If you've ever ridden a Unit, you know that you'll always need a Unit. That when it comes to owning specific Units, it's extremely important you own the Kona Unit. We love everything about our Cromoly Butted steel frames: how they ride, where they go, how long they last. The Unit takes all that beauty, hops it up with contemporary Kona 29er geometry, and simplifies it with a singlespeed drivetrain to create an all-purpose big wheeler that delivers great quantities of joyful, um, well, Units.
Submitted by
konarider123
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmyra, NY. USA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2010
Strengths: well built steel frame, great geometry and handling, sliding dropouts, great build spec. for the money, bb7 disk brakes, maxxis ignitor tires, lifetime frame warranty, decent wheel set, frame can be geared.
Weaknesses: Stock grips. Head set could be better, but is functioning fine after initial ride adjustment. No real problem with it, just anticipating that it will be the first component to need replacing. Crank set seems great but has loosened a little during a couple of rides. No big deal, just takes a couple of minutes to adjust and tighten up again. Because it is a rigid single speed mountain bike, it is subjected to heavy torque and vibration. This means that you will need to check component tightness regularly. Not a weakness of the bike, just a reality of the style of bike.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! It climbs and handles great! I am surprised at how nimble, fast, and surefooted it feels. Trails that seemed scary on my old bike seem fairy tame on this. 29" wheels are great! I wasn't sure about the single speed thing as my only bike, but am not missing gears at all. As long as you don't mind standing and working a little on the climbs, you are well rewarded. My 18" bike is 25 lbs. with my clipless pedals on my bathroom scale. Ride is a little rough but not as harsh as I expected for fully rigid. Just let a little air out of the tires, pick a good line, and enjoy the simplicity. I will probably keep it pretty much stock for a long time. This frame seems very solid and I am confident that Kona has addressed and fixed the frame breaking issues of the older models. I can't recommend this bike enough! Buy it if you want a great deal on a fun, fast, simple, great handling bike. Don't buy it if you like to sit during the climbs, unless you want to add some gears. This bike rocks!
Similar Products Used: Have not tried any other 29er single speeds but I have a Rocky Mountain hammer race and have ridden a friends Kona Hei Hei, Kona Kula and a Motobecane 29er.
Bike Setup: stock except Chris King 20t cog, ritchey clipless pedals, and odi lock on grips.
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Submitted by
tonybiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson AZ.USA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2010
Strengths: Rigid climber smooth cruiser and not too heavy . Surprisingly fast rolling wheelset .Nice cranks and tires. Entry level stuff works well.
Weaknesses: Headset, brakes (again entry level) Brakes worked ok once dialed in . Headset loosened up after a couple of beatings.Retightened and so far so good .
Bottom Line:
On the trail or commuting to work suits this bike just fine .I tried my tubeless wheelset and untapped the sick potential of this bike .I wish the stock Alex wheels were tubeless compatible, but they're not bad as is . Maxxis ignitors tear the desert up around here ,but these are non-folding so there is a weight penalty .It would be nice to have some higher end parts but for the price you can't lose.Easily upgradeable and totally worth the investment. This bike is a singlespeed but will accept gearing. Who wants gears anyway?I cant wait to ride it in the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo.
29ers are the s***!
Similar Products Used: GF RIG and many 26ers geared and singlespeeds
Bike Setup: stock for now except for XT pedals
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Submitted by
unocogero
a Cross Country Rider
from Nottinghamshire, UK
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2010
Strengths: Fantastic colour
Great brakes
Sweet handling
Mad handlebars
Looks bloody great
Weaknesses: Rubbish saddle
Stem too short
No frame only option for 2010
Bottom Line:
Woosh! Don't let the magazines and bike shops tell you that 29ers are just for tall riders. It's a conspiracy to keep the good stuff from short arses!
This bike rides so much better than a 26" rigid singlespeed hardtail and once you swap the 75mm stem for a 100mm stem it's handling becomes as sharp as a 26" wheeled bike (with the shorter stem it oversteers).
Better BB clearance, more contact from the tyres, longer roll for your pedal stroke and an easy, laid back nature make this bike a quality singletrack friend.
The fork offers more flex than a 26" P2 and the big tyres (with the right pressures) make the rear feel like you've got an inch or so of suspension.
Finally the metalic green paint, swept handlebars and extreme sloping down tube make the bike look like some retro mad max 1930's racer time machine. Add a brown saddle and grips and the look is complete.
Similar Products Used: First 29er but ridden loads of 26" wheel bikes
Bike Setup: 2010 16" stock bike except for stem, saddle and grips
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Submitted by
dick slessig
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2009
Strengths: Sweet, lively ride, well built, pretty light, relatively inexpensive
Weaknesses: cheap paint job/ decals. Sliding dropouts an unnecessary pain in the ass if you're riding geared.
Bottom Line:
This is a very springy frame - focused, but springy. I love it, but if rigorous stiffness is what you crave, run away.
My only complaint is that the paint sucks. Nice color, but not heavy duty. My old Kona Fire Mountain( a cheap bike) has this awesome powder coat with glow- in the-dark lettering that withstood 6 years of serious abuse before requiring any touch up, whereas I can see the Unit's paint job heading further south with every ride.
Similar Products Used: Kona Explosif, asst. Fisher, Trek 69er, Modified Univega Land Rover
Bike Setup: Reba, X-9, old r.f. turbine
9 speed, Reba SL up front.
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Submitted by
brentos
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2009
Strengths: Dropout configuration, steel frame, component spec for price point.
Weaknesses: Hubs.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. Taking this out instead of my FS for some rides keeps biking exciting all season.
I love the steel frame, a great damped ride, although it does lack a real quick feel...it wouldn't be my first choice for a race bike. The frame is very versatile, cable stops are included for derailleurs and dropouts w/ a hanger are available. Geometry works very well w/ the 29" wheels. Stock weight is about 26lb. w/ included pedals. I love the orange color and overall look of the bike.
Good stock spec., including Shimano pedals. BB7 brakes are as strong as my Juicy Ultimates on other bikes, but require a bit more adjustment. The stock gearing should work very well if you are strong and ride in rolling terrain, but it is a bit too hard of a gear for long mountain climbs. I have changed the gearing from 32/18 to 32/20. Hubs are the only weak point as they came waaaay too tight and are finicky to get just right. My 34" inseam required a longer than stock seatpost for the 19" frame (used 400mm length).
An incredible value and a VERY fun ride. I would buy this bike over and over again. I think this one will be in my stable for over 10 years without any significant changes or upgrades.
Similar Products Used: Schwinn Homegrown factory w/ SS conversion.
Bike Setup: Orange 2008 bike, 19" frame. Tubeless conversion, Race Face Seatpost and Stem.
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Submitted by
Raumfahrer Rolf
a Cross Country Rider
from Herndon, VA
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2009
Strengths: Value! Quality steel frame. Excellent components for the pricepoint. In contrast to other reviewers, I found the rigid fork to be surprisingly plush - I plan on putting it back on for the summer months.
Weaknesses: Stock wheels leave a bit to be desired
Bottom Line:
Incredible value bike. I'm surprised it doesn't get more attention. I bought the Moto 29er to try out SSing and 29ers and liked it well enough. But it pales in comparison to the Unit. If I were to do it over again, I would have just bought the Unit.
Similar Products Used: Motobecane Outcast 29er, Raleigh XXIX, Redline Monocog
Bike Setup: Stock except for White Brothers BW .8 suspension fork, LaserDisc Lite wheelset, and Mary bars
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Submitted by
maleonardphi
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2009
Strengths: Price
Weaknesses: The stock rigid fork is terrible
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike when my bikes were stolen. It has served me very well. Now, it sits at my parents as my dedicated Annadel bike for when I visit. Off the shelf, this bike was great for the price. Rugged, not insanely heavy, and got the job done.
HOWEVER, the stock fork sucked. Even under light braking, the front wheel would slip in the dropout. It took me awhile to figure out the problem. Everyone told me, "just tighten the quick release more." I was about ready to close it with a sledge hammer. No matter how hard I tightened the quick release, at 1 mph I'd hit the front brake, and pop, the wheel would go crooked. Digging around on the Kona website, this seams to be a common problem. With the new White Brothers fork, everything is great. About a pound lighter, a little easier on my body through the rough stuff, and no more fear of my wheel pulling out of the dropout.
For the money, this is a great bike, and a fantastic intro to 29ers. I was sold on it immediately (and a great price on a lightly used bike from JRA didn't hurt). The OEM spec does have a number of drawbacks, but certainly not enough for me to withdraw a recommendation. The problem is mainly the local trails here. They are VERY rough, and beat the crap out of bike. For smooth singletrack like the Kingdom Trail in VT, the OEM spec is golden. For local Boston riding, not so much. Both wheels were crushed in a matter of months. Furthermore, very rocky trails expose this bike's greatest weakness - the fork. Seriously, it is garbage. It vibrates and pulses on downhills. It flexes 1 - 2cm on braking. Thin, cheap grips only add to the problem.
With a carbon or suspension fork, this bike would be unstoppable. As it is, I am usually well ahead of groups I ride with, unless they are awesome or are on long travel bikes. The way 29er wheels sail through rock gardens is nothing short of mind-boggling.
Ultimately, I really like this bike. As a fully built 29er, it is extremely competitive. However, keep in mind the components are not designed to take a pounding (except for the crank, perhaps). If your trails are abusive, I recommend you get a frame only and build up a burlier bike. If your trails are smooth, you will probably take this bike into your bed.
Similar Products Used: - GT Peace 29er
- Haro Mary SS
- Redline Monocog 29er
Bike Setup: stock except for Oury grips, Bontrager race front rim & hub, WTB laserdisc trail rear rim with Surly new disc hub, KMC chain, Candy C pedals, ACS claws freewheel
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
dbaer
a Racer
from La Canada, CA U.S.A.
This is a fun bike that climbs well. I raced a good 5 hours on all kinds of trails and it stood up well. Riding it made me want to buy a singlespeed of my own. BUT, this thing needs a front fork and 26" wheels. Being 5'9" I think a 29er is just not for me. If you are taller, 29" wheels are a must. Overall the fun outweighed the problems with this bike and I would recommend this bike for anyone who is on the taller side and also looking for an entry level singlespeed
Strengths: 2007 single speed Kona Unit 29. I really enjoy riding this bike. It has great geometry, handles well, turns well, and climbs like a champ. The chain tensioning system is much nicer than other single speeds I have seen. The purple color is pretty sweet and the WTB Laser V Comp seat is so comfortable.
Weaknesses: Rough: riding a rigid bike with a rigid fork is fine for smooth single track but in the rocks it will eat you up.
Paint: the frame is not to bad but the fork is pretty scratch up already.
Tires: The Maxxis Ignitor have sidewalls made of paper. Rocky terrain will ruin your day.
Seat post: Easton EA 30 had a defect where it wasn't securely pressed together and would twist between the tube and seat binder. I pulled it apart and put some duct tape in the joint, then pressed it back together.
Bottom Line:
I raced this bike all summer and usually beat most of the full suspension geared bikes. For an inexpensive single speed the Unit is going to do everything you want. While it won't make you a faster rider it will make you stronger in a hurry. Remember its the human on top not the machine below that wins races.
Similar Products Used: Any fully rigid single speed.
Bike Setup: Stock Except
32-20 gears with an ACS Claw Free Wheel
Modified the seat clamp with a bolt so it wouldn't catch on my shorts.
I will be putting a front suspension fork on next spring.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Houston Kid
a Cross Country Rider
from
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2008
Strengths: 2007 single speed Kona Unit 29. Love this bike. Great frame.
Weaknesses: None that I have found but saw a one broken this past weekend at a race at Camp Eagle, TX. Looked like it broke in the head tube area. Pretty rocky at this race and I do not know the story of the break, but saw the bike before the race and it was in one peice and at the end of the race, it was not.
Bottom Line:
The bike rolls and handles great. Love the steel frame. I did upgrade the hubs to kings and rims to Stans Arch. Would not trade it for any other single speed.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Stans Arch rims with Chris King single speed hubs and Easton Monkey lite EA90 bar.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Enduralete
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga,TN
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2008
Strengths: Nice Color
Weaknesses: This thing is WEAK!!! Cannot believe it broke under semi-hard riding. Beware of th 06 green frame. I have heard it is prone to fail because of weak metal.
Bottom Line:
I wanted to try the 29er thing so I found a good deal on E-bay and went for it. I rode it 4 times and loved the whole 29er/single speed thing but my frame broke in half with semi-hard riding , now I am screwed since I am not the original owner.I would not be that mad but I had the green one that was prone to fail. Now I have a nice broken geen frame. Sux
Submitted by
BikeRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2008
Strengths: Decent frame. I think the chainstay yoke is great because, along with the sliding dropouts, allows for really short chainstays. The shorter chainstays make wheelies and such much easier.
Weaknesses: Purple paint job is a bit much. The chainstay yoke, while being great, is wide enough that it makes using older generation cranks (I'm using 90's era XTR) with the appropriate bottom bracket problematic. The problem is on the non-drive side where the profile of the left crank arm results in contact with the yoke. Not good. Newer generation cranks may avoid this problem. Attaching a trailer is difficult w/o retrofit.
Bottom Line:
It took a while for me to realize that this frame is really well thought out...and utilitarian. The sliding drops w/disc mounts make infinitely more sense than an eccentric bb. An eccentric prevents chainstay length adjustment. Second, the chainstay yoke, while obtrusive, allows one to really tuck in the rear wheel...especially useful when running cyclocross tires.
Similar Products Used: other 29ers in the $300-$500 price range
Bike Setup: Gold plated functionality.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Bell Twp PA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2007
Strengths: spec'd out decent, ride is nice, its 2-9 and SS.
Weaknesses: BB creaks,(after a year) the 32-18 setup was a bit much for me, I switched to 32-20. Grips sucked/slipped alot, replaced them with kona jacksh!t. bars are wiiiidde!
Bottom Line:
I like it, and thats all that matters. i built many bikes before and this one was great right out the box with only slight changes. I have fun with it, i don't race, nor have plans to. I walk it at roaring run, but i walk with my geared bikes there too at times! this is a perfect ride for rolling single track and has the ground clearance to die for. I probably could have gotten similar performace if I built up a monocog, but I've had a few Kona's and they have been good to me- replacement frames, and warranty claims were always easy. no trouble with this one so far. if it got stolen, i'd buy another.the reba fork is nice, but made the $$$ go up on the total build.
Similar Products Used: monocog, karate monkey, 1x1, explosif 26er
Bike Setup: mostly stock, except 20T in the rear, cut bars 1/2" on each side, took off the reflectors, shortened the stem from 120mm to 90mm (was really long!) time pedals. mine is the 19" which i should have gotten one size smaller. a little more ground c would be nice. reba xc fork. maxxiss ignitors.
I have a 2010 unit and would like a slacker headangle like the new models.Would a angled headset work or should I take a beating and sell it and get the new one? Read More »
I cracked my 2007 (purple) Unit frame. Purchased the 2012 (orange) frame under Kona's crash replacement. Any idea if I can simply swap all my components over, specifically my Reb Read More »
Hi everyone
I'm very close to buying a 2012 Kona Unit 29er. It'll be the 22" XL size.
Does anyone know the actual weight for the complete bike in that size? Weights for othe Read More »
[IMG]http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CPYGlSf0Es/TiyiCuixYeI/AAAAAAAADTI/72RjE04Zyy8/s400/IMG_1685.JPG[/IMG]
the typical frame scratches, no dents or abuse.
will cons Read More »
