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Submitted by
ride.like.u.got.a.pair
a Downhiller
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | TOP SECRET | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | bought frame only | | Strengths: | the Coiler handles very well, extremely agile and the rear suspension is very active.
the frame is burly the rear triangle has very minimal flex.
| | Weaknesses: | none that I have found yet.
initially I had to modify the bottom shock bolt to enlarge it to a 8mm since it comes stock with a 6mm and I didnt feel that was strong enough. simple enough and not really a weakness, more of a design flaw. | | Similar Products Used: | 09 Stinky Air, Intense M3, Turner Highline, 05 Specialized Big Hit FSR, and many more | | Bike Setup: | I bought the frame and built it up to be able to handle light freeride/dh and more along the lines of aggressive all mountain.
2004 Coiler frame, 2009 Marzocchi 55 ATA w/ TST2, Swinger Air 3X w/ SPV rear shock, Azonic Outlaw wheels, Thomson cockpit with Race Face DH bars, Intense 2.5 tires, Shimano Hollowtech 2 LX cranks (single ring w/ Truvativ Team Boxguide retention system) | | Bottom Line: | ok, I wanted a bike that I could pedal around but still be able to pin on the downhills. this seemed hard to achieve taking into cosideration that I have a bad habbit of beating the crap out of my bikes.
the way I set up the Coiler suspension and the strength of the components I used, proved to be an excellent choice.
bottom line, if you take the time to put a decent front suspension on this bike, the Coiler will be an excellent choice for all levels of riding; beginer to expert.
I have so much fun ridign this bike!!!!
if you do get a Coiler, make sure you put a Marzocchi 55 ATA on it (160mm). | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ajd245246
a Weekend Warrior
from Ramsey, NJ
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Diablo Freeride Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | 2007 Model Purchased | | Strengths: | Tough, durable, if you take care of it, it will take care of you. After owning it for a year I still haven't come across anything I can't hit. Love the rear fox ajustable shock. Hydrolic disk brakes! You will never appreciate them until you have them. | | Weaknesses: | I guess if you want to get technical I could call out the front derailler. That was the only thing i had to get fixed at a bike shop all year. Also i would have liked a quick release front hub, it doesn't make sense that they would have it in the back and not the front. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock except for DH tubes instead of the ones that come with the bike. | | Bottom Line: | I got the bike for a huge discount, it was a 2007 model which I purchased in August of 2008 (used). And I got it for 1200, and i believe the retail price was 1750. Plus the bike was pretty much brand new with no problems, just a stratch here and there but thats normal, THE BOTTOM LINE, I love this bike, you can ride alittle bit of everything from XC to light downhill. I got this as my entry level bike and now theres nothing im afraid to jump or bomb. If you're a beginner or an expierenced biker this will take care of your needs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zmb
a Downhiller
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything at SDF | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Some bike shop in SC | | Strengths: | The frame it's self is very strong...dare I say too strong. I would say that the suspension works very well and can take hits like a champ. | | Weaknesses: | The Drop off 4 is a mess as it will reset after taking a decent drop. The wheel set is weak and I had issues with the rear hub after very little riding. The bike is a tank and is not adept at other styles of riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Other Kona Bikes, Marin attack trail. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 stock | | Bottom Line: | I have a bit of fun on this bike, but I feel that it has a good deal of shortcomings. They really phoned it in when it came to components. The frame is very sturdy and climbs well for a heavy bike with a coilover. I would think that you could build the bike from the frame up and come out with a thrilling rig, but as it is from the factory I would suggest that you keep on shopping. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
konaboy2275
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Pleny at Morzine | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | chainreactioncyles.c | | Strengths: | Frame is strong and reasonably light, suspension works well, lots of size choice. | | Weaknesses: | Forks, hubs. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky, Scott Nitrous 30, 11 diferent GT's (Karakorams, LTS, Avalanche 1.0), On-one Inbred (x2). | | Bike Setup: | Domain 318 forks, hope hubs and mavic rims, xt rear mech lx shifters, Maxxis high rollers, Fsa Gravity bars and stem, occasionally use the DOPE system, Truvativ chain guide. | | Bottom Line: | Love this bike (2007 model), it's a good all rounder that I have used for a week in the Alps (Chatel) doing 60+ miles a day downhill, local DH courses, Fort William - a change of tyres and put the seat up and I can ride up hills in my local woods and do a bit of XC (nearly as fast as my XC Inbred). The only problem I have got is the paint seams to wear / chip easily and the stock forks were a pain to adjust and get right so I swapped them. All the other upgrades have been as bit wore out. Very light too compared to a DH specific bike. I bought the DOPE systme for it too but it doesn't seem to make that much diference and caused the discs to catch a bit so got rid of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B'ham Biker 0000
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | angry monkey fecal matter | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Skagit Cycle | | Strengths: | great all around bike, strong, fits to you as a biker, very diverse | | Weaknesses: | Nothing i can think of. . . | | Similar Products Used: | Kona stinky, trek session 7 | | Bike Setup: | all original stock components besides new grips, pedals, crank arms, derailleur. | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike for a beginer, my first freeride bike, has lasted forever, strong, easy to ride, not much maintenance needed | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Downhiller
from UK Dorset
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Blandford | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Mate | | Strengths: | Strong frame, will last if properly maintained, easily customisable, reasonable all round parts when bought as standard, as expected from Kona. | | Weaknesses: | Definately not an all areas bike, with its rear 5" fox shock that cant handle more than a 4ft drop without bottoming, bike needs serious customisation before handling anything more than your forest cycle ride. Wheels are a little to flimsy when cornering hard and under strain, and fork adjustments seem to lack any relevance.
I ended up selling the frame on after 3 months. | | Similar Products Used: | Orange pattriot, Kona Stinky, Intense M1 | | Bike Setup: | I rode my Coiler, with race face bars, hope 6 pot brakes front and rear, marzocchi 888's front fork, standard fox xc 5" rear shock, mavic super light rim on hope bulb hub with rear spinal disk, profile cranks with titanium axel, v12 DMR pedals, Shmano DXR rear gear mesh, the rest pretty much standard. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom Line is...Good bike if you're looking to ride to work in comfort and great fun if you ride mellow downhill trails with the family, and nothing more than the odd tree root to air over.
Many reviewers love the bike and seem to portray it in an un-faulted light, admitably the frame is extremely well built but the rear shock is hard to upgrade without replacing the existing rear swing arms, and this is most deifinately a neccessary requirement if your a serious rider! If you are looking to incorporate this bike into any kind of DH, just buy its big brother 'Kona Stinky' yet if you keep the riding small, local and controlled you'll be exstatic with the purcahse of your new Kona Coiler, and thats a promise! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex55
a Downhiller
from Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The boulevard | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Winter Park rental s | | Strengths: | Extremely strong
Not to incredibly heavy
good suspension design (can climb pretty good and can also descend very well)
good component list
This bike can do it all: XC AM FR DH | | Weaknesses: | none that I can find except maybe a little too heavy for long XC rides and climbs. The stock fork (Marzocchi Drop-off IV) isn't great. The shock really isn't very good (Fox van and i'll replace it soon. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, specialized enduro | | Bike Setup: | Garbanzo coiler stock (Race Face DH cranks and bottom Bracket instead of XC stuff), Race Face Atlas duel ring chain guide, Sun single track rims, shimano Deore front derailure and lx rear. Hayes HFX-9 hd breaks. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome. I bought a used rental bike from 2006 for $900. Its in good condition and all the parts on it are great. I can do all my local XC trails on it. I realize i'm not gonna win any XC races on it because its like 35 pounds. That doesn't matter because i really got it to go off jumps and drops. It performs awesome off the biggest jumps and drops that I can hit and the bike makes me feel more confident and more willing to hit bigger features. It is a solid bike and there is no noticeable flex in the frame and I know it will last a long time. 5 chilis for value because I got such a good deal on it. 5 chilis for overall because its such a great all around bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
absolutair
a Downhiller
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Don | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Sweet Petes | | Strengths: | Good Basic Design (Suspension), Stong frame, Light (I don't care what everyone else says - its light), Very Versatile, Simple, Easy to Fix, After 3 years still worth having. Bearings are wicked. | | Weaknesses: | This one is inexcusable (was fixed in 2007): The lower suspension frame connection point (on all Coilers and Stinkys) is a 6mm hole that supports the shock. The Aluminum frame is in direct contact with a threaded stainless steel bolt (which eventually will break). The threads will eventually beat into the frame and widen the whole. After a ton of use, the holes will be too large and the frame (without heavy modification) is toast. I'm guessing after 6 years.
Chain suck is bad with the 2005s (is it still?). The pedal stay pivot point is too close to the granny ring and will bend chains when they come off. chain guide is a must
Detachable fork is no good for freeriding. Replace it with a 20mm axle fork.
| | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Slayer, Rocky Mountain Switch, Gary Fisher Cake, Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Coiler - Stock Except: 08 Magura Wotan, E13 DRS, New Front Hub, MTX Wheel & 8" Disk (for Wotan), Maxxis Minons, New Handles | | Bottom Line: | I haven't seen many long ownership reviews for the Coiler so here goes:
I bought the Coiler as my first downhill freeride bike (that can still cross country) hoping to get one bike that could do everything. Purchased in the dead of winter for a steal it cost 1700 all in. It has delivered way past expectations especially as components are upgraded.
This is not a big mountain downhiller, it is not a light cross country bike, It is a freeride bike that can do large drops, long cross country rides (with energy to spare), skinnies, ladders etc. Don't bother dirt jumping it.
The first 6 months of ownership (Weekend Ontario aggressive Downhilling & lots of cross country) were completely problem free.
Once components loosen up this frame gets better with age and upgrades. If you have one, get rid of the quick release fork, I did this last but should have done it first. The Coiler shines with a 20mm axle and a stronger fork. The first time the chain bounces off and bends, stop and get a chain guide - it will keep happening.
As far as abuse, I have beaten this thing for 3 years. The frame and suspension layout is very strong. I have had big falls with it (dished one rim and bent a front disk). Everything remains tight and true, and I still have the original bearings. I cant say that about any other bike I have owned. If you break this frame it probably isn't the bikes fault.
Overall, if your looking for a bike to get into the freeriding sport with, but still want to do some flat land riding, and not have to pay a fortune, you would be hard pressed to do better.
I have riden bikes with more complex suspension travels, and I can say there is a difference, however, the extent to which the the difference matters is pretty small. The suspension doesnt make the rider.
The reason that this it didn't get the overall 5 chilis was the bolt hole thing (come on guys that should have been sorted out after prototyping), and the fact there are rigs that are better (but they cost 2.5 times). I am at the point of riding progression where I could justify getting a new bike, but really, I cant think of anything concrete that pushes me away from the Coiler.
Strongly recommended | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
g_goyena
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Mayon Volacano trail and Centenial Forerst Trail | | Purchased At: | Ross Bike Shop and K | | Strengths: | Almost a perfect bike except for the weight. | | Weaknesses: | None so far except that it's heavy. . . heavy too (214lbs) :-) | | Similar Products Used: | Haro X6 and SantaCruz Bullit | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Coiler with Fox VanR, Hone Crank, XT all Around, saint caliper, 2008 66RCV 180mm | | Bottom Line: | I use this bike as my all around bike. It can be used for xc though a little bit heavy. a very reliable bike for freeride and trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jonea007
a Downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | le Pleny, Morzine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Paul's Cycles | | Strengths: | Great looking frame, cheap as chips to buy. the hayes HFX-9 are the bee's knees. | | Weaknesses: | The suspension set up on this bike is shockingly bad. the Drop off 4 are a waste of money with no ajustability and the fox vanilla is crap | | Similar Products Used: | Giant reign, Scott Ransom | | Bike Setup: | Stock (plannig top upgrade both shocks to a marzocchi 55 on the front and a fox DHX air 5.0) | | Bottom Line: | its a great bike for a beginner, but i would have expected better components from Kona. it is a good bike to buy and plan to be sspending some dough on upgrading it, and then it will me a good machine. it hadles greas up the climbs as it isn't too heavy, yet it sticks to the ground on DH and freeride trails. it is definately a bike you can use for any terrainn, from 20mile cross country to singletrack and freeride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Niall Hurson
a Downhiller
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Wood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | I got it on E-bay for £500 | | Strengths: | Looks amazing
climbs well
good travel
Brakes ok | | Weaknesses: | Front Shock is rubbish. it tops out like crazy. io took it for a cycle the first day i got it an found it hard to stop boncing every where. Really Really noisy
Heavy, will go up hill but lot more effort needed than my old Giant
need to replace the Stock brake pads, they were terrible, but once changed the brakes work well. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DS Kona Stinky GT 1.0 | | Bottom Line: | will do all the big stuff brilliantly, very fast on the downhill. where i go cycling it is very rocky and bumpy, but the rear shock hardly feels like it.
had to spend a bit of time getting front shocks set up right. i took the two caps off the top of the fork and let out 5 or 6 blasts of air. also could benefit from putting heavier air in the fork.
the wheels buckle easily. i had 1 minor fall and the rear wheel was way out and need trued.
the crankset got buckled too so now i got no top ring.
overall a brilliant bike and well worth the money
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mat
a Racer
from San Luis Obispo, CA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Trinity Cyclery | | Strengths: | soaks up everything you can throw at it, and still climbs decently well for a 6" bike. descends like a monster | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy, ~37lbs | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | all LX components
raceface cranks, 22/32/Bash guard
hayes HFX-9 w/ 7" rotors
Marzocchi Drop-Off IV w/ 150mm
Fox vanilla R
| | Bottom Line: | Love this bike for all-mountain riding, not the fastest up the hill...but it is o-so-fun on the way down :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terri.
a Downhiller
from Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1341.00 | | Purchased At: | River Valley Cycle | | Strengths: | frame seems pretty adaptable to all sorts of riding. Pedals just as good as my hardtail as long as you stay seated. floating brake keeps the suspension from locking out. | | Weaknesses: | None found so far - kind of a pain to keep all the pivots in the rear triangle clean. But that's a fully for you. | | Bike Setup: | Coiler 07 frame with dhx Air and floating brake.
Fox 36 Talas Rc2
Race Face Evolve parts
Juicy 7's
etc. | | Bottom Line: | I like it alot. I had about $1400 to spend on a frame set and I wanted something with short travel. Chose it over quite a few other frames because of the optional floating brake and price. The frame peddles uphill as good as my old ht did, it needs a bit more speed and pump for the dj's. It makes up on the dh and fr though. Smooth as butter and fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Sault Ste Marie
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | velorution | | Strengths: | Fork: dual air with left side coil, plush and smooth
Shock: external rebound, plush and smooth
Frame: light for a 6 inch
Transmission: fast and responsive
Brakes: Responsive and great 2 finger reaction... resonable 1 finger
Rims: strong and disk only
comfort zones: Seat is comfy(comfort zone is great), grips are excellent, pedals are strong
tires: specific for front and back
WARRANTY | | Weaknesses: | Fork: internal rebound
Shock: heavy
Frame: NONE KONA ROCKS
Transmission: on two gears on crank
Brake: one lever came lose but nothing allen keys cant fix
Rims: none
Comfort zones: saddle stich is comming undone (that god for warranty), pedals spikes are dangerous in crash
Tires: none so far
| | Similar Products Used: | None this is a class of its own | | Bike Setup: | Stock 07 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for everything its light and durable. It is highly suggested to all looking for an all-mountain/freeride bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Planchazo
a Weekend Warrior
from Quito-Ecuador
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Infiernillo | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | USA | | Strengths: | Firm, you can trust on your bike at the momment of afford drops and jumps. You can climb wherever you want if you are in good fit, even in XC races, just if it have a good and long descent. Good braking feeling. | | Weaknesses: | 19" frame bike is 38 pounds. Many stock components are crap, so the final price is going to increase. Top tube to high. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS XC 305 02, Jamis Dakar Comp 04 with xtr rims xt cassette and carbon handlebar. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 coiler semi stock, 8" brake disk F., DH tubes, sram 9 shifters and dereailleur, odi lock on grips, DH stem. | | Bottom Line: | I changed from XC racing to FR so I can not compare this FR bike with similar bikes. Definitely is a FR bike, it had afford 9 feet+ drops even to flat with no problem. The minion front tire is good, rear tire is crap, the stem too, I was sick of shimano so I changed to sram and I'm happy until know. The saddle is crap too, baaaad quality rails, uncomfortable (WTB pure V comp). The pedals are loosing continuously pins, when not good grip. MZchi drop off IV and fox vanilla R are simple, resistant-heavy, good progressivety, not many settings, but work as might. This bike necesarily needs 8" disk brakes, at least in front. After customize my bike, I think its a great one! Still I need new pedals and a heavy duty third chainring. Probably a 55 too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from SoFlo
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | South Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Strengths: | Super strong frame thats actually comfortable to ride all day. I'm a freerider and I do 8'+ drops and all kinds of other crazy stunts on this bike on a weekly basis and have had no problems with any of the components. The geometry is very upright and inspires a kind of confidense that you can take on anything that comes your way and the hydraulic brakes are perfect Its somewhat heavy but you can easily out pedal all of the XC'ers on the trail! | | Weaknesses: | The first time I rode it the bolt that holds the rear shock to the frame came loose and almost fell off and the axel bolt came loose while I was deep in the woods on the trail. I think this reflects more on the shop that put the bike together more than the quality of the bike. The chain is complete crap if you ride in wet condtions... instant rust. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Demo 9, Iron Horse Yakuza | | Bottom Line: | Great Freeride Bike. Easy to pedal, easy to fly, easy to land... Enough said | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Road Rash
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Oliver's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Very strong frame, nice upright geometry that gives more control to lift front over technical stuff, can take 5' drops with flat landings like nothing, confident rolling over rough stuff - just point it in a direction and let it go... very stable. Although bike weighs around 37 pounds I'm able to keep up with all the light XC bikes... no need to skirt around stuff with this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Broke front hub axle after about a year of pounding - this seems to be a known weakness with the factory selection. Factory suspension is setup for a 150 pound rider (I'm 185 pounds with gear)... Front fork took some work to get good - had to change out oil to a heavier weight (I think i put in a 15wt motorcycle fork oil-I'm not at home to check) and now fork is plush and doesn't have that top-out noise and super springy feel. Default rear shock spring was undersized, needed to buy a heavy spring from Fox to prevent bottom outs on drops (call fox and they will tell you spring size needed based on weight - cost $25, bike shop might even do it for you). Factory kona grips are cheesy, I rode these till I just about ate thru them, then replaced with ergo-type grips. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 70 | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Coiler, factory stuff aside from the following: changed out seat, tires (to firepro xc's), removed large chainring for bashguard, and cutoff 1.5" from each side of handbar to allow for tighter trail riding (couldn't fit factory bars thru some tight trees and narrow ridges) and there was no need to have such large bars, and replaced grips with some ergo-type. | | Bottom Line: | Great value for the money. One of the few bikes that you can leave all factory parts on and still maintain a comfortable ride without having to upgrade. The front fork is good despite some reviews (takes a bit to setup properly - unless you're a lightweight, you need to swap out fork oil for heavy weight oil to stop top out noise and over springyness) Large chain ring is useless for my kind of riding, and I'd imagine that if you need it on this bike, then you should be riding a light XC bike because middle chainring is plenty for most riding. For me the bottom line is this - this bike is so strong I'd do anything on it without fear of the bike failing, as for it being a bit heavy for XC - it makes me a stonger rider, and to be able to catch 5-10' air, and still XC all in 1 bike for around $1400... you can beat that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Riley Huizenga
a Downhiller
from Prince george,BC, canada
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | My dixie wrecked, bukkake, no name | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | ?????? | | Strengths: | the ability that its a freeride bike that is 34 pounds | | Weaknesses: | the basic components but there still pretty decent | | Similar Products Used: | its a bike of its own | | Bike Setup: | 07 coiler ,fox vanilla r , marzochi dropoffs,raceface crank , raceface diablous minion , | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike wether ur rippin up the trails or ridin across town the bike will do most hucks and ride extremely smooth | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vaughan bugaboo
a Downhiller
from regina
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | burke mountain...B.C. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | DUTCH CYCLE | | Strengths: | ITS HEAVY..WITCH MAKES IT FAST DOWNHILL.. | | Weaknesses: | ITS HEAVY..WITCH MAKES IT SLOWW UPHILL.. | | Similar Products Used: | NO OTHER BIKE IVE HAD MATCHES THE KING COILER..THATS WHAT I CALL MY BIKE...THE KING..(evil laugh) MOOAHHAHAH | | Bike Setup: | GAZZOLDI 2.6 TIRES,SEVEN INCH HAYES NINE,RACE FACE CRANK,UNBREAKABLE CHAIN..XT REAR DERIULLER,DEORE FRONT, KONA WA WA PEDALS,HUSSEFELT BARS,BLACKSPIRE HEADSET,BLT LIGHTS, AND A PAIR OF SHIVERS DH..(EVIL LAUGH)...and im yet to upgrade my rims..not sure yet..just got sun rims, | | Bottom Line: | at the bottom line..im waiting for u guys..ha ha ha | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam T-good
a Downhiller
from Watertown, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | thompson park, watertown | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | $2000 | | Strengths: | It has a solid frame, takes big drops pretty well. The brakes are awesome. Plenty of ways to upgrade it into a badass drop machine. | | Weaknesses: | The marzocchi fork sounds like a damn pogo stick, so I upgraded it right away. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Bomber Jr. T fork, Kona D.O.P.E. free floating rear brake, E-13 Chain Guide, 2.6 in. Volcano DH tires with Kenda DH tubes, Dangerboy brake levers and Yeti Grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike has the bang for the buck, but needs a few upgrades to turn it into the ultimate freeride machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Jones
a Downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Quarry Wood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Price is amazing for what you get. light enough to climb a 5 mile hill, but heavy enough to shred down trails and drops. the hayes brakes with 7" rotors are plenty of stopping power for anyone, they dont need to be changed. the rims are solid, missed a jump in Les Gets and landed on the lip, didnt dent the rim. tyres are AWESOME in dirt and mud. | | Weaknesses: | The Drop offs rebound was slow when i got them, and the ajustments are all internal. i had to buy an allen key off the internet as the local bike shop didnt carry a 12mm allen key, as they are rare and stupidly big. rear shock is slow. | | Similar Products Used: | Scott Nitrous, Giant Glory, Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | Stock (for now) | | Bottom Line: | Get is as it is soo cheap, but plan to upgrade in the future. Put some 66's on the front and a better rear shock. if you are into heavy freeride and DH, get a STINKY or a BIG HIT. But if your new to freeride and light DH, get it, as its well worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Downhiller
from VA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | brush mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr classif. | | Strengths: | frame is rock solid. the bike is a little heavy but if you build it with all high end parts it turns out very well weight wise. handles like a dream on the downhills, and once my front fork is locked out it pretty much climbs what i point it at. | | Weaknesses: | i guess if any the weight but you just gotta muscle threw it and its great. welli guess the stock vanilla r with pro pedal could be better. nothign a DHX 5.0 cant fix | | Similar Products Used: | Ironhorse, K2, other kona's | | Bike Setup: | Truvativ bars/stem, king headset, RS pike 454, XT frnt derail, xtr rear, xtr pod shifters, thomson elite, hayes HFX 9 HD w V8 rotors, saint crank and BB, oury lock on grips, kenda 2.35 nevegals. | | Bottom Line: | bike is pretty sick, sores very smooth threw rough terrain. does drops without thinkin. this bike rides like my old cr125 dirt bike did. jumped my buddys 10 foot drive way with it last week and didnt even feel the landing. it pedals pretty damn good with the front fork locked out. overall bike is sick. i love the way i built it up, feels bullet proof. GET ONE its a TANK! 4 chilis for value, only becase my build wound up being a little pricey(although thats my fault) and 5 chilis cuz it rides like a beast!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shiro Utsuri
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$772.00 | | Purchased At: | Ross Bike Shop | | Strengths: | just bought the frame and it is perfect. I just need to replace the rear shock to Fox Van R because I like the look of a shock with piggyback | | Weaknesses: | none so far! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Anthem, Haro X6 06', Haro X6LT | | Bike Setup: | Coiler 07' model with Fox Van R Shock
Marz Z150 freeride Fork 2004 model
XTR front thru Axel Hub
Shimano Deore Rear Hub
Shimano XT Cogset
Truvative Holzfeller stem
Truvative Team Handlebar
Shimano Hone Crankset with bashguard
Shimano XT 08' Shifter, Front and rear derailleurs
Shimano Saint Caliper
Shimano XTR 8" Rotors
Da bomb sitpost with selle success saddle
Da bomb revolver rims
WTB Motoraptor 2.4 tires front and rear | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome, it climbs well and most specially descends fast. This frame is really bombproof! the 07' model is compatible with the Kona DOPE system though not yet tested that. I can even climb up stairs with this bike. the suspension really works realtime. It is perfect also for trail riders. A little bit heavy but who cares, I am heavy built also around 235lbs. hehehe. I can even use this bike for XC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Pit
a Downhiller
from S.Cal
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | my 500 acre yard | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | wheelworld | | Strengths: | Great bike, I had it set up for a movie and it was to heavy I almost had to go to the hospital, so I had it lightened. Its now about 34lbs very lite for how strong it is. I was given this bike for free. But if i was not a star i would have bought this bike anyways. The bike man I use put on all XTR stuff and dirt jumper forks to make it lite as well as deemax rims. I will be having a pro biker from can! ride this bike for my stunts, but i will ride it on some of the flats and possible down some of the hills if they are not to steep. | | Weaknesses: | None so far, stunt man says its a bad ass bike. | | Similar Products Used: | tricycle trainer bike 2 wheel. | | Bike Setup: | XTR all round, deemax, 130mm dirt jumper forks, kona parts. | | Bottom Line: | You will see my new movie or be banned! Save the world buy eco! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt Maning
a Weekend Warrior
from Deep River, Connecticut, USA
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock And Road Cycles | | Strengths: | the full suspension, the rear fox vanilla r shox and the 150mm marzocchi dropoffs iv | | Weaknesses: | bad for uphil but still am inpressed with it | | Similar Products Used: | kona kikapu | | Bike Setup: | front shox-marzocchi drop-offs iv, rear shox- fox vanilla r, shimano gear set, race face crank arm, maxxis tires, sun rims rims. | | Bottom Line: | its an all out good bike for anyone who wants to do downhill, out of bounds, and freeride. i recommend it for anyone who has at least 3 years of expirenced riding. i do not recommend it for people who think that mountainbiking is no their sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodney
a Weekend Warrior
from Broulee, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | local State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This is a review of the 07 Blue Coiler. I've ridden previous models and the new redesigned bike is a very different ride. The lower BB height, slacker head & seat angles and longer seatstay make for a more low slung Downhill style bike. Other features (apart from the usual Kona inbuilt strength & durability)are, bolt in rear dropouts, new design rocker arms with a lower leverage rate on the rear shock, and the frame is D.O.P.E floating brake ready. | | Weaknesses: | The 07 Drop Off fork (with Bomber stickers) is an uncompliant piece of crap. (the Drop Off iv on the 06 is much better). Do a deal and swap the fork for something decent before you leave the shop. The rest of the spec.(apart from the ever reliable Hayes brakes)is entry level stuff. Use it 'til it wears out, then upgrade. If you don't want to do that I think the the Coiler Deluxe is better value for money.
I wish Kona sold frames from their entire dual suspension range, so I could custom build a bike from scratch. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg for last 2 years (a great trail bike). Have ridden Specialized Demo 9 & various Enduros, Giant AC, Reign, Reign X, Faith & Glory, various Kona Dawg, Coiler & Stinkys, Norco Six & others.
| | Bike Setup: | 07 Coiler frame with stock Fox Vanilla Shock (might go DHX later)- Fox 36 Vanilla R fork - Chris King headset - Saint cranks /2 rings & bashguard - 07 XTR deraileurs, rapidfire shifters & chain - XT cassette - Hadley hubs, Singletrack rims, DT Comp spokes & Prolock nipples - Kenda Nevegal foldable stick E tyres, front 2.5, rear 2.3 - Easton EA70 bars, seatpost & Vice stem - WTB Pure V Team saddle - Wellgo magnesium flat pedals (same design as Easton Flatboy, but 200g lighter). This setup weighs 35.5 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | As soon as I hit the trail on the Coiler it was immediately obvious that this was a 'big bike' compared to the Dawg. The heavier weight and slacker head angle required a change in riding style - the bike is very stable and confidence inspiring at speed, but I had to learn to lean more and steer harder through corners until it became second nature. I got used to it in no time. Now if I ride a cross country bikes I find them too twitchy and unstable.
As for climbing, it's slower than light bikes, but if you're climber fit it's gonna be fine.
My wife makes it up most everything on her Coiler and my nephew not only climbs like a mountain goat, but races cross country & downhill on his. I don't care for climbing much anyway, so I grind away until I've had enough - then walk.
My favourite trails are fast flowing singletrack both flat and downhill and it's here that the Coiler shines. Six inches of of lively, plush coil spring suspension front & rear soaks up ruts, roots, rock gardens, drops, jumps and flat out straights like a turbo bulldozer - what a ride!
The Bottom Line - love the Coiler. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skyler
a Downhiller
from Escondido
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond BIkes | | Strengths: | This has been my favorite bike so far that i have ridden. i like it because it is so versatile and fun! | | Weaknesses: | Ive read most of the reviews and i have to agree, the marzocchi drop off IV sucks a bunch of @$$, a total joke and they need to up that. Thats IT! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized fsr sx, a couple othr no name 6 inch bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2006 coiler, crankbros 50/50x, e.thirteen, marzocchi 66rc2x (2007) FOX dhx 4.0, 8 inch disks, and custom brake levers, and im in the market for new rims | | Bottom Line: | This has been by far one of the best bikes i have owned untill my left stanchion started oozing oil, but i got that replaced w/ a new 66 series. You want this bike because it can be left alone to be a great all mountian, a little work you can have a decent freerider, and if you spend some serious cash make it a great slopestyle ride like me :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skyler
a Downhiller
from Escondido
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond BIkes | | Strengths: | This has been my favorite bike so far that i have ridden. i like it because it is so versatile and fun! | | Weaknesses: | Ive read most of the reviews and i have to agree, the marzocchi drop off IV sucks a bunch of @$$, a total joke and they need to up that. Thats IT! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized fsr sx, a couple othr no name 6 inch bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2006 coiler, crankbros 50/50x, e.thirteen, marzocchi 66rc2x (2007) FOX dhx 4.0, 8 inch disks, and custom brake levers, and im in the market for new rims | | Bottom Line: | This has been by far one of the best bikes i have owned untill my left stanchion started oozing oil, but i got that replaced w/ a new 66 series. You want this bike because it can be left alone to be a great all mountian, a little work you can have a decent freerider, and if you spend some serious cash make it a great slopestyle ride like me :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skyler
a Downhiller
from Escondido
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond BIkes | | Strengths: | This has been my favorite bike so far that i have ridden. i like it because it is so versatile and fun! | | Weaknesses: | Ive read most of the reviews and i have to agree, the marzocchi drop off IV sucks a bunch of @$$, a total joke and they need to up that. Thats IT! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized fsr sx, a couple othr no name 6 inch bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2006 coiler, crankbros 50/50x, e.thirteen, marzocchi 66rc2x (2007) FOX dhx 4.0, 8 inch disks, and custom brake levers, and im in the market for new rims | | Bottom Line: | This has been by far one of the best bikes i have owned untill my left stanchion started oozing oil, but i got that replaced w/ a new 66 series. You want this bike because it can be left alone to be a great all mountian, a little work you can have a decent freerider, and if you spend some serious cash make it a great slopestyle ride like me :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skyler
a Downhiller
from Escondido
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond BIkes | | Strengths: | This has been my favorite bike so far that i have ridden. i like it because it is so versatile and fun! | | Weaknesses: | Ive read most of the reviews and i have to agree, the marzocchi drop off IV sucks a bunch of @$$, a total joke and they need to up that. Thats IT! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized fsr sx, a couple othr no name 6 inch bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2006 coiler, crankbros 50/50x, e.thirteen, marzocchi 66rc2x (2007) FOX dhx 4.0, 8 inch disks, and custom brake levers, and im in the market for new rims | | Bottom Line: | This has been by far one of the best bikes i have owned untill my left stanchion started oozing oil, but i got that replaced w/ a new 66 series. You want this bike because it can be left alone to be a great all mountian, a little work you can have a decent freerider, and if you spend some serious cash make it a great slopestyle ride like me :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skyler
a Downhiller
from Escondido
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond BIkes | | Strengths: | This has been my favorite bike so far that i have ridden. i like it because it is so versatile and fun! | | Weaknesses: | Ive read most of the reviews and i have to agree, the marzocchi drop off IV sucks a bunch of @$$, a total joke and they need to up that. Thats IT! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized fsr sx, a couple othr no name 6 inch bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2006 coiler, crankbros 50/50x, e.thirteen, marzocchi 66rc2x (2007) FOX dhx 4.0, 8 inch disks, and custom brake levers, and im in the market for new rims | | Bottom Line: | This has been by far one of the best bikes i have owned untill my left stanchion started oozing oil, but i got that replaced w/ a new 66 series. You want this bike because it can be left alone to be a great all mountian, a little work you can have a decent freerider, and if you spend some serious cash make it a great slopestyle ride like me :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skyler
a Downhiller
from Escondido
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond BIkes | | Strengths: | This has been my favorite bike so far that i have ridden. i like it because it is so versatile and fun! | | Weaknesses: | Ive read most of the reviews and i have to agree, the marzocchi drop off IV sucks a bunch of @$$, a total joke and they need to up that. Thats IT! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized fsr sx, a couple othr no name 6 inch bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2006 coiler, crankbros 50/50x, e.thirteen, marzocchi 66rc2x (2007) FOX dhx 4.0, 8 inch disks, and custom brake levers, and im in the market for new rims | | Bottom Line: | This has been by far one of the best bikes i have owned untill my left stanchion started oozing oil, but i got that replaced w/ a new 66 series. You want this bike because it can be left alone to be a great all mountian, a little work you can have a decent freerider, and if you spend some serious cash make it a great slopestyle ride like me :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skyler
a Downhiller
from Escondido
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Nobel Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1399.00 | | Purchased At: | Beyond BIkes | | Strengths: | This has been my favorite bike so far that i have ridden. i like it because it is so versatile and fun! | | Weaknesses: | Ive read most of the reviews and i have to agree, the marzocchi drop off IV sucks a bunch of @$$, a total joke and they need to up that. Thats IT! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized fsr sx, a couple othr no name 6 inch bikes | | Bike Setup: | 2006 coiler, crankbros 50/50x, e.thirteen, marzocchi 66rc2x (2007) FOX dhx 4.0, 8 inch disks, and custom brake levers, and im in the market for new rims | | Bottom Line: | This has been by far one of the best bikes i have owned untill my left stanchion started oozing oil, but i got that replaced w/ a new 66 series. You want this bike because it can be left alone to be a great all mountian, a little work you can have a decent freerider, and if you spend some serious cash make it a great slopestyle ride like me :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Co
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Short drop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | MAC | | Strengths: | Everything, once you get used to the geometry (wich takes about 2 minutes) you'll see that this bike is capable af riding anything on the planet. It climbs at an incrediable pace and drops onto the downhill like bat out of hell. The brakes are insane they could stop on a dime. | | Weaknesses: | If you find any let me know | | Similar Products Used: | KHS XC 204 Yeti 575 Kona Dawg Specialiized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | If you want a bike that will do everything at a low price this is the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cody willard
a Downhiller
from bayfield colorado USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | hogs back or log chutes, all durango trails of course | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1833.00 | | Purchased At: | SECOND AVE SPORTS | | Strengths: | the bikes is pretty easy to through around, very burly frame, there are the two shock hole, the one closes to the head tube, or as i call the huck hole gives the greatest linear and bottomless feel. the parts are ok, i am 15 and race junior downhill so it good for me | | Weaknesses: | i am not here to pick out every freaken weakness on this bikes, i personly wish the geometry was steeper, more like a intence tazer but thats just me, and every one is diffrent. the componets are ok, the fork did break on me doing a 7 foot drop, the left seal blow out and now i have no comression dampning. the brakes could be a little more stoff worthy, they use hayes XC, there stem was to long, but i like around a 31". the shock is very basic but is is working prety good for me.the pedals kind of stick. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler. | | Bike Setup: | this review was written on the bike when it was stock, the current set up includes
a pushed shock, manitou sherman slider plus spv, raceface evolve 30" stem, atomlab pedals, maxxis minion dhr 2.35, front is a maxxis highroller 2.5., and hayes HFX MAG with 8 inch rotor in the front and 6 in the back | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike. i genraly use it for gravity riding and hucking around town. people complain it is so heavy!!!!!! but it realy is not healf bad, the fork no dought is on the heavy side, my serman weighs 2 pound less. the bike feels better with 7 inches in the front.
of couse the dredded susspension lockup moster, but this is fixed with the new 2007 brake therapy componetnts.
great bike for junior downhill, have takes 10 foot dropps, just barly bent the crabks. i am light weight 109 pounds.
this bike is great for junior race, or some one with a noramal sized wallet, i wa able to woork a summer and buy it, not bad for the price, 2000 grand is how much intense frames are.
not suggested for seriouse down hill racing.
peace and chain grease | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cody willard
a Downhiller
from bayfield colorado USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | hogs back or log chutes, all durango trails of course | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1833.00 | | Purchased At: | SECOND AVE SPORTS | | Strengths: | the bikes is pretty easy to through around, very burly frame, there are the two shock hole, the one closes to the head tube, or as i call the huck hole gives the greatest linear and bottomless feel. the parts are ok, i am 15 and race junior downhill so it good for me | | Weaknesses: | i am not here to pick out every freaken weakness on this bikes, i personly wish the geometry was steeper, more like a intence tazer but thats just me, and every one is diffrent. the componets are ok, the fork did break on me doing a 7 foot drop, the left seal blow out and now i have no comression dampning. the brakes could be a little more stoff worthy, they use hayes XC, there stem was to long, but i like around a 31". the shock is very basic but is is working prety good for me.the pedals kind of stick. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler. | | Bike Setup: | this review was written on the bike when it was stock, the current set up includes
a pushed shock, manitou sherman slider plus spv, raceface evolve 30" stem, atomlab pedals, maxxis minion dhr 2.35, front is a maxxis highroller 2.5., and hayes HFX MAG with 8 inch rotor in the front and 6 in the back | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike. i genraly use it for gravity riding and hucking around town. people complain it is so heavy!!!!!! but it realy is not healf bad, the fork no dought is on the heavy side, my serman weighs 2 pound less. the bike feels better with 7 inches in the front.
of couse the dredded susspension lockup moster, but this is fixed with the new 2007 brake therapy componetnts.
great bike for junior downhill, have takes 10 foot dropps, just barly bent the crabks. i am light weight 109 pounds.
this bike is great for junior race, or some one with a noramal sized wallet, i wa able to woork a summer and buy it, not bad for the price, 2000 grand is how much intense frames are.
not suggested for seriouse down hill racing.
peace and chain grease | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cody willard
a Downhiller
from bayfield colorado USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | hogs back or log chutes, all durango trails of course | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1833.00 | | Purchased At: | SECOND AVE SPORTS | | Strengths: | the bikes is pretty easy to through around, very burly frame, there are the two shock hole, the one closes to the head tube, or as i call the huck hole gives the greatest linear and bottomless feel. the parts are ok, i am 15 and race junior downhill so it good for me | | Weaknesses: | i am not here to pick out every freaken weakness on this bikes, i personly wish the geometry was steeper, more like a intence tazer but thats just me, and every one is diffrent. the componets are ok, the fork did break on me doing a 7 foot drop, the left seal blow out and now i have no comression dampning. the brakes could be a little more stoff worthy, they use hayes XC, there stem was to long, but i like around a 31". the shock is very basic but is is working prety good for me.the pedals kind of stick. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler. | | Bike Setup: | this review was written on the bike when it was stock, the current set up includes
a pushed shock, manitou sherman slider plus spv, raceface evolve 30" stem, atomlab pedals, maxxis minion dhr 2.35, front is a maxxis highroller 2.5., and hayes HFX MAG with 8 inch rotor in the front and 6 in the back | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike. i genraly use it for gravity riding and hucking around town. people complain it is so heavy!!!!!! but it realy is not healf bad, the fork no dought is on the heavy side, my serman weighs 2 pound less. the bike feels better with 7 inches in the front.
of couse the dredded susspension lockup moster, but this is fixed with the new 2007 brake therapy componetnts.
great bike for junior downhill, have takes 10 foot dropps, just barly bent the crabks. i am light weight 109 pounds.
this bike is great for junior race, or some one with a noramal sized wallet, i wa able to woork a summer and buy it, not bad for the price, 2000 grand is how much intense frames are.
not suggested for seriouse down hill racing.
peace and chain grease | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cody willard
a Downhiller
from bayfield colorado USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | hogs back or log chutes, all durango trails of course | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1833.00 | | Purchased At: | SECOND AVE SPORTS | | Strengths: | the bikes is pretty easy to through around, very burly frame, there are the two shock hole, the one closes to the head tube, or as i call the huck hole gives the greatest linear and bottomless feel. the parts are ok, i am 15 and race junior downhill so it good for me | | Weaknesses: | i am not here to pick out every freaken weakness on this bikes, i personly wish the geometry was steeper, more like a intence tazer but thats just me, and every one is diffrent. the componets are ok, the fork did break on me doing a 7 foot drop, the left seal blow out and now i have no comression dampning. the brakes could be a little more stoff worthy, they use hayes XC, there stem was to long, but i like around a 31". the shock is very basic but is is working prety good for me.the pedals kind of stick. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler. | | Bike Setup: | this review was written on the bike when it was stock, the current set up includes
a pushed shock, manitou sherman slider plus spv, raceface evolve 30" stem, atomlab pedals, maxxis minion dhr 2.35, front is a maxxis highroller 2.5., and hayes HFX MAG with 8 inch rotor in the front and 6 in the back | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike. i genraly use it for gravity riding and hucking around town. people complain it is so heavy!!!!!! but it realy is not healf bad, the fork no dought is on the heavy side, my serman weighs 2 pound less. the bike feels better with 7 inches in the front.
of couse the dredded susspension lockup moster, but this is fixed with the new 2007 brake therapy componetnts.
great bike for junior downhill, have takes 10 foot dropps, just barly bent the crabks. i am light weight 109 pounds.
this bike is great for junior race, or some one with a noramal sized wallet, i wa able to woork a summer and buy it, not bad for the price, 2000 grand is how much intense frames are.
not suggested for seriouse down hill racing.
peace and chain grease | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | esher shore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Strong enough to jump big drops, yet light enough to pedal back up the hill. Gave me the confidence to go bigger than before. | | Weaknesses: | Gears were slipping but I think thats my fault | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 06 coiler frame 19" | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike and think for the price it is absolutely fantastic and can easily compete with more modern and expensive freeride/DH bikes. Also I ride quite a bit of XC and it is not that bad at that either | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Longview, Wa
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | schleyer | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel world | | Strengths: | tough, the grey and black looks cool, everything looks overbuilt | | Weaknesses: | like others have said it's a little heavy but that's cool. it still pedals really good. I haven't read this from anybody else but mine creaks really bad everytime I throw in a pedal crank. I've tried different cranks, pedals, chainrings.....but I think it's the front pivot making noise. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky dee lux, santa cruz heckler | | Bike Setup: | 06 coiler frame, marzocchi all mountain 1 fork, avid juicy 7 brakes, king headset and rear hub, single track wheels, race face cranks, lrp chain guide | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike, takes a beating yet still pedals pretty good. have taken it up some steep hills. other than the thing driving me crazy with the creaking i really like this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Abstrakt
a
from Los Angeles, CA.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Monica Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World Culver City | | Strengths: | Cant beat this price. The frame is burly as hell, which, unfortunately, is felt on the climbs. | | Weaknesses: | The Drop Off IV fork that comes on the bike is a joke but for the price you're paying for a complete, you better expect the components to be less than average. Look into swapping the stem first (after you replace the sh*tty fork) if you're gonna be doing any kind of drops or riding aggresively.
Another weakness is of course the weight, but I've done 25 plus mile epics on this bike and its nice to have something so stable when the trail is pointing down. Gotta pay the price to have a big bike tough enough for the unknown backcountry playgrounds. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | 06 Coiler / 07 36 Fox Float / 07 DHX Air / 40mm holzfeller Stem w/ Diabolus bars / E13 DRS chainguide / Shimano M424 pedals / Kenda Nevegal Tomacs tires / XT rear derailleur (had to replace the stock one that snapped in half) | | Bottom Line: | Wanted to wait a couple of months before submitting a review so I woudnt have that newbie buyer euphoria falsely praising or criticizing.
This is a great bike for the price. Its very capable of climbing (given you have the legs) as well as bombing tech descents (given you have the huevos). Kona has this bike listed under Freeride, I would classify it more under the AM category thats capable of taking a few big hits).
Rest assured that your body will probably break before the frame will ever crack but be ready to dig deep into your wallets/purses once its time to replace the broke down stock parts that came equipped on the bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dalton john
a Weekend Warrior
from calgary,ab,canada
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | all of nelson b,c. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bow cycle calgary ab | | Strengths: | great in descents, reasonable on ascents, lots of travel | | Weaknesses: | heavy for what it is used for | | Bottom Line: | love the bike but next time will get a lighter bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tony
a Downhiller
from kansas
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | whistler bc | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Strengths: | goodish brakes, smart lookin rotors, nice wheels but a bit heavy | | Weaknesses: | the rear shock is not very controlled the rebound adj. broke on mine and had to send it back new one was ok but the stroke was really slow. front fork was sticky from the start and made a really weird sloshing noise. crankset isnt good as a large dent has formed from a fairly slow collision. the dropout not just the hanger snapped clean off my frame
i am not a SERIOUSLY AGGRESSIVE rider this was a weakspot in the frame | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountain slayer, trek session 77 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | not pleased
very expensive for a bike with a six month life and no waranty in sight. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
edwin aquino
a Weekend Warrior
from bacoor,cavite philippines
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | daanghari, tagaytay dh trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | kings bike shop | | Strengths: | i rate this rig as a one bike can do uphill and of course my favorite dh... | | Weaknesses: | none as of now... | | Similar Products Used: | i did had a chance to ride my friend's nomad i think its similar... | | Bike Setup: | 06 66sl saint crancks 07 xtr deraileures and shifter, avid juicy 7 brakes, 728 mavic rims, ringle hubs, maxxis minion tires, easton and a fizik freek saddle.... | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Delaney
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Builder's Only | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Sturdy, Rear Shock a smooth ride. Brakes are great. | | Weaknesses: | Quite Heavy not a dirt jumper at all. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Its a great bike for its price but not good for dirt jumping | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jack smith
a Weekend Warrior
from ohio
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Feels like a tank, beatiful construction was made for me, does it all. | | Weaknesses: | kinda heavy but im also 190lbs so i am too no big deal, feels like i will break long before this bike ever does | | Similar Products Used: | low end treks | | Bike Setup: | stock for now, may change front fork out for something i can adjust as well as possible putting air shock on rear instead of coil with lockout option for xc use | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, I dont care what anyone says about its uses, you can use it for whatever you want. I rode 20 miles xc on it and felt great, took it on some trails and it climbed better than anything ive ever ridden before with the granny ring. dont feel the weight is an issue at all. all around beautiful bike for whatever you want to use it for. Feels great and fits me good. Just got into mountain biking but had a street bmx background before i got lazy and an education, now its time to get into shape and have a great time as well as breaking bones in the process. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Micah Buyearly
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Sweet Looking, fast and super stable at higher speeds | | Weaknesses: | Front fork makes a lot of noise | | Similar Products Used: | Santa cruz nomad | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike ROCKS!!!! It flies downhill, and is good up hill. A little on the heavy side at 37 pounds but that only makes you stronger. If you want a lighter ride lose 10 pounds. Not to much bob in suspension except when out of the saddle. Super stable bike that gives you a lot of confidence. The only drawback to this bike is the front fork - I think it works fine- But I hate the top out noise that the fork makes.
Buy this bike if you want to be able to ride up the hill you are about to bomb down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frazer Ross
a Downhiller
from UK
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Laggan Wolf Tracks | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Bomb proof frame, takes big drops nice, 6" fox shock basic but brillant. plush marrzochi air and oil forks take big hits. Brakes, rims, gears, are superb !!!! | | Weaknesses: | Non so far | | Similar Products Used: | 05 Coiler | | Bike Setup: | Diablous bash gaurd, shimano DX pedals | | Bottom Line: | Brilliant bike worth the money
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
isaac
a Downhiller
from kendal
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | www.paulscycles.co.uk | | Strengths: | good handling, strong, hayes v7 rotors give the brakes power, colour, general aesthetics. This bike gives real confidence for dh, has loads of grip and the rear wheel stays put, is nice to drift too. rides though rock gardens easy without straying off line, fork soaks up the hits, but a bit pogo stickish. | | Weaknesses: | the stem got swapped for a hussfelt very quickly as it was too long and weak looking, fork could be better for a 1500 pound bike, but as i paid half price for the out of date 06 model new i wasnt bothered. The fork tops out alot and i have set it up as the manual says but still it does this. the rebound is very harsh too and the factory set damping is all but non existent- could be sorted with right tools though. | | Similar Products Used: | 04 coiler | | Bike Setup: | 06 stock except 325 rear wheel and hussfelt stem | | Bottom Line: | great bike if you are just getting into dh/freeride but dont want to give up xc completely. some people complain there is no chain device etc but this bike is meant to go up hills too as kona state on their website, if i am going for it dh im in top gear, but i also need granny ring to get back to the top, not everyone has a chairlift locally! i love this bike it makes you feel like a pro as u nail the berms and lean into all the corners on the edge of control, it definitely deserves a cool full face and oakley goggles if you are going to ride it to its full potential! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ollie Ridden
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | ypres | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Awsome frame, i got it at an amazing price off a friend(frame and extras). I love it as it can climb to locations also ride downhill with ease and speed. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 06 coiler | | Bike Setup: | Kona coiler 04 frame
- Everything stock apart from;
- 05 Marzocchi Z1 freeride forks ETA
- Easton ea30 bars
- Front wheel - Hub pro II, DT pb blk spokes, Mavic EX325
- Rear wheel - Shimano M525, DT pb slvr spokes, Planet X LMF rim.
- Kore B.I DH stem
- Truvativ blaze cranks
- brake have V8 at front
- wellgo v8 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely amazing for me as i payed under $500 for my whole setup! I love it as i can commute, dj, freeride, dh. It rides through my trails wicked and does everything you need. Would advise for anyone starting freeriding or just a mid travelled high quality high value bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh
a Downhiller
from wales
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | sunset | | Strengths: | Great confidence inspiring bike. this is a great bike to ride off drops, jumps, trails anything really. | | Weaknesses: | the fact that half the stuff on it is not designed for freeride or DH such as the wheelset the forks and no chain device. the front fork is the real letdown on this bike ive had it setup properly it bottoms out on everything. | | Similar Products Used: | cove | | Bike Setup: | kona coiler standard apart from:
back wheel SUN MTX
DMR HEADSTOCK STEM
Maxxis minion 2.7st front tyre
panaracer fr 2.4 rear
Ethirteen chain device
sram chain
DMR V8 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Its a great bike once the all the rubbish components on it are upgraded. as i said before the drop off front fork is a real rubbish part of this bike. its a great ride though, a good for everything bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oliver Lynch
a Weekend Warrior
from England, Bristol
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | stillwoods, Bristol | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Just frame, brakes, Headset, bb,saddle, seat post from friend | | Strengths: | Mine, is a 17" and its wicked. Its my first proper first freeride frame and hopefully will last me a couple more years as these things are solid. | | Weaknesses: | Lol, not many really, only thing i can thing of is that the top tube looks a bit skinny on mine, prob cause i got skinny wheels. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Complete custom setup,
- 05 Marzocchi z1 freeride 20mm
- Easton ea20 2" bars
- Nirve stem (i know lol, its tempory, getting atomlab G.I)
- Dmr grips
- all shimano XT gearing with XT shifters f/r mechs but raceface xc cranks
- Hayes HFX 9 with front 8" rear 6"(at the moment)
- Wheels,Front/ Sun 4x mtx s-type in orange with 20mm atomlab G.I hub...Rear/Planet x LMF with shimano M555 hub(i think)
- Fox vanilla r shock
- Kona saddle, turvativ seat post
Thats it | | Bottom Line: | Awsome freeride bike, i love mine, its my pride and joy and i will keep it till it brakes or rust or whatever.
Buy 1 if you can afford and want a mix of hardcore trail riding also with freeride.
Stated by kona, the bike for freeriders who wanna get up the hill to their freeride location easier.
Top bike, kona coilers are worldwide known for bikers.
BUT 07 is ugly either wait for 08 in sept or get 06. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
m gad
a Downhiller
from las vegas NV
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel world | | Strengths: | Geometry is great leaves room for mistakes, decends like a pure freeride rig or race bike, handles like a champ, suspension is great on stock | | Weaknesses: | a bit on heavy side, sounds like frame will crack, seat post broke after 2 months | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 06' out of factory | | Bottom Line: | one of the best bikes ever built | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian underdown
a Cross Country Rider
from west malling,Kent,UK
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | north downs,kENT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | N/A | | Strengths: | Handling ,Strong,Seems to excel over any other bike ive used when climbing hills.Built to last and easily upgradeable components to whatever suits your style of riding. | | Weaknesses: | cant think of any yet! | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | 2006 XT GROUPSET,HOPE MINIS 180mm F/R. Maxxis 2.5 Minion Dual F/R. FSA BARS & STEM . | | Bottom Line: | When you first ride this you think wow its heavy ,however after a few km'S you begin to notice just how it loves handling those steep descents ,didnt buy it to carry on my shoulder all day. However i can only say the weight really adds to the handling the back end isnt swinging all over the place on uneven ground.Worth while upgrade to 180MM disc rotors is a must and if the budget allows try the xt groupset.Tyres upto you depending on your regular trail conditions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fredrik
a Weekend Warrior
from Sundsvall,sweden
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Sturdy,Inviting, | | Weaknesses: | none other than the weight, but hey, who gives a monkey's about weight anyway, it's not meant to be carried around. | | Similar Products Used: | None,my first FS | | Bike Setup: | 2006 stock | | Bottom Line: | This one's a keeper!!! i bought this one online from UK, costed me 13800SEK including shipping and an sks forkpump. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Seumptewa
a Weekend Warrior
from Falgstaff AZ
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | john coe | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | AZ BIkes (the best in flag) | | Strengths: | Looks so "hot." Will last me for years. Way more bike than you pay for. | | Weaknesses: | stock fork is lame, and yes the pedals are silly. | | Similar Products Used: | foes, jamis dakar xlt, iron horse, brodie, enduro. | | Bike Setup: | stock with the exception of a Marzocchi all mountain 1 fork (07) | | Bottom Line: | after 3.5 years of having no mountain bike I have finally bought a new bike, so realize I am very excited to have a bike at all and this review was written in drunken state of new bike intoxication. First off the bike is absolutely beautiful. The deep blue color is stunning and the new sloped top tube design is very tech looking (not to mention it will save your nuts.) The drop off 4 fork is basically a six inch pogo stick so I had that swapped out for the all mountain 1 which fits my riding style perfectly. I might replace the stock shock with a dhx air 5 or a rocco air to lighten things up a bit, I am using the bike for a aggressive all mountain bike rather than a freeride bike. The bike gets 5 what ever the craps for being so good looking and cheap. I will give a follow up review after 3-6 months of beating the crap out of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Tauranga, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hot X Buns at the Redwoods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$892.00 | | Purchased At: | trademe.co.nz | | Strengths: | Great looking, strong frame, hayes 9 brakes and drop-off forks are wicked. | | Weaknesses: | Original stem was to long for a freeride bike and brakes are far better off with 8" rotors, also the fox vanilla r coil has very limited adjustibility | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | 2005 model with upgraded Hussefelt cranks and stem, 8" brake rotors, truvativ box guide, Xt deurailer e.t.c | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for all round riding, climbs like a trail bike, jumps and descends like a big downhill bike. Although I wouldn't recommend it to anyone planning to ride mainly xc this is my first full-suspension bike and I couldn't be happier with it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Dundee, Scotland
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress red | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Winstanleysbikes | | Strengths: | Strong frame - can handle some big hits, good wheels, excellent drivetrain, pimpin colour | | Weaknesses: | Wasnt a big fan of the fork - too much of a compromise 'twixt small bumbs and bigger hits needed. The back shock isnt the best, doesnt work very well on smaller bumps unless you put a mega soft spring on. | | Similar Products Used: | stinky | | Bike Setup: | 05 coiler frame (the funky blue one.) Replaced the drop offs with 07 boxxer races, and replaced the stem and bars with beefier ones. Tires werent great either, put on continentals. Also an 8" front disc, is 6" ever enough? | | Bottom Line: | I bought this for £800 from winstanleysbikes - absolute bargain considering it originally retailed at £1500, although there are lots going for around 1k now. The stock forks werent great, fitting boxxers completely changed the bike. Much more of a descent machine now, but it still climbs just as well thanks to much better small bump sensitivity. The stock stem put me in too much of a forward position, but thats just my preference. Overall its a great bike, but once you budget for a better fork you could probably buy something better-unless you go for an older reduced model like I did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leo
a
from GWS, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ute City Cycles | | Strengths: | Bombproof right out of the box, climbs easier than my old hardtail, and the geometry is super comfortable.
I just got it out for a ride in the snow, ice, and mud on my local trail after not riding it for about 4 months and except for needing air in the tires it felt like it had been freshly tuned.
| | Weaknesses: | you'll get bored with the reliability | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Bighit, Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | stock except for platform pedals and a E13 DRS | | Bottom Line: | Incredible value It could cost twice as much and still be a deal. This would be the perfect bike for anyone who wants something reliable that will work well for any type of riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ben browning
a Downhiller
from aberystwyth, wales
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | brechfa | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | pauls cycles | | Strengths: | ultra strong double butted alu frameset can handle up to 9ft drops. Great 6inch travel fox van rear shock can take a lot of abuse. the marzocchi drop off fork is an amazing piece of engerneering, super plush steathy looking fork can take a lot of punishment. the sun singletrack rims, dt swiss, shimano hub wheelset are great. the finishing kit are quite brilliantly designed, great for xc, dh, fr and 4x. | | Weaknesses: | the fork is light but lacks in external adjustments and the rear wheel is slightly buckled. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky supreme and stab supreme all 2007 | | Bike Setup: | 07 kona coiler | | Bottom Line: | most proberly the best all-mountain bike i`ve riden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brian
a
from newmilford,ct,usa
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | diablo freeride park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | straightline bike and boards | | Strengths: | great all around bike climbs jumps and drops no problem | | Weaknesses: | not a big fan of the front fork i put on a marzocchi 66 rc2x and the bikes perfect now | | Similar Products Used: | demo 8, stinky dee , vp free, coiler dee | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi 66 rc2x fork | | Bottom Line: | great all around bike if u r lookin for a bike that cen pedal but still be able to jump drop and handle rocks and roots etc... this is the bike to get | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adrian gerth
a Weekend Warrior
from durham, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | my freind | | Strengths: | its an awesome bike the fork is fantastic i just got into freeriding (mountain biking) this year and im having a blast on my coiler. its great for everything from dirt jumps to north shore riding to urban riding
its an all around bike | | Weaknesses: | the disc brake started to warp a little in the front but thats nothing a rubber mallet cant fix | | Bottom Line: | its awesome | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Branham
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City,Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1134.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | It's got a super stiff frame (I ride a 15"). The Vanilla shock is pure joy on the downhills and drops, but it's also super efficient on the uphills. The fork is great, except for the "internal rebound adjuster". The brakes are super strong, but they're kind of hard to adjust. All shifting and drivetrain components are solid and give full and instrant response on explosive starts. The tires won't slip on anything and the bike's handling is sooooo amazing. | | Weaknesses: | None so far!!! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | STOCK | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, great handling for the intense trailrider,,, It will handle any downhill but it is easy to climb on... I raced to the top of a mountain (1-1.5 miles) with some cross country racers and they only got to the top about 30 seconds before I did!!!. So, if you want to be able to do some cross country, all mountain, light freeride or downhill, you're looking at just the right bike.!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Beatson
a Downhiller
from Pascoag, RI, US
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | escoheag | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Providence bicycle | | Strengths: | good durable bike with awesome clearence over obstacles with a incredible smoothe feeling on trails, and a true bomber on the dh's, the price is awesome for that kinda bike | | Weaknesses: | this bike was meant for the hybrid of a am bike and a freeride bike, only problems i had were with the lx der. and the original fork always topping out when u put the right set up in it, also tires were sweet but wear to quick | | Similar Products Used: | vp free, nomad, both demo'd somehow i didn't like the vpp | | Bike Setup: | 05 66RC, fsa pig dh pro,fsa freeride bar&stem, xt short cage rear der., custom single ring chain guide, raceface cranks bash, 32,22, sun singletrack back, mavic ex325 fr.
rest is stock | | Bottom Line: | the xc drivetain didnt work for me because im an aggresive clydesdale rider, but soon im gettin saint rear mech. the reason i have the marz. 66 is becausei blasted into a tree mid flight goin about 20-25mph and the fork tucked under the bike a little bit ruined the headset the fork and the fr. qr but besides that the bike is still kickin. i love its feel more than bikes three times its price and with a bash ring clearence of 14.5" i can ride over anything | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Suicide Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | South County Cyclery | | Strengths: | The beefy frame. It's strong and can take a beating. The forks good for beginners and same goes for the rear shock as well. | | Weaknesses: | The seat. I cased a jump and it bent completely. Singletracks are ok. The stem is way too long. BUT!!! they are all upgradable | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now | | Bottom Line: | It's a good bike. I'd recommend it for first timers that want a fully. Very upgradable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roley muir
a Weekend Warrior
from australia,canberra act
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | my friends in this forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | every thing | | Weaknesses: | not much i am a beginer and i dont need anything beter | | Similar Products Used: | nothing its my first freeride bike | | Bike Setup: | good suspension good brakes good pedals | | Bottom Line: | it rox | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roley muir
a Weekend Warrior
from australia,canberra act
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | my friends in this forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | every thing | | Weaknesses: | not much i am a beginer and i dont need anything beter | | Similar Products Used: | nothing its my first freeride bike | | Bike Setup: | good suspension good brakes good pedals | | Bottom Line: | it rox | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roley muir
a Weekend Warrior
from australia,canberra act
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | my friends in this forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | every thing | | Weaknesses: | not much i am a beginer and i dont need anything beter | | Similar Products Used: | nothing its my first freeride bike | | Bike Setup: | good suspension good brakes good pedals | | Bottom Line: | it rox | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from burlington, Connecticut, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Benidorm bikes | | Strengths: | it is able to roll through almost anything and the suspension is really plush it doesnt feel like 36 lbs going up hill but it feels really solid on the dh | | Weaknesses: | chain falls off sometimes | | Similar Products Used: | specialized big hit, kona stinky, demo 9 | | Bike Setup: | all stock w/ 2 ring chain guide | | Bottom Line: | this bike is sick it is definately worth the money the only upgrade i would recomend is a chain guide get the 2 ring 1 from e.thirteen | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Strengths: | Versatility, strength, this bike is soo stable in the air
| | Weaknesses: | none that i can find | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive 5 | | Bike Setup: | 03' Kona Coiler, stock except amoeba DH bars and 7" Rotors | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, its helped me go much MUch quicker, you should buy this if you are new to DH or FR, great bike from going to a hardtail to a full sus. i wouldnt recommend if you are a hardcore DHer.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | 1.Decent quality frame which can take a lot of punishment, and the rear linkages are pretty sturdy.
2.Very, very upgradeable bike. I know people who ride trails, freeride, and I downhill on mine. Loads of potential for upgrades, in every area if mountain biking.
3.Very good price for what it is - the components are average, and will work nice if used properly.
| | Weaknesses: | Fork lets it down. 150mm would have been nice for people who can't afford to upgrade.
Brakes are pretty good, but the rotors could have been optional 8in - but this is easy to upgrade.
Stem is far, far too long for this style of bike, again easy upgrade.
Pedals are really not suited unless your using it for XC or trails. Easy upgrade though.
Cranks are not beefy enough for the potential of the frame. The splines on mine rubbed down, so if they should break take time in getting a decent set.
A bashring is far more preferrable to 3 rings.
12mm rear axle would have made rear end very stiff. | | Similar Products Used: | 2005 Stinky. 2004 Santa Cruz Bullit. 2006 24-seven Darkangel DH. 2005 Norco Six. | | Bike Setup: | 2004 coiler frame; BETD 7in travel plates. Marzocchi 888R. Raceface evolve DH bars+stem+BB. Hayes HFX9 HD 8in rotors. E13 SRS system. Truvativ DH cranks. Middleburn DH 36t ring. Shimano super short cage derailleur. Close ratio casette. Sram PC991 chain. DMR V12 pedals. Atomlab GI front hub 20mm. Maxxis minion Dh tires. | | Bottom Line: | The coiler is an extremely upgradeable bike. I've specced mine completely for downhill, and the frame has completely changed with the addition of the 888R's and travel plates giving 7in rear travel. Frame still performs perfectly like a pure DH rig, with the one drawback: the rear axle is not very sturdy, a 12mm would have been great.
Again it is very changeable towards freeride. A long travel single crown fork will fit the bike extremely nicely. This is probably the best riding this bike is capable of.
Itis also good for trail riding, as it comes pretty much specced for the trail, and comes in larger sizes too.
So if you are getting serious with mountain biking, and are looking for a bike which will follow you on whichever style you decide to ride, this is the one for you. Great if you want to get into mechanics too because its so upgradeable.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
amir rothschild
a Weekend Warrior
from israel
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | shokef | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | frame, rear shock (if you are not cedrik garcia), | | Weaknesses: | didnt found some | | Similar Products Used: | schwinn, jamis, marin, haro | | Bike Setup: | 66vf, gigapipe dh bb, magura louise fr f and b,vanilla rc, holzfeller stem, max minion dh r and f, kenda dh tube, wellgo b67 pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bikes great, you can allmost do everything with them from xc to fr and jump allmost everything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kako
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | BA | | Strengths: | The Frame has got an ideal shape. The Marzocchi drop-off IV is a great fork (More adjustable than it looks (Oil + Air)). The bake has been designed to be abused; it is very tough. | | Weaknesses: | It’s a bit heavy for a Freeride bike when climbing… but you’ll forget about this when going downhill with this beauty. The seatpost does not give much room for clearance; I changed it for a Ritchey Comp V2 and it worked much better. Same goes for the Kona saddle, do change it! I wore the original tires in a couple of months; put 2 Maxxis in for maximum grip. I haven’t been able to stop the cables from damaging the paint… Deore F/D sucks… | | Similar Products Used: | None, had a hardtrail before. | | Bike Setup: | Crank Brothers - Mallet C Pedals. ODI Rogue Lock-On Grips. Maxxis High Roller 26x2.3 at the front and Maxxis LarsenTT 26x2.3 in the back. WTB Rocket V saddle with a Ritchey Comp V2 seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | It’s a great bike.. a bit too heavy but with room to upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a Weekend Warrior
from Alamo
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Dog Bone | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1450.00 | | Purchased At: | Hank and Frank | | Strengths: | light? | | Weaknesses: | everything. the brakes can't stop you even after you upgrade to 8in rotors. the suspension bottoms out everything you do. the cranks suck cuz the arms fell off 30min after tighting. wheels bent really easily so i had to upgrade that. THE SEAT BENT?!? so that was gone | | Similar Products Used: | k2 disco monkey | | Bike Setup: | stock excepted upgraded diabolus stem w/ hussefelt bars, mrp lrp, trailpimp dhr rear wheel, xt rd, deus headset, marz seat | | Bottom Line: | this bike sucks, dont get it if you freeride. i sold it and got an rmx and that is wayyyyyyyyyyy better than this pos. save ur time and money. DONT GET THIS BIKE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sermon
a Weekend Warrior
from Harpers Ferry
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The Gooner | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame is tough as nails, 6" front and back, geometry | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | heckler, Giant Reign, Trek Remedy 6, specialized enduro | | Bike Setup: | stock so far | | Bottom Line: | This is definitely a good all around bike. It takes up to 8 ft drops with no problem. I was trying to find a good all mountain type of bike and this bike fits the bill. For under 2k it comes with decent enough components. It is very good on uphills and even better going down. This is my first FS bike and I am happy with my decision. If you are a bigger rider and looking for a XC bike and something for a little bit more aggressive riding then this is the bike for you. My biggest concern with buying a bike was one that could support my weight and not have to worry. I am 6'1 about 255lbs and nothing has broken yet. I will post again in about 6 months after I get through the spring riding season. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sermon
a Weekend Warrior
from Harpers Ferry
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The Gooner | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame is tough as nails, 6" front and back, geometry | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | heckler, Giant Reign, Trek Remedy 6, specialized enduro | | Bike Setup: | stock so far | | Bottom Line: | This is definitely a good all around bike. It takes up to 8 ft drops with no problem. I was trying to find a good all mountain type of bike and this bike fits the bill. For under 2k it comes with decent enough components. It is very good on uphills and even better going down. This is my first FS bike and I am happy with my decision. If you are a bigger rider and looking for a XC bike and something for a little bit more aggressive riding then this is the bike for you. My biggest concern with buying a bike was one that could support my weight and not have to worry. I am 6'1 about 255lbs and nothing has broken yet. I will post again in about 6 months after I get through the spring riding season. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1629.00 | | Purchased At: | CBO | | Strengths: | This is a follow up review of my bike. After riding this beast on some better trails, I have a better idea of what it's capable of, and WOW! This bike is way more capable than I am at this point. The Coiler is extremely durable. The ride up and downhill is incredibly comfortable. The six inches of travel(both front and rear) provide a squishy, yet firm ride on any terrain. The Coiler was built to take a beating, but has all the essentials of finesse. Shifting is a breeze going uphill, and the shifters require very little maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | The stock innertubes are weak and should be replaced upon purchase. The stock pedals are a deathtrap, and need to be replaced upon purchase. The handlebar is thicker than most, which is great, except attaching barends and other levers can be a pain. No big deal. The hayes brakes are great, but upgrading to 8 inch roters is recomended (especially if you weigh more than the average bear). | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Mamba, Gary Fisher Mullet | | Bike Setup: | 2005, 19", bar ends, gravity dropper with lever attached to bar ends, custom mp3 player and powered speaker setup and 8" roters are on the horizon. | | Bottom Line: | The Coiler is a very good bike for the price. I can only image upgrading to a Santa Cruz Nomad, but that rig runs nearly five grand. If you're large and beat the crud out of your equipment, this bike is for you. Props to KONA! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey Wyckoff
a Downhiller
from Franklin Lakes NJ
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Skyline drive and Mountain creek | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Sports | | Strengths: | The frame is really strong, and so is everyting else. The handle bars and cranks and rims are sooo strong. This thing rocks for downhill. I raced with it, and I got a pretty good time. THis bike cant have the F beaten out of it. Its good for drops, dirt jumps, downhill, all mountain. | | Weaknesses: | The suspension was pretty bad for downhill but I dont care because I changed it. Other wise it is really good | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized big hit 1 | | Bike Setup: | Manitou sherman slider plus, Manitou swinger six, Truvativ DH bars, Specialized grips, 8 inch rotors, New tires 2.70 in front, sram derailleur, new chain, Azonic pedals, and some other pointles stuff | | Bottom Line: | THis bike rocks and It is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo farging fast downhill bike and allmountain. Most reliable bike eva. and Really durable. Built for east side riding "very rocky" no dirt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Fedel
a Downhiller
from Ouray, Colorado
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | portland mine | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | 2nd ave. sports | | Strengths: | Great all around bike. It excells at freeride and downhill though. I have ridden this bike on the downhill trails of Angelfire NM, to my local dirtjumps to slickrock and it has performed better than any other bike I have ridden. The value is insane, no other bike on the market can come close to this parts group for this price, plus the legendary Kona durability is evident in the bikes ride. | | Weaknesses: | not very tunable, rear shock and fork are low level and hard to dial in. Tires are not very durable, I've already been through two sets. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant riegn 3, Rocky Mountain Switch, Norco vps atomic | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except for: e13 dualring, better platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | a must buy for any freerider or downhiller who wants to stay in shape with a few cross country rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michal Tihlarik
a Weekend Warrior
from Sitborice, Czech Republic
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Leogang (AT), woods around Brno (CZ) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1680.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Pavel Kuchar | | Strengths: | frame, color, price tag, 6" front & rear, very strong and beefy, very easy to ride, pedals well | | Weaknesses: | pedals (a joke from Kona?), small rotors (both changed to 8"), rear shock bottoms out easily - soft spring, tires wear out quickly | | Similar Products Used: | '98 Schwinn Mesa GS, '04 Kona Stinky, '05 Haro Extreme X2, | | Bike Setup: | stock except 8" rotors, platform pedals, 650 lbs X-Fusion spring and WTB Motoraptor 2,4" rear tire | | Bottom Line: | A whole lot of a bike for your money! If you intend to do some decent freeriding and still want to get to your favorite trail by your own, this is your choice. Pedals well, does not bob too much unless you go off the seat, the suspension gives you A LOT of confidence, the rear shock does not bottom out so much after replacing the 550 lbs spring for a 650 lbs, but you will still feel the rubber bottom-out protection on bigger hits - no compression/bottom-out adjustment on the cheap shock. The pro-pedal feature makes the rear wheel a bit inactive to small obstacles - I am thinking of having it removed. Also thinking of getting a single 38T chainring & chainguide with bashguard, but I really like the versatility, so this is yet to be carefully thought about :-). A also recommend to install 8" rotors (I have almost burnt the original 6" in Leogang (Austria)) - the brake power is much better then. Finally go get yourself a slower oil (SAE 15 - 20W instead of the original 7,5W) and pump your fork up only to a half of the recommended values in the fork manual - performance is going to be much better then. Bottom line - great bike for the money, inspite of the minor adjustments and tuning that must be done to have a really perfect bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Luis Obispo, CA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Bike Lane | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1629.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bikes | | Strengths: | Extreme durability, six inces of travel in the front and rear, looks great, well built, excellent shifters, descent brakes. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Mamba, Gary Fisher Mullet | | Bike Setup: | 2005 19" Coiler, stock except for gravity dropper and bar ends | | Bottom Line: | If you're a big guy looking for the right bike, then the Coiler is for you. I weigh 215 pounds, stand 6'2" and I'm demanding on all of my equipment. This bike wants to take a beating and beg for more. The Coiler climbs well and loves to charge downhill. I'm pleased with my purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arthur Cassman
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingman AZ USA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | monolith gardens | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle World | | Strengths: | This bike has amazing control and stability. Frame strength is amazing and this bike invokes confidence in any rider that gets on. | | Weaknesses: | Stock drivetrain a little weak, and forks cut too low. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 70 (XC bike) and Haro X2 (All-mountain) | | Bike Setup: | 05 coiler, Marzocchi Freeride Z1 forks, Fox DHX 5.0 rear coil over shock, XT front and rear derailers, Trailbear 2.5 tires, crankbrothers mallet pedals.
| | Bottom Line: | This bike is as sweet as they come. I did upgrade the forks and cut the stem longer to raise the handlebars a couple inches. This made the bike more comfortable and makes it handle better. I am a big guy, and this bike will handle all the abuse I put it through. There are a lot of rock gardens around, and I find myself doing 5-8 ft. drops (sometimes whether I want to or not) and the Coiler takes it without flinching. As long as your not a hard core downhiller, this bike will handle anything you throw at it. I have seen people put dual crown forks on them and do just fine. Great bike, great price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
knock em up knox
a Downhiller
from santa cruz/san luis obispo
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the road to high st. deli | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | from some teenager | | Strengths: | cheap, handles like a dream, VERY stout, climbs very good for a fs freerider | | Weaknesses: | i broke the derailleur hanger off once | | Similar Products Used: | bullit, rode a p3 before this | | Bike Setup: | stock + factory racing boxxer, 8" rotors, e.13 dual ring, 6" stinky links | | Bottom Line: | this bike kicks ass. easy to push the limits of your skill because the bike is capable of way more than 90% of riders. i raced my buddies up a 2-3 mile climb the other day, even though they were on XC bikes 5-10 pounds lighter i was waiting for at least 5 minutes before they caught up, and my bike is setup for downhill. definitely an ALL AROUND capable bike, i haven't had to make any upgrades or mods to it (well, original fork was blown....) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick
a Weekend Warrior
from phoenix, az
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | south mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | mikes bike chalet--(crappy) | | Strengths: | this is my first full suspension bike and i must say that i am impressed. it does everything better than i thought it would. climbing especially.. | | Weaknesses: | the weight is a bit more than i was used to but i dont consider it a downfall. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | profile crbon bars,Lx shifters,azonic aggro stem, 17.5in frame,05 fox vanilla R fork, shimano xt/rhino lite rim in front, mavic 233 in front,2.3 kenda blue groove front,2.1 kenda kinetics in the rear, hayes hydro 6" in front, avid mech in rear, fsa carbon crank & fsa ti bottom bracket, primo mag flat pedals,03 fox vanilla r rear shock, Xt front deraileur, xTr rear, easton carbon seatpost, coda saddle | | Bottom Line: | tripple tree forks aren't recomended for this bike, xT front deraieurs were encouraged over the xtr.
once you get your fork and shock set up right for you, this bike can do it all. the kenda kinetics in the rear has really impressed me. i dont think the bike can feel any stronger, it begs to take a beating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lisa
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Redwoods - Rotorua | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Trademe | | Strengths: | Confidence inspiring. Strong. Good amount of travel and super comfortable. Got everything you need for blending XC and freeride. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals
Seat was not too comfy till I got used to it
Rims are a bit light | | Similar Products Used: | Nil - My first bike since I was 7 years old | | Bike Setup: | Stock 04 model except for Raceface bash guard
| | Bottom Line: | Having left my 20's and for a gal getting into Mtb for the first time, I was a bit worried, but I need not have been - this bike is amazing. My Coiler has given me so much confidence and takes any hits that I care to throw at it. (I know it could take a whole lot more too!) From being a self confessed TOTAL Nanna who could not jump down a curb, the Coiler very quickly had me confident enought to be getting "air" and lining up jumps instead of every by-pass when out on trails. It climbs really well. I was warned that it was a heavy bike but have barely noticed this at all. It was only a problem when on a bike 'n hike trail when I had to hoist it up banks. Having said that, its pretty easy to steer clear of these types of trails. I know the bike compensates my bad riding at times and has saved by skin on several ocassions where a hard-tail would have dumped me. It is such a nice comfortable ride and just sucks up bumps and jolts. I recommend this bike to any one who wants to ride XC / freeride and especially if you feel you need a bit of a confidence boost. Dont worry about the weight, other parts of this awesome rig more than compensate. The only people who should not consider this bike are those who are into hardcore downhill, hardcore dirtjumping, superfast or marathon XC and bike n hike enthusiasts. And for those girls out there considering getting into Mtb - dont let guys in shops put you off this bike with stories about its weight and then have you buy a hard-tail. This bike will have you riding where you only dreamed. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Mac
a Weekend Warrior
from Lancs, UK
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | AE | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Pounds, Secondhand | | Strengths: | Ace bike for most types of riding. Can do 30 mile epics, quarry style freeride boshing and light downhill with ease. Good value for the price and looks cool (2004 model).
Took this bike to Chamonix and it was bang-on for that terrain! | | Weaknesses: | Tioga tyres and Kona grips are a bit cack in my opinion, so swapped them for Continental Verticals / ODI Loc-ons. Stock bar a bit narrow (personal preferance). Oh, yeah, and like others have said lever reach screw comes lose (loctite). | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky Dee-lux, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except grips, pedals, stem/bar, front rotor and tyres. | | Bottom Line: | Sound do-it-all bike that inspires confidence. I have just sold it and got a 2005 Stinky dee-lux, which is also a sound bike. Sticking with the Kona brand, as I think they make cool, solid bikes that are affordable! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris D.
a Weekend Warrior
from Hubbardston, MA, USA!!
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam(FR), Watatic(DH), Leominster State Forest(XC+FR) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Naults Cyclery (Nashua, NH) | | Strengths: | Frame; really strong(same as stinky). Rims and Tires; beefy. Price; really good when compared to other freeride bikes. | | Weaknesses: | Hubs; i had to replace both. Cranks; could have been a lemon, they broke. Also, the chain drops off of both front rings like nobody's business. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Pipeline | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new hubs, new cranks, & an e13 bash guard. | | Bottom Line: | This has been a great bike for me. If you want a downhiller with 3+ inches of sag, this is not the bike. For maximum rear travel, throw the shock in the mount closest to the rear tire. This helped, but its still only a 5" travel bike. The bike has almost no pedal bob, climbs great, can take downhill, hits 5-6 footers no problem, and i know the bike can take more. Kona sacraficed a few things to make this bike less expensive. For example, cheap hubs that are trashed before the year is over, and XC cranks, which just don't cut it (the chain drops A LOT!) Bottom Line; great bike for the freerider who still rides XC and DH. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
big j
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the res | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | cove bikes | | Strengths: | got $600 off, brakes, seat, front shock, grips, crank, frame, and colour. Handles really well. | | Weaknesses: | stem, no bashguard, and shifters. Hard to get to high speeds on roads because of the tires, had to buy new crank bolts for bash ring | | Similar Products Used: | Brodie force was my previuos bike, this is much better | | Bike Setup: | dh stem. lexan bashguard | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, it handles and turns well, light enough to be used for a little bit of dirt jumping, braking is great, the bike pedals well uphill. thats about it. Buy this bike unless you currently are a hardcore downhiller, you wont regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juan Vega
a
from Magalluf, España
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Cala Falco | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1040.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | This bike is amazing. The difference with my old hardtail is
impossible to describe. I can do things that i never expect to do with a bike: jumps, drops, downhill. It gives me a lot of security. It's almost impossible when you make a jump fall down from the bike. Also it's very cool when the people stops to see me on my bike, with its electric blue.
| | Weaknesses: | None. The people who thinks the weight of the bike is a weakness maybe have to think if they are ready to go to the world championship bike race. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Gemini 900 | | Bike Setup: | Original setup | | Bottom Line: | If you want a bike that can take up the hill in a normal rythim, a bike to make some jumps a drops. a bike to go downhill as fast as you can (no as fast as the bike can go) this is your. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nico
a Weekend Warrior
from phoenix, az, usa
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | south mountain (mormon trail) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | feels as if i will break long before the bike will.
very stiff. | | Weaknesses: | with strength comes the weight. though not as heavy as the stinky, its still up there. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky, kona dawg and yeti 575. | | Bike Setup: | 26 x 2.25 kenda tires, mavic rims, 05 vanilla r in front and 03 vanilla in rear, fsa carbon crank, xtr derailleurs, easton carbon bar, neck and seatpost, coda seat, avid mechanical rear brake and hayes hydolic in the front, and welgo flat pedals. | | Bottom Line: | first off im 5'7" and about 145lbs i ride about 4 times a week at local trails here in phoenix. i like riding hard but i dont do anything over 3-4 foot drops.
i bought this frame used for a pretty good deal and used parts that ive had from other bikes. like i said the bike feels tough, and even better once u get your fork and shock lined up. this bike will never be light just like its brother the stinky. ANOTHER thing you cant put a triple tree fork on this bike, kona doesnt recomend it. i got ths bike for a good deal for this i love it. i do like other bikes such as my 575 yeti but they are two different price ranges.
if you can find one for a good price i would roll with it but in the weight department there isnt much diffence between the stinky and the coiler and u can put a triple tree on it. if you have the money get yourself something lighter. but if your not concerned about that kinda thing this bike kicks ass, just point it and shoot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Panky
a Racer
from Woodpile
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Dunno | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | BNH | | Strengths: | Indestructible, great bike for the money. Front and rear shock are pretty good too. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, the mother f---ing pedals (also the crappy tires) | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky, Norco Six, Aline, Iron Horse Sinister, and the list goes on... | | Bike Setup: | Kona Coiler with maxxis Highrollers, Jacks--t pedals, Fox DHX rear shock (the one with lockout) and 8" rotor up front | | Bottom Line: | If you buy some Specialized or Trek for the same price, your retarded. The greatest bike for the money, even better when you invest a little. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from kelowna bc canada
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | vapor, hillbilly | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | vancouver bike shop | | Strengths: | frame geometry, ground clearance, overall design seems very well thought out, esp for the price. | | Weaknesses: | stock pedals DO suck, and i'm not sure about the TIoga Blue Dragon tires, other than that they DO wear quickly. LX rear derailleur not as good as the XTR on my old Kula | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock, 'cept for Crank Bros Mallet pedals - a truly MUST HAVE accessory. oh, and a bash ring (Kona) | | Bottom Line: | i was ready to toss in the towel as far as mountain biking goes, until i got this beauty. unlike that guy who sells the yellow wristbands says, 'it's ALL about the bike!' has given me a level of confidence that i couldn't have imagined a year ago. why did i wait so long to get on the freeride bandwagon?? had to get used to a few things - DON'T take off your wheels unless you want to fiddle with squeaky brake pads and alignment issues; but that could be my overall mechanical ineptitude. bike climbs very well - easier to stay on in technical sections, and as for drops, well, it's like bungee jumping - look way ahead, step off, and let the bike take the hit - you'll be wondering - what the hell was that all about, anyway?? inspires almost freaky confidence; especially after riding xc bikes for over 20 years. if you're still riding a hardtail and feel as though you've 'stalled out', or are wondering what the deal with New School riding is, this is the perfect place to begin. best money i've EVER spent on a bike. you can raise the seat for climbing, which definitely helps, but make sure you lower it on descent, it will throw your posture out of whack. these bikes are designed to be ridden with the seat below the headset. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian K
a Downhiller
from Royal Oak, MI
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Bloomer | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Continental Bikes, Hazel Park | | Strengths: | Strong frame and great looking paint. Versitile geometry that can handle a wide varity of forks. Light compared to the Stinky. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the stock parts. Stem, handlebar, pedals, and 6in rotors were gone before it left the shop. Bent the cranks after about 2 months. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Witchdoctor, Kona Hoss Deluxe (set up for urban assualt.) | | Bike Setup: | 2004 17in. Juinor T fork, Mavic ex721 rims, Easton EA50 handlebar, Azonic Stem, eThirteen bashgaurd, RaceFace Atlas X-type cranks, 8in hayes rotors, 700lb spring, IRC Kujo DH 2.35 tires. Full freeride set up. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. For the money it is hard to beat. I can keep up with all my friends on stinky's, but i still have a lighter bike when we go uphill. The bike handles great and isn't too much to handle off some dirt jumps either. The junior t's extra travel(170mm) doesn't effect the sterring at all. Mine wieghs in at about 41lbs with my set up. I would recomend a coiler to anyone looking for a freeride 1st/ all mountain 2nd type bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Serf
a Weekend Warrior
from Dana Point, Ca
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Many | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Built for Clydesdale Abuse. I mean it 6'2 - 250. I am very abusive to my gear, I will not lie to you I beat the f&%$ out of this rig and it begs for more. Sorta sick huh? | | Weaknesses: | Brake Lever Set Screw, Chain bounces inside chainstay very weird chain suck. | | Similar Products Used: | DBR, GT, Dawg, Balance | | Bike Setup: | Stock - replaced parts after 1 year, 1 set of rotors, 1 set of pads, new tires, new grips, new bars, Granny Chain Ring. | | Bottom Line: | Nothing but good things from this bike. This review is for the 2004 model (white). Almost 1 year and have had a blast. Best $1500 I have ever spent on a bike. I have become very comfortable with climbing on this rig I do not notice its weight or lack of lockout. The designers nailed it on this model. My buddy, another Clydesdale has the 2005 (blue) and he always has a smile on his face as he cathces up to me. If you are looking for a bike to do basically anything at a fun pace, you found it with the Coiler line. Just did Big Bear (a shame to what happened up there) rode up, yeah no lifts for this rig just keep spining. Made some fun drops and insane sections and not once felt out of control. Bike handling is top notch. Thinking about Fat Tire Fest in Moab if gas prices come down. I will let you know how bike likes slick rock. Last time there had hardtail Karakoram with 1.5 front shock travel. Keep it up Kona you have a customer for life. Only gave it 4 Chilis as I know Kona has more up there sleeves. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Weak Sauce
a Racer
from Basalt
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | side walk to middle school | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | local shop | | Strengths: | awesome. I ride to school on it and it's sweet | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | NeXT full-suspension, RST fork, Shimano-Equipped 21 speeds | | Bike Setup: | good | | Bottom Line: | THis is a real good bike I have ridden it to basalt midle school everyday since I got it and it is really good. I want to take it off some sweet jumps soon. I only have one problem though they shouldnt of put on the front brake because it adds weight and all it does it throw you over the bars sweet bike though | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
michael A.
a Weekend Warrior
from bellingham
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | turquoise flame. good luck finding it. it is in bellingham washington | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | great bike, all the components are good for a good rider.
sweet tan color. good frame. | | Weaknesses: | the handlebars may be a bit weak for DH or Freeriding. seat is also weak. | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky (2002) | | Bike Setup: | I have changed a few things. I have kona jack s@#t pedals. kona stem, kona dh handlebars. marzocchi drop off tripple. lizard skin north shore grips. ring god bash guard. new titec seat. nokian NBX tires 2.5 in front and maxxis high roller tire 2.5 in the back. fox vanilla rc rear shock. alot has been changed. i have 6 in. in the front and 5 in the back, but it is balanced by the dampning of the Fox shock. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for extreme cross country and freeride. good bike for the money. if you like the freeride style than you should buy the 2005 coiler, which has 6in. front and back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tweekend Warrior
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with that goes down with drops | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycler's Cafe | | Strengths: | True XC/FR hybrid geometry. Fox rear-good allarounder. Marzocchi sufficient for XC (after break in) but better at FR stuff. Tough construction, after three months of tough XC at the hands of a 200 lb rider nothing broken. | | Weaknesses: | Tires-belong on something of the Walmart persuasion.
Pedals-negative flaming turds here
Upgrade these and you will also save weight! | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Extreme X2, Haro Shift R5 | | Bike Setup: | Crank Bros. Candy C's
FSA K Force Carbon Bar
Easton EA70 120mm stem
Panaracer Fire FR 2.4 front
Weirwolf 2.5 Race in Rear
Race Face 34T Bash
Race Face Good n Evil Grips
| | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the money. Componentry is not that bad for the money, but I would upgrade the tires and pedals ASAP. Climbing with 6' in the rear is quite good and is easily accomplished with smooth pedal strokes. It is definately made for bombing down, take a look at the geometry as the suspension angle is most ideal for absorbing impacts while going downhill. I ride mostly XC and I found it helpful to swap out the bars and stem, going to flatbars with a 120mm stem. This slowed the steering down and gave it a more stable feel when cornering for XC riding. If you are concerned with weight this bike is not for you. If you don't mind the physical challenge riding this bike for hours offers, then go for it. If you want a solid bike for aggressive trail riding and beyond and don't mind upgrading a bit to dial it in perfectly take this one home. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Yuma, AZ
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | fast ones | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1490.00 | | Purchased At: | Johnny Yuma | | Strengths: | Supports a clydsdale cross country/freeride rider,Smokin' deal, lots of travel | | Weaknesses: | Drivetrain, weight, tires | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Specialized, and Santa Cruz in the 1200-2100 price range | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I am a cross country wannabe freeride rider and I am enjoying the coiler. It's my first full suspension bike so I can't compare it to anything else I have ridden on a regular basis. I am a big guy - 6' 215 and I haven't had anything break on the bike yet (even after having a suv hit me and run over the front tire, only replaced the rim).
I will say that the components are not the best, but I bought it for the frame and plan on upgrading as they wear out. If the components were better then we would be paying for it.
Still trying to get used to the weight after riding cross country bikes all my life. I can ride the trails and still keep up with my usual riding budies on their KHS and GT full suspension cross country bikes w/out too much extra effort. After all the talk about full suspension with this much travel having trouble climbing, I am suprised how well I can get up the hills.
I went to four different bike shops and two said to get the 17" and two said 18", I opted for the 18" and have no size issues.
I thought I would take my fully upgraded hardtail out now and then and when riding around town, but since the coiler showed up the hardtail has become a towel rack. There is no buyer's remorse for me. I have the confidence to try bigger drops and go faster then I should be.
This bike is for anyone looking for the confidence their hardtail can't offer. The only way to get 5 chilis from me would be if I didn't have to upgrade anything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor Knapp
a Weekend Warrior
from Kirkland, WA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Finn Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1520.00 | | Purchased At: | Bothell Ski and Bike | | Strengths: | Frame, sexy paint job, Good at cross-country and freeride but not outstanding in both. | | Weaknesses: | pedals are a joke | | Similar Products Used: | had a gary fisher sugar 4+, tested a kona stinky, stab, coiler dee lux, and a specialized piece of crap before buying | | Bike Setup: | upgraded pedals but that's it | | Bottom Line: | For what I do, the bike couldn't be more perfect. I'm able to cruise around town, and then if I want, hit a trail and do a 5 foot drop like i'm just going off a curb. The bike seems to always have a way of landing perfectly also. The clearance on this bike is amazing and I have yet to hit the crank on anything. The front shock is descent, but if you don't pump the air up to its recommended level, it turns into a great shock, because otherwise it's too bouncy. Bothell Ski and Bike built this one for me and did a fantastic job, so if you live around Seattle, go there. This is a sexy bike, that performs great for price. You can't find anything like it for $1500. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | paulscycles.co.uk | | Strengths: | Looks quite cool, very good pedaling efficiency. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, Rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | none this is my first real mtb | | Bottom Line: | I'm only 14 years old. I weigh about 7.5 stone and yet i easily bottomed out the suspension. how does that work?
This is the fist proper mountain bike i have ever had so i cant do very big stuff but after abour a weak riding i realised i kept bottoming out the rear suspension! I don't mind too much because the bumper between the shock and frame stops any damage. But its makes you wander why a bike that has been made for adults (and costs quite a bit) can easily be bottomed out by a 14yr old kid! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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