I am going to invest in a trail bike to compliment my hardtail and longtravel freeride bike (RM7). I've heard good things about the Heckler but what about the Kona Coiler? Anyone ride/own one who could give me advice?
Kona Coiler vs. SC Heckler
- Thread starter mtbikermark
- Start date
I rode a coiler at Whistler for a bit. As a descender, I was unimpressed.
I'd go with the Heckler.
I'd go with the Heckler.
Save yoru money, and get an older stinky instead. its the same bike.
I too would go with the heckler, heard nothing but good about them.
I too would go with the heckler, heard nothing but good about them.
Love my SC... Can go from trail bike for my g/f to full on 4X bike in about 30 min.
Contrary to (seemingly) popular opinion, I think the Coiler and Heckler are very similar in ride and general quality. The people who claim to have ridden a Coiler and were not impressed most likely did not have the bike setup for them at all, no bike will feel great out of the box. I have ridden Coiler's that felt awesome. Although the Coiler is like the older Stinky, the geometry is much refined (longer TT for climbing) and the strength has been increased without adding weight. So it isn't "just like it" in the end.
The Heckler is a great bike as well, think it has lower BB than a Coiler, you might want to look into that if your local trails are really rocky because catching pedals can be very annoying.
I would recommend trying both bikes out as much as you can before buying, if you are buying used the seller shouldn't mind you taking the bike in the dirt. Otherwise Kona has an awesome demo program where you can take bikes out for an hour or so in order to really get a feel for it. Most Kona dealers also have demo bikes available daily. I am sure some SC dealers have a similar program.
And lastly, check the reviews on MTBR.com but qualify each persons review based on their apparent intelligence, don't just believe the flaming chili rating system. I mean we reelected G.W. as a nation even though it wasn't the brightest thing to do.
[flame suit=on]
The Heckler is a great bike as well, think it has lower BB than a Coiler, you might want to look into that if your local trails are really rocky because catching pedals can be very annoying.
I would recommend trying both bikes out as much as you can before buying, if you are buying used the seller shouldn't mind you taking the bike in the dirt. Otherwise Kona has an awesome demo program where you can take bikes out for an hour or so in order to really get a feel for it. Most Kona dealers also have demo bikes available daily. I am sure some SC dealers have a similar program.
And lastly, check the reviews on MTBR.com but qualify each persons review based on their apparent intelligence, don't just believe the flaming chili rating system. I mean we reelected G.W. as a nation even though it wasn't the brightest thing to do.
[flame suit=on]3 words: Heckler Heckler, Heckler.
Any questions?
Any questions?
They perform about even on the downhill, the heckler may be a little better, but not much. The Heckler is also a few pounds lighter, which might be useful if you don't have a chairlift or shuttle. 
Setup correctly the Coiler is a great bike.
i know it is not the bike but the rider, but i have a friend with a heckler and he kills it on everything. runnin a z-150 on it. climbs like a goat and runs downhill like water. i however have no experience with the coiler, just the older 01/02 stinky. based on that comparrison though i would go with the heckler.
Thanks Biggins, that is very nice of you :eviltongubiggins said:
Even if you are talking about Reece, he does have a bad a$$ bike.
I vote Heckler too
Heckler would certainly be my chose vs Kona. I was planiing on a Heckler and ended up with a Transition Preston. Killer trail bike from a great small company in Seattle with the best service I have ever experienced.
Check it... www.transitionbikes.com
Check it... www.transitionbikes.com