2005 kona stab

[at the drive in]

I am about to upgrade from my hardtail to a downhill bike. The main contender at the moment seem to be the kona stab. I felt naturally comftable when i had a test ride and the spec seems to be spot on. I ride donwhill/freeride, i weigh about 79kg's. Has anybody else had any experince with the stab if so what was it like. Is it the bike for me. I have heard bad things about the 88VF it comes with is this a magor issue. My parents also think that i am spending to much on a bike they want me to get the stinky. In my opnion i think in the long term i am better off getting the stab as it will last longer and i want upgrade a thing Does anyone agree with that and have other reasons why i should get the stab as opposed to the stinky

[at the drive in]

I need your advice badly

[mitch01]

mate i'd go the stab anyday if your doing dh....forget your folks, just tell em you'll have to spend more replacing the stuff that'll break on the stinky...

if you like that stab go for it, have a look into changing the 888vf for an 888rc, which shouldnt cost too much.

basically the stab shits all over the stinky...even though it comes in that but ugly shade of baby blue....yuk....

[Ride_Guy]

Well something that I think everyone should take into account when getting a big hit dual sus' bike is, how much of it is going to be used for DH compaired to FR.

Becuase if what your mainly going to be doing is Downhilling then get a proper DH bike, the angles make it all the better.

Saying that alot of people do manage to blast along on bikes like the Kona.

Rhys

[Malty]

Well seeing as i have both the bikes you are talking about i would definately say the stab, it's a lot more stable and well worth the extra money. If your going to interschools ill give you a test ride on my stab if you want, i think that will make your mind up.

[andy73]

I've gone from an 04 stinky to an 05 Stab and the difference was quite remarkable. Believe me when I say it feels like a completely different bike. I love Kona's because they do fell so comfortable as soon as you sit on them. Also, if you're mixing it up between Downhill and freeride, they're a good all rounder. The geometry isn't as fully race bred as some other downhill bikes you might see but I like that personally.

I'm actually a fan of the forks. Obviously adjusting them is more difficult but once you have them set up right they're great.

The only thing I would do is change the rear spring. Stabs have traditionally come to firmly sprung in the rear. this year sees a 650lb spring on the rear which is great for drops etc but not much help on fast bumpy stuff (for example it bounced down abom like nobodies business).

I'm 81kgs and just got a 550lb spring which is better but I still think even a 500 would have been better again.

And the colour? I hate it in pictures but in real life I reckon it looks killer.