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Kona Big Kahuna 29er Hardtail
Product DescriptionBuilt 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.
User Reviews 
Submitted by
martyn Date Reviewed: February 26, 2013 Strengths: When was the last time you accelerated up a hill on a 26"? Chews up the climbs compared to the 26" hard tail it replaced it really has blown me away how enjoyable hard tail riding can be. Living on the west coast of NZ where we have really root trails I was amping for a new full-suss bike to take the edge of the things. However I took the plunge and purchased a 29er hard tail and having ridden it for 3 weeks, it is a thing of joy, so much so that I am sure my excitement is impairing my ability to write coherently. 90% of my riding is done sitting on the seat, a novelty on a hard tail, I am able to roll over much of the trail I was confined to grimacing through on the 26". The geometry on the bike is awesome and allows me to really attack the trail and hills, when was the last time you could accelerate as you ascend? The forks are plush (I am a fan of Reba), why they didn't throw in the poploc in the deal is daft! The bike is agile, you could easily believe that riding a 29er would be like riding a penny farthing, but in reality its seriously good at tight switchbacks, the acceleration you get in the bike too, speeds this technical bit of riding too. The brakes are great, good control. Gears are awesome, the sram shifting is intuitive and highly responsive. I have competition coming up and am really looking forward to being competitive again. If you are thinking of going full suss as you age gracefully (I am 36), then think of this bike as an alternative. It's rejuvenated my riding and made me smile, and I can wipe the floor with my mate on his 29er Anthem X (that makes me smile too). Weaknesses: The tires seem to suck a little, especially as you drift across trails that are un-consolidated (gravel roads), I have spilled a few times. The pop lock, such a useful little device for the reba for XC riding should be included. The rear hub has broken, but the warranty is 1yr, so they are fixing it up. Bottom Line:
Submitted by
Carsten
a Cross Country Rider Date Reviewed: January 31, 2013 Strengths: Very easy, very fast to drive It is my first Kona and 29er and I am really impressed. Very good build quality, comfortable to drive, you have always control over the bike Weaknesses: The whees could hve a better grip Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: 1 Month Price Paid: $2000.00 Purchased At: Hibike, Germany Bike Setup: current 2013 model
Submitted by
thallibu Date Reviewed: December 27, 2012 Strengths: The bike is super quick yet comfortable. It gives you a lot of confidence and really lets you tackle some sections that otherwise would be sketchy. Overall, a fantastic race bike. Weaknesses: The wheels. I blew out the rear hub completely after only 4 months of riding. Definitely do an upgrade Bottom Line:
Submitted by
El Noriega
a All Mountain Rider Date Reviewed: November 17, 2012 Strengths: Great fork and thru axles front and rear. New elixirs are strong and quiet Weaknesses: 38 tooth big ring seems tall for 29er. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Purchased At: aldgate bike shop
Submitted by
Jaargo
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, Utah Date Reviewed: April 23, 2011 Strengths: Balanced, Fast, Rugged, Smart component spec and very cool looking Weaknesses: Heavy fork Bottom Line: Expand full review >>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.
Submitted by
Cam O Matic
a Racer
from United Kingdom Date 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: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Thetford Duration Product Used: 3 months Price Paid: $1450.00 Purchased At: Streetlife Cycles, N Bike Setup: 2010 version, as sold
Submitted by
chumbox
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date 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 cases Bottom Line: Expand full review >>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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