• Hardtail Cross Country Single Speed Frame for 29" Wheels
• Dedacciai SAT Cromoly Butted Tubing
• Frames for sale online in the US only, everywhere else please see your local Kona dealer for ordering and availability info
Submitted by
dick slessig
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Zion
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
ebay: some shop in B
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.
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.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brentos
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT, USA Date Reviewed: March 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ben Lomond
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Skyline Cylce
Strengths:
Dropout configuration, steel frame, component spec for price point.
Weaknesses:
Hubs.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrown factory w/ SS conversion.
Bike Setup:
Orange 2008 bike, 19" frame. Tubeless conversion, Race Face Seatpost and Stem.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raumfahrer Rolf
a Cross Country Rider
from Herndon, VA Date Reviewed: March 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$810.00
Purchased At:
Oasis Bike Works
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.
Stock except for White Brothers BW .8 suspension fork, LaserDisc Lite wheelset, and Mary bars
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
maleonardphi
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: February 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Price
Weaknesses:
The stock rigid fork is terrible
Bike Setup:
Purple 2007, Avid Juicy 7s, Ritchey WCS Stem, 18T freewheel, Race Face Next SL carbon post, White Brothers Rock Solid carbon fork.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
simian23
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA, USA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Harold Parker SP
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
JRA Cycles
Strengths:
- very light, forgiving frame
- sliding rear drop-outs
- maneuverable for a 29er
- stiff crank
- nice, wide handlebars
- BB7 brakes are superb
- 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
Bottom Line:
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dbaer
a Racer
from La Canada, CA U.S.A. Date Reviewed: November 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
N/A
Strengths:
Fast and great at climbing, 1 speed
Weaknesses:
Heavy, rigid, monstrous stem (130mm), 29" wheels
Similar Products Used:
BMC Trail Fox 02, Trek Remedy (non-ABP), Gary Fisher Fat Possum, Foes FXR (2:1 and non), Gary Fisher HiFi Pro 29er
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
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
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
heathro
a Racer
from Laramie, WY Date Reviewed: November 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Acme Bikes Rapid Cit
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.
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.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Houston Kid
a Cross Country Rider
from Date Reviewed: September 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
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.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Stans Arch rims with Chris King single speed hubs and Easton Monkey lite EA90 bar.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Enduralete
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga,TN Date Reviewed: July 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Raccoon Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
E-bay
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.
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
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thommycho
a Racer
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: June 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
New Revolution Cycle
Strengths:
Frame Material, 72 degree HT Angle
Weaknesses:
Toe-overlap on the 18"
Bike Setup:
Stock with SLR Saddle
Bottom Line:
It would get a 5 if it didn't have toe-overlap!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BikeRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: February 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
from a friend
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.
Similar Products Used:
other 29ers in the $300-$500 price range
Bike Setup:
Gold plated functionality.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Bell Twp PA Date Reviewed: December 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Boyce Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Dirty Harrys
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!
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.
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.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nemis
a Weekend Warrior
from Slovenia Date Reviewed: December 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
VEB Company
Strengths:
Steel frame, very nice entry level ss rigid 29er
Weaknesses:
basic components but hey it's a low priced 29er
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock except RR 2.4, Thomson post, Salsa Pro Moto bar, Formula k18 brakes
Bottom Line:
This bike is really fun to ride. 29er rigid SS is the way to go. It climbs great, has functional sliding dropouts and decent components. Stock Ignitors are fine allround tires but I switched to RR 2.4 for bigger volume. If you're new to 29ers this is a good bike to start with. It's also nice as a frameset if you're building a forgiving steel bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Jensen
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: May 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Sliding rear dropouts. It rode ok, before it broke.
Weaknesses:
the Green Unit 29 frames have a 3 percent breakage. They need to be recalled. and no chain tensioner Screws.
Similar Products Used:
I just Ordered A Vassago Jabberwocky
Bike Setup:
Singlespeed!
Bottom Line:
I made the mistake of purchasing this frame on Ebay. It cracked after 8 months of use. It was admitted that they have had issues with the headtubes cracking(3%).But, since I did not purchase it from a dealer they owe me nothing. Despite the fact that it was still in factory packaging(never built), I was informed that it would not be replaced. And I am left with a unusable cracked frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Strengths:
Pure simplicity, sliding vertical dropouts that remove need for rear disk adjustments (these rock!).
Weaknesses:
Wheelset is cheap, but gets the job done. Will build new ones eventually. Seatpost slips under all but the most absurdly tight clamping. Crankset also a bit cheesy, but again it gets the job done for now.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing, really - first 29'er, and first mountain singlespeed. (Well familiar with fixed gear road bikes.)
Bike Setup:
Fully rigid bike as it comes from Kona, other than a 20t cog (up from 18t standard).
Bottom Line:
Love it. For singletrack, it's pure heaven. Much smoother ride than I would have expected for a fully rigid bike. Can really feel the difference in efficiency from the 29er wheels. Frame has a little bit of give, which is nice. Plus it makes my full suspension bike feel radically more plush (therefore more fun as well).
Eventually may put on a suspension fork, but right now am loving the absolute bare bones, retro experience of riding a rigid singlespeed. All you need to do is slow down for the really rocky sections. Takes me way back in the day, and makes mountain biking new and fun again.
Value rating should be off the scale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bullards Bar
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Mad Cat Bicycles
Strengths:
Frame, quality steel, versatility to go geared or singlespeed, parts spec, ride of a 29er, frame geometry puts you in a more upright and comfortable position
Weaknesses:
Seatpost on mine is way out of spec (slips down over the course of a ride)
Similar Products Used:
None, first 29er
Bike Setup:
2006 frame, Reba 29er fork w/ pop-loc, 1x9, 11-34 cassette, stock FSA crankset, Salsa DelGado Race rims w/ Shimano XT hubs, stock Easton EA 30 bar and stem, RF Evolve seatpost (to replace the out of spec stock EA 30), Maxxis Ignitor tires, WTB Laser V ti saddle, Avid FR-5 brake levers, Avid BB7 brakes, Kona LOG grips, SRAM Rocket shifter
Bottom Line:
29er's are a BLAST! The big wheels roll over the rough stuff really well, making for a smoother ride. Once you get the bigger wheels rolling, the bike is faster than a 26er. Riding trails that are mostly roI was really blown away with how much more traction a 29er provides both in the corners and while climbing. The pluses of the 29er's bigger wheels are also a negative. When doing extended climbs on it built as a singlespeed, the extra weight is a major negative IMHO. I've owned several 26er singlespeeds and the difference is big. So, I went to a 1x9 set-up and couldn't be happier. I think a 1x9 for a 29er is ideal and really brings out the best in the bike and maximizes the fun factor. You still get a good workout due to the larger wheels, but you are not killing yourself when it's time to climb. This is my first Kona, and after some tweaking to suit my riding style, I really enjoy this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Ocala, Florida Date Reviewed: March 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
santos bellview fl
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Mr Good Bike
Strengths:
29 inch wheels, steel frame, simple to maintain
Weaknesses:
Have not found any yet
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Rig
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Love the bike I am able to feel more stable on this bike than previous ss on down hill sections of trails and more technical areas upgrades who knows I am just enjoying the ride. Strongly recomend this bike for anyone wanting to get into ss at a fairly reasonable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Racer
from Gilbert AZ Date Reviewed: March 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Focus Cyclery
Strengths:
Steel, Price, Kona, 29er. Im 6'4" and 215 lbs I ride this bike three, four times A week probably the least expensive bike ive ever owned and the best bike Ive ever owned. If your looking for flawless welds and perfect paint buy an Indy Fab for $2500 "frame only". Beleive the hype 29ers are here to stay and Kona has A winner in this frame.
Weaknesses:
I rode this frame one year and cracked the frame. Kona replaced the frame within the week, great service Kona and Focus Cyclery
Similar Products Used:
kona king supreme and kula primo
Bike Setup:
King hubs, stans rims, king headset, reba race fork, WTB nano raptor tires, raceface duece cranks, egg beaters, Juicy seven brakes, Easton flat bar
Bottom Line:
Looking for the best ride of your life? Buy the unit 2-9 and be happy you did it. I raced semi-pro last year on this bike and got third in AZ. This bike will make you A better, faster more confident rider. Get skinny tires, and roll fast since you have twice the traction patch it wont be A problem running less knobs. Get the dealer you buy it from to put on A flat bar instead of the rizer, you wont need it. Flat bars are the perfect mate to 29ers with slower handling. Finally no one should be complaining about the welds or paint chiping, it cost you $450. The alternative of course is niner also made in tiawan $800 or moots $2500 for Ti or indy fab $2500 for steel $3300 for Ti.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam mink
a Cross Country Rider
from phoenix, az, usa Date Reviewed: January 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
phoenix mountain preserves
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
slippery pig
Strengths:
dedacciai double butted steel, rear disk mount is integrated with the dropout, avid bb7 mechanical disk brakes, and sweet purple color.
Weaknesses:
thin paint
Similar Products Used:
My first single, first 29'er but have owned 3 and 5 speed bikes, plus currently ride an Intense Tracer
Bike Setup:
The only things stock are Avid bb7 mechanical disk brakes, WTB saddle and Kona grips. new shinny bits include: RaceFace cranks, King headset, Thomson post and stem, Syncros bar, Deore hubs laced with Mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
I've the 2007 (purple rather than green) this is my first single, and 29'er PLUS the first ridgid in 15 years! And yes while I've only been riding it for a few weeks, I'm loving it. On the street, it's a killer wicked fun commuter. The rear dropouts are vertical, so I can use the quick release setup for my BOB trailer, for those trips to the store.
On my local singletrack, the 29 floats over the gnarly, the single keeps me honest (and strong). Climbing on the one, does require the commitment to "get it up and get it on" Which can be both fun and painful. (isn't that the point!) I'm stoked with the unit 2-9
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam mink
a Cross Country Rider
from phoenix, az, usa Date Reviewed: January 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
phoenix mountain preserves
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
slippery pig
Strengths:
dedacciai double butted steel, rear disk mount is integrated with the dropout, avid bb7 mechanical disk brakes, and sweet purple color.
Weaknesses:
thin paint
Similar Products Used:
My first single, first 29'er but have owned 3 and 5 speed bikes, plus currently ride an Intense Tracer
Bike Setup:
The only things stock are Avid bb7 mechanical disk brakes, WTB saddle and Kona grips. new shinny bits include: RaceFace cranks, King headset, Thomson post and stem, Syncros bar, Deore hubs laced with Mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
I've the 2007 (purple rather than green) this is my first single, and 29'er PLUS the first ridgid in 15 years! And yes while I've only been riding it for a few weeks, I'm loving it. On the street, it's a killer wicked fun commuter. The rear dropouts are vertical, so I can use the quick release setup for my BOB trailer, for those trips to the store.
On my local singletrack, the 29 floats over the gnarly, the single keeps me honest (and strong). Climbing on the one, does require the commitment to "get it up and get it on" Which can be both fun and painful. (isn't that the point!) I'm stoked with the unit 2-9
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from St George, Utah Date Reviewed: November 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Desert Cyclery
Strengths:
Steel! 29" wheels, Kona quality, great spec list, horizontal dropouts
Weaknesses:
Would like to be able to fit wider tires. And wish it came with a QR seat clamp.
Similar Products Used:
Steel Apex 26". This is my first 29er
Bike Setup:
switxhed to a 1X9 instead of SS. I can't push 1 gear. Reba 80mm fork. All FSA components except i swapped to a Thompson post. Really love the FSA cranks. And the wheels have held up quite well under my 270lbs.
Bottom Line:
Their were 3 requirements when i went bike shopping. I wanted a 29" wheel, a hardtail, and it had to be steel framed. The Unit had the best price with great components. I have had a blast on my local trails with this bike. The 29" wheels make all the difference. I will never own a 26" HT again. The ride is compliant and has some give, it rolls over things i would usually have to finesse around. I would recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a 29" hardtail. Very fun bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taylor
a Racer
from Eugene, OR, USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Alpine Trail, Oakridge OR
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
900.00
Strengths:
Disc mounts attach to horizontal drop outs so no adjustment needed after flat changes. Replaceable drop outs. Steel is Real. BB7- disc brakes
Weaknesses:
Heavy frame, and cheap wheels
Similar Products Used:
spare parts single speed, Redline Monocog 29er
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. I bought it as a complete bike at the start of October and love it. I plan on building up a nice set of wheels and putting on a carbon fork. I have taken it on 20-30 mile rides so far and it rocks. The big wheels are awesome. I dont think i can go back to 26 inch wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benjamin
a
from Springdale, Pa, US Date Reviewed: October 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Roaring Run, Apollo, PA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Dirty Harry's, Verona, PA
Strengths:
I am impressed with everything on the bike so far.
Weaknesses:
None as of yet, well, the grips slide, and i'm not a big fan of foam grips.
Similar Products Used:
none, i generally ride my specialized big hit, so this is a world of difference for me.
Bike Setup:
stock, eggbeaters
Bottom Line:
rides incredibly well, fast, responsive, pretty. i couldnt have asked for more out of a singlespeed hardtail cross country bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, Az, USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Prescott Granite Basin Recreation Area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Slippery Pig
Strengths:
Friggin coolest bike around. Besides being a SS this bike is pure fun. Steel yet light, and friggin quick. The color is art. It is even a mental booster. Having ridden this bike (BTW its actually a EXPLOSIF 2-9) with several riders who were on $4-5K plus bikes this bike never made my pride flinch. In fact, once these guys realized that I not only was keeping up with them, but I could hang despite it being a SS that was a ego boost +1/2. Enough said 'bout that.
Weaknesses:
There is nothing that I can even start to complain about.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing... so some may suspenct this user doesn't have any credit.. but let me still insist this bike is FRIGGIN FUN!
Bike Setup:
ss/ Reba up front, all around good Sh!t.
Bottom Line:
Honestly I've only ridden a P2 and for an only a couple months at that. This bike is my $4 or 5K bike. Except one minor detail, it only cost me $1050.
The bottom line: This is my cross-country bike. I have absolutely no desire to have any thing else.
I'm 6'3" 200+ riding 20" of pure friggin fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2006
Paint isn't very durable. Mine looks like it has whitehead zits from all the paint chips.
Similar Products Used:
First 29er. Previous main ride is an '01 Specialized Enduro.
Bike Setup:
Race Face Atlas 180mm crank, XT drive train, Avid BB-7 185mm disc, 'zocchi MX Pro/ETA, USE Shockpost.
Bottom Line:
This Explosif 2-9 is perfect for my oversized 6'6" carcass. Unbelievably, the frame mimics the EXACT fit of my 1989 Cascade/The Bicycle Group frame. FYI - Cascade was Kona when Joe Murray raced back in the day. The old Cascade attempted to solve headset stress by making extra long headtubes and a (then radical) sloping top tube. My old 23" frame has a 9" headtube, and is set up with Bontrager/Rock Shox Mag (no not Mag 21 or Mag 10, those were later - just plain Mag) shocks. The Explosif's shorter head tube and 100mm shocks perfectly ape the front end of my ancient friend.
The bigger wheels have more of a gyroscopic effect than the 26", so it doesn't like fast twisties as much, but give me an open path or dirt road and you can tell this is a thoroughbred, and not a trail pony. And it loves the downhills. I had forgotten the joy of finessing a baby-head-sized cobble path, having grown complacent with the monkey motion of the full suspension.
Uphills feel easier too. You can soak up a lot of momentum charging through the bottom of whoop-de-does, and it pulls you farther up the other side.
This hardtail brings pleasure back to mountainbiking. Something that was lost during the "extreme" edge of the new millineum.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Game
a Cross Country Rider
from Redondo Beach, CA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
Steel frame, Simplicity, Geometry- feels comfortable, Good climber, looks great. Dropout system is really flexible (although I doubt I'll ever go geared on this bike).
Weaknesses:
Sizes go 16, 18, 19, 20. At 5'9", the 18 fits okay, but I would have liked to see how a 17 fit. I could use a little more standover. Otherwise, no weaknesses so far.
Similar Products Used:
2002 Kona Unit
Bike Setup:
Rigid setup with Karate Monkey fork, LX cranks, Hope Pro II SS hubs with Salsa Delgado 29er rims, Avid BB7 mech disks
Bottom Line:
Got the Explosif 29. The bike is a kick. Makes the same old trail fun again. Faster on most climbs than my geared bike, adds some challenge to descents. Really rough, bumpy downhills beat me up pretty good, but I still like the rigid setup to this point. I like the idea of low maintenance--no suspension or gears to worry about. Thanks to Tani at the Path for getting me set up. If you want to try a 29" SS, you'll be really happy with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
patrick stein
a Cross Country Rider
from Hubbard,OH.USA Date Reviewed: June 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any in West Virginia
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Kona -
Strengths:
Multiple, frame sizes Fit of the 18" for my 6'1" long tibia, average torso is nice, no toe overlap even with my 12 shoe. Paint and weld quality are nice. like the Paragon Disc Sliders better than the concentric B.B. Great color.
Weaknesses:
No complaints on the paint or welds. Only one race Race and limited riding timem I'll post again if any problems. So far pleased as punch
Similar Products Used:
Used the parts off 19" Gary Fisher - Rig, Genesis Geometry is not for me, but Rig has great Reba fork and love 29er' S.S.'s
Bike Setup:
Eggbeaters. Easton Carbon bars and post. Reba Fork. Avid Disc
Bottom Line:
29er rolls better over bumps, I have an Epic and It's nice but this 29er is a way better ride ( - flow - ) than the 26 hard tails I rode for years, Single speeds are a real kick for Ohio's rolling single trac, fun whole body effort.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oliver
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: January 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
San Juan Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
The Path Bike Shop
Strengths:
Option to be geared or single speed
Weaknesses:
Head tubes are way too long, makes the bars too high if you run a Reba at 100mm setting. The welds on the down tube gussets are thin and spottie. Paint sucks, 5 rides and four cips in the paint, not to mention several areas in the welds that are missing paint. Stand over could be decreased a little to compensate for running the fork at 100mm. Something inbetween a Niner and Unit would wouldbe perfect. IMO
Similar Products Used:
First 29er, nothing to compare it too.
Bike Setup:
Reba Race fork had to switch back to 80mm, Race Face bar, stem, cranks, Thompson post, WTB Rocket V saddle, Full X-9 groupo with custom built DT swiss wheelset.
Bottom Line:
Love the look of the bike, and the option to run it geared or single speed, but way too may other issues to deal with. I thought Kona would have come to the market with a better product. It is too bad, I really wanted to love the frame, but I am in the process of looking for a replacement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 499.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
