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Submitted by
silentG
a Weekend Warrior
from Prescott AZ
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Cactus Bikes | | Strengths: | Excellent build quality and attention to detail in the build
Rides/feels lighter than it is (around 30 lbs)
Handles really well
Very stable on trails
Climbs well | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals but you already know that
A little bit choppy bombing down hills although that could be me adjusting to the feel of a hardtail more than the Blast
A bit hard to find in Arizona although this has to do with the fact that people like Kona and this model in particular | | Similar Products Used: | Marin East Peak, Fezzari Wiki Peak, Bridgestone MB-6 back in the day | | Bike Setup: | Stock as a mutha except for the following:
Switched out pedals to DMR V12 mags that I already had
Put on some Avid BB-7 that I already had, stock Hayes MX-4 seemed alright though
| | Bottom Line: | This is for a 2009 Blast
I did a ton of research before buying this thing. Looked at Fisher Wahoo Disc/Piranha, Specializd, Marin, Ibex, Fezzari, etc
Broke everything down on spreadsheets, the whole 9.
It could be awhile before I can spring for a new bike so I wanted to make sure that I spent my cash wisely.
What really sealed the deal for me was that I couldn't find anyone who had anything bad to say about Kona or anyone who was unhappy who owned a Kona.
I'm not saying those other bikes aren't good but the sum of the parts on this bike is really more than it looks on paper when you go ahead and ride it.
For example, is a Dart 2 the greatest fork in the world? No, however, it works well with the entire package.
The other nice thing is that for the cost you end up with a strong frame platform for future upgrades and sweet single track fu for years to come.
Maybe upgrade the fork to a Tora this winter, tires to WTB Weirwolf when the Maxxis give up the ghost, etc.
I definitely feel that I am the limiter in the equation rather then my Blast when it comes to what can be done on the trail.
The stock Maxxis Ignitor tires are good although they seem a bit narrow visually for 2.1 tires.
I have been running them at 40 psi out here in Arizona where we have small rocks, dirt, sand, baby heads, sharp rocks, cactus, etc
Tires have held up well in terms of durability, grip, etc
One thing I would definitely say is that you probably can't go beyond a 2.1 or maybe a 2.24 inch tire in the back. Not a lot of clearance at the top of the frame for the back tire.
5 chilis for value and 5 chilis for overall rating at this price point and for this type of bike.
Nicer/plusher rides can be had but they will cost you more clams than the Kona Blast. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
captain sorebum
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa rosa, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | anadel | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | rented for two days | | Strengths: | Good stock pedals, good shocks for the price. Rides very smoothly and climbs well. | | Weaknesses: | Horrible derailer, makes a ton of noise. The stock seat. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4300 | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2008 | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike for the price. I only rented it for 2 days while on vacation, but it was a fun ride for relatively smooth trails. This bike does not bomb hills; it got pretty bouncy on a poorly paved road. Anything bumpier is out of the question downhill, but it's not bad for a hardtail; the bike is quite stable, and the shocks work alright. The breaks are pretty good, definitely not bad at least.
The only real complaint I have is about the seat. The stock seat is unbearable. After riding for about 2 hours I was sore and bruised.
The derailer is kind of bad and it makes a lot of noise, but it's tolerable.
Bottom line: good bike for packed or somewhat smooth trails for the price. Kind of a bumpy ride, but still fun. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross417
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, ON
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Camp Fortune | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Tall Tree Cycles | | Strengths: | Great all-around bike. The bike feels very solid and gives me a lot of confidence. The geometry is good, and I've never gone over the handlebars. The tires work well in all conditions, and the components all do the job I expect from them. The paint finish is very good. | | Weaknesses: | I found the Hayes MX-4 mechanical brakes took a lot of adjusting to get set-up just right. The Rockshox Dart 2 fork comes with a stiff spring, which I believe is rated for riders >170 pounds. I find it a little heavy for me (160 pounds). After about 6 rides, the bottom bracket became a little bit loose, but the bike shop re-greased the threads and tightened it for me. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous bikes I used were a Rocky Mountain Soul and a GT i-Drive. | | Bike Setup: | 2009 Kona Blast. All stock. I ordered a less stiff spring for the fork. | | Bottom Line: | I use this bike on the trails at the local ski hill, and also for going places around town. For a bike in this price range, I'm very happy with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stu23
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | not sure yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$660.00 | | Purchased At: | local store | | Strengths: | Had this bike for less than a month,just got back into mountain biking and what a delight this bike is. Great climber , light and tough. Good rear starter mech deore. Shifters are ok for a start and the forks seem to work well, rock shox dart 2 100mm travel, includes the lockout key. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes are ok, but noticing some rubbing from the discs but i read it takes a while for them to be worn in. I also read these brakes are not great and to upgrade to Avid bb7s when possible. | | Bike Setup: | straight out the store.
Ouch i hear you say, will replace rear and front mech and shifters with stx asap.
Frame:
Kona All-Mountain aluminium Butted
Fork:
RockShox Dart 2 with Turnkey 100mm
Front Derailleur:
Shimano Acera
Rear Derailleur:
Shimano Deore
Shifters:
Shimano Acera
Chainset:
FSA Alpha Drive
Chainrings:
44/32/22 tooth chainrings
Bottom Bracket:
FSA Powerdrive
Cassette:
Shimano Alivio (11-32 tooth range, 8 speed)
Chain:
Shimano HG40
Pedals:
Wellgo LU-A9
Front Brake:
Shimano M416 Mechanical Disc
Rear Brake:
Shimano M416 Mechanical Disc
Brake Levers:
Avid FR-5
Handlebars:
Kona XC/BC Riser
Stem:
Kona XC/BC
Headset:
TH
Grips:
Kona Race Light
Rims:
Alex ACE-18
Front Hub:
Formula Disc
Rear Hub:
Shimano M475 disc
Spokes:
Stainless 14g
Front Tyre:
Maxxis Ignitor 26x2.1
Rear Tyre:
Maxxis Ignitor 26x2.1
Saddle:
WTB Speed V Sport SE
Seatpost:
Kona Thumb
Seat Binder:
Kona QR
| | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike to start mountain biking with also if you are just getting back into mountain biking like me.
Great climber, handles well on the single track.
overall love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chironomidkraut
a Cross Country Rider
from alberta canada
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to mention | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | ascent cycle | | Strengths: | Awsome frame, strong and handles lots of abuse from my extreme xc riding | | Weaknesses: | poor pedals,tires and shifters but good for beginners | | Similar Products Used: | this is my forth kona, 1 fire mountain-2 cinder cone- 3 muni mula and now the blast i love KONAS | | Bike Setup: | upgraded components, now have shimano lx cassette and chain- Shimano SLX 9-speed shifters and front and rear deraillers, Race face evolve am stem, race face evolve xc bars, and Crank brothers candy c pedals- and pancracer tires this is it so far but the shox and crank are the next to go | | Bottom Line: | great bike for multi uses | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
STACK
a Weekend Warrior
from Macomb MI USA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Stoney creek | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | artist formerly know | | Strengths: | Durable, reliable, took me on some pretty black trails for the price i paid. Its the same bike in the picture on top, so it looked good too. | | Weaknesses: | None really, after four years or so my 220lb arse started to bend the handle bars, the grips use to slip off to, but thats nitpicking. | | Similar Products Used: | Old trek bike, schwinn | | Bike Setup: | Mostly shimano stuff, base i guess. | | Bottom Line: | I have a "buudy" that runs a Trek store, he tells me he is going to give me 25% off cuz i've known him for 5-6 years, this sounds good but..... I have to give Kona a shot, I have had NO major repairs on my 04 Blast. The Blast has worked so well i'm almost afraid to step up a notch. It is not the lightest bike, and probobly not for serious racing, but in the "less than a thousand" range, buy one and have a blast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pedal power
a Weekend Warrior
from Rapid City,South Dakota USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | St. Martins,M hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | acme bikes | | Strengths: | the frame kicks balls + the shifting is great and i love the braking | | Weaknesses: | fork is mediocer and the pedals suck but replaceable
the tires R ok | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hot rock, specialized hard rock, kona stuff | | Bottom Line: | great bike for cross country and small down hill and any back country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
konablast07
a Downhiller
from B.C.
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | All of whistler bike park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bikes | | Strengths: | Sweet looks, nice shifters, great brand. Strong frame | | Weaknesses: | Worst fork in the history of XC bikes sucky tires horrible pedals bad brakes | | Similar Products Used: | TREK bruiser 1 specialized | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Kona blast, Wellgo pedals Kenda tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, but you should put some money into upgrades, like first buying new pedals, then tires then buy a half decent fork
(WAAAAY BETTER THAN MY FRIENDS TREK BRUISER 1) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jimib007
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Hamsterly | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$660.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle centre | | Strengths: | Cheap for the level of bike. Comfortable & handles really well. I love my Kona! It's strong and will take everything I throw at it. | | Weaknesses: | MMMM? I little heavier than I would like, and the stock parts wern't that great but good enough for a beginner. Especially the crank. B/B went after a month or so and the middle chain ring bent early on. But thats not the bikes fault, it Truvativ's! | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Giant, | | Bike Setup: | Kona Blast 06, New LX & XT Gears & sifters, New SLX crank. Marzocchi mz comp forks, black eye sun rims. Shimano mechanical breaks. | | Bottom Line: | I love my Kona!!!!!!! It has its pro's and it's con's. But you'll never appreciate a bike if you don't have to improve its parts to suit your riding style. I've bought new & improved parts for my bike and it's almost exactly how i'd like it. (New forks & wheels next!)
If your new to the sport or want to get back into it. Get this. You'll not be disappointed!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kaska.33
a Cross Country Rider
from Whistler BC Canada
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Comfortably Numb | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove bikes | | Strengths: | Strong , light, great climber | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, seat a little wide | | Similar Products Used: | This is my 3rd Kona. 2 down hills, first cross country | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I like it so much I use it in the Whistler bike park and it takes it quite well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frankmo13
a Cross Country Rider
from Pointe-du-lac, Qc, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Backwood trails close to home | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Passion Vélo | | Strengths: | I love it, It's light, strong frame, the brakes work great even after treking through mud, water, and dirt. The grips are great. The tires have awesome grip on road and trails. The derailleurs are a treat. Good going uphill. | | Weaknesses: | The tired do NOT grip in the mud. Going uphills is hard when the tired don't grip. The pedals suck, no grip but still sharp enough to make a dent in your shin. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized rockhopper, Specialized Stumpjumper HT. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, will change the tire dwhen i have time. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. The tire may need replacing if you ride in mud. Awesome weight, gear assembly, grips, everything. Change the pedals. I'm totally happy with htis bike, couldn't have asked for more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emmett Underhill
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | RVC | | Strengths: | Great handling and frame, good price and parts scheme. Great for climbs and XC and can take lots of abuse. | | Weaknesses: | Somewhat heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Big-foot | | Bike Setup: | Standard except for: Shimano clipless pedals, Sram 9.0 rear derailleur and shifters, upgraded cog set, aluminum handle bar, WTB silverado saddle. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for the price. Once I threw in a few upgrades it was probably one of the best bikes I have ever owned. I use it almost every day. So if you need a cheap replacement for a XC bike the Kona blast is a great place to start: A great frame, nice components and good XC and climbing abilities. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Tucker
a Cross Country Rider
from On, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | King's Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Pieriks Cycle | | Strengths: | I'm pleased with this bike but I don't use it for what Kona intended it for, I kind of do a mix of every style of riding. It has strong derailers and crankarms and I really like the Hayes MX4 disc brakes that came with. Also the frame seems to be durable since it hasn't bent in any of my crashes off jumps or just goofing around. Overall I think this bike is a great buy for XC riding. | | Weaknesses: | The forks should probably be upgraded ASAP although I haven't done that yet. So far I have blew out the oil seals on my forks, snapped my handle bar in half, worn through my grips, popped 2 innertubes, bent my rim (a little) and losened a spoke. But this is pretty much all due to use it for things it isn't built for (like dirt jumping) and crashes. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | New Handle bar, nothing else but I plan to buy new forks. | | Bottom Line: | I think this is an excellent bike especially because this bike isn't too high and it would be durable if I didn't abuse it, and like some other people said you can't go wrong with a KONA. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
s76philly
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Orchard, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Banner (Port Orchard) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Oak Harbor WA | | Strengths: | My first MT bike was a 2004 Kona Blast and it has treated me well. Have beat the s*** out of it and still rides great to this day for the money I spent. Still have original tires. | | Weaknesses: | I have since upgraded to a carbon handle bar, pedals, titec grips, disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | Because of the great value I received from this beginner bike, I swear by Kona. I have ridden this bike in WA, CT, RI, UT, and CA for years now and it still rides great. I am actually not looking forward to hanging it up but it has earned a place on my wall once I get a new Kona. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GTCB
a Cross Country Rider
from Sarnia, ON, CAN
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path | | Strengths: | Decent mid-range components, bullet-proof bike operation, good handling, very stable | | Weaknesses: | Quite heavy for a hard-tail, original Marzocchi fork wasn't that great, original grips & seat were uncomfortable | | Bike Setup: | XT shifters, F/D, R/D, crank, SPD pedals, Bontrager saddle, Ritchie flatbar, updated grips, bar-ends, RockShox Tora 318 | | Bottom Line: | I'm upgrading to a Santa Cruz very soon, but before I do I wanted to say a few words about my old 2004 Kona Blast. Yeah, it was pretty heavy, and the stock components are not great, but you know what? It was a great bike for a beginning rider who wants to go on the same trails the big boys ride on. An absolutely solid machine that is one of the best values on the market. The only problems I ever had were flats and one broken R/D hanger from a stick that got caught in the wheel. I will remember this bike fondly for a long time. I recommend the Kona Blast to anyone looking at an entry-level XC Hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Bracy
a Weekend Warrior
from Okinawa City, Okinawa
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | whole island | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$738.00 | | Purchased At: | Outdoor shop NEOS | | Strengths: | Wonderful group of parts right off the floor. Nice paint scheme. I have the all black with silver decals. | | Weaknesses: | Not a one so far. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Grunge pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike gets me b&f to work and sees some serious trails on the weekends. I paid a little more than y'all since I am in Japan. I may buy some lighter parts later, but for now it's doing just fine. Glad to finally own a Kona. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Chapman
a
from Cheyenne WY USA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Not sure | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$610.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle Ft Collins CO | | Strengths: | Great mix of components for the price. Weight, and fit | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6500, Kona Koa, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Stock until my parts get here | | Bottom Line: | From what I found it seems to be the best bike in it's price range. I've had a Kona before and loved it. This bike fits me really well I'm 5'10" 180, and I got a 17" bike. I wanted something that I could ride trails with, and not have to worry about it breaking if I push it. I think it has really good geometry I'm used to top tubes without crazy slope so this works really well for me. Also backed by a great bike shop in Ft Collins. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arthur Amaral
a Weekend Warrior
from Sao Paulo, Brazil
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | All the desert on Atacama, Chile. Any other hard stuff in the forrrest! | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Star Bike Products | | Strengths: | Great frame, great painting, nice fork, good deore cranks/shifters. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals arent very good, steel handlebar. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Fire Mountain, Alfameq Tirreno, other bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, with exception of weels, tires and brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price! I changed my brakes for Shimano Deore LX Hyd, and now this baby brakes like hell! I rode in the driest desert in the world, Atacama desert in Chile, twice and this bike rox! It can handle hard riding, althoght i have never pushed it too much. All said, a great bike for begginers or experienced people looking for a great time! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim F
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Rotorua | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$670.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike BArn | | Strengths: | good fork, awesome frame | | Weaknesses: | front derailleur is too cheap (Acera) | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Escape, Gary fisher | | Bike Setup: | Standard, Dart 2 fork, hayes mx4 brakes, Deore gears | | Bottom Line: | Bought on sale for just $60 more than the 30% discounted 07 model, even after looking at the 2007 Blast, and 2008 Cinder cone !
I wanted the ease of mechanical discs, and a reasonably light bike. The 2007 frame was really chunky, they saved about half a kg on the new frame, and it has sweetly tapered tubes, and awesome understated metallic green.
Other bikes I looked at had base model hydraulic brakes, like Hayes Sole brakes which have poor reviews, and most didn't have a half decent oil damped fork for this price.
My particular bike had a rockshox dart 2, and has lockout and rebound adjust at the bottom of the fork too.
Changed the acera front derailleur, as it seemed pretty rubbish compared to the rest of the gear on the bike.
Feels well balanced, the brakes are awesome, Avid levers and hayes disc brakes combo give it a hydro feel to the brakes. Fork is sprung pretty hard, hopefully it'll soften up a bit with more use..
The wheelset is a bit lightweight(hopefully they'll last I am only 165lbs , but I bet I'll have to replace them at some point, (Alex 18 rims).
Sweet looking bike in green and black
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marc
a Weekend Warrior
from cherry hill, nj, usa
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Great frame, nice overall package for a reasonable price | | Weaknesses: | Handlebar is weak | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | AOK | | Bottom Line: | I am a rank beginner who has ridden XC trails in south jersey all of six times and have been having a terrific time riding this bike. I know nothing about the technical stuff, but I know that this bike is fun. The Specialized I tested was very nice, too - it, also, had disc brakes. I am very pleased with the Blast so far and recommend it highly if you are in the market for XC hardtail and don't want to spend an arm and a leg to get into this super sport. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from east peoria, il, us
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | schroll (farmdale) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$525.00 | | Purchased At: | little ades | | Strengths: | good all round strong frame!! | | Weaknesses: | tires/tubes suck got a flat hoppin a curb @ 2mph!! front fork cheap... front derailer rubs on big ring... | | Similar Products Used: | gary fischer | | Bike Setup: | stock for now | | Bottom Line: | great bike dependable... good price for what you get!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Alberta
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Very good components for a good price. Turn key lockout on the Dart 2 fork. Very good brakes with lots of power. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing yet! | | Similar Products Used: | Other mtb bikes | | Bike Setup: | Stock parts. Hayes discs, Shimano Acera-x parts, Maxxis Ignitor tires. Removed those peddle cages immediately. | | Bottom Line: | Wicked bike. Components fit very well for the price and you get a good XC bike for less than $1000. And its a Kona! Frame is built smaller and gives lots of control. Fork works quite well and lockout is an added bonus when climbing. Highly recommended if you want an affordable XC bike without hardcore riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erwin Frank-Schultz
a Weekend Warrior
from Hampshire UK
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS (price in GBP) | | Strengths: | This is 2007 version (RockShox Dart2 forks)
Great bike to ride | | Weaknesses: | Front dérailleur very close to chain - touches on small/large combination - not sure how to remedy this (stop screw not even making contact)
See review on MX-3 brakes not particularly happy with them | | Similar Products Used: | Giant | | Bike Setup: | Std - ordered dome LX hydros to replace MX-4s | | Bottom Line: | First "proper" MTB, so not much to compare this with. Very happy with ride though.
Quite expensive for what you get but got good trade-in on old bike at LBS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ronald Pena
a Weekend Warrior
from Honduras
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike and Roll | | Strengths: | Good Brakes. Great geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Rear and front derrailleurs. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4000 | | Bike Setup: | Shimano LX. Hayes mechanical disc MX. Marzocchi MZ. | | Bottom Line: | Goood entry level bike a very nice geometry excelente braking. average weight. I´m very satisfied with this bike and if I changed it would definitly be for another Kona. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz, California, USA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Dead Campers/ Red Mailbox | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Strengths: | Solid frame, disc brakes, and great geometry. Weight was very comfortable too. | | Weaknesses: | The forks are weak on the bigger bumps, and I bent a chain ring on a small climb. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky dee-lux, Stab Primo, Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | All stock, with a new chain ring. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, and one of my favorite hardtails. It climbs relatively easy and the price is just right. I would recomend changing the forks if you are a serious mountain biker, but for the average person it's perfect. It's definately a "Kona" and well worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan Felt
a Cross Country Rider
from Central Europe
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Strengths: | Really great bike for the price,but only after I changed the pedals,tires and the seat.But now the weight of the thing is around 15kg which is borderline OK for an XC bike.This is for the 2004 model which is far superior to the newer models in terms of equipment you get. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals and Tires. | | Bottom Line: | If you are on budget this is probably it.Get the 2004 model if you can. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donovan TAIT
a Cross Country Rider
from Sooke , B.C. , CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Galloping Goose Trail, Victoria | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Deep Cove Bikes - North Vanc | | Strengths: | Great value. Nice looking Bike. Big,strong frame. Great feeling on the trails - single track et al. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals - change pedals to clip-less. Wheels get "out of true" quickly. Some whimpy parts. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F600 , Brodie NUCLEUS | | Bike Setup: | Stock. Pedals replaced. | | Bottom Line: | A good solid Bike for the price. Good for any level of rider. It is KONA product , 'nuff said !
I am completely satisfied with this Bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Gatineau park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle bertrand | | Strengths: | Really solid bike , fun to ride ,great price | | Weaknesses: | Fork are little cheap, breaks bad when wet | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | add disc breaks | | Bottom Line: | Really good deal for your money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bneall
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Backbone @ SoCal | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | H&S Bikes - Burbank CA | | Strengths: | Burely Frame, nice Geom. Sturdy brakes and drivechain. Decent weight. | | Weaknesses: | Fork is low quality, tops out too much and overall is too plush. Tires are sub-standard, if you're doing any rocky downhills, you'll need better. | | Similar Products Used: | First trail bike. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Stock, replaced front tire with 2.35 Kenda Nevegal. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike, takes a beating, rides smooth, feels great.
Great price! Kona rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chad
a Weekend Warrior
from madison, wisconsin, USA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Devil's Head | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$475.00 | | Purchased At: | Willy Bikes, Madison, WI | | Strengths: | This bike has a really strong frame and excellent components. The shifting is second to none and the rear derailler can really take a beating. Great bike for beginners or intermediates. | | Weaknesses: | The petals are really weak, i broke mine within a month. The fork is somewhat sloppy but it gets the job done. Also the brakes are NOT good for downhill riding, ESPECIALLY if its even a little wet. Upgrade to disc brakes. Be sure to oil up the grips to shrink them to the handles before you ride also, otherwise they are a little loose. | | Bike Setup: | stock (lack of funding to upgrade) | | Bottom Line: | The Blast is a solid ride, especially for beginners not wanting to spend too much money on that first bike. It'll get you through the trails you want to go on, consider upgrading the brakes though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Simpson
a Weekend Warrior
from concord,north carolina, america
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | beech springs | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | south park bicycles | | Strengths: | frame, suspension, brakes | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000 | | Bottom Line: | this bike is awesome! but don't buy the new one cause it sucks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zach malinowitz
a Cross Country Rider
from windham, maine, united states
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | theyre all good, as long as its ridable | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | bath bike and ski | | Strengths: | the frame is awesome, components, dimensions all good. the rear derailler is shimano LX so its in good shape in the shifting department. everything stays in good order, the only things ive needed fixed were the fork. other than that only regular tune ups. | | Weaknesses: | the marzocchi fork blows. just recently its been spitting up rust, the lube i apply to it and i take VERY good care of my bike. its squeaking like crazy even after cleaning it a million times and having it serviced by professionals. the rear rim also has 3 dents in the sides, possibly from hitting curbs by accident. | | Similar Products Used: | this is my first agressive hardtail | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for shimano clipless pedals, ruffian grips, both tires, and rear rim, due to lack of funding | | Bottom Line: | the blast has served me well by holding up and staying together on some pretty hard trails, jumps and just beatin around. the fork sucks soo bad i would recommend saving up and buying a new one with the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Brunssum, Limburg, Netherlands
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | bike2build.com | | Strengths: | Good value for money, great suspension, nice frame (got the 2005 black one), rims | | Weaknesses: | Headset, brakes, drivetrain, tires | | Similar Products Used: | GT lts 2000 (not sure about the year) | | Bike Setup: | Changed headset into Chris King, brakes into Hayes HFX-9, tires into Geax (don't know the model) | | Bottom Line: | Really cool bike for that kind of money, just needs to be upgraded a bit when you start riding in more than on the weekends. DON'T TAKE DOWNHILLS WITH THESE BRAKES!!!! Suspension is one of the cheapest Marzocchie offers, but works great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | lots of different xc places | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | most things, i don't know about the brakes, i only tested it, but i think most things are really good | | Weaknesses: | the pedals. i don't like the pedals, and i dont know how good the brakes are because i heard that some people didn't like them | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock pro disc, kona fire mountain, many others | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | a good bike, for any beginner, or advanced riders who don't want something really expensive. it's a great bike for the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirk
a Cross Country Rider
from Centerville, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Hueston Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Good components for the price. Nice frame with good geometry. Really like the Marz fork. BTW, mine is a 2005 model. Although some don't seem to like the Shimano mechanical disc brakes, I've been quite pleased with them. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailleur - will upgrade to XT soon. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Rainier, KHS Alite 1000, Specialized SJ (which I liked a lot, but costs too much for my budget). | | Bike Setup: | Longer stem than the original. Replaced the riser bar with a straight bar then went back to the original as the straight bar put my center of gravity too far forward for going down steep hills safely. | | Bottom Line: | I've just gotten back into biking after a long hiatus. I ride cross-country trails up to moderate difficulty - nothing too insane at this point. This seems like a great bike for the money, for riders that are anything like me. I had the impression from shop owners that Kona is easy to work with on warranty related matters if I happen to have a problem. The bike works so well for me now, I'm having a hard time rationalizing the upgrades that I had planned, other than the front derailleur. It seems robust and reliable so far. Looks sharp IMHO, with the black/black color scheme. I tried out 3 other bikes as rentals on trails, and I can say that if I had to make the choice over again, I would shoose the Kona Blast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Scrivener
a
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclelogical | | Strengths: | Frame, geometry and wheels are not bad. | | Weaknesses: | Fork,breaks,pedals. Grips slide off when wet ( put some petrol on them and the will shrink onto the handle bar. | | Similar Products Used: | many.... | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi marathon sl fork 120mm travel, Deore hydro discs, shimano clipless pedals.
| | Bottom Line: | Although I have added all this stufff to this bike, I still love it. The frame is light, stiff and very stong. The geometry is also very good and it climbs extremely well | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga,N.Y.,U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | long rides | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Frame,high ground clearance on frame, fork, price | | Weaknesses: | Cheap componants | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Easton Monkey Lite bar, Raceface crankset with xc signature bottombracket, Cane Creek S6 headset, XT hubs with 223 disc rims, Xt rapid rise derailluer(really nice),Manitou shereb super fork(100mm,plush),WTB Laser V saddle(what a diferance) | | Bottom Line: | This is a upgraded review from previously posted. I ended up replacig the fork, the forks ok for entry level, but I wanted something more plush and light. The MZ is heavy, but dependable. The paint on the frame scratches easily I noticed. This bike can be upgraded to any persons riding style. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from Cornwall, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$530.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel and Heel | | Strengths: | Great components for the money. Very smooth shifting Excellent hill climbing capability. Nice geometry, light and solid frame, great shifting up and down hills. | | Weaknesses: | Grips are always sliding. Not the best brakes in the world. | | Bike Setup: | Kona Jack Sht grips, went Hayes HFX mag plus for brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, great frame geometry, nice looking paint and easy to upgrade to discs.
Would reccomend Kona to anyone.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a Cross Country Rider
from saratoga, N.Y., U.S.A.,
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Long Ride | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Frame, High Crankset, 9 speed | | Weaknesses: | Cheap bottom bracket and crankset(which bends). Headset bearings wore out. High maintenance hubs. Bad seat. Really bad brake levers. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Evolve crankset, Avid brake levers, Xt hubs and 223 disc rims, Xt 11-34 cass, headset? | | Bottom Line: | Do not buy this bike if you plan to x-crountry ride it will not hold up for you.I replaced the brake levers the first day. The seat broke the first two weeks and I had trouble with Kona's warranty dept. The high chainring bent on me many times. The bike only has 500miles on it for the season. I have taken the headset apart twice for cleaning, the lower bearing is completely wore out. The hubs I had to constantly clean. If your planning to ride on some back country roads or paved roads this bike is for you... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Harding
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Lygon Cycles | | Strengths: | Great fork, good rims, good gears | | Weaknesses: | Tires, seat | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for trail riding. Good spec, especialy gears and fork. Rims are good to. Ready for discs (disc hubs and levers standard). Good for anyone how wants a well speced bike at a great price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Memorial / Ant hills | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | West End Bicycles | | Strengths: | Fairly light and comfy frame, solid components, plush Marzocchi fork, looks nice, low price | | Weaknesses: | Pedals, seat. Also, like someone already said I have also found "the brakes to require adjustments if removing the front tire", which I do when using my roof rack. | | Similar Products Used: | First real MTB | | Bike Setup: | stock with addition of Time ATAC pedals and getting a new seat soon | | Bottom Line: | This is a great entry-level MTB... Deore/LX components function well and are duarable and the front fork rides great compared to the competition in the price range. Seat could be more comfy, but that's pretty normal, and the platform pedals w/ cages are decent but nothing special. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Stoey Creek, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | spring creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | pieriks | | Strengths: | dissent components, nice geometry, light and solid frame, great shifting up and down hills. | | Weaknesses: | only have incountered minor problem with this stock bike and that the grips are always sliding. | | Similar Products Used: | Norco kokonee, Kona firemountain, Giant rainier | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but will replace grips and peddles in the spring. | | Bottom Line: | My other bike is a double suspension, so this one is much lighter. Moves around much quicker up and down hills then my other bike. l have also had a blast on this bike on many urban assualts..Will test it out next spring on some ladders, logs and jump gaps, until then cant wait. the sunshining lm going riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester,UK
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Win Stanleys | | Strengths: | Great frame, good components, nice fork.
GREAT PRICE!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | No discs to start off with, not the best brakes in the world, struggle to get 100mm of travel out of forks. | | Similar Products Used: | First MTB. | | Bike Setup: | Added Shimano 525 discs. Apart from that, standard setup. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price, durable frame, good looking and easy to upgrade to discs.
Would reccomend Kona to anyone.
Only real problem is brakes.
BUY THIS BIKE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rpnen
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Boonga tree pass | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Addiction | | Strengths: | Great strong Frame, Decent forks, Excellent geometry, nice component set | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major | | Similar Products Used: | Norco Kokanee, Mongoose NX 8.5, GT Avalanche 2.0, GT Zaskar, Kona Cindercone, GT tequesta, Mongoose NX 7.3 | | Bike Setup: | Same as stock but new removable pin peddals and Blackspire 100% Canadian Ring GOD Chainring | | Bottom Line: | Great bike regardless of price. Sweet set-up straight from the store. Rides well, jumps well, drops well, smells nice, tastes great. I strongly recommend this bike for anyone who wants a bike that can handle whatever they chuck at it. Can be considered a little heavy but not soo bad. Excellent geometry!!! A nice small frame allows uber manueverability | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benjamin Davis
a Weekend Warrior
from Smyrna, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$599.00 | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycling | | Strengths: | Great Components, easy to upgrade to disc brakes, very strong frame. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle makes me sore after long rides. | | Bike Setup: | I added some crankbrothers eggbeater pedals. Soon I will upgrade the saddle. | | Bottom Line: | A great bike at a great price. This bike has performed very well for me and I would recommend it to a friend. I ride about 2-3 times a week on paved and unpaved trails and it works very well on both. Overall, a very good bike for most riders in most situations. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dalton
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Madrone Trail on Canyon Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Ozone Bike Department | | Strengths: | Exceptionally solid frame, haven't broken anything and I was over 250lbs when I first bought it. Saddle on the 2002 was very comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes on mine like to rub even after adjustment. Frame is fairly heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Was first Mnt Bike in almost 15 years (see comment about weight above) | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Judy TT, Mavic X139's, Tioga Terra Firma, Base level Deore shift kit with 8 speed cassette. Tru-Vativ 5D | | Bottom Line: | For my first bike in a while I must say it held up EXTREMELY well. There are still no unusal noises from any of the components. The only part of the bike that needs any replacement at all after 2 years of hard riding is the crankset (which was my fault, bent a crank arm and a chainring on a large rock that jumped out at me from nowhere -- They do that in Texas ya know).
I highly recommend Kona's to anyone new to biking, you can't go wrong with them and you'll never break the frames. If you're into racing you might want to skip most of the Kona line-up, these bikes are a bit heavier than similarly priced bikes. But overall an outstandingly solid ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Addiction | | Strengths: | Frame is great. Fantastic value, forks are ok too. | | Weaknesses: | Fairly cheap components, but for the price not too bad. Rims (mine were trashed within a month or 2). | | Bike Setup: | Now it's hardly the same bike. XTR front & rear der, XTR V-brakes, custom-built wheels on Mavic X618CD rims XT hubs, XT crankset. | | Bottom Line: | Great value for money. Bits will eventually break, but it will get you onto real off road for a low $$ cost, and the frame is good enough to make it worthwhile to upgrade the components as they wear (and they will).
It's great for somebody starting to get onto some decent trails, but doesn't want to fork out big $$. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | So far...Albion Hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Trail Blazer Cycles | | Strengths: | Good forks for the money, better than similiar priced bikes.
Complete Deore drivetrain (similiar priced bikes seem to have a lesser quality component or two). Decent doublewall rims and tires.
Feels very solid, good geometry for climbing. I haven't noticed the seat at all (good thing...no pain what so ever). | | Weaknesses: | Brakes (Tektro), would have been nice to get disks but I guess not at this price range. | | Similar Products Used: | Newb, only MTB was a Bianchi rigid. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | For $800 CAD I think this is one of the best values out there. When compared to offerings by Giant, Trek, Gary Fisher, this bike has the best combination of forks, drivetrain, brakes, rims/tires for the price.
I have found the brakes to require adjustments if removing the front tire, but I've heard this is normal for most brakes. I will upgrade the front brake to disk at some point. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Rapid City, SD
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | Acme Bicycles | | Strengths: | This is a quality cycle. I like the Tioga tires, marzocchi fork, mavic rims, and the overall construcion and componentry level of the bike. It has all ready put up with quite a bit of stress for a cross country bike (riding down stairs, a couple bad wipe outs, etc.) Very responsive and fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | I've ridden an older Stumpjumper a few times, as well a a solid frame Trek I used to have. This bike is very good for the price. | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a "blast" to ride and I haven't had any serious problems with it. If you want a real mountain bike and are on a budget, look no further. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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