Author Topic: 2002 Disco Monkey, Any opinions? (Read 5310 times)

sammydog · « **on:** November 07, 2003, 09:50:05 am »

I am currently looking for something to use as a Light Freeride/DH bike and one of these has been floating around the local papers supposedly in new condition, I have also seen them new on the net.

I guess my question is does any one use one of these bikes for this purpose? and what are the bike specs in terms of suspension travel (Front and Rear) and running gear?

Has anyone done modifications to improve the bike?

I went to the K2 site but could only find info on the 2001 model.

A lot of questions I klnow but I am curious about the bike. Thanks

kbeen · « **Reply #1 on:** November 07, 2003, 10:47:53 am »

I'd consider the 01'
DM an aggressive XC ride. I don't think i'd classify it as a DH ride w/ only 4" of travel up front. I have run a 5" bomber which slackens the head angle. There are not too many choices for rear shocks (8.25")unless you make frame mods, A Vanilla RC or 5th can be made to fit. Rear tire size is limited to about 2.35, 2.4 if the planets are in proper alignment. I can't comment on frame durability under DH use as I ride agressive XC. I really like my bike for XC use. If I were going to freeride /DH i'd go w/ a Big Hit or a Bullit.

TeamBigHit · « **Reply #2 on:** November 07, 2003, 11:21:04 am »

This bike should be used for XC/Aggro XC. It's not by any means a DH Freeride bike. As stated previously it can only fit a 2.3 rear tire, which by DH/FR standards s*cks. For XC though it's an OK bike, however there are still better bikes like the Enduro or Stumpjumper.

Forget the DM and get a Big Hit.

Old Proflexer · « **Reply #3 on:** November 08, 2003, 01:19:42 am »

i mentioned on another post but i'll put it here as well -

all of the local supergos in so cal are loaded with monkeys (and k2's in general) right now - the hb store was selling them 'tween 6-700 bucks - disco's, brass, bumpy's, flyin etc. - yeah, just checked the supergo website - might work good for you

a great deal for a new f.s. disc'd bike

OP

numbnuts · « **Reply #4 on:** November 08, 2003, 05:29:01 am »

like OP says you can't really go wrong at that price unless you really want a heavy duty freeride/dh rig. You will want to change the rear shock eventually and there are a few choices, van r/stratos etc that work well and give 5 to 6" travel. There are plenty of freeride tyres that will fit although mud can be a problem due to poor clearance. The design is fun & simple, works well for a mono pivot, not a lot of bob and tracks OK downhill, and climbs efficiently. The wt is OK. It really boils down to what you need, I use for small drops [4' and would feel comfortable upto about 6] and it's great, if you want to be in the next Kranked vid or Red bull rampage get the cheque book out and buy a bighit. The parts on that bike are worth what supergo is selling it for.

sammydog · « **Reply #5 on:** November 08, 2003, 07:25:58 am »

I guess what I am looking for is a light free ride machine. I currently have a 955 and specialized epic set up for XC racing and want a cheap (I put all my money into the other two bikes) bike to play on and race DH on.

I don't intend to be competative on the bike, just want to have some fun. The other bike I was looking at was the single pivot Big Hit. It is spec'd a lot higher over here(AUS), fox shox, marzocchi 130mm forks, hayes hydraulic discs and LX gear, to what it is in the US.

The riding i want to do on it would involve drops no bigger than 6 foot (if that) just a few small to medium sized jumps and downhill runs, I am not really interested in spending for a full DH rig as XC racing is my real interest in the sport. This is just for afternoon and after work bashes on a few of the local trails and the DH races after the XC race.

I have a shock lying around (DNM ST8RC) here with 210mm I2I length and 2.5 inch stroke. I had things machined for my 955 so I don't see why it wouldn't go on a disco monkey. It was actually on the 955 for a while.

I saw they were cheap at supergo (I think they come out at around $1000 AU and I would need to factor in postage. Still it could be a lot cheaper than the BIG Hit for $2000. DO those guys vary there prices much with a bit of pushing?

Are the swingarms on these carbon? For me that would be something that would make me think twice about the bike and woulf the medium frame sound about right for someone 5'10".

lokomonkey · « **Reply #6 on:** November 10, 2003, 03:48:40 am »

WHAT I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST READ!! this bike is actually awesome! ( check the "KRANKED III" video and see) yes you WILL have to make upgrades, ( for me was easy; I started from the frame and build it up) I got a vanilla R as rear shock, gives you OVER 6" of travel, I choose the Psylo sl for it's 'unlimited' adjustment, truvativ BB with raceface cranks, etc etc.....but the best part is I fit a 24" rear wheel, and that makes the bike so responsive, always ready to charge jumps, faster getting out of switch backs, easy manuals, quick sprints..... but even better!! check SUPERGO.COM and see those prices!!!!
besides, you can keep upgrading this bike ( I will get a sherman in the front and a vanilla RC propedal next) so when you break the frame (if ever) just swap the componnents to a better frame!!! for a fraction of the price for a new bike!! [smiley=furious.gif]

lokomonkey · « **Reply #7 on:** November 10, 2003, 03:53:48 am »

the swing arm is NOT carbon, and I'm 5'8" and ride the medium size and have a blast! btw, I kept the three rings in the front (even though I only use the mid and granny) so I can climb and shoot my way down!

sammydog · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2003, 06:18:19 am »

It looks like I am going to be getting one. I have a budget of $2000 AU. The only bike here for this type of money is the Single Pivot Big Hit.

If I get the Disco monkey I will have enough left over for a set forks. I'm looking at a set of junior T's (the psylos would be put on my brothers 855 that he is trying to build). I already have a replacement rear shock.

Just out of interest, what is the size of the vanilla R you use?

The only thing really olding me back at the moment is buying a bike over the net form a shop in a different country, I'm still a bit hesitant at that.

lokomonkey · « **Reply #9 on:** November 11, 2003, 04:01:45 am »

junior T!! fun choice!! 170mm of travel envy you already!!!

vanilla R 7.85 i2i, which WILL slack the geometry a bit, but if you don't wear thighs, and enjoy going down super (wildly) fast....you will like that!

numbnuts · « **Reply #10 on:** November 11, 2003, 05:46:31 am »

slacken the geometry a bit !!! it'll look like a freakin chopper [smiley=laughing.gif]If you want to go that route stick a 24" rear wheel with a 8.5/2.5 van rc, and I would stick a boxxer up front, I am considering buying another cheap DM as my trail bike and setting up my old Evo like that. But by the time you've bought all those new bits you could have got a bighit or bullit. The Iron horses are pretty cheap and hardcore also. Also consider looking around for a used DH bike, it seems to me that a lot of folks get caught up in the freeride hype after watching those vids but then realise that they really don't need a 45lb monster to hop curbs in Miami, even if it does look cool on top of the Hummer 2 that they don't need either, I bet there are some good deals out there. [smiley=nod.gif]

numbnuts · « **Reply #11 on:** November 11, 2003, 05:49:13 am »

BUT don't let me stop you from getting the DM cos it's an unreal deal and a fantastic bike, lots of fun!

sammydog · « **Reply #12 on:** November 11, 2003, 06:49:00 am »

Like I said I already have a shock with 8.25"eye to eye and 2.5" stroke. I must admit that I never thought of the 24" rear wheel.

If I get the DM I will have money left to upgrade the front, and possibly the rear wheel. What do you suggest would make for a good bike for light DH and freeride? Maybe 150mm forks would be a better option.

Thanks for the input, and keep it coming. As soon as I think I know what I am doing I will be getting the bike. The other bike I have my eye on is the single pivot Big Hit.

Prowler · « **Reply #13 on:** November 11, 2003, 09:21:13 am »

Sammy
I raced this one DH a few times and it was not too bad. Its not really in a league with real DH bikes but it will get the job done. Its now my FR/trail bike and is perfectly suited for such. 6" front and rear. Climbs very well. Takes a good 6' drop for me to bottom it out..... You may have seen this, but if not, here's a link to a bunch of custom EVO's.

http://home.earthlink.net/~mtnk2biker/evo_bikes.html

sammydog · « **Reply #14 on:** November 11, 2003, 05:23:05 pm »

Your bike looks pretty good, looks like what I want to do with mine when I finally get it.

How do you find the handling with 6 inches up front and at the rear? You have the standard size wheels as well?

I don't intend to be overly serious about my DH which is why I haven't looked at the full DH rigs.

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Author Topic: 2002 Disco Monkey, Any opinions? (Read 5310 times)

kbeen

TeamBigHit