Product Description
Built using new superlight Scandium 6069 tubing and a stiff 142x12 rear axle, the Big Kahuna is designed to take on everything from technical singletrack to speedy XC racecourses. Light but durable, fast but fairly priced, the Big Kahuna is years of a deep-seated commitment to racing and testing 29er bikes. The result? One of the sweetest-riding, big-wheeled hardtail mountain bikes in creation. At least that's what we think our Hawaiian shaman friends are saying.
Fork: RockShox Tora Race 29er 80mm
Pedals: Shimano M520 Clipless
Chain: Shimano Deore
Brake Levers: Shimano M575 Hydraulic
Spokes: Sandvik Stainless 15g
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Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)
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Submitted by
Jaargo
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UtahDate Reviewed: April 23, 2011
Strengths: Balanced, Fast, Rugged, Smart component spec and very cool lookingWeaknesses: Heavy forkBottom Line: This bike is fast. Upgrading from a Kona Cinder Cone I had'nt expected this new 29er to be lighter, but it is. I guesse it must be the Sram components or maybe the Reba RLTti or the frame... Who knows , All I can say is that riding this bike is a revelation, the 29er format makes most XC terrain feel like your riding on a paved bike path. This bike is way easier to pedal and more balanced in every technical situation with grip out the yingyang. The bike turns fast singletrack into STUPID fast singletrack, and most downhills into ribbons of tear jerking giddyness. Kona has done a great job with this bike and with the help of my LBS this bike really is a perfect fit.
Favorite Trail: Northern skyline
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At: Skyline Cycle
Similar Products Used: Kona Cinder Cone, Klein Rascal
Bike Setup: I bought the 2011 Kona Big Kahuna from Matt at Skyline Cycles in Ogden Utah. He and his team did a great job helping spec a few changes to the stock bike in order to make it more suitable to my riding style. Firstly they changed out the Recon fork for the lighter and more supple Reba RLTti with the 20mm thru axle, Matt then built a tricked out Stans Arch front wheel with a 20mm DMR hub and installed burly 2.2 tubless Nevegals on the front and rear. They also spec'ed a Kona 110mm stem to give me little more reach.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Cam O Matic
a Racer
from United KingdomDate Reviewed: February 6, 2011
Strengths: Having swapped from a 26" to my first 29", riding has been a revelation! One of the first things I noticed is how stable and safe the ride is, Kona frames are not only beautiful but well built and comfortable to ride.
However, out racing is where everything started to pull together. The difference in speed on both trails and open tracks is amazing, yet with the air shocks, is still easy to control around the gnarlier sections.Weaknesses: A tad heavy. RockShox Toras (air) are pretty noisy.Bottom Line: This is a great value bike, one of the best entry level 29er racers around. Do not hesitate in buying it!
Favorite Trail: Thetford
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At: Streetlife Cycles, N
Bike Setup: 2010 version, as sold
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
chumbox
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, AustraliaDate Reviewed: December 1, 2009
Strengths: Solid frame and great spec for the price. XT R/D, Deore F/D, new model Deore brakes, SLX Cranks, Tora Air fork, Kona bars, stem and seatpost look mint. 29er wheels just rail around corners. Also has full set of rack mounts.Weaknesses: None yet except 2.1 Ignitors might be a bit narrow but so far have stuck like glue in most casesBottom Line: Wanted a hard tail 29er with ok spec that wouldn't break the bank and with rack mounts. Got it all for a steal. This bike is fast, very fast but solid enough to take some hits. The frame is light but stiff and loves railing corners. Haven't had this bike long but couldn't be happier with the way it rides and the spec for the $$$. Nothing comes close in the same $$$ range.
Favorite Trail: Lysterfield
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1525.00
Purchased At: BSC Bikes
Similar Products Used: 2009 Norco Nitro, 2009 Giant XTC, tried a bunch of similar priced XC bikes in 26 and 29 inch wheels
Bike Setup: Stock but about to change WTB saddle for white Charge Spoon for extra comfort and looks. Original saddle not bad however.
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Reviews 1 - 3 (3 Reviews Total)
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