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Submitted by
Mess
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Makara Peak | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Strength. Looks. Plush kickass travel. Great geometry. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin B-17 (horrible) | | Bike Setup: | Kona Stinky, soon to have 6" Dangerboy plates. 5" 04 DirtJump III's. Formula Cable discs. Alex DX32 + 2.5 High Roller up front, Sun Doublewide 24" + Kenda 2.6 on the back. Hussefelts, chainguide. | | Bottom Line: | This frame kicks ass. With a 24" rear wheel it feels like a trials bike or something, it's that easy to throw around and get off the ground. The geometry is wicked, you can throw silly turns that I couldnt manage on my hardtail. Travel feels nice all the way through, although bottoming out feels a little harsh. Plenty of tire clearance with a 24" wheel.
Looks awesome, works awesome, IS awesome. I should have been riding one of these years ago. Stop thinking about it, go out and get this bike. Inspires confidence, will make you a faster rider. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | AMAZING BIKE!!!I love it. Stiff, sturdy, beefy welds. Whenever I crash I pick up the bike and it doesn't even have a scratch on it. | | Weaknesses: | Not many, sometimes is hard to pedal, but usually is pretty good. | | Similar Products Used: | Bighit, jamis eureka, specialized pseries, | | Bike Setup: | Sherman Flick, F219s, Deore XT hydro disc, hussefelt cranks/stem/bars. deore xt cassette, deore derauilleur, sram chain, kenda bluegroove 2.5 in front specialized roller2.3 in back. | | Bottom Line: | Get this bike! Tough as hell. Awesome to ride on. Am thinking of getting the Dangerboy CNC plates soon to give me 7in in the rear and get a 24 in wheel. Great geometry, holds up to everything you can throw at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Laver
a Downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress forest red route | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords | | Strengths: | Immensely strong, not that heavy,six inch travel perfect for routes where you have to ride to the top before downhilling.Looks awesome.It's a kona | | Weaknesses: | The bolts through the top and bottom of the shock have sheared about three times each, but a better shock solved that. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Mine is a 2003 stinky. It has (deep breath) Marzocchi junior T forks, fox vanilla RC shock, raceface diabolus stem, D321s handbuilt on Blue Hope Big 'un hubs, IRC Kujo DH tyres, XT rear mech,XT cassette, XT shifter,converted to single 36 tooth ring with blackspire chain device,DMR V-12 pedals, blue Hope skewers and seat clamp,Raceface signature DH b/b and raceface Northshore cranks, Hope M4 brakes with custom rotors (205mm and 185mm).I think that's about all i've done! | | Bottom Line: | This bike is just so good. I got run over by a car on it, and it is still as it was that day,nothing broke at all (except me). I can ride XC on it aswell as downhill, freeride,hucking,street everything.It rules.It rocked before i did all the mods,it is miles better now though | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chewy
a Downhiller
from geelong, vic, austrailia
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | pirce (second hand)
sic frame, great rear suspension, no flex. BEEFCAKE | | Weaknesses: | derailer got stuck in the spokes after i had the bike for 3 days, wrecked XT derailer and hanger. if anyone knows how to fix this problem for good, could u please email me.
Z.5 lack adjustment and are on the soft side. paint chips | | Similar Products Used: | giant AC1, my 92' Honda CR125 (12 inches front and back) | | Bike Setup: | truativ chain guide, V12, ditchwith, was XT derailer, | | Bottom Line: | i love it. but this derailer Bullsh@t has me pissed off. sombody pls tell me how to fix it for good. probably the best way is to be in at least 3rd when doing drops and jumps, as i was in 1st and i only did a 180 bunnyhop on an embankment. i cant afford derailers every 3 days. HELP | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor
a Downhiller
from The Bay Area
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Zig Zag | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Bomb proof frame | | Weaknesses: | all components suck: Bars stem crankset wheels shifters derailuers etc. | | Similar Products Used: | stinky dee-lux | | Bike Setup: | 2001 kona frame, 2002 boxxer,sun doublewides laced to ringle 20 mil and xt rear,MRP mini me, king headset, raceface DH cranks,pro-taper bars, azonic shorty stem, Hayes 8 in. brakes,XTR shifter + derailur + casset, WTB tires and seat, ODI grips and Azonic peadals. | | Bottom Line: | The frame is awsome, its super strong and can hold up to anything (12 foot drops). i reccomend to anyone who goes big and has money to fix broken stock parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Courtland Penk
a Downhiller
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything You can go big on! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Shop | | Strengths: | Frame! this thing'll take anything you've got to throw at it! Fox Vanilla R it's like riding on a cloud. | | Weaknesses: | Z5's a little soft but that can be changed. Ditchwitch rims | | Similar Products Used: | giant ac 2,3 specialized big hit | | Bike Setup: | xt shifter, rear derailleur. lx front. 24" Alex DX32 rear rim, maxxis highroller 2.7 (in rear), crossbeam on the bar, Azonic platform pedals, kooka full tooth bash guard in place of the big ring, | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding this thing for about a week and already i can do the 5-6 footers that my other freeriding buds can do it's a great confidence building bike that, with a few changes, can take the worst. If your considering this bike go for it a little extra cash for the upgrades can go a long way!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike F
a Downhiller
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dirty Little Secret | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | got a wicked deal on it used $1100 CDN! | | Strengths: | good frame, some good componenets, has a Vannila R in the rear. | | Weaknesses: | stock componenets are pretty crappy, like a Z5(couldve at least been QR20!), no bash guard, crappy rims, crap pedals, etc. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Norco VPS Buzz | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a 2002 Super-T Pro, XT Hydraulics (Wicked), FUNN Soljam Viper, FUNN Launchpad, MAG30 front rim with QR20 formula hub, new double bolt seatpost, new chain, EnVy bashguard. | | Bottom Line: | You want a good freeride bike and at a good price? get a 2001 Norco VPS Drop, or Buzz, or Stinky. the stinky is a bit of a ripoff if you buy it new, but I was lucky enough to get it for $1100 CDN used in great condition... anyway, good bike, I suggest the dee-lux, but whatever... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
db one
a Weekend Warrior
from Outer Space
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Sick and Steep | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame Geometry/Strength/5&5 suspension | | Weaknesses: | Component Setup>pedals,non-disc brake-c'mon at least throw in mechanical disc. Chainsuck. | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar Comp,Cannondale,Marin Quake 9.0 | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Hydro 8" Rotors/Sun Rhyno Lites w/XT Disc/XTR rear derailluer/Shimano Plaform pedals/the rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | As soon as I rode this bike I knew that it was the ONE. This bike has changed my whole riding style,which is going big and cleaning that impossible line. Not only does this bike smooth out the trail, it allows me the confidence to let my eyes wander and find insane lines, jumps, and stunts that I would normally not see. The 5" Marzocchi gets the job done well and the Vanilla R is like riding on a cloud. This bike has taken its share of jumps and ridiculously technical descents and climbs. I would reccomend this bike to anyone who likes a killer Freeride bike that can still pedal uphill. The only beef I have is the crappy component selection but just ride em' until they break and upgrade accordingly. Otherwise, go big and ride hard because this bike is waiting for the abuse!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mik dou mmmmm
a Downhiller
from usa
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | manymany | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | qwweer | | Strengths: | funny name (stinky). nice paint job! Its not heavy! (If you think its heavy, you never rode a dh bike) | | Weaknesses: | If you buy this bike, you better swap parts right away at the shop so it wont cost you too much to upgrade it. first you should change the tires they are dangerous in my opinion. second, the derailleur spring is to soft so put a chain guide or change for a deore xt. third, get a new seat post that has 2 screw, its a must. 4th change pedals. 5th put some hayes. 6th change the fork. | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | chain guide, new seatpost, new pedals, hayes, z1, michelin ...new rims are next on the list. | | Bottom Line: | its a good downhill/freeride frame but the parts are a little weak. I felt confidence from the beginning and pretty well balanced. Chainstay and cockpit suited for lunching tricks but this make the rear unstable at speed and the problem is amplified by the poor tioga facto sh*t tires. As a result, I was never able to really let go off the brakes and reach speed I was used to with other bikes. I had to put bigger michelin tires with low pressure to make the rear track. Finally, everything came good and I started to take more difficult line in the trails and bigger drops. the frame has taken every hit wihtout problem. My biggest concern his that the stinky has not enough travel for the riding I like. I never felt I had 5 inch! its to stiff! 3 hours downhill, its like rollerblade on rough asphalt. Maybe the frame is to stiff for the kind of travel. I've tried some single pivot since with 5 inch also and I said WOOOOOOO, that is smooth travel. Tell me I'm wrong but kona guys must have noticed that too cause the stinky went to 6 inch travel in 2002. But, this design comes at a cost: probably higher bb, longer chainstay, heavier weight. I'm not sure they will make a killer by changing a bike everyone his in love with! Oh, sorry I forgot to tell that its a great bike. Kona, just give me more rear travel and stability, without changing the chainstay and... :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ssuperd
a Weekend Warrior
from MA
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | The Stinky5 frame is bombproof,good parts in stock form for the money | | Weaknesses: | The Sun DitchWitch wheels are going to fail miserably,the Bomber Z5 sucks its so soft and bottoms easily | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Sinky5,A.T.C. Terrex 7",Azonic Shorty,Easton EA70,King,XT,
Race Face cranks,24" DoubleWides | | Bottom Line: | I have changed my bike very much from stock form but most of
us freeriders do.This bike is awesome,it gives you so much confidence.But it makes you progress more than the stock parts can handle.So when you break something replace with something better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael viscovich
a Weekend Warrior
from copenhagen, denmark
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the danish sweitzerland | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | umea, sweden | | Strengths: | frame geometry. I my point of view it is a true freeride bike. Fine for biking uphill and is really confident going downhill. It feels stiff (size small) after landing jumps. tires good size. rims are ok. fork are still working well but are getting a dj1 for the stiffness now. good price. | | Weaknesses: | bb destroyed after 2 month. truvativ crank bend after 5 month. seat post clam useless. rims get spft after a while with tough riding. drop bend if a piece of wood is smiling to it... | | Similar Products Used: | stinky primo, | | Bike Setup: | marz DJ1, DMR crank, mavic 321D rims, hayes disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | definitely worth the buy and then upgrade the things that you find out is not worth keeing.
the bike is no problem going uphill compared to a lot of other bikes and still is really solid on landing jumps. There are probably better bikes like GT i-drive for going uphill but downhill and landing jumps the a miles from the stinky. for sure there are also better downhill bikes but those won't let you crawl uphill. Well balanced geometry. It is my 1. freeride bike, which doesn't give me a lot of experience with other bikes but when I go biking with others the stinky does best the job that I want it to: pure freeriding.
a bike to trust, which says a lot.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex ......
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney,Australia
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | URban | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop | | Strengths: | the look,
and almost everythin | | Weaknesses: | rear deraliieur hanger snapped 5 times, ended up gettin a road mech and a phater dropout | | Bike Setup: | 2001 kona stinky, 2002 marzocchi jr T's (7 inchs) front hayes hyrdraulic, azonic double wall bars, odi lock ons, DMR V8 pedals, the bike is set up damn well for free ride also drops | | Bottom Line: | great bike upgrade the pedals
and you have ur self a perfect bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Custom Stinky
a Downhiller
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Coupe du monde@Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | DM Cyclo Sport, Bromont | | Strengths: | Frame is super strong. plates can be switched out for longer ones. | | Weaknesses: | Tires and Rims if you are an agresive rider | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | I had a friend make custom plates for the back giving me 8" w/a fox RC. 2001 rock shox boxxer, Mr Dirt Gizmo Chainguide. Hayes Hydraulic disc brakes(8", 6") Mavic 321 disc rims w/intense hubs. Azonic shorty stem, Answer pro taper, XTR derailleur. Race Face North shore splined, Titec seat post. | | Bottom Line: | My ride is an exception to the Stinky, I rode it a bit when it was stock and it was great. but i am a very aggressive rider that used this bike for competitions. It's great for free ride, but like most of the people I know that rode 2001 Kona Stinky's the disc Brake boses will snap of. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
commander robot
a
from BROOKLYN
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | hudson river | | Strengths: | burly beefy welds, core frame is banging, plates are bombproof | | Weaknesses: | 1.CHAIN SUCK, get rid of the triple and get a chainguide.
2.rear hub blew out fast, wheelset+tires are weak. get a new wheelset, these tiogas tend to lose it in tight turns.
3.z5 fork with stupid M arch. swap it out to enjoy this bike fully | | Bike Setup: | z1 cr
blackspire chainguide w/42
*new wheel set pending | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks ass.
but needs a few modifications due to the low price point
get rid of the triple chainring, get a single.
the wheelset is ok, but the rear hub is doodoo. id suggest a new wheelset.
this bike will take whatever you throw at it. its got a deep 5" in the back, and is a great bike for riders looking to up the ante, XC, DH, freeride all in one..
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty Lane
a Weekend Warrior
from Chico, California, USA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bidwell Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Pullins Cyclery, Chico, Calif. | | Strengths: | The 2001 closeout price is the greatest strength. Stinky floats over anything. Instead of watching the trail, you can let your mind wander while enjoying the scenery for a change. Those rocks and dropoffs just don't matter anymore. Stinky is the ulimate thrill ride/fun bike. | | Weaknesses: | The parts spec keeps the price down, so any change to that would weaken the greatest strength -- affordability. The low cost parts, like the plastic Alivio shifters and Deore rear mech, work flawlessly, and changing them out for lighter more expensive parts wouldn't make sense anyway on a bike that is meant to be heavy. One thing worth a change, though, is the brakes. The Avid Arch Rivals are good stoppers, but a bike like this begs for hydraulic disks. Others have mentioned the Tiogo DH tires as a weakness. I've notice the tires drift easily at speed on hard pack, but can't decide if this is a weakness or not -- it certainly ups the fun factor ;) | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | All stock, but the parts spec on my Stinky is a bit different than that on the Kona web site. Instead of a Truvativ ISIS crank, mine has a Prodigy taper. | | Bottom Line: | After several years hammering cross country on a hard tail, Stiny demanded immediate change in riding style. Try to ride Stinky like a xc bike, and you'll suffer pain. Stinky invites you to sit back on go easy on the ascents. If you're used to xc hammer fests, Stinky will turn you into a tourist who is out to enjoy the scenery and just have fun for a change. It rewards you with a plush ride as it floats over anything in it's path, and you'll be surprised on the lack of dabs on rocky technical climbs. Not bad for a 30 lb bike that seats you in an upright position. As for descents, there's one word and that word is Cowabunga! Bottom line: Stinky is a fun/play bike for riders who want to forget about things like carbo loading and keeping your heart rate in the zone, but want to get back the the reason why you started riding bike to begin with -- to have fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam
a Downhiller
from oneonta ny usa
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | my own | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | very strong frame so far no problems. good handeling plush rear suspensionpeddels good. lands well. | | Weaknesses: | the crappy derailleur hangers i've gone thur them left and right. i don't mind them braking that minor, but when the deraillur goes into the spokes and bends rims and chains this last time it happened it broke the deraillur in half. the stock seat post is also on the crappy side. | | Similar Products Used: | trek vrx 400 they are sh!t | | Bike Setup: | 01 stinky mr dirt white bros dh3 fork hayes f&r 3.0 gazza frt 2.6 kenda rear shimano dx pedel honda cr 80 dirt bike bars odyssey seat, every thing else is stock | | Bottom Line: | the bike is a very good handeling ride and for the price is a good starter bike for some who wants to get into dh or free ride. it also worked ok as a cross country bike as a 24 speed if you can afford a stinky deelux when buying a bike do it just because the compontents are better but if you can't you will still have a very well built bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter
a Downhiller
from london
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | mt killington, VT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | toys'r'us | | Strengths: | i found the grips are very strong. i also like the reflectors on the wheels. they kept me safe at night time :) | | Weaknesses: | i think that the head tube is a bit thin... mine came with a crack down the weld of the shock mount. is this normal? so far it has only broken 12 times. i am now a very good friend with steve... the welder. and tracy... the doctor. | | Similar Products Used: | my maroon & rusted pedal and pop motor bike (3000cc) | | Bike Setup: | all 1989 XT | | Bottom Line: | i like it is is a nice colour. but the wheels are too big to fit into my back seat of my Fiat Punto. this sux :( | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Montreal, Quebec
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Coupe du monde @Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bromont | | Strengths: | Tis bike is great some of the parts are lower end but you can always upgrade them | | Weaknesses: | Tires and rims were the first to go I destroyed them. Seat post is the worst thing i ever tried | | Similar Products Used: | none this good | | Bike Setup: | 2001 boxer, Mr dirt Gizmo chain guide, D521 rims Hayes Hydraulic dual 8" rotors travel kit for 6.5 inches in back XTR derailleur, Titec seat post, Pro taper Bar, race face stem, Fox RC. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is greatthe way i have it set up it's more of a downhill bike. if you can get a good deal on one go for it you won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
VonRocK
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alta. Canada
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | cox hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow Cycle | | Strengths: | Every thing about this bike is good. It is a different style of riding than my old hardtail. Once you get used to it, it climbs better than my hard tail. The tires and suspension stick you to the trail. I ride the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mtns. in Canada, and that means big climbs and SICK downhills. I couldnt have done better than to have bought this bike. I fly past my riding friends downhill. They can't keep up, but i can still make every climb that they do. GET STINKY-fied | | Weaknesses: | None. Let the bike pick a line and hang on for the ride!! | | Similar Products Used: | there is no simular product at this value | | Bike Setup: | Basic Stink right out of the box. Nothing needed to be done. The shop put it together well and I've abused it ever since. | | Bottom Line: | I am so glad my friend talked me into going full suspension. I'm so glad i chose the Stinky. I will ride this bike for a long long time. Get one. Get one now.
Your riding experience will improve greatly. SQUISH is the way to go, and Kona has the sh!t with the Stink. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Downhiller
from GP
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | I had purchased only the frame, but from what I have done on it, the bike can go bigger than my body can take. Color(very cool), location of cables, strength | | Weaknesses: | i have noticed that my chain is grinding the paint right next to the chainstay(underneath) | | Similar Products Used: | Cr@ppy i-drive | | Bike Setup: | Hayes hydros(FR/R), 01 SuperT, Mavic 321d(super strong) everything else is gonna get replaced | | Bottom Line: | I can see alot of potential with this frame. looking into buying betd rocker arms and upgrading to 6inches, and either a monster T, or Shiver. even though I didnt purchase the bike stock, the frame is the strongest i have come across(tried). if you have an I-drive, sell it, burry it and get yourself a real bike.
If you have an option for size go nice and small, very easy to maneuver, you can drop your seat very low, and can fit it in the trunk of your car(not that I have one, but you can) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie, Pennsylvania, United States
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$528.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels Bike Shop | | Strengths: | In my eyes, this bike shines in every aspect. If Fox ever needs an every day mountain biker to sell their products, I hope they will choose me; that Fox Vanilla R is just incredible! | | Weaknesses: | Chain flopping around, tires work better for me now that I have got used to what gear to use when, but have definitley been checking out different tires for it | | Bike Setup: | STock | | Bottom Line: | It has been said time and time again, but this bike just instills so much confidence it is unbelievable. Yesterday, I rode some of the most technical downhill sections I ever have and just can't believe how well it handled it. I am becoming the rider I always wanted to be, someone who conquers everything he rides. I'm impressed with how it climbs, and the extra weight just means an extra workout for you which leads to a big pluss fitness wise. I am so pleased with this purchase! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
no matter
a Downhiller
from ew
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This bike is a great one, just read all the reviews! All strong bike. Its at the local shop now for some tuning so I decided to write some toughts about the bike to share with others. | | Weaknesses: | pedal as little grip (many complains on that but I didn't really notice, probably my shoes are excellent). The tires are dangerous, and I've crashed hard 2 times when riding on loose rocks. Hopefully I'm fully harmored. the big square knobs on the side of the tioga tires sometimes makes it bounce to the side badly. I've talked to a racer and he told me the exact same thing even before I asked him. He had some tioga and changed them right away. It took me more than a month to do that and I almost broke myself. The seat post is to replace, you will need a chainguide with a small chainring because a big one wont fit. Of course you dont need the chainguide if your not a downhiller! Also, the rear hub became loose after 3 weeks, not kona's fault.I think the rear shock is to hard, had anyone ever bottomed it? I'm 195 pounds and never felt the bottom of that shock (155 pound coil I think) the coil on the 18 inch frame. | | Similar Products Used: | many | | Bike Setup: | my bike shop had swap the z-5 with a psylo sl almost for free so I didnt complain :) since I think its a little better and has much more adjustement including an on the fly lockup. hayes, chainguide, maxxis 2.7 mobster. | | Bottom Line: | I ve put a lot of weakness but its just to help people who just got the bike or are planning to, to know what to expect. All bikes have weakness and its always loose somewhere when you ride hard. Like the seatbolt on that bike! But aside from normal little details like loose hubs, fault rims, the bike shows no weakness. So I want to make that clear. Its the best bike I ever rode on and I've tried some monster bikes, GT Dhi, Balfa BB7, marin team, santa super 8... Why? because its an agile bike, not the one that will make you go the fastest but the one that will make you almost stop in front of a drop pull a wheelie and drop it with style on the rear wheel. Just notice how many riders do some tricks in the parking lot (many) and how many do some tricks in the technical steep trail (almost none). So if you downhill and dont race, its a great bike that gives you the north shore mind without asking you. It wants its own way of going downhill. Not to fast but always ready for a quick maneuver. In the freeride-downhill not to expensive range of bike, this the first choice. Its low-profile, sometime it gets people to think you downhill on an xc bike, and they think you are crazy or something. Its been at the shop only a few days and I miss it already, my spare bike wants to throw me over the handlebars, a problem you dont have with the stinky. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hoohaa hha
a Downhiller
from a cardboard box
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | here | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Weaknesses: | 3 fuk@n dropouts have snapped in the last week, and this is goin off dirt jumps, the bike is not good for dirt jumpin
the bolt on the seat snapped, too much chain suck, dropouts suck | | Bottom Line: | dropouts are crap | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gaoo
a
from quebec
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | price!, hayes disc option, beefy and solid frame, fox shock, DH crank | | Weaknesses: | seatpost clamp always looses, cheap wheelset, shifter works ok but alivio sound cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX 400 | | Bike Setup: | RockShox Psylo SL, Mavic D321 disc rims w/XT hubs,Michelin 2.8 front, 2.5 rear, XT rear derailleur, new seatpost | | Bottom Line: | With some modifications, this bike is a true performer. Hayes discs very usefull on downhill, can make 4 feet drop w/out bottoming shocks. I personnaly prefer the Psylo instead of the Z5, because on a better performance and feeling. I recommand you to change the rear derailleur (Deore) for XT because Deore's springs are too soft, so the derailleur always hurt the frame.
I bought this bike because I know Kona have a good reputation for strong frames; so the Stinky is a pure Kona. Very funny to ride, can take A LOT OF abuse and at is best on freeride. Not a good climber, not for XC, just for hard riding.
Kona rulez | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Evans
a Weekend Warrior
from Ypsi MI
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | hillbilly trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | roll models | | Strengths: | best full on bike ive ever rode. grows you big balls. butter smooth | | Weaknesses: | havent found one | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-drive and LTS kona beats them all ! | | Bike Setup: | stock 2001 spiecal edtion color Hwian dirt. yeah thats right,someone had to get it. | | Bottom Line: | Kona has more soul. they bild this bike for fun,its not a race wennie ride.The big fat tires grab everything. I like to ride chunky tech single track and this bike crys to be thrashed past your limit.get one it rocks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dallco
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | lots | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zone | | Strengths: | ~~~$2000 Canadian~~~
Sweat a** bike. And this site is f*cked up it comes with Z.5s | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Bike Setup: | factory Z.5 Bomber,Fox Vanilla R,Tioga tires,sun rims ditch Witch,avide brakes, ect | | Bottom Line: | Sweat bike buy 1 now !!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor Ellis
a Racer
from West Linn Oregon usa
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | shotgun creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Fat Tire farm | | Strengths: | the strength of the frame nice cranks and bottom bracket good price | | Weaknesses: | chain suck and chiping teeth on my outer chain ring not to mention the chiping paint
| | Similar Products Used: | santacruz bullet | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Jr.T, mrp world cup chainguide only using the middle ring, hayes hydrolic disks, nokien gazzalodi dual slalom rear 2.1 inch gazzalodi Jr. in the front 2.5 inch, mountain speed 450 pound spring in the rear, azonic shorty stem | | Bottom Line: | i race downhill with it and love it but i am 5.2 and 105 pounds and the way i have it its really heavy ,42 pounds. But its a great value | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lachlan
a Racer
from Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mollinos 2, Horsenell's Gully | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Standish Cycles Unley | | Strengths: | -Last word in frame strength
-5 inches of silky smooth progressive travel without a trace of flex
-Smart component spec to keep price down and performance up
-razor sharp cornering, fast yet controllable turn-in
-disc ready
-awesome looking bike with glow-in-the-dark grips | | Weaknesses: | Pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountain rm6, specialised fsr enduro pro, specialised fsr big hit, kona stab, cannondale jekyll, craftworks dhr, kona stinky dee-lux. | | Bike Setup: | hayes discs, shimano pd-m646 | | Bottom Line: | Strong, fast, awesome handler. I've even started riding it in place of my hardtail on xc rides. Get some better pedals, spd or platforms, and you're ready to go. You won't believe the ride. It's the most confidence inspiring bike i've ever owned. It can climb (slowly), jump, drop and descend like only a kona can. I've had more fun on my stinky than any other bike, and isn't that what mtb'ing is all about.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brant Eichfuss
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Moab, Utah in general | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Gears, Mississauga | | Strengths: | -Beefy for intended purpose. Frame makes it worthwhile to keep & upgrade.
-Not too heavy, can still use for technical XC rides unlike some of the heavier freeride bikes.
-5" plush feeling travel front & rear.
-Hayes brakes are amazing.
-bearings, not lame plastic bushings.
-overall stable handling and good balance.
-gets lots of looks from everyone with the sexy paint job. -It still looks like a bike, not like some of the weird sci-fi looking FS bikes you see a lot of now. | | Weaknesses: | -paint chips more easily than any bike I've owned.
-slippery stock platform pedals are dangerous. Replace these immediately!
-enormous chainstays make chain clearances tight, especially when running a chainstay protector pad. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler: (too pricey, more big-hit oriented and heavy), Norco 'Shore (pricey, too specialized and heavy), Drop & Buzz (I dislike grip shift and plastic bushings), Rocky Mountain Reaper, Edge (less travel and bushings, don't like gripshift)& Spice (too XC), Specialized Enduro (not really a freeriding bike), Mountain Cycles (pricey and bizzare looking. Frame interferes with my pedaling motion!), Cannondales (feeble freeriding reputation & proprietary shocks), K2, Treks, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Ringle ZuZu platform pedals, Hayes hydraulic brake option, massive shorty Funn Henchman stem + Funn oversize riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best in it's class. I have to say that this bike has improved my confidence on the trail immensely. Coming from 10+ years on hardtail XC bikes, this has opened up so many more doors. I routinely try things now that I would have avoided completely on my hardtail Klein. I bought this bike a size small, so it feels very manoeverable-like a monster BMX bike that you can run over trucks with. This bike will allow you to do the odd DH run with, but also lots of crazy stunts, drops and jumps, as well as technical XC as long as there aren't too many huge or long climbs. Very versatile. Great price too-I don't feel so bad when I crash it and scratch it. (Plus I now have money left over for other goodies.) Besides, if you are using these bikes for what they were built for, you will be replacing parts smashed from crashes, not because they wore out, so what's the point of an XTR gruppo? The only thing is that this bike really needs better stock pedals, they are so slippery, I changed them right away and it made a huge difference. Also, for this kind of bike, don't even think about v-brakes: once you start pushing the limits, you will need the disks or you'll get into trouble quickly. Don't let the downsides I listed put you off, they are all minor or correctable flaws. For now, I am planning to buy a large set of DH tires for this thing to swap in for the odd ride. Note: if you're coming from an XC background, with these bikes you *must* buy a good set of arm and leg pads-you'll be needing them when the pedals mince up your legs, or after you miss a landing on the drop offs you will now be wanting to try! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Erie, Pennsylvania, USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$529.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels Bike Shop | | Strengths: | LOVE THE MARZOCCHI FORK AND FOX SHOCK!!!!!!!Combined with the frame, it is a perfect match. Everything feels just right ergonomically, like you are ready to attack anything at a moments notice. | | Weaknesses: | Probably will upgrade rear delrailer to XT soon, wasn't happy with the Tioga tires after first ride, but second ride worked much better. Chain does flop around alot, hasn't fallen off yet, but it sounds like this common amongst all Stinky owners. | | Similar Products Used: | I knew I had to have this when I saw it in the showroom window!
| | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | First of all, I'm no Josh Bender. I"m 31 years old and just started off road biking a couple of years ago after riding atv's for a number of years. I just bought a GT XCR3000 last year and liked it, but had to have the Stinky when my shop started carrying them. In Pennsylvania, there are alot of trails that are extremely technical, and I wanted something that would handle that riding much better. Alot of people have commented how inspiring this bike is, and indeed it is! This weekend I was trying things I had never done on my GT. It just feels so much more stable on downhills and through rougher terrain then the GT. This bike really can be used for anything, it loves single track, bombs downhills, and isn't bad at climbing. It is a bit heavier, but I would rather sacrifice the weight for something built stronger and able to tackle more terrain with ease and gain the benefits fitness wise of riding a heavier bike. I"m up in the air about the tires; after the first ride I was ready to ditch them but the second ride on it was much better. I'm planning on upgrading the rear deraileur to at least an XT. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase and would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a confidence inspiring ride and an awesome suspension package. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PHiLip
a Weekend Warrior
from New York City
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Brooklyn Cycles | | Strengths: | Everything is phat on this bike. Not much to complain about. | | Weaknesses: | The chain comes off sometimes, and the seat comes loose off the seatpost but nothing major | | Similar Products Used: | none(this is my first real mountain bike) | | Bike Setup: | 2001 kona stinky small size. Stock, except might add chane guide. | | Bottom Line: | This is an awsome bike. That is the bottom line. If you want to go trail riding it's great. If you want to ride in a city and do drops and jump steps it's great. I wouldn't recomend it for XC but it climbes fine. I've been riding it everyday since the day i got it and i cant ask for a better bike. Go and get one or test ride one or whatever cause this bike is great.
(Thanks Jadyn for the great advice)
P.S. Grips glow in the dark
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
unregistered name
a Downhiller
from cardboard box
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | i live in a cardboard box | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | bike addiction | | Strengths: | colour
avid brakes
hussafelt cranks | | Weaknesses: | chain suck
of the bolt on the seat is loose it bends, it happened to me the bike shop had to cut offf the seat wit a hacksaw coz the bolt was so bent | | Similar Products Used: | 99' giant atx 840 | | Bike Setup: | blackspire ds-1 chain guide
azonic shorty stem and azonic double wall | | Bottom Line: | get a chain guide they stop your chain fallin off
and they look sick | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Montvelo.com | | Strengths: | stiff frame, the bike feels alive: nervous and acceleration is awesome for the travel. Easy to wheelie. Balance. | | Weaknesses: | I think that the rear suspension is two progrssive but that a strenght for jumping and droping. 1 scew to fix the seat! (this will break for sur if you are more than 175 pounds and set the seat aft for steep downhill). | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Beast upgraded (my second bike), Balfa BB7/MonsterT tried for downhill= awesome but to expansive for me), Marin wildcatTrail (just tried a few minutes), Norco's, GT's... | | Bike Setup: | rock shox psylo SL (all those forks will be recalled by rock shox soon to fix a common problem: beside that its a fork I would compare with the z1, so dont be scared with reliability problem those forks had, its to be fixed for free in 3 weeks), Hayes hydro, Blackspire chainguide, tioga dh seat and 2 screw seat post | | Bottom Line: | I thought I would not feel the trail with a 4 pivot design, wrong: I feel even more than on my single pivot. My second bike also has 5 inch front and rear, bigger tires and I've been trough some stuff at my first try on stinky bike I did not with my other. Its just you feel balanced. The neutral point in wheelies is very easy to get compared to my other bike (its not time to miss it when going a 5 foot whellie drop), its very stiff frame but I dont think stifness is an issue unless you get a giant or some other scrap. Dont try to match a big downhill bike for speed, you will never, but in technical trails with turns and big rocks and trees, you will follow. The rear spring is correct for my weight but I feel its to stiff and progressive its because the angle changes with compression going to 90 angle=max stiffnes before two third of the travel so I recommend puting the spring at the aft position at the base to put the real progression at the end of the travel. I rode the bike one day downhill but its enough to know what this bike can do cause I know the trails so well and tried them with many bikes. I'd say its the best cornering I've ever tried, the best for jumping, I just tried the world cup dual trail at mont-saint-anne and I felt I had the bike for that even if I am not good at it. And I impresed many when I turned around, locked the fork travel and began to pedal uphill at great speed with a smile on my face! total value bike! Good at everything! I think I will xc soon end look for nice spots to wheelie drop, fun thing when gondola are closed in the evening. Do everything on that bike, its fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jadyn
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashland, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hitt Road | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | Very strong frame and an overall sweet package | | Weaknesses: | Ditch witch rims suck-spokes come loose and rims bend. The seatpost bolts come loose, then your seat falls off while you're riding. That huuuuurrrts! Alivio shifters and deore rear der. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona cinder cone | | Bike Setup: | Avid mech disc brake front, avid arch rival v-brake back, LX front der. deore rear der. Marzocchi Z5 130mm coil fork. Fox vanilla R rear schock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an EXCELLENT ride. I would look no further than the stinky for the amount of bike you get for the price. Before you buy, see if you can switch to some better rims, like the Rhyno Lite or Mammoth, you will be much happier...especially if you like doing drops and stuff like that. Overall, this bike rules. For the amount of money I had to spend, this is by far the best bike I could have chosen. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Devon Millar
a Downhiller
from Morin Heights, Quebec
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Freeride or DH all the way | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle & Sports Paul | | Strengths: | Beefy frame, crazy bike for the price, handles really well on all terrain. Made for riding long and hard, great for urban, freeride, and holds it's own on DH, but it all depends on the rider... | | Weaknesses: | Chain slaps a lot, couldn't fit a tire around chainstay. Chain is annoying and likes to jump off after some DH sections and drops, but not a lot. Could use disc brakes, and a bash gaurd, found out the hard way! Don't need top and bottom chain rings, but it's up to you. Original pedals suck. Don't like the Z-5, not stiff enough and no rebound control! | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Shore, GT, Rocky Mountain, Gary Fisher(s), Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with new Odessy flat pedals, front fender, and chain stay cover thing. Want disc brakes and bash gaurd! | | Bottom Line: | Bike rips! Take it out and ride, sweet for DH, but go with disc brakes, Arch Rivals are ok, but you know you'll stop smooth with some 8" hydraulic Hayes. I don't like the Z-5 that it came with, sure, nice 5" but no rebound control and I find it really soft even at max stiffness. Great for everything, even nice with the jumps. Just ride it, you shouldn't be reading this, why aren't you out riding!!? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Yep thats right
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | dont have one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike addiction | | Strengths: | the frame, its looks ,the brakes but id rather a hayes or deore disc brake on the front. | | Weaknesses: | No chain guide, who needs 3 chain rings
chain suck, after one week i had already chipped alot of paint and even wit inner tubes put around the chain stay there is still alot of suck.
The rear deraieller line thingo always comes out on big drops. | | Similar Products Used: | ive tried, norco 250cc, and the kona roast | | Bike Setup: | well i want a azonic stem, hayes 8 inch @ the front a azonic double wall handlebar, lock on grips, xtr rear deraieller and shifter, 2'6 wide tyre on the front and either a mr dort gizmo chain guide or the truvativ chaon guide with a bash plate, and the azonic pedals or dmr, v 12 's | | Bottom Line: | its great, great lloks gets everyones attention
hate the chain suck
great bike
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Sonora, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Pedaler in Angelscamp Ca. | | Strengths: | Strong, plush frame. Stable feel at speeds. Seems to accelerate well for a heavy bike. Major components are beefy (also heavy)and can hold up to abuse (rims, frame,Z5,bars,stem,etc.). Price is right. $1800 included Hayes disk brakes | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck stands out big time!! I've mangled several chains already. Also rear deraller cable/housing pops out during full compression and possible to fast of down shifting.I believe both of these problems are fixable with a little crafty zip tie work. Z5 lacks adjustability. Deore components will be happily replaced with XT or better once they break the rest of the way. | | Similar Products Used: | Joker,dee-lux,Isis,Bullit | | Bike Setup: | Z1 QR20, Mavic X319, Intense sticky 2.3(Fr),Kujo 2.25(Rr) | | Bottom Line: | Overall, I've really enjoyed the bike. Once I can keep the chain and deraller cable in place I'll be much happier with the bike. The Fr. and Rr suspension work very well together. And the price is right. My goal for this bike is to get the weight close to the 30 lb mark without sacrificing to much strength(I run the stock sun rims with intence tires for the downhills)since I use this bibe for cross country riding as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duke
a Weekend Warrior
from Burnaby
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | river runs through it | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Price, for what you get. Solid, solid frame. Great components. I went with the hydraulic brakes. Don't use anything else. This bike deserves hydraulics and so do you in the long run. Very limited bob on the way up and on the way down...all I can say is weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
The color rocks too, electric banana I think. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals and tires. Upgrade! I went with the Maxxis high rollers for few dollars more. Well worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Buzz or Drop, but none of these compare! | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/hayes hydraulics, and maxxis high rollers. | | Bottom Line: | You have to be serious to get into this bike and once you are in you are in for some excalibur riding. I have only ridden it four times but can't wait to go again and again and again. Plush riding with virtually no bob at all. Front and rear shocks are perfect. One thing for sure, hold on tight because she is a sweet, sweet ride.
I had to give it five Don King's on both ratings because Kona makes a very nice ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Le MaxSacreur
a Downhiller
from QUEBEC
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the one that goes down,you know with the cliff and the 30 ft gaps | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Le Yeti | | Strengths: | the frame, the rear triangle and all the way the shock parts works | | Weaknesses: | paint at the lower point | | Similar Products Used: | norco launch, RM pipeline, devinci north shore series | | Bike Setup: | hayes full hydrau. clipless platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | First time I rode it I had a weird feeling in my pants!
This bike is sick! Just enough stiff, it's gonna handle anything as well if you're going more than 40 km/h!
Wanna impress, wanna go big, wanna go fast, don't have many cash ? this bike for YOU. Try to get QR20 up front for a better ride!
P.S. To the fake bender and matt: having an adrenalin rush while riding is good but not if you're at your first ride ever! So try keep it cool lil kids | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blue Stinky Dog
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Plattekill -NY | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Hudson river Cycle | | Strengths: | where to begin: A) The frame - stiff but flexible, holds it all together. slim in the width, long in the depth. Nice balance between the wheels, a little on the heavy side (30 + lbs) .You won't win any uphill battles with this rig. You get this bike going DH, you better have good forearm muscles to hold on with. the frame won't let you down. What you lack on the uphill,you'll certainly make it up on the way down. (you'll get over the stigmatism of walking your bike) The color : everyone sees you coming down the mtn or down the street. B) The shocks - Marzocchi's Z.5 absorbs everything in the front. ( i mean everything) Fox race in the rear holds the tire to the ground. great traction. 4-5" of travel in both systems. your knees and elbows will thank you.
one word overall - plush. no bob , no harry .(joke.) riding on gravel, mud, rocks, mulch, small streams, washed out areas, tree roots, even road work. (easier to get back to the top on some trails.) the shocks let you put your whole leg into the pedalling, you won't lose any power on the up or the down. The tires are Tigoa 2.1" with ditch witch rims ,a good combination like pastrami on rye. C) the disc brakes - A must. If you trail blaze through the flora and are a mud dog, you appreciate a good hard stop when you need to. One good wrench on these puppies and you stick, so you end up not using them as much, thus you accelate quicker ,therefore the reasoning for mtn biking. class dismissed. Now come back- to fullfill my obligation ( i just read the bottom requirement) I'm a 6'3 225 lb active rider. I've been riding a GT hardtail for the past 7 yrs with the occassional dualie rental (love the GT) NOW LOVE THE KONA. this bike is like riding a motorcross bike crossed with a harley. it just screams to be ridden hard :) enjoy. | | Weaknesses: | two main points: A- the seat post ring collar, a 59 cent plastic piece broke within the fourth ride. B- chainsuck
to a minor point, the paint chips too easy and as an indirect result from buying the bike is the increased budget for full armour protection. expect to buy everthing from the shins to the shoulders. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing comes close to similiar, compared to this bike's price range. you'll end up with a XC if you go lower. For a true DH, you need to spend mo' money, mo' money, mo' money. true. peace out.
| | Bike Setup: | stock : the two mentioned shocks, Scram qrip shifts, kona DB handlebars + hayes disc brakes and the new ring collar. probably will upgrade the front derailer. everthing in it's time. | | Bottom Line: | Go for it. The bike is everything at this price. yes it's a little high but in the long run... (it 's a good investment for your Dubba tax return.) If you want a good solid bike from an independent manufacturer with good basic components this is for you.
A bonus is if the bike shop you get it from gives you the attention as the one I brought mine from, you'll be giddy with glee.(yes i said giddy :p)
The kona is designed for areas similiar to the North Coast. And on the east coast, that means Upstate NY.
( you did read correctly.) If you enjoy a bike that handles heavy doses of mud and slick down hills with techanical flairs, then this is the bike. now get out and ride ;-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Limp Nizkit
a Downhiller
from West Vancouver, The Shore
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Flying Circus, Groovula and the trail formilely know as Reaper | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Everything. The frame is bombproof. Everything about this bike rulez. Race face stuff | | Weaknesses: | None that i have incountered so far EXCEPT the fact that the tires suck a lot. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Super 8 and bullit.rm6 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Stinky Primo except for Maxxis High Roller tires and race face rock ring | | Bottom Line: | CANNOT BE BROKEN. Person who landed 10 foot to flat is lieing. I did a 11 1/2 stair gap and landed and the bike is fine. approx. 15 foot rock ledge on groovula is simple. If u have the bike review it. Dont lie. Bye if u want to freeride and have a lot of cash | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Burbidge
a Downhiller
from Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Just about anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | CycleSmith | | Strengths: | Its awesome, pedals well, drops better, great spec, disk break ready, flat pedals (crumby one's though), fork, BURLY frame, shock, crnks, Price. Very well balanced | | Weaknesses: | tires, cranks, my fox shock blew up after a week but I got a new one that day. If you drop a chain it can get very stuck, need to zip tie cable housing to lower seat stay or it pops out of its mount after big hits. | | Similar Products Used: | VPS, Roast, whol bunch of stuff | | Bike Setup: | Richey tires, sealed pedals with replacable pins (ouch my poor shins). | | Bottom Line: | GREAT bike, other bikes this good cost a tonne more, the shock wasn't kona's fault so I don't hold it against them. Everyone loves this thing. If you can get one, do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FITZ
a Weekend Warrior
from CANADA eh?
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | About everything.
Price
Components
Frame
Price
Price
Price
Plushness
Price | | Weaknesses: | nothin big. | | Similar Products Used: | stinky dee, vps buzz | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | ***i only took it for a test ride***
This bike kicks ass. i feel like i could go pro on it. Extremely good value. i would give it 6 chilis if i could.
Now, this "matt" kid who wrote a reveiw on it before me is an idiot. The same thing would happen to bender's bike if he went off a 10 footer to flat. what did you think was gonna happen you idiot.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Reynolds
a Downhiller
from Juneau, Alaska
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | some burly mtns I have plans for.. heli! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Gears | | Strengths: | This bike is hella sweet. I think that most everything about it is super burly and can take almost anything. The bomber fork wit 5 inches of travel is sooo plush. | | Weaknesses: | Kona did a pretty good job in building this bike and keeping the price down..but, the pedals suck really bad (wellgo slalom) The other day I took a 6 foot drop to flats on a trail and the pedal bent where it threads into the crank. I would think it would be a bit stronger, but I may be wrong. I'm 5'6" and 135 pounds. | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale super v raven (doesnt even compare) | | Bike Setup: | size small. stock except for THE fenders, soon to have different pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The Kona Stinky is well worth the money. In the first half hour after I got it I was dropping sets of 10 stairs wit no problem. Needs almost no upgrades to be ready for free riding. I am so confident riding this beast. Watch out for the Alaskan free riders! cuz we are gonna go off soon as the snow melts! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dallin
a Weekend Warrior
from Danville, California
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ace Bicycles | | Strengths: | Frame is insanly HUGE AND BEEFY, 5 inch Bomber, Cranks are way beefy and strong! Hayes disc Brakes!! wheels! Kona stem and Handle bar, BASICLY EVERYTHING BUT THE SEATPOST!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost bolt broke | | Similar Products Used: | No bike made to this quality | | Bike Setup: | '01 18" Kona Stinky W/Hayes option | | Bottom Line: | This bike will give you confidence to be a better rider!!! switch the seatpost and your set!!!the frame and everything is incredible!!! and i wont ever go back to hardtail again after riding this bike!!PERFECT FOR DROPS, TECHNICAL TRAILS AND NOT A BAD CLIMBER WHEN REBOUND IS SHUT OFF!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Homo Bo
a Downhiller
from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Muff, Slick and Harry | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ascent Cycle | | Strengths: | -its super plush
-perfact component selection
-the seat is quite comfortable
-built like a tank | | Weaknesses: | -big and small chairing must go
| | Similar Products Used: | nothing compairs | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE THIS BIKE
this is the best fully i have ever rode. its a great deal, considering i got it 350 off its a hell of a deal. ive taken 4 foot drops with ease and im sure it could doubble if not tripple that hight. if your concerned about the weight, dont be its no problem at all. the one small thing that has been troubbling me is that the chain falls off when i take a 3+ foot droop! i think im going to put on a chain guid, unless any of u have a better sudgestion!!
GET THIS BIKE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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