[KNine]

I don't know if i am happy with 05 line.Yeah the stinky gets a piggy back and an extra inch of travel and the stinky delux gets an 888. But it looks like they took the rest of the specs from the 04 stinky and put it on the delux and down graded the specs on the 05 stinky while raising the price 200 bucks.You would think they could at least put a JR T on the stinky.I know compaines need to make money. But it seems better to buy any 04 and upgrade then buy an 05.

 

[Echo]

I'd be interested in hearing why you think the specs were downgraded on the Stinky.

 

[ChrisRobin]

Dude, those bikes haven't changed in years...

 

[mcA896]

hes right it hasnt been upgraded much but i dont think it was downgraded either. plus, now it has a 170mm thru axle drop off triple, which is essentially a jr. t

 

[animal 52]

But the real question is... why haven't they changed their design in the last five years. Only the paint changes... uglier and uglier.

 

[Transcend]

no kidding, i agree with those 2, Kona hasn't redesigned a damn thing since like 1992. Same lame walking beam suspension, they just depend on gimmicky glow in the dark decals and paint...

 

[RideND]

Those decals glow in the dark? I might have to make a run to the LBS.

 

[Transcend]

Those decals glow in the dark? I might have to make a run to the LBS.

Dunno if they do anymore, they used to tho!

 

[punkassean]

no kidding, i agree with those 2, Kona hasn't redesigned a damn thing since like 1992. Same lame walking beam suspension, they just depend on gimmicky glow in the dark decals and paint...

Yeah!!! What he said. besides the bikes ride like crap and they always break man! Who rides in the dark anyway?

 

[KNine]

04 specs on with an MSRP of 1699
S(15"), M(17"), L(18"), XL(19"), XXL(20")
Kona Clump 7005 Aluminum 6" travel
Fox Vanilla R w/ ProPedal
Marzocchi Drop-Off Triple 150mm
FSA
TruVativ Hussefelt DH
Rockguard/32/22
TruVativ ISIS Drive Hussefelt
Kona Jack****
Shimano CN-HG53
Deore (11-32 9 speed)
Shimano Deore LX
Shimano Deore XT
Shimano Deore
Kona DH Aluminum
Kona Clump
Kona Jack****
Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 HD
Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 HD
Shimano HB-M475 disc
Shimano FH-M475 disc
Stainless 14g front and rear
Nokian NBX 26 x 2.5
Sun Singletrack
SDG - Kona Gordo
IRD Quad 2
Kona QR
Orange/Black

05 Specs MSRP 1899

S(15"),M(15.5"),L(16"),XL(16.5"),XXL(17")
Frame tubing Kona Clump 7005 Aluminum/7" Travel
Rear Shock Fox Vanilla DHX 3.0
Fork Marzocchi Drop-Off Triple 170mm
Headset FSA
Crankarms TruVativ Hussefelt DH
Chainrings Rockguard/36/26
B/B TruVativ ISIS DH
Pedals Kona Jack****
Chain Shimano CN-HG53 (9sp)
Freewheel Shimano Deore 11-32 9 speed
F/D Shimano Deore
R/D Shimano Deore LX
Shifters Shimano Deore
Handlebar TruVativ Hussefelt OS Riser
Stem TruVativ Hussefelt OS
Grips Kona Jack****
Brakes Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 Heavy Duty
Brake Levers Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 Heavy Duty
Front hub KK Disc
Rear hub Shimano FH-M475 disc
Spokes 14G Stainless
Tires Tioga White Tiger 26 x 2.5
Rims Sun MTX-S
Saddle WTB Power V Comp
Seatpost TruVativ XR Double Bolt
Seat clamp Kona QR
Colors Matt Green/Black

OK maybe i am over reacting a bit(alot),But is it worth 200 dollars to get an extra inch travel?

 

[punkassean]

KNine,

it isn't just about the spec, I'm sure you are aware but obviously you haven't taken it into account. Kona bike are designed in the US and built in Taiwan from components of various countries of origin. Currency exchange rates change daily and the US dollar is losing value all the while many other countries currency is gaining value. I had a private meeting with Pat White from Kona pertaining to the spec of their line and believe me Kona is making the same margins year after year. They are not ripping anybody off. Also they are very receptive to feedback, example: I suggested they look into specc'ing FSA Pig lower cups or even whole headsets instead of the cheesy aheadset SX-1, they looked into it and guess what? they implemented it for the next model year on their DH/freeride bikes. I also suggested that lower to mid level bikes should run Sun rims because Suns rims are more cost effective than Mavic, but I also suggested that Mavic should be standard on the top of the line models due to their superior quality. Which they also heeded. Considering the Stinky now gets a full (DH/big drop worthy) 7" front and rear with a better rear damper and stronger rims $200 is a small "price hike" to pay. If you want to compare a bike to the old stinky, look at the new base model 6" coiler, it is a more comparable bike in many ways. Think of the new Stinky as more bike for a tiny bit more $.

 

[The Kadvang]

some righteous sh*t

I completely agree. Everyone moaning and groaning about how Konaz never change needs to think a little. Do any of their bikes have major, generally seen issues? IMHO, Kona adressed the Stab's break jack issue, which was seen as one of its only major flaws by all the riders I have talked to, and greatly upgraded the spec on all their bikes. The Stinky "swingarm to seatclamp" issue is supposedly fixed for 2005, and all you had to do in 2004 was flip your seatpost clamp the other way. I also think the new spec, with Fox DHX, Evil guides, Sun MTNX/Mavic Rims, RaceFace cranks, etc, is vastly superior to last years lineup. Flame away...

 

[punkassean]

I completely agree...The Stinky "swingarm to seatclamp" issue is supposedly fixed for 2005, and all you had to do in 2004 was flip your seatpost clamp the other way. I also think the new spec, with Fox DHX, Evil guides, Sun MTNX/Mavic Rims, RaceFace cranks, etc, is vastly superior to last years lineup. Flame away...

True the new linkage plates are wider set to provide plenty of clearance on full compression. On my '03 I run a Salsa clamp rotated 45º to clear and that works fine. Bottom line is Kona's work and they work well! The prices are good and so is the quality. It is a simple design that is not over complicated but really isn't that what we all want? Minimal bearings to wear out, maximum seat height adjustment, front der. compatible, great strength to weight ratios etc. If you think you are too good for a Kona, you might want to think again...

I have owned and ridden many fancier more complicated bikes, I own Kona's now because they just plain work reliably and consistently.

 

[KNine]

I agree with that assesment. I do like the piggy back and hopefully the 7inch drop off won't suck a$$.The 20mm front hub is nice. I still would have liked to have seen an XT Rear Derailleur.Besides the coiler is still set up as a trail bike. Anyways i am looking forward to talking one of the 2 shops i support to let me throw one around........hmm 1899 may not be that bad after all.....

 

[punkassean]

There is always more than meets the eye, you just need to look a little under the surface...

A lot of freeriders might prefer a deore or LX der. since they blow them up weekly anyway. Plus with a 20mm hub and MTX's the bike now has a "real" wheelset that can be swapped to a better damped fork later.

 

[Roasted]

I agree. I like kona's in general. At least you always know what the bikes will be like. Strong and durable, whether people agree or not they have consistency in strength. Cheapish (take away ironhorse there isn't much competition in the cheap dually dept at that level)...

As for the decal for this year...fugly...damn fugly...

 

[Rik]

475 hubs don't belong on bikes half that price. Nasty...

 

[TheMontashu]

they down graded the shifters FD and RD.im confused??? i personaly dont like the way the rear end feels but that prefrence. the main reson i will nevere own a kona is the closest shop that has them is crap the owner is a pr*ck and they charge MSRP so that leaves kona out

 

[punkassean]

they down graded the shifters FD and RD.im confused??? i personaly dont like the way the rear end feels but that prefrence. the main reson i will nevere own a kona is the closest shop that has them is crap the owner is a pr*ck and they charge MSRP so that leaves kona out

To me that's about the only legit reason not to buy one...

What's the shop name and where is it located?

 

[TheMontashu]

hank and frank in laffiyete CA

 

[punkassean]

What exactly has gone down there?

 

[TheMontashu]

they push you to by bikes you dont kneed that are more $$$, they tell you to upgrade parts you dont need to, and when my friend worked there the owner was talking sh*t about him behind his back infront of one other friend of ours.

 

[T-Blazer]

the true test is the test ride ! enjoy

 

[nh dude]

There is always more than meets the eye, you just need to look a little under the surface...

A lot of freeriders might prefer a deore or LX der. since they blow them up weekly anyway. Plus with a 20mm hub and MTX's the bike now has a "real" wheelset that can be swapped to a better damped fork later.

Team Deore bunch of guys i race with just run deore for just that reason. I went through 3 derrailers in a span of 2 months a couple years ago.
Yeah the sram x9 is pimp it works great but costs dough
At pkill I wrapped my derrailer up around my qr nut off a jump somehow. It was upside down.
Removed the rear wheel and i popped back into place i bent the pin up a bit. Its fine put it on my hardtail today.

 

[dropmachine]

no kidding, i agree with those 2, Kona hasn't redesigned a damn thing since like 1992. Same lame walking beam suspension, they just depend on gimmicky glow in the dark decals and paint...

And what, Orange is destoying the modern mountain bike world with thier cutting edge suspension designs?

Change for the sake of change is lame. Go kona. Not a huge fan personally, but i gotta respect what they offer, and the fact that they offer it because they think it works, rather then changing crap just to seem current.

 

[Echo]

And what, Orange is destoying the modern mountain bike world with thier cutting edge suspension designs?

Ahahaha! Own3d. And Orange isn't the only one.

I suppose people think the VPP stuff is the new shizzle? It's been around longer than the Kona designs. And the Horst 4-bar? That's been around for like 10 years too. Not much "new" in MTB these days. Kona is one of very few companies that has managed to stay successful in very tough times. Apparently they are doing something right.

 

[punkassean]

the true test is the test ride ! enjoy

True! Kona has a great "Demo Days" program so you can try even the nicest bikes for up to an hour or more off-road! Kona also sets their reps up with demo accounts so they can lend out bikes for potential customers to try.