If you've ever ridden a Unit, you know that you'll always need a Unit. That when it comes to owning specific Units, it's extremely important you own the Kona Unit. We love everything about our Cromoly Butted steel frames: how they ride, where they go, how long they last. The Unit takes all that beauty, hops it up with contemporary Kona 29er geometry, and simplifies it with a singlespeed drivetrain to create an all-purpose big wheeler that delivers great quantities of joyful, um, well, Units.
Strengths: Price - can't beat it, considering all the decent parts that don't need immediate replacements.
Wheels - I weigh 220 lb, and I'm very immature for my age, so I tend to launch myself whenever I see a jump. Wheels are still true after numerous 1'-2' jumps.
Tires - At 220 lb, tires still haven't punctured after riding on the side of train tracks full of sharp rocks handful of times.
Weaknesses: For its price, I shouldn't really complain as everything works as they should.
Bottom Line:
I wanted to try out a 29er, and thought rigid was the only way to really see the difference between 26" and 29", and LBS was having a sale on 2010 models - that was a no brainer. I found it was quite uncomfortable at first, but deflated the tires a little and it greatly improved its ride. Changing to 2.35" wide tires only made things better (although bit heavier now, but I weigh 220 lb, so I don't really care about the weight of the bike).
After I started liking the ride, I started testing out few things on the trails (by trails, I mean unpaved gravel/dirt road) around my neighborhood to see its limit - I like finding out what I shouldn't do on my bike while I can still walk home rather than finding out in the middle of nowhere and have to walk 3 hours to get to my car).
First, wheels. At 220 lb on a rigid, I thought for sure I was gonna have to get new wheels right away - let's face it, we all know we have to spend just as much money on wheels as Kona Unit itself for a good wheel set. But with 32 spokes, this thing held up very well so far. I've tried a lot of small jumps with 1'-2' of air, and wheels are still true. When the time comes, I'll have to replace hubs, but unless I have a lot of pocket change, I wouldn't change wheels.
Tires - again, tried to puncture it every way possible by riding next to the train track around my neighborhood full of sharp rocks, and still going strong. I found 2.1" to be a bit narrow and changed to 2.35", and it's even better.
Frame - At first, I had planned on trying it out and switching to better bike (by better, I mean more expensive) if I decide to keep riding 29ers, but I soon changed my mind to keep it and replace/upgrade parts as necessary. I really like its geometry as I feel very stable. I'm 5'6", so 16" would be a better fit, but they didn't have 16" frame on sale, so I ended up getting an 18" frame. It took me few minutes to get used to its geometry, and now I find it very comfortable.
Everything else works great as they should, overall an excellent play-out-of-box bike.
Submitted by
Mrbvoytilla
a Racer
from Houston, tx USA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2012
Strengths: Can take a beating. The frame seems to be able to not dent which is a good thing. Paint has not chipped but has rubbed in some spots.
Weaknesses: Rear dropout setup. I am surprised to see all of these positive reviews about the drop setup. I have had nothing but problems with this. After numerous shops looking at this and adjusting it I can guarantee I can get it to slip. It just doesn't seem like the frame is rigid enough for me. Feels to be on the heavy side to me.
Bottom Line:
I'm about 6'3" and 170 lb. maybe its the massive leg power I have that creates to much torque for this frame or maybe it's a poor frame design. I would only recommend this bike to someone that is not a single speeder.
Bike Setup: Rigid kona fork. Avid shorty brakes. Corsa concepts size 29 wheels with a surley SS spacer kit and Surley cog. Shimano single speed cranks.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
rusty66
a All Mountain Rider
from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2012
Strengths: Stiff frame, large size - important for tall riders. Nimble and versatile. Except for experiencing more flats on this bike than most small nations in the south pacific get annually (see gripes below), I would recommend, especially if your a tall aggressive rider who mixes up his trail selection. from single-trail to fire-road to commuting it handles it all
Weaknesses: Brakes - I upgraded them immediately to avid hydro elixirs.
Rims buckled after about 1year of heavy duty punishing (so guess I can’t complain that much!)
Stem- I found to be too long , and I am a tall rider, so upgraded to a shorty. Also, grips are slippery when sweaty and too firm for a rigid bike, changed over to soft lock on Oury's (I’m a little ol' skool) and my wrists thanked me :)
Gearing ratio: (will be personal choice) but I found the gearing too granny orientated, I would max out very quickly and that was going uphill! Had to get a custom BMX 8T rear cog mixed in with the standard front crank. Problem solved.
BIGGEST GRIPE - I don’t know what it is with this bike or if I have simply been incredibly unlucky, but I have had over 30 punctures in 3 years! on this bike alone, it seems like every second ride I go on I end up with a flat, all sorts punctures too: pinchies, thorns, gaping rips, mystery slow leaks... the lot!!! Fed-up I have talked with the guys at the bike shop more times than I can remember, they suggested tyre liners, this did nothing. So I changed the tyre, the rim and even the rear hub.... no diff!!! This has started to ruin my experience with this bike.
Bottom Line:
only 29er single speed I have owned. All I can say is has provided me with many thrilling moments, on a diverse set of trails..
biggest bummer: flat tyres galore! don't know how but this bike gets the flats like a Sunday morning come down.
Custom tire tube combination consisting of two inner tubes one wrapped around the inner, then a Teflon tyre liner, fat albert tyres. still get flats :((((
OH yer and ,- Paint covered in deep scratches ;)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
lowes48
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilkesboro, NC USA
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2011
Strengths: Price, component mix/quality level and it's simplistic design.
Weaknesses: None really, for the price.
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike for the money and fun on the trail! So far I've only changed things that have added comfort, perceived performance and bling, but I'm sure I'll be replacing other stuff as it breaks/wears with higher quality stuff, just like anyone else would on a more expensive bike.
I was a bit concerned at first with the rigid fork and HT frame since I was coming off a 26" FS, but so far the bike is performing fantastic and I have NO plans to go with a squishy fork or gears! I bought the SS so I would be forced to work harder, (6'-4" 330lbs. Super Clyde), but even though it's tough pedaling on the slightest hill I am really enjoying it!
For those of you on the fence about SS, rigid or 29" wheels, do yourself a favor and buy a Kona Unit!
Similar Products Used: N/A - never owned a 29er or a SS before this bike.
Bike Setup: 22" frame size, stock setup except for: Thomson 100mm x 10 degree stem, Thomson seat post, Brooks B17 saddle, Cane Creek Forty head set, bash guard removed and 22-tooth cog vs. the factory 18-tooth (I'm a FAT BOY!)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mtbkr1030
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks, CA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2011
Strengths: Everything, out of the box this thing is wicked FAST!
The frame is worth $835.00 by itself.
Weaknesses: Stock Alex Wheelset is HEAVY, but what do you expect for $835.00
Bottom Line:
Love the ride of the steel. I like it better than my CREAKY old Niner S.I.R. I sold my FS GF HiFi Pro and this is my one and only Mtn bike. Singlespeed is the only way to go.
Bike Setup: Added:
Rebal RL Fork
Stans Crest Wheelset(Tubeless)
21T Cog-Niner
Replacing Avid BB7's tomorrow with 2012 Shimano XT Brakes
Bontrager Carbon Seatpost
XT Pedals
Cane Creek Headset
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
beatitup
a Weekend Warrior
from los lunas, nm, usa
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2011
Strengths: Color! Pics don't come close to doing this justice. Spec is good weight is good, BUT GEOMETRY! IS AWESOME. My previous ride was a scott scale 29er and after riding the unit on the same trails I now know how a 29er is supposed to feel.
Weaknesses: Saddle may not be to everyones liking, but is does have cool Kona 29er logo on top. Wish bb7s where hydros but I'm spoiled.
Bottom Line:
This is probably one of the first 2012s on the ground in these parts ie New Mexico. I will say Steel is real. Bike is great drop outs easy to adjust good spec especially the wide bars. No other bike I've had or had a chance to ride feels like this thing ss rigid sweetness.
Similar Products Used: Windsor 29er, Scott scale 29er reba fork.
Bike Setup: Bone stock for now. Did add a salsa steel water bottle cage and set of shimano 530s.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Sac29
a Cross Country Rider
from Adirondacks, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2011
Strengths: Big bang for the bucks. Even with the price increase it still looks to be a good deal. I was all set to build a KM but the price of the Unit was too good. Rails corners, quick, climbs well.
Weaknesses: Brake cables stretch so bad there is no rear braking on firm surfaces. Yeah, that's it....
Bottom Line:
Buy it. Every time I ride it I like it more and more. I gave it a 5 for value even though I did upgrade some stuff.
Similar Products Used: My other bike is a Surly Pugsley. Not really all that similar, but it's my favorite ride.
Bike Setup: Recon forks, Jagwire Brake Cables and Ergon Grips. I have a Kenda Small Block 8 for the rear when the ground dries out.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mattskn
a Cross Country Rider
from bay city mi
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2011
Strengths: nice feel, flex
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
The bike handles far better than my aluminum Se stout,you feel like your on top of the bike not streched over it. the steel frame has plenty of give for my 6'3" 215lbs frame, steel takes away alot of the vibration, witch inturn releaves most of the shoulder pain and numness in my hands.If you want a good XC trail bike this is a no brained fun fast and forgiving.
Bike Setup: wtb weirwolf 2.55, exotic carbon fork, wtb lazerdisc wheels,xt crank,bb7 160 f/b,cranecreek s8,34/19 gears, thompson post
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie_S
a Weekend Warrior
from Omaha, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2011
Strengths: Great ride, bb7 brakes, WTB saddle
Weaknesses: paint, fork, pedals
Bottom Line:
Tested several SS 29ers in the under $1000 price range, Unit is the most bang for the buck. I will be replacing the fork, stem, and headset in due time and playing around with different rear cogs but a gerat ride right outta the box. My first SS 29er, and I'm going to ride it until either me or the bike comes apart.
Similar Products Used: GF hardtail mtb, Canny road
Bike Setup: 2011 Unit, Crossroads Elite 700x38 rubber, S-Works seatpost, Niner 17t cog, Candy 3's
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Firestarted
a Cross Country Rider
from NZ
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2011
Strengths: Kona Unit 29er 2010 model (dark green steel frame). Cheap. Has all the advantages of a 29er. Sliding dropouts work well. I can remove wheel, change cog and be back riding in 5 minutes. Also enough slide adjustment to go from 17 to a 21 tooth cog using same length chain.
Weaknesses: Cheap. Bottom bracket lasted 2 months. Free wheel lasted 3 months. Avid BB7 mechanical brakes stop OK but have no feel at all. Rigid fork is awful (2010 Model)
Bottom Line:
I have ridden my Unit 29er for 12 months and liked it. Handling was OK but was never completely happy.
Just upgraded to a Niner One9 and are absolutely amazed what an improvement it is. It handles so much better. The Kona tended to washout the front wheel, had to really concentrate on keeping lots of weight over handle bars. It also was hard to manual, not helped by changing chainstay length with sliding dropout adjusters. I always felt I was riding on the Unit, like sitting on a barstool. The Niner feels more like I am sitting in it. I know I am comparing a cheap steel frame (Kona) with a high end Scandium frame (niner) and there is a huge difference in price. The Niner frame costs more than the complete Kona bike. But, if you want a bike that gives the best ride and handling, and you have the money, go for the Niner, you won't be disappointed.
Bike Setup: Upgraded brakes to Avid Elixir, fork to Fox F29 (2010), cranks to XT.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Windrider87
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2010
Strengths: Wide bars (28"), good tires, vertical dropout, rigid frame, mechanical disc brakes, comes in 21" large size, 29" wheels, good pedals, great price--all stock.
Weaknesses: Stiff front end but that's cause no suspension.
Bottom Line:
My first 29er after riding full suspension Yeti 575 for years. Bought this one to take on lighter trails--cinder hike & bike and on city streets. Single speed + 29 is the way to go, even with the hilly terrain in Austin. I am 6'1" clydesdale, so the big 21" frame fits perfectly. With no front suspension, the rock gardens get pretty jittery on technical trails, so it would be better to stay on hard pack or loose dirt. Glides through sand, too. Vertical dropout makes changing rear tire easy (which I have done). Gear ratios are just right. Mechanical disc brakes are easy to adjust and no hydraulic fluid to change. Kept my full suspension for more technical rides, but Unit gets me out more.
Similar Products Used: Like Karate Monkey or Redline Monocog, but cheaper.
Bike Setup: Stock 2010. Added Crank Bros. Mallet pedals for when I want to clip in.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Dismal
a Weekend Warrior
from Peebles
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2010
Strengths: All the basics are present and correct. Strong stiff frame with classic steel feel.
Weaknesses: Nothing... when stuff wears out, it deserves good stuff replaced with.
OK the Vs could be better.... and stem was way too long
Bottom Line:
£350 brand new... The best damn bike i have ever had... bar none. It was good as it came, but with wider bars, shorter stem, and aggressive tires... it really shines. I have other really nice +2k hardtails, but i keep returning to this time after time.... I get the most amazing buzz from this bike. Weight is a respectable 22lb but i dont really care. It goes exactly where i point it at any speed. Lots of smiles!
Strengths: Great geometry, ride quality, nice paint, sliding vertical dropouts
Weaknesses: Geometry not adjusted for suspension travel
Bottom Line:
This is for the '06 26" version. I bought this frame 'used' with hardly a scratch on it and quickly pirated parts from my SS commuter to build it up. I initially put an old SID on the front, but recently went back to the Kona Project 2 fork - I thought I'd sworn off 26" rigid rides, but this thing ROCKS. Rigid, I could rail harder than with the suspension fork, especially since the SID raised the front end up a bit, slackening the head angle too much for my liking. Rides great, lots of fun - great winter trainer. If you can find one, buy it.
Weaknesses: paintjob could be better--not looks wise--just dings up easily, maybe thicker clearcoat??
Bottom Line:
this is my fav in the stable, for narley xc and slight to moderate downhills, it rocks. in sully, find someone that can beat me up and down, we'll toss bets. if this breaks, ill be surprised, but will immediately start looking for another--almost bought same thing on ebay again (frame only) just because...if they had 6 flaming turds for value, it would be there
Bike Setup: orange unit with all metal horizontal dropouts, blue king hs, blue king hubs on all black mavic 517's, answer protaper highriser, thomson 90 elite, koobi au enduro, green salsa qr, rasta front qr skewer, red race face forged, fsa triple bearing bb, wellgo magnesiums powdered blue to match king--bling
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountainview, ontario, canada
