Submitted by
blurofreality
a Weekend Warrior
from north bend, wa, usa
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2009
Strengths: Magic Link: amazing piece of technology. Around here, I do a lot of pedaling to the top of the runs, and the magic link really stiffens up the back end just as if you were on a hard-tail. Going back down, very slack with ample travel (7.4 inches). Takes most of the initial stiffness out of the air shock. Kona really nailed it. Adjusts in 2 positions; one for light/less aggressive rider, the second for heavier/aggressive riders.
Weight: coming in at aprx. 38 lb's, it's not the lightest of bikes, but I find that when going down the heavier bikes take more 'umph' out of the drops and jumps.
Hydraulic disk breaks: great stopping power- I only weigh 130 lb's, maybe 145 lb's with a pack on. Little to no maintenance required.
Gear ratios: 11/34 on the cassette and 24/36 for the chainrings. Tons of power in the granny gear- I can pedal up trails so steep that you have to dismount because you can't stay on the saddle. I hardly ever get the bike into high gear, even on extremely steep runs.
Brake and shifter lines: all cables and hydraulic lines are put under the top tube, out of the way
Fork: saved me a few times from crashing, plenty of travel (6.3 inches)
Weaknesses: These are more or less annoyances, but here they are:
Brakes squeal: brakes occasionally will start squealing then all of a sudden stop.
Shifting: after some hard runs the rear derailment gets thrown out of wack, but that's expected with every bike
Ground clearance: not super, but is aprx. 11 inches
Weight: as stated earlier, this can be a strength, but it sure makes for a lot of work pedaling up a hill.
Cleaning: lots of nooks and crannies to get the dirt out of
Bottom Line:
Very affordable bike. If you're a freerider who does any pedaling going up, this is the bike for you. If you are lucky enough to have a shuttle to the top of your runs, then I guess there's no sense in needing the magic link, stick with Kona's Stinky or Dawg.
If you're looking at the 2010 models, I would consider the Coilair Deluxe- they've equipped it with hammerschmidt technology, which will increase the ground clearance, plus allow you to dry shift. Look into it.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Enduro S-Works, 2007
Bike Setup: Factory
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Zachariah666
a Weekend Warrior
from Goleta, California, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Strengths: (2008 Coilair) Very plush fork and shock, sturdy frame, super fast on downhills, and of course, the MAGIC LINK!
Weaknesses: Front derailleur has some trouble shifting to the larger chainring sometimes. Ugly paint job... But that's Kona for you.
Bottom Line:
This bike really is everything the reviews and Kona says it is. It bombs down hills, carves the corners, and is pretty capable of climbing (within reason for its weight and long travel). There is no chance of the lockout lever on the fork getting turned accidentally, so don't worry about that. I have taken it down a very steep, rocky, windy trails at high speed, and had no problems with horizontal flex. However, I haven't had the bike all that long yet, so I'll write another review in a couple of months.
I don't find clipless pedals particularly useful (or safe) for the kind of riding I do, so I had the stock Shimanos changed out for Kona Jack---- platforms, which are great. The bike is comfortable, stable, and fun! If you want to take on big hills, drops, some jumps, and still climb instead of walk up the hills, this bike is great! Not terribly heavy, either. Find a shop discounting the 2008 models; for the amount you'll save rather than getting an '09, you can upgrade to whatever new components you may want.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Enduro SX Trail
Bike Setup: Stock except for Jack---- Primo platform pedals (screw clipless!)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
snipe33
a Downhiller
from Plattekill, NY USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2009
Strengths: Great downhill and freeride bike. Takes rocks and roots with no issues. Hard climbing but who needs to climb when you downhill. Comfortable ride. Having major issues with horizontal movement. The flex in this bike is crazy. I road the bike 4 times and the crank began hitting the chain stay. Have yet to resolve the problem. KONA warranty department stated I was too big for the bike, are you kidding. Also they want the bike shop to file down parts. Just want the issue fixed or give me a new frame or bike.
Weaknesses: Horizontal flexing, Noisy brakes and cranks, Basic components. KONA Warranty Department.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line, It's a great bike and can handle anything you put in its way. It's very comfortable and feels good on short and long drops. The down side is the horizontal flex and the lack of support from KONA. The warranty department is horrible. Good luck on getting anything from KONA. All in all the bike shop is doing the best they can when dealing with KONA.
Bike Setup: Added a shorter XC Kona stem, Wah Wah pedals,Rogue grips,
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
cesslinger
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2009
Strengths: Durable. Fast. Soaks up everything I can dish out currently. Jumps, lands, carves, and stops well.
Weaknesses: Lack of ISCG tabs.
Bottom Line:
I had gone down a hill that I was not supposed to do on a rigid 29er. It was fun but BRUTAL. A few months later and I am shopping for a nice, aggressive FS bike to get into the daredevil side of mountain biking. Luckily for me, Cactus Bike sells stuff mainly to be used on South Mountain. This mountain destroys mountain bikes with a passion. I wanted something durable and Steve advised either the Kona or the Giant Reign. I only wanted to spend a grand, but considering what I was looking for, $1000 was not going to cut it. I bought the Coilair because I am a sucker for gadgets and I liked how the magic link could help me get up the mountain on my own; plus it was $500 cheaper than the not top of the line Reign.
Funny thing is that now it is summer in AZ and I have been running with the shuttle guys more than I expected.
The current set up is NOT pedal friendly; but going downhill is awesome! The bike can definitly keep up with most as long as I can hold on. I also have taken it to the NRA pit a couple times and I am falling in love with dirt jumps. It jumps really well, it is stable in the air, and the landings are so buttery.
So far the bike is durable and keeps me very happy.
Only real issue is that there are not any ISCG tabs and the way the chain stay is attached to the frame doesn't make it friendly with any existing chainguide that is on the market. I found that really rough stuff was throwing the chain completely off of the granny gear. A ronnie ring fixed that issue so I can atleast keep going without having to get off and put the chain back on; but a real chainguide would be the appreciated when I need to stay on the middle ring.
5 chilies for value because everything is tough for the money (55 bomber doesn't count but was fixed for free).
5 chilies for overall because I am riding stuff that I didn't think I could do back in Feb '09.
Similar Products Used: None, this is my first FS bike.
Bike Setup: Stock except for Wellgo Mag flat pedals, Ronnie Ring, Maxxis Mobster 2.7 on front and Nevegal 2.5 on rear, Oury grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
orion79
a Weekend Warrior
from ISRAEL
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2009
Strengths: One bike that can do it all!
climbs great, goes down even better!
Weaknesses: Components are too basic. especially the wheels and gear componnents
Bottom Line:
Buy it! and be quick about it! only two conditions:
1. your not afraid of carriyng extra weight uphill ( aprox 16 Kg).
2. You intend to use the full 7.4 inch of rear wheel travel!
Perfect agressive AM, light freeride machine.
Love you KONA!
Strengths: It has taken everything I have thrown at it so far. Good shocks, have saved me a couple of times on some rough landings. Absolutely love this bike. I am a little partial because my last bike was a giant yukon. That was constantly having problems. Goes uphill as good as can be expected. Actually have liked all the components so far.
Weaknesses: A little heavy, but that's good if you want to go fast down hill. The brakes get a little squeaky when wet.
Bottom Line:
A great bike for the price. Plan on keeping this and building up from here. If you want a bike that can do it all, then this is for you. Extremely comfortable bike. Would recommend it to anyone. Well done Kona.
Strengths: great pedaler great downhiller the magic link works perfectly
Weaknesses: the stock crank almost lost a pedal
Bottom Line:
this bike can do it all pedaling throw the woods or bombing downhill this is my first fully and i am super happy with it can take 5 to 6 foot drops with no problem for a bike to do it all this is it you will not be disappointed
Bike Setup: gravity gap crank 5050xx pedals funn bars and stem
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from Danville
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008
Strengths: handles downhill like a champ. takes 7 feet to flat no problem and the magic link works perfectly.
Weaknesses: heavy
Bottom Line:
good solid bike, very nimble at speed and can take a beating in the back country. a good climber, just raise the seat and the magic link seamlessly integrates the rear shock from dh mode to climb. the only weakness is its weight and it makes it self known when climbing a mountain. but good bike and i highly recommend it to anyone.
Looks like there available on Speedgoat ( not that I can afford yet ), but...
Anyone tried 1 yet ?? does it work as it says on the Tin ??
Can't see anyone discussing it y Read More »
Im looking in to getting a new bike, and the kona coilair with magic link and giant reign x2 (maybe x1 if i can pull some money together) are really my only options considering my Read More »
Hi guys,
This just came across my desk, and i;d like to share it with you all.
[url]http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7989,s1-16-84-1568-0,00.html[/url]
Cheers!
Joe. Read More »
