Home | Reviews | DJ/MtnX | Kona

Kona Steely DJ/MtnX

4/5 (2 Reviews)

Write a review

MSRP : $1349.00


Product Description

At Kona we've always had a deep affinity for the incredible ride performance of steel. Using geometry honed after two decades of serious steel affection, Kona is entering its second year producing the Steely. Best summarized as the classic 26-inch-wheel steel hardtail built for the modern rider, the Steely is a throwback to wheely-dropping, gnar-loving freeriders of the late 90s. Modern meaning, a slack headtube angle, low bottom bracket and short chainstays. The Steely also features a 31.6 seat tube, ISCG 05 tabs, lighter rims and tires, and a single ring Shimano 9-speed with 11-36 rear cassette. Everything you need to rip a piece of radical singletrack near you.

  • RockShox Tora 289 U-turn 85-130mm fork
  • Avid Elixir 1 brakes
  • WTB FX 23 rims
  • FSA Step-Up cranks


    • Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

    Reviews 1 - 2 (2 Reviews Total)

    User Reviews

    Overall Rating:4
    Value Rating:5
    Submitted by amgine a Weekend Warrior from Houston, TX

    Date Reviewed: December 20, 2011

    Strengths:    Steel! Kona Geometry

    Weaknesses:    Weight

    Bottom Line:   
    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.

    Expand full review >>

    Favorite Trail:   Anthills

    Duration Product Used:   3 months

    Price Paid:    $550.00

    Purchased At:   chainlove

    Bike Setup:   Stock except for pedals
    Overall Rating:4
    Value Rating:4
    Submitted by OMGPoniez a Cross Country Rider from Richmond, VA, USA

    Date Reviewed: April 19, 2011

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

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

    Bottom Line:   
    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.

    Expand full review >>

    Favorite Trail:   Buttermilk

    Duration Product Used:   Less than 1 month

    Price Paid:    $1100.00

    Purchased At:   Rowlettes

    Similar Products Used:   Kona Caldera, Kona Roast

    Bike Setup:   Bone stock for now, except I replaced the pedals with platforms
    Reviews 1 - 2 (2 Reviews Total)

    Review Options:  Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating

    Kona Steely frame info ... how does it compare to 456, Ragley pigs, Cotic?

    I've finally admitted to myself that my CinderCone is a bit too stiff for my liking ... geo is spot ...
    Read More »

    Any 2011 Steely owners out there? Which f/d?

    Just picked up one new from an LBS the other day. I'm wondering what front derailleur you bike came ...
    Read More »

    2012 Kona Steely?

    Has anybody tried to fit 650B on this? A post in the Kona forum suggests there might be enough space ...
    Read More »

    Steely 2012 - Post your builds here

    [COLOR="Red"][B]WARNING:[/B][/COLOR] This is long, but I have a lot to say about the sickest All Mo ...
    Read More »

    2012 Steely

    Anyone buy one, or built one up yet???
    Read More »

    Read More »



    		 

    Contests



     

    Videos

     

    MTBR on Facebook