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Submitted by
Torquewrench
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara, CA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Patapsco, MD | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Trailhead | | Strengths: | Light for the time, I love the linkage fork. The fork travel path extends the wheelbase when compressed, so diving into a hole is no problem because the bike stretches out in front of you. I have Smartshocks front and rear, they both still work but from what I hear there are much better shocks out there, maybe someday when they blow I'll replace them with lighter air shocks. Great bike for descending and climbs well seated, would be interesting to try one of the new pedaling threshold shocks on the rear. | | Weaknesses: | Some sticktion from the front air shock, I keep the linkages lubed with a greasegun so I know it's the shock. Rear could use more rebound damping. | | Similar Products Used: | Haven't ridden any other FS, but my previous ride was a Klein Attitude | | Bike Setup: | Crosslink fork, smartshocks front and rear, Magura HS33 hydraulic rim brakes, Titec stem, hellbent bar, Yeti lock-on grips, Ritchey headset, XT cranks, raceface chainrings, XT front and rear derailleurs, XT shifters, Bontrager rims and tires, rollamajig, Bontrager saddle | | Bottom Line: | Love the looks, love the ride, and the linkage fork is terrific. Ride one if you can find one. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
don
a
from quincy, ma
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | coon hollow, blue hills | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | light, climbs good, durability, price at the time, decent for a quick spin up the asphalt | | Weaknesses: | back end wanders a little bit but can be handled, sometimes noisy, maybe travel? | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, giant nrs, other than that hardtails | | Bike Setup: | medium frame, crossmax rims(v's), girvin triple clamp fork, smart shock(no battery), typical xt stuff, fancy italian seat(forget name) | | Bottom Line: | I believe it is a 98. Former BMX and "freestyle" punk. I've been beating on this bike for close to three years (riding a couple times a week) and it has not broke to this day. I've recently started the 3-4 drops and you can tell it is losening up a bit but that aint' bad considering it has had one "professional" tune up in 3 years. This being my first fully I can't complain. Thinkin about a new bike but really can't think of any major reasons to get rid of this one yet. I'm 5'11" , 165lbs which might factor into the non breaking thing. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Downhiller
from belleville il
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the local set of 100 stairs | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | guy frmo mtbr | | Strengths: | good steering, no flex, andnice on the hills | | Weaknesses: | stupid smart shock broke on 3 foot drop(no more flashy lights now) | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | all lx and stock.....new pedals | | Bottom Line: | It rocks in the drops, in the hills, on the turns, and on the up hills. If this describes your likes then get it. Only prob is the smart shock stop doing it's light thing after a 3 foot drop. Beats me what happened, but now it is just not smart. It is just like a regular shock now. Anybody have an idea for a new rear shock? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cody L
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Pipe lines (chilliwack) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sisters x-boyfriend | | Strengths: | Pro_flex bikes kick ass! The frames are sooo strong, i usually ride hard and this bike keeps up! | | Weaknesses: | The back shock will sometimes make some funny noises when i am jumping. | | Similar Products Used: | GT full suspensions | | Bike Setup: | Pro-flex fame, V brakes, bombers on the front, rock shox on the rear. | | Bottom Line: | I am only 15 and let me tell ya i can ripp! so all you parents out there if your kid asks for a full suspension instead of a bmx...let him!
These bikes are good for all ages! my sisters x is 22 and he loved it! I am 15 and I love it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig M.
a Racer
from Abington, MA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Follow up review!! | | Strengths: | Low cost, durability (have had it for over 2 years now). I have heard some horror stories about dealing with companies but I must say K2 has come through for me every time!!! | | Weaknesses: | I use Spin wheels and the carbon wheels whith the carbon rear end has more play than normal, but I also weigh between 220 and 240 (depending on season). | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 856, Specialized FSR XC | | Bike Setup: | XT: brakes, fr der, cranks, bb. Sram 9.0 rear der & shift. XTR cass. Spin wheels. Noleen Chubby LT fork. Chris King HS. Easton bars. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike for it's price at Supergo. My original problem was the rear shock, which I upgraded for $31(plus shipping $8). For my weight it made the biggest difference. I have bent one der hanger, which my LBS ordered and I got new ones in four days. I also had the rear end come apart, the alloy fittings front and rear came loose from the carbon swing arm. I went to my K2 dealer and K2 had me a new rear end within a week!!!!! (Kudos to K2!!) It only cost me the shipping since they upheld their warranty. The smart shock I see has been a problem for some but I have had mine submerged at least 10 times and not just a quick underwater thing but at least 5 minutes underwater (great trail but that's a different story). I have had no problems still works great. the only problem I had was the battery would not stay in contact so the shock would not come on. A small peice of paper folded will cure this. All in all for the price it has been my best purchase of any mountain bike equipment (well maybe with the exception of the King headset, I don't think Godzilla could hurt that). If you find one...keep it!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony Molitor
a Weekend Warrior
from Saukville, WI. USA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Too Many To decide | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | SuperGo | | Strengths: | So far the frame has seen killer drops from 6' and although I want better suspention I have to say this bike can take a beating. I'm an X bmx'er and moto crosser and I do abususe the bike, I constantly clean and keep it tip top but I do crash and tumble alot. I am waiting for the carbon arm to snap but soo far it hasn't. | | Weaknesses: | I don't want to bash K2 but gee's what a horrable rear shock. It never worked from day one. I'm a pretty good mechanic so I retro fitted the frame to accept any shock I want, IE: SID, Cane Creek, FOX Alps and the bike now is my favorite. | | Similar Products Used: | Balance, Trek Y's, Giant ATX, GT Avalanche, Specialized M2, Schwinn Sweet Spot, | | Bike Setup: | K2 500 frame, Risse Trixxy inverted fork w/8" travel, All XTR except for the ESP 9 setup, Modified Rear w/ Cane Creek AD-10 and the rear has 8.5" travel, BMX flat pedals, Azonic 2" riser bars, BMX stem ( .5" in front ), Wirless cateye,(although i never look at it), and lots of other goodies. | | Bottom Line: | I know it's an opinion so to each his or her own. I must like it cause I sure dropped a chunk of change on it and it sits next to me while I watch TV. If it matters I'm 39, 151 lbs, 5'8" and yes my wife gives me the evil eye and the inlaws think I'm nuts. And my own piece of advice, EXERSIZE!!!, i'ts the quickest way for you and your bike to drop pounds. Have Fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, California
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | if it's dirt - it's good | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Strong frame. Stiff. Not to heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Frame could be a little lighter. Smart Shock was horrible. I swapped Smart Shock for a Risse Racing Astro 5 - Much better and lighter. | | Similar Products Used: | Only hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Kore, Mavic Crosslink, XTR, Easton and Manitou Mars-1 | | Bottom Line: | I reviewed this bike after one month and I can honestly say things only got better. When I first started riding this bike, I couldn't keep up with my riding buddies (all on hardtails). After I figured out how to ride FS, I haven't seen the back of my buds in a long time. This bike rocks and works much better with the Risse air shock. Other than the Smart Shock, I only can give this bike the highest recommendation. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tony lyons
a Racer
from tampa florida
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | built from ground up | | Strengths: | K2/PROFLEX made for all types of riding, stiff best climber on steep uphills, strong in all areas of riding technical, downhill and urban assault. | | Weaknesses: | could lose some weight on frame but no real complaints | | Bike Setup: | all xtr except front der., cranks. mavick crosslink bontrager stem and bars. serfas lola sattle ringlr moby post rockshox SID SL race face needle bearing head set and more | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is that i have owned 3 proflexs, 2 cannondales, fsr specialized, kona sex1 and 2 and numerous others over the last 5 yrs and still to this day i have never had anything bad to say about proflex which is now k2.
i believe for the most part that all the bikes out, in the higer end that is, are very respectful. it's who is riding and and what they like. this bike is designed to ride almost anywhere, shoot i am from fla. it's pretty much flat land but ther are some way cool places with extreme short highspeed downhills. this bike in general is set up for someone who knows what they are doing!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Fasheh
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, CA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Frame travel. | | Weaknesses: | Weight and Rear Shock | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | Full XT, Marzochi Bomber 100mm travel. Mavic Cross link wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Smart Shock is terrible.
I have replaced the rear shock two times, due to failure.
K2 has been verygood. But, It is still very dangerous to have a shock come apart while riding. The first time, the shock spring retainer clip sheared off. The second time the
shock shaft snapped in hald at the tip. The shock completely
came apart. I was traveling around 20 mph down hill, luckily I was not hurt. This was warrantied by K2.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Salinas
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Ord | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bear Bikes | | Strengths: | Top quality components | | Weaknesses: | Brakes rattle, more of an annoyance than a weakness | | Similar Products Used: | First f/s bike | | Bike Setup: | Factory stock, carbon fiber rear swing arm and Girvin/Noleen cross link front forks, K2 smart shocks front and rear, xtr rear derailleur, everything else xt, easton bars, titec seat post, replaced pedals with speedplay frogs and stock panaracer sk/ss tires with Tioga xc's | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a dream. My LBS dealer told me I would not find a better bike for the money. I got it for 1400.00 in the spring of '99. I cannot feel any flex. The smart shocks have had no problems. I am 6'03" and weigh 245lbs. I have not felt the shocks bottom yet. I did replace the rear spring with a 550 form a 500. I do not ride extreme, but I have gone off of some 2-3' drops and land soft as ever. Uphill I cannot feel any bob at all, only on level hardpack or pavement. This goes away if you don't mash and smooth out your spin. I am completely satisfied with this purchase and would definately recommend a friend to buy one if the opportunity came about. I am subtracting one chili in performance for the rattling brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ji Son
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonds, WA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Tolt River Pipeline | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Strong lightweight frame. Awesome rear 'Smartshock' when used properly. FAST FAST FAST. Did I mention FAST. | | Weaknesses: | None. Well... I built the bike from the ground up. The only stock item is the Proflex 5000 Frame. | | Similar Products Used: | None so far. | | Bike Setup: | Proflex 5000 Frame. Ritchey Headset, Handlebar, Vector wing Saddle. Trans X stem. RST DH Elite Dual Crown Fork and RST DX Front Disc Brake. XT Cranks(w/XTR 24/34/46Rings), Shifters, levers, Front Derailleur, wheels w/front disc brake hub. XTR Reverse Action Rear Derailleur. Etc.... | | Bottom Line: | This bike is very fast and with the setup I have it can beat everything I have raced against. All for less than $1200 for everything. Well... Retail price on all the parts is over $2400, but if you shop around you can save a fortune. If you have any bike know-how, this is definitely a great frame to build up from. One last thing. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SMARTSHOCK I SUGGEST YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. I have been using the smartshock on the 'smart' setting which is the middle one with the lightbulb and I can ride on hardpack or hit huge jumps and it always is on the perfect setting. The computer sets everything automatically. When the unit is off the rear shock does tend to bounce alot(Like a cheap spring-only shock). Keep the computer on and all of your complaints will be history. I love this bike!! I have a web page coming soon. It will be ready by 9/30/00 with pictures of the bike. It is www.geocities.com/frikinspit/bikes.html | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Holdridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Strong as hell! Lots of rear travel! Stiff swingsrm. Great frame for the price ($400 at Supergo).
It's nimble demeanor surprised me in the tight stuff. My friends who are all C'dale yuppies rode it and really liked the handling. | | Weaknesses: | Rear OEM Smartshock. Cover is loose after less than 100 miles. I am replacing it soon with a Stratos Helix Pro (also gains an inch of suspension travel) | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, Raleigh M-80 | | Bike Setup: | Chubby LT Fork (soon to be a 'Zocci), all XT drivetrain & shifters, Precision Billet V-brakes, Velocity Deep V rims on XT hubs, Panaracer XC Pro and DH Pro tires, ICON riser bar, etc etc etc | | Bottom Line: | GREAT all around bike. I built this bike to ride the rougher trails, and I ended up using it for everything. I have two wheelsets built up to quickly swap out tire/wheel combinations for different types of riding. Climbs/Cruises/Descends/Jumps well. I LOVE IT!!!
Only beef I have is with the Smartshock... it is a gimmicky POS.
5 chilis for value, only 4 for overall cause of the poor Smartshock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tommy
a Weekend Warrior
from newport beach
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | double backs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | great ride, smooth on climbs & rocks on downhill. top end components | | Weaknesses: | logo is hurtin and stock handle bar has bad geometry.
Disc brakes would be nice but not crucial | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale 900 SX and Sant Cruz Super 8 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Bets bike I've ever ridden. Will be builidng off this package for the next 4-5 years. Haven ridden a cannondale in the past , and trying out bro's bikes before investing ( $ 2,000 ) in this ride I am totally stoked on this purchase.
If you ride 15 miles back country on the weekends - hard & fast-- THIS IS YOUR MACHINE!! See ya bombin on the trails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from OSAN AB KOREA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Everywhere I can ride | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Cool looking, climbs awesome, fairly stiff | | Weaknesses: | Some bobbing on flat road, but not uphills | | Bike Setup: | Chubby LT fork, XTR,XT and AVID, mavic 222's and hutchinson pythons. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is ultra plush and hauls, bike weighs 26lbs, and it soaks up all bumps large and small. It climbs hills better than my hardtail, the suspension seems to lock out going uphill, eliminating bob, and a majority of the bikes weight is to the rear. On the road however, it has moderate bob, which is annoying. The bike looks bad ass too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Abington, MA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wompatuck State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Low cost, smooth ride | | Weaknesses: | Front der. access | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 856, Diamond Back Zetec | | Bike Setup: | XT V brakes, Crankset, Botton brkt and Front der. Spin Wheels. Manitou SX Ti. Easton bars, Chris King Headset. Specialized BG Seat. | | Bottom Line: | I weigh 230 and since upgrading the rear spring (black 230lbs rating cost me $31) it has been a sweet ride. With the old spring I had so much pre-load that the rear snapped back too quick after going over something. If you have this problem change the spring!!! You will not believe the difference. I have raced it twice and I have gotten almost identical times from this and when I use my hardtail (Diamond Back Zetec 25lbs). It makes tackling the hard stuff a joy!!! I'm giving it a 5 because it's the most bang for your buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Providence NY
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The Stables, 8A | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Has given me the confidence and riding ability I always knew I had but couldn't express on a hardtail, just all around sweet bike, climbs and descends great | | Weaknesses: | Biggest pain in the world to adjust and mount front derailleur, I had to take the whole shock off just to get at the limit screws, no rebound adjust on the shock, it seems kinda bouncy when hitting stuff seated | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis hardtail, friends voo-doo, Y-5, Super-8, Stinky | | Bike Setup: | Judy XLC up front, LX/XT parts mix, Hellbent risers, Magura hydraulics, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this as a frame and built it up. So far total cost has been around 1100, thanks to closeouts. For the price I paid, this bike is extremely competitive, if not better than other FS bikes in its price range. I love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JIM
a
from Tigard, OR USA
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Many | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Fast, handles great on winding trails, easy to handle | | Weaknesses: | A bit on the heavy side, Hard to adjust front deraileur. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper M2
Norvara Safari | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Ti, Full XTR Drive train and brakes, Cross Ride wheel set, Carbon swing arm and handle bar | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and I am very impressed with it. The bike handles extremely well. The frame came from SuperGo at a good cost but the rear spring it came with was on the light side. Other than the front deraileur it is easy to work on and maintain.Its fast on the down hills and climbs with very little bob. My first ride with it was down a steep winding trail and it was a blast. It was worth going back to the top and do it again and again and again...........................
This bike is great for entrie levels and hard core seasoned riders. I dont regret at all in purchasing this bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler
a Weekend Warrior
from Sandy
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | everthing | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very sweet ride, handles speed well and tracks awesome with the Noleen fork, | | Weaknesses: | Little overweight.. but not bad for a FS setup | | Similar Products Used: | first FS bike | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I've heard a lot of people complaining about blowing out the rear shock on this bike but I have yet to have a problem with it. But the one thing I'm going to do it drop the Shiman Deore XT brakes and stick on some Avids... the Shimamo's are decent for light stuff but you put them under a heavy load and they make scary noises and don't bite very hard. All in all I think it's a sweet bike that i'm going to stick with for a very long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lloyd
a Weekend Warrior
from texas
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Can really handle the bumps. I would be dead on my old bike if I tried to ride at the same speed. I put a birt works OTIS in my chubby and you can't beat it for the price. The smart shock does work well. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy and slow stearing. | | Bike Setup: | Chubby Lt with dirt works OTIS. XTR group. Attack shifters. | | Bottom Line: | Got the frame from super go and built it up. A great bike worth 4 times as much. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, California
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Cool looks. Fairly light. Good customer serve. | | Weaknesses: | Smart Shock button overlay peeling off. Remedied immediately by K2. | | Similar Products Used: | Only hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | XTR. Kore. Machine Tech. Maintou SX-Ti | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding hardtails for 10 years. Wife just bought me this frame for our anniversary. Although I have limited experience with full suspension frames, this frame is great. The Smart Shock works well, however, I did have to change to a firmer spring (found a Noleen NR4 spring at my LBS). My downhill speed has increased substantially and this bike climbs well. So far, this frame is great. I will update this after I have had more time to pound on this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RG
a Cross Country Rider
from TX
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Cost,Durability, Reliability, REAL PLUSH! | | Weaknesses: | Little on the heavy side. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanche LE / Trek Y5 / Factory Homegrown XT | | Bike Setup: | Marz Z1 Alloy/Race Face Cranks/222 Rims with Nuke Proof Hubs/ Rear Smart Shock/ Hell Bent bars/ Full XT | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! The bike is very plush, it takes the biggest hits with ease and keeps going like nothing was there! The smart shock really does work, (has not gone stupid on me yet!) supprisingly enough it makes even the big stuff all but dissapear. For a bike that is a little on the heavy side, it is very nimble also. Point the bike in the direction you want to go, and let it rip no matter how fast you go. This bike turns like its on rails. The bike is also a good climber, very good as a matter of fact! I think the way the weight is distributed on the bike, even an unexperienced rider could climb with ease. I have ridden a lot of bikes, HT and FS and this is by far the most impressive. I would recomend a K2 5000 any day of the week!
FIVE BIG ONES FOR THIS BIKE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Bowles
a Racer
from Keedysville, Md
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
Gambrill Yellow Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
simple design
stiff triangle
predictable feel | | Weaknesses: |
a little heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
GT LTS
Schwinn Homegrown FS | | Bike Setup: |
K2 5000 w/Manitou SX Ti | | Bottom Line: | It was a tough sell for me at first. After owning a GT LTS for three years I was convinced there were no better designs out there. I ordered the K2 through Supergo. This was risky having never tried the frame on for size. One week later to my suprise, the bike arrived and within two nights it was assembled and ready for the test ride. It was strange at first because I didn't felt the rear bouncing much, however the shock was moving through it's full travel. Then I realized that this design was based on a small amount of shoch movement caused large wheel movement. The LTS was closer to a 1:1 ratio. The bottom line is the bike was absorbing all the hit without me feeling much of it. Jumps are smoother. washboards are too. The bike is performing as I had dreamed it would but never wanted to believe it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chicagoland
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Palos Hills | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Smart Shock, XT components, active rear suspension | | Weaknesses: |
slow steering response, stiff front shock, seat is hard | | Similar Products Used: |
Klein Mantra
Cannondale Super V 1000
K2 Pro-Flex 4000
Klein Pulse Comp | | Bike Setup: |
1998 K2 Pro-Flex 5000 LT
rear -Smart shock
front -Noleen Chubby | | Bottom Line: | I wasn't sure I wanted to go full suspension until I tried some bikes on vacation in Colorado. The full suspension bikes won me over. Increased confidence, you are not thrown all over the trail, and your body doesn't take the punishment. Next to find one in my price range, $1000 to $1500. I could have gotten a really good hard tail, but in that price range the advantages of full suspension are more important than 2-4 lbs in weight savings. I found the K2 Pro-Flex 5000LT online at Bennett's for $1099. Having rode a K2 4000, I went for it. I am extremely satisfied. I could not touch anything of this quality for the price. The frame is stiff and light enough for my trail riding. The smart shock in not a gimik, I really feel the difference when on and in smart mode. Only minor complaint is the steering is stiff and slow compared to my old Trek, but it is getting better the more I use the bike. The Noleen Chubby was very stiff at first too, I need to get it dialed in better. I like the 4 inches of travel. The Bottom Line: This bike makes riding more FUN!!! I can sit and peddle through stuff that I had to stand and coast to absorb the bumps. I can ride faster, easier, and longer with the K2 5000. My 45 year old body is not as beat up after a ride, which make mountain biking even more FUN. To me, that is what this sport is all about, FUN!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Schuneman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bozeman MT
Date Reviewed: October 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mystic lake | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Nice looks, nice travel | | Weaknesses: |
More fragile than glass
Costumer service | | Similar Products Used: |
Proflex attack
Mrazek Boh-fx | | Bike Setup: |
K2 5000,
marzocchi z1 alloy
Spin wheels
paul/xtr | | Bottom Line: | I had the frame less than two weeks and was traveling pretty fast hit a log that was on the trail and flew off of my bike. I got up to look the bike over and there was a crease in the bottom tube which is square. My friend came down the same trail in his caloi frame and had the same accident and there was NO damage to his frame. This happened maybe a minute apart from each other. Neither one of us was hurt at all. Is this what should happen. K2 wants three hundred dallors for a new frame quoting me $800 if I wanted a new one when I purchased this one for $400 from supergo. I will never deal with them again. Before you purchase one of their frames a simple text is to tap it with your fingernail(sounds very thin and hollow).
If you have questions or want a picture I might be able to help you. 0stars | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
papapuppet
a Cross-Country Rider
from Saratoga
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Prospect Mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Comfort, looks, great front fork
Climbing | | Weaknesses: |
Heavier than my hardtail | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized M2
KHS
Bridgestone | | Bike Setup: |
Smart Shocks front and rear
Full XT | | Bottom Line: | Very pleased with this, my first full suspension bike. Yesterday I put the bike to the climbing test and it passed with flying colors. I love the front fork. If you are worried about suspension bob - in the rocky rutty north east it goes totally unoticed. You might get a little on smooth hardpacked climbs (of which there are none around here).
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross-Country Rider
from Waltham, Ma
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
great ride
durable
nice components | | Weaknesses: |
bouncy when climbing out of the seat | | Similar Products Used: |
stumpjumer fsr | | Bike Setup: |
k2 5000 with smart shocks and carbon fork and suspension bar | | Bottom Line: | excellent bike, definetely worth the money. Easy to maintain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arcadia, CA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
El Prieto | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Turned me into Tomac almost overnight! | | Weaknesses: |
If any, I would say weight. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Y
Specialized FSR C3 | | Bike Setup: |
K2 5000 Frame
NR-4 Rear Shock
Rock Shox Judy FSX
XT, Bontrager, Kore, Syncros, Etc. | | Bottom Line: | The bike just simply makes riding more exciting than ever. I can do things I would not have tried in a million years on my hardtail. I weigh 220 lbs and have had no problems with the Noleen NR-4. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HJ Seeley
a Cross-Country Rider
from E.Lansing, MI
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
I haven't met a trail that I didn't like | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Highly stable.
Great rider position.
Very strong frame.
Lightweight, with Carbon swingarm and forks.
Very easy to adjust shocks, including replacing springs.
Surprisingly good acceleration and power.
Most of the weight of the bike is in the rear. This combined with the fully active suspension keeps the rear end very stable over almost any terrain and glued to the ground. | | Weaknesses: |
Smart Shocks add some weight. NR-2's or NR-4's would reduce weight with minor changes in shock performance. If I blow a Smart Shock, I am not likely to replace it with another, unless warranty prohibits this.Spring rates should be checked out before you buy the bike. Check to see if your dealer will swap springs if you need heavier or lighter springs.Obviously, it's heavier than a good hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized FSR
Trek Y-11 and Y-22 | | Bike Setup: |
1998 K2 Pro-Flex 5000
Noleen Carbon CS w/Smart front.
Noleen NR-5 Smart rear.
XTR and XT throughout. | | Bottom Line: | Any FS bike will smooth out bumps.
What really kills me about this bike is how I don't lose the rear tire when climbing out of the saddle over rough terrain.After riding a Manitou telescoping fork and now switched to the linkage style Noleen fork, I do not understand why anyone would use a telescoping fork.
The Noleen linkage design is simply miles ahead. I find that maintenance is easier on the Noleen as well because there are no internal parts - a torque wrench is good to have though for Noleen maintenance.
Use a Lizard Skin on the shocks though to keep grit off the shock shaft - grit has the ability to kill the seals.Make sure you get the correct springs for your weight, it makes tons of difference especially in the rear.The Pro-Flex design and the Noleen suspension is a hands down winner. | | Overall Rating: |
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