Steel! Kona Geometry

Weight

I bought this off chainlove because I was itching for a 26" hardtail and it was a great price for a Kona. I rode many steel bikes as a kid and this Kona is just as much fun. It'll take any beating I give it and keep going. Although it's heavier, it rides a lot smoother than my previous aluminum hardtails. I'm a big fan of steel thanks to this bike. Weight weenies might want to steer clear, but anyone who wants a good DJ or trail bike (I ride mine on trails) should check it out.

Steel, Feel, ride quality, Geometry, adjustable fork, There is no other bike out there like this one.

Super heavy wheels and tires, If its a trail DJ bike then whats with the crappy pedals? Overall it is really heavy.

Be it a bike or any other product I'm always looking for the 1 thing that does it all. The Steely fits the bill by being a lot of different bikes in one package. I've always felt that Kona's geometry is just a little more fun than their competition. The steely is no exception, its lively and maneuverable without being too cramped to do some XC riding. The climbing disadvantage of the super slack 67deg head tube angle is easily overcome by adjusting the fork down about 100mm. Which is actually where I have been keeping it for descents and climbs alike. Its actually a better climber then I expected. The issue that I take with this bike is its bizarre spec. The pedals that come with this bike are inexcusable. Kona has amazing housebrand pedals that they could have slapped on this puppy. The tiny platform, poor grip, and plastic body'ed wellgo is an irresponsible and possibly dangerous choice on a bike that otherwise comes ready for some serious and intense riding.

The steely sticks out like a sore thumb in Kona's DJ/Trail lineup, with good reason. The folks over at Kona clearly recognized that this bike fills a hole in the market that other companies are too wimpy to touch. This bike was clearly designed and spec'ed to perform double duty as a huckable FR hardtail and also as a potential do-it-all machine. Splitting the difference between something burly enough to stand up to jumping, drops, and downhill while still making a bike thats not a nightmare to climb on is a razors edge. Kona walked that edge impressively with the steely. The adjustable travel fork combined with the frame geometry really do allow the bike to have the flexibility to be whatever bike you want it to be, but the wheels and tire choice keep you grounded in reality about this rig's true purpose. Pun intended by the way.

Similar Products Used:

Kona Caldera, Kona Roast