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Submitted by
xkraigx
a Downhiller
from Peabody, Ma
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Sinister Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | wheelworld | | Strengths: | Bomb proof bike...i like the suspension and the rims. | | Weaknesses: | heavy bike, bike makes chatter sounds w/ high speeds and rough terrain, LX derailler | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher joshua | | Bike Setup: | 07 kona dee-lux frame w/ wheel world freeride build kit | | Bottom Line: | great bike. The price from wheelworld is unbelieveable, and the bike works amazing. Minus the LX derailler and such but for the price could you really ask for XTR? has taken a serious beating, two different trips with two different friends with their trek's and mongoose bikes resulted in 3 flat tires and 2 bent rims, but the KONA held strong. Climbing is more difficult but really thats not what i bought it for...get stronger legs and deal with it, cuz the DH capabilities are worth it. It has taken numerous 5-7 ft drops and the suspension is plush and reliable, with no serious bounce or bottoming out. I recommend anyone who wants a serious bike for the price to get one of these...oh and im 6 ft tall and 180lbs, with the lg frame, i had to cut the seat stem down so that the seat would be down far enough, but that is easy enough. BUY THIS BIKE | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from Golden, CO
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Foothills Cycling | | Strengths: | Durability and adaptability. I've used it for DH racing, Freeride and as an everyday trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | Weight and only 6" of rear travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized SX, Intense 6.6 | | Bike Setup: | Stock + 8" rotors, '07 Marzocchi 66 RC3 (180 mm), Sun MTX/Marzocchi QR20 front wheel, Azonic Outlaw rear wheel. | | Bottom Line: | When I raced, I still had the stock 150 mm fork up front, but even so, there were only a few times I wished I had a bigger bike and with the new 180 mm fork I think it is even better. This year, even though I now have a full 8 and 8 DH bike as well, I will probably still use this bike for the courses that aren't as steep (i.e. Crested Butte). The only complaint I have on the DH course with my coiler is the high bottom bracket/center of gravity. I've also taken this bike off numerous drops in the 6-8 foot range and a few in the 10-12 foot range without a problem. I never have worried about the bike or any part of it breaking even though I weigh in at 180 lbs.
For cross country the bike is rather heavy, around 40 lbs stock and closer to 43 lbs the way I have it configured, but it does not pedal like a 40 lb bike. The geometry and suspension design allow for fairly efficient pedaling and as long as the ride isn't too long, the weight isn't a big deal. I typically draw the line at about 20 miles of steep technical riding, longer for easier trails. The high bottom bracket is usually a benefit on the trails as it is a lot easier to get up and over large steps/rocks.
Overall, I've been really happy with this bike. It liked the SX I tried a little more because it has an extra inch of suspension travle in the rear and is lighter, but for three times the price it isn't worth it. The 6.6 did not feel like it would be able to handle the freeride/DH applications as well as the coiler, but it was easier to pedal up the mountain (over 10 lbs lighter). I probably will end up replacing this bike with a lighter, longer travel bike when I have the money, but value-wise this bike is unbeatable. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fabian
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans cycles | | Strengths: | The stability, the back suspension system, the brakes, some of the components (seat, handle bars), the frame's overall feel, it can actually be pedaled uphill! | | Weaknesses: | The front forks are solid but quickly developed a nasty sound when all pressure is released from them. The frame vibrates at the point where the rear triangle is attached when going at a certain speed over medium rough ground. The front derailer does not fit properly to the chain rings making the chain click in some gears. The cheap feeling paint. The back shock was not the DHX 4.0 as stated but a vanilla R which is alright but not nearly as good as the DHX this fault however i think lies with evans cycles. Also the original price was very expensive at about £4000 | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse 7point3, Trek 6500, Specialized P-2. | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock i havn't really had alot of time to change but pedals and grips had to go. | | Bottom Line: | This bike i think would be very suitable for intermediate riders except for the price which i thought was a bit steep even with the large disount i got. This is why someone who has fully used a cheaper bike and is now being held back by it might consider the upgrade in order to progress.
As an alternative i would recomend checking out Iron Horse, Specialized, Orange(a little pricey for me), Other Konas or some Felts.
The bottom line is although it looks like this bike has alot of flaws they are easy to overlook with the general quality and feel of the ride, if you are looking for a bike for freeride and have this kind of money i don't think you can go far wrong with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from San Diego,California
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Meadowbrook | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World | | Strengths: | Front fork and back shock are awesome but everything on the bike is great.
Brakes stop on a dime. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2006 Coiler Deluxe | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike. I just got one and love it. The front fork is bomb proof and eats up all the bumps and hard landings. It is a little heavy for a serious xc or all mountain bike but excells at freeride. I use it for freeride and xc. It hides its weight really well. Climbs like a mountain goat and the tires stick like glue. The frame can handle anyhting. This is great for someone who wants a jumping bike that is pedal friendly and can be taken on some xc. You definitely won't have to worry about what this bike can handle.All around awesome bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guero
a
from long beach, ca
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | stair steps, rock-it, lynx, the luge, trabuco s/t, joplin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel world (culver city store) | | Strengths: | very solid bike. can be pedalled just about anywhere. i'm a huge fan of the faux bar suspension and feel like it really tracks the bumps well and soaks everything up. i havent done any drops over 5 feet yet, but would feel plenty comfortable doing them. i can pedal this thing on rides of over 20 miles without a hitch. | | Weaknesses: | the stock grips sucked, i wasnt a fan of the bulky raceface dh stem or the wire beaded maxxis minion tires. one thing that i found out that i wasnt alone on is my dislike for the oversized chainstay width (see kona forums on this site). the front deraileur mech will bottom out on the chainstay if you dont properly adjust its height on the seat tube. the problem with that is your chain will then rub the front deraileur mech in certain gear combos, so if you are willing to sacrfice some gear combos, then slide the front deraileur clamp a little further up the seat tube to avoid bottoming it out on the chain stay. front end will wander on steeper climbs without an ETA fork. | | Similar Products Used: | 03 Specialized Enduro then an 05 Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | 06 Coiler Deluxe, fairly stock with the following upgrades: crank brother candy pedals/lizard skin lock-on grips/thomson x4 90mm stem/kenda blue groove 2.35 dtc tire up front...Stans conversion kit coming soon in both wheels. | | Bottom Line: | After being on a Heckler for just over a year, I was looking to try something different. I had always had my eyes on the Kona Dawg and the Kona Coiler, but never got around to riding one. I sold my Heckler and went to test ride some Konas. I knew I wanted at least 5-6 inches of travel, my fear was that if I got the Dawg, I'd wish I got the Coiler, so....I ended up with the Coiler. My Coiler weighs in at 37 pounds, but I can pedal it anywhere. The DHX 4.0 coil rear shock is great, I crank the pro-pedal all the way clockwise for the climbs and it virtually eliminates any "bob". The faux bar suspension design really seems to be much more responsive to bumps/rocks/drops than the single pivot design of the Heckler, in other words, it rides much smoother than my Heckler ever did. I do wish I had an ETA feature on my fork, the front end will wander on the steeper climbs. Of course I lean forward to counter that, but then it makes it difficult to keep the lungs opened up. Eventually I will throw a Marz 66 SL on her, but in the mean time, the oem 66vf2 will suffice. This bike feels very stable to me at speed, just point and shoot and you can ride just about anything. I am aware of what my bike can and cannot handle and I believe my own fears of crashing will get in the way of overcoming an obstacle before an obstacle will overcome my bike. I ride pretty technical singletrack and love to bomb down the rockiest terrain I can find, this bike makes it a blast. Most of the stuff I ride involves substantial climbs to get to the fun stuff, and I have no problem getting there. This is a killer 6" travel all-mountain and/or freeride bike.
I have no regrets about selling my Heckler and picking up my Coiler at all! The "value rating" gets 4 flamin' turds because of the mix'n'match of LX and XT deraileurs/shifters, but other than that, its a great buy at $1800! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Downhiller
from Colorado Springs CO
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Jones | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike store | | Strengths: | Its built to last. I've never made any adjustments to the Z1 fork other than rebound. The fox shock has been reliable as hell. Love the black/black paint scheme. Drivetrain is reliable. | | Weaknesses: | Stock headset is a joke, hayes brakes are terrible, grips suck, seat sucks, tires suck, pedals suck. | | Similar Products Used: | Old S-works fsr-xc's and bighits | | Bike Setup: | Hope moto-v2 f&r, maxxis high rollers, odi grips, specialized seat, chris king headset, azonic accelerator pedals | | Bottom Line: | I used to race cross country in the jr-x norba national circuit. I bought this bike in 2004 after riding 2.5"travel XC bikes my whole life, and a few Big Hits here n there. This bike has since turned me into a dirt-jumping/street/downhill aficionado. I rode it for three years and my skill/stupidity is just now starting to exceed it's capabilities, barely. I have been dropping 12ft to flat this year, and the bike can handle it.
-It recently has started to make a death crack noise on huge impacts, but I think its the Z1 bottoming out, not the frame.
-I am not very impressed with the lx/xt drivetrain, but I'm used to full XTR race components. Not that I've had any serious issues with it, they have lasted the years and still shift smoothly, but I just can't seem to keep it dialed in.
-The cane creek crap headset was destroyed in a matter of days, and that was just from trail riding. Replaced it with a chris king and have had no problems since. Also, change the stock pedals, grips, seat, and tires.
I take it dirt jumping with ease, raise the seat, and can ride home comfortably and stylishly. With the right setup this frame can handle just about anything, even the '04 5"travel model. Worth the money. I'm now looking for a longer travel bike, and will most likely be sticking with the Kona clump series. If you need a bike that does it all and asks for more, this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Ryerse
a Weekend Warrior
from Bonney Lake, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Victor Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Center Cycle in Renton | | Strengths: | This is a solid, stable bike. It has high quality components that I am confident will stay together as I ride it hard. The suspension is great, very nice for my fast riding style. | | Weaknesses: | Price, paint. I should clarify, I think it's a good value, but it's still a lot to pay for a bike. Most people I know wouldn't pay this much for a bike. I am fortunate my wife let me buy it. | | Similar Products Used: | I grew up riding a front suspension only Schwinn. It worked at the time. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, except for different pedals and some adjustments in the suspension. | | Bottom Line: | For me I probably would have been fine with a King Kikapu or Dawg, but I wanted the best and after much research I ended up with this one. I don't drop huge cliffs, go off big hits, or do any serious downhill riding. I mostly ride fast in Victor Falls/Lake Sawyer area, with an occasional trip to Crystal Mountain or GreenWater area. Overall, I am very happy with it. At first I thought I got too much bike. However, two years later I can tell this will be a great bike for a long time. It will hold up well and there is no explanation for how fun it is going fast down big hills like wildcat mountain or crystal mountain. It just begs you to push the limits. That is how a bike should be, beg you to push your limits. Climbing is not the best with this bike, so I stick to flat, downhill rides, or easy uphill trails. For technical uphill trails with lots of tree-roots etc I would prefer front suspension only, but that's not why I bought this bike so no biggie. You can still get up them, but it takes more effort as would any rear suspension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stewart Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Mold, Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Glen Tress, Scotland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Oneplanetadventure, llandegla | | Strengths: | Bombproof, very robust design, excellent at descents, comfortable/ plush ride, suspension, great fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, cable routing, feels a little "cramped" on ascents. I got a hefty discount not sure I would pay the full asking price. | | Similar Products Used: | Coiler, coilair | | Bike Setup: | stock '06 model | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS bike and I love it. It has transformed my style and enthusiasm. After a long hard ride I still feel human rather than battered to bits. The bike takes anything I can throw at it on descents. Its not as good on ascent as my old hardtail, but that was expected. That said the pro-pedal is very good and on bumpy semi technical ascents it is much easier to ride. I ride mainly XC but love trails with rocky fast semi technical descents and this bikes sucks it up!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris liptak
a Downhiller
from So Cal
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | crystal cove/elevator | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | the path bike shop | | Strengths: | Definately BOMB proof! | | Weaknesses: | Front wheel drift, up-hill. Heavy, cable routing sucks. | | Similar Products Used: | GT,CANNon DAle,Huffy. | | Bike Setup: | Delux, Danger boy/levers,2007 STX shifters,Crank bros/mallets,Odi clamp on grips, NOS. | | Bottom Line: | As a package, it's a good bike for a serious rider. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Dempsey
a Weekend Warrior
from Cheshire,CT,USA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Tie between Wally world and Westrock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | North Haven Bike | | Strengths: | The Coiler Deluxe makes you want to push yourself ...faster...steeper... | | Weaknesses: | Snapped a xt rear on the first ride ...lighter is not always better | | Similar Products Used: | was a tossup betwen the Coiler Deluxe and the Coilair ....the Deluxe won out | | Bike Setup: | Stock....... | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike ...the first couple of rides took some adjustment as I was used to riding a older Haro X2...The bike makes you want to push yourself as it sucks up everything you toss at it ...the ETA on the Marzocci 66 does wonders for big climbs. The ass end of the bike has now bob or bounce so far pro pedal is only on the first click...Thanks to the DHX 4.o Shifting is ok I am an old shimano fan but more and more are saying sram is the way to go....Hayes 7's really smooth ..hope it lasts...if you are looking for a 6" Freeride toy you should definately consider the Deluxe ...Very happy with the this kona purchase | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike@ Pedal Shop
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashburn VA
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | slow huck | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | www.pedalshop.com | | Strengths: | the frame design is great... no reason to change anything. | | Weaknesses: | stock tires are way too small and thin, stock grips suck... | | Similar Products Used: | Coilair, Transition Dirt BAg, Banshee and others | | Bike Setup: | all stock | | Bottom Line: | The frame rocks, the build kit is OK, you'll upgrade many things as you go along. Kona needs to start talking to other suppliers as far as the build kit BUT, still, it's a great bike over all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Klaus
a Cross Country Rider
from Berlin GER
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Sausteig, Grabweg | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | it's tough
it never breaks
easy to ride
| | Weaknesses: | a full figured beauty,
bigger brake-discs might be advisable
some components are a bit cheap (tyres, hubs, ...) | | Similar Products Used: | GT-STS, Speci Enduro, some hardtails | | Bike Setup: | mainly stock, personalized setup regarding saddle, pedals, tyres, stem and changed the crappy stock hub to a set of swiss DTs | | Bottom Line: | I prefer riding long uphill trails over lifts, I don't mind being called XC and drop off 8ft cliffs, I prefer far-out over bike-park, flow over high speed, the natural over the Play-Doh line.
I used DH-FR bikes and hated the uphill part, abused XC bikes on freeride trails.
With my Coiler I found a bike that weasels down every line I did not dare before. Try to get rid of this stupid grin ever since I bought it... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Rented at Bike & Bean, Sedona, AZ | | Strengths: | Sturdy build feels indestructable. Very smooth over everything, and the suspension feels bottomless. Also climbs amazingly well | | Weaknesses: | Shimano drivetrain is a little inconsistant, but this bike was a rental so I'm sure the drivetrain has got some miles on it. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Stock '06 Coiler deluxe | | Bottom Line: | This was my first experience on a burly trailbike. I had originally reserved a Santa Cruz Nomad, but it was being serviced, so I went with the Coiler, which I had always wanted to try anyway. The bike is amazing, and makes you want to do things you wouldn't have thought you would do before. If I had to nitpick, I would say that Kona needs to start running Sram drivetrains on their bikes. The shimano stuff just didn't shift all that great under power. I think the part that stood out for me the most though, was the bikes ability to climb! If you stay seated and smooth, this bike will rip up hills like nothing I have ever ridden. My bike is a hardtail, and this Coiler would blow past my bike on climbs easily, and it wieghs 37lbs! This was a rental so I didn't explore it's drop capabilities to much, but I did go off a couple 4' ledges and the bike just ate it up. This bike impressed me so much that I am now looking to buy one. I was in no way disappointed that I didn't get to ride the Nomad, although I've read that it is awesome. This bike definately gets five turds! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay (frame only) | | Strengths: | versatility, construction (super-strong for an AM frame), handling, suspension, all of it | | Weaknesses: | the only one I can think of is the cable routing, and that's a nit-pick - my LBS did a great job with the cables/hoses | | Similar Products Used: | none (hardtails and old-school fullys before) | | Bike Setup: | Travis Single Intrinsic, DHX 5.0, Hadley hubs, Sun MTX-S rims, SRAM X.O group, Juicy 7s, Saint crankset, Thompson Elite, Diabolus stem, Monkey Bar, ODI Rogues, | | Bottom Line: | Mine is an '05 Dee-Lux.
I've got this bike built to what I consider perfect. I ride it to the local park (COP), about an hour each way, and it's smooth and effortless. I hit the DH course, and it's smooth and not quite as effortless, but more than keeps up to the richie rich teenagers on their freeride rigs. It rips the course as good as any of the other bikes on it, and in months of pounding (I'm 200 lbs), it barely squeaks on the ride home. I don't go for the big jumps (I'm 45), but it has easily handled 5-6 footers, and soaks up anything smaller like it wasn't there.
I needed a bike that would do it all, and I got that and more. Thanks to Mountain Bike City for the build and setup. This baby is bombproof for the riding I do, and not just all-mountain, but all-round. I got the frame used (about 3 mos old, according to the previous owner), and it has held up beautifully all season. If you can score any '05/'06 Coiler frame (or bike), you'll have a solid foundation for a great ride. Buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Downhiller
from lake oswego oregon
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Falls City.... all | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Used.... rich kids wallflower! | | Strengths: | Everything....... | | Weaknesses: | If I had to come up with something......... outside of components.... dee lux would have been that much better with 8" rotors off the bat........ have found no weakness yet. | | Similar Products Used: | None.... hardtail to this point... | | Bike Setup: | 04 Z1 FR fork..
Azonic equalizer Dh stem
.243 racinc 2.5" risers
V8 rotors
OURY lock ons
outside of that, stock.... | | Bottom Line: | This bike takes a rookie beating and just BEGS for more! Feels like you are on a string at speed. Corners like a flipping dream.
I can't say that I would have ponied up the $2700 original price tag (I would have gone a different maker) but if you can get into one for under $2K, BUY this rig...... it'll change the way you ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P K
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Whistler Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Great suspension, pedals very well for being a 35 lb+ bike, brakes kick butt, and the frame is bomb proof. | | Weaknesses: | Pedalling uphill requires you to stay in the seat and lean forward as the front end has a tendency to lift and roam. Use the lower gears and get in shape, you'll be fine. | | Similar Products Used: | Cove G-Spot, Giant AC1 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is more of a downhill bike with it's geometry and components, but it does pedal great nonetheless. It rides very surefooted due to the 6 inches of dual suspension, and you can pretty much count on it to land just about anything you might encounter on your local trail barring any jumps and drops over 10 feet. I've confidently ridden 5 foot drops with no problem, and believe me, that's enough for me, even though I know she can take more. Cornering is a blast although you do need to get low in the berm and she stops on a dime. Kona has built a fantastic bike, and it will definitely make you a better rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james
a Downhiller
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Beacon Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay (frame only) | | Strengths: | Super fun, tough! Great feel going up the hill,then it goes down like like a DH bike. Plenty of travel for small/medium drops and jumps. Fox Dhx 4.0 is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | paint, rocker arms look cheap... not quite a true Free Ride bike... This is an all mountain bike, it can be built up to more of a FR bike. Not as stable at high speed/hitting jumps at high speed. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky 04 & 06, santa cruz v10, diamond back topanga comp, diamond back reactor dual | | Bike Setup: | Fox 36 van rc2, chris king headset, race face diablous cranks, diablous steam and handle bar, hayes hfx 9 w/carbon levers, mavic dee tracks, wtb carbon/ti saddle, crank bro pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike that can be different things to different people. I built mine up with more of a Free Ride feel, but I can still ride up if needed. Right now this is my ONLY bike. If you have a quiver of different bikes get something more specific. Sometimes I wish I would have got a Stinky, but I got an awesome deal on the frame. The Fox 36 Van RC2 is awesome. Remember, all mountain single crown fork free ride bikes are NOT as stable at speed as true FR/DH bikes, something I didn't realize when I was putting this together. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, NZ
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Auckland & Redwoods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Bomb proof, easy setup awesome bang for your buck. | | Weaknesses: | Not great for those with small hands as the hayes are quite hard to reach. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Avid Juicy 7s, Sram X0 grip shifters with X9 rear deraileur and x-gen front mech, Crank bros mallet pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great all mountain bike, great for jumping (if your that way inclined) but also works great as a xc bike for just recreational rides around the forest. Cant use triggers due to accident so went to sram. Works just as great if not better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Racer
from Prestatyn, North Wales Coast
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Marin Trail, Betws y Coed | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sumerset Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame is ace, bomb proof. Forged cranks are also solid. They take some wack! Pro pedal is good. Put the sus on stif and tackle those hills. I do believe this is one of the best freeride bikes on the hill. | | Weaknesses: | Frame is a bit heavy but that is the price you pay for a bomb proof frame. If you get this bike fairly new, you might wana make sure that the rear shock is set up right; to match your weight. | | Similar Products Used: | Whyte 46, Orange Patriot, Specialized Enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano SPD's, Maxxis SwampThing tires and a Lizard. | | Bottom Line: | If you ride a lot of flat trails then this aint the bike for you as i said, a little heavy. Downhillers, id go for summit with a bit more travel although this can handle any course.
Whoever thinks there freeride is better than this al see you at the end of the track. Good luck! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Paige
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | The Flume Trail, Tahoe | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay, NIB | | Strengths: | Bomb proof design built for Clydesdales such as myself. 19 inch frame comes with heavy spring load rating and bomber forks. Nice components. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes disc pads scrape while riding, but they work great! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V 700sx, Lefty | | Bike Setup: | Mallet pedals with Specialized carbon mtb shoes work great together. Gebali chain-away. Bar ends a must for climbing. | | Bottom Line: | This is the HD bike I needed to own years ago. My old XC cannondale is much lighter, but when I get into light weight bikes I start breaking things. The Coiler Dee-Lux is tough to manuever when around those technical areas, but well worth the effort when you consider the rewards of not being stranded and the awesome ride. IMHO If you're a clydesdale, this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Beau
a Downhiller
from Park City, UT
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Fireswamp | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Den | | Strengths: | Great Freeride/light downhill ride. Can handle drops up to about 15 feet. | | Weaknesses: | Kona makes really bad grips, but other than that it is solid. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stab, Rocky Mountain RMX R3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a lizard skin chainstay protector, oury lock-on grips,ODI thug plugs, and Maxxis tires. | | Bottom Line: | Really good solid freeride bike. I have ridden it for about a year, and never had a big problem with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gaz
a Weekend Warrior
from england
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | dh course cannock | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | rutland | | Strengths: | The frame and ride. It makes you do try stuff you wouldn't normally do. It takes a lot of bangs too. | | Weaknesses: | wheels could be better but i ride hard so thats my fault. The seat is not comfy. The brakes lever adjust moves too | | Similar Products Used: | Other full sus and hard tails. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is quality! we always want to change this and that but thats bikes! You will be pleased with it for jumps, rides out and point it down hill it cools. Even overtake the lycra wearers on hills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Altoona, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Deeks | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Everything | | Similar Products Used: | Duche | | Bike Setup: | Idiot Proof | | Bottom Line: | Sucks | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adey Bennett
a Downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Nantmawr | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclery, Saddleworth | | Strengths: | Masses of travel, acceleration, steering stiffness - awesome at getting out of ruts. Downhill ability is superb. Brakes are great with no fade. 4-bar link rear end is just the business. AND it can be pedalled uphill (if needed!) - It doesn't weigh a ton either. | | Weaknesses: | Bike causes loss of social life and people stare at it and dribble. | | Similar Products Used: | GT-STS:DH, Specialized Enduro, LTS:DH, Kona Stinky Primo, Specialized FSR, STS-1000 | | Bike Setup: | Standard 2005 Dee-Lux (Marzocchi 66vf, Hayes, Raceface, XT/LX, Sun rims etc etc) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It does the lot and goes downhill like a rocket. It's totally stiff and feels bomb proof. Fantastic.
And I got 400 quid off it too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIck
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Sturdy, stiff, great ride, 2004 sexy matt black
pound for poung this is a great value big grin package | | Weaknesses: | factory wheels easilly bent, paint work very soft | | Similar Products Used: | first Kona, this is for a 2004 coiler deeluxe, owned now for about 14 months | | Bike Setup: | 20mm bolt through front, aireal hubs, mavic rims, easton synchros stem/bar, Conti Diesels, Mallets etc | | Bottom Line: | has been a great bike so far, a bit heavy for the uphill slogs but not unmanageable.
more than compensated for on the downhill, really sweet ride.
No major problems withthe bike, you eed to make suret hat the right spring weight is used to get the best out of the suspension and avoid damage (i sheared a shock mounting bolt using too soft a spring)
The matt black Paint work looks really cool but does scratch very easilly, I dont know if this is a common Kona problem
Finished in black throughout except the fork knobs, fitted 2.5 diesels to complete the stealth look | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Ceron
a Weekend Warrior
from Syosset, New York
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Junkie | | Strengths: | Her suspension is sweet, sucking up the rough stuff and covering mistakes. With sleek handling, she's a great downhiller, and, despite the weight, a reasonable climber. I don't free-style. I got this bike based on brand name, looks and black diamond capability. I do mostly XC black diamond, both short and epic, and she does the job. | | Weaknesses: | Athough she's a resonable climber, her weight will work you on long climbs (granny up). You'll get a workout and it'll take some time to get used to it, but once you hit the flats or a downhill, you're in heaven. The stock pedals are meant to be upgraded, and the paint job is fragile. | | Similar Products Used: | Dakar | | Bike Setup: | out of the box except to switch 6 inch rear rotor for 8 inch. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. Overkill of LI, but a hell of a lot of fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Rosenbaum
a Downhiller
from Rutland
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | trail 7 at killington | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop up here | | Strengths: | Ability to handle anything you can throw at it. Feels great in the air, light and nimble. climbs real well too for a bike of this type, i ride up the hill to get to goods now and can have enough juice for good donwhillin' | | Weaknesses: | Cables rub on the paint job, but who cares once you crash a few times, it looks the same anyway. watch for sticks getting in the real wheel, they mangled my rear disc. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis dakar, Cannondale Gemini | | Bike Setup: | stock except for my flat pedals | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike for the price, it can climb up to go down. If you want to ride cross country and then shredd some DH or do some stunts this is the ride you want. It just wants to roll over everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from So. Deerfield, MA USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Hawley | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2699.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle World, Greenfield MA (great shop) | | Strengths: | (2005 Coiler DeeLux) The faster you go, the smoother the ride. Plush 6" front and rear are ready to take a beating. Consistant and rugged setup make for less time tuning your bike on the trail. | | Weaknesses: | At around 39 lbs, it's not a great climber, but that's not what I bought it for. The Marzocchi Bomber 66VF may be to stiff for lighter riders (I'm 205 and it's just right.)
The brake and shift cables start to wear the paint immediatly. | | Similar Products Used: | Base model Coiler, Stinky, Stinky DeeLux | | Bike Setup: | XL (19") at about 39 lbs stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for entry level freeriding. I've had no serious problems. Don't expect to keep up with your XC buddies on the way up the mountain, but you'll be the first one down. You can nail this bike as hard as you want and it will just take it. I'm a fan of the stock pedals (Shimano PD_M520 clipless) as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Downhiller
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Port Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2450.00 | | Purchased At: | Pennys (NZ) | | Strengths: | Great FR/DH bike! Love the 66's and DHX4.0. This bike takes everything I can throw at it plus its capable of all the stuff I'm too scared of ;) The frame is strong and reasonably light, the angles are great and it heads downhill like a madman even with the SC forks! It is also able to be pedalled uphill to get to the DH track which is very important for me so that I get rid of some fat over summer! | | Weaknesses: | Nokian NBX tires that it comes with are absolute rubbish. They need to be upgraded immediately if you want to stay on the bike.
Also, it comes standard with Shimano XC style SPD pedals. I doubt that anyone keeps these - I certainly didn't.
Lastly, the rear hub lets the whole bike down. A Shimano M525 costs $20 for goodness sake! After a month it starts making grinding noises and after two months the cones start coming loose. Its a pity that it didn't have a high quality one put in there instead - I'd happily pay a bit more for that. | | Similar Products Used: | Never had a fully before! Came from a Marin Rocky Ridge '04 | | Bike Setup: | '05 Coiler Dee Lux stock, but with 2.5 ST Minions F & R, Keywin DH pedals, DMR Zipgrips, Raceface bashguard instead of 44T ring, and an old DH tube over the chainstay instead of allowing the chain to slap against the pretty chrome. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike - and I will love it more when I have my new rear wheel built up, because I flatspotted my SingleTrack on a rock. I hunted high and low for bang-for-buck in Christchurch, and the Coiler DL beat every other ride by a thousand NZ dollars at least. Everything about it is awesome when you're riding it. Buy one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Downhiller
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that goes down | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Very Strong and beefy frame set spec'd with heavy duty and quality components. Nice suspension set up, Fox Vanilla RC and Z1 FR are super smooth and rise like butter | | Weaknesses: | Not a good standover hight, very high which makes my 19" frame a litttle sketchy when in need of bailing | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for -13 bashguard with 24-26 rings, dual 8" Hayes v-cut discs. Maxxis high roller 2.5 rear and Nokian NBX 2.3 front. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rides like butter on the downhills. A bit onthe heavy side but its easy enough to pedal some xc and uphills. Fox and Marzocchi are smooth and make the bike stick to the trails. Race face crank is strong for an xc crank and shifts smoothly under pressure. With 8" discs from Hayes the bike stops on a dime. Fox Valnilla RC doesnt really bob all that much with the pro pedal unless in the softess setting, ut its nice! Ill reccomend thisbike to anyone who wants something they can ride all moutian during the week and bomb north shorre style/big hits on the weekends. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shop Owner
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashburn VA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | off limits | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | pedalshop.com | | Strengths: | Beef Cake frame...
This one is actually a Coiler Primo with the Fox 5.0.
Takes the big hits like nobodys business. | | Weaknesses: | 1. With Saint cranks and BB, the left side chain stay hits the outter BB shell (I took a file to the BB shell and filed it down just a smidge +/- 1mm deep). That's not realy a "product weakness" just a issue with the two different product.
2. Would rather have continuos cable routing for everything...
3. I don't think the main pivot bolt should have the current design. Crank side will likely strip or get bang'd up from chain slap.
| | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth, Mountain Cycle MoHo Slix, Mountain Cycle SIN | | Bike Setup: | King headset
SRAM X.0 rear D, Trigger shifters, cassette
Planet X bars
Avid Juicy 7's
Saint Cranks
Azonic Outlaw wheels
Marzocchi 2.6 tires
Marzocchi 66VF fork
Thomson stem and post
Time X pedals
IRD Teflon coated chain
WTB Dual Duty saddle
ODI Rouge Lock On Grips
| | Bottom Line: | This hucker is build at about 41lbs, 10oz (without dirt). For such a heavy bike, it still climbs like a mountain goat on bad crack (all things considered). Hucking through the big hits is a blast. The bike handles just great. Drop-offs are sick smooth thanks to that Fox rear shock. As the shop owner, I can order anything I want... I choose to ride the Kona because it's a great frame (bang for the buck is huge). This one I actually plan on keeping for a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from East Petersburg, Pa
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | french creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Green Mountain Cyclery | | Strengths: | comfortable, good geometry on the frame, suspension | | Weaknesses: | paint rubs easily chainrings are weak | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is very agile and easy to steer around obstacles. it is easy to jump. All it takes is a light tug on the bars. The suspension is really good and is a lot better then the enduro. IOt soak all the bumps but is still hard enough to drop stuff with | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Danville, Va. , United States
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Gauntlet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Just The Right Gear | | Strengths: | Beefy, solid frame construction. Flawless downhill and freeride capability. Very forgiving in the rough stuff. Awesome choice for a fork. (Marzocchi 66vf) | | Weaknesses: | Doesnt corner well in tight singletrack and is somewhat of a bad climber. But I didn't buy it for that so really there aren't any. Oh, maybe the rub on the brake cables against the frame but that is whiny whining. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz blur and heckler, and Rocky mountain Switch. | | Bike Setup: | 05 Kona Coiler dee-lux. Marzocchi 66vf fork, fox dhx4.0 shock, hayes 9 brakes, race face crankset-stem-post etc... Trashed the stock shimano pedals and immediately got some Time Zs. | | Bottom Line: | This is the perfect bike for me. I was riding the vpp technology from SC and it just didn't take the abuse I was shelving out. This bike is an incredible descender and an all around "big boy bike" It's solid construction plus the fork with the 20mm dropout make riding a whole lot more fun. So far so good... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MARK
a Weekend Warrior
from HALIFAX CANADA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | WHOPPER | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | its a secrete! | | Strengths: | Very strong frame,but light enough to pedal over anything. Well balanced,hayes brakes,seat,crank set EVERYTHING!!!
It feels as if you have owned the bike forever. | | Weaknesses: | it wasnt free..... | | Similar Products Used: | stinky,regular coiler | | Bike Setup: | stock except the pedals. (platform now) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome!! It does eveything you want it to do and asks for more.It will climb like a goat with the ETA on or off. And when the ground slopes downward it eats it up like there is no tomorrow. It freerides with confidence and feels very solid. THIS BIKE IS SO F-IN AWESOME. I LOVE IT!!BUY ONE NOW BEFORE THERE ARE NO 04'S LEFT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Gaines
a
from Lou*Evil, Kentucky
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Kanawha | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | www.cyclerscafe.com | | Strengths: | strong as hell, light enough to use it. | | Weaknesses: | Feels like I'm hate screwing the bike during climbs, but it gets the job done better than any other bike that feels as plush on the descent. | | Similar Products Used: | SC Bullit, Banshee Chaparral, Kona Scab Primo | | Bike Setup: | Z1 FR w/ 20mm, Hayes Hydro's with 8" rotors, Mavic 321 with Sun Ringle Buba hubs, Race Face North Shore cranks, Crank Brothers Mallets, and monkey lite with odi lock-ons.
Oh yea, and a cheap ass Deore deraileur. | | Bottom Line: | When you gotta get up to get down, this bike can do it.
It feels light in the air and getting over things, yet beefy enough to handle get thrown around like a dirty...
The Coiler hit the trifecta with price, strength, and weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything at Fox Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Star Cycles at Holden Hill | | Strengths: | This thing is tough. 6" travel front and rear. The fox DHX 4 and the Marzocchi vf66 work extremely well,with heaps of adjustment and the hayes brakes rock my world... | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness for me was the rims (sun single track)I bent the rear rim on the first ride but i am about 250pounds. I replaced it with a intense mag30 with triple butted spokes. I've riden it much harder and it runs as true as the day it was built. Also the hayes brakes are a bit noisy, but who realy cares when the ride is this good.. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, Santa Cruz blur and Bullit, Some of the iron horse gear. 2004 giant AC 1 | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much Stock standard except for the rim and some shimano mx30 pedals. plus i have changed the oil weight in the front shocks and a heavier spring for the back. | | Bottom Line: | To accomadate the 6" travel the geometry has changed from the 2004 model. With a head angle of 66 degrees it makes it a bit harder to climb steep stuff but everything else is fine. the propedal works a treat and can be noticed with faster speeds on hills that arn't granny gear material. Now to the fun stuff, going down hill there is nothing you can't do. All the things i use to slow down for can be taken at full speed then the coiler turns it's head and laughs in your face and says is that all you've got. Ihave waited for a full 12 months for this bike and it was better than I expected in every aspect except climbing steeps. It's so confidence inspiring that you'd better not let the girls ride it coz you need some balls to keep up with this one... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SHAWN MAEZ
a Cross Country Rider
from MISSION VIEJO, CA
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ALISO WOODS / BACKDOOR TELONICS | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | WARRANTY | | Strengths: | flat balack & decals rock. super stiff strong frame. corners outstanding. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky, turner 5 spot | | Bike Setup: | romic rear, 2004 z1 freeride qr20, crossmax xl tubeless, michelin hot s tires. avid discs, TI Levers, Xt/Xtr,thomson seat post, 34 Pounds | | Bottom Line: | I use this bike for both cross country and freeride. set up at 34 pounds it climbs with the fire roadies. yet, i smoke them on the way down. this bike is the perfect cross country freeride hybrid. the romic is a must and the crossmax really helped with the weight and comfort. with this setup, you will not be disappointed. this frame was sent to me from KONA which warrantied my 2000 stinky. KONA rocks with customer service.
There are only two kinds of riders. those who ride a KONA and those who someday will. ;-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Quebec Canada
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Rougemont | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Bob's Portsmouth, NH | | Strengths: | the frame is burly strong and can be built light and nimble | | Weaknesses: | frame came with bent hanger. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis XLT 2.0, Haro Werx | | Bike Setup: | The Dee Lux is sporting a Truvativ Bar and stem, Lock on grips, XT shifters and Der's, Juicy 7's, CrossmaxXL's, Manitou Minute 2:00 130mm, 4-Way Swinger Air, Salsa QR, Thomson stem + post, Fizik Plateau saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I have a review on the Jamis XLT 2.0 from this year also. I broke it after only two months on it. When I returned it to the shop for warranty there were three other XLT swingarms in the metal trash out back. The bottom line on that is that the dude in charge of that weld at the factory needs to be let go. Otherwise the bike was excellent. I however, decided to go back to a company i had already had excellent service with in the past (NEVER HAVING TO USE IT)
This is my dream bike and it rides like it. Climbs, descends, is nimble, fast, solid, stable, both awe and confidence inspiring, I'm wishing I'd gone this route in the first place...but then I wouldn't have the parts.
My riding buddy has a coiler also. cept his is built burly, and something like 40lbs. It works either way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Depends on the mood | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Shoreline Bicycles | | Strengths: | I was immediately comfortable on this bike. It is very stable at speed both on the ground and in the air and for a 5" travel 30+ pound rig it climbs very well. I don't really care how long it takes me to get up the trail and any weight penalty is instantly forgot as soon as you hit the flats and the downhill. This bike is perfect for the weekend warrior mixed use rider. The color combo is very cool and the bike is ready to roll off the floor. | | Weaknesses: | The weight I guess, however It also lends to the stability I think. I have experienced some flats and I heard the factory rubber had that problem, however they occurred over some pretty rocky/sharp areas at a pretty good clip. Time will tell. | | Similar Products Used: | None really. An older GT and Pro-Flex full suspension and Specialized hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock with the exception of carbon bars, some XTR, pedals more geared towards free-riding, a seat and grips. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been the perfect match for me. When I decided to drop some money on a good bike, I originally thought it would be cross country all the way. Brian at Shoreline brought up a Santa Cruz Blur along with the Kona (he must have known..) and I am glad he did. I rode motorcross motorcycles for years and always set my pedal bikes up with more of an upright posture. Two different bikes I know, but it was an interesting comparison. The Blur climbed like a champ and was much easier going up hill than the Kona. I started back down on the Blur then half way down got on the Coiler. Thats what did it. On the flats and the rough stuff the Coiler was unreal. It felt stable as a rock, flew over 6-7 foot sections and soaked up the rough stuff even when I took the worst possible lines. I came to realise that I will wreck myself on this bike if I'm not careful because it just begs to push your limits. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Ziemnicki
a
from Granby, CT USA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Flight Simulator - Nepaug | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Gravity Warehouse Bike and Board | | Strengths: | Strength, Flat Black color (Dee-Lux) frame, Pro-Pedal FOX shock is awesome to climb with. You can run a dual crown DH fork without voiding the warranty and you can still pedal this bike up hill. | | Weaknesses: | Weight, still not bad for a freeride bike, but is a bit on the heavy side for epic XC rides. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Kona Bear, 1998 K2 Proflex 5000 | | Bike Setup: | This was a replacement upgrade frame from KONA for my 2002 Kona Bear which I broke the top tube on. Thanks KONA! Nothing is stock except for the frame. I have a Z-1 Freeride fork (20 mm thru axle), 8 inch Gothic rotors with Hayes Mags, 2.5 Nokian DH tires, Easton DH stem, Easton EA 70 handle bars, Easton Carbon seat post, XTR drivetrain, RaceFace Northshore Cranks, Ringgod Bashring, Chris King Disc hubs, Mavic 317 rims, Chris King headset, Goodridge stainless steal Brake lines, Shimano 646 pedals. Weight is 35 pounds with the DH tires on, 32 pounds with 2.4 WTB MutanoRaptor races on it. | | Bottom Line: | In 2002 if this frame/bike was available I would have bought this instead of the Bear. The Coiler can take the abuse of a true freeride rig but you can still manage to pedal it around anywhere. I am a big rider at 220 pounds and I drop with this bike 7 foot drops all the time. The Bear did not hold up to this abuse but the Coiler will. The fact that Kona honors their frame warranty is also a plus when buying a new bike. I have ridden many bikes and frames and I would stick with Kona. They have been the leaders in the freeride movement since inception and they really know how to build a bike.
So If you ride any trails at all going to your favorite stunt then by a Coiler. If you just do gravity riding and 7 foot drops is just warm up for you them look at the Stinky or Stab! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Mill Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Northstar (Tahoe) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Caesar's Cyclery | | Strengths: | Strength, Handling, EVERYTHING! Good stock parts. | | Weaknesses: | My fork came way too plush for anything. Easilly bottomed off of curbs and I barely way 100 lbs. But I had that fixed, and now it's awsome. The hubs have come loose a few times already. 600 lbs shock seems a little much for a trail bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky, not much else, this bike is unique. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for 345 lbs. shock (vs. stock 600), wtb laser v seat, and wtb weirwolf 2.5 tires (front), so far that's it. Everything else is great. | | Bottom Line: | This is my 1st full suspension bike and it has been worth every penny. It is awsome on every type of downhill from tight technical single tracks, to steep fast bumpy fire roads. It goes wherever you point it with ease. I found the seat a little harsh for longer rides so i switched it out for the Laser V. Swapped the front tire out for a thicker wtb weirwolf which improved the ride (up and down) to no end. The thicker tire was surprisingly lighter than the skock 2.3's. Overall this bike is awsome. Wouldn't suggest it for long uphill xc rides, but i use it for that anyways... and it works just fine. Once you gain some momentum you don't feel the weight at all. Handles gread on the trail and in the air. Couldn't ask for a better allround bike. I give it the full chillis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Pro-Form Deal | | Strengths: | As a freerider, this bike is pretty well setup to tackle anything. The frame is more than adequate as it should be because it is the most important part on a mountain bike. The Z1 front fork and Vanilla RC rear are a perfect match. For the value the LX/XT setup works well. Once the suspension is setup properly, there is nothing that will stop this bike. The hayes mag work great after they are setup and if they are cleaned (but that can be said for any DB) | | Weaknesses: | The bikes weight should be imporved on but remember the frame is very stout. If you plan on climbing fire roads all day then the coiler is going to work you over. This is a Freeride bike that can handle mild XC and downhill. If your hard on bikes like I am then you'll want to swap out the LX gear for XT or XTR when or if they fail. I have been told that the large manufacturers will be coming out with 6" freeride bikes for 2005 so it might be worth it to wait around. Oh and the stock headset is horrible. | | Similar Products Used: | SC Heckler, Ellsworth Joker | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Chris King headset, Crane Creek Crono wheelsets, Race Face seatpost and WTB Saddle, XT FD. | | Bottom Line: | This freeride bike is fantastic for the money. Great front fork and rear shock. The component group is great for the money. Replace the wheelsets, seat and seatpost to lighten it up and this bike might make you a better rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T Sullivan
a
from Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | The Coiler Dee-Lux is ready to rally, right off of the shop floor. The Marzocchi Z1 freeride and Fox vanilla RC w/propedal are ready for big drops or long XC rides. the hayes hydrolic disc and race face gear only improve the package. and the frame is bombproof | | Weaknesses: | none to speak of, do want to swap out the Shimano LX FD and shifters for XT gear, also need a race face seat post to make it all match | | Bike Setup: | stock setup and it rips | | Bottom Line: | this is my first full suspension bike, I was worried about the added weight and climbing ability but neither is a problem. you really get what you pay for if your thinking about the base Coiler STOP spend the extra money for the Dee-Lux, I did and its worth it.
this is a great trailbike it can do it all. I ride mostly XC but am always trying to push the limits. the coiler dee lux recently schooled an 8ft drop. the bike has inspired more confidence in my riding. Kona has put together a great product for anyone looking to take their riding to the next level. if you like to mix downhill, freeride, and XC. the Coiler Dee Lux may be your bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Bourgeois
a Downhiller
from Mass
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Watatik | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Everything. I love the Fox and MArzocchi set up. The Race Face and Shimano products make this bike come alive on the trails. | | Weaknesses: | Havent found any yet! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC 2 | | Bike Setup: | Basically stock except for an e-13 bashguard, Hayes 8" front rotor and I also Upped the front chairings to 24 and 36. | | Bottom Line: | I havent had this bike for very long but I knew right away that it was worth the $$$. I was worried that a coil shock would be to mushy but the Fox with ProPedal does the trick to keepthe rear end glued to the trail. It is a sweet free-rider and makes me a more confident rider. Thank You Kona!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Champaign, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Indy Park in Pekin | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Little Ade's in Pekin | | Strengths: | Solid frame with great geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing worth mentioning. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned an '01 Stinky Five and demoed just about everything else comparable. | | Bike Setup: | 19"frame,Romic,'03 Z1FR, XT Disc/Singletracks, Tioga 2.3's, Thompson stem and post, Ringleaders, Diabolus Cranks, Avids. | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this frame as a crash replacement for my Stinky Five and couldn't be happier. I rode another Coiler that had the Fox Pro Pedal and the ride was similar to mine with the Romic; the Romic feeling a bit more controlled. I use this bike for just about everything from a couple of XC races a season to drops and DH races in WI and MI. It might be a little heavy for some folks, but it's built to take a good deal of abuse, especially for a 5" bike. The handling is the strongest selling point for the bike. The Coiler is one of the most stable bikes I have ever ridden. It does everything really well. If you are looking for a super durable, mid travel bike, take one for a ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
graeme
a Weekend Warrior
from australia
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | coopers | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | lygon cycles | | Strengths: | the whole bike.suspension is great.looks wizard.inspires you with confidence.goes where you point it under pressure.its very fast.nokian tyres are fantastic..hook up really well | | Weaknesses: | mmm....maybe the flat black paint,it scratches easy.the headset comes loose,ive already replaced the bottom bracket.thats about it | | Similar Products Used: | GT L.T.S,norco vps 2 | | Bike Setup: | as it came out of the box | | Bottom Line: | the coiler is fantastic,it handles like a dream,fills you full of confidence.the suspension soaks up all the bumps and when pointed downhill it goes exactly where you point it.weights not an issue...it pedals uphill like you would not believe...must be the pro pedal shock on the back.front fork works great except i keep leaving the lockout on after climbs....i dont use it anymore.all in all you couldnt buy a beter bike for the price...im currently sleeping with it!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Art Cerimele
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, Ohio
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | White Rim in Canyonlands | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Just North of Daytona | | Strengths: | Durability and Style | | Weaknesses: | If I were to really get picky I could say the weight | | Similar Products Used: | GT-idrive carbon fiber | | Bike Setup: | Factory | | Bottom Line: | The bike is such a stylish ride dressed Black on Black. The suspension is very plush and will add to your confidence level. You feel like you are on something of substance. It takes the downhills like a little freight train holding a steady line. When you drop in it lands evenly. Climbing switchbacks are a breeze, especially when it corners with such a tight steering radius. The bike holds its grip nicely while climbing. When I purchased the bike we were knee deep in snow. I did ride in 6 inches of snow and it was a scream. I also rode in a few man made knarly places in Southeast Florida. Early January I took the Coiler to the Olympic trail in Atlanta, Georgia where I could finally bond with a little terrain. I look forward to hammering this rig throughout the Northeast this summer and off to Moab and Fruita in the fall of 2004. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric evans
a Weekend Warrior
from ypsi. Mi
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | hillbilly trail (ypsi) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | rollmodels | | Strengths: | strong , great do it all bike..... butter smooth . this bike will change your style,you just feel like, bring it on. | | Weaknesses: | sshhhhhweeeew ...empty space... more wind noise.. ssshhweeeew. nothin... | | Similar Products Used: | i have rode many, none like the stinky | | Bike Setup: | crossmax xl disks,thompson, talas, you get the picture, sick. | | Bottom Line: | If you can, get one. You can bild it up to be a kinda lite trail slaying,dirt surfin, 40 mile ride single track super mama. this bike is the cutting edge of the sport. "spred the groove". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sosogo
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | urban | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | It's strength is it's strength. Feels so solid that it inspires confidence. Very high spec level | | Weaknesses: | Headset works loose after a day of hucking - I plan to change it to something stronger. The stock pedals on NZ bikes(Shimano 515) seem a funny spec choice for this type of bike. I would have expected either platforms of clipless platforms (like Shimano M646) | | Similar Products Used: | test rode Specialised Enduro and other Kona freeride/downhill bikes (stinky, stinky primo etc) | | Bike Setup: | stock plus Maxxis High Roller Semi Slick tyres for urban use, 8' rotor on front | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking at the straight Coiler or any other freeride/trail bike with 5' of travel then STOP! Go directly to your local Kona dealer, hand over the cash for the Coiler Dee-Lux and never look back.
For it's intended purpose (heavy duty trail bike / urban freerider) you can not - at any cost - beat this bike. The fact that it is so affordable for the spec level and build quality makes me wonder why there aren't more of these around.
On my first night out with the coiler I hucked off a 4 foot drop (something I had never done before). It seemed so easy I wondered what the fuss was about. I have been working my way up over the last 3 months and now regularly do 6 foot flat-to-flat hucks - no drama, just sore joints (me not the bike).
When you pick the bike up it feels heavy but when you ride it seems to shed it's weight and feels much more nimble than it should.
I'm 6'1' and chose the 18' frame. With the seat up I can use it as a trail bike. With the seat down it becomes my urban weapon.
Oh yeah - and the matt black paint job just adds to that stealth / skunkworks image.
Buy it!
P.S. the rumour I have heard through my LBS is that the 2005 year Coiler will be 6' front and rear....
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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