Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from SF, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
- Great brakes, extremely powerful, easy to adjust and bleed w/ the bleed kit, reliable. - Bombproof frame, silky smooth rear suspension, good fork. - Lots of travel for a "freeride" rig. - Feels great on decents, soaks up big hits, steers nice, brakes good, turns good.
Weaknesses:
- Ya, it's heavy, but what do you expect with this much travel and hayes hydros? - Parts spec is decent, but marginal. - Cranks and front rings leave something to be desired. - Kind of a pig on the climbs, not just due to weight, but riding position, geometry, etc. But hey, it's not a XC bike now is it? - Stock tires kind blow. They're big, but not too grippy.
This is actually a Stinky 6 which is a rare 01.5, same as the Stinky De-Lux with the 02 6-inch rear, and an ugly purple paint job.
Bottom Line:
If you can pick one up for a good deal, don't pass it up. It's a great bike if you like decents more than climbs. It's kind of a pig when it comes to climbing, but you can't have a bike that kicks ass at both can you?
I gave it 4 chilis on value 'cause I think the parts spec could be slightly better, especially the crankset and front der. Although, the rest of the parts (brakes, wheels, shocks) are pretty sweet and kind of make up for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Shideler
a Downhiller
from Port Angeles, WA, USA Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Horse Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
e-bay
Strengths:
Super Plush suspension, the frame can take anything! Components are solid and work smoothly. Looks bas ass!
Weaknesses:
Sure it heavy, but so what! Find a lighter bike that can take the abuse this one can! The Tioga's couldn't hold a corner
Bike Setup:
IRC Kujo tires, Sun Mammoth Rims, avid mechanicals (Hayes 8" F&R are in the mail!!!), BETD rear linkage giving 6.5" travel, titec hellbent bars, raceface shorty stem, aheadset oversized headset, racface bb and cranks
Bottom Line:
My biggest problem with this bike, is that I don't know if I'll ever be good enough to really see what it's capable of! I love this thing, and got a good deal on it (even if it came with less than stock brakes). If your even considering buying one, DO IT! I've ridden single track and clibed some pretty big hills on it, and it does fine if you've got a sack! if you're strict cross country, it's not the best choice, but if you do all around riding, give it a look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Canull
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
South Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
MTB Marketplace
Strengths:
Nice smooth travel, seems to be really strong frame
Weaknesses:
Rear Derailleur Hangers very weak..bend easy, can be bent back straight but stock up a few spares. Top shock mount bolt, SNAP, may have come loose? Fixed with hardened bolt, nut and cotter pin, replaced the aluminum bushing with one peice steel.
Bike Setup:
mostly stock
Bottom Line:
This bike rules. So much fun to ride, I may never ride my hardtail again...softens any landing and seems like you can ride over anything. Definate confidence inspiration.
It is heavy but rides lite and flys great. I noticed the weight at first on climbs, but now I must be getting stronger, it dosn't bother me anymore. It climbs great especially in the rough stuff. You can take the direct line instead of weaving all over. You will use the granny however. The extra weight also make me feel like the bike won't break in half on landings. It feels very solid.
My intention was to get this as a second bike, and save my hardtail for long smooth XC rides, But I think the Stinky has become my only bike .
If you are considering getting one, you won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tricia Stathers
a Downhiller
from Penticton, BC CANADA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything that is fast and flows nicely
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Bike Barn
Strengths:
THis is a supernice bike, it's smooth, fast and really fun to ride. REally nicely balanced, superfast through the corners. It's not bad on the uphill either, makes me strong like bull (so when I get back on my crosscountry bike I feel like I can fly:) It's not that heavy at all (I rode up Sheeprock on it, but I don't think that'll happen again anytime soon:P)
Weaknesses:
Seat post...if you want it low enough to not be sketchy, then it can only go so high for the uphill. but whatever, it'll make your knees and legs strong for snowboard season.
Similar Products Used:
Norco XCS-1, Tried a Brodie 8-ball, sat on an RM9 and RM6 ( well I guess that doesn't really count now does it) and a reaper, Kona King Kikapu and My xc bike, a SWEET little lava dome :)
Bike Setup:
z1s, hayes 6" disks, truvativ hussefelt cranks, not gripshift, Tires-Maxxis 2.5 highroller on the front, Rokko on the back ( I think I might change that though).
Bottom Line:
THis is a super rad bike, I love to ride it. IF anyone in the Penticton area wants to ride email me:), riding with new people is always fun. Especially girls!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Brain Damage
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Some shop on the east coast
Strengths:
Everything about the ride is a strength. Tough, Smooth
Weaknesses:
I got a good deal on mine but I would say the price is the biggest weekness. Other than that the tires and rims.
Similar Products Used:
RM6, Bullit
Bike Setup:
Stock with Maxxis High Rollers and 8" front rotor
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike I would defineatly recommend it to more hardcore rider if you can afford it. Nice big step out of cross country into something more exciting. 5 flames because this bike rips.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from CT Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The one with the 20ft drop
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
Everything.
Weaknesses:
Nothing.
Similar Products Used:
Iron Horse SGS DH Rocky Mountain Pipeline
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
Sweet and solid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from North Van Date Reviewed: April 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ned's & Severed
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Cove Bike Shop
Strengths:
Review is for 2000 Stinky Five.
Solid. Great all around North Shore bike. Seems to flatten the steeps. Point and shoot performance. Gets you up the hill, but the fun begins going down.
Was the best value out there at the time I purchased this.
Weaknesses:
Cheep Race Face chainrings have been problematic from the start - get rid of them. Some chainsuck (probably due to the rings).
Mystery brand hubs.
Similar Products Used:
Demo'd Cove G-Spot.
Bike Setup:
Basically stock until things break.
Bottom Line:
I have absolutely no regrets buying this bike. Steep technical sections suddenly became "do-able". Just point down hill and hang on. My cross-country bike now seems downright dangerous compared to this bike.
If you're worried about weight, get over it. This bike, or any of its type, is neither meant to be light nor is it a significant issue.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a
from Newport,Oregon,USA Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
NutCracker
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3100.00
Purchased At:
Freaky Freddies Xtreme MTB's
Strengths:
Frame Design...Welds..Responsive..
Weaknesses:
None discovered
Similar Products Used:
RM-6...FSR...Super-8...Heckler...Chuck
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi "Jr-T"...XTR rear deraileur...Grimeca Disc brakes..Race face BB..Kooka DH Crank...Mr Dirt Bash gard..Race face seat post...Fizik seat
Bottom Line:
Purchased this rig 6 months ago and I've yet to find fault with it at all...sure it's a bit on the heavy side but what do you expect from a bike thats one step from being a world class downhiller??? This bike has seen and kicked ass on the best trails the North Shore had to offer and still asked for more.Upgrade the rear shock to a Fox "RC" tho. I took this bike off some of the most intense jumps that would snap 99.9% of the frames on the market and my "Stinky Dee-Lux" only begged for more. I've been mountain biking for over ten years and have finally found a bike that can handle what i can dish out.Two things I do say tho...One..ORDER YOUR BIKE EARLY!!!!.....These puppys sell fast...Two....Ride one for yourself....You'll be glad you did!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Weed Smoka
a Downhiller
from Chilliwack, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Slut
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
(frame only) used
Strengths:
Sweet looking frame. Plush enough. Takes jumps and drops like a muthafuxa.
Weaknesses:
I broke the dropout like nothing. Heavy, really heavy.
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR 4000
Bike Setup:
00' Stinky frame, 01' Jr. T, Easton Monkey bars, Axiom DH Stem. Ryno lite
Bottom Line:
Free ride, Downhill. This frame could take it all. Its a sweet frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brandon craddock
a Downhiller
from Homer,Alaska,USA Date Reviewed: December 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
death wish (:x
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction sports
Strengths:
the frame rocks!(iv tryed so hard to brake it and cant) the 4 bar pivot makes the 5incs fell like 7,and it loves the sickest thangs you can through it in to.(:x
Weaknesses:
the tires that came with it sucked(it desurved so much better)
Similar Products Used:
gt lobo,fsr DH,and schwinn straight 6.
Bike Setup:
i hade to put more up front,Mr.T,dobble wide rims,a singel ring,and kojo dh tires.
Bottom Line:
Iv broke so maney bikes up here with the sickest riding you all in the lower 48 would have nightmares about and the Kona name brand has stould up and screemed with icy joy through all the 30+ 5 foot and above drops daly.Now if all bike makers would take some notes on thies bikes the wourld would be a better place. Only the riders with mintel problems can relly ride this bike like it needs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dc
a
from hillsboro OR Date Reviewed: December 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
your mom
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
olson's bike repair
Strengths:
smooth, rockin paint job,smooth
Weaknesses:
none what so ever
Similar Products Used:
kona 99 Roast SE, cove stiffee, azonics ds-1
Bike Setup:
box stock, just changed the grips and pedals
Bottom Line:
I managed to weasel a 2001 stinky dee and I love this SOB. Its got the rasta paint, and alot of decent stock parts. Splined crank set is pretty nice no complaints yet. I had to switch out the spings in the fork from heavy to ex heavy and Im going to stiffen up the back end too. other than just tweaking the suspension the only other thing this bike could use is a set back seatpost. It rocks. I drop everything in sight even with sprained wrist, and don't feel a thing. When your pedaling or hopping this thing you don't really feel like your pushing 5" in fact sometimes I foget I'm riding a full suspension. This bike rocks. go buy one now. you will not be disappointed with this mofo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tweek
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
havent found it yet
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Trail Blazer Cycles
Strengths:
Note, This review is also for a Stinky Five, not the Dee-lux Strengths: Beefy, good looking (rasta paint job, ohhh yes), plush, active, nice spec, hayes brakes, i could go on
Weaknesses:
Chain slap, derailleur hits swingarm off drops (just need a lizard skin). Weird 30.0 seatpost ream. Um, I swapped out some parts so that is pretty much it.
Similar Products Used:
A bunch of XC hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Somewhat modified. Changes are: Psylo SL up front (reg axle) XT 321 wheelset club roost flat pedals profile carbon riser my trusty ti flite seat
Bottom Line:
Haven't had the bike for long, but it is amazing. I used to be pure XC racer, but gradually my riding style has changed to full of "freeriding," a term I used to passionately hate.
And is this ever the bike for freeriding. Due to employee discount I was able to get the bike at a pretty good deal even with all the upgrades. It's pushing me to try stuff I would never have dreamed of before; 4-5 foot drops have become commonplace on the few rides I've taken it on. I know I'm not even pushing its limits either. I'm gonna have to start going bigger so I don't feel so inadequate.
5" of travel is pretty much perfect for the riding I'm doing now. No, it doesn't climb as well as my race hardtails did but thats probably more the flat pedals and 10 lbs extra weight that the shock bobbing. The way mine is set up you can feel the trail beneath you (I can still tell where my wheel is), it's just a lot smoother. And as I alluded to earlier, jumps and drops, no problem. I'll have a tough time bottoming the shock.
I fretted for a while about dropping all that coin on this bike but already I know I'll have no regrets. It's the ultimate bike if you want to go big (but not toooo big). If you're considering it, buy one now (or wait for 2001, same basic bike).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Nason
a Downhiller
from Malden, MA, USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods, North
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Gear Works, Leominster, MA
Strengths:
Perfect freeride machine
Weaknesses:
I had to wait quite a while for it to come in. Would have liked to see a bash guard(protects big ring/chain) on it... but thats just more weight!
Similar Products Used:
none comparable
Bike Setup:
Note: Stinky FIVE, not Deelux, stock
Bottom Line:
I am so stoked about this bike! Everything I thought it would be... even looks sweet. Problem is, I broke my arm 3 months back and I still can't ride. I just have to LOOK at it. How weak is that? But, with such a gnarly bike I can certainly ride it all winter, through all the snow and muck(thank the lord). I will have to submit another review as far as durability is concerned but I am not woried at all. It is a fine bike and should be able to handle anything I can dish out. Hopefully I'll be able to handle it though. No more broken bones!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin ator
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
cleaners
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3750.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike store
Strengths:
Awesome plush ride, Great overall package, Nice clean look (no gaudy colors)
Weaknesses:
Seat post height limitation due to bent seat tube. Tires. Rims could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Brodie devo
Bike Setup:
Tossed the big ring, roach stem guard, bigger tires.
Bottom Line:
If your considering retiring your hardtail and joining all of those dualy riders with big smiles on their faces, DON'T go half-way. A bike with less than 5 inches of travel won't really open up the opportunities for ridin' way bigger terrain, and is just not worth the weight penalty. This bike feels like no other and requires no significant upgrades off the showroom floor. Coming from a 24 lb hardtail I was concerned about the 35 lb factor but it really isn't an issue; I've been riding for 11 years and am having more fun than ever!! If you've still got that silly old competative thing goin' where you must be the first one at the top of the hill, keep your old hardtail, this is a different scene. Three words: GET A STINKY! PS: The 2001 line-up looks interesting too.
MADE IN TAIWAN? WHAT IS UP WITH THAT. THOSE CHEESY CHAIN RING BOLTS ON THE PIVOTS NEAR THE REAR AXLE GOES.
Similar Products Used:
A COUPLE GT'S (XCR 1500, STS 1000) DIAMONDBACK X-10.
Bike Setup:
STRATOS MX-6 FORK, WTB WHEELS, FORMULA DISCS, KORE B-52 STEM, KORE STRICTLY D BAR, XT AND XTR EVERYTHING ELSE
Bottom Line:
I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHAT THE PEOPLE REVIEWING THIS BIKE ARE TALKING ABOUT WITH THIS WAITING STUFF. I ORDERED THIS FRAME FROM KONA AND THE SHOP I WORK AT ISN'T EVEN A DEALER, AND JAMES SMITH (KONA REP) SENT IT OUT A.S.A.P., THAT WAS BACK IN MARCH. MAYBE COMPLETE BIKES WEREN'T AVAILABLE FOR THOSE OTHER PEOPLE. WEIGHT SHOULDN'T BE A FACTOR IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BIKE LIKE THIS, YOU KNOW IT IS GOING TO BE HEAVY. ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS IT IS A VERY GOOD TRAIL BIKE. PEOPLE FROM THE NORTHEAST U.S. KNOW THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE AREA, NOT VERY HIGH (ALTITUDE) BUT STEEP AS HELL, AND I RODE THIS BIKE UP ALL THE STEEP TRAILS BY ME. GRANTED IT WASN'T AS EASY AS IT WOULD BE WITH A LIGHT XC FULL SUSPENSION, BUT THEN YOU CAN'T RIDE AN XC FULL SUSPENSION LIKE YOU WOULD A STINKY. I LOVE THIS BIKE AND THE WEIGHT WILL JUST MAKE YOU A STRONGER RIDER. ONE OTHER NOTE SOME OF THE REVIEWS OF LAST YEARS STINKYS KIND OF SCARE ME, JUST THE THOUGHT OF THE FRAME SNAPPING AT WELD MAKE ME WANT TO WEAR A FULL FACE. ANYONE IN THE LOWER N.Y. TRI-STATE AREA WANT TO RIDE SOME SICK STUFF E-MAIL ME AT tmc_cook@hotmail.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Jackson,WY Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
This bike has an out of the shop spec sheet that needs no refinement, save the shoddy tires. Technical, steep, slow climbs may take a bit longer, but are dream-like in their fluidity. Hayes disc brakes kill it!
Weaknesses:
Those darned tires! The sticker price is pretty spend-y.
Similar Products Used:
Did demo the R.M. rm6, Ellsworth Truth, Aeon Isis
Bike Setup:
QR20 Marzocchi, Fox Vanilla, Race Face cranks, Tioga tires(upgrade), Hayes disc, XT(upgrade), XTR 9 speed.
Bottom Line:
Having ridden and raced steel hardtails for 5 or 6 years, and being VERY partial to them, it took some serious convincing to even get me on a "squishy" bike. The trails around Jackson are brutally steep, rocky, and technical. Picking good lines is what it is all about. But now, with five inches of travel front and rear, those same lines can be absolutely man-handled at ridiculuos speeds. The Kona Stinky Dee-Lux walks right up to pretty much anything I have ridden on it so far and proceeds to dismantle it in such a way that grinning from ear to ear is impossible. This bike builds confidence. Super fun ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Lorencz
a Weekend Warrior
from Hinton Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This review is for the Stinky Five 2000 model. Plush, active suspension with lots of travel. Hayes disks front and rear. Weight of the bike is well balanced. Looks great.
Weaknesses:
Weight is an issue if you plan to ride this bike on long XC trails. Expensive. Paint is soft (it chips and rubs off very easily).
Similar Products Used:
Kona Chute, Kona roast, Rocky Mountain Pipeline
Bike Setup:
Z3 QR20 fork, Fox Vanilla R rear shock, LX/XT components, Race Face turbine cranks, WTB wheels, Hayes disks front and rear
Bottom Line:
Originally I purchased a Kona Chute and rode it for one month. After getting used to the ride (and pushing the bike to its limits), I determined that I needed something strong with rear suspension (not that the Chute isn't strong, just no rear suspension). The Chute is a great bike that works outstanding in 90% of the terrain most extreme mountain bikers ride, but it falls short in the other 10% (big air where you have to land on flat ground, rocky downhills, really hard hits, etc...). I was able to trade in my Chute for the Stinky Five (had to shell out more cash of course), but it was well worth it. Some of the problems in the previous reviews have been fixed in the new Stinky Five 2000 model. The seat tude does not have a bend in it, so the seat can be raised and lowered to the needed height without restrictions. The welds are reasonable smooth. The Stinky Five retails for $3400 (CAN), which is a reasonable deal considering what you get (the Stinky is a grand less, but is really half the bike, and the Stinky Delux is a grand more, but you don't really get a lot more for that extra grand). I just got the bike, so I can't review the durability of the frame, but I will submit another review in a month or two. The bottom line: if you think this is the bike you want, do yourself a favour and buy it now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob king
a Weekend Warrior
from the fort Date Reviewed: May 30, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush, climbs amazingly well
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Tested lots of full suspension bikes
Bike Setup:
Stock except for black spire rock ring and rokko 2.4 dh tires
Bottom Line:
I submmited a review about a month ago on the bike complaining about how late it is. Like everyone elso who did that they must have gotten their bikes by now. I could say it was worth the wait, but there still is no excuse for the lateness of the bike. But, the bike rides awesome. I bought a Stinky Five, because I couldn't get a Stinky Dee-lux. Anyways, a really nice spec'd bike. Quality where you need it, cheaper parts where they will be busted and have to be replaced. The ride is awesome. Just point and shoot. Hayes are the best. Much nicer feel and lever than Shimano, plus they have a lot more power. My brakes worked better out the box than a set of worn in XT's. The Rokko tires rock. They have so much grip, I haven't found their limit yet. Z3 is plush and simple, very easy to maintain. Rasta colours are quite nice, if it really matters. If you can find one, buy one, you won't be sorry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver,B.C. Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
no favorites
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very,very rigid fork,beautiful frame,front and rear hayes,xtr rear derailleur,better than average headset.Quality parts where needed while keeping wieght down.
Weaknesses:
The tires came off the moment I broght the bike home.
Similar Products Used:
GT I-drive,Kona U'hu
Bike Setup:
Other than tires,stock.
Bottom Line:
If you can talk your dealer into giving you a bit of a break on the price,I don't think you will find a better spec'ed bike that rides as well as this.Whether riding slow,tight technical sections or fast root and rock North Shore lines, it tracked smooth and straight.I notice in other reviews of this bike people were complaining about(not a boot) the weight.This is not a cross country race bike. Of course it's heavy.If you are to weak or lazy to adjust to the weight then brother you are to old to ride. One note to anyone from Kona who may read this.If a bike is going to take six weeks to arrive,than tell the person who ordered it that it will take six weeks.It is better to wait awhile for the bike than to be constantly disappointed week after week after week..............................................................
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Lorencz
a Weekend Warrior
from Hinton, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Strength, you'll never break this bike (its bomb proof)
Weaknesses:
Weight, not very agile, expensive
Similar Products Used:
RM Pipeline
Bike Setup:
Z1 QR20, Fox RC, Rear XTR, etc...
Bottom Line:
This is a great freeride bike, but it is not for everyone. Weight is a real concern, its not just heavy, its HEAVY! The sales guy and I we're never able to get the Z1 dialed in where I really liked it (had a bad pogo effect, but the sales guy didn't really know what he was doing). This bike is great for the kind of stuff its built for, but don't buy it unless your planning on pushing yourself to the limit. This bike is built to take major abuse, so wimps and XC racers need not apply. I rode a bunch of other bikes, and I finally decided on the Kona Chute. The Chute is a blast to ride, not quite as heavy (but still heavy), alot less expensive, and also built to take tonnes of abuse.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Drew
a Downhiller
from Seattle, Wa Date Reviewed: April 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
EXCELENT components (LX? One I rode was XT/XTR with a RaceFace Turbine (I think)) WONDERFULL Suspention Neat lookin' what else do you want in a bike?
Weaknesses:
HAH! What are those? Oh yea...the satisfaction of blowing 3 or 4 g's on a bike...
Similar Products Used:
Nothing comes close...
Bottom Line:
GOODNESS TO GOD! Anyone got 4g handy? I litterally beat the Shiznic out of this fine piece of Mountainbiking Happyness, and it came out without a scratch! The poor guys at Kona ALMOST didn't get their bike back; whats an ID to owning the enigma mountainbiking fun? I think my kids will be all squished to one side after riding it 'core for hours, tho. But, HEY! I think its WORTH it! -Climbs like a champ for its weaght -Screams down the other side like an olympic XC runner -On asphalt, it glides like butter on a supermodel! Its a goodness to god freeriden' mountainbike!
The only problem with this bike? Price! Argh... Its between this bike and my first car... I mean, it looks cool and all, but, a date on the rear of this thing would just be plain awkward ("Christine! You look wonderful! Now if you could hop on the back, and hold on really tight, I'll try and have us to Chuck E. Cheese's with as little mud possible on your dress, and on time..." And for the after dinner festivities, there ain' alot of privacy)... So, really, if you have the cash for this bike AND a house, or even a car, I highly reccomend all three.
Otherwise, this thing eats up ANYTHING you through at it (Roots, bumps, stumps, ruts, small to moderate sized children, Huffys and Magnas, fallen trees, XC Riders, School Busses, Semi-Tractor Trailer Trucks, Manufactured Homes; you know, the normal stuff...). Forget Bunnyhopping, because this thing tears it, and the trail, a new one.
Now, Kona, About that price.... Need a dishwasher?
5 Flamin' Magnas for ride! Rejoice! 1.5 to 2 Flamin Magnas for price! Repent!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from Almost Depressed,Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: April 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything fast steep and bumpy
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
very balanced suspension, solid feel, top of the line components.
Weaknesses:
minor design errors,very soft paint, p.o.s tires. too many minor problems for the price.
Similar Products Used:
cannondale freeride, rocky rm6
Bike Setup:
basicly I have a stinky dee frame with dudu components. its a long story!
Bottom Line:
This bike is almost the perfect freeride bike. first let me explain where the du du stuff came from. It is pretty much impossible to get a stinky dee lux, and even worse if you need a small frame. My dealer being a real dealer was able to find a small frame only. he then picked up a du du and moved all the components, he made my day. anybody need a dudu frame he is selling it cheap. now back to the review. this I must say again is a great bike. We all know it is heavy but really has a more solid feel. i would compare it to a big john deere. tough and strong. it will climb if you want it too. now it is no cross country light weight but it isnt really a pig either. It will take whatever you can point it into and usually come out unscaved. this is one bike that will make you ride over you head and you will never even know it until you are thigh deep into it. After my first hour i was down at the emergency room with a broken rib. I loved every second i was on this bike. now for the problems. what is the deal with the seatpost. first the quick release hits the walking beams. now this may only be on the small frames so kona says . however you may as well remove it. why, because you really cant move the seat post up and down anyway. the bend in the tube is in an odd location. now usually a freeride bike seat post should be able to go way down to help move about the technical stuff and still be able to go up high enough so you can get full leg extwnsion for the fireroads on the way home. this bike allows neither. If you cut the post so it gos down low you can not put it up high enough for long peddaling. you actually have to choose a length that is not quite high enough and not really low enough. for me this is a big problem to live with at the price i payed for this bike. the next problem is the paint. after a couple of rides here in PA. and a long weekend in virginia with a few hard spills my bike is a scratched mess. now my cannondale has a matt finished clear and has taken a lot more abuse over the last three years and it still looks new. finally, the tires.I can see these tires being o.k but not for a freeride bike. at least not in the kind of terrain this bike was built for. they dont climb, they slide off of roots, even when aired way down. they are crap in the mud and they tend to wonder in the real rocky stuff. not a very expensive fix if you can afford it after paying a bundle for this bike. everything else was flawless. perfect fork and shock. xtr, raceface,shamano pedals, hayes brakes perfect components.even the kona stuff. all in all this is a great bike it is speced and rides perfect. the tires can be changed and you will get stronger climbing with it however the poor paint and the general nusance of not being able to get the seatpost to be exactly where you need it to bee for the type of terrain you are in makes me warn you too be sure that this is the bike you really want, if you can find one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Lethbridge Date Reviewed: April 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
freeride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush, strong, The Best what mare can I say.
Weaknesses:
Stock spring too stiff but thats not even an issue
Similar Products Used:
Kona manomano, norco vps2
Bike Setup:
Z1 QR20 xt everything else hayse brakes on the way
Bottom Line:
The people that have actually riden this bike know that there is not a better freeride bike out there. 5 people havent even riden this bike and only cut it down because they are jealouse of the fortunate few that got them. Don't judge unless you know. I have one and I know that this is the best freeride bike.period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fast Bacon Mojo
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All over this fine planet, baby!!
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Looks great; seemed to be built relatively solid; lotsa travel and squish!
Weaknesses:
Poor paint, poor welds, poor off-the-line assembly and crappy linkage.
Similar Products Used:
Tried MANY long travel "free-ride" bikes - this one was nice at first, but on closer inspection, realized that it was a bit of a lemon - sorry to say it, cuz I was really hoping to love this ride...
Bike Setup:
Currently two - fully dialled and upgraded Rocky Mountain Element Race, and a brand spanking new Rocky Mountain RM6!
Bottom Line:
Well, I was pondering MANY bikes in this class - Specialized BigHit; Cannondale F/S; Trek VRX series; Rocky Mountain Pipeline and RM6; etc. I was stoked on the Stinky-Dee-Lux because of a great reputation and hey, c'mon, great looks... I went to my LBS and saw their new floor model. Okay, nice at first, $4000 Canadian (I guess that's okay...maybe) and lots of squish travel right? Sure. Then please tell me WHY the welds were coarse and sharp - why the gearing cables weren't even in the BB slot guides (access denied due to hardened paint); why there were PAINT DRIPS all over the frame; LX componentry for $4000 Canadian?!?!!? Please - that's a bloody crime!!! And to boot, this beast is HEAVY...way too heavy for what you're paying!
Ya, ya, a bit of a poor review, but c'mon, that's a lot of scratch - I want perfection at $4G, not mediocre quality. I decided on the Rocky Mountain RM6 - good luck finding one as well, they're scarce, but truly wonderfully built and obsessed upon for detail and quality... Sorry Kona, but this ride is a poor example of what your company SHOULD be pumping out. A lot of loot for a "good from far, but far from good" ride. SMARTEN UP!!!!
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Submitted by
rob king
a Weekend Warrior
from fort mcmurray Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
NGA (no girls allowed)
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
RAD tubing should be tough as nails. But like everybody else so far I haven't seen the bike.
Weaknesses:
I've got a Stinky Five on order but it is ellusive as flying pigs. I hope it comes before the end of summer, because that would suck!
Similar Products Used:
Tested RM6, Specialized Big Hit, Stinky (99)
Bike Setup:
Don't have it yet, but will put on SRAM 9.0 shifters and derailers
Bottom Line:
Can't wait to get it. Should be able to ride stuff that I thought was too sketchy before.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Honolulu Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any Single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Solid frame. The suspense feels like it has more then 5 in of travel in back.You can tune the suspense to your liking.
Weaknesses:
Price$$$$$$ The bike could be a little lighter. Dont like the tire that come with the bike.
Similar Products Used:
Trek y22 Cannadale superV1000 Intense Uzzi SL
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. On single track or free rideing I love this bike. It goes up as well as goes down. But going down is where it really shines. It can take on any thing going down that I have the nerves for. Steep drop in, fast single track, jumping over curbs, rocks ,fallen trees. This bike is just fun to ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
crash
a Weekend Warrior
from back woods pennsylvania Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
whiskey hollow
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
if you can get one it will be one of a kind
Weaknesses:
order one now for next year
Similar Products Used:
cannondale freeride
Bike Setup:
sugar and spice
Bottom Line:
I was out on my old crappie bike sitting on top of a 6 foot ledge on a secert trail dreaming what its going to be like to drop in with my new bike when suddenly i can see something big and black coming down the trail right past me and off the big drop( it was big foot).Normally i would believe what i was seeing because everyone knows big foot is for real but he was riding a kona stinky dee-lux and every fool knows they dont exist.I know becasue i ordered one 3 months ago and i still haven't got a glimps even my dealer and kona themselves aren't sure if one exist. They just keep saying two weeks. Thats like saying you just saw elvis on a xc bike. But like i said at the start i was dreaming.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Lorencz
a Weekend Warrior
from Hinton, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
I have never actually rode this bike, but so many of the guys around here (and other places in the world) rave about it. When I decided I wanted to purchase a free ride bike, I did a lot of research and talked to alot of people. The Kona Stinky Five sounds like the ultimate free ride bike (excellent components, bomb proof frame, lots of travel, geometry, etc...), exactly what I am looking for.
Weaknesses:
Unfortunately, these things really are rare. Ever dealer I've talked to says "Ya, no problem, I can get you one, i'll just pull some strings". But ever one of them phones back and says "Ya, the 1st production of the Kona Stinky Five is already pre-sold. The second production will be available at the end of May, but you better put some money down on it now if you want one." I know this is probably a great bike, but I really don't think I want to wait 2 1/2 months before I can ride the thing. I would probably just settle for the Kona Stinky, but the thing comes with Formula disk brakes, and they suck bad. My dealer doesn't even want anything to do with them.
Similar Products Used:
1999 Trek VRX200, 2000 Rocky Mountain Pipeline
Bike Setup:
The stock set-up looks sweet.
Bottom Line:
I would buy one today if it was available. I'm giving this bike a value rating of 4 (because it's very expensive), and an overall rating of 3. Why so low? Availability, and the fact that Kona won't sell the standard Stinky to my dealer with brakes other than the Formula mechanical.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Depressed,Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
harwood mills, va.
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
looks good in the catalog
Weaknesses:
about as rare as a pink elephant
Similar Products Used:
pin up girls,porsche 911 targa, all the other things i see in catalogs and fairey talesx that dont exist.
Bottom Line:
is there really a such thing as a 2000 stinky delux. i have had two of them on order since early january and still have no idea if i am going to get them. my dealer says that kona sold out. how can you sell out in january of a 2000 model. i keep getting all kinds of stories and excuses from kona as well as my dealer. hey, anybody know the phone number to cove or rockey mountain. i am losing all faith in kona. it is a real shame that they have pictures and specs of, in my opinion, the perfect hard core trail bike, but it isnt even real. any body want to sell me a goose that lays golden power bars?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Edmonton, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Valley of the Five Lakes
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Plush and smooth ride(Z-1 QR 20 & Fox RC), Easton Rad tubing
Weaknesses:
WTB rims
Similar Products Used:
RM 6, Santa Cruz Bullit, Stinky
Bike Setup:
Stock except Tioga DH 2.3 F and 2.1 R
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Fast sketchy downhills (snow, dirt or rock), tight tech trees or urban, this bike will eat it all up. I also own a Kona Kula but I needed something I wouldn't destroy on bigger drops and I have found it. + 5 ft drops are soaked up by this bike, no worries. The only limits on this bike are the size of the balls on the person riding this machine. The bike climbs surprizingly well considering the weight (in my opion better than the Bullit or the RM 6) so its not that you can't climb. It is heavy but the Stinky dee is not built for XC racing anyway. The setup is pretty awsome. The Z-1 QR 20 and Fox RC go very well together, offering limitless tuning options. The Hayes discs are superior to everything else I have used. The glow in the dark stickers are sort of cool, can't wait for the spring/fall night rides. The only weak point is the choice of WTB rims but I'll ride them until they're toast. As for the value, you pay for what you get. Solid components + bullet - proof frame = limitless setup = big $$$ but the stinky dee is well worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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