Strengths: basically everything. I love how this bike has a single crown and only 5in in front and back because then it has enouh travel to bomb and do jumps and trails, but it has short enough travel so that you can do some XC. I also have a 500lb shock for more stiffness
Weaknesses: stock tires
Bottom Line:
this bike basically perfect stock, and i just got mine used, fully stock except for tires, and I love it. Even after like 5 years of the stock parts being used they are still good, but i know that soon, I will probably need to make a few upgrades such as the fork, maybe brakes (since they are mech.) overall, a great bike even when stock
Also, if you got this bike used but in good condition, it is a great buy, i think, because it is inexpensive now that it is 5 years old, so you can have loney left over to make any upgrades you want
Weaknesses: Fork, Brakes, they get the job done, but after doing a couple rough downhill runs you get hand cramps like a mother.
Bottom Line:
Killer frame, even for limited amounts of travel. I can keep up with all my friends on the downhills and they ride full blown downhill rigs. Stock forks suck, can't adjust them except by adjusting the oil viscosity and height. I have heard of people that broke the forks completely in a half. Brakes suck, I actually have a hard time skidding. I hear people say there fine if you know how to adjust them, either they have never ridden good brakes or they know some crazy trick, cause I have tried everything. Honestly, though killer fun bike to ride. Handles anything with out some much as a whimper. The frame has potential to be built up as a GREAT freeride bike.
Similar Products Used: 2003 stinkys, KHS DH-50, 01 Iron Horse SGS DH.
Bike Setup: Stock except I upgraded the fork to a 03 marzocchi DJ 3.
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Submitted by
eddie
a Downhiller
from Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004
Strengths: frame, most components, geometry.
Weaknesses: forks, wheels, brakes, tyres.
Bottom Line:
The frame is awesome on this bike, and the geometry is such that it rides beautifully on trails but also performs when dirt jumping. With a few upgrades, this bike has unlimited potential. This bike is perfect for the trail rider and non-racing downhill rider, but if you want to start dropping it you will find the forks and wheels wont last. This is easily fixed. You either sell forks and wheels before they get trashed, or just ride them to the end as I did. Brakes will need to be upgraded if you ride steep downhill trails or long descents, but the brakes are fine for XC. As I said before, keep using them until you destroy them. Simply put, buy this bike and mould the components to accomodate for your riding style. Also, don't replace anything at time of purchas (Components have a different feel, depending on what frame they're bolted onto)-ride them and see how they feel, you may be surprised.
Similar Products Used: kona scab, craftworks frm125+alot of crap, cheap hardtails
Bike Setup: stock except: super T pro, 321 wheelset, HFX mag hd hydros+various other components replaced when broken (derailleurs, etc.)
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Submitted by
David .
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004
Strengths: Frame is tough, will stand the test of time and abuse.
Weaknesses: Shock needs upgrading, go 5th Element. Brakes need upgrading, go Shimano Deore hydrolic which do the job and are cheap as hell. Needs new front fork, go Marz. Z1 Freeride with ETA which is soooo helpfull on the climbs. The Wedge will break if you push it too hard. I've spoken with two guys who broke the Wedge. One has permanent nerve damage to his head. The money on the new fork is worth it.
Bottom Line:
Good bike that will last. With the changes I've made it's a great bike for all mountain, medium free ride use. It peddles really well with the 5th element stable platform design. It'll also make you stronger riding this bike. At first it was a tough transition from my Superlight which I still have but now I keep up with most of my riding buddies on all rides including the sick climbs. I'll catch up with, pass my fast friends on the way down and I'll be smiling way bigger. When you get on your lighter bike you'll rock. The downhills will be soooo much more fun you won't even believe it. Food for thought.... The new Coiler is basically this Stinky brought back. Buy an 02 Stinky cheap and upgrade those things I mentioned for $1000.00 and you'll come in less than the new Coiler with better parts. Go e-bay for parts and save a bundle. Doing all this will make a killer bike on the cheap that will last for ever. Oh, my Superlight which is my #1 is gathering more and more and more dust. You'll enjoy the Stinky that much! Have fun.
Bike Setup: Stock accept for, well, all the major components that I've upgraded as my riding has progressed and my demands changed. Consider going with recommendations listed above in Product Weaknesses section. Also, an important change was to put on a road rear derailer that didn't stick out so much and get caught in the rear wheel spokes and hard landings off 4-5 foot stumps. Mine got caught and ripped off last time. The local guys told me about this change and I made it. Good call. Look around, a lot of experianced free rides have made this change.
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Submitted by
Alex BBB
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield,uk
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004
Strengths: The frame is as tough as bricks,value,handeling,bomb proof,good uk downhiller for most riders.
Weaknesses: z1 wedge forks a little soft,no hydraulic disks,esily scratches.no rebound adjuster on rear shock.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a superb bike that will be sutable for all u extream riders out there .At a good price. hard to find a bike as good for the same money.You can do allsorts on this bike from downhillin to freeriding to drop offs even xc if you want.Although there are no hydraulic disks the hayes cable disks work fine when set up and bedded in.Better than most cable disks.The frame is a beast it it as tough as thay come and super stiff.The forks u mite like em but they seem a little to soft for me at 11 st.The travel gets used up to easily. But u can buy a spring kit for them.I would say if u had the money spare and you wanted a tough freeride/downhill bike go for this beast.if you can get 1.But i wouldent go out and buy it if your wanting a xc or light weight bike.
Bike was great as standard, one of those bikes that "feel right" instantly and give great confidence. I occasionally bottomed out the original forks (Z1 Wedge) if I landed a jump badly so I upgraded to the Shivers as I got a great deal on them. Also upgraded the brakes to give single finger braking and a bit more feel. Before the fork upgrade I regularly rode 20 miles rides and have done one since with the Shivers on. Stinky's are a little pricey when they first come out but if you can get a good deal on the previous model go for it..
