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Submitted by
The Revd. Grim
a Weekend Warrior
from HarryPotterville Northumberland UK
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | cragside grounds | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$885.00 | | Purchased At: | frame 2nd hand | | Strengths: | light but strong,easyily pedalable back up hill | | Weaknesses: | Its too attractive.. I spend hours staring at it! It needs 6" travel plates as standard | | Similar Products Used: | `99 Marin Wool Fridge, `99 Spec, FSR Enduro, 2001 Orange PatriotLT,2002 Orange Triple 2 | | Bike Setup: | 2002Marzocchi Jr Ts[7inch :)]hope bulb hubs and M4s front and rear, twin chain set-up,DMR chain reactor | | Bottom Line: | I want to huck of everything and I now have the bike to do it! I may race some DH on it too,although its bloody hard work on XC loops!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryce
a Downhiller
from Mill Valley
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | Strong, beefy durable. | | Weaknesses: | heavey, some cheap parts. | | Similar Products Used: | stinky | | Bike Setup: | lots of new upgrades | | Bottom Line: | buy it if you find a good deal cuz its a great bike that will handle downhills and big drops. it can also get you up the hill, but slowly | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cedric
a Downhiller
from Chelan
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that is straight down | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | This bike kicks ass. Half the stuff on mine was upgraded by the guy I bought it from, so some things on mine are different, but I really like how the bike handles. I have a medium frame and I'm a short guy and have no problem throwing it around. The bike is great for drops and freeride. The paint job is pimp! | | Weaknesses: | Hmmm, about the only thing that I hate is the SDG seat. I usually ride for 3 hours at a time and it tends to hurt after about 2 hours of that, so I'm going to get a new seat for it. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Mostly upgraded
Rear Derailleur-XT to XTR. Rear shock-Vanilla R upgraded to RC. Fork-Marzocchi Z.3 upgraded to Z.1 ECC lockout (great for climbing) Axiom platform pedals, Raceface Northshore Cranks, Hayes Hyd brakes | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike if you like freeride. It doesn't have 8 inches of travel, but it seems to suit me fine. This isn't a full out DH bike, but if you want to race it, you can. The fact of being able to do urban assault with it and ride the DH tracks as well is really a great benefit. Freeride without the weight is a definite plus. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a
from Canberra, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good parts, nice paint job (happy bike colours), fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | A few little niggles when first purchased but now it's fine. The original bottom bracket creaked all the time so I finally got a FSA bb installed and it's quiet. Tioga tires were sketchy, especially the front. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock still, except flat pedals, FSA bb and michelin wildgripper DH tires | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike and my riding had vastly improved. What impressed me a lot was it's ability to climb, I thought it would be hell but it outclimbs my hardtail, yes it's slower but I don't care. Riding downhill is so much fun just pick a line and hold it. This bike is a lot of fun to ride and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have fun on their local trails rather than racing around. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stach
a Racer
from Ottawa, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fight Trail - Halifax | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | McCrank's - Ottawa | | Strengths: | Beautifully smooth ride. Great all around trail riding and suitable for many downhills. | | Weaknesses: | Not crazy about the dedicated front hub. Would have preferred a better stem, and handlebars (comes with kona stock) | | Similar Products Used: | Balfa 2 step, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | no changes made from "off the shelf" | | Bottom Line: | It rides like a boutique bike and you don't have to spend over 5 bills. It climbs great (you gotta have the legs though!). It's a dream for trail riding, and is a lot of fun for doing the hairy stuff (ie. big drops, jumps, etc.) Those reviewers that say "suspension bottoms out on big drops" are DOING DROPS WRONG! Trials riders have been doing huge drops for years on completely rigid bikes and they land soft! Overall, a great way to spend $3,000 - it's an investment in happiness! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tossed salad
a Cross Country Rider
from halifax, nova scotia, canada
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | mine or fite trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclesmith | | Strengths: | Well balanced front a read suspension. Rides like an XC rig, but does the job when pointed downhill. Strong, takes abuse. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe 6 inches of travel like the '02 is a better idea. 5 is enough but I think 6 would do the job and give you more without being overly pogo-ey.
The QR+ is a negative, but kona specs them, they don't make them. Mine is a 15"/small and is the Stinky 5 with the '01 deelux paint scheme, when I max out the travel my rear tire rubs the cable guide and der housing. | | Similar Products Used: | Rode a Giant AC/1 around the block. Tried Bullits and Super 8's. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except, serial killa stem(35mm), fatboy slim bar, sold the 2001 z.3 qr20+ and put a new in box 2000 z.3 qr20 (non + ) on it/amazing fork without the hassle of qr20+, 2.5 maxxis high roller on front, 400lb spring (stock is 450, I'm 115lbs), sachs chain, xt cassette, thomson post, seatstays and rockers from 2000 stinky(slightly more travel), blackspire pro 32T(stock raceface kept bending), rockring in place of 42T, avocet ti saddle, no bottle cage | | Bottom Line: | Amazing bike that I use for every ride that isn't going over 4 hours or is a race. What they call a 'workhorse'. I don't mind thrashing cause thats what its for. Probably will never sell it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E Love
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, NY
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Trailblazers - best shop in town | | Strengths: | Its beefy. Everything you need, nothing you don't. Bike is balanced well. | | Weaknesses: | Stock chainrings (middle ring) bent on 5th ride. Replaced with black spire - still going strong. Headset is weak. Shimano chain. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested AC-1, RM Slayer, Pipeline. Stab primo(own one), super8, blah blah blah | | Bike Setup: | stock, replaced middle ring(black spire rocks), I havent broken a SRAM chain yet, King headset(only one u need). | | Bottom Line: | I weigh 200+ and have beaten this bike hard for 1yr, it still is asking for more. Some rear spokes need replacing. No complaints after 1yr. Very balanced feel in air and on ground. Put a pad on seatpost around qr, rear triangle will bash it when u btm out. This bike is awesome!!! Use it for what it's designed for and you will not regret your purchase!!! This bike will give you mojo, and make you do things u thought were impossible. It also climbs very well for a freeride bike. If you want a freerider, this is your machine, can't afford a DH bike, put a Jr T on this and away u go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a
from Mississauga, CANADA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bicycle works | | Strengths: | Frame, look, feel | | Weaknesses: | no that i have found | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC 2 and 1 | | Bike Setup: | Z1 ecc Qr 20 (wish i had gotten a triple clamp), Hayes 8" disc, Vanilla RC coil, easton monkey bar, thomson Seat post etc etc | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing, as always i recommend the KONA bike, i just love the way they build their bikes, and the way that they fit, the giant may try with their AC model but i think the Stinky is much superior, after all, the AC basically only offers a few differences, mainly the rockshox components vs bombers and fox on the Kona, and the giant also offers adjustable travel in the rear. but honest why take the time to adjust the travel if you want 5-6" of travel on a bikeyour gonna use it, and trying to adjust the travel is a pain... So to sum this all up BUY KONA BIKES THEY ARE FREAKING AWESOME. ANd i recommend this to anyone looking for a 'freeride' bike with that also isnt a dog to pedal up hills, it is deffenitely not for cross country people. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Catawba River Front Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | South Park Cycles | | Strengths: | Frame, Suspension, Brakes, Color. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost squeaks once and a while, the pedals if you don't like shimano pedals, the tires maybe? The paint because it makes you just want to sit and look and not chip it while riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing that is similar enough to this to mention. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with an 8 inch rotor up front (Not sure if thats stock or not but thats the way it came). Time ATAC pedals, Future mods include: Panaracer tires, xt front derailer, 8 inch rotor in back, CK headset, eventually a CK Discgo tech rear hub, roller-ma-jig, and yeti hardcore grips. | | Bottom Line: | The Bottom line is that this bike is the Bottom line. It is purley incredible. I recieved it as a christmas gift yesterday and rode it straight out the front door and down the front steps. The frame is solid as a rock. The suspension is incredible. You can throw yourself right off the bike if you wanted to with the brakes. I rode today in the wet mud and dirt and I didn't have any fade at all. This bike is a tank, but tanks are indestructible and have long lifes. I admit it doesn't climb like my 26 pound XC bike but the downhills make up for it 2 fold. As much as this is a freeride bike I am using it as a XC/Freeride bike, which just means I will be really in shape for races from lugging all 33 pounds up those hills. The greatest attribute of this bike is the fact that it is purley (sp?) fun. I have so much more confidence than I ever did with a XC bike. Sure its a little heavy and a little expensive but it gets the job done and in style. I recomend this bike to anyone who has some guts and wants to have some serious fun. I give it 5 flamin chilli turds for value because its worth every penny and 5 flammin chilli turds for overall greatness. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stinky Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas (yeah...you think its flat)
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Old Town Cyclery | | Strengths: | Massive frame, inspires all the confidence you can imagine, go anywhere you please | | Weaknesses: | Hefty (just get buffed and there is no problem) | | Similar Products Used: | Junk Cannondale FS crap | | Bike Setup: | Not stock - Mavic DeeMax wheels, IRC Kujo 2.65 tires, Hayes Hydraulic, XTR front and rear derailleurs, Marzocchi Z3, Salsa bars, other pieces and parts as needed to make this a ROCKER!!! | | Bottom Line: | I finally have the bike I have dreamed about!!! This bike will do what you want when you want-go where you please. Sure it is heavy, but all you need to do is just beef up your legs and lungs and you'll be set. This is not an XC lightweight. No flex to be found, and yes, there are some drops to be had in the Midwest (natural and man-made). Get one of these bad boys and the sh**-eatin' grin will never leave your face!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Sciabica
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakley.Ca.,U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hole in the Wall | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2450.00 | | Purchased At: | BackCountry , Tahoe City | | Strengths: | very burly,built like a tank,good component mix,I really like the Zoke Z3s with QR 20 axle,bike handles like my KTM 520... | | Weaknesses: | weighs as much as a tank,500lb. stock spring on Fox Vanilla R too light for anyone who would probably buy this bike...it needs 500lb. without rider..Interloc seatpost creaks more than a haunted house.. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Tracer,Ellsworth Truth(for sale),Santa Cruz SL(frame for sale),SC Heckler,Titus Racer X | | Bike Setup: | medium frame,standard set but went to Thomsen seatpost and 15'100mm stem,Free Agent platforms | | Bottom Line: | Very cool!..it's a porker but it works..climbing is a pain so if you don't want your lungs sucked out,take your time brother..once over the top the fun really begins..agile on twisty single track and steady at downhill speeds..thought I was a racer boy and instead found out that I was a latent freerider..this bike has really made me feel like a 51 year young kid...added note, wishing well and a speedy recovey to Larry at BackCountry who sustained some serious injuries during a road ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scotty
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Jubilee Cycle | | Strengths: | Everything, except for... | | Weaknesses: | LX Shifters, rims (too narrow), tires (OK for now), saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Hardtail & demoed-Norco VPS, RM6, Brodie Diablo | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ 8" rear rotor, XT shifters, bash guard. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS and it absolutely ROCKS. I ride primarily urban and venture to the shore about 2x/month. What you lose in heft, you gain in climbing traction. I can take all the big hits I rode on the hardtail with more confidence and control. Hayes discs offer amazing stopping power.This bike was meant to fly, not so good off kickers but airs high speed drops straight as an arrow. The rims(f519's)have survived a lot of abuse without attention but should be wider(like d521's) to fit bigger tires over 2.5".
Tioga DH's are good all around tires but High Rollers rule the 'shore. This bike is the best at it's price range. Get one and GO BIG! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Super-Chris
a Downhiller
from Bergen, Norway
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Voss | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Warranty upgrade from Kona | | Strengths: | Great looks, beefy rear end, great sus-system, handling, geometry, tyre-clearance, climbing abilities compared to the previous model. | | Weaknesses: | Some would say weight, but this bike HAS to be burly and those who cry about it are most likely XC Jeyboys.. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Chute, '99 Kona Muni-Mula, '99 Kona Stinky, '98 Kona Stab, Cortina Dual-frame, Sintesi Bazooka, Intense M-1 | | Bike Setup: | Size: Large (18"), Psylo SL, Gazzalodi 3" front, Shimano XT disc 180mm (front), Azonic double wall 2.5", Hope Enduro 4 (rear), MRP-style CD, Race Face Turbine, 521 CD (f/r), Gazzalodi 2.6" rear | | Bottom Line: | I used to have a '99 Kona Chute but a crack in the weld underneath the headtube resulted in a warranty claim. I paid approx. $700 to Kona and they sent me the Dee-Lux frame with shock. I used all the parts from the Chute and bought a new fork (Psylo SL - great fork once I changed the bushings!!) and rear brake. I can't imagine a better all-round-bike that can take the beating I've given it. Especially since I'm fairly heavy (95 kg). The Fox rear shock is great too. But I am keeping an eye on the bolt that connects the shock with the rocker-plates. I've heard they can bend.. Great freeride-bike for those who want to be able to ride all day.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Southwood
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Frame looks as if it should be unbreakable. Good over built chainstays. The best brakes available. Reliable Shimano bits and pieces. Sealed cartridge bearing pivots. Nice 'do -everything' geometry. Bars are great shape. Good hubs. Reliable rear shock. | | Weaknesses: | Ok. I only weigh 58 kilograms, thats around 135 lbs. I do some stupid things on my bike, but nothing ridiculous. I have certainly discovered that this not the 'hard-core' freeride monster I thought it would be. Running a 450 lbs spring, I have had nothing but problems from the rear suspension. Firstly I bent the stock alloy shock bolt - no big deal. I just popped in a new one. Next ride it breaks - twisting (!!) the left linkage plate! Kona couldn't get me spares.....After straightening the plate, I put in a cromoly bolt. It bent. So did the next one.....
As far as I can ascertain, all these problems have been a result of a poorly designed shock mounting system. Seriously, how are two flexy pieces of soft alloy, pressed into the shock bush meant to effectively drive the shock? Anyhow, I have now changed the mount to the same style found on Intense bikes ie. a one piece steel shaft with a steel bolt running through it. Hopefully this will put an end to the dramas.
My second major gripe is that at present my bike is bottom bracketless and forkless - both broke.... A five foot drop, killed them!!!! Five feet!!! Hardly a fat drop by anyone's standards. The b/b spindle broke (leaving me with purple balls after some serious sack whack!) and the fork brace cracked the whole way through!!!
Now I'm bikeless while I wait for the warranty to come through.
I have a couple of other minor probs. Nothing too serious (c/rings bending under load, slack factory wheels, dodgy tyres). | | Similar Products Used: | Lots. I work in a bike shop. | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/ Azonic Shorty stem and Intense tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Kona make great bikes. They just need sort out a few kinks with the rear end. Marzocchi also make great forks, the best in my opinion, but the Mg 'M' arch really needs revising. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Paul, Mn.
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Murphy-Hanrehan | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | NOW Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame/Suspension setup perfect for light (145lb.) rider like me. | | Weaknesses: | Front der. screwed up easily (but also easily fixed) .... Worried about LX part durability.
I'm not sure if this is a WEAKNESS, but I can't take my eye off this bike, for fear that it'll disappear...get insurance, don't leave it alone unless it's in your house. Seems like everyone wants a Stinky, so don't let 'em get yours.... | | Similar Products Used: | ... | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full squish bike, coming off a 97 GT Timberline with no suspension at all. How can I be anything but ecstatic? Until it breaks or I severely injure myself, I can't help but think this is the best urban/DH/all-around bike I could buy...I just wish I could ride it as my daily commuter too!
Since it was about $1000 off, this stinky gets 5 flamin' turds for value as well as overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a Weekend Warrior
from Coral Springs FL USA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | outback@markam | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Jim's | | Strengths: | Build Quality - Designed to last. Very efficient and soooo much fun too ride!! | | Weaknesses: | Weight - IF you only read the specs and never ride the bike!! | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept/Mantra,Cannondale Jekyll,Schwinn Homegrown 4 banger | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock with beautiful Rasta Paint | | Bottom Line: | Listen - I have ridden some light bikes. This bike is the most fun I have ever had on two wheels. If you race cross country and like to rebuild your bike once a week you won't like this one. For everyone else this is the Perfect all around bike. I can climb well and rip through technical sections on this bike and when you step on it look out! This bike hauls.....it is constructed so well that the stiffness translates in maximum efficeincy from every pedal stroke. Drop offs? What drop offs? 5" front and rear travel soak em up! Jumps? I can't take them fast or high enough!! I have not bottomed this bike out yet and I weigh around 180lbs. What I have done is posted my fastest lap times ever on my favorite trail and had MAX fun doing it. Don't take my word...RIDE IT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick
a
from bellingham
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | woodlot gold | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR | | Strengths: | Great stiffness in the rear end, good componet mix, the name, beefy construction. Built for an extremely aggresive trail rider | | Weaknesses: | bottoms out to easily, not progressive enough in the back, chain slaps in the back, kind of flexy up front. Not quite an extreme "freeride bike" | | Similar Products Used: | Big hit, bullit, rm6, vps launch, shore | | Bike Setup: | stock sinky deluxe preproduction with two bash guards up front around the middle ring and no front derailure | | Bottom Line: | Mine is basicaly last years sinky 5 with this years paint job. This means that it was made before they shortened the link plate, beefed up the swing arm, and added a few gussets. I haven't been able to tell the difference between mine and the new one aside from the deraileur hitting the chain stays. All things considered, it's a good bike that was talked up a little to much. It could be made great with a little more travel and some better engineering of the back end. Looks like kona is going in the right direction with the stinky 6. Rode one of those the other day and felt an extreme difference. But $1600 for a month old stinky deluxe isn't that bad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Brown
a Racer
from Malden, MA USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Strengths: | Great suspension design, excellent geometry for New England riding. Short wheelbase for sweet slow-technical handling. Made to drop and jump, very confidence inspiring. Perfect geometry for big drops and hucks. Can easily do manuals. Climbs surprisingly well! | | Weaknesses: | Stock spring setup way too plush- I am about 165lbs and bottomed the thing out on a 4' drop, and on steep rollers. Stiffer springs should solve this. Weak chainrings, bend the middle ring after a day of riding- Raceface is sending me a brand new one- great support! High speed handling is a little sketchy, steep headangle... Longer travel fork will solve this. Wheels suck- all spokes loosened up on the first ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR DH, Giant AC1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now- upgrading springs, and getting a blackspire chainguard to replace the big ring. 8" front rotor. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is all around an excellent piece of machinery. I am riding much smoother with this rig- The climbs aren't bad at all, as long as you stay seated. Drops are easy, the rear just drops in perfectly. High speed hucks are a breeze as well. Overall, a great bike. Could have been spec'ed a bit better, but it is was a great deal for the money. Perfect for east coast riding- great technical bike!
I would definately recommend this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ERIC B.
a Racer
from NORTHRIDGE CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 TREES, TO THE VERY TOP!! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1857.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GREAT DEAL BRAND NEW | | Strengths: | EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | NONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WEIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | SPEC.BIG HIT, NORCO VPS-1, SC BULLIT | | Bike Setup: | STOCK, EXEPT 8" DISK ROTOR, MED. SPRINGS IN FORK | | Bottom Line: | GET THE FREAKIN' BIKE!!!!! YOU CAN TAKE THE BIKE ANYWHERE. I LIKE DOIN' URBAN STUFF AND BIG DROPS, THIS BIKE DOES IT ALL, GGOOO GGEEEEETTTT IIIIITTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ERIC B.
a Racer
from NORTHRIDGE CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 TREES, TO THE VERY TOP!! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1857.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GREAT DEAL BRAND NEW | | Strengths: | EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | NONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WEIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | SPEC.BIG HIT, NORCO VPS-1, SC BULLIT | | Bike Setup: | STOCK, EXEPT 8" DISK ROTOR, MED. SPRINGS IN FORK | | Bottom Line: | GET THE FREAKIN' BIKE!!!!! YOU CAN TAKE THE BIKE ANYWHERE. I LIKE DOIN' URBAN STUFF AND BIG DROPS, THIS BIKE DOES IT ALL, GGOOO GGEEEEETTTT IIIIITTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ferris
a
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Telegraph in Durango | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | Stiff laterally and soaks up whatever you throw at it. Quality fork, shock and components; even the house Kona bar and stem are great. And of course, the bright rasta paint job. | | Weaknesses: | If I had to say there was one it would be the weight but this kind of bike need to be burly. The Tioga tires are sub par and the RF Prodigy cranks are only OK (i.e. they're not LP or NorthShore cranks and the original RF rings)For the money though I'd still rather have these than Shimano cranks and rings. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Mokomoko, Santa Cruz Bullit, Rocky Mountain Slayer | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Rhyno Lite rims Maxxis MoFo DH tires and Oury grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a dream to ride. I was really nervous about the weight when buying but I've yet to find a trail or section I've riden before that I'm not able to ride now with the Stinky. My regular riding partners aren't leaving me in the dust now and I was on a Kona Mokomoko before at about 27 pounds.
The stiffness of the 20 mm fork and super burly rear section is the best on off camber sections and super rocky sections that used to flex and throw my past rides around.
The suspension is dialed in and has already given me more confidence in my ability to take the big stuff. Urban riding with stairs has never been so smooth!
The only thing I'm left wanting is perhaps the Z1 up front with a little more adjustability and the ECC for climbs but I haven't had a chance to try the ECC except for test rides.
My rear rim was done after the second ride so I don't know what I think of the Mavic 519s but the Rhyno Lite has been bombproof in the past so that's on now.
Don't hesitate because of the weight, you won't feel it if you're having fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from St.Louis,Mo.
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | CHUBB | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Touring Cyclist | | Strengths: | This set up is tough! Race Face cranks really deliver. Marzocchi fork with QR 20 axle. The frame is super stiff, and the travel is better than most!! | | Weaknesses: | NONE!----Maybe the Tioga tires! | | Similar Products Used: | Lts 2000 ds-Specialized Enduro Pro-GT XCR 1500 | | Bike Setup: | Race Face riser bar/XT/XT-XT cassette/Panracer Pyro rear tire-DH pro front/XT disc hubs, Ryno Lite rims/Lock on grips/THE fenders/KMC chain. | | Bottom Line: | If you are a "larger more AGRESSIVE" rider, THIS IS YOUR MACHINE!! No XC wimps here! It will take anything you dish out. The refined four bar linkage is just wonderful.
It is heavy(mine weighs 36lbs.) but I keep up with all the Sugars and hardtails on the flats and they try too catch up on the rough stuff! The amazing thing about this linkage is when you want to sprint(YEAH!..RIGHT...SPRINT on a 36 lbs. bike!)---It goes like a ducks ass! There is no "bob" You mash and take off like a rocket!! Great components for the price range..and good looks!--EVERYONE will stop and stare!! I've ridden a lot of different bikes--my Kona is the best so far! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Downhiller
from north vancouver,bc,canada
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | cove bike shop | | Strengths: | took for a hour long ride and was amazed at the bikes solid ride. performs awesome on downhills ,rides best of all bikes test ridden uphill. not too squishy like alot of other bikes in this price range yet handles more than extremely well on launches.all the components compliment the bike well(except a few lx parts,lol) if you want a no frills solid,it's well made and made for what you are looking for in this catagory..seriously the buy the thing as they are all just about gone. | | Weaknesses: | lx components are pretty much the only thing and maybe wider pedals as it is a downhill pretty much bike. possibly get the 636 pedals for the spd addition for the odd uphills? | | Similar Products Used: | rm 6
specialized bit hit
rocky mtn and brodie equivilents | | Bike Setup: | will be switching pedals to 636,upgrading all components that are lx to xt.just for the added security and toughness of the xt versus lx,but still a fantastic bike. :) | | Bottom Line: | the bike i actually put a deposit on and pick it up late june.for 3200$ canadian you can't go wrong. i did alot of research and can honestly say that not only for the buck but also konas coolness for their warranty,the fact that the "really" do test their bikes on the "shore",this bike is a must have,end of story.rip down hills, launch off all you can and i am sure, like me , you will be riding a stinky de lux in time for the summer and not be able to wipe that grinning smile off your face! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin McP
a Downhiller
from Ontario CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3199.00 | | Purchased At: | Speed River Guelph | | Strengths: | Super Strong Frame, awesome components, the colour!!! | | Weaknesses: | ummm, SPD pedals? What the hell are they there for on a freeride bike, platform pedals are better!!! | | Similar Products Used: | RM 6
Norco Launch
Kona Stinky
| | Bike Setup: | same as when i got it, but with 8" rotor on front, platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | The best freeride bike out there that can still sorta climb a hill (other than the Stinky Primo)
My old bike, (a Kona Stinky) got run over by a dump truck (yeah, it is pretty depressing to look at, but hey insurance covered, so I got a Dee Lux.
Couldn't go wrong if you buy the bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SXE
a
from Pa
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | Everything, There is nothing week about this bike. | | Weaknesses: | I broke my derailuer hanger in half the third day out on the bike, but that was my fault for hitting a log. The only thing that could be better are the derailuers that you get for the price of the bike. I upgraded them myself though. | | Bike Setup: | stock Stinky deelux except for, xtr rear, xt front, And Easton monkey light handlebar. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great freeride bike. When kona says 5 BIG inches that is what they mean. It feels like more than five inches. This bike jumps like a champ. I was hitting some bmx jumps on it and it just begged for more. It feels more like a beefed up bmx bike with suspension. You can almost feel your balls growing beneath you. I can climb just fine on it, I'll get a seperate bike for cross country riding. My friend got on it and is now selling his motorcycle to get one. This is by far the best feeling bike i have ever been on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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