Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from SF, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002
Strengths: - Great brakes, extremely powerful, easy to adjust and bleed w/ the bleed kit, reliable. - Bombproof frame, silky smooth rear suspension, good fork. - Lots of travel for a "freeride" rig. - Feels great on decents, soaks up big hits, steers nice, brakes good, turns good.
Weaknesses: - Ya, it's heavy, but what do you expect with this much travel and hayes hydros? - Parts spec is decent, but marginal. - Cranks and front rings leave something to be desired. - Kind of a pig on the climbs, not just due to weight, but riding position, geometry, etc. But hey, it's not a XC bike now is it? - Stock tires kind blow. They're big, but not too grippy.
Bottom Line:
If you can pick one up for a good deal, don't pass it up. It's a great bike if you like decents more than climbs. It's kind of a pig when it comes to climbing, but you can't have a bike that kicks ass at both can you?
I gave it 4 chilis on value 'cause I think the parts spec could be slightly better, especially the crankset and front der. Although, the rest of the parts (brakes, wheels, shocks) are pretty sweet and kind of make up for it.
Bike Setup: This is actually a Stinky 6 which is a rare 01.5, same as the Stinky De-Lux with the 02 6-inch rear, and an ugly purple paint job.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Joe Shideler
a Downhiller
from Port Angeles, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Strengths: Super Plush suspension, the frame can take anything! Components are solid and work smoothly. Looks bas ass!
Weaknesses: Sure it heavy, but so what! Find a lighter bike that can take the abuse this one can! The Tioga's couldn't hold a corner
Bottom Line:
My biggest problem with this bike, is that I don't know if I'll ever be good enough to really see what it's capable of! I love this thing, and got a good deal on it (even if it came with less than stock brakes). If your even considering buying one, DO IT! I've ridden single track and clibed some pretty big hills on it, and it does fine if you've got a sack! if you're strict cross country, it's not the best choice, but if you do all around riding, give it a look.
Bike Setup: IRC Kujo tires, Sun Mammoth Rims, avid mechanicals (Hayes 8" F&R are in the mail!!!), BETD rear linkage giving 6.5" travel, titec hellbent bars, raceface shorty stem, aheadset oversized headset, racface bb and cranks
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Submitted by
Matt Canull
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Strengths: Nice smooth travel, seems to be really strong frame
Weaknesses: Rear Derailleur Hangers very weak..bend easy, can be bent back straight but stock up a few spares. Top shock mount bolt, SNAP, may have come loose? Fixed with hardened bolt, nut and cotter pin, replaced the aluminum bushing with one peice steel.
Bottom Line:
This bike rules. So much fun to ride, I may never ride my hardtail again...softens any landing and seems like you can ride over anything. Definate confidence inspiration.
It is heavy but rides lite and flys great. I noticed the weight at first on climbs, but now I must be getting stronger, it dosn't bother me anymore. It climbs great especially in the rough stuff. You can take the direct line instead of weaving all over. You will use the granny however. The extra weight also make me feel like the bike won't break in half on landings. It feels very solid.
My intention was to get this as a second bike, and save my hardtail for long smooth XC rides, But I think the Stinky has become my only bike .
If you are considering getting one, you won't be disappointed.
Submitted by
Tricia Stathers
a Downhiller
from Penticton, BC CANADA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001
Strengths: THis is a supernice bike, it's smooth, fast and really fun to ride. REally nicely balanced, superfast through the corners. It's not bad on the uphill either, makes me strong like bull (so when I get back on my crosscountry bike I feel like I can fly:) It's not that heavy at all (I rode up Sheeprock on it, but I don't think that'll happen again anytime soon:P)
Weaknesses: Seat post...if you want it low enough to not be sketchy, then it can only go so high for the uphill. but whatever, it'll make your knees and legs strong for snowboard season.
Bottom Line:
THis is a super rad bike, I love to ride it. IF anyone in the Penticton area wants to ride email me:), riding with new people is always fun. Especially girls!
Favorite Trail: Anything that is fast and flows nicely
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Purchased At: The Bike Barn
Similar Products Used: Norco XCS-1, Tried a Brodie 8-ball, sat on an RM9 and RM6 ( well I guess that doesn't really count now does it) and a reaper, Kona King Kikapu and My xc bike, a SWEET little lava dome :)
Bike Setup: z1s, hayes 6" disks, truvativ hussefelt cranks, not gripshift, Tires-Maxxis 2.5 highroller on the front, Rokko on the back ( I think I might change that though).
Strengths: Everything about the ride is a strength. Tough, Smooth
Weaknesses: I got a good deal on mine but I would say the price is the biggest weekness. Other than that the tires and rims.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike I would defineatly recommend it to more hardcore rider if you can afford it. Nice big step out of cross country into something more exciting. 5 flames because this bike rips.
Similar Products Used: Iron Horse SGS DH Rocky Mountain Pipeline
Bike Setup: Stock.
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Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from North Van
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Strengths: Review is for 2000 Stinky Five.
Solid. Great all around North Shore bike. Seems to flatten the steeps. Point and shoot performance. Gets you up the hill, but the fun begins going down.
Was the best value out there at the time I purchased this.
Weaknesses: Cheep Race Face chainrings have been problematic from the start - get rid of them. Some chainsuck (probably due to the rings).
Mystery brand hubs.
Bottom Line:
I have absolutely no regrets buying this bike. Steep technical sections suddenly became "do-able". Just point down hill and hang on. My cross-country bike now seems downright dangerous compared to this bike.
If you're worried about weight, get over it. This bike, or any of its type, is neither meant to be light nor is it a significant issue.
Purchased this rig 6 months ago and I've yet to find fault with it at all...sure it's a bit on the heavy side but what do you expect from a bike thats one step from being a world class downhiller??? This bike has seen and kicked ass on the best trails the North Shore had to offer and still asked for more.Upgrade the rear shock to a Fox "RC" tho. I took this bike off some of the most intense jumps that would snap 99.9% of the frames on the market and my "Stinky Dee-Lux" only begged for more. I've been mountain biking for over ten years and have finally found a bike that can handle what i can dish out.Two things I do say tho...One..ORDER YOUR BIKE EARLY!!!!.....These puppys sell fast...Two....Ride one for yourself....You'll be glad you did!!!
Bike Setup: 00' Stinky frame, 01' Jr. T, Easton Monkey bars, Axiom DH Stem. Ryno lite
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Submitted by
brandon craddock
a Downhiller
from Homer,Alaska,USA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2000
Strengths: the frame rocks!(iv tryed so hard to brake it and cant) the 4 bar pivot makes the 5incs fell like 7,and it loves the sickest thangs you can through it in to.(:x
Weaknesses: the tires that came with it sucked(it desurved so much better)
Bottom Line:
Iv broke so maney bikes up here with the sickest riding you all in the lower 48 would have nightmares about and the Kona name brand has stould up and screemed with icy joy through all the 30+ 5 foot and above drops daly.Now if all bike makers would take some notes on thies bikes the wourld would be a better place. Only the riders with mintel problems can relly ride this bike like it needs.
I managed to weasel a 2001 stinky dee and I love this SOB. Its got the rasta paint, and alot of decent stock parts. Splined crank set is pretty nice no complaints yet. I had to switch out the spings in the fork from heavy to ex heavy and Im going to stiffen up the back end too. other than just tweaking the suspension the only other thing this bike could use is a set back seatpost. It rocks. I drop everything in sight even with sprained wrist, and don't feel a thing. When your pedaling or hopping this thing you don't really feel like your pushing 5" in fact sometimes I foget I'm riding a full suspension. This bike rocks. go buy one now. you will not be disappointed with this mofo.
Similar Products Used: kona 99 Roast SE, cove stiffee, azonics ds-1
Bike Setup: box stock, just changed the grips and pedals
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Submitted by
Tweek
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000
Strengths: Note, This review is also for a Stinky Five, not the Dee-lux Strengths: Beefy, good looking (rasta paint job, ohhh yes), plush, active, nice spec, hayes brakes, i could go on
Weaknesses: Chain slap, derailleur hits swingarm off drops (just need a lizard skin). Weird 30.0 seatpost ream. Um, I swapped out some parts so that is pretty much it.
Bottom Line:
Haven't had the bike for long, but it is amazing. I used to be pure XC racer, but gradually my riding style has changed to full of "freeriding," a term I used to passionately hate.
And is this ever the bike for freeriding. Due to employee discount I was able to get the bike at a pretty good deal even with all the upgrades. It's pushing me to try stuff I would never have dreamed of before; 4-5 foot drops have become commonplace on the few rides I've taken it on. I know I'm not even pushing its limits either. I'm gonna have to start going bigger so I don't feel so inadequate.
5" of travel is pretty much perfect for the riding I'm doing now. No, it doesn't climb as well as my race hardtails did but thats probably more the flat pedals and 10 lbs extra weight that the shock bobbing. The way mine is set up you can feel the trail beneath you (I can still tell where my wheel is), it's just a lot smoother. And as I alluded to earlier, jumps and drops, no problem. I'll have a tough time bottoming the shock.
I fretted for a while about dropping all that coin on this bike but already I know I'll have no regrets. It's the ultimate bike if you want to go big (but not toooo big). If you're considering it, buy one now (or wait for 2001, same basic bike).
Bike Setup: Somewhat modified. Changes are: Psylo SL up front (reg axle) XT 321 wheelset club roost flat pedals profile carbon riser my trusty ti flite seat
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Submitted by
John Nason
a Downhiller
from Malden, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2000
Strengths: Perfect freeride machine
Weaknesses: I had to wait quite a while for it to come in. Would have liked to see a bash guard(protects big ring/chain) on it... but thats just more weight!
Bottom Line:
I am so stoked about this bike! Everything I thought it would be... even looks sweet. Problem is, I broke my arm 3 months back and I still can't ride. I just have to LOOK at it. How weak is that? But, with such a gnarly bike I can certainly ride it all winter, through all the snow and muck(thank the lord). I will have to submit another review as far as durability is concerned but I am not woried at all. It is a fine bike and should be able to handle anything I can dish out. Hopefully I'll be able to handle it though. No more broken bones!
Submitted by
Colin ator
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000
Strengths: Awesome plush ride, Great overall package, Nice clean look (no gaudy colors)
Weaknesses: Seat post height limitation due to bent seat tube. Tires. Rims could be better.
Bottom Line:
If your considering retiring your hardtail and joining all of those dualy riders with big smiles on their faces, DON'T go half-way. A bike with less than 5 inches of travel won't really open up the opportunities for ridin' way bigger terrain, and is just not worth the weight penalty. This bike feels like no other and requires no significant upgrades off the showroom floor. Coming from a 24 lb hardtail I was concerned about the 35 lb factor but it really isn't an issue; I've been riding for 11 years and am having more fun than ever!! If you've still got that silly old competative thing goin' where you must be the first one at the top of the hill, keep your old hardtail, this is a different scene. Three words: GET A STINKY! PS: The 2001 line-up looks interesting too.
Weaknesses: MADE IN TAIWAN? WHAT IS UP WITH THAT. THOSE CHEESY CHAIN RING BOLTS ON THE PIVOTS NEAR THE REAR AXLE GOES.
Bottom Line:
I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHAT THE PEOPLE REVIEWING THIS BIKE ARE TALKING ABOUT WITH THIS WAITING STUFF. I ORDERED THIS FRAME FROM KONA AND THE SHOP I WORK AT ISN'T EVEN A DEALER, AND JAMES SMITH (KONA REP) SENT IT OUT A.S.A.P., THAT WAS BACK IN MARCH. MAYBE COMPLETE BIKES WEREN'T AVAILABLE FOR THOSE OTHER PEOPLE. WEIGHT SHOULDN'T BE A FACTOR IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BIKE LIKE THIS, YOU KNOW IT IS GOING TO BE HEAVY. ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS IT IS A VERY GOOD TRAIL BIKE. PEOPLE FROM THE NORTHEAST U.S. KNOW THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE AREA, NOT VERY HIGH (ALTITUDE) BUT STEEP AS HELL, AND I RODE THIS BIKE UP ALL THE STEEP TRAILS BY ME. GRANTED IT WASN'T AS EASY AS IT WOULD BE WITH A LIGHT XC FULL SUSPENSION, BUT THEN YOU CAN'T RIDE AN XC FULL SUSPENSION LIKE YOU WOULD A STINKY. I LOVE THIS BIKE AND THE WEIGHT WILL JUST MAKE YOU A STRONGER RIDER. ONE OTHER NOTE SOME OF THE REVIEWS OF LAST YEARS STINKYS KIND OF SCARE ME, JUST THE THOUGHT OF THE FRAME SNAPPING AT WELD MAKE ME WANT TO WEAR A FULL FACE. ANYONE IN THE LOWER N.Y. TRI-STATE AREA WANT TO RIDE SOME SICK STUFF E-MAIL ME AT tmc_cook@hotmail.com
Hey stinky riders,
I want to replace my rear shock, I have the vanilla rc coil shock right now.. I want to replace it with something new.. any ideas? suggestions? thanks. Read More »
