Strengths: Great frame, good component selection, reliable design
Weaknesses: some stainless steel cap head screws have managed to rust over the last 6 years
Bottom Line:
Wow. 6 years since I bought this bike and the thing is riding like it just left the factory. No deception here, I just want to let you know that my experience with the '02 K2 Disco Monkey has been great. To start, the frame has a comfortable riding position and pedals very efficiently given it is single pivot. Its one and only pivot axle has never been serviced and is still smooth as it was from day one. The Noleen NR2 shock that came with the bike is still in working order and has had no rebuilds to this day. The only major part that has required replacement was the Psylo XC fork. Its seals went out about 3 years in, which still amazes me.
From a performance aspect, the bike is agile and easy to maneuver. Its throwable through the corners but soaks up drops like a bigger 8 inch travel bike. Adding the fork helped performance further.
I still have the bike and plan to use it for years to come. From my own riding personality I do not have any negatives to really share with you. From an XC point of view it could be considered a bit heavy when compared to today's new XC rigs. However, freeriders that are looking for a bike that can soak up big hits but still climb and hit corners with agility will find this ride quite fitting.
Similar Products Used: demo 9, sinister, big hit, glory, fatty fat, etc
Bike Setup: stock and Marz all mountain 1 fork
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Submitted by
Nathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2005
Strengths: Affordable entry level freeride mt. bike,shimano disc brakes, able to take 2-3 foot drops and still quite light. K2 parts are easy to get via their new website.
Weaknesses: Rock Shock-Psylo fork, Noleen rear shock, Single pivot suspension system
Bottom Line:
The Disco Monkey was a little too "light-duty" for me, and I found that intermediate freeriding was just too much for this bike. The bike stood up fairly well considering, but the rear pivot needed to be replaced, the Noleen shock went out and the Psylo fork kept blowing seals. In retrospect if I knew what type of riding I was getting into I would have bought a bigger bike for freeride, or a lighter bike for X-country. Get a Disco Monkey if you’re not too serious about either type of riding, but want a general purpose Mt. Bike.
Bike Setup: 2002 Disco Monkey, 5 inch Psylo Fork, 6 inch X-Fusion rear shock, Shimano Disc Brakes, Geeax Tires
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Submitted by
Tage Rauen
a Downhiller
from Vashon, WA home of k2
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2004
Strengths: Single pivot-active and plush Light Flickable FUN!
Weaknesses: Flexy design poor pedalling dynamics Spec parts aren't so hot pivot design seems weak
Bottom Line:
I remember growing up on vashon thinking that the xc riders with Grivin forks were badasses. I also thought the disco monkey was the holy grail of bikes.
The first generation suspension design i/e/ single pivot is identical to a bumpy monkey or similiar to proflex and Sidewinder. This frame is awfully flexy, especially in larger sizes. IT is pretty light, and the suspension operates beautifully, smooth and plush, responsive.
Setup right, this bike was ready for whistler, though admittedly short travel. It is a great park-bike as it is stiff enouh to jump, but plush enough to land. I have taken this on xc rides, and it is pretty bad for that at 6" and 6". Along with a hideous pivot center which eats pedal strokes.
If you can get one of these for $500 or less, I'd say go for it. The K2 sale here is clearin' 'em out about twice a year at deadly prices, this bike will be a dinosaur soon.
Similar Products Used: RaleighM30 Proflex 3000 BMX bikes K2 sidewinder (same mainframe, diff. swingarm) K2 Bumpy Monkey Same bike DaBomb Blackore hardtail Stinky 9
Bike Setup: '02 Jr. T, Fox Vanilla RC Sun/Ringle Modo 24" wheelset, Arrow 3.0, Maxxis 2.7 Formula 4 DH brakes Raceface cranks Shimano bits Azonic pedals
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Submitted by
Graham
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004
Strengths: My first FS bike. Superb value for money (purchased 2002 model on stock clearance). Great for freeride and light downhill. Very plush ride soaks up the bumps. Handles drops and downhill technicals very well -inspires confidence and daring!
Weaknesses: A bit heavy for combined XC / freeride use. I like to ride up as well as down and bike initially weighed in at 34 - 35lb. I have since upgraded a few parts (wheelset, seat, stem, brakes (shimano brakes were ok, but I had the opportunity to upgrade as little cost), and weight is down to around 30 - 31 lb so I can now keep up with my mates up the hills, and fly past on the downhills! Psylos are a bit flexy, and could be the next upgrade.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. Single pivot suspension design may be a bit outdated, however is unbeatable on the downhills. Pivot location on the K2 frame also means that there is little or no bob when climbing in seat. With a few simple upgrades you can reduce weight to create a 30lb go anywhere freeride machine. Can't beat the value, but drops one chili on the overall rating as a few mods required to optimise performance.
Similar Products Used: Kona Caldera, Specialised Stumpjumper, K2 OzM (mates bike - carbon version of the same frame that sold me on the K2 setup)
Bike Setup: Stock setup modified with Hayes Comp disks, 7" front rotor, Mavic F519 rims, Ameoba DH stem, wtb ssk2 seat, wellgo platform spd's.
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Submitted by
Jammer
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville, NC USA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2004
Strengths: Excellent handling on rocky downhills. Shimano brakes will stop you on a dime. Solid feel. Builds confidence (although I have to admit it was adjustment at first). Have ridden it hard the first year and it has stood up well. Why on earth did K2 stop building these suckers?!
Weaknesses: Because it is a beast, will definitely give a good workout on long climbs. Having some trouble with the chain skipping in the little rear rings, even after multiple adjustments. Front DR had to be adjusted several times to get it working smoothly. Slightly unstable handling on gravel roads, but what bike handles well there?
Bottom Line:
Wow! I took a chance when I saw the closeout deal for this bike on ebay and am I glad I did. I don't think you can find a better bike for the money. Some of my buddies who ride more expensive bikes are envious of its "bad-ass" looks and "hoss" tires and rims. It always catches some stares at the trailhead and is a refreshing change from all the Treks and Specialized wheels around these parts. If it was a pound or two lighter, it would score five chilis all the way around. K2, please bring back these beasts!
Bike Setup: Stock with the exception of a Selle Italia saddle and eggbeater cleats.
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Submitted by
FATTRAX
a Weekend Warrior
from PHOENIX
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2003
Strengths: SINGLE PIVIOT SIMPLICITY.GREAT HANDLING.HYD HOSE GUIDES.THE MATT BLACK COLOR LOOKS REALLY STEALTH.
Weaknesses: DIDN'T COME WITH THE ADAPTER TO MOUNT THE REAR CALIPER,WHICH WAS $45 FROM K2.
Bottom Line:
THIS BIKE DOES EVERYTHING I ASK IT TO.5 INCHES OF TRAVEL ON BOTH ENDS MAKES YOU A MORE DARING RIDER.NOT MUCH COULD GO WRONG SUSPENSION WISE BEING ON ONE PIVIOT POINT.RIDES GREAT,WILL BE EVEN BETTER WITH THE ROMIC SHOCK.SHOULD BE PRETTY STRONG FRAME,HOLDING UP TO MY 215lbs WELL.
Similar Products Used: GT LTS-2,SPECIALIZED GROUND CONTROL.
Bike Setup: FRAME W/NR2,SOON TO BE ROMIC.'03 Z1 FR-SL FORK.XT HYD DISCS(THESE BRAKES ARE AMAZING)RACE FACE,ODI,RHYNO LITES,CHRIS KING,XT DERS.,2.25 GEAX STURDY TIRES,THESE TIRES ARE GREAT ON THE ROCKS IN ARIZONA.
Similar Products Used: none (first full susp. bike)
Bike Setup: rst dh fork, avid discs,
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Submitted by
Nick Tarr
a Racer
from St. Albans, VT, USA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2002
Strengths: One of the best values for a freeride/downhill that I could find. Some impressive components for such an inexpensive rig.
Weaknesses: Nothing I would call a weakness....
Bottom Line:
The day I purchased this bike, I brought it home to ride it, and within 2 hours, the rear freehub quit, so I brought i back to the dealer. When the freehub had quit, it bent the cassette, stretched the chain, and misaligned the rear derailleur. So, to my surprise, when I picked up the bike it had an XT freehub body, an XT rear derailleur, and XT cassette (with the aluminum carrier, sweet!) and a Sram PC-89 chain. Very pleased with the bike shops service. Other than that, I have been taking drops that are consistently over 5 feet, and have not had any trouble. Great bike for a former XC racer like myself, who wanted to get into freeriding. I have found the geometry to be a little upright for downhilling, maybe a longer travel fork or some taller bars would set me back a little more. For the money, you cant beat the specs. Hydro discs, Race Face cranks, Psylo XC fork.. great for budget freeriders who want a bike that wont get laughed at, for not alot of money.
Bike Setup: Stock except for a few parts that were defective from the factory, Race Face Bashguard, Nokian Gazzaloddi Tubes, ODI Lock-On grips
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Submitted by
miguel rubio
a Downhiller
from hawthone
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2002
Strengths: The frame is well build for hard rideing. you get almost 5 inches of plush travel. 8foot drops are babystuff for the disco monkey
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
For the dollar you cant find a better bike out there. it is so versitile.great looking, and i ride this bike more than my Foes fly. you cant go wrong.its a bang for the buck's $.
Bike Setup: dirtjumpers2 5'inches,azonic neck ,bars.rynolite xl.maxxis 2.5 F n R raceface cranks,gremica disk.8'rotors.
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Submitted by
Dan Bink
a Downhiller
from Saratoga, NY USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002
Strengths: Very strong frame, good rear suspension dampening, easy to bring the front end up.
Weaknesses: Max rear wheel width of only 2.5, finish not very durable.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, I'm a heavy rider 180+, but this bike takes all the abuse I've subjected it to so far. Handles well on steep descents, pedals reasonably well has a nice neutral feel most riders will be able to adapt to very easily.
Weaknesses: headtube doesn't hold up larger forks well *Stratos S8, Monster T etc.)
Bottom Line:
this is my roommates bike for the price it is a great bike, BUT if you ride HARD it's gonna break frankly, Rear swingarm bent sideways off a 4 or 5 foot stairdrop *bike is 1 yr old*, which wasn't to bad warranty covered it but took 4 weeks. 2 Weeks ago the Headtube got a crack half way down it =/. This bike is a good ride but i wouldn't put the heavier forks on the front end as the frame will not handle it. If you do bribe a welder to put a couple support beams in it for you. my roommate had his headtube crack welded up and braces put into the headtube to strengthen it. Hopefully holds up now. Buy this bike if your not planning 8+ footers steadily, if you do plan on 8+ footers spend the extra money now and get a beefier bike.
Strengths: it for the most part doesnt have any give when just riding, but when droping, jumping, ect... its great. its a great bike for light downhill and freeride. over all itss a great bike!!!
Weaknesses: the way the frame's set up its not easy to manual. 2.3 is all you can fit in the back.
Bottom Line:
ideal buyer; you want to start downhilling or freeriding and you dont care about tire size. dont buy it if; you are a big tire wanting, wanting more that 8in of rear travel, or a pro downhill freerider, if there is such a thing. the low doun; its a great all arownd bike for dounhill and freeride. over all it is a great bike!!!
Strengths: quick turning, great on drops and great suspention.
Weaknesses: when I was bolting in the disc mounting the bolt broke in the frame and had to be drilled out, but dose affect the ride so who gives.
Bottom Line:
kick ass frame for the money just the other day a lunch a 7 ft to a flat landing and just started to feel it but i'am only 14 and weight 120 so ya kown , but great ride great for free riding so what are u waiting for getit and go huck your self!
