Submitted by
Efren Serrano
a Downhiller
from Manila, Philippines Date Reviewed: November 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
It's a good bike but after what happend to me, my views have changed.
Weaknesses:
It's a good bike but with a weak pivot linkage. Can't put a chain ring less than 36 teeth without causing chain slapping. It would be nice if all the linkages have bearings.
Similar Products Used:
Giant AC1, Santa Cruz V10, Santa Cruz Bullit, Norco VPS, Cannondale, Yeti, etc.
If you own a Kona full suspension bike, please read on with what I have to say. Like every mountain bike enthusiast, I have spent a great deal of time, money and effort into a sport that I truly love. I consider myself an avid freerider and try to spend as much time on my bike as possible, and when I’m not on my bike I usually tinker around with it to keep my rides in tip top condition.
I own a 2000 Kona Stab Dee Lux (serial number: H9N07752), equipped with a 2000 Monster T up front.
Anyway, if you’re like me, after a ride I give my bike the “one-over” look to check if everything’s all right. After one particular downhill excursion, I noticed a hairline crack on the pivot junction of the seat stay on the disc brake side. At first I thought it was just a nick on the paint job, but upon closer inspection my worst fears came true. To further check the damaged, I chemically stripped the paint off the junction at home, yup, it was a hairline crack. What made it worse is it’s on both sides of the pivot junction. I’m not sure how this happened. But come on! This bike was designed to take such abuse, I don’t remember wiping out on that run or my bike hitting anything. Wear and tear perhaps? Who knows?
The reason why I am writing this is that for other Kona owner out there to be aware of a potential problem that might cause injury to not only you but others as well. Imagine doing maybe 45 kilometers per hour on a downhill run and the linkage of your Kona snaps? Or worse, it snaps on a drop! So check your bike before and after every hard ride!
On another note, I live in Manila, Philippines. So imagine the trouble I’m going through just to get a replacement seat stay. I emailed Kona about this and got the usual response. $200 bucks for a replacement seat stay. Owchie! 200 bucks? And the average salary here is roughly $300 a month, you do the math! No chance for a warranty they said. So I had to bite the bullet and asked if they could send me one. They gave me the email address of the closest dealer in Asia, and guess what? Whenever I send an email it gets sent back to me! So you could imagine my frustration with this matter. To date, my Kona is gathering dust and I’m thinking of just having the crack welded. Hope it works!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D
a Weekend Warrior
from MI Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
I like em all!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$575.00
Purchased At:
LBS mechs friend (frame only)
Strengths:
Thick Burly Tough Nice eggplant color PLUSH!!!!!!!!!1
Weaknesses:
no spot for even an Etype fr. der.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Z1 wedge, mrp mini me w/ 32 t. ring XTR shifter and derr. Kujo HH 2.65" fr. 2.35" rr.
Bottom Line:
Living in MI with no real DH and the fact that I am not rich at all and I have been looking for a FS freeride rig and came across this from a lbs mechanics friend for super cheap (someone offered him $200 more the day I gave him the money so I was extremely lucky). I have only ridden it on tech. riverside trails so far but it is SO different that I have picked up speed on the trails and just blast over stuff I would normally have to get mentally ready for. I figured the bike came stock with the 5" jr t, so my Z1 was a good match, not the greatest but it works for now! With some adjustments in the sag dept. I got my front and back even and it feels much better now underneath me. I put the 32 t. up front and I can actually climb this bike a good amount w/ little walking on most trails(you'll pass me going up but watch out comming down)I got my rig under 39 lbs and it is truley turning out to be a great Free ride rig! I plan on taking to the chairlifts in july!I gave 4 chilis on the overall Just coz the lack of Fr. der mount
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tan
a
from singapore Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Bike and Hike singapore
Strengths:
very plush ride.active linkage.takes any huge bumps take comes in the way.nice decals under paint.glow in the dark wordings.a very strong ride.
Weaknesses:
design of the swingarm doesnt allow to use certain kinda chainguides.linkage might hit the saddle or seat post even b4 the shock bottomsup.rear tyre clearence not more than 2.7" if used on the 26 wheelset.
very nice ride..definately worth buying.not expensive and lasting paintwork and decals.too bad i cracked the upper stay of the bike.if kona replaces me the swingarm.i will sure ride it again instead of trying other frames.this frame is total sweetness!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve mitchell
a Downhiller
from fareham, hants, UK Date Reviewed: November 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
lot's
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
second hand, frame only
Strengths:
every thing, it is amazing, it's all huge, built like a MX bike but with out an engien, seven inches of quality travel, the shock is very good (Vanilla RC). the glow in the dark stickers look brilliant.
Weaknesses:
i would prefer to use my race face prodigy DH twin ring and bash gaurd, but you cannot run a ring smaller than a 36T (i think) because the chainstays are so huge, and the chain rubs the chain stay, thus wearing it away.
Similar Products Used:
none realy
Bike Setup:
2001 shivers mr dirt gizmo hope M4's hope bulbs mavic D321's loads of tiioga bits nokian 3.0"(front) and 2.6"(rear) race face cranks dmr saturn ring 42T
Bottom Line:
this is my first realy good bike, i have been into downhill about a year, with my saracen n-zyme (with all good bits). and i was going to buy a new kona stinky primo frame which i could get for £1000 (and transfer all the good bit's), and then i found a guy selling a 2000 stab dee-lux frame and chain guide for £500, so i got it, it takes 10 foot drops fine, and i don't even have that much experence, it made me a much better rider. save up and buy one, or get one of the new 2003 stab primo's, they look sweet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james grandon
a Downhiller
from wales Date Reviewed: November 29, 2002
monster t,s,xtr,mr dirt,tioga,hayes,mavic,all the top bolloks
Bottom Line:
unfortunatly i had to sell my little baby cos of my bills and belive me it wasnt a good day for me that was over a ear ago and i still miss it like crazy but life goes on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Lincoln Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
I have already written a review (see below) and I still think the bike is amazing.
Sadly, I have decided to sell my Stab, mortgage requires paying etc.
£425 ono Frame only. (With a few bits)
E mail me for pics / info if you are interested.
Bottom Line:
The Stab Says: Buy Me!
Rated 3 Chilis so as not to effect the overall rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Chriatofferson
a Downhiller
from Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. Date Reviewed: July 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
xxxxxxxxx75%down grade
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
from buddy
Strengths:
This bike is indestructable. Strong all around frame, easy to maintain takes a beating and keeps on going.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
White Bros DH-2, Hayes hydraulic brakes, Race Face sprocket with Profile cranks, Sram shifters, Sram Quarz rear derailuer, Sun double wide rims (26" front, 24" rear), Intense comp 60 2.70 front, Arrow prime bite 2.75 rear. Fox rear shock with adjustable dampning, big Tioga seat.
Bottom Line:
This is the first real DH bike I've owned and all I can say is full aggro primo bike. I can jump off almost any drop off without any problems. It takes the bumps and smooths them out like butter. I did get it for a great price so no complaints. I'm 5'9" 170 lbs. so the weight of the bike has its limits but adjusting to it is not a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sgboy leewei
a Downhiller
from singapore Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
BT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1170.00
Purchased At:
nono
Strengths:
Bought it 2nd hand Like the bombproof frame structure and the 7" vanilla RC attached. Absord shock like flat ground . However my bike came with a DNM 7" Inverted
Weaknesses:
damn heavy...haha...
Similar Products Used:
Muddyfox 5040 , Kona Blast , Proflex , Giant softail with Manitou DH
Bike Setup:
Kona Stab deelux , DNM inverted fork , Azonic riser/tioga stem , Nokia 3" tires , FUNN Disc Hubs and FUNN sit . XTR derauiller and shifter , Mr Gizmo Dirt chain guide , Hayes Hydraulic brake , Sun mammoth rims , XT cranks .
Bottom Line:
get this...only y2k version bike available . U'll love Stab deelux . Its a beefy machine .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P.C.
a Downhiller
from Kent, Wa. U.S. Date Reviewed: April 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Wash. state
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
M.T.B.O.
Strengths:
Frame is super strong. The bike feels very solid. The suspension is very forgiving and lets me ride out of landings I should maybe have crashed on.
Weaknesses:
The way I have it set up, the bike weighs 47 lbs. The weight is not too much of an issue since I am 6'2" and 220 lbs. and can push it, but I wouldn't mind being able to put a front derailler on it. The bike felt a little unbalanced with the stock 5" Jr.T up front, but with 7"s in the rear. That was easily (but costly)remedied with a new fork. Other than that no weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
K2 Evo w/Jr.T, Rhynolites and Hayes. I use it for xc and general purpose riding now, great bike.
Bike Setup:
Black and green paint job (not the eggplant one). Large frame is stock, 7" rear suspension. Marzocchi Shiver replaced the Jr.T. Mammoth wheelset replaced the stock Rhynolites. 8" rotor up front, 6" in the rear. Tossed the Fat Boy saddle and replaced it with a Berserker by the first ride. Maxxis 2.5" Highrollers. A few other little things.
Bottom Line:
Overall, it is a great bike. The lack of a front derailler has limited where I can ride the bike. I do run a 36 tooth ring up front which helped a lot but I still can't take it to some of my favorite riding spots. (If anyone has suggestions on this problem or knows of a product I could use, please let me know) In just over a year, my confidence and skill level have increased more than I would have thought possible, because of this bike. I would reccomend this bike to anyone looking for a well-built, heavy duty, mostly gravity-assisted bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Lincoln Date Reviewed: October 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wharncliff
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bike Setup:
As previous review, but now with Monster T's
Bottom Line:
Wahaaaayyyy!
Swapped my MX6's for some Monster T's. Sooo Glad I did, this bike has gone from being very good to totally amazing.
What a DH monster. I have just come back from a week in France and I couldn't have asked for more. The bike handled everything perfectly. I would recommend this steed to anyone.
Buy one, take off the jr T's, fit Monsters, Boxxers or Shivers and you won't regret it........
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BIKE LIKE
a Weekend Warrior
from PHILIPPINES Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything with ruts and bumps
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
a friendly bike shop
Strengths:
Thick gauge tubing gusseting on critical areas enduro cartridge bearings on all except one link 4-bar linkage excellent paint job fox shocks 2.35 shaft travel 7 inch rear travel beefy chainstays quality welds trick walking beam design no v-brake mounts thicker head tube ends trick paint job and glow in the dark graphics replaceable dropouts wide tire clearance for 24-26 inch tires
Weaknesses:
weight??? maybe??? DUH....
Similar Products Used:
NORCO VPS 2, bullit, KHS dominatrax, etc
Bike Setup:
marzocchi Z1 BAM, Hope brakes, chris king headset, XTR cranks, truvativ chainguide, sun double wide 24, gazallodi 2.6, dt spokes, azonic bars, azonic A frame pedals, SRAM plasma shifter, salsa seat clamps and quick releases, DaBomb hubs and stem, etc.
Bottom Line:
I have been dreaming of getting the KONA Stinky but this frame miraculously was available in this part of the world, and the price is wickedly reasonable, so I did not let it pass. The frame is bombproof, construction and welds topnotch. Color scheme is new and radical (eggplant and green). Surprisingly pedaling is not too tough, only a negligible amount of bob especially when you pedal smoothly. This can be pedalled uphill, no matter what other ppl say, and I do not consider myself a strong rider. Sucks up all the bumps on the trail, really active suspension for all types of obstacles. 7 inch honest travel , 2inch sag, 5 inch travel. Fox Vanilla rc matches the quality of this frame. I changed the bolts on the suspension linkages with half-tread bolts so the bearings or sleeves sit on a shaft instead of treads (available from ur local nuts and bolt shops). Greased all bearings with teflon lubricant so bearings don't rust. My only gripe is difficult rear disc brake hose routing. There are limits to this frame as follows: No V-brake mount, so disc brakes only; no provision for triple chain ring, use at least a 36 tooth ring or bigger, anything smaller and the chain will grind on the seat stay; no water bottle mounts anywhere. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A BIKE!!! What I cannot understand is why Kona stopped producing this great phenomenon. Kona got their suspension sorted, have not felt any brake jack even if it's not horst link. Reason why I used the Marz Z1 so I can keep the weight down, admittedly it's not a match but I get by for now. Might get a double crown later. The stinky has the highest respect from North Shore bikers, what more this frame - beefier and longer travel. Get this frame given a chance, you will regret it if U don't. Kona is a DEMIGOD and the last word in freeriding. This is an honest review from a bike enthusiast in this part of the sticks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ark PAntera
a Downhiller
from Huntsville, UT USA Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mega death
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
online shop
Strengths:
Strong, beefy, hits stuff dang good, built like a tank
Weaknesses:
derailer clanks off drops and chips paint, stock tires suck crap, two sidewall holes after a couple days riding
Similar Products Used:
Bullit, rm6
Bike Setup:
Stock w/2001 Jr. T (6")
Bottom Line:
Dang tough bike for the money, paint needs to be stronger. Derailler clanks and sucks alot, But takes drops like nothing and its rocks for stair gaps and other burly stuff. For thew trails its sweet, and the stock parts are way cool(except 00' jr.t) it's weasely. getting into dh'in then this is the bike for you. If your a pansy forget it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
phil Mcintosh
a Downhiller
from Co. Down Northern Ireland Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
TOLLYMOOOOOORE!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bike Setup:
As previous review except for the addition of new sexy shivers.
Bottom Line:
I posted a review on this bike around ten months ago and as you've probably read, was very pleased with it. Now, ten months of serious abuse later, this bike is even better than when I got it. The frame has taken everything I've thrown at it without so much as raising an eyebrow. And to answer a question asked in one of the other reviews, no the shock doesn't hit your frame.
A few months ago I changed the Jnr T's for a set of shivers and, what can I say, any guys out there still on JT's start making arrangements for an increase in front travel. As soon as you balance the front end with the rear end's 7 inch travel this bike becomes the bike it's meant to be. Kona made a poor choice with the JT for the stock bike, it's a great fork, but not right for the frame. The minute you get big travel up front you really can just let the bike run and the front end is just as capable of dealing with the big hits as the rear end. The other day I tested the efficiency of both by going through a big set of 1 foot deep stutter bumps flat out, just to see. Both forks and rear end btm'd out but dealt with it superbly, stayed on - happy days.
The bottom line is, this is one hell of a bike, if you get the chance to get your greedy little hands one one, don't let go until the owner agree's a sale price.
God knows why kona stopped makin em' but thank god I got one before they did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Wills
a Weekend Warrior
from Notts, UK Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wharncliff side
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Mark Anothony Cycles
Strengths:
Well Built, Good linkage design, tyre clearance
Weaknesses:
Glow in the dark decals, Chain device clearance
Similar Products Used:
San Andreas, Bullit, Intense Uzzi, Heckler, FSR, blah blah
Bike Setup:
Stratos MX6 up front, Full Hope Enduro's, Big Un's, Race Face Turbines, XT, Azonic.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this as a frame about a month ago so it has none of the bits (Except the RF Turbine) you will usually find on a Stab. The MX6's are well suited to the Stab and it makes for a well balanced ride. The Frame itself is very well built, whilst not being too heavy. It does not support a front Mech so it needs to be pushed up, not ridden! I also has no brake bosses so Discs are the only option. It makes sense on a vertical machine like this anyway. The suspension action feels very plush, and the Fox unit is a top shock. Can't buy better in my opinion. I find that the rear tracks very well over the knarly stuff whilst still soaking up the big hits. If you remove the spring and compress the shock fully you can see that the piggy back unit gets very close to the frame....I haven't had it hit the frame yet....has anybody else had any probs here? The bearings are readily available and the plates are well fat. Its one of those bikes that looks much better in the flesh, and the Jr T's that come as standard DO NOT do this machine justice. If I were buying one as a FR/DH bike from new I would upgrade these at the time of purchase. My only gripe would be that due to the swing arm position/size, there are only a few Chain devices that will fit, Ex. Gizmo, proper MRP. All the cheaper alternatives won't fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Hicks
a
from kirkland washington usa Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
HMO @ exit 38
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Finn Hill bikes in bothel washington
Strengths:
extremley strong well balanced fast and stiff its a good drop bike as well a pro level dh bikes with the simple change the fork.
Weaknesses:
heavy as a i'll get out but its better then being to lite. And you cant run a triple!
Similar Products Used:
santa cruz bullit
Bottom Line:
If you can actually get one do it its so worth the money, its stupid to say no to one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anders Nettli
a Downhiller
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anywhere fast
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
from a guy
Strengths:
Strong frame, very plush! good alround equipment and nice weight.
Weaknesses:
Could use little more travel up front, but that's my opinion.
Similar Products Used:
stab
Bike Setup:
Hayes discs, Jr.T, Fox RC coil, Race Face cranks, Gazzaloddi 2,6" tires, xt shifters
Bottom Line:
When I first tried this bike I felt the very plush rear end. And after a little while I started to jump longer and higher and went faster. Downhilling became much more fun after buying this bike! The only thing that bothers me is the the Jr.T, it is a great fork but it would be nice with some more travel. And i'm concidering saving up money to buy a Shiver. But if you have the money, I recomend this bike strongly!! IT RULEEESS!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DP _
a Weekend Warrior
from Northeast, US of A Date Reviewed: December 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bow Ridge, Lynn MA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Shop, Topsfield MA
Strengths:
Awesome ride, super plush and strong
Weaknesses:
Real minor stuff - see below
Similar Products Used:
It'y my first DH bike; also have an FSR Enduro Pro and a couple decent hardtails
An awesome bike - can't believe how much fun it is to downhill on a bike made for it. It's also turned into my favorite bike for general use, usually somewhere rocky and technical if I can help it. Used it a bunch at Sunday River in Maine - tight rocky and steep downhill stuff- and it eats up jsut about everything. The strategy seems to be just let it go and don't even acknowledge anything under a foot high, the faster you go, the smoother everything seems to get. I ride it all over the place and have found that if you're real stubborn you can climb with it, though it's not a pretty site (I've got a 36 tooth ring with an 8 speed cassette). Not a lot of fun on long fire road climbs, but if you keep your ass in the saddle and crank hard, you can make it up some good technical stuff. The suspension keeps the wheel hooked no matter what as long as you don't stand up. Been doing some small to medium drops with it -3 to 7 footers- and the bike lands like a 125cc MX bike, real plush and stable. Kinda tippy when going slow, and tough to hop around on, but hey, waddaya expect? The Monster T is a new addition, most of my riding has been with the Jr T, which kicks ass too. I'll probably put it back on for freeriding and only use the Monster for chairlift days, but for now I'm getting a good upper body workout. So far the only problems I've had are breaking the bolt that goes through the top of the rear shock and wrecking the spacers that go on it, and blowing the damping in the shock (not at the same time). Fox took care of the shock right away and I replaced the bolt with a tougher one and the aluminum spacers with stainless steel. I probably just need to work on my landings and I won't have any more problems. Sun Rhyno Lite rear rim lasted around 4 hours, got 3 flat spots and seperated at the seam; DeeMax's are straight and strong after lots of beating. Oh yeah, Dave at the bike shop in Topsfield MA sells and rides Konas and has been great with everything. I'll check in in another six months with an update, but so far I'm really liking this bike. Later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan Hatfield
a Downhiller
from Crystal Mountain Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
1998 Norba Cup championship downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1775.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
Bomb proof, 4 bar linkage, components.... All around great bike
Weaknesses:
If you set your rear suspension too plush, the rear wheel will come up and bite you in the ass
Bike Setup:
more or less stock, this bike comes ready to ride
Bottom Line:
This bike is incredible, it makes me three times the rider i was before, it is super plush and has great handleing. It is also not overly heavy for a downhill bike, i put a 36 tooth chain ring on it and i can climb most hills and im even able to use it as a free ride bike when i want too. It will turn 4 foot drops into 1/2 foot curbs, 9 foot drops that i was afraid of before are turned into cheese and im left wondering why did i think those were so big??? The only problem is that im running out of stuff to throw at the bike, all my favorite trails seem like child's play and no longer give me the thrill that they used to, im constantly searching for something bigger and faster.......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil McIntosh
a Weekend Warrior
from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
THE CHUTE- Tollymore forrest NI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike is seriously built. Heavy duty everything.Super plush at the rear, super plush up front.This thing will take anything you throw at it encouraging a confident and aggressive riding style. When hurtleing down the side of a mountain the only thing that will stop this bike are the brakes, and maybe tree's greater than two feet in diameter, and that's only a maybe.
Weaknesses:
It's hard to find a weakness in this bike, it could maybe do with an extra inch or so up front, but then again could'nt we all.
Similar Products Used:
1999 Kona Stab (Deceased)
Bike Setup:
Jnr T's, Mavic 321's on Hope Big Un's, Kujo 2.25's, Hope Brakes, DDG Sofa, FSA AfterBurner cranks, Mr Dirt Chain guide, Shimano XT Drive, Kona DH bars & Stem.
Bottom Line:
I purchased (at a discount) the 2000 stab dee lux frame kit to replace my 99 stab frame which decided to self destruct after 6 months of thrashing. The moment I lifted it from the box I was in awe of this monstorous frame, all of the places that my stab had cracked now had gussetts on the gussetts. Everything was beefed up,I mean,just look at the chain stays, they must be nearly three inches deep ! I immediatly noticed myself going faster when I rode this bike, it's just so heavy you feel unstopable, pilling through rock beds flat out, over drop offs, jumps, railing round berms without batting an eyelid. It's like riding a crosser downhill with it's engine removed - Awesome. If you're looking for a bike that will take anything you throw at it and you don't get upset at the prospect of having to push your bike to the top of the mountain, look no further. If I break this one I'm givin up !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Richard
a Downhiller
from Midlothian VA. Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything w/ steep drops and extremely technical singletrack (hey, it's the east coast)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
the frame is sweet lookin' (one of those bikes that looks much better in person than in pictures). Fox vanilla RC shock and marzocchi jr.T are both incredibly adjustable, hayes discs are the best breaks made, SDG bigboy seat adds another inch of travel to the bike (like sitting on a freakin couch). Bike challenges you to throw as much at it as you can and then begs for more.
Weaknesses:
The MR. DIRT chainguide is a royal pain in the a$$ to set up, and you know its bad when the instructions tell you quote "Life isn't always fair" and pretty much instructs you to try putting it on one way, and if it does'nt work they tell you to try it another way. You also will probably have to do some filing to allow clearence (also suggested in the all but helpful manual). Other than that I have found no weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS 2000 (converted to DH bike), I have also ridden just about every DH bike on the market at least in a parking lot, and this bike pedals w/ almost no suspension flex. This is remarkable considering its a 4 bar linkage system, and not an I-Drive.
Bike Setup:
Hayes, Tiogas, mammoth disc wheels, mr. DIRT chainguide, FOX VANILLA RC, Marzocchi JR.T, SDG BIGBOY saddle, raceface DH cranks, new shimano DH pedals, XT deraiuller, "mega 9" shifter/ cogset combo.
Bottom Line:
You can't go wrong with this bike, unless you plan to pedal it uphill, in which case you'll have to have lungs of steel. However anyone that complains about its poor climbing should look no further than the head tube weld to see the "Kona DH" logo, meaning this bike is supposed to go downhills only. Try the Stinky line for more freeride oriented bikes that can go up as well as down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara , Ca Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tunnel trail, Cold springs trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Awesome frame with "7" rear and alittle more than "5" front, I just got a Stratos MX 6 fork (local company)for the front which now makes it a serious downhiller, although the Jr. T fork was great, I ended up putting it on my Free ride bike. Also this bike was a mid year 2000 and came without the disk brake- avid arch rival 50 which worked great, but I had an extra set of hayes disk that I just recently put on. The best part was this bike only retailed for $2400 , which blew my $2400 free ride(99 Specialized elite) with $1500 extra away!
Weaknesses:
Tires were alittle small Tioga 2.2's, and the front washed out in soft stuff. I put a Gazzolodi 3.0 and 2.6 on the back, it kicks butt now. It also had a Raceface 46 tooth chain ring that was more than I needed, I droped down to a 42 tooth which helps alot more pedaling on flat or slightly up hill sections. This bike is strickly a drop bike. There are a couple trails in S.B that I don't mind push/pedal up that's why I went to smaller chain ring in front. But this bike really works well in everything, big drops, tight stuff and flat out.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line for the money you can't beat it. It's a great down hiller right out of the box, and if you tweek it alittle you have a serious machine. I would pick one up soon because they will probably be all gone.
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Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Date Reviewed: March 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Brisbane Waters NP
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
Can somebody please review this bike....? Can it be pedalled uphill at all? I want to use it for general trail-riding, obviously with a focus on the downhills...but I want to know whether it can at least go up hills, if not steep ones.
ps how are the hayes brakes?
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