The Komodo’s triple-gauge, double gusseted aluminum chassis and Manitou Stance Flow fork with Hex-Lock thru-axle say it all—this is a big-hit hardtail that, in the right hands, can match a long-travel dual-suspender blow for blow. This is super-duty stuff, from the 120-150mm adjustable-travel fork to the 8” rotors and Hayes HFX-9 hydraulic calipers. TruVativ’s bomber Hussefelt bar, crank and Howitzer ISIS bottom bracket will hold up under hard landings, backed by the anti-taco protection of WTB’s Dual Duty FreeRide disc rims and the added cushion of 2.35” Maxxis HansVenture tires. This is all about sticking the big landing and coming back for more.
Submitted by
matjaks
a Weekend Warrior
from ferndale, mi usofa Date Reviewed: May 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
myhandbuiltwoods
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
burley frame it's bombproof, good geometry, wheels have held there own.
Weaknesses:
components, stock truvativ cranks is junk, keeps coming loose. brakes are a pain, front derailer broke in the first few months.
Similar Products Used:
kona scrap
Bike Setup:
komodo 2.0 mostly stock, race face atlas fr crank, holy rollers, soon to be new hays strokers. race face chainring, e13
Bottom Line:
It's a great bike for the money as long as your willing to replace the components just like any stock bike for the same price. anybody like me thats going from bmx to mountain I would recommend this bike you. it's a 26" bmx bike it's great other than replacing parts
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a Downhiller
from mi Date Reviewed: July 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
the bset it has no flaws i love it
Weaknesses:
none
Bottom Line:
the best bike i have evr seen
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spokenipple
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: December 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Bombproof frame construction, strong but not too heavy, great geometry
Weaknesses:
Placement of braze-ons, wimpy derailleur hanger, rear tire clearance could be a little bigger
Similar Products Used:
Frames from GT, Azonic, Specialized, and Trek
Bike Setup:
Set up for urban abuse...Halo wheels, Funn stem/post, FireEye bars, Funn bb, Hussefelt cranks, Pig headset, BB7 brakes, Maxxis Holy Roller 2.2F/2.4R
Bottom Line:
This is a review for the frame only....purchased an '06 frame at Jenson for cheap and turned it into an urban drop machine....great purchase! I don't have much bad to say about this frame. It's been horribly abused on at least 60 urban rides with lots of drops to flat in the 4' to 6' range and a few gnar crashes. I don't know why it's in the xc section....this frame is designed and built to be a freeride hardtail and it does well for that on both trails and street. The '08 model is spec'd with a 1.5" headtube...further proof of what it's made for.
I ran this frame with a Chris King headset for a little while, but switched to an FSA Pig because of the extended steel cups....seemed like a good idea for the abuse I'm giving it. I don't think the frame flinches at all from big drops and side loads. I've had lots of stair gaps, dock drops, and launching from walls. Some weren't pretty, but the frame has no cracks and still spec's true at the headtube openings. It'd be nice if they made this frame with horizontal dropouts and 12/14mm compatibility.
I'm running a 100mm fork on it, because I liked the way it felt better for handling....steepened the 67° head angle to 68°. It rides very nicely on the trails. I just swap seatposts to a longer one so that I can have better pedalling efficiency. It's spec'd for a 130mm fork, and rides nicely that way. I rode a friend's Komodo with a 150mm fork and it'll shred the rocks with it.
You may need to craft a cable ferrule for the rear derailleur because they put the braze-on too close to the reinforcing strut on the rear triangle. Cable routing isn't idel because they put the top tube braze-ons on top of the tube, and they're a bit too close to the seat/head tubes, but it's not a big deal and doesn't seem to affect function. The v-brake tabs get in the way of putting the rear wheel in the frame when a 2.3 or larger tire is used and inflated, and if your wheel isn't true, you'll rub the yoke a bit. I'm going to grind those tabs off soon.
Great frame....no reservations about recommending it to anyone wanting a durable frame that can just about do it all. Built up with the right parts, I wouldn't hesitate to race it. Built up with the right parts, it'll handle anything you can throw at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan bracy
a Weekend Warrior
from ny Date Reviewed: September 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
whiteface ny
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
great braking power and handles jumps and drops well.
Weaknesses:
paint sucks. manitou stickers came off. tires have bad traction in sand and wet conditions. I've bent the handlebars. and the fork attracts lots of dirt and it doesn't come off.
I'd buy it again its an awesome bike and i've taken it off tons of jumps, drops, stairs, w/e you can think of. Buy this bike for the streets and the mountain, it looks sweet! Its hard to pedal, not an xc bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: August 18, 2007
took it off a pretty small jump and the derailer hanger snapped just from impact of the landing (didnt hit anything), brakes constantly rub cause there impossible to adjust (and i know bikes quite well), the seat snapped 3 times cause its made of plastic (and im only 150 lbs) and the fork has no spring or adjustablity (plus it leaks fluid and turned my stanchions black!) if your looking for a starting dirtjump bike, look elsewere its worth the extra couple o bucks for a kona or specialized...seriously!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Charlton
a
from miton ont canada Date Reviewed: November 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
the komodo is a good bike to ride. I love the nices frame
Weaknesses:
The crank is grager i have to bye a new bottom brake because my broke
Bottom Line:
this bike is grabge i will never by this bike again !!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Monsoon
a Weekend Warrior
from Branford, CT Date Reviewed: October 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Killington, VT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Bullydog Bikes
Strengths:
Looks great, very predictable, can handle anything from 6ft drops, 10 stairs, DHing, XCing anything
Weaknesses:
components! In less than a year i've has 2 seatposts, 2 seats, cranks, BB, pedals, many tires but whatever i dont expect anything less.
Similar Products Used:
GT Backwoods, Kona Blast, Giant Iguana, Trek, Specialized...
Excellent bike despite the components. If you want to build up a HT frame, go with the Komodo! Great bike for anyone who doesn't have much $$$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rome
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, WA, USA Date Reviewed: July 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Whoopsie Woodle
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Lightweight, fast handling.
Weaknesses:
Flat black paint rubbed off from cable housing rub on headtube. Could have more tire clearance between the chainstays.
Similar Products Used:
2005 Access Aluminum, 2003 Access Aluminum
Bike Setup:
2003 Marzocchi Z1FR w/ETA, Cane Creek S2 headset, Weyless shorty stem, Carbon fiber handlebar, SRAM Rocket gripshifters, ODI Ruffian lock-on grips, Dean Ti seatpost with Fprte Fusion saddle, FSA Alpha drive ISIS crank (22/32) with bashring, XT derailleurs, Supergo Launch FR wheelset with SRAM cassette, Kenda Kinetics Stick-E 2.3 tires, Avid BBDB cable disc brakes with 203mm rotors, Shimanjo PD-M545 clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. It handles tight singletrack, mild drops, and is light enough to ride uphill. My only problem is that I sometimes forget to release the ETA when heading downhill. Certainly my favorite hardtail ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rossi
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasadena Ca. Date Reviewed: March 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mt Wilson 12mi downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$127.00
Purchased At:
jensen
Strengths:
great color, great geometry, great welds, very stiff
Weaknesses:
crooked label
Similar Products Used:
rock hopper
Bike Setup:
I love my setup, 14in frame, Easton Vice neck, Kona jump bars, WTB freeride seat, Hussefelt cranks, MRP Sytem3 chainguide, Maxxis High Rollers, Mavic X221 wheels, Hayes Mechanical Disc Brakes, Shimano Deore rear derailer
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome my favorite build so far. I ride down hill every weekend and blow past guys on their full sussers. I use mine for everything freeride, downhill, dirt jump and street. if you're looking for a great platform to build on this is the frame. At 5'9" 160 the 14in frame is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, Fl Date Reviewed: December 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Jenson
Weaknesses:
This is an update of sorts. I have noticed that one problem that I have run into with this frame is that I'm getting a lot of tire rub because of the lack of wheel clearance in the back. I am running the stock 2.3" Scorpions and even at different psi's Im still getting a decent buzz in corners etc..
Bottom Line:
Still a great bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, Fl Date Reviewed: November 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Santos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$145.00
Purchased At:
Jenson (frame)
Strengths:
I feel like this is a really great all-around frame. It is strong as hell and you wont believe how light it is. The geometry lends well to XC, all-mountain, pretty much most types of mountain biking. I have set it up as a bike that will do everything and it is just that.
Weaknesses:
I guess the reason for the deal on Jenson is that the "FX" part of the label is crooked. You cant even notice unless someone points it out to you. I'm glad it is b/c I got a great deal.
Bike Setup:
I did a full buildup on this frame like most here. Reba SL fork, Holzfeller crank, XT/LX drivetrain, Hayes MX-2s'. Still tweaking it but Im learning alot from my first build. There are such great deals online you just wait to get a deal on something.
Bottom Line:
Great deal if you can still find the frames they were going for $109 the last time I checked. If you want to build your own bike and want a one that will do everthing on a college budget buy the Komodo. I started trying to build it cheap but you know how that goes... Money worth spent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PT
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ Date Reviewed: September 22, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
new frame - built from parts around house
Strengths:
Exellent geometry. Great strength / weight ratio. Funr to ride!
Much better for our area than the $1200 Stumpjumper!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
several
Bike Setup:
2002 Komodo frame, 104mm Marz MX Pro ETA fork, SRAM x.9 drivetrain w/ triggers, Avid BB7 6" brakes, Rock Shock susp. seatpost, Mavic 321 rims w Real hubs, Titec bar, ODI lock-on grips...
Bottom Line:
Super sweet hardtail! I built this for my wife - her first REAL bike. Amazing it's held up to the punishment of following me around on a 6x6 full susp! At Brian Head last summer, everyone we saw was AMAZED to see a hardtail on the 5 to 15 mile downhills!
Bottom line - I'm building one for myself right now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Syracuse, NY USA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Shindaigin Hollow
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$145.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
Review is just for the frame. Strong welds, I like the matte black finish (just like my old GT aggressor). Stands up to 2' drops under a heavy rider (6'2", 225#)
Weaknesses:
Figured out why the frame was so inexpensive; the decals on the frame were a little off, not enough for the casual onlooker to notice as you blow past them, but if you're looking for it, you'll find it. Matte finish shows fingerprints and grease marks easily if you care about that crap-I don't.
Similar Products Used:
'04 Jamis Durango SX (17" as opposed to my new Komodo 19") '98 GT Aggressor 21"
Bike Setup:
Swapped parts from my Durango, so Hayes MX-2 mechanicals w/ Avid levers, WTB Speed V Comp Saddle, Ritchey long-necked stem, Deore derailleurs, soon-to-be installed Noleen Mega Air fork, Kenda Kinetic 2.1s (actually 1.95s) with Alexrims TD-17 up front and a mavic 238 on the rear
Bottom Line:
This is a great frame for the price. On my first ride with it I placed 4th on a local race (up a few spots from last time). It's rigid and has great all-around geometry. Cable routings along the top tube (as opposed to running along the downtube) keeps mud and trail grime out of the cable housings. I believe that this frame will last me for many years and many miles. If you're looking for a new frame for little $$$, but don't want to sacrifice weight and quality, then look no further.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex bad ass
a Downhiller
from harrisonburg Date Reviewed: June 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
massanutten mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
jamis
Strengths:
very solid bike. it can handle any thing you put out. takes drops like nothing, very good components
Weaknesses:
havnt found any yet
Similar Products Used:
cannondale.
Bike Setup:
all stock for 2005 komodo fx 1
Bottom Line:
the best hard tail out there, very solid bike great for urban assult takes drops very nice, great handling, rides great on the trails and urban. highly recomand this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake Hedges
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Cambridge
Strengths:
Frame & Fork are great so far. I havn't had any problems with anything yet, but the frame is nicely reinforced and welded. Cranks are bulletproof.
Weaknesses:
None so far. Did blow a tire after the first 5 minutes of riding, but it was due to a thorn. After patching it, no problems.
Bike Setup:
I have the FX1, the 2005 model.
Bottom Line:
Rides great and feels solid. The SR DURO fork is great, w/ preload adjust. The worst part seems to be the tires, but i can't say they are bad. They just arnt up to par with the rest of the bike. Great hardtail freeride bike, but also very useful for XC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bernie
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna, Philippines Date Reviewed: March 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Southwoods Interchange Road
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Neils Bike Store
Strengths:
My price $150.00 is for the frame only. STRENGTH: Very very strong Frame that can handle my 250 lbs frame in rough terrain and trails. Average price, not so expensive yet a good branded frame.
Weaknesses:
Not so good geometrical looks. Looks like a Big BMX Frame.
Similar Products Used:
BIXS Frames, MOB ang GTS Frames
Bike Setup:
Jamis Komodo FX 04 black, Deore Group Hydros, Rigida Taurus Disc Brake Rims, Panaracer 2.1 XC Fire, Amoeba Scud stem and bars. Velo Long type saddles, Crane Creek Thudbuster sitpost, egg beater pedal.
Bottom Line:
( The Frame only ) This frame perhaps of of the hardtails that can handle the job for a downhill, a street bike, a trailbike, and a cross country aggressive bike, so I should say this is the frame for the undecided.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marvs
a Cross Country Rider
from Paranaque Date Reviewed: December 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Endless
Strengths:
A nice compromise between a lightweight cross country and a bighitting hardtail. Very good for all around trail riding.
Weaknesses:
Not really a weakness, geometry is designed for a 5 in travel fork. Bottom bracket is a bit lower on a shorter fork. Pedal tends to hit roots and rocks on the trail since I have a 3.5 in travel one. Am waiting for my fork to fail so I have an excuse to upgrade to a longer one.
Similar Products Used:
'02 Schwinn Moab, sweet! but more of a cross country racer.
Bike Setup:
deore all around, avid mechs, 03 zoke mx comp, FSA crank (broke the Deore one when the pedal hit a root which sent me flying)
Bottom Line:
Bought as frame only. Great frame which they made a lot better and burlier in 05 with gussets all around and longer forks. (they are positioning it for the freeride market). The best hardtail for all around trail/enduro riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nilo Loko
a Cross Country Rider
from Batangas, Philippines Date Reviewed: December 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
our Batangas Mabini trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
San Fernando La Union Ukay Ukay
Strengths:
(Frame only) Very very strong ang can handle high drops.
Weaknesses:
I hate that black paint!
Similar Products Used:
Coyote., Litespeed (old )
Bike Setup:
Rigid, Roadies and MTBs crossbreed
Bottom Line:
Serious Hardtailers, this is a must, probably the toughest Hardtail frame I'd ever have and ASTIG (tough)A DHiller who hates Full Suspension the rear, here is the frame for you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bernie m.
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: December 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sta. Rosa, Caliraya, & Cavinti roads
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Neils (Frame Only ha)
Strengths:
Robust! Very very strong!
Weaknesses:
Color-dead black!
Similar Products Used:
MOB, GTS, Cannondale, & GT
Bike Setup:
Hybrid, DH + XC
Bottom Line:
This is the frame for life. You can sei it up on any MTB type you want. A true Money's worth thing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
anthony "Ampao"
a Weekend Warrior
from Q.C. Philippines Date Reviewed: November 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
U.P. and Sta. Rosa
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$770.00
Purchased At:
All Terra ( Frame only)
Strengths:
Frame(not only the looks but its rigid and can take big -drops)Oops!!!
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC SE1,KONA Cindercone
Bike Setup:
MX Comp Air Fork,FSA Bar,Stem,Post and crank,Avid Disc,LX/XT Derelleur,SRAM7.0 cassette 9sp,Singletrack rims
Bottom Line:
I built the bike from scratch, after all the researched i came all with the components base on my budget.After riding with it for a week it gives me more confident specially in trail and some little freestyle.Good bike for riders looking for quality and strenght.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Dixon
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas Date Reviewed: September 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
bluff creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
solid construction and components (except fork) for a decent price point
Weaknesses:
1. axel elite is way too soft...replaced the spring to a firm one and replaced 5wt oil to 7.5wt...$25 dollars later, the fork is a new beast.
2. the stock hutchinson scorpion are horrible
Similar Products Used:
IF Deluxe, old Trek hardtail
Bike Setup:
stock except longer Titec RIP stem, Azonic hotseat, Azonic Xtension pedals, Panaracer Fire XC pro (rear), WTB Weirwolf (front).
Bottom Line:
After replacing the stem, tires, and strengthening the fork, this bike is a dream. It handles very well, snappy steering, great descender, decent ascender. It gets me pumped to ride just looking at it and it never lets me down once I hop on.
not the most efficient pedaler, but geometry shines when descending.
if you are looking for a bike that can be used for play and XC, this bike bridges that gap very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dudley Coulter
a Cross Country Rider
from Marathon, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Hawk's Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$699.00
Purchased At:
Rollin' Thunder
Strengths:
Very durable and fast. The crank, handle bars, brakes and rims are the best thing of the bike. It is also very awesome looking. When you get on that bike, you are in control all the way!
Weaknesses:
The gear shifters are hard to shift when you are on the trail. Besides that it is the bomb!
Similar Products Used:
GT avalanche 2.0, Gary Fishcer Cake, and Specialized Stump Jumper
Bike Setup:
Very well made and distributed parts.
Bottom Line:
Its the bomb.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Pembroke Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
forest lea
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$675.00
Purchased At:
Dinardo's Ski's & Wheels
Strengths:
Brakes, Fork, Frame, Tires and Rims
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
KHS Alite 300, KHS Alite 500
Bottom Line:
A great bike for the cost. I am a beginner to cross country riding and this bike has given me the tools to improve my riding and help me see the difference between a good bike and a really good bike. The frame is tuff and rugged....more than willing to take the beating. All in all, a fun bike with lots of cool stuff and a pleasure to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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