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Submitted by
Andrew P.
a Downhiller
from Highland, UT
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Twister | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Bombproof. This thing can handle anything you throw at it. The Marzocchi DJ3 fork is super plush same with the fox vanilla. | | Weaknesses: | Shifting is a little jacked up, and the chain sometimes pops off if i shift going up hill. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing | | Bike Setup: | Marozocchi DJ3 fork, Fox vanilla shock, bontrager grips, mavic rims, thompson seatpost, kona stem, kona dh handlebar, shimano something derailer, big nine shifters. | | Bottom Line: | I would recomend this bike to anyone. It's a little heavy but it is a dh bike. It loves to go fast and the suspension soaks up everything. It comes with a whole lot of confidence and its amazing. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Trademe.co.nz | | Strengths: | everything, except the weaknesses | | Weaknesses: | chain always fall off on bumpy trial and drops, bit too heavy if you use it as a all-mountain bike | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky 2007, kona stinky delux 2007, big hit 2005 | | Bike Setup: | drop off SL, bush guard, avid juicy 5 brake,203mm/180mm disc, for van rear shock, kona DH bar | | Bottom Line: | this bike is good for biggner in free ride or Dh, very reliable, simple and tough, you may want to change the suspension setting to suit your riding style | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Trademe.co.nz | | Strengths: | everything, except the weaknesses | | Weaknesses: | chain always fall off on bumpy trial and drops, bit too heavy if you use it as a all-mountain bike | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky 2007, kona stinky delux 2007, big hit 2005 | | Bike Setup: | drop off SL, bush guard, avid juicy 5 brake,203mm/180mm disc, for van rear shock, kona DH bar | | Bottom Line: | this bike is good for biggner in free ride or Dh, very reliable, simple and tough, you may want to change the suspension setting to suit your riding style | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Trademe.co.nz | | Strengths: | everything, except the weaknesses | | Weaknesses: | chain always fall off on bumpy trial and drops, bit too heavy if you use it as a all-mountain bike | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky 2007, kona stinky delux 2007, big hit 2005 | | Bike Setup: | drop off SL, bush guard, avid juicy 5 brake,203mm/180mm disc, for van rear shock, kona DH bar | | Bottom Line: | this bike is good for biggner in free ride or Dh, very reliable, simple and tough, you may want to change the suspension setting to suit your riding style | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Oberholtzer
a Downhiller
from Whistler, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Fraight Train | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Strong and reliable frame. I really like riding a full suspention with an A frame set up. I ride a bit smaller frame for my size. Easy to throw around in the air. | | Weaknesses: | Could loose a few pounds | | Similar Products Used: | Closest thing would be a Norco Fluid 2, but that is in a totally different class. | | Bike Setup: | 2008 Manitou Travis double crown up front. Fox DHX 3.0 in the rear. Hayes nine 8' breaks, Kenda Tires and Mavvic wheels | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike. It can do everything. From agressive downhil to freeride and I have even taken it out on some cross country trails. It's a bit of work but still fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | The Abyss | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Private Deal | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | No beer dispenser, or guarantee you'd get laid just by being seen on it. | | Similar Products Used: | 04 Stinky, 04 Coiler, Norco 4x4, Norco Launch, Specialized big hit. | | Bike Setup: | Pike, 24 rear, 26 front | | Bottom Line: | Best frame design out there. Cheap too. I pedal cross country aaaalllll the time and rip down the hills. I've got not one bad thing to say about this frame. I still can't believe how well it pedals. And the suspension is soooo plush and it's super nimble still. You can build it up like a tank, or like an all mountain 34lb ripper. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
corn dog
a Downhiller
from iDaHO
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | bobby pin | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$7995.00 | | Purchased At: | PZ bikes and things | | Strengths: | Nothing | | Weaknesses: | Its a horndog | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I hAtE It | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Downhiller
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | some bike tech guy | | Strengths: | Strong frame. Dependable for absive riding. Very affordable compared to other bikes. Never bottomed out the rear shock. If your in decent shape, you should be able to pedal up hill. The bike weighs about 40 lbs.
| | Weaknesses: | The Rock Shox Boxxer fork blew a seal and ruined the break pads on a downhill run in WV.Fork bottoms out alot on rough drops. Componts tend to break when riding hard. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Sram x7 derailer and shifters
Avid Juicy 7 brakes
Stock rear shock (set for slow rebound)
Rock Shox Boxxer Fork
Demo 9 pedals (nice, feet never slip off)
| | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike, but it will breakdown alot with rough riding. Good entry level bike, or good for someone who lacks cha-ching. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Morrow
a Weekend Warrior
from terrace B.C.
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | lots | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Mcbike Terrace | | Strengths: | wuts not to love you can take this bike up to the skatepark then rite to the dirtjumps and then downhill trails its such a nice bike for all around. | | Weaknesses: | nothing really maybe just the fox vanilla being to soft but its ok | | Similar Products Used: | none,nothing like | | Bike Setup: | 2003 kona stinky(custom painted red)with a funn serial killer stem, with brand new sealed raceface headset, raceface cranks and bottom bracket, with a pair of sun rim 26" double track rims and michelin tires,front and back 8" hayes hydro's, with a kona DJ seat,and of course my babies my 2003 8 1/4 inch rockshox Boxxer race forks | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is if u set it up rite then u got one m*ther f*cking sweet ass ride that can take a beating | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fonzy
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | sportchek bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock except for cranks | | Bottom Line: | its crazyily good | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat machek
a Downhiller
from cobble hill,b.c,canada
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | big brouther | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | expereance cycle | | Strengths: | solod,breaks,forks,rear linkage,rear shock, | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock with 24' alex dx32, funn bars,and envie ring | | Bottom Line: | good solid bike I am selling this bike and I want $1700.00 canadian if you want it email me for pics info@oceanmistretreat.com or phone me at 1-250-743-2985 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrie
a Downhiller
from South America
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Kona | | Strengths: | Feels good on rough trails. Set up is comfortable. Good feel and good for tricks like wip and table top. | | Weaknesses: | Fork blow out, Oil ruined brake pads. When it worked it was good. The chain falls on drops or very bumpy situations like steps. The chain scratched the hell out of the swing arm. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo 9 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, all of it. | | Bottom Line: | When it works, the bike feels good and is very controlable. Many people say its tough, I dont think so, and the chain is a pain. Good bike for aggressive trail riding, not that great for downhill, ok for freeride. I guess you get what you pay for, more expensive bikes such as a Demo 9 or Stab Delux cost more and are better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Downhiller
from marblehead, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | this dude from this place | | Strengths: | everythying its rock solid and all the components are wicked good | | Weaknesses: | only problem is a really soft rear shock ive done a few 6 sets to flat and bottomed it | | Similar Products Used: | my first non-walmart bike | | Bike Setup: | stock cept for a jr t | | Bottom Line: | all around good bike for those who wanna freeride/downhill | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
k hoo
a Weekend Warrior
from bristol
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | high action churchill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | second hand (frame) | | Strengths: | great frame, and breaks great value. | | Weaknesses: | none apart from rear shock which is a bit shocking | | Similar Products Used: | norco a-line, intense m3 | | Bike Setup: | 2003 stinky, 05 manitou dorados dh, hope biguns front rear, mavic ex729, hope 6 pot brakes, race face bars stem and BB, MRP world cup, fox dhx-5 rear shock maxxis hi rollers, Dmr dj seat. | | Bottom Line: | great 4 beginers but wen u get beta u jus make da bike better as u go along so in the end its all good and some one starting freeride and only for freeride would want a bike like thisbecause it is to heavy for xc or dirt jumping but it would just pass as a downhill bike.
i gave it 4 chiilis becaues there are better bikes but u cant beat the reliability of kona | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Downhiller
from Everett WA US
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Schleyer in to Clown shoes | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Tim's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame is tough not gonna break easy. | | Weaknesses: | The stock components. For 1800 bones its ok. Now its up to at least 3000. | | Similar Products Used: | All kinds of Konas and a few Specialized. Junky | | Bike Setup: | 7 inch 888 RC with drop crown 05 Diabolus bars Mavic 321s on diatech hubs E13 Michelin 28 fr and marzocchi 26 in rear soon hayes mags sram x9 Fox DHX Pig head set | | Bottom Line: | Great bike to get started with. Customizing is easy. Fun bike to ride. Six inches is plenty in back for anything as long as theres skill on the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zak Gertlar
a Downhiller
from West Linn
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Post Cannon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Some Lady in Hood River | | Strengths: | Every thing the shox does bottom alot but thats ok. The first day it was droppen 8 stairs and 6 foot to flat and taking it no problem. | | Weaknesses: | None at all, but one question why is there a peice of plastic tubing in the fork. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky Primo, Specialized FSR XC (crap to the stinky) | | Bike Setup: | All stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for almost anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael McCann
a Downhiller
from Newry
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Badgers claw in Northern Ireland | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | the stinky is an amazing bike it has 9 inches of travel which is good for freeride and downhill | | Weaknesses: | the weight let me down but it is not a problem for downhill | | Bottom Line: | it is an amazing bike i have one and it is so smooth on the toughest of trails. this baby will take 20ft drops with no bother and it is good for the odd trip to the local shate park | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james jarvis
a Weekend Warrior
from wa
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | exit 27 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | mountin bike outfiters | | Strengths: | the frame is good,crank arms,rims,alot more | | Weaknesses: | the rear shock is not stiff enough,it bottoms at 13 ft with a landing and 8ft flatbottom,front deraler | | Similar Products Used: | big hit | | Bike Setup: | stock gitting fox dhx 5.0 | | Bottom Line: | graet bike by it if your in to down hill freeride or dirt jump. very strong good price too dont by if your into cross country or urban | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Patterson
a Downhiller
from Edinburgh
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Good Handling,Strong Frame,Love It Best bike for its cash | | Weaknesses: | Rear Suspention Hits The Seat Clamp,Head Set,Front & Rear Hubs,Bottom Bracket Is On Its Way out.Tyres Are Crap | | Similar Products Used: | Orange sub 5 | | Bike Setup: | Maxxis Tyres,RaceFace Head Set,DMR Bars,Goodridge Hoses,Rob Warner Pedals,Sdg Jump Seat,Hope Bulb Hubs,Hope QR Seat Clamp,ODI Grips, | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike,best Value for money,newer stinkys much better than the 2003 models but cant have everything can
you.just have upgrade it more in the future | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a
from SO CALI
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Rosa | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | BUY MY BIKES | | Strengths: | Good ergo's
OK DH,FR RIG.
| | Weaknesses: | Heavy
I broke all the clevis on it the first year, and i wasn't even going that big on it.The stock chain setup always failed.Do yourself a favor, by something else. I just picked up a Specialized P.3 and it's way better for me. | | Bottom Line: | Buy something else. Go big!!! Get a Banshee or Demo 8/9 or Specialized P.3 | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a
from north bay
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Bottom Line: | f yes bitc*es | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan waters
a Downhiller
from bozeman montana
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | soul hole | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | summit bike shop | | Strengths: | Price. Great parts where needed. Frame geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Stock spring on rear shock is a little bit soft. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Kona Roast, 2004 Kona Shred | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Super T, Race Face cranks, Maxxis tires, Azonic bars and pedals | | Bottom Line: | This may not be the greatest bike for downhill or freeride, but for the price I would say that it's pretty damn good. Some of the stock parts aren't the best (shifters, derailleurs), but that can easily be upgraded if need be. I don't ride that hard, but I know that it could handle a decent amount of abuse. This bike won't compare to a VP-Free or a Foes, but it wasn't ment to, this complete bike costs less than most high end frames. This is an awesome bike for a beginner, if you want to try freeriding for cheap, this is definately the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
billy warren
a Weekend Warrior
from tarrytown
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with big drops and jumps | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | tarrytown cycles | | Strengths: | great brakes tires frame fork pretty much everything | | Weaknesses: | the only complaint i have is the back spring is a little soft | | Bike Setup: | 2003 stinky with 2003 Junior t and i am saving up for the monster t | | Bottom Line: | Great product i have done 7 foot drops to flat on concrete and the bike easily took it i have done a 15 foot drop with a landing which felt like to much fo the bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Sparksman
a Downhiller
from Queensland, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | My own DH run | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Second Hand | | Strengths: | Everything, Great Specs for a great price | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 Kona Stuff | | Bike Setup: | All Stock Exept for tyres, 2 new Maxxis DH and Rear rim is now a Velocity Psyhco | | Bottom Line: | This Bike Is Fastastic Bike, That is the bottom line, I bought it second hand, on my old hard tail i was doing 1 metre drops and 1 metre doubles, now with this i'm doing 3 metre drops and 5 metre doubles.
I've Crashed tonnes of times and at first i worried about the bike everytime i crashed but now i don't because it's always alright, it's strong as. Suited to and newcomer to Downhill/Freeride/Urban. I also ride XC on it, it fly's down the hills and climbs like a mountain goat. Overall, it's a great bike, All Kona Bikes are great | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mel sillner
a Downhiller
from phoenix arizona
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | a-line at whistler | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Klondike cycle and sports | | Strengths: | This bike is a pretty well rounded bike. It's got great shox and a strong frame. In my opinion this is one of the best bikes around. The components unbeatable for the price too. | | Weaknesses: | The only thing that I felt was a weakness was the tires which should have been thicker and more durable. But if your like me you'd be upgrading everything anyways. | | Similar Products Used: | I used a norco torrent hardtail before a had this bike and that wasn't very good at all. I broke five parts on it in only ten months. | | Bike Setup: | This bike has a great setup. All the components in all the right places and they all work well too. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that if you're looking for a great bike at a very cheap price that'll take a beating and still be able to be riden for years to come get a 2003 kona stinky!!! This bike has been great to ride and to me it's completly worth ever penny!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E-man
a Downhiller
from Everett, WA, America
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | clown Shoes | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Frame and bike design. After riding friends bikes the stinky feels even better. I will stick with kona for life. | | Weaknesses: | Shimono cheap componits. truvativ BB. | | Bike Setup: | Maxxis tires, kona DH primo bar stem, super t, race face bb. moab grips, dh tubes, mrp mini me, | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the money. Fun to upgrade. After 10 months of use very few problems. After a trip to whistler it is still going stong. Only prob was a squeaky chain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from Truckee, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Boondocks, Sticks and stone, karpiel | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | The frame is super strong, will take anything you can throw at it. Very confendence inspiring. | | Weaknesses: | The rear shock sucks and should be changed out for something that can take more abuse. Lacks a little in suspention for downhilling. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Big Hit expert, 2002 stinky dee-lux. | | Bike Setup: | stock, Jr. T, panaracer Fire DH pro tires, odi lock on grips, azonic a-frame pedals, truvativ box guide, xt rear derailur | | Bottom Line: | THis is a great bike for anything you want to do from trail riding to Downhilling. THis bike can handle anythin you can drop or jump off of. This is the best bike for the price. Kona makes GREAT bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mat
a Downhiller
from Mukilteo WA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | smitty steeps/sugar at Sun Peaks | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | java cycle, but alas thay r no more... | | Strengths: | very light and easy to jump around on, great for dirt jumping, small drops and freeriding | | Weaknesses: | only 5' upfront, too bad i dont really mind the 5 in the back, but in my oppinion 5' travel forks should be done away with | | Similar Products Used: | upgraded stinky (really really upgraded), stinky primo, big hit DH, stinky dee-lux, roast, VPS | | Bike Setup: | the one im riding now? stinky frame monster up front, hayes 8' brakes, race face crank 2.8 michillen tires, a ect. a downhill machine | | Bottom Line: | great freeride/weekend downhill bike for very light people, not for anyone over 150 pounds that rides seriously, if you do downhill then get a new fork...crank tires rims and brakes | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mat
a Downhiller
from Mukilteo WA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | smitty steeps/sugar at Sun Peaks | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | java cycle, but alas thay r no more... | | Strengths: | very light and easy to jump around on, great for dirt jumping, small drops and freeriding | | Weaknesses: | only 5' upfront, too bad i dont really mind the 5 in the back, but in my oppinion 5' travel forks should be done away with | | Similar Products Used: | upgraded stinky (really really upgraded), stinky primo, big hit DH, stinky dee-lux, roast, VPS | | Bike Setup: | the one im riding now? stinky frame monster up front, hayes 8' brakes, race face crank 2.8 michillen tires, a ect. a downhill machine | | Bottom Line: | great freeride/weekend downhill bike for very light people, not for anyone over 150 pounds that rides seriously, if you do downhill then get a new fork...crank tires rims and brakes | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, England
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Good ol' Sandy Lanes | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | SunSetMTB | | Strengths: | Great FR/DH starter, but worth upgrading | | Weaknesses: | Change the fork, DJ3's are quite possibly the worst choice of fork ever, do yourself a favour, get some Jr.T's or 888's. Truvativ cranks are W4NK, the chain rings are ridiculously small, 22/32 whats that about? Front mech spanks the chain stay if drop too big. Brakes are so loud they keep me awake at night. Wheels are weak as p!ss, they bend&flex like Bar stewards. The shock has no adjustment, which very nearly killed me on a couple of occastions. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 and 99 Stab, 2002 BigHit, M1 | | Bike Setup: | 24/7 SuperFat Cranks, Jr.T, Hope M4, Halo SAS | | Bottom Line: | If you want a good starter this is a great bike, BUT once you get a bit better you will start to pick holes in it, soo save a bit more money and get the Dee-Lux or upgrade it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tin Can
a Downhiller
from Kalispell,MT,USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Recess/ Spooky Pete's | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rite | | Strengths: | Good beginning freeride/DH bike, this bike help me step it up 10 notches in a few weeks, Drops i never even looked at before became possible. | | Weaknesses: | As you get better the bike tends to start breaking. Lx hub broke after I started doing drops over 4 or 5 feet. to extend the capabilities of this bike get a JR T and a 20 mm hub, and a chainguide or LRP. | | Similar Products Used: | AC 2, 04 stinky blows the 03 out of the water | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except LRP and 2.4 Specialized Pro tire in rear, soon hopfully a JR T | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great beginning freerider but you will have to upgrade as you start hitting bigger stuff. If you plan on doing mellow freeriding and staying at that stage this bike is perfection. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alec` levy
a Weekend Warrior
from bethesda md usa
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bikes | | Strengths: | really strong, looks badass | | Weaknesses: | im not loving the vanilla and i plan on upgrading the fork | | Similar Products Used: | just my friends bikes, rm switch, spec. bighit | | Bike Setup: | stock fo now | | Bottom Line: | im really happy with it, it seems easily upgradable wich is cool. im pretty new at the freerding stuff and this bike is good for that. i have taken some nasty tumbles with it but it hasnt gotten a scratch(the frame that is) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gareth
a Downhiller
from Dorset, UK
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything funky | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Horswills | | Strengths: | Looks good, feels good, rides good. Bales you out of the tight spots you put yourself into. Excellent component balance for the budget. Beautifully relaxed riding position. | | Weaknesses: | Changed the front fork oil to a heavier one - thats a personal preference thing though rather than a weakness | | Similar Products Used: | No FS bikes, Trek 8000 and Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup. Was fortunate to find the so-called "Candian spec" version with the triple JrT and Fox Vanilla R in my local bike shop. | | Bottom Line: | Having reached the point where I felt I was being held back by my Trek hardtail (no fault of the bike), I was looking for that 1st full suspension bike. Wasn't sure whether to opt for an end of season 2003 or wait for the 2004. The triple clamp version persuaded me. Quite simply, my riding has changed totally. Now jumping, dropping and doing all the stuff I couldn't / wouldn't on the hardtail. Can't find fault with anything and I've even started to do a few DH races. I've never enjoyed my riding as much and this bike is excellent. There may be better FS's out there but not at this price chaps. Perhaps the only choice for your first FS but hard to see how anybody can find dissapointment with this gem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Tate
a
from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Zone | | Strengths: | DJ3- cheap but good, great frame, capable all round | | Weaknesses: | noisy hayes brakes- still stop fine though, Tioga Factory DH tires- absolute rubbish | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive 1.0 '04, Kona Coiler '04, Specialized Bighit sport spec '04 | | Bike Setup: | Stock, maxxis high rollers 2.5, Oury lockon Grips, Marzocchi M fender, armourdillo chainstay protector | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for everything i do. My local trails involve minimal downhill sections so i suspected the bike would be too heavy for me, but it can easily keep the pace with other hardtails. It also climbs most steeps to the same height as my old XC hardtail, go figure. After throwing the bike off its first drop it was screaming for more, great for urban freeriding. Just make sure you replace the tioga tires as they pinchflat in no time and cant corner to save you life. Have had some trouble with noisy brakes tho. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Clinton, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything With Drops | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1549.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock 'n Road Cycles | | Strengths: | Indestructible Frame and cranks | | Weaknesses: | Kona pedals, Dj3, Lx freehub | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Jr.T fork, Maxxis MoFo tires, Brooklyn seat and Shinburger pedals, Hope Gothic rotors | | Bottom Line: | I have used this bike for everything from agressive XC, to 7 Foot to flat urban drops, to loose rocky downhill, and with the exception of the Dj3(not enough travel), I love this bike!! If you're into the Freeride/Urban Scene this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Davis
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Star Cycles | | Strengths: | Brakes,Frame,suspension | | Weaknesses: | Noisy brakes,crank noise, | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic bike, mine is the 04 model and will do anything i throw at it. I noticed an annoying creak from crank and it turned out to be the pedal shaft,went away after a couple of rides. I highly recommend this bike to anyone that wants a good all rounder. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Garrett
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Wellington | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Treadlies Mountain Bikes | | Strengths: | Well equipped for the price. Great value for money throw anything at it freeride bike | | Weaknesses: | Cant really fault it. Brakes noisy at times but is common with Hayes HFX9s | | Similar Products Used: | Norco A Line, Heavily modified Norco Fluid | | Bike Setup: | Havent changed anything yet only basic set up of suspension, shifters, levers etc | | Bottom Line: | Ive got the 04 model with the Drop Off Triples and Fox Vanilla R with Pro Pedal. I ride mainly down hill from a 1200 Metre high mountain behind the city and its rough and fast with heaps of tracks to choose from. This bike is awsome in this terrain and handles the rough stuff really well. Its well balanced and gives you confidence to push harder and faster and Im doing jumps and drop offs from banks and stairs that I wouldnt even consider with my old bike. I was surprised at how well it climbs as well with the pro pedal shock. It bobs less than my old duellie which only had half of the travel this bike has. Overall a great bike to ride and awesome looks.I wanted a new freeride bike with at least 6" f&r and theres not much that comes close for the (relatively) small amount cash you have to hand over. Go get one, its a proven design that evolved over quite a few years now.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jyff
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | FAT TIRE FARM | | Strengths: | The frame, the new dual crown six inch fork, hayes hydros, nbx tires, propedal rear shock | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | My friends 03 stinky | | Bike Setup: | Stock except with Ultra cross bars, E13 chain guide, azonic love seat, intense grips, Kore B1B stem | | Bottom Line: | I just bought this and Ive been off my bike for about six weeks. THis is my dream frame a six inch travel free ride bike. I love it is sweet. If you can get one, i advise you go get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nitro Fish
a
from New Windsor, N.Y, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | FIVE CORNERS URBAN ASSAULT | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel and Heel | | Strengths: | -great new fork (marzocchi drop off tripple) and rear shock (fox vanilla r w/propedal).
-awesome paint job.
-most components are good.
-new dh tires from nokian (2.5's).
-the price is great compared to what this bike could sell for, especially with the bombproof frame.
- hydrolic hayes brakes w/ 8 inch rotors. | | Weaknesses: | none so far with the exception of the brakes, they work very well but sometimes make a lot of noise. however this is not an uncommon problem. | | Similar Products Used: | if you can call this similar, a 1999 husqvarna cr125. | | Bike Setup: | bike setup is stock, but i am in the near future replacing the stock parts with...
-azonic fusion pedals.
-azonis love seat.
-applying a big travel marzocchi front fender.
-mrp chain guide. | | Bottom Line: | i cant say enough about this bike. although i have only had it for such a short time, i got to ride it quite a bit, testing drop offs, speed and excelleration, and offroad stability. i rode off a few loading docks, experiencing no problems, plowed through snow banks and jammed into rush hour traffic. i am very pleased with all aspects of the bike. the person who would match up with the stinky is anyone, but mostly people who want a great freeride machine that can ride downhill, 4x, freeride, urban ride, and possibly cross country.
* this review is for the recently released 04 model | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ThaHam
a
from Burgess Hill
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | South Downs&Brighton | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Hut | | Strengths: | All of it | | Weaknesses: | None really | | Similar Products Used: | a tank | | Bike Setup: | Jnr T, Goodridge lines, azonic saddle, apart from that shop stuff | | Bottom Line: | This is just a quick mail to tell you how good this bike is.
The weakness-
Doesnt like the uphill much (though is possible with saddle raised lots)
If you let the rear unit too loose it will snap your rear brake line in the pivot. I found out the hard way... So always keep it hard, and invest in stronger goodridge or similar lines.
Get triple clamp forks to up the front end strength, i'm sure if i still had the dj3 they would have snapped by now. (nasty semi nose dive off building)
Do not let clench at your brakes with more than 2 fingers,a. it only take one b. spongy REALLY quikly if you do
But the advantages are,
frame is indestructable
brakes kick ass
suspension plush
wheels good
tires fat & puncture proof (only 1)
chunky allround
wont break the bank
Rides like a dream
Jumps like a deamon
The Best Urban bike possible- loves the big drops off stairs and buildings etc
Makes you do stupid stuff
Makes you feel like Bender every time
Never see your frineds again after DH
Envious looks everywhere
Will make you do something and stick it normally way beyond your level (espicially after watching diorder 4)
Confidenec inspiring
SWEET Ride and handaling.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Teemu
a Weekend Warrior
from Taipalsaari, Finland
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Can't mention any at the moment | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Silvesport | | Strengths: | - Strong and reliable frame
- 8" Hayes hydraulic discs won't let you down
- Suits all kinds of riding from DH to aggressive XC
- Takes a little bigger hucks too without complaining
- Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 3 with 32mm aluminium stanchions is very strong and beefy
- LX quality, I'm surprised!
- A very nice and good looking bike as a complete set | | Weaknesses: | - Tioga tires are quite poor..
- Rims could be a bit stronger for freeriding
- Hubs
- 22/23 chainrings are totally USELESS!! 36T at minimum.
- Kona platform pedals
- Truvativ Hussefelt -cranks. Bent the other one and that pedal's attaching system (what ever..) is so bad invention that I can't think of anything else. Where can I get new bushings? Nowhere.
- The brakes' hydraulic hoses and especially the way it's been put in the rear end. As it moves while the shock compresses it almost has eaten a hole to the frame! Plus it tends to crack easily.
- The rear shock is a little "harsh" as it doesn't have any adjustments. The same goes for the fork | | Similar Products Used: | Not really any except Santa Cruz Super 8 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the
- front tire, replaced the Tioga with Nokian NBX DH 2.5, it's superior
- Blackspire DS-1 chainguide and 38T chainring. Works well.
- Right side cranck arm, which is FSA V-Drive Xtreme nowadays replacing the bent Truvativ (don't ask why only on the other side..)
- Wellgo flat pedals with proper bearings
- Pokémon sticker... | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding my Stinky for 8 months now and I've enjoyed every moment riging it! It really does its' job in downhill, freeride and back country riding. Rear suspension work well and doesn't bob as long as you keep your ass in the saddle! Strong frame, good parts, 6 inches in the back... That's all I need. Plus the Junior T in the future.
I had some trouble with the saddles QR-system and the linkage plates of the rear fork: when the rear bottomed out the plates touched the QR making a loud noise. I noticed small dents on the plates and realized that they've been hitting the QR. I e-mailed Kona about it but they said that in 17" frame shouldn't even have a QR seat clamp! They recommended having the rear shock checked in the LBS but in there they didn't want to do anything so I simply turned the QR over so that it's now pointing forwards. Since then I haven't had any problems with it!
So 17" Stinky owners: CHECK YOUR PLATES, that kind of malfunctioning can cause serious damage to the whole rear end.
Excluding that minor "problem" of mine I've had nothing but happy moments on my bike. It deserves 5 turds for value and overall, but why not Choise Awards marker? Damn good bike... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Wales
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Loads | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunset | | Strengths: | Super solid frame, perfect geometry for everything from XC to DH, brakes are very strong. | | Weaknesses: | Vanilla shock bobs way too much, brakes rub like a b***h, wheels are not the strongest. | | Similar Products Used: | Patriot, SUB5. | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike apart from re-valved shock, ODI lockons and Sherman Flicks. | | Bottom Line: | The price I paid is in £'s, it was an ex-demo (perfect cond.) at my LBS, Jason and Woolley are great to deal with @ Sunset!! The bike rides awesome, handles big drops with ease, is pedal friendly enough for XC (I had the shock re-valved at Mojo and it's now the same as the new Pro Pedal ones) and is sooooo stable when coming down, FAST!!!!
I have also changed the forks to Sherman Flicks and these are super plush also, the DJ3's are very nice forks but these are more tuneable. All that's left to do is change the wheels as the Deore hubs are not going to last very long and the spokes are not DB. Bottom line, I love this bike to bits, I ride about 80 miles a week on it and it just feels perfect every time.
This is my first Kona and I am stoked with it, I would go and buy another with no hesitation, best you can get for your money, just get the shock re-valved as the bob is massive!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Washington Park | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | will be at Fat Tire Farm | | Strengths: | I'm buying the 2004 not the 03 Stinky, but I have to write a review anyways because Im stoked on this bike. The frame is the same used on the Stinky Primo. The six inches rear travel, finally the much needed six inch dual crown fork makes drops so much easier. The Hayes hyraulic and xt rear derauiller | | Weaknesses: | right now id have to say the seat and the grips plus the brakes make some noise but f*ck that brakes are not a weakness and wow they rub | | Similar Products Used: | tried my friends 03 stinky | | Bike Setup: | Im putting this bike on lay-away this week at FTF (great shop) When I purchase it im going to put my Azonic ultra cross bars (2.5" rise) my azonic love seat and my E.13 chain guide with a 44 tooth chain ring. Future plans maybe a 24" double wide in the rear or 26" singletrack | | Bottom Line: | anyways even if you ride this thing stock it still is probably the best bike for the money I would say. Ive been riding a hardtail (2003 p.2 with bunch of upgrades) for about a year and when I saw this bike I knew i wanted it. The p.2 was great did a bunch of drops and staircases with it. Once I get use to the full suspension ill be doing every drop in our city well I say buy this bike or 2003 both are sweet rides | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jarred
a Downhiller
from Orangeville
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chris's DH course | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | The Epic Ride | | Strengths: | IT'S A KONA!! | | Weaknesses: | My Vanilla R blew up after 3 months. Warranty replacement though so no big deal. Fox is still the best. The JR. T2 was not ment for DH'ing. I bent the stanchion. | | Similar Products Used: | THis is my first big travel bike. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock (Canadian version obviously) lock on grips, MRP, D-321's, FSA Pig headset. | | Bottom Line: | I raced this bike in the ontario downhill circuit. In ran flawlessly. I bent the fork in a nasty crash, but then the JR. T2 was not really ment for DH'ing. It was great until that crash. The Vanilla R blew, but my LBS lent me another until mine was back, so no real agravation there. This is definatly the best bang for your buck. Kona has perfected the four bar design and you can feel it. This bike is near 40lbs stock, and with a little extra effort, you can make it climb. But going down is where it shines. If you are just starting out in the downhill world, or just want a super solid, no-bullsh*t frame, GET A FREAKIN' KONA!! You will NOT be disapointed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie
a Downhiller
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | salem town forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Naults Cyclery | | Strengths: | -strong, flex free frame
-well designed suspension, very plush
-perfect geometry for downhilling, freeriding, and jumping
-light enough to ride up most hills
- dependable and predictable
-It Rocks | | Weaknesses: | NONE, it is a work of art.
| | Similar Products Used: | Stinky Primo, Intense M-1, GT Ruckus | | Bike Setup: | All stock except I installed a MRP chainguide in the front | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is the bike ROCKS! It has performed flawlessly and has brought me to safety on the sickest downhill courses and craziest freeriding stunts. I would pick this bike over any other freeride bike in existence. ROCK ON! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
The Thrilla Go-Rilla
a Weekend Warrior
from Bakersfield, Ca US
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Lbs | | Strengths: | This my first dual suspension bike and I have no idea how i was able to ride a hard tail for so many years. This bike makes even the worst riders(me) look like they know what they are doing. I like the Strength and Confidence this bike gives me the most. | | Weaknesses: | Lx and single crown djIII's. The seat kills my @$$ too. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | All Stock except 04 Super T (I highly recommend this because 1 it's the best upgrade to make and 2 the colors, black sliders and silver/gray lower match absolutely perfectly)and rhynolite (front only, need more) | | Bottom Line: | I have nothing to compare it too, but this bike is the shiznit. I ride on a bmx track twice a week and at first, it was too big and slow for the track. Now I can keep up with the bmx guys and jump with ease. If you give the bike time and think about what you want it to do, it will do it and then some. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Smit
a Weekend Warrior
from Everett,WA,98201
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Whistler | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Tims Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Most of the bike is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | No problems yet.Except for brakes squelling, lets everyone know you'r comin. | | Similar Products Used: | Crapy Wal-Mart bikes. This is a way sweeter ride. | | Bike Setup: | Canadian with Jr.T and Vnilla r. Just fit a Intense DH 2.7 tire on the front. | | Bottom Line: | This is really a great bike if you freeride, DH, or just cruis around town. The paint is great and almost all the componets work flawlessly.I hope to upgrade for many years until I have enough MONEY for a Stinky Primo. Have fun riding I know I will! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Southern Maine
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1475.00 | | Strengths: | Very comfortable ride! At 38 lbs. I thought it would be a tank in the woods but it rides well up and down the mountain.
- Frame is exellent in strenth w/ comfy geometry (18" frame, Im 6' even)
- Hayes 8" disc.
- F219 rims are pretty decent
- Dirt jumper III was better than i thought. 6 months, no problems. | | Weaknesses: | - cranks creek like crazy
- rear cables rub on seat collar after time and need to get replaced. (i woke up with brake fluid all over the floor) To save some time and money, wrap some tape around the cables then zip tie them back on.
- Deore hubs absolutly suck.
- rear shock should be replaced if planning on doing drops, otherwise i suppose its decent for just riding around.
- buy new grips ASAP or wear mittens when you ride...
- pedals spin forever and im not a big fan of that | | Similar Products Used: | heckler | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really a good deal. I have had no major problems. When you first buy the bike you should make a point to carry a few allen tools with you. The main bolt connecting the shock and the swing arms came loose on the first couple rides. However, it is fine now. Wrap tape on the cables where they rub against the seat collar.
As for upgrades this bike needs are:
- new hubs! especially in the rear.
- new rear shock > its would be nice to have something adjustable.
- new fork with rebond and compression adjustments would be nice but not high priority.
My plan is to get a new rear shock then save for a new wheelset and 20mm fork. the LX drivetrain has been very good. I also own a Gary Fisher Supercaliber with XT/XTR and i can barely see a difference.
Overall, its nice to have a bike you can depend on and take out for a ride and not have to worry about something breaking. Its a very very good value. The bike is hella sweet stock, and with a few upgrades it can be a really nice freeride rig. I was criticized about getting a kona, but ive rode many other freeride bikes like the bullet, heckler, 5 spot (all those frames are $1200+, 5 spot is $1700) and i have to say the stinky felt the best. Whether it will last the longest, i have no idea, but by first impression i thought the stinky was an amazing bike. Put a romic or avalanche on it and you will be a very happy rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kurt
a Downhiller
from plattekill
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | area 51 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1770.00 | | Purchased At: | a bike shop | | Strengths: | overal great dh/freeride bike if your on a budget. frame and jr that came on it are like rocks. tioga dh 2.3 are like2.7's good | | Weaknesses: | the rims suck, tacoed 2 week in threw an old A lab on there.
jr is to damm soft bottoms on 8 ft pins fell out on petals but everything else is good | | Similar Products Used: | 01 stiny, m1 brooklyn tmx | | Bike Setup: | stock exept i threw on a mrp and a new seat | | Bottom Line: | great for the begginner dher stong as hellor at least the frame. you can keep um for ages cuz they re so upgradable
it rocks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ThaHam
a Downhiller
from Burgess Hill
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | South Downs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Hut | | Strengths: | Fat frame, suspension, components, brakes,looks | | Weaknesses: | The LX stuff on it pi**es me off, the brakes become spongy after a couple of runs- but stop on the dot, grips will rip apart your hands. | | Similar Products Used: | Own Kona Muni-Mula 01, others saracens, scotts, treks, specialized. | | Bike Setup: | From the shop, but with azonic saddle, upgraded the forks to Junior T. | | Bottom Line: | This is fantastic bike for the cash i paid. its one of those dream bikes which everyone stares at when you ride it down the town. Its heavy, but on DH you forget about wieght. I advise never to ride it UP a hill, unless you want resistance training! But if im only 14 and the weight dosnt affect me, it wont you lard asses.The JnrT soak up everything on the trail, and the fox matches it at the back. Its fast and will scare the sh*t out of you the first time. On the jumps the biggest i've cleared is 22ftgaps and it took it fine. It eats 20step stairsets [to flat] as if nothin was there,and drop offs are piss. On the technical side it is surprising balanced and responsive. Having this thing will give you confidence enough to do anything, its a great freeride bike which can inspire you to do anything. But the gears need tuning as do the brakes, which flex too much, but the rest of the bike you can leave alone and thrash it. Just dont get this bike if your a- 1.Roadie 2.Trials 3.French. Its main strength is that its a KONA! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from napa, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything that goes downhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1576.00 | | Purchased At: | The Backcountry (Lake Tahoe) | | Strengths: | nice frame, the stem and the handlebars aren't as bad as i thought they would be. pedals ( i think they gave me the wrong ones, but they are kores so i dont have a problem) | | Weaknesses: | the fork is not that good, the rear shock. the brakes rub a lot after about 3 days of riding | | Similar Products Used: | first dh/freeride bike | | Bike Setup: | stock, eventually i am gonna put a dual crown on it and a romic or 5th element or something | | Bottom Line: | this is a good bike for beginning freeriders/downhillers. you can upgrade this bike for all your life and it will be good. this is a great deal, although for 1500 i think they should have put a different fork on it. buy this bike if you like to do beginner freeriding or dh, you can upgrade. this bike is good on just about anything though including shore stuff | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ewan
a Downhiller
from toronto, on
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything i don't have to pedal up | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepath on bloor | | Strengths: | this bike looks great, handles well, and can take lots of abuse. | | Weaknesses: | discs make some noise but seem to be going away now. | | Similar Products Used: | stinky dee lux, balfa bb7, vps atomik | | Bike Setup: | canadian stock, jr.t2, vanilla r | | Bottom Line: | this is probably one of the best bikes for the price right now. try to get the canadian version as you get more bang for the buck. rear rebound adjustment travel and the jr.t w/ QR20. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trent
a Weekend Warrior
from who cares
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | that one | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | great bike for the money, little heavy but when you fide it you dont notice it. plush rear suspension | | Weaknesses: | DIRT JUMPER 3 SUCK MAJOR D*** | | Bottom Line: | great bang for the buck | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tristan Gale
a Downhiller
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. tsualem | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | russ hays | | Strengths: | it climbs well and handles drops and jumps great | | Weaknesses: | a bit 2 heavy | | Similar Products Used: | 1st full suspention | | Bike Setup: | canadien stock (Joniour T2 fork and 6 inch reer travel) | | Bottom Line: | its the best bike i'v ever had and is a great all round bike. i did a 9 foot drop on it and it felt like a litle nothing.
PS. the touchup kit is realy cool | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sk ks
a Downhiller
from alberta
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Canyon Crazy | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow | | Weaknesses: | ive had the bike for 2 months, had to adjust the rear derailer, replace the front fork ( factory problem) and adjust the disc's, i may also replace the back fork because it isn't nearly as nice as the Vanilla Rc, . I haVE A 19 INCH FRAME WHICH IS TO big and heavy, so freeride is harder. | | Similar Products Used: | brodie enduro, rm edge, stinky 01, | | Bike Setup: | factory canada | | Bottom Line: | meh, its a little pain in the ass to adjust , and i wish it was lighter, but i still love it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lou
a Downhiller
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Strengths: | The Kona Stinky has a very burly frame,fork, and wheelset. It descends with confidence and ease. There isn't much this freeride/downhill bike can't handle. | | Weaknesses: | The suspension has muchos bob-but what do you expect from a bike six inches of rear wheel travel! | | Similar Products Used: | Kona stab primo, Ironhorse sgs expert, | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Dirt Jumper III in front, Fox Vanilla in rear, mavic wheels, lx der's, Hayes Hydraulic w/8 inch rotors Truvativ Cranks w/ kona bashguard.....Pretty sweet | | Bottom Line: | The Stinky is one sweet freerider that is very capable of dowhilling anytime you please. The Stinky also has a 22/33 tooth combo in the front, making it possible to climb it occasionally. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DR DRE
a Weekend Warrior
from Bronx, N.Y. USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything steep & technical | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | STRONG FRAME,HAYES HYDRO BRAKES WITH 8-INCH ROTORS,TRUVATIV HUSSELFELT CRANKS WITH ISIS SPLINED DRIVE, MARZOCCHI DJIII WHICH IS SPRUNG FOR BIG HITS. SO DON'T EXPECT IT TO B THE PLUSHEST. FORTUNATELY AFTER IT'S WARMED UP IT GETS VERY PLUSH THIS BIKE IS SWEET. IT'S NOT TOO HEAVY. MOST OF THE PIVOTS ARE SEALED. RIDE IT EVERYWHERE AND DO ALL SORTS OF THINGS ON IT. NOT IDEAL FOR LONG XC RIDES BUT FOR A NICE LOOP OR SOME DIRT JUMPING OR DOWNHILLING THIS BIKE GETS THE JOB DONE. KONA HANDLEBAR AND STEM R GOOD STUFF. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO CHANGE THEM CUZ USUALLY IN HOUSE STUFF SUCKS AND A LOT OF HANDLEBARS DON'T HAVE THE BEND AND SWEEP THAT I LIKE LIKE A AZONIC OR EASTON BUT THESE BARS SHOULD BE O.K. FOR A LOT OF RIDERS. 6 INCHES IN THE REAR FEELS SMOOTH AND SOAKS UP A WIDE ARRAY OF TRAIL OBSTACLES. SEAT IS PRETTY COMFORTABLE. PEDALS R NICE. THEIR SEALED AND SERVICEABLE. | | Weaknesses: | THE FOX VANILLA. WHY COULDN'T HAVE FOX AT LEAST HAVE SPECCED A SHOCK WITH REBOUND. AT LEAST!!!!! THE SHOCK IS O.K. BUT IF U WANT TO REALLY EXPERIENCE THE FULL POTENTIAL OF THIS BIKE HOOKING UP A BETTER SHOCK LIKE A FOX RC OR A ROMIC WOULD BE MUCH BETTER. THE BRAKES DO MAKE NOISE SOMETIMES. THE DJIII FEELS O.K. INITIALLY WHEN COMPRESSING IT OFF THE BIKE, BUT FEELS MUCH BETTER AFTER U TAKE A COUPLE JUMPS WITH IT AND IT'S WARMED UP. IT'S DAMPING AND INTERNALS ARE WAY LESS SOPHISTICATED THAN ITS BROTHERS AND THE FAMOUS Z.1. SEATPOST CREAKS JUS A LIL(NO MAJOR BIGGY.....YET). THE TIOGA FACTORY 2.3'S ARE O.K. tHE SIDEWALLS ARE SO THIN AND SOFT THOUGH. IF YOUR GOING TO BE RACING OR CORNERING AGGRESSIVELY THEN U MIGHT WANT TO CHANGE THEM. WHEELS R NOT A WEAKNESS YET BUT FOR ME THEY WILL PROBABLY B SOON. THE BIKE ALSO COMES WITH A SMALL FRONT CHAINRING. WHY SO SMALL? ITS ONLY A 32. SPEC AT LEAST A 36 OR 38. I TRIED TO REPLACE THE KONA PEDALS WITH SOME SPD'S AND WHEN I TRIED TO UNSCREW THE PEDALS THE TAP IN CAME OUT WITH THE PEDAL. THIS LEAVES THE HOLE THAT U SCREW THE PEDAL INTO BIGGER THAN A TRADITIONAL PEDAL SPINDLE. U HAVE TO REMOVE THE TAP IN OR FIND A WAY TO UNSCREW THE PEDAL SO THAT IT DOESN'T COME OUT SO THAT U CAN SCREW YOUR PEDALS IN. HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO DO IT. GOING TO THE LBS TOMORROW. MAIN PIVOT BY CRANK IS NOT FULLY SEALED. | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT AC, BIG HIT, BULLIT, | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | gREAT BIKE FOR THE MONEY. GREAT PLAY BIKE. GREAT JUMP BIKE. GREAT ALL CONDITIONS BIKE. THIS FRAME CAN BE UPGRADED FOR YEARS TO COME. IT SHARES THE SAME FRAME AS THE DEELUX AND PRIMO. THE STINKY IS LIKE A BEEFY TRAILBIKE THAT CAN BE RIDDEN ON XC TRAILS BUT STILL BE BEEFY ENUFF TO HANDLE SICK DROPS AND URBAN. (WITH A SINGLE CROWN FORK)GO WITH A DOUBLE CROWN FOR DOWNHILLING AND MORE AGGRESSIVE RIDING. THE BRAKES AND CRANK ARE ALL GOOD STUFF. AFTER ALL IS SAID AND DONE I WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME BEEFIER WHEELS LIKE SOME DEEMAX OR ATOMIC LABS. GET SOME BETTER TIRES. A ROMIC OR FOX RC IN THE REAR AND A CHAINGUIDE WITH A BIGGER CHAINRING AND THIS BIKE WILL BE READY TO ROCK. AND MAYBE EVEN CHANGE TO A BETTER FORK. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Kelley
a Downhiller
from Avon C.T. U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Nepaug | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Benidorm Bikes | | Strengths: | Good solid frame. pedals just as good uphill as downhill. perfict for freeriding. for the most part components are not bad. 8 inch haynes hydro discs are ausome.Kona jacks#!% pedals are nice !!!havent sliped them yet!!! | | Weaknesses: | the rear shock is very slow. its good for long rides but for drops you feel it some-what. the dj3 is air assisted which means it can blow out easy. my brakes loosen up very easy. the brake hoses pinch at the seatpost guide. | | Similar Products Used: | the bighit comp, bullit, 02 stinky deelux | | Bike Setup: | right now its stock but im going to throw on a 03 rock shock boxxer race fork. and if i get any more $$$ i will get a progressive 5th element rear shock and a new swing arm to push 7.5 to 8 inches or rear wheel travel | | Bottom Line: | if your a freerider or even just an older man with back problems get this bike. if you have the guts to do drops over 8 feet or just like a smooth ride on local trails this bike is for you. it is a tank in a good way. i pull 9 footers with no damage (other than a few tire blow outs) to the bike or me. it is truely worth the $1500-$1600. since the season is almost over they should be cheeper. if you are lookin for something stronger with a double crown fork and better components wait untill 2004. the stinky costs $50 more but comes with a 6inch double crown. though heavier it pedals just as good. i think it would be the way to go for a freerider that lives for drops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! go to www.konaworld.com for the 2004 stinky preveiw.
---peace out--- | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Downhiller
from Eugene, Or U.S.A
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Willamette Pass | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1475.00 | | Purchased At: | Pauls Bike Shop | | Strengths: | frame is very burly. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes have failed countless times due to line kinking under seatpost clamp.finally got the problem resolved.very anoying. Rear wheel got crack on nipple. Replaced with Sun double wide. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized bighit comp, Norco Atomik | | Bike Setup: | 98 Boxxer rebuilt.Front and rear double wides (24 in rear) MRP minime ChainGuide.Michelin 2.8 front tire | | Bottom Line: | very nice bike if you put a little money into it. i love it. it rocks on downhill. very good on urban and jumping. pretty much a good bike for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, Co
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Alpe d'Huez | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | incredible frame (position, strength, comfort), overall good equipment (great brakes, tires...), perfect ride!!! | | Weaknesses: | Hard to find but we could see the hubs as weak, and also the seatpost which creaks | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC1, Gemini 900, Specialized Big Hit, | | Bike Setup: | stock, I thought about changing fork and shock before i got it, but in fact they work so well with the bike. I won't change anything except if it breaks! | | Bottom Line: | The greatest bike i've ridden. Compared to all the other bikes i've had (listed above) it is by far the most fun to ride. It is not the most efficient or the fastest, but it does forgive the rider's errors and it's so much fun that it brings confidence!
Bottom line: the ultimate fun bike, a dream... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew P
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntsville, AL USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | Everything, including looks. Love every bit of the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing I have noticed so far. The brakes make noise right now, but they're just breaking in. Grips can get a little uncomfortable if ride long enough. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 5000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock stinky | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. I can't stop riding it. It is extremely sturdy, and hasn't caused me any problems at all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dima Hon
a Downhiller
from London
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | jupiter | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | not telling you | | Strengths: | kicks arse(thats english for ass),accelerates nicely and can hold speed for a long while.all good bits,buy one. | | Weaknesses: | rear shock a bit simple.chain rings too small. | | Similar Products Used: | you name it,ive ridden it. | | Bike Setup: | modified the crap out of it. | | Bottom Line: | very dependable bike that can hack anythin' you throw at it. get longer linkage plates ad a romic shock and youll have 8.2 inces out back! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terkonekto
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, NH
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | The bike overall is great except I was a little disappointed that it came with only a Dirt Jumper III front shock. | | Weaknesses: | None except front shock is really springy (but adding stiffer springs will do the trick). | | Similar Products Used: | None, first freeride/downhill bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock but will add to later. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for those like me who are starting out in the freeride/downhill area. Kona quality and good price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark vdpk
a Weekend Warrior
from Pitt Meaows BC Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | oh jeez, hackel &jackel i guess | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | High Gear Bikes | | Strengths: | this bike is awesome! just pedalling around you can feel the confidence growing. I have to say the whole bike is the strengths | | Weaknesses: | shock is a bit micky mouse for a 2000 dollar bike. | | Similar Products Used: | specalized big hit comp | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Get one, you wont regret it! 6 chillis! oh yeah! dont get it if your into......ummm.....trials i guess. Oherwise, its all good all the time! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clinton
a
from Toronto, ON
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Strengths: | The looks are great on this bike, look so much better in person than the web. Good bang for buck, everything works good when it is set up properly. Fork is smooth, so is rear suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Make sure the bolts that hold the front disc caliper inside the fork are not long. When mine was built someone either built it using the wrong bolts, or kona or marzocchi provided the wrong size bolts. Reason is it came loose the first day, I tried it tighten it back up, the top bolt was too long, hit the bolt inside the fork leg that holds the oil in, and cracked that, screwing up the fork, it got replaced under warranty, but my bike was gone for a week after only having it for a day. This applies only to models with the Junior T2 on the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh Chill, Raleigh Serengeti | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for some minor mods | | Bottom Line: | The price was canadian with tax. Great looking bike, rides so nice. I like how to seat can go down all the way, or up high, unlike fsr linkage's. Kona parts seem good, grips don't rotate, tires hook up well. Still needs to be broken in, brakes make some noise but stop well. So much nicer than my old hardtails, seat made some flex noise but has gone away, could not be more pleased, except for fork incident, but that was fixed. Now fork works great but wish it had rebound, oh well that's something to upgrade later. Only 4 chilis for overall because of the fork screw up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
evan
a Downhiller
from simsbury,CT, USA!
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Benidorm Bikes | | Strengths: | This bike is an amazing bike for a cheaper end freeride bike. I would suggest if you get the canadian version of it..comes with vanilla r's instead of plain vanilla and a 5" jr.t over a dirt jumper 3 | | Weaknesses: | shimano deore shifters and deraileurs..whatever...wont upgrade till they break | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized big hit comp | | Bike Setup: | 2003 kona stinky SE Canadian version..5" jr.t fox vanilla r rear shock tioga dh 2.3's | | Bottom Line: | get this bike if ur on a tight budget and want to freeride and do a little downhill | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Young
a Weekend Warrior
from Oyama / Winfield
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Kelowna cycle | | Strengths: | Great frame, i love the kona frame design. the 6" in the rear is perfect for a little guy like me. came with a JrT...not the best but hey it is a big help. | | Weaknesses: | the Hayes havents been holding up very well for me...lots of problems with the breaks, but thats it | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized big hit comp, Rockey Switch, Ruckus 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Hayes 8" front and back, Jr.T, Tioga Factory Team DH 2.30, mavic 219, truvative hussefelt crank, Kona Jacksh*t pedals and grips, konda DH bars and fox vanilla R in the back. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money. good to get you into more or a freerider/ dirt jumper if that is that you want. only needs a new front fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Harold
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, B.C. , Canada
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Neds | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bikes | | Strengths: | Great all around bike for the Shore or Whistler. 2001 Model - 5 inch Z5 with Vanilla R on the back. | | Weaknesses: | 2.1 which came stock were very poor tires. Placed 2.7 Mobsters front and back and now handles great. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco ASC I, Brodie Diablo, Specialized Comp DH | | Bottom Line: | This is my third season with the bike and I would have to say it is holding up extremely well. Other than putting Hayes discs and 2.7s the bike has done very well for me. 3 - 4 ft drops are not a problem, however, the chain does slap around a bit too much even with quite a few links removed. My sister just purchased a new 03 with the JR T's and I will have her report back as soon as we hit CBC, corkscrew and pangor tomorrow on the Shore. To my US friends I would recomend coming up to Canada to purchase your bike - better equipment on the bike and better price with your stronger dollar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Northwestern Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Strengths: | Great Price (the price I gave is canadian), really strong, durable | | Weaknesses: | it bobs when you stand up (not to badly) and is fairly heavy and it comes with these stupid reflectors that broke off on my first crash, pins falling out of pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Rampage, Santa Cruz Bullit, 01 stinky delux, Specialized Big Hit Comp | | Bike Setup: | stock canadian version (with Junior T's) | | Bottom Line: | It's a great bike. It has a really solid, yet agile feel to it. The only real problem I had was that I dented the frame on the first day I had it. I was going down a steep hill, hit the front brake too hard (being used to v brakes) and went over the bars. The fork probably rammed into the head tube and it dented. I probably would have happeded with any bike with a dual crown fork. It's also a preaty noisy bike the first little while. But none the less, it handelled any punishment my 13 year old body threw at it and came out asking for more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Downhiller
from sault ste marie
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | steep face smashers | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Junior-T is a MAJOR plus. stiff, responsive, but can take the hits. pedals awesome, weight under 40lbs is a bonus, and the paint job is sick!! | | Weaknesses: | so far so good, sort of. hayes brakes with 8in rotors haven't been that kind to me...slight problems with back brake...but other than that, nothing really | | Similar Products Used: | GT dhi, NORCO vps, GIANT TEAM dh | | Bike Setup: | stock...the canadian version of this bike kicks ass...all i changed were the pedals to shimano m646...i like being locked in for speeeeeed | | Bottom Line: | This bike doesn't break the bank account for starters, totally affordable for a bike in this class. wicked freeride/dh bike, and because of the small ring (although i hardly ever use it) you can ride some cross-country stuff with it. kona made a nice bike with the 2003 stinky...canadian version that is! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pimp_o_da_nation .
a
from bc,Canada
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | bear mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zone | | Strengths: | Whats not in weekness, bright greenish yellow 2001 model looks cool, strong. Good hubs and rear suspension, front is super soft but not good for big drops. Prity light for a full, i can hop around fairly well. | | Weaknesses: | comes with 2.10's more like 2.20's thow, i can feel the z.5s twist when I do big drops. Middle sproket on the front bends from pedaling hard and i always gota hammer it streight.spokes get loose on rims. Crank gets loose and it almost fell off when i was going down a trail, the bolt had a couple threds left before it would have fallen off. | | Bike Setup: | stock, put bike armor on it to protect my jewles and a rock ring. | | Bottom Line: | the bikes fairly light and is prity good value. comes with small tires thow. z.5s twist a bit. i sayed it all above anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chaze hinikler
a Downhiller
from salt lake city USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | de day | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike shop | | Strengths: | everything. for the cost of this bike evreything is strong. very durable great on skinneys, drops jumping ect. | | Weaknesses: | not to many the tubes put in are crap got a flat the first day. the grips are crap to but thats pretty miner | | Similar Products Used: | All of the stinkys, bullet | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks ass iv had it for about 6 months and becides a few flat tires this bike is indestuctble. a few months ago i took a harsh crash sending my bike in to a tree. i thought i had totalled the bike hurt the tree more then my bike. not even a scratch. later on this year im investing in the Stinky Dee-lux. if you are a hardcore freerider or dirtjumper , downhiller etc.etc.etc get this bike.
KONA's KICK ASSSSSSS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Berke
a Downhiller
from Bend
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bend Cyclery | | Strengths: | everything but brakes | | Weaknesses: | brakes are really good but take a lot of maintenance and will probably never be perfect | | Similar Products Used: | Cove G-Spot,K2 Bumpy Monkey | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bike is perfect for everything, makes a lot of noise when you first get it but after a week it goes away. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yeti
a
from Blue Lake CA, Humboldt
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to decide | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution | | Strengths: | Bomber frame, love the color scheme. | | Weaknesses: | I went through the BB in about 5 months and the front hub is flexy. Also, in the first month, the bolt that holds the top of the rear shock to the swing arm came out which caused me to bend the head of the shock. On big (5'+) drops and rough riding the chain drops | | Similar Products Used: | '00 stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock, but only for about one more month | | Bottom Line: | This is a great entry level bike. The bad news is that about 2 months after I bought it I was finding weaknesses. This bike would be perfect if you are a lighter rider (under 200lbs). If you're heavier go with the Stinky Dee-Lux. I'm having to make all of the upgrades later (new bb, mrp bashguard and chain tensor, Super T, new wheel set).
What it really comes down to this: The Stink is the perfect freeride/DH bike for the lighter up-and-coming rider, if you're bigger and improving get the Stinky Dee-Lux, or be prepared to make upgrades later. Great value for the money, but I've had some problems | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke Le Sage
a Weekend Warrior
from Loughton, Essex, GB
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Olympic Village, Calgary, Alberta | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | WadesCycles, Buckhurst Hill, Essex | | Strengths: | Bombproof frame & Forks, good components all round given the £Price. Looks really hot, prepare for some stares!!! | | Weaknesses: | I ain't found any yet!! Apart from people want to steal it! | | Similar Products Used: | Identiti Exorcist, Kona Stab 2000 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Stinky less Halo combat 24" wheels, 24/7 Slack pedals, and Hope mini hydro brakes. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is amazing, and now its even better with my wheelset.
Good for Downhill, Freeride even jumping! XC at a push.
Buy one now it's for your own good. You need it in your life!
I give it 4 chillis 'cause there is always room for improvement!!!!!!...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Puddicombe
a Downhiller
from Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore, BC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Wise | | Strengths: | GREAT FREERIDE BIKE....NOW THAT IS, I TOOK OFF THE DIRT JUMPER 3 AND PUT A JUNIOR T, PUT A RACE FACE NORTH SHORE CRANK, AND A FOX VINILLA RL IN BACK, AND PUT A F.U.N.N STEM AND HANDLE BARS, AND XT BACK AND FRONT DERAILERS | | Weaknesses: | BUSHING IN MAIN SWING ARM...SHOULD BE A BEARING | | Bottom Line: | GREAT BIKE FOR THE MONEY, I RIDE NORTH SHORE AND TAKE SOME BIG DROPS 6-8 FEET AND IT HOLDS UP GREAT FOR ME, SO IF ANYONE BREAKS THE FRAME, THEY ARE TOO HEAVY TO BE RIDING A BIKE...AND START WALKIN TO GET THAT FAT ASS BACK IN SHAPE...BUT THE MAIN SWING IN A BUSHING NOT A BEARING WHICH IS NOT AS STRONG, BUT HOLDS UP! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Forest, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Company | | Strengths: | Everything! Frame is nice and stiff, plush rear travel, awesome fork, climbs very well, weight is lighter, color, components mix, etc. | | Weaknesses: | tires are not good 'cause they spit everything at ya | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | The Stinky is a very good XC/freeride bike to have because of its capabilities and price. Climbs up as fast as a mtn. goat and descends like a banshee! I recommend this bike for beginner and intermediate freeriders. Experts should get something with a dual crown fork like the Stinky Deluxe or Intense Uzzi SLX. GReat all around bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob troba
a Downhiller
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything that goes down | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | won | | Strengths: | this bike has no strengths it sucks. I rode off a 6ft drop and broke the rear swingarm into two pieces | | Weaknesses: | the hole bike is the weakness. Waste of money | | Similar Products Used: | giant Ac1, rocky mountaian rm6, santa cruz builet | | Bike Setup: | dj3 are weak, you can't adjust the rebond in rear | | Bottom Line: | do the right thing buy a better bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a Weekend Warrior
from nowra nsw australia
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | mal.adjusted | | Strengths: | frame, overall quality, good spec for price, comfy ride
soaks up everything I throw at it | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy going up hill, adds ten minutes to my ride to work. | | Similar Products Used: | KTM 620 | | Bike Setup: | 650 rear spring for my 103kgs | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks, I love it. I am doing things that I used to be scared of on my hardtail and not even using half of the bikes ability. Makes me ride the long way home through the bush every time I ride it to work. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Isaak
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sonoma County Back Country | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | SpinCity Bikes | | Strengths: | Great set-up, affordable and durable. This is a great bike for those who need a machine they can bomb on but can't spend the big $$. You can ride this bike anywhere. Kona pitches it as a freeride bike, which it is, but it'll climb as well. | | Weaknesses: | Disc brakes scream at you a bit but that's just a matter of adjustment. | | Bike Setup: | Stock components. Took off the rear shock and put in a vanilla rl. Took off the 2.3's and put on 2.2, allows for better climbing. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks! Everytime I'm going downhill the bike just calls out, "faster, faster." I have not found anything this bike can not handle. I was a bit worried about climbing when I bought it, because of the wieght, but it does just fine (very little bob). I shopped around a lot for a bike and this is by far the most bang for your buck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Skrinek
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything i can see and clean | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2650.00 | | Purchased At: | Northern Cycle | | Strengths: | this bike has held up real well, its super smooth and strong. I was doing a 20-25 foot gap with a 15-20 foot drop depending on speed, hit after hit it held up great the JR.T2 is pretty goog its not as smooth as the dj3 but makes up in strenth | | Weaknesses: | no big ones but a couple of really small ones but hey it was from what i was doing before any moderate freeride bike would have the same problems. there is some acceleration in the back shock but it its really small so lets not be too too picky | | Similar Products Used: | vps drop, shore and team dh, devinci magma, big hit comp. rm6. rm9 and i had the pleasure to ride benders bike | | Bike Setup: | Canadian model stock i want to put a JR. super or monster T on it | | Bottom Line: | if u have the money and cant decide on what bike to get and your into the freeride scene, get the stinky. If your in ajax ontario and want to buy a bike go to northern cycle the service is amazing visit them at www.northerncycle.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jake Bardsley
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything fast | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wembley Cycle Centre | | Strengths: | Confidence inspiring build ie. chunky as f**k, has a good setup with tried & tested parts, bit of a head-turner with a killer paintjob, anybody who says the colour is gay blows goats on a regular basis | | Weaknesses: | Only weakness is due to personal preference, I would have liked a bit more adjustability on the forks & shock & I recon the gear ratios on the stock setup are too F**king small. Not to mention the fact that I had actually pay for the thing (why aren't they free?). | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS3, Specialised Rockhopper FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock at the mo' but I think I'll change To a big ring & chain guide in the near future... | | Bottom Line: | In all honesty I can't fault the thing other than for personal preference. You know a bike is good when it grows on you & this beast certainly does that. So far it's soaked up all I've thrown at it with ease. It makes you really want to go out & hurt yourself pushing your limits beyond the point of no return. Bung-monkeys who complain about the weight should f**k off back to lycra land or put up with it, think of it as resistance training you retards! This bike is the duck's nuts & the dogs bollocks all rolled into one beastly package. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Maple Ridge
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | A Line - Whistler | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | High Gear | | Strengths: | Tons of bike for the money. Especially in Canada with the Jr T's. Bike climbs trails great, and gives lots of confidence going down. Stay off the pavement though...this things a pig. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes brakes noisy....Everyone says the noise will go away but it always comes back after adjusting. The bike shop guy sez that's 8" rotors for ya. Check the rear spring b4 you buy. The stock 550 had too much sag.( I'm 190 lbs) Bottom bracket starting to click...maybe bearing trouble. | | Similar Products Used: | My first dually n lovin it ! Tested Norco Fluid. | | Bike Setup: | Stock but upgraded to XTR Rear derailler and 650lb spring on the Vanilla R. | | Bottom Line: | Great intermediate level bike for weekend warriors who like going down trails fast , but can't always shuttle or take a chair lift. Kona really stepped up to the plate on this bike . Good component mix for the money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
van
a
from raleigh nc usa
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | my back yard | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | no idea dont own it, just wanted tos ay that peps need to clarify weather you have the canadian version or the us version.. Kona switched out some componits on the us version.... and its a much differnt bike... so clarify wic one you have plz thanks. | | Bottom Line: | ... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
maxaimus hellnich
a Racer
from canberra
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | majura 52 sisters | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | mals | | Strengths: | kick ass clump frame, hfx-9s, truvativ hussefelt dh crank | | Weaknesses: | The stinky could do with a better rear shock like something with rebound control and preload. | | Similar Products Used: | stinky dee-lux, ellsworht joker | | Bike Setup: | same as when i got it but i put Jr T on it and a chain giude | | Bottom Line: | sweet | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlo Corey
a Downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | majura 1 class | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shed | | Strengths: | perdy tyres | | Weaknesses: | rims, handle bars. grips, pedals, the dj3s weren't that good so I change to rst sigmas. | | Similar Products Used: | rm-7, lear sport bw300,stab primo | | Bike Setup: | rst sigma, alex single rims, sis shimano derailleur,yeti grips, v 12 pedals (jackshats aren't sealed), hyrdo v brake | | Bottom Line: | A good bike, buy the stinky and race DH, you won't be disappointed except the learsport is better for stair bashing and shotgunning and ghostying off drops.
I had sex with the stinky :). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
devon
a Downhiller
from wilton, connecticut,usa
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | outlaw cycles | | Strengths: | rear suspension is plush, brakes work really well, geometry of bike is awesome | | Weaknesses: | headset sucks (keeps loosening), shifter pod broke, rear derailer hanger snapped off and broke spokes on only a 3 foot drop. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz bullit, specialized bighit comp | | Bike Setup: | stock 03 stinky with 2003 dirt jumper 1's | | Bottom Line: | great bike, but my derailer hanger snapped on my 2nd day of riding on a 3 fot drop and it busted some spokes on my rims. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dima Hon
a Downhiller
from London
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | aston hill and anywhere with massive drops. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | a shop | | Strengths: | strong,looks good,nice components. | | Weaknesses: | nasty brakes,weak bars. | | Similar Products Used: | stab primo,santa-cruz vpp10 and a karpiel armageddon. | | Bike Setup: | standard set up and am about to upgrade the whole thing. | | Bottom Line: | this is a sweet bike,if youre stuck with choice and are about to buy a new bike then take my advice,dont buy the big hit or the second hand santa cruz bullit,get the stinky. all the problems that the old ones had have been fixed such as the rear end being torn to shreds by disc brakes being too powerfull and so on. i'd trust this
frame with anything,its as good as any santa cruz or
karpiel. if your into 30foot drops then tis bike can cope.
im getting some custom made rocker plates made to give the bike 7-8 inches of travel and a new,better shock. oh,and im getting boxxer teams. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
r
a
from halifax
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | wrandees | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclesmith | | Strengths: | beefy frame, jrT, hayes, kona geometry, 6" travel,
my third kona, price(a lot of punch) | | Weaknesses: | i switched all the parts that would have given me problems, thus eliminating any weaknesses. just make a habit of making sure all bolts are tight before a ride. most people dont and get pissed when things happen..duh! | | Similar Products Used: | bear deelux, stinky deelux, 00,01,02 stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock except 02hayes mags, king h-set, odi lock on grips, 636 pedals and 90$ shimano M440 cranks mated to an es70 bb are ten times better than the cheap truvativ crap that comes with it! | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is, this bike kicks ass! reading the above posts makes me sick. all the whining about 'weaknesses' is disgusting. a broken pin on a pedal after smashing it into concrete isnt considered a weakness! like many above, the cranks and brakes are a real weakness. not kona's fault. hayes chimped out on the brake lines and truvativ is weak.
i like the fact that my stinky weighs 42lbs. all of the trails around me involve a lot of climbing, all of which can be done with this bike. short sprints, long grinders etc...
my biggest concern is that it took me awhile to actually buy one. yes, it was the weight. i got over it. so glad am i! less than five rides on dirt, my riding has changed. the bike is confident inspiring. on descents i previously had wimped out on, i now clean with severity.
bottom line-this bike is an easy purchase, no wonder kona sells out of the lineup.
for people who whine too much, re-read your post and realize how stupid people and computers go together wayyy too easy.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fergus
a Downhiller
from sydney nsw
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | red bull utah | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$9000.00 | | Purchased At: | given to me by sponsor | | Strengths: | none this bike is really poor i did one 20ft drop and the head tube snapped i was really dissapointed. | | Weaknesses: | everything this bike looks like it was made at mcdonalds and the suspension is no nearly big enough for me. | | Similar Products Used: | kmart repco | | Bike Setup: | dirt jumper 3 (bottombed out),and not worth the typing | | Bottom Line: | such a waste of money i have rode trycicles with more durabilty and frankly this bike shouldve never reached stores. im not suprised if a guy like mike bought it.
no mike sheasby 02 94895276 and 0413924430 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | worrimoo and thredbo | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Addiction Sydney | | Strengths: | The whole bike is a strength, i love it and cant keep my hands off it! the suspensions great and the 8 inch hydro's are awsome | | Weaknesses: | So far, ive had nothing go wrong with the bike however, its pretty anoying when u cant adjust the travel in the front. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Boulder | | Bike Setup: | Dirt-jumpers 3, fox vanilla rear, 8inch hayes hydro's | | Bottom Line: | the bikes great and its easly worth the price!so if ur looking at freeride/ downhill u should get it.
id give it a 5 star n e day!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Mahoney
a Weekend Warrior
from Traverse City, MI
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | The Quick Stop Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Super Beefy for the price...a much better value than previous Stinkys. The DJ3 fork feels good as long as you get the air preload dialed in right. The 32mm stanchions are pretty tough. The 8" rotors are great and the bike comes with nice bars, pedals, and stem...all tough. Also, dealt with a great bike shop. If ever in Marquette, Michigan check out the Quick Stop. Everybody there has been riding for years and knows what you need and how to set it up. | | Weaknesses: | The braze-ons for the rear brake line are in the wrong place. The lower braze on and rubber clamp should not be used. During full compression of the rear suspension the brake line gets kinked funny. I cracked the rear line on the first ride. Haven't had a problem since I have been only using the top clamp. | | Similar Products Used: | Specilaized FSR Enduro Expert, Kona Stinky Primo | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for and MRP roller chain guide. Will need to upgrade to beefier rear spring due to my 200 lb. booty. | | Bottom Line: | I don't think you can get a better freeride bike for the money. It really is an incredible value. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty Young
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Gatos
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | DownTown | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Calabazas Cyclery | | Strengths: | Hayes 8 inchers have great power on downhills, good lever pull. DJ3's seem are working great for an air tuned fork, very stiff and infinitely adjustable. Loads of travel make any drops around 5 feet seem trivial, and make anything around 6 feet seem barely challenging. Good, study feel only Kona could provide. Shop i got it at has great service and gave me 5 yrs of free tuning/truing.....pretty cool. If you live in the San Jose, CA area, go to Calabazas in Cupertino. | | Weaknesses: | Hayes discs squeel afer jumping stairs and taking hits sideways, but that is expected from Hayes and does not affect performance, if you buy it, dont worry about the sound, itll go away after hard braking, or you can adjust the pads for good clearance. Also, bike is kinda heavy but in this category, who cares? Truvativ cranks dont give it a bad-ass look, but work well. Inspires lotsa confidence.....maybe too much confidence? | | Similar Products Used: | RM6, but thats way too much mula. | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ a blue 650 MountainSpeed spring. Only upgrades planned are new RaceFace crank, odi lock on grips, and possibly and MRP if i race. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for value, anything else in this price range has RS Judys and Alivio for specs. Sweet paint job. Compared to my previous bike, a hardtail, this makes clearing 9 stairs seem like landing on jell-o, but makes climbing seem like driving a Yugo. Great handling in techy stuff and downhilling. A great deal, buy it if you can, or if you think you cant, (like me) sacrifice other expenses and go for it, it need very little upgrading. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a
from Branford, CT USA
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock n Road Cycles | | Strengths: | Very plush suspension. My first full suspension bike and i love it. Comfortable feel, 18inch frame fits me just fine and im 6 feet tall. | | Weaknesses: | There is a little but of rubbing from the disc brakes when i go from side to side. sounds kinda like something is loose but i havnt gotten around to checking it out yet. Its not much of a weakness though because these brakes still have awesome stopping power, i just hate any unusual sound coming from things i own. | | Similar Products Used: | Not similar but a 98-99 Gary Fisher Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Completly stock | | Bottom Line: | All around great bike, i recommend it to anyone looking for a good full suspension. Im only doing 4-5ft drops at the moment and its soaking everything up so far. I just wish my brakes didnt make any sounds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke Taylor
a Downhiller
from Romford, ESSEX, London
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | in sterling pounds at cycles uk | | Weaknesses: | front brake rubs ocassionally | | Similar Products Used: | read my other review further down for my review of the bike | | Bottom Line: | I've had the bike awhile now and i thought i'd give you an update,
it seems there, are a few variations, from us to can to uk, thing is i have XT hubs, i have a vanilla shock, and DJ3's if u are thinking about buying one, check ur countries spec, remember the bikes are assembled in your country and depending on what the supplier can get hold of depends what spec u get, they build to the budget
people say about the brake lines leaking and being dodgey, this was a problem in the production line and should be repaired by your bike dealer, FREE of charge. i had the ones after the problem and yes mine still rub from time to time, but they don't leak, i bent a lever out by a couple of degrees but hey, minor detail considering the crash
i complianed about the paintwork scratching easy, i was wrong, lots of the time the paint gets damaged but you can polish the marks out so i've decided to UP the score on this bike, as it was my only reason for lowering it originally, and the brakes rubbing is a minor thing, believe me... u get used to it and it definatley is better than the Hope trademark "squeek"
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SRV
a
from Victoria,BC,Canada
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Flowy Freeride&Shore type trails | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Russ Hayes | | Strengths: | weight, 6" rear travel and the Jr T2 fork(Canadian model)doesn't feel like a big ass hucker/downhill bike. | | Weaknesses: | well the JrT2 fork is an OEM fork with 30mm stanchions and has 5" of travel instead of the real thing which is the fork on the Stinky Dee-Lux, a 7" JrT with 32mm stanchions plus a bit more adjustability(better than the dirt jumper 3 though).The drivetrain isn't XTR but who care we'll probably snap it in half and have to by another cheap one anyway's, Deore work fine for me.The rims and tire size,stem and handle bars(all of these exept the fork upgrade to the real JrT's are cheap to do when you buy the bike) | | Similar Products Used: | 03 Big Hit Comp,03 Norco Drop(very similar,has same forks),03 Brodie Enduro,03 Norco 4by | | Bike Setup: | Stock! | | Bottom Line: | for $2150.00 "Canadian" you can't beat it.I'm looking to buy a new dually this year and i don't want monthly payments as high as a car loan for a bike! It's a tough ass bike that can take some serious pounding yet agile enough to do skinny's and trails. As for the disc break sounds, who cares man, it just let's the bears know your coming ha ha. A Killer allround "FREERIDE" bike.If you want to put real 7"JrT's on it just save up and get the Stinky Dee-Lux.I didn't give the Stinky my full attention untill i road it and it just might be the bike i get! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brett p
a Weekend Warrior
from waterloo, ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the one i havent ridden yet | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle works | | Strengths: | excellent value - great quality frame and smooth suspension. kona spent good money on the parts that matter and saved money where it makes little difference. i live in canada and got a canadian edition bike and it has way better parts value than the us model. you take a notch lower drivetrain, but the forks and rear shock are better. also, the 38 lb weight is pretty reasonable. | | Weaknesses: | weird f. derailleur - but i dont really shift it that much | | Similar Products Used: | 1999-2002 stinkys, bullit, ac1, switch, enduros, and big hits | | Bike Setup: | stock, except a pedal upgrade to jackshi+ primos | | Bottom Line: | im really happy with it. it works awesome. the pedal pins wont fall out if you loctite them, and the brake hoses have to be that delicate if you want hydraulics at that price. ive got no real complaints - except for the fact that theyre mostly already sold out, so it may be tough to find one in the right size. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stream
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykelhörnan i Skarpnäck, Stockholm | | Strengths: | Burly frame that won't fail. Rear suspension configuration tried and tested for many years. A very versatile bike. | | Weaknesses: | Wheels: 219 rims will not last long if you are into downhill type of riding. The hubs are Taiwanese no-name crap without dustcaps.
Brakes: They leak at the connection between the line and the caliper, you need to replace that part with a new banjo connection. The brake lines are to fragile, I broke the rear brake line on an easy ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky '01, GT DHi, Intense M1, Turner Afterburner DH. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Mavic 521 rims, Deore hubs, Fox Vanilla RC rear shock, FSA Pig DH headset. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the price. The fork and rear shock that come stock don't have adjustability but that's OK in this price range. This bike is a go anywhere, do anything mountainbike. It handles well in downhill runs (it has a slacker head angle than the 01 model) and climbs fairly well for a bike with 6 inches of travel. Just sort the disc brake problems and get stronger wheels and you're there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nathan nottellin
a Downhiller
from Hobar, Tasmania, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | lots | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2980.00 | | Purchased At: | shop | | Strengths: | looks nice, comfy riding possion, easy to clean and good components. | | Weaknesses: | I snaped the back brake lever and that had to be repaired and cost me $40 and was without a bike for 3 weeks. I had a nick in the rear brake line so my back brake didnt work. There is only room for smallish tyres, about 2.5 is the bigest i think. lost a pin in the pealde. | | Similar Products Used: | DH Comp, Buillet | | Bike Setup: | Hench man stem, new grips and a maxxis rear tyre | | Bottom Line: | All the weaknesses are real minor and you can live with them. I am improving a lot and it boosts your comfidence. I am saving up for a boxxer race. The brakes are realy nice I have only had a couple of bad experiances with them. I would recomend this bike to any one.Iam giving it an average value rating because i had to pay another $40 but if i didnt its would get 5, but $h!+ happens. It is the best bike for the price and with a few alterations the bike should come up trumps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob
a Weekend Warrior
from los gatos
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | urban | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | calabazas? | | Strengths: | real cool looking, but can anyone tell me the major weaknesses? money is really scarce and i wanna know if i should get this or wait till i have enough for stinky dee lux. i dont really need a jr t up front, and all i want is something that can handle 8 foot drops with easy, and hopefully bigger drops and stairs.;.......can this bike take it? | | Weaknesses: | not much i hope... | | Similar Products Used: | i got an old kona, nothing like it, actually. | | Bike Setup: | putting my z.1 bams on it | | Bottom Line: | kona is the best company, but i want to know what this can handle, i wiegh 150 lbs and am not a careless hucker.
be cool, and please post back on here to respond....i need a tufff | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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