K2 bikes...a good ride while they lasted

SuperbMan · 08-15-2008

Ah the razorback, the first truly efficient xc dualie that could deliver on the double boinger promise of saturday trail riding excellence and Sunday race excellence. The steady Zed series, a winner for a long time, the ahead of themselves all-mountain hardtails (flying monkeys and what not), the first really well-spec'ed affordable light freeride machines (the Tirades). A nice series of affordable yet capable entry level Dual Suspension bikes (The Attacks and the slightly better Lithiums). The 'new' razorbacks for the 21st century-the Apache series. Heck, I even liked the initial iteration of the MOD road bike series. All good stuff, a little different and memorable. Been a fan of this company for a long time...

I understand the changes in econmic realities, I know that less than 5% of all bikes sold globally cost more the 350.00, and that even fewer of those are sold in independent bike shops (the ole IBS). And the sort of customers who purchase at IBS's are picky, demanding and hard to placate (in a dollar in dollar out sort of way)-so I get the move to big cataogue retailer sales (REI) and step-up big box stores (Sports Authority-a step up from Target and Walmart)-no apologies needed-but, I'll still miss the higher end, quality real bike efforts of the K2 crew.

I won't miss Iron Huffy all that much however

go-pirates · 08-17-2008

Is K2 not gonna offer high-end stuff anymore (i.e., Factory, Base)? I'm still beating the crap out of my old 2001 Razorback. Man, what a terrific bike that thing has been

SuperbMan · 08-18-2008

That's the buzz, actually it's more than a buzz-as an employee in a long time k2 dealing shop...it's the reality.

Maybe the Base-but like sister World Wide Cycle supply stablemate Iron Huffy, they are evidently abandoning Independent Bike shop level stuff-the highest end stuff they sell will be the sort of bikes REI deals in (which is above walmart, but not that much above).

Yeah those ;late 1990's early 2000's razorbacks are true blue classics!

Jerk_Chicken · 08-18-2008

To be fair about the first statement about the Razorback:

The RB was a licensed design from Turner. The original was the Turner Stinger, which was a patented design licensed to K2.

And yes, the RB was great.

DPCX · 08-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperbMan

That's the buzz, actually it's more than a buzz-as an employee in a long time k2 dealing shop...it's the reality.

Maybe the Base-but like sister World Wide Cycle supply stablemate Iron Huffy, they are evidently abandoning Independent Bike shop level stuff-the highest end stuff they sell will be the sort of bikes REI deals in (which is above walmart, but not that much above).

Yeah those ;late 1990's early 2000's razorbacks are true blue classics!

Hmmm, not sure which REI you've been looking at lately but I can assure you their line is quite a bit above the Walmart level. Keep in mind that REI offers a lot more than what's available online & even thats very respectable. Here is a sample sorted from high to low,

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=450000...les%3ABicycles

DP

Singletrackroadie · 08-19-2008

Hi,

Yes my Razorback. Got it as a shop sponsored bike and still have it. Was such a great bike and as mentioned....could do the 120km ride and race the XC race the next. I have it in my spare room as I will never be able to sell. Thinking of rebuilding it into a Single Speed full suspension bike (.....never see any full suspension singlespeeds, image thing I suppose...)

Do you guys know where I will be able to still pick up part (hangers ect?)

PS - I race singlespeed bikes before I receive a singlespeeders wrath, just interested how it will feel like to have a singlespeed full suspension bike.

Jerk_Chicken · 08-19-2008

Where Are The Razorback Pictures???

This Thread Does Not Deliver.

Singletrackroadie · 08-19-2008

Best I could do in short notice. Was taken on a ski lift at Morzine last year. Did the World Cup downhill course on it as well. (Slowly I may add. My Magura Marta's overheated halfway

)

GreenLightGo · 08-20-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPCX

Hmmm, not sure which REI you've been looking at lately but I can assure you their line is quite a bit above the Walmart level. Keep in mind that REI offers a lot more than what's available online & even thats very respectable. Here is a sample sorted from high to low,

http://www.rei.com/search?cat=450000...les%3ABicycles

DP

I was thinking the same thing - the two biggest REI's I've been to - Colorado Springs and Atlanta - both had some nice offerings.

illegalsmile · 08-21-2008

so k2 is no longer making bikes?! I've been riding the factory 5.0 and it's been great so far!

DannyC21 · 08-21-2008

I believe they are still making bikes, it just the other posters on here feel their newer bikes are not of the quality they once were.

I'm not sure I agree with all that since I have an 07 Zed 3.0 and have gotten tons of compliments from more experienced riders about the quality of components my bike has. I have had it for a year and have beat the s*** out of it and the only thing I've managed to break is my seat.

Plus, the Factories look like pretty good bikes too. I saw one recently in person and liked it a lot. However, the Base bikes I think are subpar for K2. I would not drop a dime on those bikes with those components.

Jerk_Chicken · 08-21-2008

Components have nothing to do with the quality of the frame. If you are getting compliments about the components, then you're getting compliments about the components.

DannyC21 · 08-21-2008

You're correct. But all the components on my bike are stock (except for pedals and the new seat). What I was trying to say, is that for the price I paid for the bike, a lot of riders think I have well above average components, which is a compliment to K2 in overall quality. Basically I should have said I have received compliments for my bike as a whole, with special mention of the stock components.

illegalsmile · 08-21-2008

The frame seems to have a pretty unique geometry but it rides excellent. The components are excellent and as good if not better than similarly priced rides. What do i know though!?

As far as a FS singlespeed i think the whole idea of singlespeed is light, fast and easy. FS doesn't seem to fit into that mentality. However, there's no reason that you can't or shouldn't do it, go for it I say. You can either donate/sell the bike or use it as a singlespeed, your quads will grow and your rides on geared bikes will become easier.

I still take the SS out occasionally but I love gears and full suspension.

hanshananigan · 08-22-2008

The Kid ("TK" is a K2 employee) has provided insight concerning the future of K2 on a thread, somewhere. In a nutshell, here's how I remember it.

World Wide Cycle (http://www.worldwidecyclesupply.com/) now has the license for the K2 name. They also produce Iron Horse bikes. WWC says about Iron Horse: "We creates and builds the highest quality, highest performance, and most fun to ride bicycles in the industry." These bikes are for more aggressive riding and racing. Iron Horse has racing teams.

In contrast, K2 bikes are now geared toward casual, sport, and weekend riders. WWC put it this way: "Because we take care of the science behind the scenes, you’ll find it simple to find the right K2 Bike for you, get on, and start having fun."

I think this translates to middle-of-the-road bikes for K2 - solid, dependable, decent price range to sell to the suburban weekend warrior who doesn't want to pay $3000+ for a racer, but wants better quality than your typical K-Mart offering. My guess is that K2 will continue to offer MTB that can handle trail riding, but you won't find a pro-race-ready K2 with the newest jaw-dropping technology.

hanshananigan · 08-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerk_Chicken

To be fair about the first statement about the Razorback:

The RB was a licensed design from Turner. The original was the Turner Stinger, which was a patented design licensed to K2.

And yes, the RB was great.

Well I'll be danged... thanks for the education, JC!

Singletrackroadie · 08-22-2008

I think there is probably a good point on the Single Speed needing to be as light as possible. Been racing my SS for year and half and my other bikes are glorified clothe racks. Think the old Razorback is due to be built up again and do a couple of multiday trips on.

This forum just made me remember how much fun my K2 was.....

Let hope the new ownership of the K2 name will breath new life onto the brand. Maybe use DW-Link with a pull shock similar to the Iron Hourse maybe. (I think the Iron Horse Azzure is having trouble attracting XC/Trail riders, since Iron is a prominant DH bike thanks to Sam Hill racing it).....mmm....there is a idea guys.

I will buy one.

Jerk_Chicken · 08-22-2008

Iron Horse, nor World Cycles will be using the DW Link after the coming year, period.

Next, the RB had a pull shock, the Iron Horse does not. You can not put a pull shock on that design, as it's a proprietary shock, made only for the RB. Fox will also not produce that shock anymore.

K2-man · 08-22-2008

I agree with the other postings. K2 bikes are not what they were in the past ....
The razorback is still a innovative effective design and it looks wonderfull !

SuperbMan · 08-22-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanshananigan

The Kid ("TK" is a K2 employee) has provided insight concerning the future of K2 on a thread, somewhere. In a nutshell, here's how I remember it.

World Wide Cycle (http://www.worldwidecyclesupply.com/) now has the license for the K2 name. They also produce Iron Horse bikes. WWC says about Iron Horse: "We creates and builds the highest quality, highest performance, and most fun to ride bicycles in the industry." These bikes are for more aggressive riding and racing. Iron Horse has racing teams.

In contrast, K2 bikes are now geared toward casual, sport, and weekend riders. WWC put it this way: "Because we take care of the science behind the scenes, you’ll find it simple to find the right K2 Bike for you, get on, and start having fun."

I think this translates to middle-of-the-road bikes for K2 - solid, dependable, decent price range to sell to the suburban weekend warrior who doesn't want to pay $3000+ for a racer, but wants better quality than your typical K-Mart offering. My guess is that K2 will continue to offer MTB that can handle trail riding, but you won't find a pro-race-ready K2 with the newest jaw-dropping technology.

I not sure if even this particular spin still applies to either brand...as has been mentioned the DW link has been permanently pulled from Iron Huffy, K2 was slated to put out a pretty high-end offering this year with the Factory Line -but I'm not getting the impression that a factory 6.0 (or anything of similar caliber) will appear in the REI cataogue or anywhere in the following years. I think the Base/Attack (maybe!) models, hybrids and comfort bikes will be the mainstay. Others on the inside will have to clarify that.

Like I said, I understand the move away from high-end bike building/ distribution (and high end, industry wide are bikes costing more than $1000.00--not typically what most mtbr.com types think of as high end, but in terms of total market percentage it's the magic mark-actually I've been told that number is really closer to 500.00 where the customer base radically changes to a vastly smaller and more discriminating percentage). No need for apologies, etc-it's business. But I wouldn't expect any licensing or developing of quality suspension/ frame designs-or even bikes that compete with the entry level Giant Trances and Kona dawgs (by way of comparison of popular well-priced bikes for mountain riding enthusiasts). But we'll see.

Anyway-to the folks who've chimed in from K2 on this forum, thanks for always being very responsive, helpful, and enthusiastic! It's one of the reasons I liked K2 bikes.

Check out Randall Scott cycles as they are pretty much giving away the remaining supply of upper-level K2's and Iron Huffies-still great bikes and worth what they're selling them for and then some!

Singletrackroadie · 08-22-2008

Interesting on the DW-Link not going to be used on the Iron Horse anymore. Was not aware of that, not that it really matter to me anymore. I know that the pull shock will not be made by Fox anymore, just building a bike in my head using the DW-Link as a starting point....I should stay realistic as I will not see another K2 pull shock ever again. K2 could do it inhouse...but that is dreaming again and the cost won't make ANY sense.

Is there any other pull-shock bikes on the market? I know the Scott Genius was/is a pull shock. The guys in the US could not get it due to Specialized getting pissed on them using a Horst Link.

Pipo_btt · 08-23-2008

Nice thread, I unknow very things about the K2 company.

I have a Razorback, which continue a good bike for xc-racing. It doesn´t never an old bike, yes one of classics of better season of the company.

hanshananigan · 08-23-2008

I'm not convinced that the Razorback's quality ride was primarily attributable to the pull shock. The bike was light, was long, had a low bottom bracket, and had a relatively small rear travel, all contributing to the unique ride. Sure, the pull shock design helped keep weight down, and the relatively short travel (along with other factors) improved climbing.

doug4sail · 08-25-2008

I have owned two K2 bikes, A Razorback that I still have and a Attack I replaced with
a Santa Cruz Superlight frame. I like the look of the Factory 5,6, Single pivots with
Pedaling Platform shocks work very well. Orbea just came out with a single pivot for there new race Platform. Santa Cruz has the Heckler and the Superlight Single pivots Check the forums people love those bikes. I think the K2s will do well for those that can find them I personally found it hard to demo one when I was looking to purchase had I gotten the chance I would most likely have purchased a Factory 5 or 6.

hanshananigan · 08-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug4sail

I have owned two K2 bikes, A Razorback that I still have and a Attack I replaced with
a Santa Cruz Superlight frame...

Hey Doug, I always wondered how the Razorback compared to the Superlight - I thought they might have a lot in common. Would you mind providing a comparison?

doug4sail · 08-25-2008

I bought the K2 Razorback for my wife and wanted to build up a light race bike for her.
She had been riding a Diamond back hardtail and basically got me into it so I wanted to upgrade her. I ride the bike when my Brother comes into town so I dont get to ride it as much as I like. But the most apparent difference is the Standover clearance and pedal clearance. The Razorback has better stand over clearance and less pedal clearance.
When the 80mm Sid finally give up its seals the bike will get a 100mm Reba.
Some members have been out to Hawaii and ridden the Razorback. The most common
comment I get while coming down the hill is that they can believe how smooth the Razorback is Its suspension works really well. I have always felt the same really nice control coming down and great climbing ability. The Superlight seems to really dig in on the climbs and also scoots up the hill. I would have to say the superlights single pivot is
really plush and has an extra inch of travel, currently on the Razorback as I have it set up for 3" and 3". I may need to just get that Reba and see how the Razorback does with
4" up front and rear. Both have Fox rear shocks with zero problems.
The way I have the bikes set up the Razorback is the Racier of the two.
The Superlight is set up to be more comfortable decending steep stuff and handling small drops and jumps I have given up some climbing abilty to achieve this. The Superlight has
5" up front and 4" in the back.

I had two years on my Attack with a Fox float The bike was alot of fun. I got a great deal on the Superlight frame from a friend and could not pass it up.
I just sent the Frame to New Zealand to replace my friends Apache, She had a bad
Crash and the frame was trashed. So she is building the Attack 3.0 up
with the yardsale Apache.

hanshananigan · 08-26-2008

Thanks Doug! What you say about the descents and jumps makes sense to me, as I *think* the Razorback is longer and is a bit more forward/aggressive. I think a 100mm fork would do well. I have a 63-108 Duke on my Razorback, and it performs well at 100mm+. It might actually improve deccents, as the front is up a little higher thus the weight is a bit more back.

cruiserman · 09-02-2008

I'd still be riding my Razorback if the frame hadn't cracked. The Apache I got to replace it just isn't the same.

DPCX · 09-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiserman

I'd still be riding my Razorback if the frame hadn't cracked. The Apache I got to replace it just isn't the same.

Wow, that's the first time I've heard that. I've ridden & raced every model of Rzbk over the years, proto-types included (former K2 employee) & although its a great ride it doesn't, in my opinion, hold a candle to the Apache in terms of performance. Let me rephrase that, full on XC race performance. that's the only way I have ever set these bikes up. Trying to go light with the Rzbks always made the ride seem a bit twitchy & flexy. The higher BB & extra inch of travel not to mention the stiffer quicker acceleration was a very nice surprise the first time I threw a leg over the Apache. My buddy who designed the Apache has since designed a full carbon version for a European distributor. The frame w/o shock is around 4 lbs & some change. If I ever get one built up I'll post some pics since it is kind of K2 related.

DP

cruiserman · 09-02-2008

I don't race, so my opinion isn't worth much on bike performance

. I appreciate the bigger travel, but the Apache seems like a slug in comparison. It is built heavier than the RB. I put Crossmaxs on it, which helped some, but it's still about 3lbs heavier

.

hanshananigan · 09-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPCX

...My buddy who designed the Apache has since designed a full carbon version for a European distributor. The frame w/o shock is around 4 lbs & some change. If I ever get one built up I'll post some pics since it is kind of K2 related.

THAT I would like to hear more about!

DPCX · 09-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanshananigan

THAT I would like to hear more about!

still not available yet but here you go...

http://www.proflexusa.com/cat_mtb.ph...d=1&model_id=1

http://www.proflexusa.com/noticias.php

ilostmypassword · 09-03-2008

rode with a girl the other day and she was on a K2 hardtail. The frame was about 7 yrs old so she said. What really struck me was the geometry- really nice and similar to todays modern styles. Her geometry was real sweet too

i remember drooling over a K2 back in the day..... pretty much like the other day!

DPCX · 09-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiserman

I don't race, so my opinion isn't worth much on bike performance

. I appreciate the bigger travel, but the Apache seems like a slug in comparison. It is built heavier than the RB. I put Crossmaxs on it, which helped some, but it's still about 3lbs heavier

.

My Apache came in a little lighter than my Rzbk. I also put on some crossmax's & some other light parts. For me it just handles better, especially in tight technical rooty/rocky sections where I never had confidence in the Rzbk. I guess I just banged the cranks one too many times with that low BB. A 100mm fork would have probably cured it but like I said, I was trying to go as light as I could & the Sid Race Ti definitly helped in that dept.

hanshananigan · 09-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPCX

still not available yet but here you go...

http://www.proflexusa.com/cat_mtb.ph...d=1&model_id=1

http://www.proflexusa.com/noticias.php

Thanks! I can definitely see the similarity. Didn't even know Proflex was still around, in Spain or elsewhere.

shovelon · 09-06-2008

K2 lost me a while ago. I still have k2s however. One being this

I plan on keeping it. Wish they would have continued with the line.

57mtb · 09-10-2008

Would like to add some praise. I have a 2002 razor back SL and recently have had to service the noleen and Mars elite fork. Mind you 6 years of NH single track and weather, both components had never been serviced. Noleen did a super job on the rebuild for $100.00
an ace local wrench rebuilt the elite for $53.00 new seals etc. Still running the original Avid's
LX front der and XT rear. Had to replace the WTB wheels as they fell apart and they did not respond to several attempts from the consumer. I put on a set of Ringle Suppa Dubba's circa early 90's when ringle was building hubs in NJ laced to Sun rims 0 degree lite's
With the recent work its had, it's like riding a new bike.
I still feel its one of the most under rated XC full suspension bikes out there. It would be difficult to replace this bile speced like it was in 02 now aday for the same price and performance.
It stills gets me close to the podium for a 51 year old weekend warrior.

DugB · 09-13-2008

Bummer :-( I was a Proflex fan way back in the day and was sad to see that name go away when K2 bought them in the late 90's. I still have 2 Proflex 856's (daily cummuter and my wife's) and do the hard riding on my upgraded K2 4000 (still running the Noleen Crosslink ELT fork, too). The bike has 4" of travel in the front and back, fine for CX, and I'm able to keep up with guys on more modern bikes in the $2000 - 3000 range.

Sad to see a name get downgraded rather than moving the other way :-/

- Doug

fjyang · 10-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPCX

still not available yet but here you go...

http://www.proflexusa.com/cat_mtb.ph...d=1&model_id=1

http://www.proflexusa.com/noticias.php

Proflex is back from the dead? K2 bought Proflex and now K2 sold their bike division to a new owner but Proflex is not part of the deal? If someone update info on whats going with these two brands? thanks

speed_bump · 04-06-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 57mtb

Would like to add some praise. I have a 2002 razor back SL and recently have had to service the noleen and Mars elite fork. Mind you 6 years of NH single track and weather, both components had never been serviced. Noleen did a super job on the rebuild for $100.00
an ace local wrench rebuilt the elite for $53.00 new seals etc.

Is your Noleen still holding up after the rebuild? I had my LBS rebuild mine using the rebuild kit, and it still won't hold air and the lockout doesn't work. I've been considering sending it in to see if Noleen/J6 (I assume that's who did yours) can bring it back to life.

57mtb · 04-06-2009

speed bump
It has been fine, almost like new. It did take a bit longer to get it back from Noleen. However they were very accommodating.
good luck