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Submitted by
trarahumara
a Weekend Warrior
from tepoztlan, morelos, mexico
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | via ferrocarril tepoztlan a df | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Strengths: | Lightweight;
Durable---takes a beating and keeps going;
Good components
Low maintenance
Hydraulic brake system rocks | | Weaknesses: | Coil suspension system is dated by today's standards, but then again, there's no maintenance involved in it. Definitely not as smooth as today's shock absorbers, but for a bike that is 10+ years old, it was cutting edge at one time and still beats low end shock systems on today's bikes.
Since the bike is as light as it is, it does flex a bit too much, and especially evident when ripping downhill through winding trails | | Similar Products Used: | It was my first full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Standard, plus coil front and rear suspension; Shimano Deore; Hydraulic braking system (but not disk) | | Bottom Line: | If you can still find one of these in good condition, you won't be disappointed. I've used it for serious mountain trail biking, and it's never let me down. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy
a Downhiller
from Gilbert, AZ , USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | AZ | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Super Go | | Strengths: | Built like a tank. This bike has never let me down. I just finished a complete rebuild, and it is cool to see this site. Even though I have had the bike for over six years, I do not plan on getting a new one. | | Weaknesses: | Like I said, built like a tank. The bike is a little heavy, but worth the weight. | | Similar Products Used: | iron horse | | Bike Setup: | beast frame, noleen triple crowns up front, fox in the rear. Shimano XT all the way around, Titec Hellbent bars, O'lite rims and Aheadset neck. | | Bottom Line: | Like I said, I would not get rid of this bike. The technology has gotten crazy with the newer bikes, but my Beast has never let me down. I have bombed some crazy trails, and broke myself on some big hits, and the bike just keeps going. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh love
a Weekend Warrior
from ballarat, vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | cash converters | | Strengths: | makes you feel like you can take on anything, ive riden down a hills covered in rocks, and it just flys over it,
it has a very stong frame, im 6ft tall and 215 pound
im far from thin, and this bike has held up really well | | Weaknesses: | when i got the bike, the front forks where dead, the seals where leaking air, its not until now that ive finally found a pair of forks for the beast, thats same noleen chubby lt's that where on the bike, havnt got them yet though | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 1998 k2 proflex beast, shimano doere lx brakes, maxxis tyres, xtr drivetrain, every thing else is standard | | Bottom Line: | this is one great bike for the price, apart from my front forks being stuffed on my bike, the beast is a great bike, that makes you think you can take on any jump or hill or even mountain, and in most cases you can when you ride this thing, ill give it 5 flamin turds to :) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Dyer
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Snow, VT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain & Border Town, North Creek, NY | | Strengths: | The range of travel on the suspension is great for bombing down the steeps. A good combo of LX/XT components. | | Weaknesses: | I would in time, upgrade to XT/XTR and disc breaks would be nice. | | Similar Products Used: | Barracuda, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I did put WTB Moto Raptor 2.4 tires on for improved performance downhill. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike used, size large. The bike retailed for $1800 and I picked it up for $500. It was rented 2 seasons and is in excellent condition. I frequently use the bike at Mount Snow and I do some Urban Assault type riding with it. I'm 6'0, 200 and I have never exceeded the boundries of what this bike is capable of. If you can get your hands on one, go for it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Mamma
a Downhiller
from Boston/Seattle/Salt lake/Breck
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn/porcupine rim/victor falls/Vail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bothell ski n bike (WA) | | Strengths: | Bomber frame, very affordable price to get you started in freeriding. AND K2 has unbelievable customer service. I called to ask them where I could get stronger elastamers for the fork(way back when), they sent me some for free. The C-clip on the rear shock snapped about a year ago,(after over 2000 miles) I called them and they sent me one for free. I met a guy last week who bought the beast new 4 years ago, he just cracked the frame, he called k2, they sent him a new frame. Try that with another mtn. bike manufacturer! | | Weaknesses: | As mentioned many times in earlier reviews, the stock wheelset is junk. The forks are entry level FR, but will hold up fine if you service them frequently. I have rebuilt mine 3 times and they have lasted for 4 years taking MUCH abuse! If you ride the bike long enough, the C-clip on the rear shock will break. Not to worry, call k2 and they'll send you a replacement for free. The Elastamers in the front shock will also need to be switched out for heavier duty ones if you plan on taking any drops, but K2 will hook you up there too. Neither the frame nor the fork will accomadate current model disc brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | There are no similar products to this, were talking 98 K2 Beast, this is the dawn of full suspension freeriding! | | Bike Setup: | Mavic 521's laced on XT hubs (40 spokes/Brass nips), Magura Hs22 hydraulic brakes, TruVativ Hussefelt Cranks w/TruVativ DH BB and Hussefelt chain guide, Azonic shorty stem and Hellbent DH riser bars, Big fat pig head set. Everything else including the original Xt rear der, Lx shifter, seat and seatpost are all stock! | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'2", 220lbs, and have been hucking this bike off rocks, ladders, bridges and stairs for over 4 years and it's still hungry for more. If you ever have a chance to pick one of these sweet rigs up, dont hesitate! It seems everywhere I go, whether it's tiger mtn. in Seattle, Bakers tank in Breckenridge or Vietnam in Mass, people recognize and give props to this bike. It is truly a piece of mtn. biking history!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
delagarde
a Downhiller
from mont-saint-anne
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | bennetts | | Strengths: | unbreakable, goes uphill like a mountain goat, handles like a charm over the slippery. very light, very very very very solid. Awesome great fantastic frame design, imitated by the orange 222. tons of plush travel more then youll ever want for DH racing. | | Weaknesses: | little flex but its pro flex. the bike flys over rocks too fast so iy scares me. | | Similar Products Used: | Stab Primo, balfa BB7, Big Hit, GT DHi race. | | Bike Setup: | monster T2, evil chainguide, full xtr 2003, hayes, mavic 521, chris king hub, intense super sticky, easton stem and seatpost, fiited a fifth element shock. | | Bottom Line: | kick ass frame considering you can get 7 of em for the price of a intense m1. intense m1 is no match for my super beast. Beast eat m1 or lunch. world cup rocks garden feels like pavement. I'm so happy to beat my friends at the local race with this bike, its awesome. They want to cry! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stephen
a Downhiller
from u.k
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | local trails.freeride | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | upgraded the beast with a nice set of triple clamp forks,riser stem and bars,magurra hs33 hydrolic brakes,mavic ceramic wheels.2.3 tyres.rebuilt rear shock.this bike is indistructable,she takes all i throw at her.im a keen freerider and the beast is an aliminium frame,making it light.with the triple clamp forks and 8" of travel on the front she rides the bumps like they didnt exist.lovely bike. | | Weaknesses: | rear shock.but can be serviced by cvi for £150 or by yourself for just a few pounds.any info needed contact me mudmonkies@btopenworld.com | | Similar Products Used: | full suspention bikes of various designs.spent years finding a good all round bike. | | Bike Setup: | beast frame,proflex.shock work triple clamp forks,mavic ceramic wheels,planet-x hubs,with titanium spokes,magurra hs33 hydrolic brakes,short x-light seat post,ridgeback riser bars,and stubby head set,shimano xt gear shifters,all xt drive,nokian gazzeldi tyres,bear claw freeride pedals. | | Bottom Line: | most exellant bike dude.takes a good thrashing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Niall Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Erskine, Scotland
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Peebles | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Varies | | Strengths: | Good looks, Strong frame, not too heavy, Handles well, Suspension is nice and plush, Pretty bombproof. | | Weaknesses: | Cable routing means that regular cable changes are needed | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS-1 | | Bike Setup: | Spinergy rev x rok wheels, Pace RC36 fork, Shimano XT groupset, XT V-brakes, World force bars and stem, Fizik saddle(by far the comfiest yet), Panaracer tyres, Fox coil rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome to ride, weight is about right - not too heavy so that riding it becomes a pain and not so light that it breaks all the time. Most of my riding is now on the streets and it handles fantastically-gettting me out of trouble all the time, also it takes the punishmement of the concrete landscape with (so far) no problems. Well worth considering - especially second hand(check for damage first) as they are so cheap now. FANTASTIC.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Post
a Downhiller
from Reseda CA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Caballero Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$890.00 | | Purchased At: | reseda bikes | | Strengths: | This bike can take a load of pounding. I put over 1500 miles on it and it hasn't even flinched. | | Weaknesses: | TOO MUCH FLEX. I am 175 lbs and I do 5 foot drops all the time. The back end will flex all over the place on landings. The o degree light wheel set is pure crap. I destroyed the rear wheel after about 6 months. The lx cranks can't take any abuse because mine have developed a creak. The Chubby fork is far from sensative in the rough. I immediately purchased a psylo xc and that made the bike feel okay. | | Similar Products Used: | 02' specialized stumpjumper 02' KHS fxt | | Bike Setup: | 02' Shimano xt rear derailuer, 01'rock shox psylo xc, Sun ryno -lite wheels | | Bottom Line: | This bike is reliable, no doubt about it. Can it take the extreme pounding of drops. NO Can it act like a hardcore trail bike. ABSOLUTELY | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garson Fields
a Downhiller
from West Mass!
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | gap mountain NH (early in the morning, it's illegal) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Unlimited | | Strengths: | Great frame, feels like more than 5" in the back, strong frame. | | Weaknesses: | The parts, no rear shock upgrade options. | | Similar Products Used: | k2 zero g dh (1999) and the yeti dh6 (1997) | | Bike Setup: | Raceface northshore isis, king hs, odi lock ons, Mavic d521s, irc kujo 2.25, tioga multi control xl seat | | Bottom Line: | The frame is awesome, and I love it. However, it comes with parts not suited to freeriding. Come on, sun 0 lites on a freeride bike? I split the seams on them and had to buy 521s which rip, but aren't cheap. The headset developed play, even though it was tightened enough to bind it. So, I got a king, which again isn't cheap but is awesome. Most recently, I thrashed the spindle on my non drive side lx arm. I have raceface northshore isis cranks that I just got, and those are sick. The compression adjuster on my fork broke. It was tuned well when I set it, so I got lucky. Also, the sliders and the lowers have developed a tiny bit of play, which gives the impression of a loose headset, but I know that's not it (I want a 1999 boxer or something, but I'm broke after all the new parts). As far as I'm concerned, being a really agressive freerider has alot to do with my broken parts. Under most people's riding, these probably won't happen (except mabey the wheels) and the compression adjuster may have been some complete freak component failure. For most people, It would be like a 4 over all and a 4.5 for value. However these scores reflect my personal experience with the bike. The low value is due to the fact that I had to replace almost all the parts, and the low overall is because I wasn't too happy at having to buy new parts and have this bike sit around waiting for new parts. Over all, I would say that if you want to get the frame only, 5 flamin' chillis for value and 4.5 overall. This frame, with a good set up is very well suited to beginner/sport dh racing, a LOT of urban (it can take 15 stairs to flat no complaint, I know this from experience!) and high speed freeride/technical trail riding. It is actually a decent bike for a lighter and more experienced/smoother big hit rider. For an agressive freerider, use the $1100 you saved for parts, as you're likely to be replacing them soon anyway. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Psycho Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Local Area | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Very strong frame
5" Travel front & back
etc. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock may be a little weak for some riders. | | Similar Products Used: | Avanti Moto, Craftworks Slalom Pro, Specialized P3. | | Bike Setup: | '98 K2 Beast, Sun Rhyno Lite back rim, 2000 XT rear der, LX Cassette, Wipperman Chain, Hutchinson Squale & Alligator tyres etc. | | Bottom Line: | I'v been riding this bike as hard as I can ride it with only a few problems. I have snapped the spring on the rear shock and also blown the seals in the rear shock. I've replaced the bushings in the back shock too. Other than this I've broken a back wheel and worn out 2 sets of tyres. But compare this to the stuff I've put the bike through:
- 20+ 7 foot drops
- 50+ 5 foot drops
- 100+ 4 foot drops
- 50+ 6 foot stair gaps
- Raced dual slalom
- Raced XC
- Ridden over 2000KM's
- Had a friend go through 2 bikes while riding with me
etc.
As you can see from my stats I have put this bike through hell and it is still going. The things that I am looking at now scares me. The confidence that I have gained from riding this bike is amazing. From being scared of a 4 foot drop to wanting to jump of a roof, this bike rules
Just get one and see. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Coy
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Washington
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything technical | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | From K2 employee | | Strengths: | Built like a tank! This is a great bike for almost any purpose short of downhill racing. Grip shift works well along with XT drivetrain. These bikes take on any terrain with a comfortable controlled feel. Climbs well considering the weight of the frame, the price we all pay for bombproof rides! | | Weaknesses: | Noleen Chubby fork works OK stock, but can be made much better with upgrade kits. Noleen rear shock is OK but an upgrade to the rebound dampening system is recommended.
It's HEAVY | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Schwinn Straight 8, Gary Fisher Sugar | | Bike Setup: | 97 Beast Raceface cranks, rings, seatpost, stem. Panaracer mud specific tires, Specialized works hubs, mavic 517 rims, radial front wheel. THE fenders Magura 33 Hyd brakes. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike CONSTANTLY for three years, and it has never failed me in any way. I've upgraded some of the components and fasteners to save a little weight. I ride in the Pacific Northwest mostly (year round), the reason for the mud specific tires. These narrow tires (1.9) along with the radial front wheel, and cranking the suspension to it's tightest settings, change the character of the bike to a quicker feeling, faster steering, technical trail loving "beast". Soften the suspension, mount some downhill wheels and tires and suddenly it's become a great freeride bike. I'd like to have two of these bikes just so i won't have to change the stuff around depending on the type of ride I want. I guess what i'm trying to say is this bike fills all my riding needs. Lighten it up a bit and you can ride it comfortably all day. Upgrade the fork with a spring kit and use one of the later model Noleen rear shocks and this bike handles any kind of tough terrain you can throw at it. If you can find any of these "World Cup Design" Proflex bikes, buy them. They work for all types of riding and look as if they will last forever | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drake
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeusa.com | | Strengths: | Bulletproof frame/ rear suspension, Titec bars/seatpost (Ti), Loooong travel, VRaptor tires | | Weaknesses: | WTB rims, elastomers in front end. | | Bike Setup: | (97 model, pre K2)Upgraded to Rhyno Lite wheels/XT hubs, Riche Speedmax tires (iffy) | | Bottom Line: | This bike Rocks! I have bombed it all over the Pacific NW, mud, rocks, loooong descents that loosen your fillings but do not phase this bike. I have been over 220 lbs (now down to 190) and could not kill this bike. Recently upgraded to Rhyno Lites because the Magura brakes combined with the pervasive mud up here wore out the edges of the WTB rims. The Rhyno's are wider so the brakes work better, and they have a larger braking surface, nice. Considering a new 2001 Disco Monkey, real similar, although I am not sure how well the K2 will stack up against the Proflex, it was a great company. I would buy the Beast again. If you can get one, grab it. One issue: this bike is BIG, it's like riding a horse. It's a 5 except for the elastomers in the fork and no rebound damping, otherwise a killer! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Nguyen
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Strengths: | Bullet proof frame, sturdy. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn, GT, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to full XTR, Marzocchi Z1 MCR, Magura HS33 brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to several reviews I posted earlier.
After more than 3 years of riding, I called K2 (owner of ProFlex) to inquire about purchasing a new rear shock. They indicated that they do now sell the shock but can rebuild it for ~$100. "Cool." I sent in the shock and it was completely rebuilt. The bike now handles like NEW! Plush travel without pogo-stick-up-the-rear feel. Frame has held up beautifully. No stress fractures and the bearings are still smooth.
If you can find the '97 Beast World Cup Design, grab it. I've fallen down trails that have broken my bones and required stitches but the bike just asks for more. It's a little on the heavy side but at prices under $800, it'll last FOREVER! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jordan granger
a Weekend Warrior
from gainesville
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | powerlines | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | another party | | Strengths: | the bike will go over anything. 5in. of travel | | Weaknesses: | heavy!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | my first full suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | '99 x-vert dc, azonic shorty stem, azonic dh bar,lx hollowtec crankset, alex rims with specialized stout hubs. | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great for freeride or lite downhill. it turns well and is not to heavy for lite hill climbing. i dont know why i have been riding hardtail for so long? i would not recomend the bike if light weight is somthing your looking for. if you want a bike that can fly down hill and take big dropoff's than this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bobby
a Downhiller
from MASS
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | state line cycles | | Strengths: | frame, geomtry, rear end, front end(in warm weather), brakes, unbreakable, tires | | Weaknesses: | seat won't go down that low unless you cut the post, the front shock gets really hard in cold weather, a little heavy | | Similar Products Used: | fsr, super v | | Bike Setup: | full LX, magura hydro brakes, wtb tires, azonic bars and shorty stem, tripletrap pedals | | Bottom Line: | this bikes kicks ass, mines a 97 and it came with wtb tires so i have no complaints about that like a lot of the other reviews i read, the travel is great, the geomotry is also good, the bike is unbreakable, its a great deal cause i bought it new in 98 as a left over for $900. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Lima, Peru
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | "Olleros" and everything with good slopes | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Local K2 dealer | | Strengths: | Unbreakable bike, good travel and frame design (Too bad K2 took out of the production line). I have it since it first appeared in late 97'and I love my bike, and never would let it go ...(unless I can afford an Intense !!) | | Weaknesses: | Bit heavy (specially when climbing), LX brake pads (stock) were gone after 5 rides in wet/muddy conditions. Panaracer SmokeII Tires are not made for an agressive pilot. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Uzzi DH, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Jr.T 5" dual crown fork, Noleen NR4 6" rearshock, Azonic 2.5" rise 28" wide handlebar, zoom DH short stem,SDS saddle, IRC KujoDH 2.35 tires, Mavic Crosslink wheelset, XTR FR/RR derr., 46-34-20 Crankset, XTR 12-32 8 spd
cassete, Altek brake levers, LX shifters & V-brakes w/Thinline pads, Nashbar clipless pedals and a nice THE front fender. (Coming up: Hayes disc brakes) | | Bottom Line: | I own this bike for more than 3 years now, and I got to the point to know it's behavior to the max (better than my wife). It's very comfortable to ride, it let you go to the very edge of your limits. You can eat whatever is on the trails with a lot of confidence, 'cause travel and control is it's trademark. Like I said before, I only will let it go if I can afford an Intense !!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big WAA
a Weekend Warrior
from Townsville Australia
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Jacobson's Track | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Tony's Bikes Townsville | | Strengths: | Bomb proof; good suspension travel | | Weaknesses: | Poor manual; a bit weighty, But you get that with a FR bike | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Warp DS/2 | | Bike Setup: | XT/LX all round, Tyres: Kujo DH 2.35 front and 2.25 rear, Mavic 521 front and rear, titec hellbent riser bar, VP133 clipless pedals, 9 speed Shimano cassette. | | Bottom Line: | What can I say?? It eats everything I throw at it and doesn't miss a beat. From downhill to cross country, it goes, no questions asked. Standard tyres (Panaracer Smoke/Dart) were OK but small. The Kujos rip. With these tyres on it is a bit heavy (especially going uphill but the 9 speed helps out), however the grip they have and confidence they inspire more than makes up for it. I leave my mates wondering how I get through. I have ground the stupid little knob out of the seat tube without any problems. Rear swing arm will only accept tyres up to about 57mm wide. After that if the tyres pick up rocks they will scrape the arms and mud build up will also scratch the arms. Other than that, if you want lots of no holds barred FR action without any problems, go buy one RIGHT NOW. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Psycho Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Canadian Forrest (Ballarat) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | - Strong frame
- Nice forks
- Nice rear suspension setup
- Overall a great almost unbreakable bike | | Weaknesses: | Can be a bit of a pogo stick if not set up right. | | Similar Products Used: | Q6.S BMW ($6,660Au) | | Bike Setup: | Tioga race saddle, Odessy Triple trap Peddals,
LX rear cassette, Wipperman chain, Shimano hubs and rims etc | | Bottom Line: | For a third hand bike this was a bargain!!! After servicing the forks and swing arm my self this bike rides like a dream. I have done 4-6 foot drops and there is not a dent or flat spot in my rims. The 5" of travel front and rear comes in handy and there has not been a person who I have let ride it who has said that it was anything less than great. Although this bike is my first dually that I have owned, it rides nearly as good as a $6,660 BMW. The only difference is that it is slightly heavier, but for $900Au there is no need to spend the extra cash. If you can find this bike for a reasonable price, BUY IT!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Delagarde ***
a Downhiller
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | Solid frame, simple design, price, seat height goes high and very low (god for downhill) | | Weaknesses: | elastomer in the fork, rims, pedals, seat. | | Similar Products Used: | fsr, norco, gt | | Bike Setup: | Mammoth downhill rims, flat pedals, tioga downhill seat, Fork upgraded with mountainspeed.com springs, 2.3 tires. | | Bottom Line: | I've set this bike for downhill. I'm very pleased with the result and mostly with the fork springs upgrade. Fork and Rims were really poor. With larger tires, the bike gains stability. The Beast is now just what I wanted: plush, comfortable and solid. I'm starting to think that this Beast will never break. Its great for the price, and even much better after a few uprades. I give it the perfect score. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any Urban/Freeride | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | -strong construction
-plush rear end
-plush front end
-great components | | Weaknesses: | -stock wheels are the worst pieces of garbage around, who specs 0* Lite rims on a freeride bike??
-forks needed springs
-stock geometry was too stretched out for downhill
-left LX cranks came loose, but only needed tightening, no crank damage | | Similar Products Used: | alot of duallies | | Bike Setup: | 1998 K2 Proflex Beast, Noleen Chubby 5" dual crown fork, Noleen NR-2 5" shock, Shimano XT/LX 8 speed kit, Shimano LX/Sun 0* Lite wheels (Mammoths comin'!), Azonic Love Seat, Specialized Evil Twin HC front tire, stock Panaracer rear tire, Tranz-X DH CNC stem, Titec Hellbent riser bar, | | Bottom Line: | This is an update from my previous posts:
This bike rules for the price. Geometry with the shorter stem is spot-on. Both ends feel plush off large drops, but the wheels have seen better times. 14 dents in the rear alone, plus a crack. At one point the left LX crank came loose, but only needed tightening. The LX brakes, if set up well, are powerful. The stock front tire was too narrow, as is the rear, but the frame only provides clearence for a 2.3" rear tire. The rear shock is plush, and the front ain't bad either, although a little slow in the rebound. For $1100 Canadian this bike rocks, but I wouldn't pay much more for it. Although it retails for $1800 US! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MachRacing
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good amount of travel on rear noleen shock. Are you awake Chubby front fork? Not very responsive front shock. Good constructions, especially theoversized tubing. Riser bar is good, great sit-up position. | | Weaknesses: | Feels heavy, but doesn't every freeriding bike? Girvin pedals? Chubby fork. | | Similar Products Used: | '97 Schwinn Homegrown
'90 Cannondale SM500 (garbage)
Proflex 857 carbon fiber swingarm
Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | All stock. LX parts. Girvin crank. shifts smoothly but has trouble getting into granny gear. Never buy bikes from Lombardi Sports or sporting goods stores that do not know what they are doing!!! The Magura hydraulic brake cables were all tangled! | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, nice designs. The frame is great for touring. Trailriding can be fun, but alot of work too. Not a very agressive design. Great bike for the price. Hydraulic brakeset is a nice touch, but not necessary for this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat
a Downhiller
from bellevue, washington, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Raven (on the north shore) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | excellent value! Plush, Long, Travel. Awesome freeride bike for the money. Good, strong rear-end. Bullet-proof frame as well. | | Weaknesses: | The chubby fork is the only part of the bike that even hints at it's low price. K2 shouldn't have used elastomers. | | Similar Products Used: | I also own a '98 Specialized FSR Extreme, '00 Rocky Mountain RM6, and a '99 Kona Chute. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for I replaced the Chubby with a RockShox Judy DHO. | | Bottom Line: | This is such an awesome deal. I am a hardcore freerider and I bought this from Bothell Ski and Bike last August for $599. I bought it as an addition to my constantly growing stable. I am lucky that I got such a good job at Real Networks because it allows me to afford the sport i love.
I thought this bike was a really good value when I bought it, but after I changed out the fork, it was primo! If K2 would've spec'd a better fork it could've been sold for twice as much easily.
As this isn't one of "front-line" bikes, I don't ride it as much as I probably should, so I don't know how well it can take my abuse over the long haul, but it has held up excellent to my abuse on the Shore and in the Cascades, even though I only "really" rode it three times.
If you can get this bike for a good deal...Buy it! You can't get anything better for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Unbeatable frame, smooth ride, great swing arm design. | | Weaknesses: | Bit heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Schwill All Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Beast w/ front triangle design, Girvin 5" Chubby, 4.5" rear coil-over. Magura hydraulics, full XTR w/ Mavic 517 rims. | | Bottom Line: | Updating my review from 4/99. Ridden almost every weekend summer, autumn, and winter. This frame just doesn't know when to quit. Shocks get a little sticky in cold but don't they all! The frame continues to be rock solid and the swing arm design helps the rear tire bite on climbs. It's not too heavy to be your main bike. I got used to it really quick and am a stronger rider for it. If you can find a 98 Beast (green frame) grab it! It will last for years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kim Lux
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Many | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lots of travel
Great component mix: LX/XT, tires, fork, etc.
Great price: US$600 | | Weaknesses: | Large size fork is a little too soft
Doesn't fit any conventional (wheel on) bike racks
Suspect water bottle mount location | | Similar Products Used: | I looked at a bunch of similar bikes, but have not trail ridden them. | | Bike Setup: | Stock as shipped from K2 via Bennett's.
Platform pedals (for now, until I get shoes...)
| | Bottom Line: | My friend and I rode a knarly trail yesterday, he on his hardtail, me on my Beast. People regularly put down freeride bikes because they are suspended and heavier than a hardtail. To make a long story short, the Beast climbs well once tuned properly. The weight (31 pounds) is hardly noticeable. I had a great day and was completely fresh at the end of the ride. My freind had a great day too, but had blisters on his hands, sore wrists and a sore butt from all the rocks, treeroots, bumps and downhill riding.
The Beast works very well. Even though it is a 2 year old design, it seems to work better than a Cannondale with the headshock.
It shifts well, brakes well, although the brakes do make a constant grinding sound when applied, though they never squeal. The suspension is awesome. 1 foot drops are nothing, I regulary look for hits to jump from. It pogos a bit if you stand up climbing, but once you adjust to barely remaining seated and smoothen your spin, it climbs very well. The rear wheel will remain hooked up through incredibly steep/loose/rough surfaces.
The front suspension is a bit soft for me (6' 200 pounds) going downhills. It must compress about 2 inches on braking forces alone which leaves the bike diving a little more downhill than I would like. But then again, it is really good at absorbing the shock from all the roots, rocks and bumps on the trail. I may put real springs in place of the elastomers, but they work OK for us non racers.
Get a Beast (or an Animal or a Flying Monkey) if you ride real mountainbike trails. You will love it. You will never ride a hardtail again. I grew to dislike mountain biking because of the pounding my hardtail gave me. Mountain biking is extremely pleasureable on a Beast !
A Beast works OK for a commuter bike, but a lighter, non suspension or wannabee freeride bike would work better, although just changing the tires to something less than 2.1s would help immensely in that area too.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Quality components. LX everything. Definately better than any other bike for $600. Seemingly bombproof frame. Great geometry out of box (short stem, titec riser bars) for freeride (on my medium at least). Drivetrain is very smooth, never any problems shifting gears. Lightweight rims on thick gauge spokes (not too sure it's a good combo). 5" of plush travel front and rear | | Weaknesses: | LX brakes- pads are very "gritty" and don't work when wet, and the vees require constant centering adjustment.
Rim tape- inspect the rim tape closely, this may cause you many flats (exposed nipple holes). Upgrade to thicker velox tape.
Dart II front tire- "washes out" often, doesn't perform like a 2.1" tire.
Fork- elastomer stack has a mushy, slow rebound. Also not very rigid for a dual clamp fork.
Asthetics- may look like a Toys-R-Us FS wanna be MTB at first glance (graphics and "Y" frame design).
Weight- 31 lbs.(medium size), but what do you expect from a 5" travel, dual clamp, $600 bike?
Chain slap- buy or make a "lizard skin" or paint will chip off the swingarm.
Bushing at swingarm pivot- would love ball bearings. I also hear it's a pain in the ass to service.
Nub at the bottom of seat tube- needs to be grinded off in order to get seat low enough for aggressive descents. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous ride was a Balance hardtail, but tried many FS and hardtails in the price range of $500-$1300. | | Bike Setup: | Shimano 545 pedals, Tioga Fat 66's (2.3"), 2" stroke shock (yields 6" of rear wheel travel), Marzocchi 130mm progressive rate springs stuffed in the Chubby LT, CoolStop brake pads. | | Bottom Line: | I listed a lot in the weaknesses section, but you just can't get a better bike for the money. Rivals many bikes that cost up to $700 more. Only a few parts need to be upgraded, then you'll have a bitchin' freeride/moderate downhill machine. Reliable, strong, and light enough for climbing up the mountains you'll be bombing down. Four Flamin' Chilis overall because of the few weaknesses, and well as K2 abandoning its freeride/downhill line (less support; I hear they stopped manufacturing replacement parts for such bikes). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Downhiller
from Scottsdale, AZ
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Honda Valley, (Hesperia) CA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | ALL. The frame and fork rule, Noleen suspension is excellent, although I wish I had a smartshock on the rear. | | Weaknesses: | At $600 there are no weeknesses, I have ridden $4000 bikes with all american made junk that doesn't ride this well. | | Similar Products Used: | I have ridden so many full suspension bikes, I couldn't tell you. | | Bike Setup: | 98 K2 Beast: all Shimano, because there is no substitute, Spin wheels, noleen front and rear. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules, and for the price you can't go wrong. The only thing missing is shimano disc brakes and some speed springs up front...
oh yeah the paint job rules too!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Grabmiller
a Weekend Warrior
from Missin Viejo, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Nice comfortable ride. Smooth Shifting. | | Weaknesses: | Check the elastomers in the front fork before you take your first ride. Especially if you are a large rider or have the Way Big Frame. They come set up for riders in the 150-170lb weight class. This is too light for large riders who would purchase this frame. The bike will dip on you in a fast stop, even uphill and the rear shock will send you right over the handlebars. I broke my arm before I discovered this. The good news. K2 has the heavy duty elastomers and will send them to you for free! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for replacement heavy duty elastomers. Better yet some guys are raving about spring replacements for the elastomers. | | Bottom Line: | I would buy this bike again. I love the smooth shifting and quick response. The ride is great once you get the suspension set for your size and weight. I'm going to rate K2 down one chili for not putting the heavy elastomers in the Way Big Frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John W.
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, Tx
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore-Lake Grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Plush five inch travel front and rear
Bombproof frame
High build quality
Great components LX/XT | | Weaknesses: | Owner's manual leaves a lot to be desired
Short 300 mm seatpost did not allow proper seat height
Dual crown fork is not the best in tight turns | | Similar Products Used: | 98 K2/Proflex Animal | | Bike Setup: | Stock 98 Beast
Wellgo 800 Clipless Pedals
Titec PG Seatpost
| | Bottom Line: | If you want comfort and control, buy this bike! It,s built like an M1 tank with the plush feel of a Lazyboy recliner!
Weight is reasonable for a five inch travel freeride and this thing never seems to run out of traction on the climbs.
You will get some pedal induced suspension bobbing if you attempt out of the saddle sprints in the big ring but it is not noticeable in the middle and granny rings. I own a 98 Proflex Animal as well(basically same bike as the Beast but with Magura HS-22 brakes and NR5 Smart Shock)and have had no problems so far with either bike. This bike was a steal from Bennetts at $599 + shipping, for the money I don't think there is a better deal out there! Five flamin' jalapenos for the Beast! Buy it and enjoy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jalapeno Bambino
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Still lookin' | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light for a freeride, bombproof, great component mix, damn cheap (699 US)! | | Weaknesses: | brakes ain't too great, rear spring is too stiff for me | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Rock Springs
Kona King Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | 98 K2 Proflex Beast with T.H.E. Fender, XT/LX mix, Sun 0* Lite/LX wheelset, Titec/generic cockpit, Noleen Chubby LT with coil springs. | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up to my 12.29.99 review. I've ridden the bike for a few months now, and it's still amazing. I've now stuffed the once-stiff Chubby LT with a bunch of coil springs (a generous donation from a friend,) but have still to replace the rear spring with a softer one. I've ridden some pretty extreme stuff (ever try jumping the stairs at the SkyDome??) and have not suffered a single mechanical mishap, or pinchflat. I don't know why almost every previous review complains about mysterious flats. Anyhoo... this bike is simply da bomb! Generous travel makes this ride perfect for freeriders and beginner downhillers. Just make sure you cut the seatpost down, or better yet, use a file to take off the annoying stub in the seat tube, so you can ride to and from the trailhead on the road comfortably. You don't drive to the trailhead do you!? If you intend on buying a freeride bike, seriously look into gettin this bike. Visit www.bennetts.com for a wicked deal. Get the red/black. And slap on a carbon-looking T.H.E. fender. Guaranteed chick magnet. Happy trails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Grabmiller
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Love the tight feel. Shifts easily. Comfortable to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Manual leaves a lot to be desired. Bike has no problems. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose, FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for snap in peddles. | | Bottom Line: | Just got the Beast. Internet order. $600 - What a steal.
Rides great and man it glides over the 1 foot drops like they aren't even there. Haven't had the opportunity to go serious off road yet. I'll check back in a few months for an update. Best deal on the internet I found. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROb
a Downhiller
from Orinda, California
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
China Camp | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Plush,
CHubby LT,
drivetrain,
bomb-proof frame
lite wheels | | Weaknesses: |
Lx V-brakes,
Tires,
pinchflats, | | Similar Products Used: |
Kona Stinky, Cannondale V700 SX, Santa Cruz bullit, | | Bike Setup: |
1998 K2 Beast, stock except for Control Tech Newton stem, AVid AR40 brakes, 2.0 levers, TIoga DH tires, | | Bottom Line: | Great freeride bike, good weight, great fork, and balanced suspension, cockpit was a little long, switch the stem and it was solved, had to cut the seetpost alot, upgrade to fatter tires, and definetly upgrade the brakes. The lx's didnt even slow me down and the levers sucked. Upgraded to Avids and I have sooo much more confidence. Not horrible to use to get to the top of the hill, and once your pointed down, its amazing. Havent bottomed the shocks yet. Chubby Lt is much better than i expected, eats slow and high speed bumps easily. Got it for 700 bucks, but definetly not a 700 bike, it performs on par with everything else i have tried, great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MoJo Willy
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Don Valley, Toronto | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
bombproof, plush, lots of travel, good comp mix | | Weaknesses: |
thread stripped on LX lever reach adjuster with one turn (I think its my fault though) | | Similar Products Used: |
Marin Rock Springs
Kona King Kikapu | | Bike Setup: |
LX/XT, titec bars, Noleen Chubby LT fork, NR2 shock, Sun O Lite rims, Panaracer Dart II/Smoke II tires, | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really sweet. Cost only $738.99 US (incl. shipping, tax etc.) If you're ordering the bike in Cnadad, have it shipped in States, you'll save alot on duty. Order from Bennett's (http:www.bennetts.com) The bike rides amazing. Plush travel, quite light for a freeride, good brakes, awsome drivetrain performance, really nice bars (Titec Hellbent), light wheels. The list goes on. I recommend filing off the little stub at the bottom of the seat tube, or cutting your seatpost, cos it's way too high for a freerider stock. Five flamin' turds for the bike, and five turds for Bennett's too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
StevieB
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Saratoga Gap | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Comfortable ride-lots of travel.
Excellent Value at $799. This was the best full suspension around for the price in early '99. | | Weaknesses: |
Pretty heavy which makes uphills slow.
Front derailleur is problematic and has never worked too well. Doesn't like switching from the second chainring to the first.
The seat (I wiped out and it broke right off). | | Similar Products Used: |
I also have a Trek 600 (no suspension) which I rode for years.
Other products I was considering were Gary Fisher Big Sur and Specialized Stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock Beast. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a good deal for beginners who want a nice easy ride. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who wants to race as it's too heavy.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Lebel
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
a lot of them | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Good stock components... | | Weaknesses: |
Cheaply made bike, bad quality control when it was made...in my case anyway, don't know about you. The fork insides suck. | | Similar Products Used: |
Other proflex stuff | | Bike Setup: |
Cut seat tube, running Tioga Fat66 2.3, Oury grips, MRP CrossSpeed (garbage by the way). That's it | | Bottom Line: | Ok here goes: I used to love this bike but then I realized something while riding...the welds on the tubing joints weren't centred...meaning the tubes were welded together crooked! At home I put the bike in the light and I noticed the top tube off to the right, the seat tube was off, the back wheel slightly angles off to the left (the wheel is fine, don't worry) and the wheel doesn't line up with the rest of the bike. The fork is flexy I noticed plus those speed springs don't fit properly even thought they were made for this fork...but that's not K2's fault. And, I got my fork with I think a slightly warped left sacntion tube (whenever I take the top crown off and put it back on, the left tube always has to be pulled in and 'forced' back into the crown hole. When looking down at the bars and the fork, I noticed the wheel angles off to the left while the stem in centred with the top crown. Go figure. It's a good thing the bike is under warranty, I wonder what bike K2 is going to give me as a replacement??? A 'Disco Monkey'??? I think I'll sell it and get a DH rig from Kona or something. 1 burning heap o' sh*t just cuz I like the designs on the bike. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jake deehr
a Weekend Warrior
from north bend
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
winchester | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
BEEFY WELDS, all lx/xt
SWEET Titec bars. Cool paint job! | | Weaknesses: |
Flexy Fork
Crappy seat post nob doesn't let you lower seat very far. Needs wider tires. Grips get slippery when you sweat. | | Similar Products Used: |
Mongoose MGX D50 | | Bike Setup: |
Stock BEAST | | Bottom Line: | This bike is da Bomb! It Eats my old bike.Sweet components for the price. SWEET Bars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sweetpete
a Cross-Country Rider
from burlinton, ontario
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
bruce trail, burlington escarpment | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
climbs like a billy goat, screw URT's
5 inches travel yee ha,
descents are epic,
flies over choppy rocks and roots | | Weaknesses: |
little fine tunin needed in front shock (see set-up) | | Similar Products Used: |
FSR-comp
vrx-300
mongoose 9.3
cannondale V-900
norco VPS-2 | | Bike Setup: |
axiam 90mm stem, titec post,
beserker seat
take out rubber bumper in coil springs in chubbys,
running 7 inch speed spring and two elastomers,
cut sponge into circle and soak with oil(whatever kind you use), put this in the shock boot at the wipers and you've got a cheap oil bath, just clean it up every 3 weeks | | Bottom Line: | THe bottom line is there is no better bike for this price, even if it was$400 bucks more. $699 at bennets.com I've only had it a month but I've dropped 4-6 footers no prob, (workin up to bigger ones), bombed choppy downhills and used all 5 inches, rode logs and bridges. It's just under 30lbs and thats the 19in frame and handles sweet in everything but the exceptionally tight.
If your even considering it, like I was 6 weeks ago, do it. It would have cost me at least double to get this kind of free ride feel, a vrx-300 or fsr just doesn't give you that big suspension plush feel.
go for it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Price... can't beat it!!! | | Weaknesses: |
none yet? | | Bike Setup: |
1998 stock Beast | | Bottom Line: | This thing is incredible(for the price). But then again, the price that I paid is SILLY, plain old SILLY!! I cannot find a single complaint on this bike yet. Well, I've had it less than a month, so I have no true input. The Good News...I paid $499 at Bothell Ski & Bike, WA. The bad news... their price recently went up to $599(still an excellent value). This bike retailed for over $1800 in '98 and the fork was around $400 itself. If I had extra cash, I woulda bought two. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Raywood
a Downhiller
from boca , FLA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
dyer lanfill | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Cheap Excellent Beginner bike | | Weaknesses: |
Becareful taking big jumps on this bike. I cracked two disks in my back. If you are a wild rider you'll want more travel. I weight 184. | | Bike Setup: |
mountain speed spring 300 in back,heavt duty front springs,Irc 2.25 front tire, Kore 150 10 degree,girvin rock ring | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for a beginner or non hardcorest, I wouldn't recommend this bike to hardcore dh riders. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from darien, il
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
palos | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
way cheap, good components (for the most part) rock solid, stable, pretty light | | Weaknesses: |
front shocks a little weak (flexy) too springy at first, but now is broken in. back shock a little springy, but it too mellowed with age | | Similar Products Used: |
trek 750, a slurry of univega, bontrager, schwinn carbon-fiber | | Bike Setup: |
all stock, as it came from bennets | | Bottom Line: | you will find NO better for the price. if you were to try to buy a comparable bike newhwere else, you would spend 300-400 bucks more-all lx components, decent rims, decent tires, all around decent bike at an KILLER PRICE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Farzad Farrokhi
a Downhiller
from Spearfish SD
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
slick rock Moab | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Everything is Great | | Weaknesses: |
not good for climbiing | | Similar Products Used: |
Lots | | Bike Setup: |
K2 beast Girvin ChubbyLT | | Bottom Line: | Good bike I am selling mine due to a knee injury, paid 1459 sell 765 firm contact me at (605)642-5681 or email me at f_farrokhi@hotmail.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Létourneau
a Downhiller
from Mont-Sainte-Anne
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the wathever | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Price/components, long travel susp., nice look (who cares?), feels solid. Rides smooth. | | Weaknesses: |
Paint scratches a little easily; tube pinch: have to change rims or buy thick tubes. watch for your knees when going uphill. turning radius. | | Similar Products Used: |
Proflex beast 96 wich is no match with the 98 in rough trails but better uphill. A Norco on Rock Shocks. | | Bike Setup: |
Company. (I had to replace the tubes with thick downhill ones to avoid pinch) | | Bottom Line: | Here in Quebec Canada, I could not find a double suspension under 1650$ can (the basic specialized FSR). I bought from bennetts.com and had the Beast for 1330$ can ( taxes+ customs+ delivery included). The weaknesses of this bike are minor, you have to pay 500$ more just to match it. Easily the best buy for your money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stefano
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tallahassee, FL
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Tom Brown Park | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
components, price, frame strenght | | Weaknesses: |
rim strips, fork dimensions(watch out for your knees if ever you wreck!), water bottle location (buy a camelback) | | Similar Products Used: |
trek, iron horse, mongoose | | Bike Setup: |
stock (Noleen nr2, chubby LT) | | Bottom Line: | The bike to get if you want a sweet ride for $700.
I have been riding it once every other day for month with no problem, except for the fact that I pinched twice the tube.
I changed the very thin rim strip with a thicker one and, no more problem! For the price, the best buy for a fs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Lebel
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Que, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all fast DH singles | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
The frame is solid, good amount of travel (the more you get, the more you want!). Good kit for $699 US | | Weaknesses: |
You HAVE to put some springs in the Chubby LT. You just have to. The XC tires are not good enough for this freeride bike, you need DH tires (2.30 is the maximum for the frame and fork). The rims are weak and wish they could have included shimano 636 pedals instead of the K2 MagC. I'm not sure about the rear NR-2 shock. | | Similar Products Used: |
.... | | Bike Setup: |
Mostly orignal stock, I put on Tioga Factory DH tires, MRP XC-2 chain tensioner (I should put full tensioner), BMX flat pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is wicked! Despite bad reviews on the rear shock, I haven't broken it yet despite the bashin and thrashing I've been giving to the bike. For a freeride bike, you have to put on some sort of chain tensioning device...no two ways about it. It feels like a tank when you ride (solid as a tank I mean). When you buy this bike, make sure you have some cash left over to make a few add-ons or upgrades...MountainSpeed springs won't hurt! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
phil
a Downhiller
from BC
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
lots of em | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
lots of plush travel
strong frame | | Weaknesses: |
smart shock is not smart and barely works.
rims are poor quality | | Similar Products Used: |
many | | Bike Setup: |
bomber z1, XTR/LX, smart shock. Was demo bike | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a freerider. don't try to go up hills too often. It bobs alot when out of the saddle. rear suspension soaks up everything. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
north shore trails and FERNIE!! | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
I have the 98 beast, the frame is not too too heavy, it climbs well for a full susp. | | Weaknesses: |
THE RIMS ARE REALLY SHITTY, they pinch the tubes. if you get this bike change the rims..
on my 3rd ride i put a crack in the bottom bracket..
The knobby thingy that stops you from putting the seat down too far (i filed it off cause it was stupid)..
other than that i think the bike is great. | | Similar Products Used: |
some kona & trek full susp.
and allot of hard tails.
schwinn moab 1 and trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: |
stock except for new mavric 138 rims. and quick release for the seat, but i might get a new fork, if you have any suggestions mail me! | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the price, i give it 4 and a half whatevers because of the crappy rims and the chubby LT and the seat post ordeal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROB
a Cross-Country Rider
from HINSDALE,IL
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
PALOS!!!! | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
PLUSHY, KINDA TUFF FEEL | | Weaknesses: |
WELL, FORKS FEEL LIKE A WARM STICK OF BUTTER, TONS OF FLEX, NR2 IS LIKE A POGO STICK IN YOUR ASS | | Similar Products Used: |
TREK VRX 300 | | Bottom Line: | WORTH 700 BEANS, BUT NOT ONE PENNY MORE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cynthia
a Weekend Warrior
from Upland, CA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Blue ridge/Mammoth lakes | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Killer componet pkg and great paint job purple and yellow I looked all over for this model when they first came out they retailed for 1699.90 I just bought mine for 699.99 thats a third of the original price and I got a free K2 hydration pack with the deal. I also got a large and put a shorter neck and its great | | Weaknesses: |
Turning radius it tends to hit the frame because the frame is thick | | Similar Products Used: |
Giant 870
Specialized Stumpjumper
GT Zascar
Trek Y | | Bike Setup: |
Noleen Chubby LT | | Bottom Line: | I absolutely love this bike its so tough yet rides so smooth and can handle anything | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
favorite downhill: Loon Mtn, NH | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
durability, quality of bike for the price, good on downhills and single track. | | Weaknesses: |
weight, 1st back derailer broke on third ride but gave free new one and works great. Tires could have some more bite. Front fork boots(?) wore out. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT RTS-2 | | Bike Setup: |
97 Beast Extreme, chubby front fork, hydraulic brakes, grip shifts 7.0, only new thing put on: wilderness trails seat SST. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, I beat the hell out of it and it keeps coming back for more and my wife doesn't get mad at me for spending money on bike parts because it does not need them! Also, it is better than my friend's Mongoose, which I have to fix on every ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike Adair
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland NZ
Date Reviewed: July 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
woodhill | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
greatest downhill
Great Brakes | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
nil | | Bike Setup: |
standard | | Bottom Line: | Great alround bike not the lightest but an great bike for your money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Downhiller
from Rossland BC
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Technical Red | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Sweet frame, Plenty of travel, Awesome Descender | | Weaknesses: |
Chubby LT's Elastomers need to swapped for springs. Also, I keep getting pinch flats. I've gone through as many as 4 tubes in one week. I've tried low and high pressures but I still get them. I think it has something to do with the Sun rims. | | Similar Products Used: |
Gary Fisher Level Betty,Rocky Mountain Team DH, Cannondale Raven, Giant ATX 990
Specialized FSR, GT XCR 3000 | | Bike Setup: |
Stock Setup, except upgraded to Race Face turbine Cranks, Amoeba Shorty Stem, Flat pedals, and I am hoping to get a 2.75 front tire | | Bottom Line: | A great all around bike. Not bad for climbing and SWEEEET on the downhills!!! The Elastomers need to be swapped for springs in the fork, but I would tell anyone looking for a good downhill/freeride bike to get the Beast. It Rocks!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ruben
a Cross-Country Rider
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Rhenen (NL) | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Great Frame
No Pogo
Good Look
Not Too Heavy | | Weaknesses: |
The Girvin Chubby is to soft whe the elastomers used to long, replace them at least one a year or you have no problem at all getting 4 of travel! | | Similar Products Used: |
Grisley Nimbus
Steppenwolf
Proflex 4000 & 6000
Raleigh
Gary Fisher Level Betty
& a FOES WEASEL (very very Cool with 3.0 tires it really rocks, but it's to expensive). | | Bike Setup: |
Standard, but with XT shifters, Kore seatpost & new saddle & grips, i'm thinking of Mavic D321 + Magura disc brakes, that really kick ass! | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, only the brakes (magura HS11, i need more power (problebly a combi of pads & rims)) and the fork (Girvin Chubby 4) is too weak...
but the rest really kicks ass!, 4 stars! but with good brakes & fork.... 5!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Dahlheimer
a Weekend Warrior
from Queensbury , New York
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Strong frame | | Weaknesses: |
could be lighter, but who cares | | Bike Setup: |
stock, plus 9.0sl shifter and deraileur | | Bottom Line: | Great bike at very nice price. Flies on downhills and great on steep drops. Even great for singletrack and uphills. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Meredith
a Downhiller
from Spokane WA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
VERY PLUSH, fast, no real problems with 5 of travel. If your starting downhill, Get this bike. | | Weaknesses: |
| | Similar Products Used: |
| | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Killer B
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mills River, North Carolina
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Trace Ridge & Oak Ridge (Bent Creek) | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Excellent suspension, Hell Bent riser bars, totally adjustable shock & forks, Magura hydraulic brakes, color scheme, and the 24 speeds... | | Weaknesses: |
A little heavy, but only compared to my hard-tail Diamondback. Turning radius is limited in tight technical spots, Grip Shift is new to me and I'm not sure if it will last long before failures, paint seems all to easy to chip, Girvin Chubby fork is too big for my computer sensor bracket... | | Similar Products Used: |
no other full suspension bikes tested... | | Bike Setup: |
Girvin Chubby fork, Magura hydraulic brakes, Look SR-2 clippless pedals, Noleen NR2 rear shock, pretty much the way it came right now... | | Bottom Line: | My '97 Beast may have been made a couple of years ago, but I just bought it new from Bennett's a little over a month ago for $699 . I would (and will) put it up against any other
brand at the same price...It's a little heavier than I would like, but that's a small price compared to all the other extras this $1895 msrp bike has with it ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rock Jockey
a Weekend Warrior
from CO
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Strong frame and plush suspension. Moderate climber and fast descender. | | Weaknesses: |
Elastomers in fork need to be replaced with springs. Rim strip tape is inproperly installed causing flats. | | Similar Products Used: |
Fisher Joshua
Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: |
MountainSpeed Speed Springs | | Bottom Line: | This bike is best for people who just want to go out and have a good time. It is not the fastest on the uphills, but it screams on the downhills. The bike would make an ok downhill racer with a couple of small modifications. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Nguyen
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Indestructable frame, great ride | | Weaknesses: |
Bit heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized FSR, Schwinn All Mountain | | Bike Setup: |
upgraded to full XTR | | Bottom Line: | The frame is outstanding. I wanted to resubmit a review after several more month riding and the opinion is still excellent. Not too heavy but will carve through trails and descend like a madman! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chien-Wen
a Downhiller
from Adelaide
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dinky Dell | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Great componentry, 5 inches of travel front and rear. | | Weaknesses: |
Tad heavy...Problem with noleen chubby LT. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT corrado, Marin FS trail | | Bike Setup: |
Out of the box except with platform pedals on. No spd shit for me! | | Bottom Line: | OK, fanbloodytastic bike. Great rear noleen shock with 5 inches of plentiful travel. Compression, rebound and preload settings. I'm having trouble with the Noleen Chubby LT's. They are displaying incredible amounts of stiction. I have already tried conventional methods of getting rid of it, but it doesn't seem to be working. If anyone can help, PLEASE e-mail me at cwl@theoffice.net
Hmm, what else. Just buy it if you are thinking of a FS bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
indestructible | | Weaknesses: |
heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
super v | | Bike Setup: |
upgraded to XT | | Bottom Line: | I just got mine last week (98 model) and I paid 950.00 for it. I love this thing. It really soaks up the bumps and you can fly downhill on it like no other. I don't think this thing can be broken, it's built like a tank ( and weighs almost as much) I love it..... I'll report back later when I get more saddle time..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sticky
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Good components for a great price ($640).
Very pleasing design. | | Weaknesses: |
Shocks aren't great, and a bit heavy, but come on...it's dual-suspension. Also, it's grip shift. Front fork is a bit weird. | | Similar Products Used: |
K2 900 | | Bike Setup: |
original set-up
-magura hydraulic brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price (96 model for $640 at Bennet's--check out the site, ask for Patti). I think it looks great. Some kind of 96 World Cup Design--whatever that is--the actual design is different than the one pictured here. It's a dark/teal green with yellow lettering. The color fades to black. Excellent bike for the price. Highly recommended for the price. There are definitely better bikes out there, but for under $700 with dual suspension, I don't think there's a better buy. Additionally, you've got a lifetime warranty on the frame (which is nice since it is aluminum). If you've got the money, you can always add-on and upgrade. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rabid Willy
a Cross-Country Rider
from SLC, UT
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Sucks up the bumps | | Weaknesses: |
a little heavy | | Bike Setup: |
ProFlex Beast | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike about a year ago and love it. First I have to tell a story.
I bought my bike and was pretty dang proud. I met my girl friend for a beer and just showed her the reciept. PROFLEX BEAST She said how nice you bought me a Dildo, although a little pricey. Bubble burst!! Anyway the bike rocks and only have one problem, a little heavy for cross country racing. DUHDILDO RULES | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sticky
a weekend warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've looked at this bike, and pretty much am drooling over it.
Could someone please list a site/post the specs on this machine? www.girvin.com is defunct. What's the wght?
Should I buy this from Bennett's?????? $640 including S&H... Seems like a steal. Any drawbacks, or would the 657 or 756 be better...can get the 657 for $600 and 756 for $500 at Irvine Bikesource
Or should I spend this money on something else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Nelson
a cross-country rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 96 Beast from Bennett's Cycle in Minneapolis, MN. (actually, I bought two, one for me, one for the girlfriend). Anyway, I was very pleased when I took it out of the package. A much more impressive package than the price would have indicated. The only upgrades I have made are a Bontrager Ti saddle (the Vetta one like a 2x4) and an XT four bar crank. (Torque it to spec and you'll have no creaking; much stiffer than the play-dough Sugino). The Maguras take a little getting used to. Write to Thorsten at Magura USA in Chicago and they'll send you a manual for free. I am still sorting out the suspension, but weight is respectable and overall, this is the best value in a bike period that I have ever seen. There is a lot of info out on the web, so use it. I'm going to change the oil on the MCUs to 5 wt as recommended while filling the brakes (Maguras use #5wt Finish Line shock oil...go figure). Oh, yeah, run the stem flip flop; 0 rise as the other way throws off the geometry. Great bike so far. Happy trails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Nguyen
a weekend warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an update to my previous review:
After several more months of hard riding, I upgraded to XTR Rapid Rise rear deraileur, Mavic 517 w/ XTR hubs. The bike rides better than new! Very smooth shifts and rolls like it is motored. I have had several more tumbles and one fractured collarbone. I simply pick up the bike and continue riding. The frame has been flawless! If they still made the Beast in the triangle frame, I'd buy another just so I can say I have two! Excellent frame/suspension. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Mackormick
a downhiller
from India
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is completely the best bike that you could ever buy in a Packster store
so remember to tug your monkey
Best wishes and best tugging
Jay (from India) A.K.A Packyman
.....Remember this is the best bike and lube it with monkey juice | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a.bencomo
a weekend warrior
from california
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike is awesome! it is so plush. i thought it would be a killer on the climbs but it really is not. maybe the 20 tooth chainring helps. that is the only change i made so far.the price i got at INCYCLE,CHINO,CA. was great. this is better than a hardtail.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vin
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am a large rider - 6'3, 250, and on a budget. When I looked for a bike I wanted one that would stand up to me. I ordered the Beast through Irvine Bike Source, with the following upgrades: XT Rapidfires, speed springs front/rear, SDG ti seat, titec riser handlebars. The good news-- the bike is bulletproof and absorbs punishment. The second time I tried it I took it out on some ATV roads in Mass. with boulders. It performed flawlessly-- I wish I could say the same for myself. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a larger rider. It is a good all round bike which can be used for DH, XC, whatever! bad news-- the bike is a little porky, in my size w/ springs a little over 30 lbs.. I believe 2-3 lbs could be taken off of the bike through 2-300 bucks of upgrades-- seat post, front fork. However, the chubby performs so well on DH sections I might just leave it alone. The only other negative is that I am not sure I like the Chubby triple clamp handling in tight singletrack or in technical uphill sections. Maybe this can be solved by swapping out the riser bars for a flat bar. Overall, for price, lo-maintenance, overall performance, and ability to stand up to a larger rider, I give this bike a big thumbs up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KUJO
a downhiller
from Hailey, Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 97' model. I love this bike!! I have gone on long XC rides with it, but it definately dominates in the downhill. Personally, I think that the 97' model is MUCH better than the 98'. Especially when it comes to the MAGURA hydraulics. They are so sweet!! they definately need boosters, though they are so damn powerful with boosters!! I have an Odyssey Ti. booster. They work almost better than disk brakes!! Also, I like the good - old front triangle, instead of that Y-frame crap!! Anyway, I love the bike, it is definately worth 5 chilies!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
askman
a weekend warrior
from beaverton, oregon
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Since I've rode it a whole season, I have an update to my original review.I have 97 beast, upgraded with AC crank,xt bb, XTR rear, xt front and xt shifters, brake boosters, as well as speed springs on the chubby, titec berserker DH seat and titec seat post, as well as shimano 636 pedals, XT rear wheel, specialized stout front wheelset and team control tires, as well as bontrager short hb stem.Quite a upgrade, and worth every bit. Sugino cranks were too flexible to my taste, I had a nice old AC crank. Since AC crank required 122mm BB, un52 was replaced with un-72. I never liked grip shifters, so rapidfire was put on. Chubby felt a bit stiff, and speed spring(I had old set from RS) replaced some of the elastomers and the spring.(ended up with 3 elastomer as well as 7 springs on each fork) it is now plush, and has great feel to them. Short stem did a lot to improve steering on the chubby.(as well as making it much more comfortable for me to ride) as most triple clamp has trouble. After putting about 1000 mile of trail with bunch of DH miles and few endos(if you don't crash, you are not pushing the envelope ;-) ), I bent the rear hanger twice, and scratch the heck out of the paint, and that is all. I must admit that my bike weighs in at extactly 30 lb(had it down to 28.5 once but boosters and new pedals pushed it back up)but I have no trouble with the weight. It climbs good, and it teachs you to spin. Only thing I would change now, is put a compact chain ring (It is 24/36/46 with 11/28, so steep hill is troublesome) I love riding it. It is comfortable for long ride, and doesn't beat you up. It is not a true DH rig, but it is good enough for MtHood Ski bowl's upper DH run. I weigh close to 200lb, and had no problem with frame. Good fun bike, and great price. It should last me few years until I am ready to upgrade again.(something with 5 front and back with 25lb weight ;-) ) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Nguyen
a downhiller
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a beautiful World Cup 96/97 Beast that I ride every weekend. I opted for the Chubby instead of the Crosslink because I tend to abuse the bike on weekend trips down a hill. Also, I am not known for my quality maintenance of a bike. However, the Beast has been a joy and pleasure to ride! I take this bike EVERYWHERE and always come away with the fattest, widest smile on the trail. It's a bit heavy but I've quickly adjusted. This bike can go XC in a flash and DH in a blurr. Magura makes great hydraulics.The bike has gone on several tumbles and I have always been able to pick it up and ride away w/o a squeak (I've had to get several stitches myself!!!) Highly recommended. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scabs
a weekend warrior
from Folsom, CA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had this bike for 6 weeks (~400 miles), it is an absolute blast! It tears up single track faster than my trek 9900 hardtail with more control and overall less effort. Climbs take more work but at the end of the day your not beat up. Downhill is great, I can fly by friends that I never could keep up with before, and with 5 I'm riding new lines down technical sections that used to slow me down (it's amazing how good equipment can make up for a lack of talent). Now I'm looking for good launch points to clear entire sections. Suspension sucks up rocks and gullies like a moto-cross and works really good on climbs also. Lots of clearence on the bottom bracket/chainrings. Rim tape sucked and gave me flats, I replaced it with velo, upgraded to xt brakes and put on a WTB seat. There is a stupid seat stop that prevents lowering the seat on technical downhills, it's being removed for '99 and I'm removing it from my '98. No problems other than that except get ready to crash at higher speeds. For $995, you can't beat it, it's alot more fun than a cross country bike.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
darren
a downhiller
from connecticut
Date Reviewed: July 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 97 beast it is an good ride I like the plush suspension but I would have to say that bottom bracket and crankset that comes with most pro-flexes are just crap....... the bottom bracket lasted me two rides and I put a new crank on after about a month ....well I blew the WTB wheels to hell too...so I put some Spin downhills on there.....the front shock is nice and plush but I bottom it out everytime I ride....I think this bike is more of a cross-country bike than a downhillers bike....but with a few upgrades it works great for downhill ...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mojo Willy
a weekend warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Cannondale Super W 58.33 is a great bike- i've never riden it, but it looks like you could do a hell of a cycle with that contraption- but me, i have no problem with running down to the nearest Revco and picking up a perfectly good can of prune juice for my roids- i can't even ride a bike- but you'd probably be better off purchasing a Hampton Cruiser to cushion your hemroids for $75 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a cross-country rider
from Geneva, Switzerland
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've tried out several bikes, GT, Specialized, Klein, DBR, AMP, Rocky Mountain and Heavy Tools. When I got to the Beast 98, it was like a dream!!!! You have the feeling like if you were flying, absolutly NO vibrations!!! The XT rear derailleur is great, the front LX is not bad but could be better... Anyway, I bought it!
My advice: If you want an excellent bike for a cheap price, BUY the BEAST '98! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from Thunder Bay
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I rode a 98 Beast at my LBS today. All I have to say is that it feels like a couch, it's sooooo plush. Kinda tall though. The price was alright, $2609 CANADIAN. The fork felt heavy compared to the rest of the bike and the turning radius was CRAPPY with the dual crown and all. One major problem, for me anyways. My heels hit the chainstays, they are waayyy fat. I have size 10.5 feet, so try before you buy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from Port zorchard, WA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Way way way cool ride. Kinda tall though, feels like I'm sitting on a horse. The Maguras' are a little tough to get set up properly, but are able to lock up both wheels whenever I want, and provide a noice broad range of stopping in between. The swingarm pivot squeeks a little though. All-in-all a killer bike. I can beat all of you on this bike. Come out to Green Mountain and I'll show you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrey kim
a weekend warrior
from Beaverton, OR
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got my 97 beast for a great price(900 shipped) and have been riding it for couple of days. The rear spring was too weak for my weight, and I had another heavier spring that I put in and it is plush. Needed some tuning, but it is sweet ride. don't know about durability yet, but it seems strong. (some small jumps and such) I think I got a good buy | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike ROCKS!!!! I got mine totally by accident. Found a clearance sale at (*@&*&^$*&^ (sorry, it's a secret) and got it for like 1/2 price! What a killer ride!! Sure beats the hell out of the Costco special I had been trashing around on for the last year. Watch the Velociraptor tires on the street. A few miles of asphalt and those babies are slicks! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a cross-country rider
from wilkes-barre, pa
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ii received my '96 beast as a gift from my wife. It has performed flawlessly. however, the magura brakes are not performing as well as I'd hoped (the rear has never worked properly) the suspension is fantastic, especially if you swap the elastomers for speed springs. the green/blue paint job drove me crazy so I stripped off the paint & polished is - much better looking! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rico Smith
a weekend warrior
from Port Angeles, Washington
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '96 Beast that is everything I want in a F/S cross-country rig. I live
an area which has terrain much like Vancouver, BC; very rocky, wet, lush, rooty, awesome, northwest riding. My Beast has been through it all! The only change I have made to my Beast was to add a SpeedPro spring to the front. I left the elastomer on the rear. The setup is perfect for my 150 lb weight. I love my Beast. I'm not even envious of all the other new full suspension bikes on the market. I am content to ride my Beast until I can ride no more. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a weekend warrior
from bay area Ca.
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
98 Beast works very good, I have nothing bad to say about it. i had to replace the rear spring because Im 220 lbs. it soaks up the big hits very well. tracks straight. big jumps are a blast with all the suspention. my last bike was a proflex 856 and the Beast smokes it all around. not nearly as much tortional flex. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a weekend warrior
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the 97 Beast. I'm a little dissappointed that Pro-Flex/K2 removed the
Magure Hydraulic Brakes and Sram shifter setup From the 98 model. From what I see the 97 Beast is a much better bike.
My 97 Beast. I love it,...The Girvin Chubby sucks up everything I throw it with
finese and ease. I've encountored big rocks at hight speed, that I thought I was
going to bite it, but the Beast sucked it up and makes it feel more like a pebble. I mean I can really haul *&%^$ down hill and feel completely in control.
The Magures have a lot more feel than V-Brakes,..worth the weight penalty. The Beast also climbs well. All around I rate it as a perfect bike, it is heavy at
30 pounds, but a blast to ride. I'd be really upset if something happened to
it and I couldn't get another 97 Beast or Animal. I'm planning on Adding Race
Face Cranks soon. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon monty Gumery
a weekend warrior
from Solihull,England
Date Reviewed: March 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
To say I am a person who rides hard is a big understatement,so when it came to
choosing a bike I needed something that was up to a mental pounding.
I've rode my Beast down the local woods, a BMX track, and urban riding at night.
Jumping, hopping,flying up and down hills my Beast loves every second of it.
4 inches front and back take the pounding, with Magura HS11's doing the stoping.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry
a weekend warrior
from Utah
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I Have a 96 proflex Beast gdt. It is a great ride. The suspension is right on you hardly know it is there until you hit somthing than it Proforms as well as any system on the market. The Magura HS22's stop on a dime, and the xt, lx drivetrain is quite, and reliable. The Brown velociraptor tires the bike came with were weak, and wore out in a month. Since I spent all my cash on the bike I had to take the Kendas of my old bike and use them. The only problem the bike gives me is when I ride in cold weather the shocks stiffen up, and hardly do anything at all. If anyone has any suggestions on how to fix it mail me at Bowers@Trilobyte.net. This is a allaround great bike definatly worthly of consideration if you want a fs bike
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Otto
a weekend warrior
from Ft. Lauderdale
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After testing several brands and models I tried the Beast. Excellent bike, a very well deserved name, the beast. I just got one, it rides over anything (grass, rocks, street, mod, etc.) and the suspension just performs! The transmission is very quiet and shifting is very smooth overall a very crispy ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Strauch
a cross-country rider
from Santa Cruz CA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently bought my first full suspension bike, i chose the pro-flex beast gdt
this bike rocks!! It has an aluminum frame, girvin elite, xt, lx, mavic, anything you could want and more, including magura hydraulics :)If your looking for a new fs bike, my advise is to go and check out this one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Jole
a weekend warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: March 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
If you are like me, your ideal bike is one that feels and controls like a hardtail, but one that rides over the bumps and bounces like a hovercraft. I bought a '96 Beast, and it is by far the best bike I have ever ridden. I have ridden a lot of models of bikes in the past, but when I decided to go to full suspension, ProFlex just kept rising to the top. I tested the Specialized Groundworks after a certain MTB magazine named it their full suspension bike of the year, but it was bouncier than a pogo stick. I looked at a lot of bikes, and rode them all. When I finally rode a ProFlex, nothing else compared even close. The Beast feels extremely close to a hardtail (even standing in the pedals) until you hit something - than it just absorbs the hit and keeps on hauling. The Dig-In (tm) technology works - Head uphill, put this bike on the small crank, and just TRY to get the back tire to slide out; it sticks something fierce. The Magura brakes rule. I find V brakes too responsive; a slight touch and you're out of the seat, there's not enough in between. The Magura's have a very positive feel, and will stop you instantly if you need to, but you can actually slow down without skidding your tire. And it is so easy to take the wheels off. I love the Vector forks. They are way better than any Rock Shox out there. I put a Spring on the front shock, but kept the MCU on the rear. It's a little stiffer in the rear that way. I personally don't want/need massive amounts of travel in my shocks. I just want a bike that will take the abuse I give it, while I stay comfortable - and I found it. The only negative I found - the damn Gripshifts. Whose idea were these? These are impossible to get used to if you actually want to brake (slow down) and shift (in anticipation of the next corner or hill) at the same time. I will be upgrading to Rapidfires very soon. That is the only very weak point to this bike. I would (and have) highly recommend this bike. I give it five flamin' peppers. Ride hard, or get out of the way... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doker Palmer
a downhiller
from East Brunswick
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have riden the Pro Flex Beast for one season now, and my thoughts on how it performs is great. The Beast's frame has put up with all the crap I can push it threw. With a Mozo Pro 4.5 in the front I have increased the travel from the stock Griven, to what seems about 4 inches. I must say that a Griven front fork has the least travel of any respectable shock in the woods. The rear can be tuned to exactly how you prefer, even with 2 inches of travel which may not seem a lot to a downhiller it has never bottomed out. With the new shock and some other downhilling goodes I can say that the Pro Flex Beast can take you to any speed but its up to you to return with all your teeth. | | Overall Rating: |
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