Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000
Strengths: Geometry, strength, versatility. Does exactly what it should.
Bottom Line:
I have ridden a lot of bikes, including a custom-built steel hardtail. This is my dream bike . . . But the bike that I am happy on is not necessarily one that you will like. I like a long top tube, a moderately steep head angle, and don't mind trading a little weight for extra stregth. Nevertheless, I plan to ride this frame for a long, long time.
P.S. - Just in case you didn't know, Kona doesn't actually make bikes at all . . . they are merely an outsourcing and marking firm. Sorry Kona fans.
Strengths: US Sandvik TI, custom draw, gussets, great welds, beefy.
Weaknesses: haven't found one yet and I've checked Moots, Seven, Merlin, proto-hype Yeti at interbike, Ibis.
Bottom Line:
Some of the Kings are being retrofitted for disk tabs, mine is one of them. Tasty 17" frame fits so nice, did my first test ride tonight and the Ti combined with the Next LP there is NO flex at all, if your legs have power it's all transfered. I've looked long and hard at Ti frames. Like I said, I checked them all in Interbike, Moots, Merlin, Seven, Ibis, and Yeti. The King may not be the lighest, but I didn't buy it for that. Bought it because it's just as clean as all the boutique, trust funders only, but less $$$$. I'm most certainly not second guessing my choice. The boys at Kona has a nice little secret.
This is my first ti hardtail and I love it. Besides the riding position, the ti frame really soaks up some vibrations. The first few rides, I thought the rear tire was flatting, but it was just the ti rear end doing its job. Not the lightest bike, but it is really fun to ride. Climbs better than my Manitou HT, cause the ti rear end doesn't bounce around as much as an aluminum rear end.
Submitted by
fish
a Cross-Country Rider
from edmonds, wa
Date Reviewed: April 19, 1999
Strengths: Kona design hand built in USA Sandvik custom drawn shaped, gussetted
Weaknesses: $
Bottom Line:
This is just a prebuild/preride review.. I'm working on gathering all the parts for this awesome frame.. after emptying z wallet for the frame, may have to cut some corners on compenents till next year.. Have worn out my Kula, now on to my lifetimer frame! This frame is flawless interms of the welds and detailing and should track like a wet dream! Will be back with a ride review when completed.. 5 chili's for starters!
[IMG]http://cog.konaworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/photo3.jpg[/IMG]
[url]http://www.bikerumor.com/2011/03/29/konas-king-kahuna-carbon-prototype-out-in-the-wild/[/url] Read More »
Hi All - I want to build up my first 29er and have a 2011 Kona King Kahuna on order. I need some help with gettting the right headset and a fork to match. Can anyone give me some Read More »
Hey guys,
Here's a quick look at our new carbon hardtail for next year. Enjoy!
[url]http://cog.konaworld.com/archives/7968[/url]
[IMG]http://cog.konaworld.com/wp-content/upl Read More »
[url=http://classifieds.mtbr.com/showproduct.php?product=71400]2011 Kona King Kahuna Scandium frame w/ headset *** NEW! - Buy and Sell and Review Mountain Bikes and Accessories[/ur Read More »
I just ordered a 2011 kona king kahuna from chain love and would like to see what current owners or people that have ridden them have to say about them. This will be my first 29er Read More »
