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Submitted by
Fuzzy dud dude
a Downhiller
from danville CA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | devils elbow to prospectors gap | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | the 7 inches of travel is godly. Before buying this bike I had been using hardtails but when I got this bike my skill went up a lot. Beleive me you will be doing way crazier stuff with this bike than you ever have before. | | Weaknesses: | kind of heavy (over 40 lbs) but compared to a new giant glory its actually very light. Also the vanilla rc doesnt feel very plush but maybe thats just due to the fact that it is 6 years old. Im planning on buying a dhx 5.0 or marzocchi roco tst coil | | Similar Products Used: | 05 Kona coiler | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for downhill or free riding. Ive taken it to northstar and It got me through just about anything. whether it be jumps drops or technical rock gardens this bike will push through it. The bike is geared pretty low, which is good for climbing, the weight on the other hand makes climbs difficult. You WILL have to swallow your pride and walk up some hills but its all worth it coming down. But really, how many hills are you actually gunna go up? If your buying this bike chances are you can get a ride to the top | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marrick
a Downhiller
from newcastle, england
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | hollywell dene | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | forks
absorbs every bump
very hard to fall off
amazing ride
perfect downhill bike
most of the bike! | | Weaknesses: | travel plates cracked
bottom bracked snapped
bearings in front wheel went
bearings in peddles disintegrated
heavy
| | Similar Products Used: | bighit
kona stuff
gt chucker
iron horse aniki | | Bike Setup: | halo sas rims
boxxer forks
fox vannila shock
2004 frame
hope m4 front brake
dmr v8 peddles
emro chain guide | | Bottom Line: | this is an amazing bike, can handle allmost anything you throw at it. if you are a downhill rider and enjoy big jumps, this is the bike for you!, but it isnt ideal for uphills. if you take care of the bike, it will take care of you:) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
william
a
from oregon city
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | s | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Downhiller
from st.cath ontario canada
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | highway | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | liberty bikes | | Strengths: | strong frame unbreakable | | Weaknesses: | top shock bolts bend to easy | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great u can ride it up hills u can race w/ it and freeride the frame can take big hits but not the swing arms and the shock bolts ive crack a pair of swing arms hucking a 20 footer and the shocks have to be changed frequently u hav to carry some around on u so u can change them as they start to bend nut everything else is great on this bike one of the best freeride bikes i hav owned | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cam
a
from hamilton, massachusetts
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | lynn woods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | bay road bikes | | Strengths: | strong, light, and is holding up very well | | Weaknesses: | springs in fork are too soft (im 5foot6, 130 pounds)
tires wear very fast but grip anything
| | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz bullit
mountain cycle shockwave 9.5 | | Bike Setup: | jr-t
irc kujo tires | | Bottom Line: | buy this bike if your into the freeriding with the occasional downhill race. if all you do is shred downhill or do 20foot+ drops, buy a stab | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham,WA,United States
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | clownshoes | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Jacks | | Strengths: | bombproof frame, great looks, good components, great price, what else can i say excep for good job on this one kona. | | Weaknesses: | seat tube pivot points creak everytime they get dry but its a simply fix. | | Similar Products Used: | banshee scream,stinky, stinky-primo, stab, stab primo, stinky nine....u get the point. | | Bike Setup: | stock 2003 stinky dee-lux | | Bottom Line: | this is a great freeride/downhill bike, it tears up rock gardens, handles 30+ foot drops like a simole 3ft loading dock. in my opinion every freerider should have one of these kona stinkys in there garage. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter F.
a Downhiller
from Pelham Mass, United States
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Life Support | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | EXTREMELY strong frame | | Weaknesses: | Warranty is only 1 year | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 stinky primo | | Bike Setup: | stock exept for some new Shimano Saint components | | Bottom Line: | I use this bike on 8-17 ft. drops. Ive even dropped 10 feet to flat, and it was fine. as for Johns Remkis' 4-6 ft. drops, he must have loose linkage bolts, as this bike takes those drops like they are just curbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all the North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike shop | | Strengths: | Frame, all of the components except.... | | Weaknesses: | chain stay hits front derailer (swap it, get a guide), pedals (blew in 1 month), grips, saddle, rockers hit the qr seat clamp on sm & med frames | | Similar Products Used: | '01 Stinky Dee-lux w/ '02 Super T | | Bike Setup: | XL frame (19"), Mar 888r, XT short cage, SST saddle, NS-1 chain guide, ODI lock-ons, Mich. comp 24 r. tire | | Bottom Line: | Off the rack this is a great bike: with the 8" fork and a few personal preferences this bike is amazing. It replaces my old 5"rear travel Stinky and is completely different. Actually pedals BETTER. This is NOT a "freeride" bike. The bike is a little slack for climbing and on the flats but point it down and it flies. My riding has gone to a whole new level; the 888 has pulled me through stuff I thought I could never get through. The tires really surprised me; they roll well and offer gobs of grip in the wet & dry. 5 chilis for my setup - 4 for the stock bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PETE
a
from LA, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | WHEEL WORLD | | Strengths: | THE WHOLE BIKE! I know its only 1 month but I owned a Bear Dee-Lux for 2 yrs and it never failed or gave me a hard time once. So i'm expecting the same here. Kona is a kick ass bike co. I recomend them highly, they got their $hit together! Yeah some parts aren't the best but last long enough to pay for themselves. Doesn't everybody mention price, Yeah the price point is great. | | Weaknesses: | none so far.. I will be checking in down the road with more rides. | | Similar Products Used: | demo-ed other bit hitters but nothing long term. | | Bike Setup: | stock - will be adding chain guide and larger 2nd ring | | Bottom Line: | IT WILL MAKE YOU FASTER.. no kidding! BUTTER-CADILLIC RIDE handles like a dream. Point and Shoot, it will go and not hesitate. I got a trail full of 2 an 3 foot drops with great rythm sections along with tight switch-back it feels like I'm riding down a bike path. jagged rocks, rutted trail and big roots no problem the bike eats them for breakfast, did a couple 4 ft drops and it didn't flinch or act up. can't wait to find some bigger stuff and crazier lines. also great for urban riding big stair jumps and such. yeah uphill fire roads are no fun but do-able, climbs techincal stuff way better than expected and better then most of my older bikes. with the heavy front end it doesn't lift in climbs at all. wheelies easily with a simple tug and doesn't feel unbalanced. Great rake on the forks not too little not too much to add flex. A little heavy for long epic trial rides but don't mind and prefer to ride this beast over other bikes. I am 6' and 210 lbs. Yes I will push the beast uphill and don't mind the xc rider's laughs because I know that I will be at the bottom of the ride waiting for at least 10 minutes for their soar slow arses! hey, get a full set of pads you will need them with this bike because you will start doing stuff crazier then you are use too. I can't wait to get to the bigger drops and gaps. There is a reason why hardtails are going away, and more and more bike makers are using free ride / downhill set ups on new epic ride rigs. If your not racing xc and serious about supension Kona has got one of the best bikes in every catagory of ride styles. My next bike will be another Kona and I am not planning on getting a bike until this one is worn out and I really don't see that happening very soon if ever. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Hall
a Weekend Warrior
from Rocklin, CA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Northstar & Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World | | Strengths: | Overall setup. This bike is dialed in from the start, just fine tune personal preferences. | | Weaknesses: | None, it is De-Lux. | | Similar Products Used: | I tried a few other bikes, but this one was just right the moment I rode it. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Love seat, heavy springs in JrT and just upgraded to King headset and Super T cartridge. Gazza Jr 2.6s | | Bottom Line: | This bike is "Da Bomb" or should I say Bomb Proof. The Ideal go anywhere and have fun bike! Who cares if you have to push anyhow? It's not about going uphill that matters. It can climb up hills, but it's gravity that makes this bike put a grin on your face!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james howard
a Cross Country Rider
from northumberland, uk
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Innerleithen/Glentress | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wades Cycles | | Strengths: | Dialled handling. Downhill ability. Strength. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. Runs through its travel too easy. Seatpost QR/cable hanger foul shock linkage. Rear hub is dire. | | Similar Products Used: | First big travel bike. | | Bike Setup: | As stock but with a Super T fork (swapped for the Junior at purchase - £1900 all in!!!) and Hope seatpost QR. Will be binning the lame rear hub soon. | | Bottom Line: | I've had the stinky a while now, so I reckon I know her pretty well. I love the chunky old girl to bits. My free riding had kinda stagnated with hardtails, so I took the suspension plunge and have just watched new lines open up. The geometry on the stinky is so good, big drops and really steep stuff are just no worries. Even on long trail rides I often pick the stinky over my hardtail - yeah she's slow going up, but heading down makes it all worth while. Just a few things though... I do fing the fox runs through its travel a bit too easy (like on 4ft drops) - I don't think its damping can cope with the high leverage ratio of the linkage - and that's on full compression damping and running hardly any sag. Neither progressive or linnear shock positiom seems to help really. And by the way, I'm not a lard arse - just 175lb. Maybe a 5th Element would help matters. On a similar subject - why did Kona put out the bkie with the seatpost QR and Cable tidy fouling the rocker arm? How lame is that? Clunk clunk every drop. I've since replaced the QR with a Hope one (turned to the front of the tube, with the lever vertical) and junked the cable collar. Do the same, 'cos one of the beauties of the bike is being able to actually pedal the thing, then drop the sadle when you get to the gnarly stuff, so fitting a allen key seat collar would be a mistake.
The bottom line? Well, I can climb technical trails better than my hartail (but fireroads are a drag), drops are well balanced (but the shock bottoms too easy) and technical descents (and I do mean technical)are just made too easy. The main problem is you start doing some pretty dangerous stuff with this little puppy... buy one if you do big stuff but need to pedal there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tank | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Star Cycles | | Strengths: | Frame, Overall component spec | | Weaknesses: | Rear hub, top shock bolt | | Similar Products Used: | Lots | | Bike Setup: | Standard except, V12 pedals, Maxxis Minion tyres, Chain Device | | Bottom Line: | Used and abused 2-3 times a week all year and she is still going strong. Cassette body died but it is a cheap hub anyway. Kona isn't the only company to use this cheap ass hub on their bikes. Lots off mates who have blown identical hubs up. I have bent the top shock bolt a couple of times but I have cased stuff pretty bad and it's probably the cheapest part on the bike. I added a chain device with a 32 tooth ring and it is much better. Might change it for a 38 when it wears out. The bike still feels very well balanced and doesn't have that "been thrashed" feeling even though it's been ridden hard all year. I've done 20 foot gaps on it and it doesn't flinch. Bottom line, a very happy Kona customer. They ain't cheap but I haven't had to replace anything except a 20 dollar cassette body all year and compared to the competition they ain't that expensive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mad Max siebert
a Downhiller
from Missoula, Montana , USA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | skid navy skid | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Works | | Strengths: | Every thing. this bike is just like the sherman tank. Takes landings like curbs soaks up everything you throw at | | Weaknesses: | back shock is a little stiff, but i have a pretty stiff spring so basically nothing. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky, stinky primo, bullet, switch so on. | | Bike Setup: | Stock iv got the 2004 stinky im getting a super T up front and some arrow 3.0 tires eventually | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the Sh*t, Soaks up the landings feels like butter on the trail, yet stiff enough to handle tight rythm sections. So far iv been extreamly happy with this bike. If hit alot of drops on the stinky deelux cased a 9 footer but the bike just soaked it up.
Bottom line get the money and by the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ICEMAN
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sydney | | Bottom Line: | This is my third review....and will count as my 1yr update, overall the bike has been great and is great value but the following has been the problems that i have encountered with the bike: The cranks arnt really up to the big hit stuff, i have stripped the thread on one side at the pedal mount, and yes i do make sure they are tight, the bike shop fixed it on warrenty but this is a warning to make sure the pedals are tight and you will have to helicoil when they strip or buy some cromo cranks, note that the primo has cromo cranks which leads me to think the factory knows, next the RC shock came out of adjustment, the blue knob wouldnt wind back in and the bike shop had to send the shock away and it came back ok..but wasnt really the same. I think here be careful of adjusting the knobs right out as there might be a weakness in them. Apart from those two problems the bike is a monster....i love going on some small XC rides and doing some drops and having fun, as the XC boys stand on the pegs and watch me go past them at a million miles an hour over the rough stuff....oh my other bike is a blur which is a great bike as well. These two bikes are all i need in life :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kc Swan
a Downhiller
from g-bury, Ct, USA
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | bolton notch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock n' Road Cycles | | Strengths: | just about everything taht counts, frame is burly and indestructable, crank, components gigantic handelbar, everything, this bike takes 12 ftrs with EASE | | Weaknesses: | just about nothing, i swapped out the lame kona seat for my love seat, i snapped the front D521 on like a 14 ft endo to a rock, but tahts only my fault for suckin, lame tire clearance in jr t, weight i guess but is made up for in durability | | Similar Products Used: | bullit, rm9, bullet, dare, bullit, stinky nine, and some bullits | | Bike Setup: | stock with trail pimps and a love seat | | Bottom Line: | this bike KICKS A$$ espically for the value, after looking around for a good long travel freeride bike, this bike was perfect on paper, so i gave it a go, this thing is incredible, and a fraction of the other bikesa in its class, bullit-3400, rm6-2800, rm 9-3300, this thing blew everything out of the water, dont just take my advice, go get one! its the best bike you can get for the buck, incredible | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
j-bub
a Downhiller
from colorado
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | rydilin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | summit | | Strengths: | price, beefyness, components(what you need you have at the right price), basically this bike is incredible, you can even climb on it. | | Weaknesses: | weight, but it is worth it | | Similar Products Used: | Uzzi DH, RM 6, RM7, quasi-moto(dh) | | Bike Setup: | as is from shop: hayes, junior T, etc .... | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike you can buy for the money right now in its class. similar bikes might cost you up to and more than 5000. If you got the skills this bike will take you to the moon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom fahland
a Weekend Warrior
from san diego
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | world cup | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2350.00 | | Purchased At: | path | | Strengths: | rugged, smooth, good geometry, beefy, grerat performance | | Weaknesses: | heavy | | Bike Setup: | stock deelux with jr T | | Bottom Line: | for the money, bike kicks ass. even though it heavy (42 pounds with DH tires) i can still climb most stuff, just use that granny gear alot! great all around freeride bike, huck landings are smooth. i weigh 160, bike came witha 55 spring itn eh back, i am trying a 500 spring to loosen up the back alittle | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian Langlois
a Weekend Warrior
from Sherbrooke Canada
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Adrenaline( Bromont) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | velomania | | Strengths: | This is the best bike setup strait from Kona. This is a deal for aggressive rider on a budget. Work damn well on slow (east coast) technical trail or fast downhill. | | Weaknesses: | No space for more than 2.5 tire in front(nothing is perfect) | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky 5 | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept for the rock guard and a 36 tooth chainring. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best Freeride on the market. It's probably my last freeride an i'm very happy with my choice.
Feel the flow. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
max siebert
a Weekend Warrior
from missoula MT USA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | dead mans | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | didnt | | Strengths: | every thing on the B**** is stong, suspension fells like butter it soaks up everything from trails to drops. | | Weaknesses: | you cant put anything above a 2.5 on the front due to the JR T but thats not konas falt besides that i cant think of any | | Similar Products Used: | the stinky family, bulliet,switch,etc | | Bike Setup: | regular | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the SH*T i demmoed it for a few days. i hit a couple 7 or so foot drops this bike sucked it up as if i was going of a curb. its super easy to balence if you are into skinneys and north shore type of rideing. Bottom line-- if you got the money buy this bad boy.
ps.... go to konas site and check out the 2004 bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a
from everett wa, usa
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | i just typed this big nice and long review, and i went to submit it and it got erased automatically because i said bada$$. thats screwed up. im just going to get right to it. this bike is cool. i set it up with a monster t and a mrp chainguide and some other high end components. | | Weaknesses: | the top shock bolt bends, the linkage bottoms on the seatpost clamp, the stock jr.t is kinda crappy. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing rides like a kona | | Bike Setup: | monster t, set up for dh | | Bottom Line: | there is no reason why you shouldnt buy this bike, its a rad bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtb
a Downhiller
from New York
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any thing going downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | You could not ask for a better bike out of the box. | | Weaknesses: | grips, rims? | | Similar Products Used: | AC1, DBR x6, RM6, Bullit, Norco team dh | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than lock-on grips
will eventually up grade to the new RC coming out next year or a 5th element. | | Bottom Line: | It is so choice. If you have the means I heighly recomend picking one up.
All bull S--- aside this bike rocks. It can do it all: urbin, freeride, a little dh and I can even hang with some of those tight short waring xc'ers.
Some of the bikes I listed above may be more expencive but if versatlity and good value are what your looking for this bike might be for you. Santa Cruz Bullit kicks a@@ to, but it comes with a price tag. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from woodside ca usa
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | stanford university | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | calabazas cyclery | | Strengths: | this bike is really beefy. can handle 10ft drops with ease. components are great. kona makes a lot of great components. this bike is great for freeriding. its very well balanced and makes balancing really easy. this bikes makes u want to go big. the jr. t is super plush. the vanilla rc is a great freeride shock. it allows for a lot of adjustments. | | Weaknesses: | the weight bothered me at first, but as i kept riding it bothered me less. i recommend getting a chainguide, because the chain slaps a lot. also the clearance in the rear wheel is too small. riding in the mud takes a little effort. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz bullit, stinky primo, big hit | | Bike Setup: | stock except for truvativ boxguide | | Bottom Line: | this bike is awesome. can do almost anything with it. its bomb proof. the shocks are great. its screams to be ridden harder and bigger. if u have the money, buy this bike and u wont be disappointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jules
a Downhiller
from san luis obispo
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tunnel...Santa barbara | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | velosport | | Strengths: | bombproof frame, good all around specs, | | Weaknesses: | cheap hubs, seat not very comfy, have to get longer pins for pedals, | | Similar Products Used: | big hit, AC1, ellsworth joker | | Bike Setup: | stock except for xt shifters, azonic love seat, azonic a frame pedal,azonic chubby riser bar and nokian gazzaloddi 2.6 front and rear..plan on getting evil drs chainguide too | | Bottom Line: | this bike is definitely well built and solid...I do everything with this bike a little xc alot of freeride and DH. this bike can do it all just a bit heavy for xc, but its not made for that. 10 ft drops to flat are no problem with this bike it just soaks up the hits like nothing. On dh courses this bike rocks, it is very stable at high speeds and b/c of weight it always stays straight when airborne. wheelset has held up longer than I thought so I am happy with that...as i said hubs are cheap so ride em until they break and then upgrade. I am a 200 lb clydesdale and this bike has withstood all the thrashing I give out...the Jr T is a bit soft just ramp up the dampening and its cool. bottam line if you can afford it go get a Stinky D you will not be dissappointed, f*%k all those bike companies with intricate rear suspensions ie vpp10, how many dh champs do you see riding them...Kona's 4 bar linkage just plain works no fuss or hassles... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Weekend Warrior
from france
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | ... well... everything is fuc%§/ng strong...! | | Weaknesses: | the global weight of the bike
hubs
grips | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz bullit, orange patriot | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is crazy. you can ride really fast. some says the fork is too soft, but I really like it because I can feel the whole 7" working while riding. the brakes are awsome. the geometry is great (you really can climb, even if it's not made for), the bike is very manoevrable, no fishtail effect, very stable at high speed... good job ! if you're looking for a good & strong bike for freeriding... don't hesitate
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Downhiller
from Davis, Ca, Us
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Boondocks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Back Country | | Strengths: | I actually have an '02 dee-lux with a "03 super T, but its pretty much the same. This bike is a lot of bike for the money. It will handle anything you throw at it. The cool thing is that its pretty light, so you can put heavier parts on it and still whip it aroud very well.
| | Weaknesses: | Are you kidding? | | Similar Products Used: | I demoed an '01 stinky | | Bike Setup: | '02 dee-lux frame, stock except for super T(and direct mount stem), love seat.
| | Bottom Line: | kona rocks!Get it if you want a super strong freerider that you can dh and race on as well. you can even take it on some trail rides if you're strong enough to pedal it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott aitken
a Weekend Warrior
from nanaimo,B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | not telling | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | bastion cycles and ski | | Strengths: | this bike is bomb proof, I have had the bike for three days now and have been tearing it up all over the place.It is great.Alot of bike for your money. And very good climbing. | | Weaknesses: | pedals crapped out today.That is all for now. | | Similar Products Used: | bullit, norco launch, RM-7, 03 stinky, Heckler 99, cannondale gemini 03,specilized big hit. | | Bike Setup: | stock, have stiffer springs on order for forks | | Bottom Line: | Your dollar to bike ratio is very good on this bad daddy,I am not a rich person so I wanted to make the right decision when I dropped the coin and I am sure I did. This bike is so smooth and responsive, as well as balanced really well. I am riding better allready and my wife has even aired it out a few times on this thing. It flies through the air so nice and straight. All I can say is get one if you can afford it, if not get a stinky(another fab.buy).The smoothness is confidence inspiring. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ice
a
from Sydney Aus
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4700.00 | | Strengths: | Frame, RC shock, JnrT, Rims,,,list goes on | | Weaknesses: | maybe a little less clealance for big tyres over 2.5. the JNR T is a bit soft for 180 lb and heavier dudes, the chain an LX Shim,,,lasted about 4 weeks,,,i have now a sram pc99 on it,,, | | Similar Products Used: | Kona hard tails and Avanti lower end stuff | | Bike Setup: | stock as,,, | | Bottom Line: | well,,,i have sumitted a review before,,,and now a follow up,,,this thign is going strong,,,doing more drops,,and the occasional jump,,some cross country, its an incredible bike to go into a bush area and do drops and jumps,,,and see how
game you are,,the bike will be still there strng and tuff while your rolling around on the ground with broken ribs,,lol,,,anyway,,its bullet proof, maybe the back hub,,wont last long,,,the first thing i did was put some good grease in it ans i hope it holds out,,, | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Evans
a Downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Local stuff | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | San Louis Obispo | | Strengths: | Excellent frame, brilliant shock on the rear. Great stem bar combination. All round strength and feel of the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Wheels are a let down in my opinion could do with some better more hardcore rims and better rear hub.
Front forks super smooth but seem to bottom out to easily, I only weigh 150 pounds or so.
Do not find the saddle that comfartable.
| | Similar Products Used: | Stinky Primo 02
Santa Cruz Bullet | | Bike Setup: | Have put a larger front chain ring, 44 race face, on as require the higher gears for UK riding. You can fit the ring without changing rear mech. Intend to change seat and play around with forks. | | Bottom Line: |
The best bike I have ridden in ages, and although it has weaknesses, for the money its great. Would recomend this bike for extreme free riders and down hillers although it can be pedalled uphill just stay sat in the seat.Drop off's are awesome on this bike, just wish I could afford some new hardcore rims. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ice
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Aus
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4700.00 | | Purchased At: | Addiction | | Strengths: | God,,,this thing is bomb proof,,,rims ,frame , suspension its all fantastic | | Weaknesses: | non,,,what so ever,,,its a bit heavy but it aint no boys bike,,ok | | Similar Products Used: | range of Konas | | Bike Setup: | Standard,,,but with 3rd front sprocket and extra longe rear derail,,and longer chain,,i got the bike shop to do it when i bought it,,thanks Anthony,,the last submission | | Bottom Line: | Well,,,i already have a super light hardtail,,,Kona Pahoehoe,,yeh it was great,,but like all hard tails,,,it knocks the crap out of you,,for the longer rides,,the thing has drop offs on the front but that solid rear end,,,so i thought if i was going to get a softy,,what would it be?..i looked far and wide,,Dawg?..FRM 125,,Specialised Big hit,,AC1...the list goes on,,,i thought if i was going t get a bike,,why not go all out, so i waitied around till the 2003 bikes came out,,and then i saw it,,,the Deelux,,man,,is it possible to fall in love with a bike?..who knows,,,but i just had to have one,,,damn the weight,,,i wanted a balls and all XC/FR bike,,and i just had to have it,,,man,,the JTs the RC the Hayes,,,it had it all,,,this thing is super heavy duty,,,i took it for a ride at the shop,,the guys at Addiction are cool,,,anyway,,,there is this hill there,,and i thought if i can ride it up that,,then it will take the trails,,and wow,,even with the extra weight of this thing it pedaled incredibly well,,,,at the bottom of the hill i went straight over a gutter front on,,,i hardly felt it,,,wow,,,it felt just so smooth,,,anyway,,thanks to Anthony one below this,,,i got them to add the extra cog,,longer chain,,and cage,,,right there and then,,,thanks guys,,and they through in a bottle too,,,great,,,anyway,,,i took it out onto my favourite trails,,,mmmmm,,,could it take the uphills,,like my ultra light hardtail,,,well,,,this thing,,,wow its the limousine,,of the trials,,,its incrdible agile for a big bike,,i hit the first up hill,,instead of going around the rocks,,that would slow me down on the Hardy,,,i just hit them at hight speed over the top and on i went,,,wow,,,it was like riding a monster tractor along the traill,,,,i hit big rock after hit and it loved it,,,so smooth,,,there was hits that made me laugh strait over the top,,my hardy would have been trashed by now,,,,i noticed i was usually in a lower front ring,,,then the Hardy but hell how cares,,,i got it all the way there,,,the thing,,is a monster i hit a flight of stairs,,,little bumps,,,was all i felt mmmm,,,,on down to my local BMX track,,over some jumps,,it loved it,,,there was this drop there too,,,about a metre,,,i have never attemped a drop on the hardtail,,,didnt wont to fold it,,anyway hear goes,,,straight over it at speed,,,i hit the ground front whell first,,,but it didnt throw me,,,man,,unforgiving or what?...anyway,,,that was my first outing today,,,i am off for another ride tonight,,,can i rave enough,,well,,,a bike has never excited me before but this thing,,,well,,,,anyway,,enough typing i am off,,,see ya dudes,,, | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a
from Adelaide
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Technical Stuff | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | SCU | | Bike Setup: | Standard | | Bottom Line: | Just a few points to add to my previous post. I have since found out that the derailleur is not a short cage it is a mid cage and you can run a big ring if you want. Just make sure that you have enough chain length. I have done two full days of riding (about 14 hours in the saddle) which included lot of up hill, steep technical stuff, jumping, urbaning, and shuttles. The only problem I found is a compression spike I was getting through the Junior T's. Wasn't sure if it was a fault with the forks so I did a bit of research on the net and came up with the fork oil was to heavy for my weight. I am only 160 odd pounds and the juniors come standard with 10 w oil. I tried 7 w for my second day of riding and it reduced the problem. I now have 5w oil and the fork is now SWEET. I can still feel the fork's compression circuit working under hard hits but it doesn't sprain your wrists. Now feels perfect for trail and drops and matches the back end perfectly. The rest of the bike performed perfectly and allowed me to keep up with some "big" name free riding pro's. (that surprised me a lot!) Now that I have the Junior's tuned I would recommend NOT buying the stinky primo for the super t's. It is not worth the extra money. I had the opportunity to compare my Stinky D to a Kona Team Stinky (with Super T's and the wicked orange paint job) NO Noticable difference but it did take a bit of effort to tune. Definately worth it!!!
Bottom line this is THE most capable bike I have ridden and I would recommend it to any serious free rider. Just to add to my recommendation the Kona team guys are riding stinky's at Jinderbine Freeride comp in a week!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 80 acres | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | scu | | Strengths: | super stong frame,plush ride,very well balanced suspension and lots of good bits standard. | | Weaknesses: | rear hub died and started grinding pepper in less than 6 weeks.32\22 ring of fire combo is to short in the gears for me. | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose nx 9.7,kona stinky 1999,giant ac3,craftworks frm 125. | | Bike Setup: | stock but replaced rear hub with xt | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike i've riden.if u can afford it it's one of the best freeride bikes around.if u buy this bike you will never look back(well only to see why the hell your mates are taking so long to get to the bottom)
KONA RULES | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Shue
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ur ass | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Bike barn newmarket | | Strengths: | Solid, bullet proof rear is plush but irekon kona could have got 8" out of it. soaks bumps up nicely, average price. Definitely made for drops | | Weaknesses: | Heavy as S*it, s*it for trail ridin, but its not made 4 that anyway. not the best for jumps. and not the most manuverable bike but i suppose thats all counts in the weight, being strong. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky, v10, warp. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Strong as S*it definitely made for drops, jumpable (but not the best) overall good feel but a bit 2 heavy 4 me.
If you love drops and downhill buy this beast. konas not my first choice but a decent name 2 wear | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything steep and technical | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | SCU | | Strengths: | Tioga Tyres, Forks and shock, Wheels, Frame feels bombproof. Pedals well for weight. | | Weaknesses: | Not sure about the hubs. Don't think the rear is sealed. I think I might need a big ring on the front and it has a short cage derailleur that stops me just slapping one on. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC1 02, Specialized Big hit 02. | | Bike Setup: | Standard. | | Bottom Line: | So far I'm happy. Jumps and drops like nothing else I've tried. It does feel heavy and I'm not looking forward to my first big climb on it but it will keep me fit. The only problem I can find so far is the lack of a big ring on the cranks. I have already done some "free riding" runs and run out of gears. Race face rings are easy to get but the short cage derailleur stops you from just swapping the rock ring for a big ring. Perhaps kona could supply the bike with an option of short cage/rock ring or long cage/44 tooth big ring. This is a minor gripe and it's not hard to fix, just kinda expensive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry Barrett
a Downhiller
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Lava Flow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Penny Sport Cycles | | Strengths: | XT Rear Mech, Tioga White Tigers, JT's, Bloody Good handlebars | | Weaknesses: | S***ty Hayes Brakes , did i mention the brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky '02, Canadian Stinky '03, Giant AC3 '02 | | Bike Setup: | Havn't touched it, yet | | Bottom Line: | What can I Say its f***en nice, handles nice even when terrian gets rough (7 & 7) Can also handle hugh drops. Very Good buy if you can get it 4 20% off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Touring Cyclist | | Strengths: | Bomb-proof, super plush and stable. Killer value! | | Weaknesses: | Cheap pedals and rear hub, but with the stuff you get, who cares? | | Similar Products Used: | '02 Stinky Nine, '02 Stinky Primo | | Bike Setup: | stock w/AtomLab wheels and Brooklyn Machine Works Shinburger pedals, King headset | | Bottom Line: | For seven and sev travel, 8" hyraulic brakes front and back and a Jr. T fork, this this is an amazing value!
It also pedals really well for as big and heavy as it is.
(43 lbs in te 19")
I don't know about the 50 foot drops (see above) but it is tough. Drops are not an issue, and Kona has it's outstanding customer service record to go on, as well.
Freeride bike of the year, man! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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