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unknown 2001 Disco Monkey

MSRP $ 1549.00
# of Reviews 20
Average Rating 4.5/5
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Submitted by Matt a Downhiller from Livingston NJ
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $250.00
Strengths:strong, looks cool, and dirt cheep.
Weaknesses:a little flimsy in the rear off jumps and drops.
Similar Products Used:2004 Diamondback Coil SS
Bike Setup:2003 Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2 in the front, fox vanilla RC in the rear, avid mech. 8", race face prodigy DH cranks...
Bottom Line:Great bike. over 4 years old now and its just starting to crack. I ovalized the headtube and bent the swingarm. during those 4 years this bike has gone through hell. 9' drops everyday, DH riding all season at Mountain Creek. GREAT BIKE!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Jon-Michael a Downhiller from Gardnerville, NV
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:Kirkwood's Caple's Crest
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $1500.00
Purchased At:Shop in Las Vegas
Strengths:Well, it was a good bike for about two months, then things went downhill, not in a good way. The only good things (the ones that haven't been replaced) are the cranks and brakes. And the only other thing that has lasted two years is the frame, and hopefully it won't break this year.
Weaknesses:Just about everything on this bike. If you are into anything other than XC, DO NOT BUY THIS! The fork broke, same with the shock (twice), rims are destryoed, broken deraileur, seat clamp.
Similar Products Used:K2 Freeride bike, basically the same design
Bike Setup:Marzocchi Jr. T, Stratos Helix shock, XT deraileur, Blackspire chainguide, Shimano DH clips (third set), IRC Tubes (haven't had a flat in two years), and hopefully, Sun DH wheels to replace the POS Vueltas
Bottom Line:At first, I thought this was a great bike. But by my first light downhill ride the rear wheel was damaged, and after about six months the rear shock blew up, then after a month of my bike shop trying to get a hold of K2, they sent another shock. Within a few months, this shock blew up too. Then came the fork's crown, and seat clamp. I don't even ride that hard. My drops are usually only a few feet, and in the catalog it shows some guy doing a 10+ drop to flat. I replaced the fork with a Jr.T last summer, I also put on a Blackspire chainguide, and replaced the Noleen shock with a Stratos, so I now have 7" in front, and 6" in back. It rides pretty well now, except for the rear wheels that are dented from a 2' high jump. It is a decent bike for cross-country, and very light downhills, but not for any downhill trails. Also, K2's customer service is horrible, a few months for them to answer a call, followed by two weeks of waiting for the shock that would break after less than a year.
After riding this bike and putting over $2000 dollars into it, I can't wait 'til I order my Santa Cruz Bullit this summer.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Francisco Hung a Weekend Warrior from Tampa, FL USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:My fiance would kill me if I tell you...
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1085.00
Purchased At:Flat Land Mtn. Bikes
Strengths:I really love this bike, I really DO! (shhh! don't tell my fiance). It is one of the most fun to ride bikes I ever had. When you ride it and start treating her really bad it will aks for more. The Noleen fork reacts very well when executing jumps. A bicycle worthwhile buying, a great value! It rides like a Rolls with a hart of a Jeep...
Weaknesses:A litle heavy, which isn't totally a bad thing... depending on what tricks are you doing with this Beast!
Similar Products Used:2001 Specialized FSR, Canondale Jekill 500
Bike Setup:Stock, except for a lighter seat and new fenders (SKS shockboard and tra-dry)
Bottom Line:If you ever come across one of these beasts; ride it and take it home for a fun ride, which depending on the terrain mood and your attitude, could turn into a very serious one...
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Garrett Baddenhorst a Weekend Warrior from Fairfield ,CT
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:Indian Ledge
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Purchased At:Northeast Bikes , Stamford ct
Strengths:Strong Frame and nice travel.
Weaknesses:Still trying to find anything major. Except for the Real Ugly Decals !
Similar Products Used:1999 EVO 2 / Sid XC non disc . Cannondale Gemini 2002
Bike Setup:Hayes 6 inch Disc, All Black SUN Ryno Lites XT Hubs 2.6 Kenda Front 2.35 Kenda rear , 2002 psylo xc, SramAttack Grip shift, XT Frt XT Rear, XT 8 speed cassette, Azonic Shorty Stem, Truvative cranks with Bashgard, Kore Lite Seatpost,
Bottom Line:I got to ride this all summer and winter. I am very happy with the way this has held up. I posted a review when I had the bike about a month and I am just as pleased with the bike. The upgrades were done for fun rather than for need.
If you buy this bike try FAT tires. the 2.35 are great and the 2.6 up front is real sweet. I rode the Cannondale Gemini and for the record if I could afford that I would buy it in a heartbeat. In the meantime the Monkey is perfect for me.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Joel Arseneault a Weekend Warrior from Miramichi N.B Canada
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:It's all about urban.But the cove rocks!
Duration Product Used:3 months
Purchased At:Incline Sports.Check it out!!
Strengths:Built tuogh!! loves to fly(and fall like me).BMX feel.Easy to set up shock(follow directions at K2 site)Single pivot is very easy to maintain.Looks Awsome!
Weaknesses:Single piviot suspnetion is not as active as a launch 5.0 or a GT i-drive.(but that can be a good thing)
Similar Products Used:99 GT LTS: Z1 QR20,Formula disc,Ryno lite,Truvative Hussefelt.Ect.
Bike Setup:2001 K2 Disco Monkey frame,Marzochi Z5 100mm,Ryno Lite,Deore hubs,2.35 Kenda,Hussefelt w/bash guard,Monkey Lite,Locking grips(Get some if you ride hard)Race Face Real seal head set,Race Face prodigy post,Bontereger stem and all Deore(V) brakes and shifting
Bottom Line:This bike is a lot of fun!!!! It is great for everything! Trail,free ride and Urban.This bike even goes on de pave!(inside joke)But seriously,I drive this bike every where,and I'm never way behind.I also have more fun than anyone.As I said above,the single piviot isin't as active as some 4-bar designs,but it trys to lock under hard pedeling which makes it climb very well for a 5.25" travel bike.The best thing about this single piviot is it's tough and easy to service.(You even get a special tool with the feame)Parts are also cheep and come with special tool!
Hey,if you got the cash just buy this bike.If you don,t there is a Bumpy Monkey for 2002(same frame and shock)Still don,t got it.Check out the Norco Atomic or the Giant Warp DS 1.
As for value.K2 builds their monkey better and I could have bought it for less cash.
If they had a fun rating this thing would be off the chart!
Buy this bike if you like to play in the dirt or on de pave(urban)Don't buy if you want to race.Especialy on de pave.:o)
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by James a Weekend Warrior from Huntington, Wv
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:Santy Clause
Strengths:K2 bikes a tough
K2 customer service is the best
Price is competitive
Weaknesses:None
Bike Setup:I have a 1999 K2 900 with a 200 Marzocchi Z.1, Michillen 2.2 DH tires, STRATOS HELIX EXPERT (which I am filling this review to tell yall about), and Hayes Cable HMX 1
Bottom Line:YO YO YO !!! I just wanted to drop you boys a line and let you kow that you can icrease the travel of your EVO suspenson K2 to over 6" and get a plusher ride with a Stratos Helix rear shock. I would recomend a 400- 600 lb. shock but ask the seller and see what best suits you. Check out the Stratos Helix reviews, 4.3 of 5. I switched the rear out shock and cannot believe the diference it makes---PLUSH!!. I am very pleased with my 1999 K2 and with general mainance of the bushings and bearings of your K2 frame I think the bike will last for-ever. Custer service at K2 is beyond excellent and if you are thinking of purchasing a K2 new or used I highly recomend it. Just wanted to let you all know and thank K2 for the service they provided me.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by krashkors a Racer from Mesa, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:Red Mountain, Mesa AZ
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $999.00
Purchased At:Tempe Bike
Strengths:It's endless travel. It is a hit lover a mondo drop sucker, freekin blast to ride.
Weaknesses:weight, weight, weight.
Similar Products Used:GT LTS-1, Schwinn HomeGrown
Bike Setup:Stock, Except for a Lighter Seat WTB, And Shimano clipless pedals
Bottom Line:THis bike is a smooth ride. It is a balls out bomb ride. It climbs very well for the weight. It outperforms any of the other bikes I have owned hands down. The price is right. It is for the novice and the expert. If you get the chance to pick one of these up. DO IT. This bike has everything you need to show off and to drop out or off what ever you would like. I am 200# and this bike says abuse me all the time. I would'nt change a thing about the setup axcept maybe changing a few components to make it lighter.
GET THIS BIKE!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by DISCO BREAKIN' a Downhiller from Minden, Nevada
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:Dark Hollow, Brian Head, Utah
Duration Product Used:6 months
Price Paid: $1600.00
Purchased At:k2 bike
Strengths:Everything!!!
Weaknesses:Rims are weaker than I thougth, deraileur and shifters broke.
Similar Products Used:Mongoose FS, k2 5000
Bike Setup:3in IRC tubes, LX shifters, Xt derailleurs, Shimano M535
Bottom Line:GREAT bike, rims are a little weak, but you just have to make sure your air pressure's right. Weight is no problem. You can go down stair cases easily, stable chassis. The weight isn't that much of a problem, because I can easily escape pitbulls chasing me down the trail.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Kurt Robbins a Cross Country Rider from Cloverdale, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:Whistler Mountain
Duration Product Used:6 months
Price Paid: $2400.00
Purchased At:(price canadian$) Caps Bicycles
Strengths:I love this bike! the frame is strong and durable, no problems thus far. lots of suspension, never bottomed out. the tires are awesome!
Weaknesses:Headset constantly comes loose and the noleen mega airs get really still when hot.
Similar Products Used:Trek 850 hardtail, Norco XCS-1, Cannondale delta-v 1000
Bike Setup:stock
Bottom Line:Ive been riding this bike constantly since i bought it and i love it! its perfect for the price, my stepdad has the XCS-1 which he paid about the same for and my disco blows it away. the selling point with this bike was the frame, i am around 190lbs and 6'2" so i need something that wont snap and this is working so far. id like to put a triple clamp on the front just for the travel and to avoid the stiffining when the get hot. ive had this on whistler mountain and it was a blast to ride. no problems except the headset which is minor.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Craig Leoni a Weekend Warrior from Pinon Hills, California, USA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:tough grinds and fast descents
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $1500.00
Purchased At:Ultimate Bike
Strengths:great climber for a freeride, avid discs stock, plush light feel(even at 30lbs+), creek-free landings, tracks straight in the roughest conditions, upright riding position(comfy)
Weaknesses:stock bars don't feel right, not sure why. BIG cushy seat that may be too big for long xc rides, platform pedals not for me(took the clipless off of my Beast before selling)
Similar Products Used:K2 Beast(LOVED IT), 2001 Specialized Enduro Pro,GT hardtails
Bike Setup:Stock except pedals, maybe I'll get used to the bars, if not, they are next.
Bottom Line:I got this bike instead of upgrading the Beast to discs, and after ordering it I wasn't sure I did the right thing. The Beast had more travel in the front by 1 inch, and I don't like giving up any travel. Now that I have some time on the Disco, I love it! No shortage of travel here! It is also more comfortable than my Beast, but I think it is only because of the stem length and angle on the dangle. I also saved enough cash over similar bikes to almost buy two of them(but...ah...my wife didn't see it that way). K2 bikes have to be the ultimate freerides for the money! 5 flattened smelly-cats for value, 5 overall!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Danny kalawarny a Downhiller from Canada B.C.
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:powers creak
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1500.00
Purchased At:outbound cycle
Strengths:evreything is owsome
Weaknesses:the forks it should have worranty for tripple clamps
Similar Products Used:evo 2 gt i drive
Bike Setup:pslos shamono crancks evreything elts was good
Bottom Line:its an awsome bike it ride nice its worrth the monney by fare
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Ben Blitch a Downhiller from Asheville, NC 28804
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:Kitsuma
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1000.00
Purchased At:Ski Country Sports
Strengths:Sucks up the Hits, Intelligently specked, Good Neutral feel, tracks predictably, THE fender stock!!
Weaknesses:heavy. rearend gets squirrely at times, climbs inefficiently
weak rims
Similar Products Used:Giant AC 1
Bike Setup:Stock with Z1 QR 20, race face bar and Titec stem. QR 20 hub and rhyno lite front wheel
Bottom Line:This bike works well for street and trail riding. dont expect to get on it and have a quick climber. the bike loves getting into the air. you can do all the drops and 20 foot gaps you want with confidence.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Bucho a Cross Country Rider from Moab
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:anything with with tecks
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1300.00
Strengths:This bike is dope, I beat it up really bad, the way I ride. It can really stand up to hardcore material. This bike is worth every dollar. I love the tires, they handle great, and the Avid come through, the Noleen fork is awsome.
Weaknesses:LX components could be upgraded to XT, XTR if you want to race, wieght.
Similar Products Used:Fuel 98, Kona Stinky
Bike Setup:Stock.
Bottom Line:Buy this bike, you won't buy anything this fun for the price, this is a tough bike,I get huge air on it and it's ready to go the next day, if it wasn't for the wieght I would give it five chillies for Overal Rating, I would give six chillis for the Value ratig if I could.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by darrell a Weekend Warrior from phx ax
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:fountian hills
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1550.00
Purchased At:sun
Strengths:the component selection is so well balanced , the crank set up is smart , brakes seem very cool , very very very solid bike you will able to abuse it on cross country trails and never bend it
Weaknesses:its got none , thats why i bought it
Similar Products Used:first full suspension
Bike Setup:factory stock + heavy duty tubes
Bottom Line:i been wanting a bike made like this scince i bought my first specialized stumpjumper in 1983 , if your the type of rider who has upgraded every single bike you have ever had than this is the biotch you need , solid parts , crawls like a happy rhino , every time i ride this thing its talks to me 100% + says i'll do that , great bike if you crave sequrity at 30 mph and a bike thats going to stay striaght AFTER you smack the ground with it , its heavy tho 36.2 lbs
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Mark a Cross Country Rider from RockHill SC
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:beach springs, catawba,rennaisance, springs, cane creek, francis beaty
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1549.00
Purchased At:ULTIMATE BICYCLE
Strengths:Very strong wheelset, noleen shock is super strong n stiff, rear shock is easy to adjust, lx-deore drivetrain w/hussefelt downhill cranks-really tuff, just about everything
Weaknesses:kinda sketchy about the hubs, tires work really well for urban assault but kinda iffy offroad(pretty much made for taking big hits) nothing else
Similar Products Used:tested k2 brass monkey, trek bruiser 2, cortina,
Bottom Line:Great bike!! Can't get enough of it. Bought it primarily for urban assault and freeride but lately ive found myself iding this bike more than my cross country bike. Handles great, im about 6'5 175, and i bought the large and am extremely comfortable on it!! Looks crazy kewl. Would recomend this bike to someone who is just starting off too the most experienced riders its a friggin blast to ride.
Buy one!!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by James a Downhiller from Port Coquitlam B.C.
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $2400.00
Purchased At:Caps Bikes
Strengths:Strong frame, takes hits, Looks good. Climbs well.
Weaknesses:Rear derailleur mounting bracket a little weak. Broke off my rear derailleur and had to straighten out the bracket. Was pretty weak and easy to bend. Other than that it's been pretty good.
Similar Products Used:Rocky Mountain pipeline
Bike Setup:Stock......new rear derailleur.
Bottom Line:Good solid bike. Rides nice and the rims are tough. haven't had to true them yet.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Gerrit Badenhorst a Cross Country Rider from Fairfield,CT USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:Indian Ledge
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Purchased At:Northeast Bikes ,Stamford CT
Strengths:Nice travel Fr/Rr , Great Color Combo,
SOLID ride ! Excellent Value !

Weaknesses:Could not find any major in the short time I had to ride.
Similar Products Used:Evo2, Giant XTC , Killer V Cndle, Various Hardtails
Bike Setup:AC Cranks/RaceFaceRings ,XT-RynoLite Wheelset,
XT-V-Brake Set,Attack GripShift,XTR Rear D.
Bottom Line:The harsh CT trails now feel like Cart Paths.
This bike Climbs and Drops like a Flying Squirrel,
despite the excess wieght.
I made the right choice. if it holds up to my
205 LBS this summer I will be pleased.
This is made for someone who is not going to compete
in XC, but does want to rip through trails.



Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Jon-Michael a Weekend Warrior from Gardnerville, Nevada
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:Red Valley
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:Everything is great about this bike, the suspension works well, and it can take big hits. The Vuelta rims are really strong, I haven't had to true my wheels at all.
Weaknesses:Nothing is weak about this bike
Similar Products Used:Mongoose FS, K2 Proflex 5000
Bike Setup:All stock except for my Shimano pedals.
Bottom Line:This is the best bike I've ever ridden. I love everything about it. The weight doesn't even matter, you get used to it.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by James a from Port Coquitlam B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $1300.00
Purchased At:Caps Bikes
Strengths:Takes the hits. Suspension easy to dial in. Avid mechanical disc brakes work surprisingly well. Love the bike so far, no complaints. Great looking bike.
Weaknesses:none found yet. Every bike has some weakness. If I find it I'll just upgrade the part.
Similar Products Used:Rocky Mountain Pipeline
Bike Setup:Stock
Bottom Line:Great bike at a reasonable price. I've taken it down some of the shore trails and it's taken the hits really well. Suspension is great once it's dialed in. One of the better bikes in it's price range. Our trails here on the lower mainland of British Columbia are pretty hard on bikes. Great testing ground to weed out the weak ones. So far the K2 is takin it all in.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Nick a Weekend Warrior from Kalispell MT
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:Spencer Lake
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $1084.00
Purchased At:Bike Rite
Strengths:The bike can take the hits
Weaknesses:It’s a little heavy and the loads of travel leave the bike bouncing on the XC rides but that can be adjusted.
Similar Products Used:Tested the Rocky Mountain Slayer
Bike Setup:Swapped the big ring for a bash ring
Bottom Line:This bike can take it as well as dish it out. It has lots of travel and I haven’t bottomed out on anything yet. It can climb remarkably well for its weight. I’m a relatively new rider with some growing skill but I still practice falling more than riding and this bike won’t break. The Avid mechanical disk breaks are great as far as mechanical go. The spring in the lever loosens up and makes the breaks a little less grabby which I think is a good thing but it can be changes easily if you like to stop on a dime. This is my first real bike and I’ve got nothing but praise for it, plus I scored an awesome going out of business sale price.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4






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