Strengths: Comes stock with a Marzocchi, well spec'd, good value, real nice Kona ride, strong frame that can take abuse
Weaknesses: A bit heavy, cranks are Shimano cheapies
Bottom Line:
This is a solid platform for entry level racing (sport class). As things break, it's worth upgrading the parts. It's a bit heavy (I even raced it in cyclocross races...) but the frame is real strong. A good climber and great downhiller.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Z4 Air, XTR rear/XT front der, XT chainrings, LX cassette, Time ATAC pedals, Bontrager seat post, Selle Italia Oktavia saddle, no rise stem with flat bar, Michelin semi-slicks on Mavic Cross Ride wheels.
For some reason I have worn through 4 free hub bodies in less than 2000 km. It always happens when I'm in the middle of nowhere and is really fecking annoying. Problems with rear rim buckles but nothing to serious. When i'm cashed up I might have to stick something stronger on. Really wide bars take some getting used to. Seat sucks.
Submitted by
Jenny Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2002
Strengths: Great componentry for the price, nice light frame, seat is great no matter what others say, like the XTR derailers.
Weaknesses: Headset...blew after a few rides and nothing too hardcore.
Bottom Line:
For a beginner rider with not a lot of cash, this was a great purchase. Never thought I would have entered this scene, and after some of the bruises my body wishes it hadn't. A great ride though, and a little better than the CCM! The parts and clipless pedals can't be beaten...except for the headset.
Similar Products Used: CCM--all steel beast!! at least 50 lbs
Bike Setup: Factory
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Dieringer
a Weekend Warrior
from Wooster, OH, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002
Strengths: Great bike for the price. Just got into riding in September of 2002, and everything has held up well. The Marzocchi Z5 is the best.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
I looked at a GT Avalanche when I bought this bike, and I'm glad I got the Kona! It has been a great bike, and I can do some tough riding and the bike can take it.
Bike Setup: stock with Z-5 but with maxxis mofo DH tires, and a mavic 521 rear rim with LX hub. Also avid arch rival brakes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Garfield
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002
Strengths: Good level of components for the price. Rock solid frame.
Weaknesses: As a heavier rider (200 lbs) I have manged to break the seatpost bolt (common problem with Konas) and bent the rails on my first seat. I have also gone thru 2 rear wheel hubs (Deore).
Bottom Line:
This bike has gotten me into the MB scene (although I still consider myself a roadie at heart) Excellent bike for the money although the overall rating suffers due to minor problems such as the seatpost bolt breaking (heavier riders should upgrade to a double bolt design - save yourself some pain). The rear wheel hub has been a nightmare, breaking twice with in the first three months. The first time it gradual got worse until it died, the second time it just snapped, both resulted in the ride ending and the hike starting. Since I have upgraded to an LX hub there have been no problems. I plan on upgrading to disk brakes as soon as I can convince my wife that I need them. I recommend this bike for anyone who is not sure that cross country is for them and doesn't want to spend an obscene amount of money.
I love the bike. It has great geometry and is fast. I swapped out the tire within the first day. Didn't like the Tioga's. The component group on this bike is better that others in it's class. All other bike seemed to have one or two cheap components to keep the cost down. This bike is also upgradeable in the future. This bike is great for an experienced rider looking for a race ready bike that is still suited to recreational use.
Similar Products Used: Pretty much tried all similar bikes in the same catagory.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Shimano 565 pedals and Specialized Tires.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Lance
a Weekend Warrior
from Renton, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001
Strengths: Solid Construction and no B.S. bargain-bin parts.
Weaknesses: Seat isn't too comfortable, but getting used to it.
Bottom Line:
Solid feel. Good quality for the price. All the other bikes felt wooden or had something cheap about them. Bombed it down Whistler bike park in rain and it's still together....
Submitted by
Newbie dirt-aholic
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001
Strengths: Strong, stout frame XT rear der is a major plus Avid SD3 brakes not integrated into shifters Disc ready Stock fork (Marzocchi Bomber Z.5) is plush
Weaknesses: Stock rims and tires are heavy, but durable - should be upgraded quickly. Stock pedals (Shimano clipless) are REALLY heavy, but again are durable and useful until upgraded. The saddle hurt my rear - I went to female-specific saddle as soon as I bought the bike. Frame is heavier than the competition, but is totally worth the added girth.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks!!! I've tried several others, looking for the right geometry for XC and light downhill riding. Nothing I had tried competed with the Kona, especially when it came to the fork - the rest offered Judy TT (sluggish, choppy) and SX or Magnum (felt cheap) forks. Stock, the bike weighs in at a mean 29.5 lbs., but can quickly be dropped to 27 or 28 with some easy upgrades - rims/tires, cassette, etc. The XT rear deraileur really sold me, though. The frame, though heavy, is completely worth your time and money to ride and upgrade over time.
