Submitted by
Arnon
a Downhiller
from ISRAEL Date Reviewed: February 3, 2010
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
SLALOM BIKE SHOP
Strengths:
versatile - great climber .
Weaknesses:
For all around bike the frame( and only the frame) is great anywhere from XE to DH though heavy at 17KG
BUT
other than the frame the stock parts are of the lowest quality
Crank supplied ( FSA MOTO X) is a real bad joke , suited better for girl's beach cruiser than AM/FR bikes
the rims supplied are really xc rims will not withstand drops of over 3 ft( remember this bike is supposedly AM/FR
The brakes are a compromise and parts from the local shimano are not available ( always the same song and dance when it comes to OEM parts
The fork ( MAR 55 TST )is most definitely not for F/R use
in one year I had gone through 3 blown TST cartridges
Bike Setup:
W A S 2009 stock KONA COILAIR
By now replaced the brakes to XT the crank to SLX
the rims to MTX 33 and soon replacing the fork to FOX 36 VAN
Bottom Line:
Buy the frame only and build your own bike
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Submitted by
Diblaggio
a Downhiller
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: January 3, 2010
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe, Colorado
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Great strength coming from Kona. The fork and rear shock (Fox) have never let me down. I have done some crazy drops, jumps, and pushed myself to the limit- the bike never failed (i did a few times though). All components on this bike are good, and tune ups are a breeze. Kona's rear suspension has changed the way I ride. This color bike definitely opens eyes at the trails. I still get compliments and offers while I ride.
Weaknesses:
It is a bit on the heavy side, but this was never a problem for me. I actually get better control of my bike this way. The rear shock system kona developed would compress down while riding through some minor obstacles- I think kona fixed that problem with their newer bikes. all i did was adjust my pressure and adjst the rebound and whala' blast through...
Similar Products Used:
Cannondales, Giants, Stinky :) Other Coil Air Supreme (Currently)
Bike Setup:
50/50 Pedals, Continental Spider Web Tires, Lizard grips (They feel better that the Kona stock ones) Juicy Avid 7 Brakes... Everything else is stock.
Bottom Line:
I have gotten offers from 1800-2500. and I still have it. It is the bike that built my aggressive riding skills and it boosted my self confidence levels. I have won 3 Tournaments with this bike, and landed top 3 in 7. Overall a great bike, and the looks still get those eyes poppin'....
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Submitted by
tobygoodger
a Weekend Warrior
from petersfield Date Reviewed: November 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
rogate
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
pauls cycles
Strengths:
light, tough, plush suspension, reliable,high spec, good value, pedals well, jumps well, corners well, durable, could go on for ever, great all round bikes.
Weaknesses:
not much at all: pedals are heavy,struggles with big jumps but its a light freeride bike so thats no biggy. i have had it for a year and no problems, and i have ridden it hard, i havnt replaced a thing, not even brake pads or grips. nto that stiff, stock could be lighter.
Similar Products Used:
iron horse sunday, demo 7, orange dh
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
awsome bike, has inspired alot of confidence, get it!
great value for money.
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Submitted by
neonwinter
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009
Favorite Trail:
any trail at night
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
used from friend
Strengths:
Great all around trail bike with decent DH and XC capabilities.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy I guess, keep up with the $3000+ XC specifics some of my friends ride anyway.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, GT i-Drive circa 2000, Mongoose Tecolai, KHS FR2000, Haro Zero
Bike Setup:
Full custom, Truvativ Aka Stem, Race Face Evolve XC X-type crank, Fox RP23 and 120mm 3.5lb (not sure of the model) fork, Deore hubs w/ Rhino Lites, X-9 shifters/ derailleurs, 990 cassette
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. I've had almost a dozen in the last ten years and this is by far the most versatile.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NW Guy
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham Date Reviewed: September 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wonderland
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Jack Bicycle Center
Strengths:
Great all around Mt Bike ride
Weaknesses:
Extremely unreliable. Front wheel spokes were not very tight, had to have fixed - poor quality control. Rear Fox shock won't hold pressure - is in shop for repair!! Front suspension is now locked up because the shock has leaked.
They are tellin us it will take a month to fix and we pay for part of the repair!!! Had for only ten months, so warrantee will cover most of it, but.... Has not been ridden that hard
Similar Products Used:
Kana Kula, Specialized Stump Jumper
Bottom Line:
Don't buy this bike until they improve their quality control.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Richey
a Weekend Warrior
from Auburn, WA USA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Black Diamond
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
A good climber, absorbs all the bumps, smooth and makes you feel in control at all times! I go faster and enjoy the trails way more than my favorite old bike.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Enduro pro, DBR, Giant Trance, Giant Reign, Big hit
Bike Setup:
Stock except Mavic 528 rims
Bottom Line:
As my friend Doug said yesterday, "with this bike, I won't be waiting for you anymore". Even though it weighs more than my DBR cross country set up, I have more control, and am willing to try and enjoy things that I would not have before.
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Submitted by
Cullen
a Weekend Warrior
from VT Date Reviewed: October 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Yo Vinny
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Direct from Kona
Strengths:
2007 Kona Coilair. Reasonably light, weighs in at about 36-37 lbs with pedals. Very Stable at high speeds, very nimble in the air, has the kona reputation behind it, and the fork (fox 36 float r)is amazing. it always bottoms smoothly (If you can hit anything hard enough to bottom.) Well specd, fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
The rear suspension is extremely linear. The choice is pretty much between plush absorption or pump it up stiffer than preffered to make big drops to flatter landings a bit better. Luckily the dhx 3.0 bottoms smoothly and the boost valve helps it to ramp up on high speed hits. ** the stock maxxis advantage tire on my bike rubs on the frame when it bottoms out. Stinks that kona didn't think to fix this, but a tire with a shorter casing will do the trick** Seat tube angle is a little slack for serious xc stuff, but moving the seat forward helps a bit.
Similar Products Used:
in terms of durablilty, the 05 coiler and other konas
Bike Setup:
stock except a semi-slick maxxis high roller rear (to be switched to a 2.5 mobster) A word of caution, route the rear brake hose by running it up from the last guide under the top tube, zip tie it to both the seat tube support mast, and the seat tube just below the seat post clamp, and then leave some extra hose between there and the seat stay where the next guide is. Make sure the hose is out of the way of the swing arm (I managed to pinch the hose on mine on the second day out with a different routing) As far as sizing, I'm 6 foot and riding a medium. Its perfect for the riding this bike is intended for.
Bottom Line:
If you do everything including trail rides, all mountain stuff, jumps, and spend a big chunk of time riding at lift accessed bike parks, this thing is great. Note though that it is not a cross country bike! You won't win any xc races on this thing. The suspension is easily adjustable, the components are reliable and its just fun to ride. For downhilling and freeriding, the 65.7 degree head angle (though it sounds slack) is a savior, especially on really steep stuff and through rock gardens. The suspension does and amazing job of absorbing everything you ride through, especially for 6" If you can stay seated with the slack seat tube angle, the propedal and boost valve make a great pedaling platform, but it bobs a bit while standing. Over all, I love this thing. It can do everything pretty well, and rules at bike parks on 4x, slopestyle type stuff, north shore stunts, and extremely tech downhill single track. Kona also manages to spec great bikes for the price, so great value.
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Submitted by
Alex
a Downhiller
from Nelson, New Zealand Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4800.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Surgery Nel
Strengths:
This review is for a Coilair Supreme as there is no category for it. Tuff, Great handling, Well spec ed. Good climber great descender. Big fun factor.
Weaknesses:
Price!! We get that here with the U.S. dollar. Fox DHX 5.0 air shock stuck down on the first ride but was repaired by the service agent and hasn't been a problem since.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro. Giant DH Comp, Kona Stab Deluxe.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Changed the tyres to 2.35 kendas and the small ring to a 22 to help out the climbs. D.O.P.E brake system. Spec is so good there is no need to change anything.
Bottom Line:
This is the closest bike I've ever ridden that can do nearly anything good. It climbs, descends like a DH bike, can be trail ridden all day. The D.O.P.E. brake system is well worth the extra $ for the gain in handling on the down hill. AAA+++
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Veitch
a Downhiller
from London, UK Date Reviewed: September 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Les Gets
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Evanscycles.com
Strengths:
Very light but built very strongly - also looks very sexy. Good quality stock components, easy to use. You will get used to this bike instantly. A very polished jack of all trades
Weaknesses:
None - I mean it.
Similar Products Used:
Glory Freeride, Stinky, Orange Patriot
Bike Setup:
As stock, with the 3 ring crank by Race Face
Bottom Line:
This is the all round giant killer (and Giant killer). I got this bike for only $3000US (£1500 UK) as it's 2006. I took it downhilling the same day I got it, and it is SO FAST. Because it's so light you can really whip it into the air, and with the fat Fox forks at the front (36s) you have all the confidence to land hard. I am a big guy, 6ft 5inches and 250lbs, but this bike makes me feel sprightly... Racing it against my friend's Orange Big T, his bike is so heavy and more of a downhiller, the Coilair is the Prince of Freeriding. Love it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from North Grafton Date Reviewed: August 27, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
Gravitty Warehouse
Strengths:
Best all around bike there is!!! If you want a bike that can climb well and fly downhill, than this is the bike you want.
Weaknesses:
The wheels couldn't take my 210 lb butt doin drops... Nothin major, just have to true them once in a while
Similar Products Used:
None... I have a Bighit and a P1...
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock. I ditched the air shock right out of the box and had a DHX 5.0 COIL put on...LOVE IT!!
Bottom Line:
Love this bike, puts up with some extreme cross country riding and the occasion hucking. Extremely plush travel, yet pedals very efficiantly, due to the PRO PEDAL. Love the Race Face components and Saint brakes. No complaints...
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Submitted by
Perry Kveton
a Downhiller
from Live in Indonesia, From Truckee CA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Downieville Downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
The Back Country LBS
Strengths:
Crazy good for all around riding: XC, Downhill, Freeride...even street use is good due tothe adjustable travel/recoil
Weaknesses:
none so far- except that the new one is out with a lower top tube, who cares?
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakar XAM 2.0, 1.0, Kona Coiler
Bike Setup:
Kona CoilAir bone stock except for a cateye comp
Bottom Line:
This bike nails the all-around awesomness. I generally use it for DH up at lifted resorts, however, i also use it for riding around town A LOT. adjust the travel, adjust the recoil, raise the seat and you're set for power up pavement. the only downside with that is that i now need to invest in some phat street freeride tires :D
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jorge
a
from Ecuador Date Reviewed: March 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great bike to do anything. Light enough to climb and an incredible performance on downhill.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky Marin B-17 GT Rts1
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I ride it 4 times a week, in different terrains, and it’s amazing how comfortable and confident you feel. I strongly recommend this bike to all mountain riders and freeriders
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STEFANO BOR
a Weekend Warrior
from aosta italy Date Reviewed: February 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
PILA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3900.00
Purchased At:
BC E BIKE AOSTA
Strengths:
fantastic descender and good climber for the weight. not so heavy with some substitutions
Weaknesses:
wheels, stem
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale gemini
Bike Setup:
standard but thomson X4 stem 90 mm. seatpost and handlebar RF next, Mavic Xmax XL with Maxxis larsen TT 2,35 post and Ignitor 3,35 ant
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike, i have done with it a maxiavalanche (cervinia) and a lot of epic rides (cogne- chemporcher, aosta chemolè-aosta (1800 m up and down denivelation), a bit heavy in standard (the wheels and cockpit), but with my setup only 14,5 kg (32 lbs), I love it and have done 1900 km the last summer. I you have some long climbs an technical downhills is the best bike i have seen.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ndee Dee
a
from Eu Date Reviewed: October 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
good allround package, smooth on DH, clibs well, not too heavy, excellent suspension
Weaknesses:
stem (what were they thinking?), handlebar (heavy and narrow), hubs (especially front), rims (heavy and not strongest). I am the only one who could use a slacker fork angle at this amount of travel??? Gets pretty nervous at speed and in short holes... hayes also not my favourite brake, requires too much TLC, good size rotos though
Bike Setup:
stock except stem/bar, pedals
Bottom Line:
had a great season on it, from epic rides to some suicidal downhills. I'll keep loking for a bike with slacker fork angle and nicer wheelset, brakes...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Creampuff Course
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Rides like a DH bike Downhill and climbs as well as any Trailbike. Best DH trail bike out there IMHO. This frame/shock/fork combo makes for a high speed demon that will trick you into selling your soul to the devil!
Weaknesses:
For $3999 retail the off the shelf product is a very weak build, Kona really needs to get thier act together, the XT drive train is slightly weak but the bar/stem is overkill, the hubs are lame but the rims are alright, and the brakes barely fit a bike of that price, which for the price should be full saint or something? Just doesn't compete with other offerings from SC, Ellesworth, etc.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Dawg, Coiler, Ellesworth Epiphany, Santa Cruz v10;)
The bottom line is that this bike ran like a raped ape right our of the DH gate, something about a Kona that rips. It also beat a bunch of young 20 something XC riders up a mondo climb on it's 3rd ride and my friends have come to fear it on the way down. The crapmano drive train was a pain cuz it ran well for about a week and after a slight bump on the rear d needed complete replacing. Again for the price should have had nicer wheels, drive train, stem, handlebars, brakes. Came with 2.3 tires too, right . . . The fork and rear shock are as good as it gets though and that really puts the smile factor through the roof when it points downhill. Is this the one true bike though, it's definately getting there!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stefano
a Weekend Warrior
from aosta italy Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3990.00
Purchased At:
italy
Strengths:
Strong, indestructible, not excessive heavy, components selection (fox 36 talas, DHX air 5 race face componenets
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy in the wheels and stem-bar departments,
Similar Products Used:
cannondale gemini
Bike Setup:
standard, now race face next seatpost and hanlebar, thomson X4 stem, i am waiting hope pro, mavic 717 wheels
Bottom Line:
I have done with this bike everything, 24 hours race, maxiavalanche in cervinia, long (2000 meters of positive uphills) trail ridings up to 4-6 hours) and, if are not hurry going up, this is a fantastic bike, i love it a lot. If you love mountain biking, non downhill or black diamond or cross country, but only mountain biking, this is the bike for you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cam rich
a Downhiller
from canada Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
panorama
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
river valley cycle
Strengths:
every thing your riding on the most advanced six inches of travel around excellent componets race face everything and all fox suspension hayse brakes minion maxxis tires
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
shore 1 norco six santa cruz nomad santa cruz heckler
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this is a do everything bike and it is a blast in bike parks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jaysin
a Weekend Warrior
from nor cal, usa Date Reviewed: July 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
you get some nice stuff on the bike but for the wheelset. you will break yourself before you scratch this bike. this thing is B A
Weaknesses:
can buy a moto for a couple more g,s. the front hub on the wheelset that comes with the bike is a joke that is not funny. the rims will flat spot on the first hippy you run over.
Similar Products Used:
majik carpet, various club drugs
Bike Setup:
stock except for mavic wheels. its the rider that matters
Bottom Line:
if you cant have fun on a bike like this then stay in school
$
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