.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Mr T, Fox Vanilla, Hayes disc brakes, Azonic Shorty, Kona DH bars, LX shifters/deraileurs, XT cranks with triple rings, Intense DH-50 2.35" tires
Bottom Line:
I have the special edition 1999 1/2 Stinky. If you can find one of these get it - they are great. First of all this thing looks SICK! It is grey and black with royal blue accents. It is built with Easton RAD tubing. It has great geometry. Plush suspension. It is strong as hell which makes Stinky the most solid feeling full suss I have ever ridden (even though I am using some crappy old flexy XT cranks). I have ridden some true downhill bikes like the Disco and I prefer the Stinky - I can ride EVERYTHING on it. The weight is managable enough to ride uphill and you can really finesse the bike on the downhill sections (if you really wanted to). Basically it's point-and-shoot with the Stinky. I ride mine on some of the hardest trails in Marin County and it can take anything I throw it at. My bottom line on the bike? I dig it - best freeride I have ever ridden. GET ONE!!... or wait... don't... I like being the only one in town with a killer ride like this!
Four value chilis cuz they could be a little cheaper. Five overall chilis cuz this bike kicks ass!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gonzo
a Downhiller
from Salem, MA USA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything Going Down
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush suspension, quality, over all handling, COLOR
Weaknesses:
STX RC front deraileur, STX RC crank set
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR 4000, Mongoose VRS
Bike Setup:
Stock for now. Upgrades coming or XT derailleurs, XT or RaceFace Cranks, Hydraulic brakes.
Bottom Line:
It's sick, mine is a 1999 1/2 special edition in proto type (battleship grey) grey and black. This is one plush and responsive bike. It rolls over anything and it still climbs well. I would recommend to anyone looking for a new duel suspension to test drive and consider the machine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kona Dude
a Downhiller
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Who's Yer Daddy?
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
-Plush suspension -Great looks -Awesome spec, handling -A very upgradeable bike -Kona warranty
Weaknesses:
-Broke mine
Similar Products Used:
My old bike, a Kona Lava Dome.
Bike Setup:
'99 Kona Stinky frame, Caramba Sidewinder cranks, MRP Slalom guide, Z.1 Drop Off fork with eNVy brace, Gazz 2.6" front tire, Rokko 2.4" rear, Hayes Discs, XT Disc wheels with Rhyno Lite rims, Bontrager Crow Bar XXX DH, Azonic Shorty stem.
Bottom Line:
I loved that bike to death (literally) and am going to love my replacement - a Stab Dee-Lux. Kona warranty rules. Kona added a gusset on the seat tube this year, so they shouldn't break anymore. I'll post a review on my new frame soon.
Anybody looking for a bombproof frame, good value, and great geometry should look at this bike.
K.D.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BYRON
a Cross-Country Rider
from STATESVILLE,NC Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
BENT CREEK
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
2000 STINKY .FRAME,FORK, SEAT,BARS,GRIPS,BRAKES.. BRAKES..BRAKES..IT'S THE BEST ...LOOK AT NOTHING ELSE..IF YOU ARENT FAST ON THIS THING IT'S NOT THE BIKE
Weaknesses:
I DONT LIKE THE CRANKS THAT COME STOCK..WOULD RATHER HAVE THE RACEFACE THAT COME ON THE DEE LUX
Similar Products Used:
KLEIN MANTRA,GARY FISH SUGAR,K2...
Bike Setup:
STOCK ...BUT PUT A T.H.E FRONT FENDER ON FOR THE MUDDY DAYS
Bottom Line:
IF YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO RIDE ONE DONT PASS IT UP!! BEST BIKE ON TWO WHEELS OR ONE IF YOU LIKE IT LIKE THAT. YOU CAN DROP IN SOME REALLY SICK STUFF AND YET IT STILL GOES UP WITH A LITTLE HELP...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brett
a Downhiller
from nanaimo b.c. Date Reviewed: December 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
oakridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
the bike rocks
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howeler
a Cross-Country Rider
from Carlsbad CA Date Reviewed: December 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon or Thomas Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Beefy frame Great Suspension
Weaknesses:
Bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
All of 'em!
Bike Setup:
Stock set-up
Bottom Line:
2000 year Stinky. This thing is tough! Built to take any abuse. Beefy welds and tubes. Parts spec is OK. Smooth and plush on the dirt. Heavy but rather nimble. The new 2000 Formula Disk brakes are questionable. Front and rear suspension act as one. This bike can take you through the most technical riding and come out smiling. 10 ft drop off?...GO BIG, you'll never break this frame. Only dis for this?...34lbs! It can be ridden up hill, but for long hauls..it's heavy! A few lbs lighter...it'd be a FIVE fo sure!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from rocky hill Date Reviewed: November 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none there arent any.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is soo sweet i rode the new 2000 one and for 1800 it is a great deal. you get dual disc brakes and everything. awsome
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any, luv to ride
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
After riding for 6 months on this bike I still feel the excitement hopping on for a ride just like the day I got it. I'm impressed with the reviews and it just shows that this is truely one great machine. I liked Kona's thinking: This is a fun bike, not a XC racer, not a light bike. this is a fun bike. With a few upgrades it becomes a hardcore sought after I like your bike man ride. If you have any questions, email me. If you're in AZ, buy it from Arizona Bicycle Experts in Tucson. They gave me a smoking deal.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crash
a Downhiller
from Honolulu, Hi. Date Reviewed: October 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
St. Louis/ Waimea
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
the Name Brand the Model & Year Easton Rad Tubing on SE's the Design
Too cool but slamming is necessary.. a truly well balanced bike.. heavy but, heck, what are legs for? Very plush ride making this a very fast ride downhill, though technique and concentration is needed for uphill performance.. but hey, when you got this bike on your brain, there aint much room for anything else.. tee hee : D 5 chilies!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STEPHANE VAILLANCOURT
a Weekend Warrior
from MATANE,QUEBEC Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999
THANX TO YVES AT VELOMANIA. HE SOLD ME HIS OWN STINKY WITH FABULOUS UP-GRADE, IT WAS PROBABLY MY LAST CHANCE TO GET ONE! THIS BIKE IS LOT PILE OF FUN AND IT SEEMS TO BE VERY TOUGH. BE PROUD KONA BIKES, YOU MAKE GREAT SLEDS! N.B. AFTER FEW RIDES YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD GET A FULLFACE.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thrashin Troy
a Downhiller
from Corvallis, OR Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
White Rabbit
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
So plush, you will think your riding on air. SPECIAL EDDITION RAD TUBING is the greatest thing KONA has ever done, BEEFY
Weaknesses:
price, but she is worth it
Similar Products Used:
Rockey Mountain pipline FSR elite
Bike Setup:
Race Face Cranks and Rings Marzoochi Jr. T fork, stiffer is betta
Bottom Line:
BEST BIKE YOU WILL EVER TOUCH, freeride, Downhill
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KonaDude
a Downhiller
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: October 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-Plush suspension front and back -Super strong and beefy frame -Great component spec (no bummer parts) - paint job
Weaknesses:
None that I've noticed.
Similar Products Used:
My old modified Kona Lava Dome
Bike Setup:
Stock, except nice pads for brakes, Moonlighter Ti brake boosters, and 2.4 inch tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. Don't complain about weight. All that weight stuff is hype, buy this bike and lose 10 pounds. You'll save 5 pounds over other lighter fullies, and have a bike that won't break when you beat it up. This bike is to blame for making me crazy. 8' drop off? Sure. 30 foot steep rockface? It can take it. This bike will take you as far as you let yourself go without even emitting a whimper. What slows me down now, is the fact that I need pads. The bike will make you faster, and crazier (downhill) and is just plain fun. If you're shopping around for a sweet, well-priced and thought out bike, put this one on your list.5 FLAMING XC RIDERS.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from North Bay, Ontario Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999
Specialized FSR, Rocky Mtn Spice, Giant Warp, Kona Stinky Deluxe,
Bike Setup:
Completely stock
Bottom Line:
The guy at the store said, Take it out front and ride into that 8 curb. What 8 curb!? I hardly pick lines anymore. I absolutely love this bike and the hardtail is coated in dust. I don't have time to feel guilty.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikey Leblanc
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Poison Spider
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Good strong frame very good components except for the stx stuff Bomber dropoff 5 of travel good bike for freeriding and Dh and a bit of xc
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Fisher level betty vrx 300 gt xcr 2000
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
This bike- everything is good on it and it rides so nice and smooth
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
downhill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
plush travel good brakes excellent tires good layout
Weaknesses:
STX rear hub and Crank break pads wear extremly fast
Similar Products Used:
LTS 1000 (98) FSR Extreme (98)
Bike Setup:
The bike is stock except for a longer stem and Race Face BB
Bottom Line:
I just used this bike in the 24hrs of adrenalin and the conditions were absolute crap, it rained most of the night and the trail was just slippery roots and mudholes between them, this bike made up for so many of my mistakes, its awsome and going downhill feels like you're on a dirt bike. Jumping on this bike is also awsome and landings are never harsh, I'm exceptionally happy with this bike. What I lose on the uphills is easily make up going down.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KonaDude
a Cross-Country Rider
from Victoria Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rear Suspension, Bomber Z.1 Drop Off, Fast, PHUN!!
Weaknesses:
Can scare you with speed sometimes.
Similar Products Used:
Modified '98 Kona Lava Dome (my old bike)
Bike Setup:
Stock for now.
Bottom Line:
I just love this bike. Don't complain about the weight 'cuz it's designed as a strong play-bike. The suspension gets me out a trouble sometimes, which really helps. The bike gets a lot of long, drooling glances.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance
a Weekend Warrior
from Burnaby, BC Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ned's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The handling is amazing - the bike is very well balanced - and the suspension works extremely well. Also cartridge bearings at all of the important pivots.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, no compression damping adjustment on rear shock. S-bend in stays limits how much one can lower seat - more important on small sizes.
Similar Products Used:
Norco VPS1, Psycle Works Wild Hare.
Bike Setup:
Changed the cranks to Race-face, rear tire to an Intense.
Bottom Line:
I did a lot of research before buying the bike. It is tough, has a solid assortment of parts and it rides well. Also, I figured that it was the best deal out there for a freeride bike. You can easily adjust the rear shock for slow uphill climbing or for fast downhilling. I took the bike to Moab and had no problems with doing long rides there despite the bike's weight. The comfort of the suspension makes up for the weight. Next upgrade are disk brakes.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Temrick
a Weekend Warrior
from fernie B.C Date Reviewed: June 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
too many to name
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
well built, hot looking, super sweet travel, good climber
Weaknesses:
price, too heavy for XC awesome for DH & going fast
Similar Products Used:
K2 animal FRS comp
Bike Setup:
upgraded crank& stem to race face. Race Face rocks and can't be beat
Bottom Line:
If you want a bike that lasts and awesome for fun, get yourself one and you won't be sorry
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from College Park, MD Date Reviewed: June 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
all-around rockin' bike.
Weaknesses:
bit heavy, but hey, 5 of travel on both sides don't come cheap, and the 'zokie z.1 is BEEFY.
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Okay, so I'm working at a bike shop (only a month's worth of experience, I'm still considered a new guy, and I still ride my Trek 930, can't afford much better). I hear this morning that a Kona rep is coming by to convince us to carry the line. So he pulls up in this RV with like half a dozen bikes hanging off the back of it. First thing he pulls down is one of these guys. EVERYONE in the shop (predominantly DH/DS guys) starts drooling, m'self included. We take turns riding it, and being at the bottom of the totem pole, I get it last (Give it to Adam, says this one guy, and they all smile and hand me the bike). All I have to say is WOW. The travel is precisely vertical, dialed in perfectly. My only complaint is that I can't afford one, even with BSG discounts. PLUSH ride. Didn't even have many problems climbing, and bombing downhill was all-out fun. Beats the snot out of my Trek 930 with the nice Indy C fork, anyway. =) AWESOME ride!!! Wish I could give it dozens of flaming piles of bloody snot, but I guess five'll have to do...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirby
a Weekend Warrior
from Swakopmund Date Reviewed: June 25, 1999
Bought the last one of these in Africa to replace my stolen Giant ATX 990, thought it was pretty similat to the Giant which I had built up over time into a pretty decent machine. Out the box the Stinky just blew me away! The suspension action is so dialled, smooth and progressive. The frame is really rigid laterally and the pedalling efficiency is way better. The wide rim / tire setup tracks and floats over all the sandy bits we have here amazingly well. The handling and setup are awesome, Kona's got it nailed. Low centre of gravity helps too! The avid's beat the pants off Shimano brakes! Great work Kona!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Riley
a Weekend Warrior
from RHODE ISLAND Date Reviewed: June 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great All Around Frame. Totally upgradable. Handles great. Good mix of components. Downtube gusset not welded across the bottom doesn'tweaken d/Tube.
Weaknesses:
cranks + rear hub Lack of tunability on fork.
Similar Products Used:
GT-LTS FSR XTREME Rocky Mountain Pipeline
Bottom Line:
Great bike if you can get one. Guess I'm 1 of the lucky few. I will eventually add hydro/discs. I've already changed the cranks to XT. If you want a great bike to bomb the downhills and float through the technical XC this is the bike.If you don't mind the weight.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Nanaimo, B.C. Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Plush, Strong, best bike ever
Weaknesses:
Hard to find Needs DIscs in year 2000 models
Similar Products Used:
Gary fisher Level betty Rocky Mountain Instinct
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This was the best bike i have ever rode, it is plush, plush, plush. I absolutly loved this bike. If i had to buy one bike, this would be the one. I hope in the 2000 models they will upgrade to hydraulic discs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BWERP
a Weekend Warrior
from ostralyamate Date Reviewed: May 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
excellent quality frame, brilliant feel and handling, 5 mins after riding it i could pull tricks that i can't do on my own bike. perfect for thrashing and for taking it easy, Good enuf to race DH (B or C grade mainly - not quite an A grade bike) but easy enuf to use every where
Weaknesses:
THEY SOLD OUT..... I WANT ONE AND I CANT BLOODY GET ONE IN AUSTRALIA. JUST BECAUSE WE ARE BACK OF THE WOODS COUNTRY WITH A SMALL POPULATION BASE DOSN'T MEAN WE DON'T DESERVE QUALITY BIKES.
not mine- brand new still in store but on order for someone else
Bottom Line:
buy one if you can get one, if you cant cry especially if you wished last years stab had a triple chainring and then yelled Woo Hoo when you saw the Stinky only to have it torn away from you cold-heartedly. (As you can see I am writing this pretty soon after finding out i can't get one - )
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from North Bay Ontario Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This thing is Plush plush plush!
Weaknesses:
Lack of external rebound damping adjuster on fork.
Similar Products Used:
FSR,
Bike Setup:
Norco Team Issue. With Full disc brake setup
Bottom Line:
Great bike I added discs and Race face cranjks. buy it if you can find one.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: May 7, 1999
I finally got the bike. The low down being I paid a little over $2000 w/ all the upgrades. I loved the $30.00 I paid for the Elite seatpost. I changed the cranks out because I didn't want to stay w/ the STX/RC's. I took it out to the mountain minutes after I bought it and raged up and down the hills. A few thoughts: This bike is flat out fun to ride, it's fast on XC, very fast on Downhill and does an okay job heading up. It's much more difficult than my hardtail on steep climbs but it shines and I mean shines on rocky ruts, hills or rough XC. My hardtail would stutter too much where as the 5 plush suspension would just flow right along. And this was just for 5 quick miles of trail! I'll update later after 4 months or so. The 5 fork I still need to break in before I dial it right for me, the rear seems to be perfect. Kudos on the stock setup, realizing they give you some STX parts but in return you get an excellent fork and frame! Lovn it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Similar Products Used:
Klein Mantra Race, Trek VRX300, FSR-XC Comp, Rocky Mountain Element Race,DBR X6, DBR XR4
Bike Setup:
stock minus Syncros Stem and Thompson Elite seatpost, Tioga XC tires
Bottom Line:
You can see that I tested quite a few bikes. I needed to find something to fit my desired style. This will be my first FS bike and frankly, I wanted a squish machine. Therefore I turned away from the XC FS'rs to go towards the plush, I not gunna race you bubba full suspension bike. The Kona won out because I wanted to make the jump to a smaller company. The ride/components of the bike are great. I'm not going to promote this bike as a FS racer, it's not designed for that. There is one word for its design. Fun. Add to that lots of air and people on the trail not seeing another Trek or Specialized or 'dale go buy. Go Kona, can't wait for the three weeks to pass by so I can ride. I'll give a complete review later.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Cotton
a Downhiller
from England,Portsmouth Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lots of travel to get you out of trouble(most of the time)
Weaknesses:
Can see that it is going to take a while to get used to so much travel
Similar Products Used:
Orange X1 full suspension bike with very limited travel
Bottom Line:
What can I say?? I've had the bike for a couple of weeks now and ended up with the most horrific crash I have had in the past 12 years of riding. The bike needs a new seatpost and a new saddle but apart from that is strong as old boots(pitty I am not)First impressions, this bike rocks and just loves to be pushed to the edge!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Kingston
a downhiller
from Lancs, United Kingdom Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999
Bottom Line:
The Stinky rules, great DH/Playbike, recommend to anyone with the cash to buy it. Best in it's class. Fast DH, good climber, Fantastic forks the Z1's rule (5 travel). Rear shock the best you can get, exept for Fox vannilla air (better than Rock Shox, Crane Creek and Pace).Cool to look at, excellent shifting when it eventually smoothens out - don't worry if you buy it and shifting is shit, it will get better after a few hours of downhilling trust me.Tyres are great, comes with SPD's!! everything but the stem is good, stem is a cheapy effort but upgrade for £30-£50 if you think you might break it.Buy one!!!! Adam Kingston, UK.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Earl
a weekend warrior
from Victoria Canada Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
I picked my stinky up on monday feb 1 this bike awesomeso far I've done a couple of little rides, this weekend I plan to go rip up some. I've been off since monday because of exams and been riding every day and I love it. The 5 inhes of travel is perfect for me it's not the best climer bit it still gets to the top. I've been doing some tecnical stuff it climbs logs and drops off nicely. The best part of the bike is it's shocks the only thing I could say about them is they are awsome(mar z1 drop offs)I'd recomend this bike to a tecnical rider who want's to go fast down a hill. P.S. This bike is so much fun it's scary.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hardcore
a downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999
Bottom Line:
Sweet bike,really plush and strong.I think that it could be slightly lighter but when you are downhillen I guess it does not really matter.Well now i'm just gona type alought of crap to get to 30 words.awesome KONA RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Earl
a weekend warrior
from Victoria B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: December 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is a sweet bike I road for the fist time today it is so plush I is Awsome looking I plan to bay this beast. I is a nice bike for a nice price this a sure 5 star.
Overall Rating:
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