[Dirtjumper999]

My new shop carries kona so I'm gonna get a cowan ds soon. I've got my build pretty much dialed in except for the fork. My question is does anyone think a 120 or 130mm fork will rake it out too much? And another little question, not that its gonna be used too much for this application but, how is it for moderate downhill runs? It won't be my primary dh rig, mainly just my s.s. freeride bike, but it would be fun to take it to wilson's every now and then. Thanks guys. And if you have any suggestions on builds please tell. Basically its gonna be like this:

Fork: Pike or Totem 2step set to 135
Wheelset: I9 blue laced fr wheels.
Crankset: Deity
Brakes: Hayes el caminos w/ 203mm rotors
Bar/stem: deity
Headset: FSA PigDH
Tires: Maxxis High rolller 2.4's

 

[mshred]

Sounds like a awesome build. If it were me, I would personally get the Pike, since my friend has one on his and it feels amazing. I dont really have much to say, but whatever.

 

[Dirtjumper999]

the only thing i was terribly concerned with about the pike is that i haven't ridden one extensively in a freeride type environment, i have with a totem, and plus the totem looks so bad ass.is your friends pike set all the way to 140?

 

[DHS]

I have both forks. for the Cowan DS i'd get the pike for sure.

the totem is overkill for that bike

 

[SuboptimusPrime]

You also could split the difference between Pike and Totem and get a lyric...

 

[akaeasy_j]

I just got my cowan DS in frame this week and plan to set it up with a 110mm dj 2. I read on one of the Kona tech fourms that Kona says that the cowan ds frame was designed to be ridden with a 100-110 mm fork. I will try to go back and find the forum and post a link.

 

[akaeasy_j]

here's the link, hopefully this will help. Im actually in the same boat as you, I would like to have an adjustable fork, so I can run it at 110 for dj/trail/park use, but be able to crank up the travel for light DH duty.

http://www.konaworld.com/owners_area/index.php?showtopic=1519

 

[TCP21]

i have a cowan DS. i love the thing. i have a nixon on mine. i have had mine for a while and they can take a ****ing beating to. i plan to take it to snowshoe. jumps like a dream and rides like a hardtail. they say 100-110. but i have mine at 115-145mm and rides awesome. the only thing is go ahead and order it now because it took me 3 months to get mine in. have fun with them. you will never want to sell it.

 

[manhattanprjkt83]

I am sitting in my hotel room in MOAB next to my buddys cowan ds...He has been slamming this bike all over the west for a few days now...This bike is more than capable...

 

[TCP21]

yeah man. i love mine to death. you will not be unhappy

 

[akaeasy_j]

got mine built up today, feels pretty good with the 100 mm DJ2

 

[TankerX]

The bike is definitely not a freeride bike!!! I ride mines for dirt jumping but however I do ride it a bit on smooth short trails. But this bike is not made to ride down rock gardens and downhill trails. If u want to ride downhill, get the Howler since u can run gears on it. here's mine:

 

[Dirtjumper999]

ummmm. you can run gears on the cowan........

 

[TankerX]

ummmm. you can run gears on the cowan........

yes u can but i run it SS, just my liking and type of riding i'm doing w/ it!

 

[TCP21]

you can run it downhill but LIGHT downhill and freeride but nothing HUGE

 

[Dirtjumper999]

you can run it downhill but LIGHT downhill and freeride but nothing HUGE

You've been to Wilson's creek right man? Thats probably the stuff it'd be taking.