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Submitted by
Captain Trump
a Downhiller
from London
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | killer frame, strong, no flex, | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | gt sts, giant Dh1, San Andreas | | Bike Setup: | Stinky Frame, Jr. T, Romic, Avid Juicys, race face prodigy Dh, Blackspire guide, sram mech, ditch witch rims, maxxis | | Bottom Line: | great freeride!!! DJ to DH to DS to urban assault! This bike, with some upgrades is class! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
skee
a Downhiller
from SR, CA, US
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anytthing fun | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist | | Strengths: | basically everything. I love how this bike has a single crown and only 5in in front and back because then it has enouh travel to bomb and do jumps and trails, but it has short enough travel so that you can do some XC. I also have a 500lb shock for more stiffness | | Weaknesses: | stock tires | | Similar Products Used: | a ton of bikes | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock '02 stinky with intense 2.4 tires and a 500 lb fox shock | | Bottom Line: | this bike basically perfect stock, and i just got mine used, fully stock except for tires, and I love it. Even after like 5 years of the stock parts being used they are still good, but i know that soon, I will probably need to make a few upgrades such as the fork, maybe brakes (since they are mech.) overall, a great bike even when stock
Also, if you got this bike used but in good condition, it is a great buy, i think, because it is inexpensive now that it is 5 years old, so you can have loney left over to make any upgrades you want | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Poontang
a Weekend Warrior
from Poosey, Maine, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | My DJ course | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Attitash | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Everthing, Fork, rims, Tires, Seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Fischer Price tricycle | | Bike Setup: | Gay | | Bottom Line: | Buy A rocky mtn | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Poontang
a Weekend Warrior
from Poosey, Maine, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | My DJ course | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Attitash | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Everthing, Fork, rims, Tires, Seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Fischer Price tricycle | | Bike Setup: | Gay | | Bottom Line: | Buy A rocky mtn | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Poontang
a Weekend Warrior
from Poosey, Maine, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | My DJ course | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Attitash | | Strengths: | None | | Weaknesses: | Everthing, Fork, rims, Tires, Seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Fischer Price tricycle | | Bike Setup: | Gay | | Bottom Line: | Buy A rocky mtn | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Downhiller
from Keene NH USA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Drummer Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | Very ridged frame,. great handling, Maes for a predictable ride in the rough stuff. | | Weaknesses: | Poor standover clearence. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Kona Stinky , Mavic Deemax wheelset , 5th element 5way adjustable coil shock , z1 drop off 1 fork. 540 Shimano pedals. Mx2 mechanical disc with 8 " rotors. xt drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | Love it, bomb proof with my currrent upgrades. Love the handling big time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
super man
a
from bankok thailand
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | chugalug | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | im super man and i use it so its good | | Weaknesses: | nuthing tall | | Similar Products Used: | brodie thumper, santa cruz bullit , Gt tempest-- haha | | Bike Setup: | stock except i got a bash guard and dj 3 | | Bottom Line: | its super mans bike so it awsome | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
super man
a
from bankok thailand
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | chugalug | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | im super man and i use it so its good | | Weaknesses: | nuthing tall | | Similar Products Used: | brodie thumper, santa cruz bullit , Gt tempest-- haha | | Bike Setup: | stock except i got a bash guard and dj 3 | | Bottom Line: | its super mans bike so it awsome | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
simon carter
a Downhiller
from derbyshire
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | whistler bike park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | a crap shop | | Strengths: | nill | | Weaknesses: | Everything | | Similar Products Used: | barbie bike | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | I was riding to my local trails when i slipped on a pizza and it nearly disintergrated.its crud. i was only doing 4 mph . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Handsome Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | my trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | Strong frame, inspires confidence. Strong cranks. | | Weaknesses: | Fork, Brakes, they get the job done, but after doing a couple rough downhill runs you get hand cramps like a mother. | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 stinkys, KHS DH-50, 01 Iron Horse SGS DH. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except I upgraded the fork to a 03 marzocchi DJ 3. | | Bottom Line: | Killer frame, even for limited amounts of travel. I can keep up with all my friends on the downhills and they ride full blown downhill rigs. Stock forks suck, can't adjust them except by adjusting the oil viscosity and height. I have heard of people that broke the forks completely in a half. Brakes suck, I actually have a hard time skidding. I hear people say there fine if you know how to adjust them, either they have never ridden good brakes or they know some crazy trick, cause I have tried everything. Honestly, though killer fun bike to ride. Handles anything with out some much as a whimper. The frame has potential to be built up as a GREAT freeride bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eddie
a Downhiller
from Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | SCU | | Strengths: | frame, most components, geometry. | | Weaknesses: | forks, wheels, brakes, tyres. | | Similar Products Used: | kona scab, craftworks frm125+alot of crap, cheap hardtails | | Bike Setup: | stock except: super T pro, 321 wheelset, HFX mag hd hydros+various other components replaced when broken (derailleurs, etc.) | | Bottom Line: | The frame is awesome on this bike, and the geometry is such that it rides beautifully on trails but also performs when dirt jumping. With a few upgrades, this bike has unlimited potential.
This bike is perfect for the trail rider and non-racing downhill rider, but if you want to start dropping it you will find the forks and wheels wont last. This is easily fixed. You either sell forks and wheels before they get trashed, or just ride them to the end as I did.
Brakes will need to be upgraded if you ride steep downhill trails or long descents, but the brakes are fine for XC. As I said before, keep using them until you destroy them.
Simply put, buy this bike and mould the components to accomodate for your riding style. Also, don't replace anything at time of purchas (Components have a different feel, depending on what frame they're bolted onto)-ride them and see how they feel, you may be surprised. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David .
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many in Oregon to pick | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Paul's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame is tough, will stand the test of time and abuse. | | Weaknesses: | Shock needs upgrading, go 5th Element. Brakes need upgrading, go Shimano Deore hydrolic which do the job and are cheap as hell. Needs new front fork, go Marz. Z1 Freeride with ETA which is soooo helpfull on the climbs. The Wedge will break if you push it too hard. I've spoken with two guys who broke the Wedge. One has permanent nerve damage to his head. The money on the new fork is worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler. | | Bike Setup: | Stock accept for, well, all the major components that I've upgraded as my riding has progressed and my demands changed. Consider going with recommendations listed above in Product Weaknesses section. Also, an important change was to put on a road rear derailer that didn't stick out so much and get caught in the rear wheel spokes and hard landings off 4-5 foot stumps. Mine got caught and ripped off last time. The local guys told me about this change and I made it. Good call. Look around, a lot of experianced free rides have made this change. | | Bottom Line: | Good bike that will last. With the changes I've made it's a great bike for all mountain, medium free ride use. It peddles really well with the 5th element stable platform design. It'll also make you stronger riding this bike. At first it was a tough transition from my Superlight which I still have but now I keep up with most of my riding buddies on all rides including the sick climbs. I'll catch up with, pass my fast friends on the way down and I'll be smiling way bigger. When you get on your lighter bike you'll rock. The downhills will be soooo much more fun you won't even believe it. Food for thought.... The new Coiler is basically this Stinky brought back. Buy an 02 Stinky cheap and upgrade those things I mentioned for $1000.00 and you'll come in less than the new Coiler with better parts. Go e-bay for parts and save a bundle. Doing all this will make a killer bike on the cheap that will last for ever. Oh, my Superlight which is my #1 is gathering more and more and more dust. You'll enjoy the Stinky that much! Have fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex BBB
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield,uk
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any thing that goes down | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | j.e james cycles | | Strengths: | The frame is as tough as bricks,value,handeling,bomb proof,good uk downhiller for most riders. | | Weaknesses: | z1 wedge forks a little soft,no hydraulic disks,esily scratches.no rebound adjuster on rear shock. | | Similar Products Used: | gt ruckus i drive, | | Bike Setup: | all original parts. z1 wedge forks,fox vanilla shock,husstlefelt chainset,sun ditch witch rims | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a superb bike that will be sutable for all u extream riders out there .At a good price. hard to find a bike as good for the same money.You can do allsorts on this bike from downhillin to freeriding to drop offs even xc if you want.Although there are no hydraulic disks the hayes cable disks work fine when set up and bedded in.Better than most cable disks.The frame is a beast it it as tough as thay come and super stiff.The forks u mite like em but they seem a little to soft for me at 11 st.The travel gets used up to easily. But u can buy a spring kit for them.I would say if u had the money spare and you wanted a tough freeride/downhill bike go for this beast.if you can get 1.But i wouldent go out and buy it if your wanting a xc or light weight bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin
a Weekend Warrior
from Liverpool, UK
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Delamere Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | High Peak Cycles | | Strengths: | Handling, strength, build quality, frame | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88, Specialised Big Hit | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Stinky, Shiver DC forks, Vanilla RC shock, XTR rear mech, Hope Enduro4 front brake, mini rear brake. | | Bottom Line: | Bike was great as standard, one of those bikes that "feel right" instantly and give great confidence. I occasionally bottomed out the original forks (Z1 Wedge) if I landed a jump badly so I upgraded to the Shivers as I got a great deal on them. Also upgraded the brakes to give single finger braking and a bit more feel. Before the fork upgrade I regularly rode 20 miles rides and have done one since with the Shivers on. Stinky's are a little pricey when they first come out but if you can get a good deal on the previous model go for it.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guillaume
a Downhiller
from Comox, British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Washington | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Simon Cycle | | Strengths: | Crazy stiff frame, NO flex at all, Bombproof | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Brodies, Norcos | | Bike Setup: | Mavic spoke D321 Disc rims, Fox RC rear shock, had Z3 Drop off's gettin Monster T's, | | Bottom Line: | The Best Freeride frame at a resonable price, the only better frame is a Banshee Screem but it's better for Downhill since it's so heavy. The Stinky Line is a definit must for any Freerider | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sal Sharma
a Weekend Warrior
from Des Moines, Iowa
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Brick Yards | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Thsi frame is great. I ride with my friend who has the same frame. I would have to say this is incredible. I do drops but my friend does Huge drops to flat and there is nothing wrong with the frame. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Kona Stinky frame, 03 DJ 3, Race Face, LX, D521, XT hubs, Hayes Brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for everyone. Whether you just started riding or you are an expert. This thing handles amazing on trails, its strength is incredible and feels solid of drops. A great bang for the buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, Sisters, Hood River
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Elk Trail ridden very fast | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | College student short on tuition | | Strengths: | Geometry, welds, spec'd to keep the price low, | | Weaknesses: | for the price...not much to complain about since everything works like it's supposed to ! No surprises. | | Similar Products Used: | Dawg, Kilauea, Specialized, Straight 8 | | Bike Setup: | As sold stock except for Sram 9.0 hydro brakes, Proshift billet derail. Raceface bashguard in place of big ring | | Bottom Line: | Anyone who degrades this bike doesn't ride or know what they're talking about. Take a little time to get to know the components and it won't let you down. The shop guys in my town ride them stock and have no problems. Brake setup isn't hard with the mech. Hayes, just clean the pads and disc with alcohol during break in to take care of squeak. Seatpost, bars and headset: bombproof. Wheels: most bang for the buck and tires...try reducing pressure for better traction, the 2.1's will hold, even for freeriding. I've upgraded mine for less peddaling and more ski resort time with Sram brakes (the best you can get, at least til I try Avid's) and a billed short cage derail and race face bash ring. This bike will do just fine and if ya think 5 inches isn't enough travel then you must be trying to compensate for something ! Need more then spend the bucks on a bigger Kona and quit whining about a great frame with great specs ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chill rider
a Weekend Warrior
from quebec
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | primeau vélo | | Strengths: | frame ( solid and great design)
wheight( not too heavy )
front fork( good fork take the hit)
| | Weaknesses: | the brakes ( not a long durability)
the rear shoks( not enough coil)
rims (broke easily) | | Similar Products Used: | nothing | | Bike Setup: | kona stinky ,d 321 disc, bomber marzocchi junior t pro, gazaloddi 2.6, mrp chain guide and bash guard, carbon easton sterring | | Bottom Line: | its the best quality/value offer under 4000 $ great bike i didnt had serious problem with this bike except for the front rim but now i got mavic 321. I took some crashes on my 11 feet drop and it dosent broke until i have it. My project is to make this bike a bomb i will modify it until ill die and finally ill be really proud of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Notellin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend in need of $ | | Strengths: | Unbeatable frame and welds, components are picked wisly for keeping the price down, took very little time to graduate to the feel of fs from an xc bike. Confidence inspiring handling and plushness. | | Weaknesses: | Not a true four bar linkage causing a little tire hop in the rear on med. to large hits, the mech. Hayes work, but you really have to clean and set them up right. Would like to see it come with some 2.3 tires instead of xc 2.1's. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg, Kona Kilauea, Kona Bear, Kona Blast FR | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now, upgrading to Shimano discs unless someone want's to sell me some Hope's for less than a years salary ! | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the price, specd. right for the budget minded diamond rider provided they have a smooth style and don't jam everything. Tires are a little narrow but hook up well in the wet and excellent on rock. Cockpit took some gettin used to after xc riding, but two runs at the ski resort and I felt like doing the Red Bull Rampage, very big confidence builder and excellent geometry. Upgrade if necessary, but the guys at the lbs who ride leave them as is cause it just plain works ! Twitchy on the first ride, second ride I added a little speed and it became more nimble than my xc ride, consult Konaworld archived news for setup and specs, you won't be sorry !!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil
a Downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | aberfoyle backwoods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Strengths: | frame, immense for the money. I like the choice of gears too, but thats not for everyone. | | Weaknesses: | tyres
brakes don't like good old english mud | | Similar Products Used: | giant atx 1100
| | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock. new nokian tyres and a halo laced to xt hub on the rear | | Bottom Line: | for the money, its a challange to find something that comes close. The frame is so high quality you can use it as a base for building a stunning ride (i've seen it done)
discs arn't great but they took care of that for 03
no regrets in my purchase at all | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Creamy
a Downhiller
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Great frame design. Perfect angles for free riding and light downhill | | Weaknesses: | The Tioga tires suck, the Hayes mech brakes suck, the seat post sucks, the BB sucks, and remove those front rings and put on a a couple chain guards. | | Similar Products Used: | Many similar class bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Kona Stinky (5inches front and back) plus hydros, sweet tires and lots of new stuff. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike because I moved to Vancouver from Toronto and was greeted with my Specialized FSR being stolen. The insurance money bought me my 02 Stinky. I have gone from a geeky XC rider to riding the intermediate trails (CBC, Corkscrew, Neds) of the NorthShore. Over 12 months with the Stinky and I have learned how to do 7 foot drops, ride the skinnys, and simply forget all about that XC crap. Bottom line: this is a great bike to learn how to some great moves. However, an advanced rider would NOT enjoy this bike. I love the frame so much that I am about to upgrade to a 03 Jr T Pro and get one of those BEDT rear linkages that I hear so much about. A great bike for the money but it only gets 4 peppers because of the crappy tires, brakes, and seat post. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stephen hernandez
a Downhiller
from hollywood, FL , usa
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | QW | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | from my freind | | Strengths: | frame is beefy as hell. the bike is horrible going up hill. as a freerider i use the bike for jumping and it is amazing glides through the air easy. this bike loves to drop huge and go big | | Weaknesses: | rear shock , derailur , fork sucks major, the hayes mechanical breaks are worthless peices of trash that could have come from a cheap k-mart bike ....sigh... kona.... you could have done better | | Similar Products Used: | 02 norco vps team DH, kona stuff , specialized p2 | | Bike Setup: | dirt jumper 1 , with fox vanilla rc in the back, avid mechanical breaks , mrp mini-me chainguide, 24in doublewide xtr hub rear rim .with complete atomlabs 26in for the front. for the rubber maxxis high rollers all the way around .
coming soon : danger boys cnc long travel kit
north shore dh crankset
hayes hydrolics 8in | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great all around perfect for someone who is just getting started. but i have to say the fork sucks ive broken it twice. brakes suck .... they are just plain crap. but the way the bike feels and the geometry is amazing. this bike is kinda like an aquired taste .. not for everyone . well thats it
www.freeridesouth.com
-toothpick | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Spencer
a
from Concord, NC
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun and Ski Sports | | Strengths: | Takes a beating. Price range is great for people to get started freerideng. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes mechanical do suck. But they are better than rim braks, I would like to get hydro's. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Standard from factory, besides a bash gard. | | Bottom Line: | If you are coming off a cross country bike, and or are just getting into freeriding, this is a great bike. To me it sounds like the only bad reviews are from people that are more advanced riders, or are just talking s#@!t, so they sound like they know something. If you are more advanced, why would you buy a 5" travel bike? Anyway I am 6' 205 lbs and this is my first "freeride" bike (call it what you will) and this thing takes a beating. I have taken drops anywhere from a 6' 8' and it handles well, I have bottomed the fork out but only when I land sh!#@y if you land smoothley it holds up fine. As far as jumping goes I have advanced more on this bike than I could have imagined the frame geomatry is perfect. Downhill and extreme trails are great on this bike, I am still getting my lungs but pedaling up hill isn't all that bad, it's heavier than my last two bikes but that is expected. Now by the end of this year I feel I will definatly outgrow this bike and will be looking to purchase something with 7 or 8 inches of travel, but for my first experiance in freeriding this bike has definatley helped me advance. Like I said if you are just getting into freeriding this is a good bike to start with if you are already hitting 10' 12' and bigger drops get a bigger bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mat Munday
a Downhiller
from Birmingham
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords, 2003 in Brmingham Brand New | | Strengths: | Dont know of any. Oh the tyres are Quality! Got at good Price. | | Weaknesses: | Cable brakes are poor so change straight away to Hope minis. Rear-shock is pants, not very ajustable and too bouncey. Forks are hard to ajust and are to soft. The general spec is poor compared to Specialized Comp. Frame is skiny and weak. Very noisey when going downhill. Rims are weak. Chain slips off outer ring nd rips paint off chain stay. | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Partiot/+7, Specialized Big Hit Comp/Expert. | | Bike Setup: | Standard but with hope minis. | | Bottom Line: | Buy a Specialized Big Hit, Comp or Expert like i am. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric V
a Downhiller
from Burlington
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | mine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | beefy, good colors, hmmm... thats it | | Weaknesses: | Brakes are trash, they have squeled since the day i got them and are weak as hell, tires are too skinny and have fallen apart, (wider is better)rims are ok but i have broken 2 spokes. I stripped out the threads on the cranks where the pedals screwed in. (Luckily truvativ hooked me up)One big problem is that KONA HAS NO WARRENTY ANYMORE. According to them you arent supposed to ride "out of bounds with this bike" The rear shock feels more like 4 in. instead of 5. Going back to the stupid HMX mech. brakes, I broke the pivit that the cable attaches to so that was the end of the front brake. (Get Hydros or Avids) Paint chips pretty bad on 2002 model. 2003 is ok though | | Similar Products Used: | Big Hit, stinky (2003) model | | Bike Setup: | Nokian Gazzas, Raceface Diabolus stem, stock otherwise | | Bottom Line: | I have had this bike for a year of hardcore riding. Everything has broken since my 3 month review. A Kona Stinky is fine for a beginners fr bike. The bike seems to be broken more than its working. Im ready for a new frame, a banshee scream. The fork has been fine since i got stiffer springs. Ive made do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rescuetoaster
a Weekend Warrior
from wethersfield, ct, usa
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the one I'm riding | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cutting edge | | Strengths: | Excellent frame and parts spec. Very durable. VERY comfy saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes mechs. Noisy and underpowered. The smallest bit of dirt makes them howl for miles. Brake jack can make descents hairy. Just stay off them and stay alert. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized fsr xc | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love the cockpit of this bike. I am 6'4" and it is a little cramped for an all day epic, but I have never felt so in control when the rear wheel starts to endo. Shifting the bike under my legs front to back is a joy. It's excellent for fallen trees or log piles. I may have blown out the rear shock, there's a funny wheezing sound at the bottom of the stroke, but other than that the components have taken all the trail and urban abuse that I have dished out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellevue, WA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | down & dirty | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Finn Hill Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Well built, bombproof, looks hot. It climbs ok but point it down and it feels like an engine turns on because of all the acceleration. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes mechs are junk | | Similar Products Used: | Fischer HKEK, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | '02 Stinky, '03 Jr T QR20, Hayes 8" hydros, and of course, Blackspire Ring God | | Bottom Line: | This bike has really helped improve my riding and go bigger more difficult than I ever thought I would--which still isn't real big and bad by the way, but progressing nicely. Before this bike I was totally XC and losing interest in riding. I got this bike to do bigger, funner things (DH/freeriding) and now I can't wait for the next ride.
The Hayes mechs suck...plunking down the extra coin for the hydros is more than worth it. The wedge fork served me well but the Jr T is the bomb. I was mad at first that the '03 Stinky had all these improvements but who cares, if I didn't buy the '02 I woulda had a hard tail XC bike last summer at Whistler! This bike is awesome!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jammin
a Downhiller
from Orstraylea
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Snail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Phantom | | Strengths: | upgraded to the Stinky from my Roast after Phantom (on day web) forced me to buy the damn thing for under $1000AUD. He's a hard man, chack him out at www.Phantomcycles.com.au
This thing is turning me into a drop/gap freak, I cruise around looking for bigger gaps and drops to test myself and the bike on. | | Weaknesses: | It's a FAT mutha, 10lbs up on the Roast and you feel it. Drops better than it jumps. Still I hit everything at twice the speed I used too so it makes up for it. | | Similar Products Used: | None, cept da Roast. | | Bike Setup: | 17" '02 Stinky, Manny Fireflys, D321's, Thompson Elite Post and Azonic seat, Shimmy M595 peds, Raceface cranks with a Mr. Dirt Gizmo guard, and single 38t wheel. XT running gear, 8" Hayes Hydros. | | Bottom Line: | Goes up hills like a cow, comes down like a fish and that's what it's all about, right!
If you cared you could upgrade the fox Vanilla shockie for a 5th element or Romic to get some peddling capability back.
If I do this, like Arnie, "I'll be Back!" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leo Olivera
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ravenshoe | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Dukes on Queen, Toronto | | Strengths: | Everything so far | | Weaknesses: | Hand grips (chew your hands up), Paint chips, but who cares. Just keep it wrapped in bubble wrap and don't ride it! | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mtn Slayer, Giant AC1, Norco VPS 1.0, some others | | Bike Setup: | stock set up as per Kona specs | | Bottom Line: | I have only riden this bike a few times so far this year, but it rides so smooth and nice. Builds confidence going over and up things. Definitely a fun bike and easy bike to ride. Not a problem on climbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joeslow
a
from oakland
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with lots of singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | excellent for downhills, not too bad for climbing, stable at speed, decent drivetrain, nice frame | | Weaknesses: | Hayes HMX-1 mech disc brakes are noisy (good for alerting other trail users on the downhills though, haha!)-will upgrade to hydros soon, a tad too heavy for lightweights and xc-only purposes or long steep climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i've only ridden this bike once, just got it today. I was looking for a rugged trail bike and will be using it for small (4-5 feet) drops on local trails. I weigh about 135 pounds and don't ride frequent enough so my cardio-pulmonary capacity is just a notch above pathetic. My right knee isn't too stable and I tend to use the granny gear too much to relieve pressure from that knee when climbing. I'm not your typical mtbiker with the bulging calves and quads, in fact i'm a tall and skinny dude. With all that said, I rode Redwood regional park late this afternoon. it's a fun 12-mile trail with LOTS of alternate steepish (20-40-degree climbs) and rough, steep descents. I'd say that I was hypoglycemic before the ride as my last meal was about 5 hours before the ride and consisted of a measly cheesburger and some fries. I was so excited about taking the stinky out for a spin that I didn't realize that. Anyway, the climbs were mild to gruelling on this bike (also take into account my physical condition) and the difference hinges on maintaining momentum. If you lose it in the middle of a climb, it's a sure dismount unless you are fairly fit. The bike's weight (18" equals about 35-37 pounds?) is definitely felt on the climbs but little momentum sappers like huge ruts, rocks, loose dirt and small ledges are not a problem as long as you keep spinning. The suspension works great, uphill and downhill. Being as unfit as I am, I didn't consider the occasional bob to be bad enough to contribute to my slow progress uphill. If you're worried about pedal-induced bobbing, stop worrying. Really, it's not bad at all in the stinky. If you are as pathetic as I am and are looking for a trail bike, you'd be a lot happier with a bear/dawg or something under 30 pounds. I have no regrets though, I'm planning on using this boat anchor to get myself into shape so I can handle the climbs easier.
Now for the good news: This bike will handle any downhill short of extreme (maybe that too if you are good and very skillful). I've tackled pretty gnarly and rutted descents with my hardtail so I know how to ride smoothly. I'm comparing how the stinky would handle and I can say that it would be mistake-proof for downhilling. A section of redwood regional that usually forces me to slow down on my hardtail and make a trials-like approach lest I risk getting bucked-off was just literally motored through with the stinky. The suspension is that plush although it might bottom out if I was 50 pounds heavier. There are upgrades to prevent that though.
the components are good except for the disc brakes. They are underpowered for a bike this heavy and a bit grabby. My cheap V-brakes stop my 33-pound (can you tell that I'm not a fan of light bikes?) hardtail twice faster than these discs. I will upgrade to hydros when I wear this one out. The fork is setup just right for me. derailers work just fine, so do the shifters.
geometry is spot on for me. Ride one first to see if it fits you.
bottom line: If you have a good aerobic base (anybody's legs are stronger than mine so i guess you'll have no problems dropping the hammer on this baby) and are looking for an aggressive trial bike that's also good for DH and freeride, get the stinky. I could've gotten away with a lighter "all-mountain" bike considering my weight (easy on the frame and equipment) but I know the stinky will work just fine, even maybe for 5-hour rides.
great bike, just make sure it's right for you. Oh and they're on sale now too!
will post update on how it handles drops... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kurt major
a Weekend Warrior
from malibu C.A. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | my jumps | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | 10/18/01 | | Strengths: | Everything the whole bick is sick. great for drops and jumps. I can bust 25 foot gaps and teh bick hadels it fine easy to throw around in the air and all around easy to ride up hill and down. the bike can take any punishment you can give. this is the way to go for jumping and going off stuff. | | Weaknesses: | from the factory the bike only has 4" of travel. the stock rims are weak, rear deraler is not that good. rear deraler hanger is too weak, recomend milled aluminum one much stronger. | | Similar Products Used: | friends Foes Weasel | | Bike Setup: | LX rear deraler, truevativ chain guide, dubble wide rimes, BETD upgrade, Grimeca system 8 disk breaks | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks ass all the way around! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rynee
a Weekend Warrior
from Bernstein/Austria
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | still kienberg & surroundings | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Attack Vienna | | Strengths: | frame, brakes, cranks, tires, cockpit, handling, forks, pedals, looks...almost everything. the rear triangle is amazing, holds the line no matter what, takes drops easily, even with stock vanilla shock. sweet uphill despite the weight, great downhill ride! | | Weaknesses: | wheels are not the best for drops on concrete, but thats not too bad. i weigh 87kg/180lbs no wonder they get annoyed after some time...front chainrings bend easily -> should have come with chain ring (the 03 does) | | Similar Products Used: | cheap fully from 99 | | Bike Setup: | stock except sram attack shifters, deore xt RD, 2.3 tires, race face rock ring | | Bottom Line: | i've been riding my stinky since 1 year now, and i advanced in my riding from a cross country rider with some freeride ambitions to a freerider with dh ambitions...i did 2m+ drops into the flat w/o problems, took the stinky to rocky and rooty downhills (with the marzocchi wedge 5") and there were no problems except my riding skills...the stinky is amazing on fast courses as well as technical single tracks, very nice in the city and in dirtjumps, and it climbs uphill fairly fast (just as kona say "if you have the limbs and lungs for it" well i do). i'm just a bit jealous that my mate got the stinky 03 with 6" rear and DJ3, which is stronger than the wedge, for less EUROs, but i can live with that!
konas are great bikes, and i'm definitely gonna stick to that brand - gonna buy the scab 03 next week.
so, for anyone who loves freeriding for the spirit and does not care much about XC racing stress, the kona stinkies are the tools you want!
now i'll go and spread the groove some more...
did i say that i love this bike?
hang loose and keep on ridin'! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a
from Pawcatuck, CT
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Meadow Muffin Madness | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Mystic Cycle Center | | Strengths: | Great strong frame. 4-bar linkage suspension is great, this bike can actually be pedaled up hill!!!! Good Components, love the Sun DitchWitch rims. | | Weaknesses: | The stock Hayes Mechanical Discs, those little 2.1 Tioga Factory DH's(Wider is Better), and the Deore Hubs. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Bear, Stinky Deluxe, Cannondale Gemini and Super V. | | Bike Setup: | Soon to put on a Rock Shox Boxxer WC (killer deal from friend.), Kenda Kinetics 2.6, Avid Brake levers (broke the Hayes' my first ride.) everthing else is stock. All Chris King ASAP. | | Bottom Line: | Great overall bike that comes with some good components. I and XC rider of Freerider would love this bike. The only reason I'm ditching the Z1 Wedge is because I got a great deal on the Boxxer WC. I only wish it came with Hydro. discs or at least Avid Mechanicals. I use this bike as a Freeride bike. The stinky is more than capable of taking 6ft flat landings while I can still beat the pants of my XC hardtail friends. The best part is that the bike can easily be pedaled up hills. Excellent Bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Desrochers
a Downhiller
from Pownal ME
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bradbury Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Bobs BIcycle Outlet | | Strengths: | - Great Travel in both front and rear
- Easy to upgrade
- Suspension is virtually bottomless
- The bike comes with good warranties | | Weaknesses: | - Uphill climbs
- The Paint chips easily (it's the little things)
- The marzocchi bombers are a little hard to adjust | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The first time I rode this bike I fell in love with it. It's my first full suspension bike and I am completely sold on Kona. I won't settle for anything else. I have yet to bottom out the suspension but the suspension is still sensitive enough to smooth out the little roots and ruts. It's very nimble and handles like a dream. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a
from Richmond,Virginia,US
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Contes Bikes | | Strengths: | This is the tank of all free ride bikes it is all built tought and storng.
| | Weaknesses: | The bike is a bit heavy but thats because it's built so strong. Not a bike for long rides or uphills | | Bottom Line: | This is a good buy even thought its not built in the US. I have had the bike for 1 month and already had 2 problems One they are a little cheap with the tubes so the rim may pinch the tube thats what happened to me and the second problem made me lose my bike for 10 days the bolt that holds the disc breaks snaped and the fork broke and
i had to get a new one but it was coverd in the warrenty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Chandler
a Downhiller
from Sudbury,Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | down town | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Outside store | | Strengths: | frame is burly and vary rigid,doesnt flex.cranks are very strong.pedals kick ass.seat is comfy | | Weaknesses: | no real weaknesses if used for trailriding and minor freeriding. | | Similar Products Used: | cove g-spot, any other four bar bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2002 super t,xt shifters and rear der.,race face bar, titec knuckle head dh stem, avid discs,single track wheels | | Bottom Line: | ive got seven inches up front and a 15" frame and i love the angles for freeriding.I may choose to upgrade the rear end to a danger boy or betd link plate | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a Downhiller
from whitefish, mt
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | old dirty b stash | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bike right in kalispell mt | | Strengths: | great frame, strong rigid. under 40 pounds. holds lines well, takes big drops, climbes pretty well. | | Weaknesses: | the only problem i have is that i drop chains all the time.Even while riding cross country and small drops the chain always falls off. tiagoa factory dh tires are good in the dirt but wear out quick in the urban jungle | | Similar Products Used: | jamis expert, rocky mountain pipeline | | Bike Setup: | stock except 8 inch hayes on front, shimano clipless, gore tex cables. | | Bottom Line: | this stinky rocks, it would be perfect with a factory chainguide and hydro hays. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin willbanks
a Downhiller
from St louis MO USA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | ST louis | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | tc bikes | | Strengths: | the frame is the best | | Weaknesses: | rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | all kona | | Bike Setup: | stock with chris king head set | | Bottom Line: | I have to defend Konas warrenty dept. I owned a Kona NUNU and I was dirt jumping it and I broke the frame in half, and Kona not only sent me a new frame they sent me a better one. so i have to disagree with what i read in the other ads. it also depends on your shop, if they stick up for you or not. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle Chandler
a Downhiller
from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything urban | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Outside Store | | Strengths: | beefy frame,cranks are strong enough | | Weaknesses: | there are no weaknesses if you ride it as intended....you can upgrade it and ride any style you want....It kicks a$$ | | Similar Products Used: | cove g-spot,craftworks frm | | Bike Setup: | -marzocchi z1 dropoff,2002
-hayes hydros.
-race face bar
-titec knuclehead dh stem
-titec seat
-XT shifters
-XTR rear.der.
-sunn single track rims...sweat!
-specialized big hit pro 2.5" tires | | Bottom Line: | this bike can be set up as tough as you want it.....you can buy new swing links that give it 6" or 7" of travel and set it up with a matching fork....or you can keep it a 5" travel hucker for urban and freeride.
this bike kicks a$$ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sebastian
a
from Milford, Maine, United states
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | - Tough frame
- Handling feels good
- Suspenion travel easy to up
- Ok components for the price
- Shop gives free labor for one year on their bikes | | Weaknesses: | - Nothing to wine about
- Its murder on climbs | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock with BETD rocker plates (giving me 7 inches of rear wheel travel) | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, handles nice, if you get the chance to get one, get one, its well worth it if you plan on dropping stair sets, cliffs, ect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Molson4u
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond BC Canada
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | UBC | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike Shop North Vancouver | | Strengths: | Good bike when it works | | Weaknesses: | The main bolt in the rear suspension fell out on the "1st", which was a street ride from Burnaby to Vancouver had the bike for a week and had to wait 2 weeks to get it fixed. Ended up wrecking the rear shock neither Kona or The Cove Bike Shop would cover it under warranty. | | Similar Products Used: | Also have a Kona Stuff (Chain Broke on the First Ride) | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Hydraulic 8" Disc's, Marzocchi Junior-T's 7" on the front. | | Bottom Line: | Kona has BAD WARRANTY I will never buy a Kona Product again. If you are considering buying a Kona make sure to upgrade the Tire's I found they only last 2 months, and if you don't like to ride with gloves all the time upgrade the grips, spend the exta bit and get hydralic discs they are worth every penny!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Groovula | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Cheap, fun to ride, fairly nimble | | Weaknesses: | All the stress goes to one area, area breaks off, owner is screwed because KONA BIKES NO LONGER HAVE A WARRANTY | | Similar Products Used: | the usual | | Bike Setup: | Front triangle hanging in the shop, rear end pieces on someone else's crappy Stinky Dee-Lux and the BB back to Kona | | Bottom Line: | These are fun bikes but if you're gonna ride hard buy something more solid or buy a cheap but tough hardtail and live with the punishment. I was lucky that I broke a shop bike. I'd give it three stars overall but I have to offset all these XC wankers who think Stinkys are hardcore so... one star. The North Shore claims another! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Groovula | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Cheap, fun to ride, fairly nimble | | Weaknesses: | All the stress goes to one area, area breaks off, owner is screwed because KONA BIKES NO LONGER HAVE A WARRANTY | | Similar Products Used: | the usual | | Bike Setup: | Front triangle hanging in the shop, rear end pieces on someone else's crappy Stinky Dee-Lux and the BB back to Kona | | Bottom Line: | These are fun bikes but if you're gonna ride hard buy something more solid or buy a cheap but tough hardtail and live with the punishment. I was lucky that I broke a shop bike. I'd give it three stars overall but I have to offset all these XC wankers who think Stinkys are hardcore so... one star. The North Shore claims another! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andreas Arpiarian
a
from Athens, Ga
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | WV, N.C., CO, urban | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Cycles | | Strengths: | the Frame, The Frame, and The Frame. Considering i've replaced everything else 3 times | | Weaknesses: | Z.5...broke twice,(Lick my balls Marzocchi, quality products my ass), headset, handlebars, BB, yada yada yada, Truvativ Cranks | | Similar Products Used: | nothing else | | Bike Setup: | Super T, Tank headset, RaceFace BB and Cranks, Azonic stem and Bars, Thompson seat post, Sun Double Wide Rims, Shirmano XT Hydro's, KuJo tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the jam.........unfortunately i'm 6'2 220 and break everything i touch. Leaving me to replace everything 3 times EXCEPT THE FRAME. All in all it floats over everything. 8 foot Drops, speed, stairs, whatever you do the Stinky can do better. If your into wearing the Spandex and shaving your legs, this bike may be a bit to heavy. If you just like to ride and have fun at top speeds buy a Kona. I'm out like a fat kid in dodge ball. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz Mtns.
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anderson Truck Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Beefy frame, 5" f&r suspension, frame geometry | | Weaknesses: | Would've been nice to have XTR components and Hayes Hydro. 6" mechanical discs are a little soft on long downhills. I tacoed the stock Ditch Witch rims on a 3-4' drop to flat. Partly my fault, but beefier rims would've helped. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock besides Azonic love seat and 646 pedals. Will be adding new tires, rims and fork in the future. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. I will be happy with it for many more years. Short top tube was hard to get used to initially, but now I love it. Climbs the hills great with minimal bob. A little on the heavy side, but I really don't care. It takes the downhill so well. Great DH/freeride bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cliff morris
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunderland England
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hamsterley forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords | | Strengths: | Frame and suspention travel. The bike can be upgraded for
any part you want.Takes on all down hill punishment you can throw at it. The limints of the bike are a lot greater than mine! The shear drop dead sexy look of the big
stinker!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Hayes cable brakes are not strong enough for this machine.
The bike is heavy on up hill work. Deor gears are pants. | | Similar Products Used: | Also own a Scott tampico with too many upgrades to mention.
Looked at GT,Marin & Orange cycles | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to hydro XT brakes and XT gears. Middleburn 46T big chain ring for maximum power on down hill shoots (ring set in anodised Red which looks so cool). | | Bottom Line: | Not a bike for wimps.The stinker is hard work on most XC roots for the 50 to 60% of the time you spend getting to the good down hill stuff. Once your there you can kiss your mates good bye and tell them you will see them at the bottom
with a big stinky grin on your face! I love this bike for that very reason. If you buy one now you can get a good deal (at least $600 off original price). Keep the change to upgrade your brakes & gears. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Cleghorn
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Neds Atomic Dustbin | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Cover (baby) | | Strengths: | great travel and parts set for the buck. good geometry. | | Weaknesses: | tioga tires. to mushy on the sidewalls. you need to upgrade the tires, and get hydrolics right out of the gate. | | Similar Products Used: | I tested the brodie thumper, Giant AC3 & AC2, and rocky mountains. | | Bike Setup: | wellgo flats, hayes mag hydraulics, maxxis high rollers, otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | The best freeride value on the market. The frame has huge upside for upgrades. I am very please with the room for adapting to the north shore hucking that this bike gives me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Weekend Warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | -5' front and back
-No compaints with the Deore drivetrain | | Weaknesses: | -Hayes Mechanical Suck...
-Little too plush, bounces alot when you pedal hard, and i am not really a heavy rider(140)
| | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stuff | | Bike Setup: | Stock...hydros coming soon | | Bottom Line: | Beefy bike on the whole. This bike also jumps insanly well...i overshoot landings all the time. Hucks well, taken off 4' drops with ease. A little heavy for some XC riders but i can still get around on it. Don't even hesitate about picking up one...if you want something that jumps like a HT but freerides too this is for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karen Bradshaw
a Downhiller
from Sheffield, England
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wharncliffe Woods. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | J E James Cycles Sheffield | | Strengths: | Quality bike at reasonable price, mine cost £1200 at the begining of the year. You can get them now for £999 | | Weaknesses: | The weight, its about 35 pounds, as Im using it as an all round bike for everything I end up pushing up most steep hills. Hayes cable discs are pretty pants too. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Bear | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for some IRC mythos tyres for summer, will upgrade more and try to lighten it up a bit. | | Bottom Line: | This is the only bike I have ever felt totally comfortable on from the first ride. Its sorted on downhills, except for those brakes which can cause a lack of confidence. As for drops the shock just eats them and asks for more. The only real downer about this bike is its too heavy to use for everything, as Im a bit skint( cant afford xc bike at minute ) Ive been using it as an all day bike and I can tell you its sooooo tiring. Still it shows how much I love it if I want to ride it all the time. I would suggest something a bit lighter for the more xc minded, but if you want a bomb proof plush downhill bike look no further. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Grill
a Downhiller
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | sun and ski dorks | | Strengths: | Great price
Strong frame
Nice components
good customer service - they answer emails
killer paint job | | Weaknesses: | hayes mechanicals
front forks too soft | | Similar Products Used: | pogo stick | | Bike Setup: | Nokian Gazzaloddi Jr. 2.6 tires, Hayes Hydros, XT 756 rear hub, heavier springs in front. | | Bottom Line: | Hayes mechanicals suck. They don't stop well at all. The front brake is okay but the rear takes one hell of a squeeze to stop. I upgraded to hydros after one month.
My rear rotor somehow became loose and shredded my rear hub. The rotor was bent and the caliper damaged as well. This was a great excuse to get some 8" Hayes hydros. I don't think this was Kona's fault. It might have been Sun and Ski's fault for not tightening them when they assembled it. It might even be my fault for not checking! I expect to break stuff every now and then.
I'm a big guy (6'1" and 225 lbs) and the front forks were way too soft. I got a 19" frame and you would think they would put heavier springs on the bigger bikes. I had my LBS order and install some heavier springs - much better now.
I cannot complain about the deore rear derailleur, or the seat post, or anything else because I did not pay for XT or XTR or whatever. I paid $1500 on an entry level FR bike that kicks a$$! The parts I'm complaining about are parts that I think fall short of performing. Remember this: Even expensive parts break! Buy this bike and if you break a cheap deore part then replace it with XTR and in a year you will have the best bike on the block!
Bottom line:
- If your a big guy you might need some beefier springs.
- Check your bolts no matter what you buy!
- You get way more than your money's worth when you buy this bike. If you are the type to complain a lot then save 1,000 - 1,500 more and get the dee-lux or primo. You can't b1tch about anything on this bike. For the price it is second to none. Save some money and upgrade later and you will have a $2,500 dee-lux.
If you are even considering this bike quit farting around and GO BUY IT NOW!!!! :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim
a Downhiller
from bend
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 401 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | bend cyclery | | Strengths: | Frame shox,seat,bars brakes | | Weaknesses: | derailers, front tire | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountian switch | | Bike Setup: | I will definately get a different front tire, the tioga washes out on corners and maybe a triple clamp shock someday | | Bottom Line: | This thing is a flying machine!!! I have been overshooting all my landings with it and it just sucks it up. it bunny hops over anything and I can even manual it.I tried forever on my hardtail to stick a manual.plus it looks killer!!Tighten all your bolts! fiddle with the brakes and ride faster than you think you should. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Weekend Warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | glade | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Beefy frame
Plush ride, takes drops | | Weaknesses: | no rise in bars
deore
mech discs | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky 01' demoed | | Bike Setup: | Odi Lock-ons, Azonic freeride saddle | | Bottom Line: | Sweet bike for the price. Decent stock parts but it could use some work. Takes drops and is a decent jumper. Although more of a freeride bike it still can get you where u want to go.
Spread the groove!
Konaworld.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wes Comeaux
a
from Houston
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski Sports | | Strengths: | Strong Frame excellent handling and smoooth suspension. Decent stock components. | | Weaknesses: | Marzocchi Z1 wedge has trouble staying in one piece. I am on my third set now. The first set, the brake caliper broke of during braking which bent the rotor as well. Second set had "defect" according to Marzocchi where all the fluid in the right side come out when you hit any bump or drop that uses half the travel. Thrid set how ever is doing very well and has been put through alot more abuse the the first two. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing close | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Being that this is my first full suspension/ freeride bike I am still getting used to it. So far I would say that I have been satisfied with the bike and the level of service that I have received from Marzocchi and sun & ski. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Downhiller
from Louisville, CO
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Keystone, Snowshoe DH | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Adventure Sports | | Strengths: | Beefy frame, perfect geometry, all around performance, price, burly looks. | | Weaknesses: | Headset, wheels, could use some Hayes hydros. | | Similar Products Used: | RM7, Disco Monkey. | | Bike Setup: | AC Bartender Stem, Azonic Bars, ODI Lockons, Pig DH Headset Raceface Bash Ring, IRC Kujo DH 2.35's. | | Bottom Line: | You can't beat this bike for the price, great for DH, xcountry, jumping, urban...whatever. I'm upgrading to Hayes Hydos soon. I'm too heavy for the stock springs (180 lbs) and like to get a Jr T for it in the future. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a very beefy, sweet riding, great priced bike.
I'll keep ya posted. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David M
a
from Eugene, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Want it to stay my favorite. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Paul's Bike shop | | Strengths: | Burley frame and good all around parts package for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Front brake is requiring a lot of adjustments to keep from rubbing too bad. The performance is worth the small effort though considering that I'm used to XTR V brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to mention. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Fun! I have a very nice Santa Cruz Superlight that is gathering more and more dust since I've gotten this bike. I orginally had planned to use it for Urban Assualt only though the guys at the shop told me it was only a matter of time until I'd be hitting the dirt with it. Well, the Superlight ended up in the shop so I was forced to ride it on the dirt. The weight took some adjusting to but was so worth it for the performance and fun. Jumping, log riding, dropping in and new lines just materialized before my eyes around each corner. Old trails have become new trails and I am a much strong rider all around now due to this bike. Once you get used to 35 pounds 24 pounds feels like floating. If you just wanna have some fun and smile a lot along with taking your skills to the next level at a great price check out this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Bare
a Cross Country Rider
from Deming, NM
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bucking Mule Falls | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Back Country Bicycles | | Strengths: | Burly frame, tough Sun rims, killer looks, bomb proof suspension componets, and price for the overall package. | | Weaknesses: | The Hayes mechanical discs modulate well but lack stopping power and always seem to have a phantom rub in spite of constant adjusting. It would have been cheaper and more efficient for Kona to put Avid mechanical discs on this bike. The tires are aggressive but wear very quickly. The Z.1 is a great long travel fork but adjustment is difficult. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Specialized Enduro & 2002 Giant XTC NRS. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for WTB Mutano Raptor Race 2.4" tires, Slime tubes, and Earth Guard tire tube liners. (You couldn't imagine the thorns that we have in New Mexico) | | Bottom Line: | This is a great introductory or budget free ride bike. While I mainly ride xc, I also enjoy pseudo free riding. I have done 4 foot wheelie drops and landed off of small flights of stairs onto pavement without problems, however, the bike works reasonably well in the xc enviroment. I can ride over very aggressive terrain and even do a little down hill with this bike. Going up hill is tough but with a little effort it can be done. The Hayes mec. brakes are better than vee brakes in all weather performance, however, with a bike like this more stopping power would be appreciated. Kona could have saved money and boosted performance with Avid. The Z.1 take a little effort to adjust. It is a little under dampened. I suggest an oil change with heavier oil right off the bat. Adjusting the rebound can be a long and painful process, as this requires you to open both stanction tubes. This bike is still a top performer and for the money you can't get a better bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Scandrett
a Downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Port Hills/Vic Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Penny Sports Cyles | | Strengths: | Strong Frame,plush Front Forks,Disk brakes,everything a 12 old needs. | | Weaknesses: | Creeking in front forks,with the Bomber Z.1 Wedge | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC3,Marin Shoreline Trail | | Bike Setup: | std | | Bottom Line: | I do 6 fotters to concret often and it holds up well.It is 36 pounds and i am only 45 kg so it is sometimes hard to lift over fences/gates/Injured riders !!!!!!! but i am still able to get enough speed on the flat to jump 15 steps 5 foot high. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jc
a Downhiller
from hartford,ct,usa
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | pig iron | | Strengths: | frame,rear linkage | | Weaknesses: | cranks,bottom bracket,headset,needs chain guide for bigger hits. | | Similar Products Used: | rm-6,p-3 | | Bike Setup: | 2001 stinky,00 boxxer,hussefeltdhcranks,raceface,fsadhproheadset,maxxis 2.7f/2.5r,hayes hydro 8inf 6inr,avalanche rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks right from the start,but get the hayes hydro brakes.bottombracket/cranks are a bit weak for us bigger guys,also headset is weak if you plan to runa double crown,this bike is probably 1 of the best freeride bikes for the price,frame is super strong and 4 bar is the way to go. minimal bob for up hill pedaling.if you are on a budget grab this bike and ride it hard it will take a beating and keep going.bottom line 1 great freeride/light dh machine. a bit too burly for the xc guys and gals. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david
a Downhiller
from upstate NY
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | McWhinnies Montreal | | Strengths: | Durable Frame, awesome front shock, sweet treads came stock, disc break hubs. | | Weaknesses: | Squeaky Breaks sometimes. The bolt that held the top part of the 4 bar suspension to the vanilla shock came loose and I didn't notice so it bent, but now its fixed. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll 500, GT AC3 | | Bike Setup: | Kona Stinky | | Bottom Line: | A sweet bike, gotta make sure the bolts are tightened. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan o'kane
a Weekend Warrior
from perth, wa, oz
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | dwellingup | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle entrepreneur | | Strengths: | strong frame, decent parts selection, | | Weaknesses: | cranks are in for warranty (threaded at the pedal), brakes are a little sucky (keep squeeking and i haven't bothered to adjust them), tires were crap and i bent the pedal after one DH session. | | Similar Products Used: | giant atx 990, specialized big hit pro | | Bike Setup: | stock with antix pedals, oury grips(red!), intense 2.35 rear + masking tape for torn seat. | | Bottom Line: | I'm really happy with the ride characteristics of the bike. Been having so much fun on it when i manage to get out and ride. Kona warranty in OZ is pretty bad as i'm waiting for them to make a decision on my broken hussefelts. This is my only problem at the moment. They have had the cranks for a month now and i am lucky to be riding because i have a spare set of ISIS drive Hussefelts on my old ATX990. Otherwise the bike is awesome and would wholeheartedly recommend this bike cuz it is fun to ride, has a strong frame and a pretty smart parts selection for the money. I weigh 90kgs and ride hard and the bike is holding up nicely. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
angelo tavera
a Downhiller
from lima, peru
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | machu pichu | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1720.00 | | Purchased At: | arizona bicycle experts | | Strengths: | rims,z1,stem,bar,frame, | | Weaknesses: | hayes,deore,tioga and the rear deraleur cable pops out on a 6+ foot drop. | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale f700sl | | Bike Setup: | costom | | Bottom Line: | i like the bike a lot exept fore the deore. buy it if you like it but change the deore,tioga and tie the deraleur cable down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Jammallo
a Downhiller
from Marblehead, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | lynn woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | durabilty. i love this style frame. the fact that you can buy a plate to upgrade the rear to 6 or 7 inches is also a plus. i think the webstie for that is www.betd.co.uk . this bike can take a beating. epople have complained about the ditch witch rims, but i havent had any problems with them. | | Weaknesses: | hmx-1 hayes suck. im still waiting for the break in period to be over...and i have already made several hundred hard stops. also, whats with the LX front and Deore rear derailers?? atleast stock it with XT..come on.. z1 wedge is soft but not too bad actually. i havent bottemed it out..yet. o, the tires need to go. 2.1's on the stinky just doesnt cut it. when i got the bike after 2 rides one of the bolts to hold the front brake to the fork was missing...but that is the lbs's fault, and partly mine for not checking the bolts afetr the first ride. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 stinky, rm6, norco fluid, norco drop | | Bike Setup: | stock execpt for mrp system 2 chainguide (thank you scott!!)
im looking to get a jr t in a few months. | | Bottom Line: | buy this bike. it can take anything you give it. kick ass bike for a price you cant argue with | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Downhiller
from Burlington, CT
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail that my friends & I made | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | A bike shop | | Strengths: | Lots of travel. Great price. Great all around bike, its light enough to cross country with. | | Weaknesses: | The fork is too loose,I bottomed it out on a 5 foot drop. I also bent the seat rails on my fifth ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Big Hit, Cannondale Gemini 2000, Rocky Mountain Switch, Stinky 9. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is my first full suspension. The bike gives you a lot for your money and I dont have much since im 14. It holds up great on drops and any other kind of riding. There is little bobbing when you go uphill on this bike. It's been bombproof so far. I would recomend this bike to budget minded freeriders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt.Beauty, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Humble Pie | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | City Cycles | | Strengths: | Awsome value, extremely stiff and smooth rear end, smooth Z1 Wedge, perfect amount of travel for my kinda riding, smart spec even though some comonents are lower range they break just as easy as XTR alsocost a lot less to replace!! Havn't had any trouble with the wheels yet. | | Weaknesses: | DAMN, what happened to the funky paint jobs of last years Kona's?? Still looks pretty flash though. The forks are way too soft for my 86kg and they reckon there are medium springs in there, still waiting on hard ones. Discs were a bit dissapointing, they'll be my next upgrade. Why can't manufacturers put cables under the damn top tube, it would hurt a lot less!
Damn chainline makes some gears screw up, maybe i sholuld lube it. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Bear
Mongoose NX 8.3
Specialised FSR | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock cept for 2.7 intense fronta and fat ass Azonic dowhill saddle and some dodgy rear tire | | Bottom Line: | I'm damn happy i bought this machine. I dont do much real hard stuff but it has coped with some bad mistakes ending in hard bottoming out with no worries. Only just able to be peddled up the hills but it good for ya so don't be soft. Ditch the tires and chnge the brakes and it would be the best value bike around. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | northshore | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | -beefy frame
-nice travel
-can take what you dish out | | Weaknesses: | could use 6 inches of rear wheel travel, throw on some 8 inch hydros, maybe some bigger tires | | Similar Products Used: | friends downhill, but not close to this. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | everything really nice, plush travel can save you and make it a smoother ride. great for freeriding, dirtjumping and light downhill. the bike looks really nice. its not that expensive for the componets but everything works really great. awesome front fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blaine
a Weekend Warrior
from Newport Beach, California, USA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Company | | Strengths: | Bomb proof. | | Weaknesses: | Ditch the mechanical disc brakes before you even get the bike out of the shop, they are weak, Hydrolics are worth every penny. | | Bike Setup: | stock except for 8" Hayes Hydrolic disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike, and it is the most money i have ever spent on a bike, but i am very happy i did. This is the best bike i have ever ridden, and i would recommend it to anyone who wants a "do everything bike." | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch, Cantabury, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | National downhill track in the mighty PORT HILLS | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Penny Sport Cycles | | Strengths: | The mongrel frame, 5" of supa plush trvael, sunringle rims, | | Weaknesses: | nothing really apart from those bloody mechanical disks. The back one is alright but as soon as i get some money the back is out a there. The tyres were way to skinny for the kind of bike so i put on 2.7" mobster and 2.5" highroller. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense M1
specialised Bighit
RM9
xtcac2
| | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the tyre change.
| | Bottom Line: | This is a sweet bike i want to put new linkage plates on the back to get 6.5" and also some super T's or Jnr T's on the front as well as hydro disks and a chainguide. also a fox vanilla rc rear shock. some lockon grips and an xtr derallier would be nice.
This is a primo bike for anyone wanting to have the advantages of a full-bore downhill rig but still want to bike to the top. This bike is good for anyone from a beginner just getting in to freerideing to an experienced rider looking for an upgrade. You can do so much to this bike, buy it and as you get better, or break stuff, upgrade parts.
five flamin' Chilis for an absolute stunner of a bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Oak Harbor, WA
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Whistler Mt. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1475.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Northwest | | Strengths: | -very beefy frame
-pretty nice fork for single crown
-saddle | | Weaknesses: | -Brakes (get hyd.)
-seat post
-lose the rings
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized big hit | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but I put a rock ring on it. | | Bottom Line: | -Nice bike for drops and jumps
-Nice price
-5 flamin' chilis for a great bike at a good price
-Not for xc riders | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | trail i built | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | my lbs | | Strengths: | suspension setup is really good and very beefy for my riding style im almost 13 so i only weigh 125 or so. Ive ridin a lot of bomber forks nd all have been really good | | Weaknesses: | tioga tires are a little skinny for my liking and despite their great value i dont really think that the HMX-1's are the way to go if u ride any DH because they r a little weak and make u lose confidence on steep or fast parts so i would recommend going with 8 inch hayes hydraulic.
| | Similar Products Used: | demo a rocky mountain slayer, rode my friends brothers rm6, and a kona chute, giant AC2, rocky mountain flow. (all nice nice bikes) | | Bike Setup: | stock except a set of used wtb weir wolf tires and im getting the 8-inch hydros hopefully ini the next couple of days. Im too poor now and cant afford any other upgrades........not that i need to anyway! | | Bottom Line: | great bike! good value aswell. I know its not an expensive bike but to a 12 year old such as myself it seems pretty exspensive but it was well worth it! I love this bike I sleep in my basement laundry room now just so i can fall asleep looking at it and its the first thing i see when i wake up. im a happyass kid rite now and all my friends are jealous. I ride xc dh and just mess around and freeride a lot. Ive done about a six foot drop that DIDNT bottom out this bike its all good. So if u basicaly just want a bike u can do drops and jumps and ride xc and dh on this is a great choice! buy one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Taylor
a Downhiller
from St. Albans, VT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Killington trail #6 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Earl's Cyclery and Fitness | | Strengths: | Plush, indestructable frame, looks awesome, great price to performance ratio | | Weaknesses: | I would have prefered a bit more travel (would've gotten Dee-Lux if I could afford it) because it bottoms on big drops | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Slayer, Kona Stinky Dee-Lux, GT XCR 4000, GT XCR 3000, Rocky Mountain Pipeline | | Bike Setup: | Stock right now, plan to put Jr. T up front and BEDT travel conversion kit in the rear with a Fox Vanilla RC | | Bottom Line: | This is a fantastic bike. I upgraded from an XC bike because I am starting to get into freeriding. Wanted a bike strong enough to handle big drops but still be rideable on my favorite trails. At first I was worried that the Stinky would be too big, now I want more travel! It rides trails really well with the balance of 5 and 5 and can take jumps and medium drops without protest. But I keep taking bigger and bigger drops and jumps, and it totally bottoms off of things bigger than around 6 feet. I go off 7 footers pretty frequently and bottom out pretty hard. But with the Jr T up front and the travel upgrade ( check it out at www.bedt.co.uk) which will give me 7" up front and 6.5" in the rear, I should be riding what I consider to be my perfect bike. It rides trails really well, even if you have to work a tad bit harder on the climbs, it all comes together on the downhills. It is a really great value, people complaining about components that they would be switching out for their preferences anyway should just shut-up and ride :-) There is no doubt this bike deserves 5 and 5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Jolly
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, SA, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Andy's Reserve | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Standish Cycles Unley | | Strengths: | Strong CLUMP frame, Bomber 5" fork, Fox Vanilla 5" rear.
Great 4 occasional heavy XC, Freeride, some DH,
sweet all-round bike, good on drops and rough terrain. | | Weaknesses: | no weaknesses yet-perfect for my riding | | Similar Products Used: | Big Hit Comp, Specialised Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Suspension pretty soft (i'm only 13) | | Bottom Line: | Best bike I've ever riden. Sick for trails around Belair. If U ride light DH and Freeride around Adelaide get one! I got a 17" frame (medium). It will last me for ages. I ride about 4/7 days a week (Some Freeride and some DH). Kool Bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex O
a Downhiller
from Täby Sweden
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Enebyberg dirt-track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1995.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedalogerna | | Strengths: | The frame | | Weaknesses: | Deore derailleur
Tioga tires must be replaced! i went for the Nokian Gazza 2,6 | | Similar Products Used: | Specilazed Big Hit Comp
GT I-drive 5.0
Scott G-zero
Crescent Mjölner (awsome downhillbike!) | | Bike Setup: | prety much stock | | Bottom Line: | I have used this bike fore 2 weeks and it has worked flawless, im in love whit this bike. i can go dirtbiking, xc, downhill, freeride. need to say more? buy one!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve luciak
a Cross Country Rider
from vancover/BC/Ca.
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all or whistler mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | cove bike shop | | Strengths: | 5" of plush travel, strong frame, well built and its a kona | | Weaknesses: | shamano deor and 6" hayes micanicals, it is also a little on the heavy side whitch is easy to become used to | | Similar Products Used: | Gt I-drive 5.0
cove G-spot
norco vps launch | | Bike Setup: | everything stock except i put rear 6" hope mini's and front 8" hayes hydro and 2002 super-T | | Bottom Line: | This bike, with a few moderate modification is the best bike out there for a little bit of everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
preppie ..
a Weekend Warrior
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Price and quality
very stiff and beefy frame
good geometry
buttery smooth 5 inch travel front and rear
| | Weaknesses: | No real weaknesses, just minor complaints about the :
Hayes HMX-1.
Deore derailleur.
| | Similar Products Used: | GT I-drive 5.0
Giant AC2 (demo)
Specialized Bighit comp (very short demo) | | Bike Setup: | stock, only heavier springs | | Bottom Line: | I sold my GT I-drive 5.0 because I was afraid that the frame was too weak for Jumps, drops and DH.
I couldn’t afford a 2500 $ bike, so I asked a few people what is a good bike for my riding style and they all said : the Stinky.
I still ride the same trails as I did with my GT, the only difference is the weight, but that’s something you’ll get used to very quick.
Plus I ride dual and light DH with my Stinky, something I would never do with my GT. Most people on this board say “it’s a do it all bike” and that’s the best way to describe it.
The stock set-up is pretty good, good cranks, pedals, bottombracket, stem, etc……..
I thought that I was going to break something very soon but the bike can handle a lot more than I dare to do. Maybe I’m not such a good rider or maybe I just ride and land smooth.
The Hayes are not so good, but for a rear brake they’re OK, but I’m going to upgrade to an 8 inch Hydro front brake. I don’t like hitting trees @ 40 Km/h.
A 2.3 Tioga DH would be better, but the 2.1’s are pretty good for dual and trailriding (in sand, not wet concrete or asphalt)
I have the 17 inch version (medium), I’m 6.1 and 170lbs, so the springs (Marzocchi and Fox) are on the soft side but easy to upgrade and you can upgrade it to 6 inch with new rocker arms (BETD plates) .
Everybody who rides it likes it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
digger dan o'kane
a Downhiller
from perth, western australia
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | dwellingup | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle entrepreneur | | Strengths: | good price, great frame,brakes, shock, cranks and fork. | | Weaknesses: | tioga tires too skinny, swapped them for intense 2.35. not sure about the pedals. Cassete is skipping when cranking hard. Will get warranty on it i hope. time will tell on the rest. Haven't ridden the bike for long so i'll keep you posted | | Similar Products Used: | giant atx 990 and specialized big hit | | Bike Setup: | intense 2.35 tires and antix pedals (so far) | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a good deal for a beginning freerider and big guy. If you are tough on your bike then this should handle everything you throw it off. Going to do some downhill this weekend and i'll be bakc in a couple weeks to update. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey Spinner
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond,VA ,USA
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | contes | | Strengths: | The frame is awesome!!! The fork and shock are very good for this price. The cranks are very stiff too. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur? I get chain suck nearly every time I take a moderate hit. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Cannondales, GT, Specialized, Trek, Marin, Khs | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for M646 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike for the money if you want an all purpose heavy duty bike. It can be pedaled up hill but it really shines on the decents and the drops. I am 215 lbs. so when parts break, and they will, I will upgrade then. This bike inspires confidence. Hills that use to be scary to me are now a piece of cake. I would recommend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a
from Spa,wood, BC Canada
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Petes' Trail (Hooters) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Ski Base (Fernie) | | Strengths: | Frame and price and brakes. | | Weaknesses: | To good a deal to nitpick on eventually replaced components. | | Similar Products Used: | I traded my 2000 Stinky in for the 2002 model. Originally bought a Norco Drop but prefer the Kona suspension design and feel. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Tioga 2.5 fr and Rokko 2.4 rr. | | Bottom Line: | Kona has refined the frame (top/seat tube gusset, chain stay dropouts, seat s stays) and threw in a vanilla R. The Hayes mechs are as good, no better than the Hayes hydros I had before. I originally brought home a Norco Drop with 8" rotors Hayes hydro which are the best, but the Stinky rear suspension and triangle frame is way more fun to ride. I even went for the 19" frame (from 18"). I was a bit concerned going from QR 20 to standard axle but hardly notice it. Sorry VPS mono cock but Stinky is just more fun. It doesn't feel heavy even though 38 lbs or so, it cross countrys, obstacles and downhills great, a do-it-all compromise. C'mon snow melt more. Thanks Eric and Ralph at the Ski Base in Fernie. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow Cycle & Sports | | Strengths: | Vanilla R - coil over shock is the only way to go
Marzocchi Z.1 wedge - 5 inches of plush sweet travel
Frame - beefy enough to take most any punishment
Hayes Discs - way better than cantilever, and cheaper than hydraulics | | Weaknesses: | The ball bearing in the cable guide, quality control? (see the bottom line)
| | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I did a lot of research regarding full suspension bikes, and I must say this bike has lived up to all my expectations. I wanted a bike that wasn't too heavy for xc riding, but something that could take the heat when I wanted it too.
One thing that I discovered on my very first ride was a ball bearing was stuck in one of the cable guides and was chewing up the cable. I know it came like this from the factory because it was painted and thus glued to the frame. It came out easy enough but meant the rear derailler had to be readjusted. Probably just a fluke situation, but something to look for none the less.
I think the person who should look at this bike is someone looking to do it all, and then get home again in one piece. This is my first full suspension bike and I just love it! Too bad I spent so many years on a hard tail, I'll never go back!
Oh also, because I live in the great white north the purchase price was mybest guestimate for american dollars. Definately a rockin deal in either dollar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt W
a Downhiller
from Utah
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Utah trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Canyon Sports | | Strengths: | The bike looks and rides sweet. Parts are good. Compares to more expensive bikes. CHEAP price | | Weaknesses: | well...wait...there are no weaknesses | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88 Stage 1, Specialized FSR Enduro, Specialized Bighit Comp, Santa Cruz Bullit, Kona Stinky-Dee | | Bike Setup: | Stock - not much needs to be upgraded except for the stem | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the ultimate do any-thing, any-time, any-where bike. The four-bar linkage eliminates pedal bob and the fox vanilla rear coil has adjustable spring rate which means when you pedal up hill, it feels like a light XC bike (it only weighs 34 pounds) and when you bomb back down the hill it feels like a full-on DH bike with unlimited travel. Did I mention the bike also only weighs 35 pounds, which is light enough to pedal up hill, but heavy enough to stay stable at high DH speeds. The parts are hardcore. It comes with a Marzocchi Z-1 Wedge Freeride fork with 5.1 inches of travel (there is actually 5.4 inches, but it is advertised at 5.1). This fork comes with full adjustability and is almost perfect (to be perfect it would need to have Lockout). The Aheadset SX headset is the same headset that Kona puts on all of its Freeride/DH bikes and it is very strong. The Sun rims look cool and ride great. The Tioga 2.1 tires are killer (they are actually 2.3's because Tioga's tire measuring system is different from the accepted standard). It comes with Truvativ Husselfelt DH cranks (top of the line) and Kona JackSh*t DH pedals which are the best pedals of the year. The Hayes brakes are 6" mechanical, which would have been a bad thing for a DH bike a few years ago, but with all of the new mechanical advancements, they are just as good as hydro's. The paint job is the best part. Red, chrome, and black are the coolest colors. The only things on this bike that are not top quality are the stem and the rear shimano deore, but what do you expect for $1500. I have rode on a bullit and a bighit, and the stinky compares to them in all aspects except weight, price, and travel. The stinky is at least $1600 cheaper than both and is 7 pounds lighter (both the bullit and the bighit are 41 pounds). Also the Kona 4-bar linkage alows for smooth floating travel when flying downhill. All in all, it is the best do anything bike out there. The picture above does not do it justice, so go check one out at a bike shop. Whether it is cross-counry, downhill, dual-slalom, urban, or freeride, the stinky is up to the challenge (take my word, I live in Utah, home of the slickrock trail). So go buy one and ride hard. You won't be riding fast, you'll be flying low. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie
a Downhiller
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Addiction | | Strengths: | Obviously the frame is strong and can take alotta abuse.
Looks mad,love it.
Minimal bobing ,if any if u tighten the shock a little.
Nothing better around for this much$$$$$ | | Weaknesses: | The rims suck and constantly come out of true.
Tires are too skinny,and I 've worn them out already | | Similar Products Used: | nope | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Hayes Hydraulics. | | Bottom Line: | A do everything bike,great for just general trail riding. I ride it everyday and love it.I want to but a Super T on and wack some Maxxis Highroller's on it.
Stinky's ROCK!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Lujan
a Downhiller
from chandler AZ USA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | one going down on a chick | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Strengths: | this bike can handle the big hits. I know. Ive up graded it to do this, but the frame can handle it all. Ive taken drops from 5' to 20'. Ive up graded the rear swing arm to 6.5" of travel and a monster t and alot of little extras. Im very inpressed. it clims like any of the xc bikes and is a bat out of hell down hill. for the value of this bike you can't bet it | | Weaknesses: | nothing yet | | Similar Products Used: | rokymountain rm7 intense uzzi | | Bike Setup: | monster t,sunringle mammoth,cris king head set, hussufelt dh crank, berserker seat, kona dh stem, avid disk, lx fr rr dr, fox vanilla rc, costom swing arm to make it 6.5" in the rear made from some guy in the UK for more info call kona | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the sh.t I bet the hell out of it and it takes it all | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
muhammad shadula
a Racer
from Kabul, Afgahnistan
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | it was destroyed by a tank | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | osamas shopping center | | Strengths: | i never got to ride it it was blown away | | Weaknesses: | it was destroyed by a rocket | | Similar Products Used: | my camel and my bigwheel | | Bike Setup: | destroyed | | Bottom Line: | i wish i could have ridden it it was so better looking then my camel. He couldnt do drops without him getting hurt. and i never got to ride a trail because they were burnt. and then one day i left my bike out side for about an hour and i got back and my cave was destroyed along with my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spencer zahn
a Racer
from mattapoisett, ma united states
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | westport | | Strengths: | this bike is good for any type of rider that you can put it through. downhilling might be the only probleming because the fork doesnt give the best travel for constant hits, but it is an all around good bike. good components and the travel is set up perfect to each other 5 and 5. its probably the most verisitle free ride bike on the market for the price. | | Weaknesses: | the stinky really doesnt have too many draw backs except the brakes are mechanical and hydros are def. a lot better but they work well once they get broken in. | | Bike Setup: | the reason i got it for 1700 was i added an XT rear der. and a bash guard. and i also changed the handle bars to azonic double wides. | | Bottom Line: | a sick free ride bike and the best that you can get for $1599 without a doubt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rynee
a Weekend Warrior
from Vienna
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Kienberg | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Attack Vienna | | Strengths: | Almost Everything!
5 & 5 are alive in the Stinky: the Marzocchi Z1 Wedge is great, strong and plush, the compression can be adjusted with any bike tool you can buy. The rebound adjuster is internal, but that's acceptable if you regard the price.
The Fox Vanilla rear shock is very sweet, but i'll upgrade to Vanilla R soon nevertheless - adjustable Rebound is desirable.
The Frame needs no comments: it's awesome, strong and looks great. As they say in the catalog - takes anything you throw at it!
The brakes are fantastic too, if you keep'em in the freeriding section and don't abuse them for downhill!
The same must be said for the cranks, they're working great with the ISIS BB, and they're strong enough for drops into the flat.
What i really love are the pedals, i used Shimano 646's before, but i don't need them anymore with Kona's Jack***t pedals on.
The rims have been strong enough for me so far(85kg/170lbs), but let's see how they behave in the days to come;-)
I upgraded the rear derailleur to XT and it works very fine, but i'm sure that the stock deore der. is nice too...
The 2.1 tioga's are sweet, have great grip and together with the plush shocks and the hayes mech discs make the ride very safe on every ground.
Saddle, Handlebar, Stem and Brakelevers are awesome too. | | Weaknesses: | Now lets get to the front derailleur (LX) and the shifters (deore): i dont like them, cos the derailleur drops the chain often when it's on the middle chainring,and i'm positive that the reason are the deore shifters. i'll have them replaced by sram attack shifters as soon as possible...
AND the bike is so pretty that i'm always afraid of someone stealing it...;-) | | Similar Products Used: | nothing really similar, just a cheap fully from '98. | | Bike Setup: | stock + XT derailleur, tioga 2.3's, vanilla r shock and sram attack shifters to be coming soon. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, it goes uphill really easily even though it's heavy (almost 17kgs/34lbs) and the downhill afterwards kicks your adrenaline up and up!
Freeriders who can live with 5 & 5 inches of travel should buy this bike. If you can afford a dee lux or even a primo, you should of course take one of those (the specs are better (hayes hydros) and the rear travel is 6"), but i'm confident that the stinky is the best for the price.
Lightweight fanatics should look for sth else, as long as it's made by KONA;-)) But for freeriders i can only recommend this great tool!
Bottom Line: 5 & 5 Flaimin' Chilis for the Stinky!
... and 5 Chilis for the Boys at Bike Attack Vienna! you rule! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent Trimmer
a Downhiller
from Richmond
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bell isle | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | contes | | Strengths: | The thing i really like about the bike is the Marzocchi Z-1 wedge fork. | | Weaknesses: | The hayes mechanical brakes, I think the should have put hayes hydro's with a 8 inch disk in frony | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z-1 wedge front, Fox vanilla coil rear, hayes mechanical, shimono deore fornt rear, 5 point pivot, sun ditch witch wheels tioga 2.10 dh tires, kona risers | | Bottom Line: | Needs more rear travel! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | somewhere in Canberra | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1569.00 | | Purchased At: | maladjusted | | Strengths: | Bombproof frame reinforced in all the right areas, Hayes HMX-1 (front one anyway), Fox Vanilla rear shock, Marzocchi Z1 wedge, Deore rear mech | | Weaknesses: | LX front mech, Tioga factory DH 2.10's, Ditchwitch rims, | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC3 & 2, Specialised Enduro, Kona Bear, Iron Horse Ginsu, Mongoose Valiant, GT i-drive, Cannondale jekyll700 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Kona Stinky5 | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike. It works great as a do all type ride. Three rings means you can go just about anywhere, uphill or downhill, jumps and drops. Weighs about 38lbs which means its tough enough to take most that you put it through but light enough to climb anything and easy to bunnyhop. Frame is awesome. Some of the Components not so. I dont like the Tioga 2.10s. They just dont grip the corners and make you feel nervous whenever you have to take one at speed because they wash out. Gonna get a 2.35 and 2.5. Should come stock with at least 2.3's like the other stinky's. Ditch witch rims which are rhynolites without eyelets are pretty decent. Maybe better as a front rim though. I flatspotted the rear rim pretty much as soon as i left the store and have to true it fairly often as well. oh well, it rolls. The Hmx-1 discbrakes work well. The front one works fantastic. Never fades and stops on a dime. The rear one isnt quite as good for some reason. Doesnt seem to bite as well as the front. The rear calipers piston exploded and all the bits fell out but i got it replaced on warranty so hopefully that doesnt happen again. The z1wedge is awesome. Super plush and rarely bottoms (i weigh 72kgs or 160lbs). I'd like one of those ecc things to stop it bobbing around when you have to climb hills. The fox vanilla is great. I have it set in the rising position (closest hole to seatpost)at the moment. Trying to tell the difference is pretty hard though. Wouldnt mind an r or rc so i can set the rebound for climbing to stop it bobbing when your standing. Stupid 2001 lx front mech is dodgy. It chain sucks and always drops the chain. crap. Deore rear mech works fine. wrap your chainstay with an innertube or it'll get eaten up. Everything else works good. Hayes levers are a bit flexy and wobbly. Grips shred fairly quickly, wear gloves.
Rating the stinky on the frame and that gets 5 chillis. For the price nothing else comes close. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Weekend Warrior
from ny
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | minnewaska/cardiac hill, not the best,but is closest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel and heel...newburgh | | Strengths: | Price!!! built like a tank, 4-bar link enables pedaling w/o bob,yet still very active, sweet plush ride, can take any drop, handles the rough stuff, up,down or airborne, if you want to play, this is the bike.. ;) oh yes, even though it's spec'ed with bottom end components, comparatively speaking,for a north shore style, freeride bike that weighs about 35+ lbs (18"er), you can't go wrong, everything on this bike works as advertised | | Weaknesses: | what do you want for 1600 bucks, u can buy the more expensive stinkys if u can afford one, or a turner,intense or ellsworth, me, i'll spend the cash to upgrade/replace(broken/worn out stuff)what i want | | Similar Products Used: | gt pantera, gt i-drive, specialized fsr, trek fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | stock,but i'm tryin' to find out if i can install the stinky de lux 6" rear travel rocker arms... | | Bottom Line: | yea, i think the tioga factory dh 2.1 tires are a little weak,but they work, wtb 2.5 weirwolfs will be installed soon, along with SRAM 9.0 shifter/rear derailular. i set the frt/rr shock/fork preloads and they kick butt, yup, comp/rebound adjustments would be welcomed, but other than that, the suspension is sweet, maybe the front is a little too plush compared to the rear sometimes,or it might actually be that the rear shock is too firm, the bike is solid as a rock, front to back,side to side..no flex anywhere. and sooner or later i'm going to go with hydraulic brakes, from what i have heard, the hopes are the way to go,'cause for me, better modulation is what i need more of, along with 8" discs for the extra insurance. my weight is about 180-185lbs. FYI, as much as i like having a triple ring upfront for the (unassisted by the desired gravity) occasional burst of needed speed, i'm thinkig about trying the 2 ring/bash guard setup.more practical,i've already scraped the big front fing on the rocks..ouch! This is the most unerpriced, under-rated, sleeper freeride out there. Get one and you'll have no regrets!!! don't forget,this bike is heavy, and sometimes u got to push it up hills!!! I love it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rocky owen
a Downhiller
from hereford [england ]
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | haugh woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | wades cycles | | Strengths: | frame and brakes are ace | | Weaknesses: | front and back suspension too soft for me | | Similar Products Used: | giant ds2 | | Bike Setup: | nothing changed | | Bottom Line: | ive only had this bike 2 weeks and its fab the only drawback is the suspension its too soft but changing the oil and upgrading the springs should cure this.i recommend this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KiD RicK
a Weekend Warrior
from Mililani, Hawaii USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | XTREME ONE | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | HP Bike Works | | Strengths: | Great components on bike itself. Lots of travel on Marzocchi Z1 Wedge fork. Powerful brakes. For a bike less than $2000, its not heavy at all. | | Weaknesses: | Front shock a little soft, need to change oil or springs. Other than that none at all. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Hilltopper | | Bike Setup: | Factory Set-up so far. Did add a Cat-eye Cordless 2 though. | | Bottom Line: | For the money and value, it's an awesome bike. It has great components on it and not to heavy for a freeride bike. Also, kind of flashy paint job Kona gave this bike........XTREME | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
smelly
a
from seattle
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | north shore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | frame,cheap parts(all parts break why spend lots of money) | | Weaknesses: | z1 wedge | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 stinky delux | | Bike Setup: | z1 dropoff /2.8 in back for extra soft landing,2.35 love up front | | Bottom Line: | great frame cheap bike upgrades real easy .betd is working on a new rocker arm for more rear travel. best bike for the money if you want a freeride bike. xc types should go by a lighter bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K/MH
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, VT
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Shhhhhh..... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | The Eiger, Manchester VT | | Strengths: | Solid Frame (Similar to Easton RAD)
Efficient Design | | Weaknesses: | Mechanical Disc Brakes
Vanilla Rear Shock
Tioga Tires (what the f&$#!)
Deore Components | | Similar Products Used: | RM7, Chute, Bear | | Bike Setup: | Added Hayes hydraulic calipers, IRC Kujo 2.25 meats, Vanilla R shock, Race Face System (a little longer), XT shifters, rear derailleur, and 34-12 cassette. | | Bottom Line: | Anyone who actually has to pedal these boat anchors they are calling bikes these days can appreciate some of the mods I've done here. Better cassette for climbing, and a rebound adjustable shock to keep the bike moving forward, not up and down when you pedal.
The trails here are a healthy mix of everything from xc singletrack, to nut shrinking, sphincter clenching drops and stunts(Just ask Squirrel!) To have one bike to ride it all, you have to set it up right. Out of the box, this bike is an awesome ride as is and only gets better with your imagination! Have fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BJ S
a Cross Country Rider
from Newcastle, Aust
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | No Pets | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | A bike shop of course! | | Strengths: | Marzocchi forks, Fox rear shock, beefy rear end and chainstays, OK spec, 5 inch front & rear travel, overall performance & appearance. | | Weaknesses: | Rear vanilla shock is spec'd with a spring which bottoms out regularly with my weight on small - medium jumps and dropoffs, onlt 1 spot to mount water bottle (and pump for longer rides). Possibly Shimano Deore rear derailler - time will tell. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC3, Specialised FSR | | Bike Setup: | As spec'd for the moment, except for upgraded Vanilla R shock with heavier spring (on the way from the dealer). | | Bottom Line: | The price I quoted is in Aust $$$. I have only put around 60km's on the bike so far (off road), but it is great. I am a solid bloke at 6'4' & 102kgs, so I have to be patient with the shocks & get them wired correctly. So far the bike is solid, good for all round use as free-ride, excellent downhill, and can handle general cross country. The bike is somewhat heavy, but I hope the weight factor will cancel out with endurance and serviceability in the long run. I had a real toss up between this and the similar priced Giant AC3, but I am happy with my decision so far. A good purpose all-round bike for those riders wanting to do all types of off road riding, with the travel and durability required to go fast on the downhills. This is the 2nd Kona bike I have owned, and so far no complaints. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham M
a Downhiller
from Glen Williams, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Boogie Man | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Rock solid Frame
Rear Shock
Cranks | | Weaknesses: | Wheelset (Ditch Witch)
Brakes (Hayes Mechanical)
Derarillieurs (deore)
Tires (Tioga 2.1 DH) | | Similar Products Used: | RM6
Norco VPS series
| | Bike Setup: | Hayes Hydraulics
Easton Mag DH stem
Easton Scandium Bar
Mavic 321 rims with XT disc hubs
Maxxis High Roller tires 2.5 in front 2.35 in rear
Club Roost DH pedals
MRP World Cup 2 chain device | | Bottom Line: | Sweet Bike If a certain few parts are upgraded. Anything bigger than about 7 feet the bike totally bottoms out. Great dirt jumper. Sweet for relatively flat downhill racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Wheelwright
a Downhiller
from Spokane, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Beacon Hill Zipper | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | A Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame has no flex at all off the big hits, good handling, fairly lightweight. Damn good bike for the price paid. | | Weaknesses: | However....
All of the parts suck a phat .... on it, except for the rear shock. Ive sheared three derailleur hangers, along with destroying two rear wheels when this happened, tires suck, fork o.k. but didnt last long, seat bolt has been sheared a few times. Basically you have to replace everything except the frame | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC-2, RM-6
| | Bike Setup: | Currently after all problems solved. Z-1 OR20, pig DH headset, raceface northshore cranks with tooth fairy ring, new rear derailleur, sun mammoths, azonic shorty stem, big ass tires.
| | Bottom Line: | Not too bad of a buy as long as your not a hardcore freerider. If you are it will cost you around a grand to set it up good. Now its the best bike ive ever owned. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Natedog Skelton
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Altos
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Illigal | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | calabasis | | Strengths: | Sterdy as hell! The rims are great. Over all the best bike I've ridden. | | Weaknesses: | No dapening on rear shock. Pretty heavy | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Best bike ever. My friend has the santa cruz bike comparable to mine but he paid alot more and didnt get much back. I stronly sugest purchasing if you want a quality but cheap freeride bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a
from fl, fort laurderdale
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1570.00 | | Purchased At: | fritze's skate and bike, miami | | Strengths: | the frame is very strong and so are the forks and rear suspension.the cranks are also very strong | | Weaknesses: | fork is a little loose set stock. the disc brakes are deceent but not as good as others.im not sure about the wheels either. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing is made with this much quality for the money being paid | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | best buy for the money being paid | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from Peabody,MA,USA
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 180 Switchback | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Shop of Topsfield | | Strengths: | The Frame is rock solid.Awesome Fox Vanilla R rear shock.The cranks are great for the money. | | Weaknesses: | The Sunn Ditch Witch wheels are destroyed,most speced wheels won't hold up to the abuse of 8 footers all day though.The Tioga Factory DH 2.1 tires are bologna skins.The Marzocchi Z5(coil)was set up way to soft for that or any bike,I actually bottomed out the fork and the impact was so great it flat spotted the wheel,I'm only a svelte 145lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Cove GSpot,Ellsworth Dare | | Bike Setup: | My ride is set up with an A.T.C. Z-7 fork(awesome),Azonic shorty stem(75mm),Easton EA70 bars,King,Race Face>>>>>>>> craks,RhynoLite XT(front),24"AtomLab XT(rear),Hayes Hydro | | Bottom Line: | As with many of us when you break something you upgrade,so the Stinky 5 just keeps getting better.If your not going all out huge then this bike will last a long time in it's stock form. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arran crazy@$$ canadian
a Weekend Warrior
from bc
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any with good jumps and drops | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | secret | | Strengths: | good design . good forks nice stiff rear end. nice cheep price.cranks | | Weaknesses: | rear shock sucks reboud blew at a medium setting out on my 5th ride. tires suck i threw on a roko on the front feels reasonable now.
all i can say is the shock was gay.
oh yeah the cable casings cracke on first ride. | | Similar Products Used: | reaper,bullit,buzz | | Bike Setup: | factory eccept tires and cable casings | | Bottom Line: | sweet eccept for shock. I payed can in a warrenty thing so i got it half price.
takes everything iv thrown at it in stride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jaime correa
a Cross Country Rider
from san antonio,tx.usa
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | rockyhill ranch,tx | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | sun n'ski sports | | Strengths: | its take any and every good riding; and the bad ones; components are well balanced out of the box to create a well build bike | | Weaknesses: | could use better discbrake system | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale jekyll 2000 | | Bike Setup: | only change the platform pedals for shimano 545 caged cilpless, also cut 1" of each end of the riserbar | | Bottom Line: | texas have some of the most technical trails I have found all over the U.S. so far; which are build by following a drunk rattlersnake. its like riding thru a minefield;every pedal crank get you closer to another surprise and my stinky five its performing magnificent and embarracing several others fullsusp(sub 30lb)and hardtails(sub 25lb),in fats down and even climbs | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Ewing
a Downhiller
from Courtenay, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Two Sheiks & A Dog | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Simon's Cycles | | Strengths: | So far I have had no problems and I think that is the biggest strength. The frame, 4-bar linkage, and front shocks are sturdy and have put up with the abuse I've dished out. The splined bottom bracket and burly cranks are nice for the west coast. | | Weaknesses: | The initial component set up was less than spectacular. It was a necessity to upgade the rear deraileur right away as well as the tires. The front shock's oil chambers came only half full which made for an extremely short first ride. The brakes have to be thrown to the dogs in trade for some decent discs. The stock seat post has a tendency to losten up if your riding hard or landing on it (don't ask). | | Bike Setup: | I have it setup for free riding. I'm running only the bottom two front rings and a North Shore Ring. The tires were bumped from the stock 2.1s to 2.4s | | Bottom Line: | Nothing has gone wrong! I have put in 4hr rides down mountains and the only thing stoping me is the occasional flat and annoying seat post.
You can't go wrong with 5" on the front and the back for the price paid.
The sealed bearings in the 4-bar are a dream. I have friends with other 4-bars and single pivots and lots of them have had problems with the bearings. Not me.
The price was the real catcher though. This is a free-ride bike with some of the bells and whistles at a great deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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