Submitted by
zwitter95
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2010
Strengths: Well I upgraded it by putting some Magura hydraulic brakes, a manitou downhill fork and some Sun Rims Big Mammoth Fat wheels on it. So it is perfect for me. The frame and suspension work great. i have taken some hard spills on it and never had to do any major work. Nice and bouncy.Cool looking. Handles pretty well.
Weaknesses: Little on the heavy side. With my upgrades weighs upwards of 45 pounds. Bouncyness may not be so good for commuting, but then again its a mountain bike.
Bottom Line:
Great bike if you can get it in good condition. Stock isnt as great. UPGRADE it. You will not be sorry. I have ridden it for about 10 years and love it
Bike Setup: Stock Frame, Manitou downhill fork, Sun Rims Big Mammoth Fat rims and Panaracer Fire XC pro tires. Magura Race Line D hydraulic brakes, Fat Lady saddle.
I used it on June 12th 2010. I did the London Nude Bike Ride. Great fun for showing off to the girls, it's the dogs bollocks. I can't say I've it used as often as should have in the last 10 years but I'm starting to again.
Similar Products Used: Trek 730. Shorter Rochford Aluminuim Italian Frame with Campagnolo Mirage group set.
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Submitted by
trarahumara
a Weekend Warrior
from tepoztlan, morelos, mexico
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2009
Strengths: Lightweight;
Durable---takes a beating and keeps going;
Good components
Low maintenance
Hydraulic brake system rocks
Weaknesses: Coil suspension system is dated by today's standards, but then again, there's no maintenance involved in it. Definitely not as smooth as today's shock absorbers, but for a bike that is 10+ years old, it was cutting edge at one time and still beats low end shock systems on today's bikes.
Since the bike is as light as it is, it does flex a bit too much, and especially evident when ripping downhill through winding trails
Bottom Line:
If you can still find one of these in good condition, you won't be disappointed. I've used it for serious mountain trail biking, and it's never let me down.
Similar Products Used: It was my first full suspension
Bike Setup: Standard, plus coil front and rear suspension; Shimano Deore; Hydraulic braking system (but not disk)
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Submitted by
Guy
a Downhiller
from Gilbert, AZ , USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2007
Strengths: Built like a tank. This bike has never let me down. I just finished a complete rebuild, and it is cool to see this site. Even though I have had the bike for over six years, I do not plan on getting a new one.
Weaknesses: Like I said, built like a tank. The bike is a little heavy, but worth the weight.
Bottom Line:
Like I said, I would not get rid of this bike. The technology has gotten crazy with the newer bikes, but my Beast has never let me down. I have bombed some crazy trails, and broke myself on some big hits, and the bike just keeps going.
Bike Setup: beast frame, noleen triple crowns up front, fox in the rear. Shimano XT all the way around, Titec Hellbent bars, O'lite rims and Aheadset neck.
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Submitted by
josh love
a Weekend Warrior
from ballarat, vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2006
Strengths: makes you feel like you can take on anything, ive riden down a hills covered in rocks, and it just flys over it, it has a very stong frame, im 6ft tall and 215 pound im far from thin, and this bike has held up really well
Weaknesses: when i got the bike, the front forks where dead, the seals where leaking air, its not until now that ive finally found a pair of forks for the beast, thats same noleen chubby lt's that where on the bike, havnt got them yet though
Bottom Line:
this is one great bike for the price, apart from my front forks being stuffed on my bike, the beast is a great bike, that makes you think you can take on any jump or hill or even mountain, and in most cases you can when you ride this thing, ill give it 5 flamin turds to :)
Bike Setup: 1998 k2 proflex beast, shimano doere lx brakes, maxxis tyres, xtr drivetrain, every thing else is standard
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Submitted by
Brian Dyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004
Strengths: The range of travel on the suspension is great for bombing down the steeps. A good combo of LX/XT components.
Weaknesses: I would in time, upgrade to XT/XTR and disc breaks would be nice.
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike used, size large. The bike retailed for $1800 and I picked it up for $500. It was rented 2 seasons and is in excellent condition. I frequently use the bike at Mount Snow and I do some Urban Assault type riding with it. I'm 6'0, 200 and I have never exceeded the boundries of what this bike is capable of. If you can get your hands on one, go for it!
Purchased At: Mountain & Border Town, North Creek, NY
Similar Products Used: Barracuda, Trek
Bike Setup: Stock. I did put WTB Moto Raptor 2.4 tires on for improved performance downhill.
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Submitted by
Joe Mamma
a Downhiller
from Boston/Seattle/Salt lake/Breck
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2003
Strengths: Bomber frame, very affordable price to get you started in freeriding. AND K2 has unbelievable customer service. I called to ask them where I could get stronger elastamers for the fork(way back when), they sent me some for free. The C-clip on the rear shock snapped about a year ago,(after over 2000 miles) I called them and they sent me one for free. I met a guy last week who bought the beast new 4 years ago, he just cracked the frame, he called k2, they sent him a new frame. Try that with another mtn. bike manufacturer!
Weaknesses: As mentioned many times in earlier reviews, the stock wheelset is junk. The forks are entry level FR, but will hold up fine if you service them frequently. I have rebuilt mine 3 times and they have lasted for 4 years taking MUCH abuse! If you ride the bike long enough, the C-clip on the rear shock will break. Not to worry, call k2 and they'll send you a replacement for free. The Elastamers in the front shock will also need to be switched out for heavier duty ones if you plan on taking any drops, but K2 will hook you up there too. Neither the frame nor the fork will accomadate current model disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
I'm 6'2", 220lbs, and have been hucking this bike off rocks, ladders, bridges and stairs for over 4 years and it's still hungry for more. If you ever have a chance to pick one of these sweet rigs up, dont hesitate! It seems everywhere I go, whether it's tiger mtn. in Seattle, Bakers tank in Breckenridge or Vietnam in Mass, people recognize and give props to this bike. It is truly a piece of mtn. biking history!!!
Similar Products Used: There are no similar products to this, were talking 98 K2 Beast, this is the dawn of full suspension freeriding!
Bike Setup: Mavic 521's laced on XT hubs (40 spokes/Brass nips), Magura Hs22 hydraulic brakes, TruVativ Hussefelt Cranks w/TruVativ DH BB and Hussefelt chain guide, Azonic shorty stem and Hellbent DH riser bars, Big fat pig head set. Everything else including the original Xt rear der, Lx shifter, seat and seatpost are all stock!
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Submitted by
delagarde
a Downhiller
from mont-saint-anne
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003
Strengths: unbreakable, goes uphill like a mountain goat, handles like a charm over the slippery. very light, very very very very solid. Awesome great fantastic frame design, imitated by the orange 222. tons of plush travel more then youll ever want for DH racing.
Weaknesses: little flex but its pro flex. the bike flys over rocks too fast so iy scares me.
Bottom Line:
kick ass frame considering you can get 7 of em for the price of a intense m1. intense m1 is no match for my super beast. Beast eat m1 or lunch. world cup rocks garden feels like pavement. I'm so happy to beat my friends at the local race with this bike, its awesome. They want to cry!
Similar Products Used: Stab Primo, balfa BB7, Big Hit, GT DHi race.
Bike Setup: monster T2, evil chainguide, full xtr 2003, hayes, mavic 521, chris king hub, intense super sticky, easton stem and seatpost, fiited a fifth element shock.
Strengths: upgraded the beast with a nice set of triple clamp forks,riser stem and bars,magurra hs33 hydrolic brakes,mavic ceramic wheels.2.3 tyres.rebuilt rear shock.this bike is indistructable,she takes all i throw at her.im a keen freerider and the beast is an aliminium frame,making it light.with the triple clamp forks and 8" of travel on the front she rides the bumps like they didnt exist.lovely bike.
Weaknesses: rear shock.but can be serviced by cvi for £150 or by yourself for just a few pounds.any info needed contact me mudmonkies@btopenworld.com
Submitted by
Niall Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Erskine, Scotland
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002
Strengths: Good looks, Strong frame, not too heavy, Handles well, Suspension is nice and plush, Pretty bombproof.
Weaknesses: Cable routing means that regular cable changes are needed
Bottom Line:
Awesome to ride, weight is about right - not too heavy so that riding it becomes a pain and not so light that it breaks all the time. Most of my riding is now on the streets and it handles fantastically-gettting me out of trouble all the time, also it takes the punishmement of the concrete landscape with (so far) no problems. Well worth considering - especially second hand(check for damage first) as they are so cheap now. FANTASTIC.
Bike Setup: Spinergy rev x rok wheels, Pace RC36 fork, Shimano XT groupset, XT V-brakes, World force bars and stem, Fizik saddle(by far the comfiest yet), Panaracer tyres, Fox coil rear shock.
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Submitted by
Matt Post
a Downhiller
from Reseda CA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002
Strengths: This bike can take a load of pounding. I put over 1500 miles on it and it hasn't even flinched.
Weaknesses: TOO MUCH FLEX. I am 175 lbs and I do 5 foot drops all the time. The back end will flex all over the place on landings. The o degree light wheel set is pure crap. I destroyed the rear wheel after about 6 months. The lx cranks can't take any abuse because mine have developed a creak. The Chubby fork is far from sensative in the rough. I immediately purchased a psylo xc and that made the bike feel okay.
Bottom Line:
This bike is reliable, no doubt about it. Can it take the extreme pounding of drops. NO Can it act like a hardcore trail bike. ABSOLUTELY
Similar Products Used: 02' specialized stumpjumper 02' KHS fxt
Bike Setup: 02' Shimano xt rear derailuer, 01'rock shox psylo xc, Sun ryno -lite wheels
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Submitted by
Garson Fields
a Downhiller
from West Mass!
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Strengths: Great frame, feels like more than 5" in the back, strong frame.
Weaknesses: The parts, no rear shock upgrade options.
Bottom Line:
The frame is awesome, and I love it. However, it comes with parts not suited to freeriding. Come on, sun 0 lites on a freeride bike? I split the seams on them and had to buy 521s which rip, but aren't cheap. The headset developed play, even though it was tightened enough to bind it. So, I got a king, which again isn't cheap but is awesome. Most recently, I thrashed the spindle on my non drive side lx arm. I have raceface northshore isis cranks that I just got, and those are sick. The compression adjuster on my fork broke. It was tuned well when I set it, so I got lucky. Also, the sliders and the lowers have developed a tiny bit of play, which gives the impression of a loose headset, but I know that's not it (I want a 1999 boxer or something, but I'm broke after all the new parts). As far as I'm concerned, being a really agressive freerider has alot to do with my broken parts. Under most people's riding, these probably won't happen (except mabey the wheels) and the compression adjuster may have been some complete freak component failure. For most people, It would be like a 4 over all and a 4.5 for value. However these scores reflect my personal experience with the bike. The low value is due to the fact that I had to replace almost all the parts, and the low overall is because I wasn't too happy at having to buy new parts and have this bike sit around waiting for new parts. Over all, I would say that if you want to get the frame only, 5 flamin' chillis for value and 4.5 overall. This frame, with a good set up is very well suited to beginner/sport dh racing, a LOT of urban (it can take 15 stairs to flat no complaint, I know this from experience!) and high speed freeride/technical trail riding. It is actually a decent bike for a lighter and more experienced/smoother big hit rider. For an agressive freerider, use the $1100 you saved for parts, as you're likely to be replacing them soon anyway.
Favorite Trail: gap mountain NH (early in the morning, it's illegal)
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At: Bicycles Unlimited
Similar Products Used: k2 zero g dh (1999) and the yeti dh6 (1997)
Bike Setup: Raceface northshore isis, king hs, odi lock ons, Mavic d521s, irc kujo 2.25, tioga multi control xl seat
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Submitted by
Psycho Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001
Strengths: Very strong frame 5" Travel front & back etc.
Weaknesses: Rear shock may be a little weak for some riders.
Bottom Line:
I'v been riding this bike as hard as I can ride it with only a few problems. I have snapped the spring on the rear shock and also blown the seals in the rear shock. I've replaced the bushings in the back shock too. Other than this I've broken a back wheel and worn out 2 sets of tyres. But compare this to the stuff I've put the bike through: - 20+ 7 foot drops - 50+ 5 foot drops - 100+ 4 foot drops - 50+ 6 foot stair gaps - Raced dual slalom - Raced XC - Ridden over 2000KM's - Had a friend go through 2 bikes while riding with me etc.
As you can see from my stats I have put this bike through hell and it is still going. The things that I am looking at now scares me. The confidence that I have gained from riding this bike is amazing. From being scared of a 4 foot drop to wanting to jump of a roof, this bike rules
Similar Products Used: Avanti Moto, Craftworks Slalom Pro, Specialized P3.
Bike Setup: '98 K2 Beast, Sun Rhyno Lite back rim, 2000 XT rear der, LX Cassette, Wipperman Chain, Hutchinson Squale & Alligator tyres etc.
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Submitted by
Ray Coy
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Washington
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001
Strengths: Built like a tank! This is a great bike for almost any purpose short of downhill racing. Grip shift works well along with XT drivetrain. These bikes take on any terrain with a comfortable controlled feel. Climbs well considering the weight of the frame, the price we all pay for bombproof rides!
Weaknesses: Noleen Chubby fork works OK stock, but can be made much better with upgrade kits. Noleen rear shock is OK but an upgrade to the rebound dampening system is recommended. It's HEAVY
Bottom Line:
I have ridden this bike CONSTANTLY for three years, and it has never failed me in any way. I've upgraded some of the components and fasteners to save a little weight. I ride in the Pacific Northwest mostly (year round), the reason for the mud specific tires. These narrow tires (1.9) along with the radial front wheel, and cranking the suspension to it's tightest settings, change the character of the bike to a quicker feeling, faster steering, technical trail loving "beast". Soften the suspension, mount some downhill wheels and tires and suddenly it's become a great freeride bike. I'd like to have two of these bikes just so i won't have to change the stuff around depending on the type of ride I want. I guess what i'm trying to say is this bike fills all my riding needs. Lighten it up a bit and you can ride it comfortably all day. Upgrade the fork with a spring kit and use one of the later model Noleen rear shocks and this bike handles any kind of tough terrain you can throw at it. If you can find any of these "World Cup Design" Proflex bikes, buy them. They work for all types of riding and look as if they will last forever
Similar Products Used: Specialized FSR, Schwinn Straight 8, Gary Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup: 97 Beast Raceface cranks, rings, seatpost, stem. Panaracer mud specific tires, Specialized works hubs, mavic 517 rims, radial front wheel. THE fenders Magura 33 Hyd brakes.
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Submitted by
Drake
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
This bike Rocks! I have bombed it all over the Pacific NW, mud, rocks, loooong descents that loosen your fillings but do not phase this bike. I have been over 220 lbs (now down to 190) and could not kill this bike. Recently upgraded to Rhyno Lites because the Magura brakes combined with the pervasive mud up here wore out the edges of the WTB rims. The Rhyno's are wider so the brakes work better, and they have a larger braking surface, nice. Considering a new 2001 Disco Monkey, real similar, although I am not sure how well the K2 will stack up against the Proflex, it was a great company. I would buy the Beast again. If you can get one, grab it. One issue: this bike is BIG, it's like riding a horse. It's a 5 except for the elastomers in the fork and no rebound damping, otherwise a killer!
