Stinky
Origin
Introduced in 1998, the Stinky was Kona's defining contribution to the birth of freeride mountain biking. Built minutes from the legendary North Shore trails near Vancouver, it became the bike under riders like Richie Schley and Andrew Shandro in the early Kranked films — the visual identity of an entire era of the sport. Long travel (~7 in / 178 mm), geared so you could still pedal back up, and tough enough for woodwork drops. The do-it-all freeride spirit and the cult Clump 7005 frame ran through many variants (Deluxe, Primo, Stinky 6, TL, Stinky 24). The line was discontinued around 2012 as the discipline split into trail/enduro and dedicated DH — Kona moved big-bike duties to the Operator (DH) and later the Process X. The Stinky has not returned in the founder-led 2024–2025 relaunch, though Kona's current freeride/DH duties are now carried by the aluminium Process X / Process X DH.
Specifications
- Frame
- Kona Clump 7005 hydroformed aluminium, 4-Bar Clump linkage; sizes 15/15.5/16/16.5/17"
- Weight
- kg
- Drivetrain
- various — typically Shimano Saint / SRAM X9 era-appropriate
- Brakes
- Hydraulic disc; Kona DOPE floating brake arm to keep suspension active under braking
- Wheels
- 26" freeride/DH wheelset (original era); some modern owner builds converted to 27.5"
The verdict
- Bottomless, plush 7-inch rear travel that smooths big hits and drops
- Famously tough, durable Clump 7005 frame that takes abuse
- Sure-footed, confidence-inspiring on steep technical descents
- Geared and pedalable — a genuine do-it-all freeride bike, not a one-way DH rig
- Well-priced, durable component spec for the era
- Very heavy (38–41+ lb / 17–19 kg) — sluggish to climb and accelerate
- Not competitive for racing downhill nor for fast XC/trail riding
- Dated 26" platform and single-pivot-derived linkage by modern standards
- Discontinued (~2012) — parts and frame support are limited, mostly second-hand
- Heft and slack geometry make it tiring as an everyday all-rounder
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