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Submitted by
GoremanX
a Weekend Warrior
from Ile-Aux-Noix, QC
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Island Line, Burlington, VT | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Earl's Cyclery and F | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, super stiff and looks great. Can take a beating. Most of the components are more than adequate for XC riding. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the components are under-spec'ed for this application. The wheels were especially lame. The original pedals that came on mine (2006 Hoss) were beyond weak. | | Similar Products Used: | 2005 Kona Blast, Jamis XC 2.0 | | Bike Setup: | Original:
Bone stock 2006 Kona Hoss (20", not Deluxe)
Current:
2008 Kona Hoss frame (22")
2009 Bombshell Fat Daddy 26” 36 Spoke Wheelset
2009 SRAM X.9 Trigger Shifters
2009 Shimano Deore XT M770 Front Derailleur
2009 SRAM X.7 Medium Cage Rear Derailleur
2009 Gore Ride-On Sealed Shifter Cables
2009 Race Face Atlas AM 175mm Crankset 24/36/bashguard
2009 Shimano Deore XT Cassette 11-34
2009 SRAM PC-991 Cross Step Chain
2009 Hayes Stroker Carbon V-8/V-7
2009 RockShox Domain 318 IS 115-160mm
2009 FSA Orbit Extreme Pro Headset
2009 Race Face Atlas AM Stem 70mm/+8degree
2009 Race Face Diabolus DH Riser Handlebars
2009 Race Face Diabolus DH Seat Post
| | Bottom Line: | I originally bought a base 20" Kona Hoss on special back in 2006. That bike served me exceedingly well for years. It was my first new bike since my teenage years, and I learned how to ride all over again with it. While none of the original components were especially impressive (mostly base Shimano Deore drivetrain and cable disc brakes), they functioned well and lasted for the life of the bike.
The only real let-down was the wheelset, which suffered some serious damage on rather tame trails. They kept bending, I kept getting them trued, and then they'd bend again. Spokes would snap frequently. Overall, I'll never be going anywhere near Alex Rims DM24's again.
The frame was especially impressive. I'm 6'1" and I started out weighing 325 pounds when I bought the bike. It never complained about my bulk. It was always super-stiff and strong, with no give whatsoever. I now weigh 260 pounds (and dropping), and I owe most of that to this bike.
Unfortunately, there was an accident recently and the bike had to be replaced. I decided to just order a new bare Hoss frame and outfit it with the components I've always wanted. I also decided on a 22" frame this time, since I always felt a little cramped on the 20" one. The 2008 frame looks gorgeous in bright metallic blue, and the 22" size is perfect for me. There have been some minor updates to the frame, like revised cable routing for the rear brakes and derailleur.
This new bike feels amazing. It gives me the confidence to tackle obstacles I never would've considered before. The frame is still incredibly stiff, but the 22" size has given me tons more flexibility to adjust my riding position any way I want. By comparison, my step-dad's Jamis XC 2.0 feels soft and squishy, and my girlfriend's Kona Blast is unresponsive and boring.
Unfortunately, Kona got rid of the low-end Hoss model and only offers the more expensive one (which is no longer dubbed "Deluxe"). I know for a fact that I never would've bought mine 3 years ago if it had cost $1199. But anyone can order a bare frame through their Kona dealer and build it to their own specs like I did, so budget Hoss builds are still possible.
I wouldn't call mine "budget" though... the MSRP of all the combined components I picked is $2800, before any taxes!!! Hurray for eBay!
Value: 5 flaming chilies for the original price of $699 of my 2006 Hoss. I would give less if I were rating the current $1199 Hoss.
Overall: 5 flaming chilies for an overall awesome bike, with a truly spectacular frame at a dirt-cheap price. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steveo
a Weekend Warrior
from bc
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | good frame, tires and shifters, rims | | Weaknesses: | warranty, crank set, brakes, seat, free wheel rear hub,would prefer an anodized frame | | Similar Products Used: | haven`t used another hard tail | | Bike Setup: | stock except up graded brakes, went to shimano, crank, seat. rear hub. | | Bottom Line: | This is a 2007 model, since then I have changed some of the problem components. The old hayes sole brakes were horrible, leaked,failed, the wtb seat bent within 6 months,I`m about 220 Lbs and ride XC. the isis crank arms bent and the rear free wheel seized up. they have all been replaced with different comp, kona warranty wasn`t good for anything. They attibuted it to crash damage. Give me a break. My next bike won`t be a kona because of the poor warranty support. It seems they don`t stand behind there product. Maybe if you bought a $5000.00 bike. I can`t say, I won`t be buying one. I`ll probably go giant next, my friend has one and the warranty support has been excellent | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Congo_elrosso
a Cross Country Rider
from BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Awesomely stiff & strong frame, great geometry. For the price I'm surprised how well most of the original parts held up. | | Weaknesses: | Originally had an 07 DJ 4 fork on it which was pretty crappy, although functional enough. The hayes sole brakes were a bit weak. | | Similar Products Used: | 02 Caldera, 04 Hammer | | Bike Setup: | 07 Hoss with 09 DJ 2, juicy 5 front brake & Kona primo pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bang for buck hardtail bike I ever had, even better now that I've switched the front fork & brake. The 09 Hoss looks like an even better deal I suggest any heavy riders out there to seriously consider this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jfrance
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Excellent geometry, wanted a smaller frame for hardtail freeride, I am 6'2" and used an 18" and still have plenty of room to move about. Bike was trashed when I purchased off ebay, came free with fork I had bought, $60 khaki powder coat good as new. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Lava Dome, Airborne Lucky Strike | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Drop-Off Triple, Hayes 9 Brakes, e.13 STS, Sram x.7 rear shift/dur/casset9sp. Race Face Atlas Freeride cranks, DTS onyx hubs, white sun rims, cane creek headset, richey stem, hellbent bars. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, I build it as something to jump on and beat up, and it has grown into my favorite. I see no need to sell the bike as it gets scratched or chipped from use, being aluminum its cheap and easy and possible to pick nearly any color, to have powder coated and looking as new or better as the day you bought it. Fine a frame you love, everything else is an easy fix. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
krazy kat
a Racer
from saugerties
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | the ruffest steepest trails possible | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | overlook mtb | | Strengths: | very strong frame forks are bullet proof | | Weaknesses: | mechanical discs are a pain to keep adjusted wish it had more front end tavel | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I have put this bike through hell and back multiple times riding through trails that should only be ridden by downhill bikes and the hoss was asking for more so far this is the most durable bike i have ever ridden | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Viking74
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle WA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Stiff, stiff, stiff. All the power you can generate reaches the rear wheel.For stock tires the roll good. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork is crap, 6"rotor is crap. | | Similar Products Used: | GF bigsur | | Bike Setup: | 2008 Hoss, Fox 36 Talas fork, CK headset, Thomson stem, seat post, Avid bb7 brakes 8"rotors, Saint crank, Mavic anodized d521 wheels, XT hubs. | | Bottom Line: | I am 6' 275 lbs and NOT a fatarse and beat the crap out o my bikes and so far my Hoss is the best bike I have ever owned. It makes my Gary fisher feel like a wet noodle.
The only problems that I had were, that the front fork was useless on anything but pavement (unless you are a little guy) and the fork was sooooo weak I had to replace it before I broke it in.
Also the 6" rotor for a clydesdale bike is total crap. I had to sand the brake pads after every ride until I put my avids on.
Don't get me wrong I love my Kona and will always own one, but if you are going to make a beefy bike make sure the components match the frame. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fatass69er
a Cross Country Rider
from Liverpool, England
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed Llandegla Red | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | coed llandegla | | Strengths: | fantastic frame good geomatry it come swith good tyres and easy to ride, it is surprisingly light easy to jump | | Weaknesses: | crappy shifters needs 130mm travel forks atleast | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock sport | | Bike Setup: | standard with avid juicy threes | | Bottom Line: | a fantastic bike iwould reccomend it to anyone ive never had any problems with mine i thaught i would be needing a new crank because i ride approx 8 miles a day and its nearly 2 years old now and this is still fantastic. This bike is more for the heavier rider but im not saying a weedy guy cant buy this. i will probably never buy a new bike to replace it i will just simply umpgrade parts gradually untill irs worth about 3000$ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Baxta 69
a Cross Country Rider
from East Anglia, UK
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | All local | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Pauls Cycles | | Strengths: | Everything. I am a big lad and so far all has stood up well. I absolutely love this bike and I am now a dedicated Kona man. | | Weaknesses: | Not a weakness but I changed the straight seatpost for one with an offset to give me more room in the cockpit. I may also change the stem to one which has a steeper angle and slightly longer if poss | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Specialized, Giant, GT | | Bike Setup: | Standard except for above. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the mutts nuts. Everything is sturdy and well put together. A real pleasure to use and abuse | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mrirving
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, Florida
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Oliver's Cycle sport | | Strengths: | Bullet proof frame | | Weaknesses: | The original fork left something to be desired | | Bike Setup: | Completely custom, '05 Hoss,Brontrager Earl wheels, LX Cranks, Race Face Rings, Race Face Evolve AM stem, Hayes HFX9 brakes,Bontrager xxxlite Carbon Bar, Truvativ Carbon Team Seat post, XTR Front and Rear derailuers,XT shifters, Oury Lock Ons,Reba Race Fork, Salsa Skewers, Panaracer XC fire pros (japanese) with Stan's notube,Time Atac XS pedals, WTB pure V ti seat. XT Cassette. | | Bottom Line: | When I bought this bike, I was a much heavier guy. I needed something that wouldn't break all of the time. I have had the best experience possible with this bike. As I got lighter, it just got faster. The geometry is just right. I would recommend this bike to anyone. I like it so much, that even though I have made the decision to move to the dark side and buy a full suspension bike, I have decided to keep this bike. The new bike, by the way is a Kona! This will be my final review on this bike, as my ride time will not be nearly enough to warrant an update, but this frame has almost 9000 miles hard miles on it, without a hint of fatigue.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve_rolfeca
a Weekend Warrior
from London, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Commuting, bike paths, Fanshawe Conservation Area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Path | | Strengths: | Feel and fit for large rider, plush ride, predictable handling, snappy drivetrain. Nice component mix on 2008 model, with thoughtful upgrades over previous years. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can see. | | Similar Products Used: | Older Yakota and Trek rigid MTB's, various road bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Cheap platform pedals for commuting convenience, narrower rear tire, waiting for Brooks B-17 saddle. | | Bottom Line: | The Hoss might not be the absolute value leader at its price point in terms of component mix, but it's the perfect compromise for larger riders. I'm a true Clyde at 6' 3" and 240lb, and it's a tremendous relief to ride a bike designed from the ground up for riders my size- no more flexy forks and crowded cockpits.
I've got a long torso for my height, and the 20" frame is an excellent match for my build. Aside from simply feeling "right", the Hoss was the only bike I tested that didn't feel like it was about to break when I did stoppies. With the tucked-in XT rear derailleur and husky build quality, it should prove bulletproof for my mix of commuting, urban play riding and light trail use. IMHO, if a Hoss isn't strong enough for you, you're either extraordinarily clumsy, or attacking terrain that's too tough for a mid-priced trail bike.
The Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2 fork felt perfect out of the box at 1 click off max rebound and zero psi. As a first-time disc user, I still find the Hayes Stroker Trail dual-piston brakes a little hard to modulate, but they are quiet and very powerful.
The hubs, spokes and eyeletted Sun Black Eye rims are very stout. The 2.35 Maxxis Ignitors turned out to be pretty good all-rounders, rolling and riding faster and better than expected at 65psi. Still, for an ex-roadie like me, they seemed like overkill. The bike is much quicker and smoother with a 1.75 Michelin Country Rock on the rear. It still rides well and rails the local trails in dry and mildly damp conditions, so I will probably put another one on the front, for a further drag reduction.
With the nose adjusted slightly downward, the WTB Speed V was surprisingly comfortable for an OEM saddle, but it didn't measure up on longer road rides. Despite the maintenance hassles of a leather saddle, I just indulged myself by ordering a Brooks B-17 to replace it. That will probably be my last upgrade for this year.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthias Eklund
a Cross Country Rider
from Penfield, New York, USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | local XC park & hitting drops and jumps in my backyard | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Trailblazers Bike and Sport | | Strengths: | Bulletproof frame. Wheels can take a huge beating, tires rock, and great cranks. | | Weaknesses: | Crappy fork for XC, I bought a manitou nixon elite & that works great. Great bike for cross country, freeride, DJ, and downhill. I'm 5'3' 115 pounds. This bike can take a hell of a beating. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona cindercone | | Bike Setup: | Manitou nixon elite, stock cranks, deore xt derailers, kona wah-wah pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for anything you can dish out. I use it as a cross country and then drop the seat down for jumping. Just upgrade the fork | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ian lamb
a Weekend Warrior
from uk
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | riding home from work | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | winstanley bikes | | Strengths: | Excellent | | Weaknesses: | cheap components for the price. why have kona switched from the hayes hfx9 to the solo | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | had a 2004 model before some low life nicked it. now have the 2006 model. forks have a better paint job, but why have they switched from hayes hfx9 brakes to the solo brakes. I cycle about 60 miles a week, and the hoss has been solid. You can buy some bike out there 3 times the price and only get a couple of seasons out of them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Baker
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Worlds Greatest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Denver Spoke | | Strengths: | I'm 6'4" 260 and an ex BMXer in my younger days. The frame is tough and i can't brake it. Made for the big guys. | | Weaknesses: | Would be nice if it came with a lockout fork. | | Similar Products Used: | All of them and nothing compares to the feel of this bike not even the clydesdale option by Rocky Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | My friend bought a Haro before talking to me. We switched just to see the difference and I saw the look of disapointment on his face when he felt how mine road knowing that he made the wrong decision buying a skinny guys bike. Nothing against Haro's they are just not made for 6'4" 260lb dudes.
If your smaller go with a lighter bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phoenix
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, U.S.A
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$625.00 | | Purchased At: | Alki Bike and Board | | Strengths: | Love this bike. The moment I got on it after trying lots of bikes I fell in love with it. There's something about it that felt right. It's a 2007, 20 inch. I've been going out every weekend and learning. If your a big guy 'd recommend it. I'm 6ft, 200 lbs and fits perfectly. | | Weaknesses: | The only thing I don't like is the shifting. They seem cheap and don't seem to switch over very well. | | Similar Products Used: | I've tested a lot of bikes but nothing compares. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is this is a great bike. Fun to bounce around on and really feels solid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stuart wilkinson
a Weekend Warrior
from UK (Sheffield)
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk | | Strengths: | Just recently bought this bike after 5 years off mountain biking. I'm 6ft 4, and 16st and this bike feels like its made for me. Used to ride a kona cinder cone and this Hoss is definitely the Boss! Great ride, awsome over big jumps and when tearing through the forest downhill it glides over the bumps. Can't wait to ride it more! | | Weaknesses: | Bought the 2005 model unused, and would at this time only think about switching the rear hub. | | Bike Setup: | Factory issue (2005) no modifications as yet | | Bottom Line: | A must have for around $650, if your lucky enough to find one. Great for the occassional biker and someone who likes to ride hard and crash hard. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant
a Downhiller
from Albuquerque, NM, US
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | North Course | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Systems | | Strengths: | I love this bike, the frame is bombproof. I'm 220 lbs and I'm on my bike 5 days a week but for the most part i'm riding around the university. Rims can take a 6' drop to flat without damage. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes very weak, fork a little soft and not enough travel I bottom out alot. I upgraded my drive train when i bought the bike. I also just recently tacoed my seat on a stair set on a light hit. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon 05' | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike and a good value. Iwould recomend upgrading the breaks, fork, seat, and drivetrain when you get the time and money, but overal I love the bike. Great for hevier riders and people who want to ride the cr*p out of their bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mishka
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Don Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Solutions | | Strengths: | Frame is bulletproof - I'm 250 lbs. and have NEVER felt any flex. Looks cool in the dark blue (2006 color). Deore drivetrain is flawless. Great platform to build on. | | Weaknesses: | Marzocchi Dirt Jam Comp fork - too soft and too little travel - bob like crazy when I hammer out of the saddle. Hayes SOle brakes too weak. Not the best climbing bike. | | Bike Setup: | Race face North Shore DH cranks & Signature DH BB, Hayes HFX-9 Carbon brakes, ODI Yeti Hardcore grips, SRAM Attack shifters, Manitou Minute 1 forks, Tioga DH saddle. | | Bottom Line: | The Hoss rocks! Especially when you start upgrading - this bike comes alive with better brakes and a longer travel fork. Get something with at least 130mm travel (adjustable so you can crank it down to climb) and you'll find the geometry much better - especially if you like to go down more than up! If you're a big guy and/or like to beat your bike around, you can't go wrong with this bike! 4 chilis overall for standard forks and brakes - but 5 overall for value. Get a Hoss! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Lolo, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay.com | | Strengths: | Bike seems completely reliable and comfortable. Very happy with it after about 150 miles of riding. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. Sorry. | | Bottom Line: | Would definately recommend this bike in the $700-$850 price range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Danville CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Livewire at north star | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$810.00 | | Purchased At: | Hank and frank bikes | | Strengths: | I LOVE this bike it transformed it into a downhill/freeride machine. It is SOOOOOOO tough it will never brake. I said screw the full suspension i go so much faster on this. Toughest bike ever TOUGHER and BETTER than ANY other brand. | | Weaknesses: | hmmmmmm......... crappy shifters i donno | | Bottom Line: | BEST ever hardtail made | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ken
a Cross Country Rider
from sacramento, ca,usa
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | canal loop nevada city | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | ken's bike &ski, Davis, CA | | Strengths: | 2007 model. Well made. Hell for stout. Great geometry and comfortable makes you really want to go fast downhill. Climbs ok. Nice that someone is making a strong bike for the big guys. I don't cringe when I'm throwing it around. Don't think I'll crack the welds on this one. hayes sole brakes are really good for low end. I like 'em. forks are heavy but buttry smooth with good damping...could be a little stiffer mine are almost tensioned to max. | | Weaknesses: | crappy drive trane and shifters...but you will eventually replace that stuff anyway as it wears out. Not a big enough concern to go to the deluxe. forks are just a little soft but not bad. I weigh 235 lbs. and ride agressivly. A lock out on the forks would kinda cool. Not made in USA (partial to Cannondales I guess) | | Similar Products Used: | Team Scott, Gary Fisher Tassajara, Cannondale profet/ F400/700 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Excellent value for a midline bike. I looked for a new mt. bike for a few years and really liked the high end full suspension bikes but just didn't want to pay the $3k for something that would hold up and also did'nt want the maintenance of a F/S bike. Looked at hardtails and they all seemed a little fragile (even the Cannondales) but not the Hoss. IF you weigh 190 or better and are athletic take one of these things for a couple of rides...you will probably have a smile on your face. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, Florida
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Oliver's Cycle Sports | | Strengths: | Frame is Bullet Proof!!! Geometry is inspiring! | | Weaknesses: | I think that Kona should offer this frame in more than 2 price points. In as much that I love this frame, the only other part from the original bike that I still use is the stem. | | Bike Setup: | 05 Hoss, Reba Race fork, Bontrager Earl Wheels, Panaracer XC Fire pros, Hayes Hxf9 HD brakes, Bontrager XXX lite carbon bar, Bontrager Xlite ACC Seat post, WTB Laser V team (ti rails), Xt shifters, XTR front and rear derailuers, XTR chain, Sram 990 cassette, Lx cranks with XTR rings, Time ATAC pedals,Chris King head set, Oury lock on grips, Truvativ XR stem.
| | Bottom Line: | The Bottom line is while I have changed so much about this bike, I have been careful not to change it's character. It Started out at about 35 pounds, and it now weighs 27.5 pounds. It is not intended to be a lightweight, but it is definitely more responsive with less weight. I have friends that ask me when I am going to change the frame? It ain't happening!! The Hoss Frame rules! Bullet proof, great handling and frankly looks pretty cool.
It was great out of the box, it is great 2 years later! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Ramsden
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$995.00 | | Purchased At: | paulcycles | | Strengths: | Kona Clump Frame (Strong and suprisingly light)
Hayes Sole Hyd Discs (spot on once set up) | | Weaknesses: | Deore Rear Derailleur (spring too soft)
Stock Pedals (unless you like clipless!) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock '05 | | Bike Setup: | Only had 1 month so no big upgrades yet but will be upgrading to Shimano Hone soon and new rims eventually. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fantastic value, i looked for ages to find the right bike after problems with my Specialized Hardrock. The Marzocchi Dirt Jam comp forks that come as standard are great, they get slated alot in these reviews but they are fine for aggressive XC. I only do about 120 miles a month so the bike doesn't get too beaten up. It will be a good six months before i have to think about any major upgrades.
This bike is great for any size rider i dont know why its aimed just at larger rider i'm 6ft 170lbs and this bike is perfect. BUY A KONA HOSS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cy Birr
a Weekend Warrior
from Maumelle, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Camp Robinson | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ramstein Outdoor Rec | | Strengths: | Great strength and build for the big guys. Very solid handling, no slop or flex at all. This is as solid and massive as I am. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork a little soft for a person weighing in at 240lbs. The stock tires are a hair to big. My bike store is advising a change as they are rubbing hard against the bottom bracket area and at the fork bridge. | | Bike Setup: | The bike (2005 production) came with Hayes HFX-9 XC brakes versus the listed Shimano's. Don't know why but thanks Kona! | | Bottom Line: | A no compromise bike for the big folks. I am really looking for long looping trails that have a variety of terrain. The Hoss lets me cruise with confidence. I am very happy with it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arthur Brinkman
a Downhiller
from portsmouth
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to name | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Burly construction
tough and strong
good looking frame | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | - | | Bike Setup: | custom built from frame up-
manitou super 120mm forks
avid jucy 5 hydraulic brakes
mavic 521 on xt hubs
dmr moto digger
| | Bottom Line: | the frame has great looks and is outstanding value for the spec (like most kona bikes/frames) by custom building the bike i have managed to eliminate all small problems and all that was left was a few tweaks to get it right i am a very light 9 stone so for me the bike has no problems on the stregth front and is relatively light aswell i am using it for trails, dirt jumps, single track and some street. no complaints so far il keep you lot posted | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arne V
a Weekend Warrior
from Norway
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | ForrestHills around Kristiansand | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sykkelbutikken.no | | Strengths: | Solid frame,inspiring geometry | | Weaknesses: | Stock Fork (dirt jam comp) sucks, weak bb | | Bike Setup: | Hoss '05 -hayes nine w/dirty dog 6"/8" discs, ODI Yeti Lock-ons, SKF BXC-600 BB, SPD-540 pedals, Schwalbe Nobby Nick 2.4 tires, RS revelation 426 U-turn, Rest is Stock | | Bottom Line: | Its a solid bike, that inspires to explore your skills at most descends. The Truvativ BB was ruined just after some month and the stock fork is crap for trail riding.
The deore gears works flawlessly and the rider meets his (my) limits before the bike does. However I have a bad habit breaking stuff, and most upgrades are after breakage and/or worn-outs.
The biggest strenght of the bike is the geometry which is great for trailriding, not the best for climbing, and the weight is noticable when you haveto carry it, but its stiff and that counts for riders like myself at 220lb
A great value HT for heavy riders, but would have been even better stock with some stronger parts and a less crappier fork | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | all over | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri-sports | | Strengths: | heavy duty frame,nice solid feel whenriding trails | | Weaknesses: | front fork too soft-upgraded to dj3-much better after
fork upgrade | | Similar Products Used: | Devinci Kingpin | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock except fork upgrade,installed hussefelt crankset | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for the money.I'm a big guy-250lbs and this bike has been great for trails,xc and street. This is the bike I've been trying to find for 10 years. Only thing i would suggest replacing is the fork.
Go out and buy one now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ivan L.
a Weekend Warrior
from Italy
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Frame is bulletproof.
very funny, good in downhill, uphill, i do trial, a little street and dirt.
the frame is not too heavy.
absolutely perfect geometry.
the frame is cheap. | | Weaknesses: | fork is weak, broke in 3 months, bad rims (heavy and don't stay centered), bad hubs (shimano 475, 2 months and you will change them), bad saddle, the crank is not so strong, the color is the worst i've ever seen, hayes brakes. | | Bike Setup: | zokes Z150, 26' front rim, 24' rear rim. | | Bottom Line: | When i bought the bikes, kona sold only the complete bike.
now kona sells the bike or only frame.
buy only the frame (250 euros in italy).
The perfect geometry is with a 150 mm fork, i tryed the original MZ 100 mm, and a psylo 125 mm, but the z150 is the best.
i put the z150 eta fork, and the geometry is perfect.
i bought the bike, and i wasn't happy.
i changed 50% of the bike.
fork, rims, hubs, bottom braket, saddle (too hard).
now i'm happy.
My rating is:
for the frame, value 5/5, overall 5/5
for the complete bike, value 3/5, overall 3/5 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Pleasanton Bicycles | | Strengths: | Frame is bulletproof! I'm 6'5 and 330lbs. and this frame has held up to some punishment. Excellent frame to upgrade! It you are are a big man looking for another outlet other than footabll, the Hoss is the ticket. | | Weaknesses: | The stock forks are soft, but then again what do expect for this kind of money? | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Ground Control | | Bike Setup: | All-Mountain 1, Crank Brothers 50/50 xx, Mavic 729 Disc w/ Chris King Hubs front and Rear, Chris King Headset, Saint Crank w/ bashguard, Hayes Hydraulic Brakes | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best Clydesdale on the market, bar none. The frame is strong and fast, climbs great and gives you a sense of strength that a big man isn't used to. Great product!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ
a Weekend Warrior
from Stockton, CA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with Dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The Hoss is a bullet proof frame for larger riders. Great platform for upgrading. Very good value. | | Weaknesses: | While the front fork is very strong, it is soft for larger riders. It’s also heavy. The wheels have also been strong but are heavy as well. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Haro, Trek, Marin | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla RLC Fork, King Headset, Sram drive train, Avid BB7, Thompson Elite post-stem. | | Bottom Line: | I research a lot of bikes before choosing this one. At the time, this was the best bike for the price for a larger rider. This review is mainly for the frame. I am 6'4" and 275 lbs. The Hoss frame outstanding. I use it for a partial daily commuter and weekend XC warrior. It is a great platform to build to your taste as I did. After 5 months, I began to upgrade transferring the stock components to a bike for my son. The bike is perfect at this point. The bike was very good stock, with the exception of the front fork (too soft, but what isn’t at my weight). I am pleased with my purchase, and believe it will provide year’s of enjoyment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, Florida
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Alafia River State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Oliver's Cycle Sports | | Strengths: | The frame strength and geometry. It just looks tough. It is a great platform to tweak to your personal taste. | | Weaknesses: | The standard tires really stunk! They wore out fast and didn't hook up on anything. The fork is very strong but very heavy(over 7 pounds with steerer tube). | | Bike Setup: | '05 Hoss, XT front and rear derailuers,Panaracer xc pro 2.1 tires,'06 Rock Shox Reba Race fork, '06 LX cranks, Crank Bros Candy-C pedals, Oury Grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great bike for someone who wants to get serious about Cross Country biking , but doesn't want to worry about breaking things. I was about 225 lbs when I bought it (now 200lbs) and this thing doesn't flinch. It jut does what you want it to do! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
amir s
a Cross Country Rider
from israel
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | alon shokef | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | slalom | | Strengths: | im 6 foot 1 vut im under the 200 mark, i got this bike ass a half way beast between cross and free ride. so far its bullet proof, all the truvative equipment are perfect for the bike. wheels are a bit heavy but are very strong. | | Weaknesses: | that front shock is *&#$. it has to go, at first i said how bad can it be, and its bad. i had a manitou axwel (which i blew) that was plush and sweet. a rock shock duke wich does the job nicely but that dirt jam is the worst. | | Similar Products Used: | i recently had a jamis dakar wich cracked. thats what you get for doing free riding with a cross country bike. i got this kona cause in side im a cross country rider, and i didnt have the budget to go all out so i had to comprimise.
im very happy with my comprimise it left me enough money to get a new stereo for my car. | | Bike Setup: | pretty much the same. i changed the brakes to hayes nine(big difference) i changed the pedels to the shimano pd 647 wich are great, i kept my old wtb seat cause its better. next up is the fork, most probably a rock shox tora 318. | | Bottom Line: | great price, great parts, great bike. except the fork wich sucks ass. a real bike for real men! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Cross Country Rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame (built for bigger guys) got the 22"
Price
good components | | Weaknesses: | none so far (maybe the weight, but it's not built to be a featherweight) | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Marlin
Several demos | | Bike Setup: | stock (except for pedals) | | Bottom Line: | This bike has a great overall feel! I have to say that I am very pleased and impressed...I plan to do an updated review in the spring. This bike gives you more than you would expect for the $$$. I tested a lot of bikes in this same price range, and nothing compared. I'm excited to have disc brakes for only $700, even if they aren't the best. Based on other reviews, the verdict is out on the fork. To sum it up...I feel like I got a semi-boutique bike for an awesome price, that is worth upgrading. Look at the mainstream brands (Trek, Specialized, Fisher, Cannondale, etc.) for this price I can't find on the gives you more.
Don't expect the best components, and fork, unless you're willing to shell out the money. Very pleased | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, Wa
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Galbraith Mountain, Bellingham | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Jack's Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Frame Strength and rigidness. | | Weaknesses: | Forks - Marzocchi Pro Jam, low end model for Marzocchi which won't allow the use of the integrated front fender. Breaks are Shimano Deore mechanical disk, I am 6'9" 250lbs, the first thing I will update are the breaks to Hayes Hydraulic with 8" rotors. Next upgrade is the front fork. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2005 Hoss | | Bottom Line: | Great versatile hard tail, I can climb fast and keep up on the down hills for the most part. It also works well for riding mild trails with the kids. I will probably end up making this a true cross country bike and buying a Dawg or Stinky for the mountain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from State College, PA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Tussey Mtn Ridge at Rothrock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$720.00 | | Purchased At: | Mt. Nittany Wheelworks | | Strengths: | Beefy frame, wheels, etc. Decent component group for the price. At the least, it appears it will hold up. Can alway upgrade components as they fail, wear out, etc. | | Weaknesses: | I guess the weight is a little high (~32lbs) for a XC hardtail, but it's built for a Clyde so that's to be expected. Kona JS grips wear very fast. Geometry not very good for jumping/urban type riding, although that's not what the Hoss is designed for (at all).
The fork (Marzocchi Dirt Jam Comp) is not all that great. It's beefy and will take a beating but does not perform that well. For example:
1) Technical trail riding - I had the preload set low to get optimum "tracking" but sag is too low and fork bottoms out.
2) Jumping - Preload cranked up, still bottoms out even on small drops of 2 feet. Can put heavier spring in but will negatively affect trail riding (see #1)
There aren't really any other weaknesses, particularly when taking into account the low price point. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant "Acapulco" Rigid, circa 1994. Not really similar. | | Bike Setup: | 2005 20" Hoss stock with the exception of the fork, which has been replaced with a 2005 Rockshox Reba SL. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for a Clyde (I'm 250lbs) and/or for someone who wants a decent hardtail that will take a bit of a beating.
I'm guessing that if I hang on to this bike for a few years the drivechain, wheels, and most other components will get upgraded, dropping several more pounds of the bike (Hoss Deluxe has upgraded parts and slightly lower weight, but still has a lower quality fork). Swapping in the Reba has already shredded two pounds off the bike, all from the front end, and has made a huge improvement in the handling, climbing ability and overall ride.
I'm not a weight weenie (which would be ridiculous since I weigh quite a bit myself) but having a lighter ride makes a difference in handling, especially on a Hardtail with an unforgiving fork (the Dirt Jam).
Recommendation: replace the fork sooner rather than later. Otherwise, I feel it's probably the best buy under $1000 for any Clyde looking for a "real" entry level XC MTB. Value is definitely a 5. Overall I would've gave it a 4.5 (1/2 point off because of the poor fork), but there's no such rating so it gets dropped to a 4. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Beaverton, Or USA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Phil's | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$720.00 | | Purchased At: | Olson's Bicycles | | Strengths: | The frame is bombproof. The Marz Dirt Jam fork is heavy and elastomer based, but very strong. Surprisingly, the Deore shifters/derailleurs have been flawless. I expected those to be quick upgrades. The Deore disc brakes are very underrated. I've had no problems with ~500 miles of mixed on/off road use. They always stop my 230 lbs on a dime, wet or dry. Pad adjustment isn't as nice as the Avid BB7, but both pads adjust via 3mm allen, whereas the Avid BB5 only has one pad adjustment. | | Weaknesses: | Crankset & machine built wheels. I bent the big and middle chainring on a botched shift climbing a moderate hill. I wasn't riding that hard, so it was dissapointing to see the rings fold over like that. My LBS straightened them and they've been okay since, but when my ISIS BB goes, I'm upgrading to an external bearing crankset. The factory machine built wheels suck bad. I've busted a half dozen drive side spokes on my rear wheel in the past month. I commute to work daily and ride XC on the weekends with no drops. I'm not abusing the bike, but the wheel is falling apart. Wheels then cranks will be my first real upgrades. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hard Rock Pro Disc, Gary Fisher Tass, Trek, etc, etc | | Bike Setup: | stock right now, but new wheels and cranks in the next few months. Next year, new fork and then we'll see. | | Bottom Line: | I'm completely satisfied with my Hoss. It is definitely a solid bike for bigger riders. The frame is not flexy at all. I can stand in the saddle and hammer away without the rear triangle flexing like a wet noodle. The Hoss a great upgrade platform if you ride alot and break stuff like I do. I believe that the wheels, crankset, and fork are the weakest points of the bike. The fork is sturdy, but not plush and very heavy. It won't flex when you're powering out of a rut, but it doesn't handle small hits and bumps worth a @#^@#$, and it's a good pound or two heavier than many other strong forks. The Deore component group is a bit downlevel from some other ~800 bikes. That said, I've had no drivetrain issues, so I can't knock Deore. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mat Jean
a Weekend Warrior
from Beloeil, Qc
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$760.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bicycleseddy.com | | Strengths: | -indestructible
-General purpose , multi-use | | Weaknesses: | -I have say "-brakes disc, maintains simple and robust"
Was wrong... Deore mechanical diskbrake is really crap!
-Marzocchi MzComp is also on of the first thing to change!
-Tioga Dh factory tire is excessively heavy
| | Bike Setup: | UPDATE:
-Fox forks Vanilla R
-Hydraulics disk drake : XT on front & Hayes HFX9 for rear
-XTR rear derailler
-XT both shifter
-Panaracer Cinder 2.25 tires | | Bottom Line: | I really appreciate this frame!!!
Lot of upgrade in really necessary... see weaknesses.
Maybe I would have to buy the Dee-Lux edition!?
But despite everything, like my Version 2.0 (second summer of use) It's PERFECT! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse G
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bowcycle | | Strengths: | Well since my last review the bike has held up REAL well... the only thing to break was my chain if you can even count that as breakage... after 2000 Kms this year id expect at least the chain to go!!! still pumpin' hard... AWsome bike | | Weaknesses: | The Stock Fork Sucks, If you are a big guy and dont Free ride or do hectic crazy stunts, get an air fork, best investment i evermade besides the bike. even if you do that hectic stuff, air forks are the bomb! the mech brakes are o.k... but when mech goes bad look out,,, i had horrible experienses with these deore mechs, never again My saints are soo much better...
| | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi z-150 ridiculous fork, very nice.. but for now i still want my air suspension... | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Minute 2:00, Saint 8" hydros, big platform pedals | | Bottom Line: | For the money the hoss is king, its well rounded, strong and looks pimpin', I can always tell a hoss when i see one. Other then the fork which this year it looks like it was upgraded the bike is solid, although i am not fond of the deore drivetrain i keep being told its one of the overall good trannys, but i think im going saint or xt... Compared to my last bike that the cranks broke one my 10th or 11th ride, This bike is GOD!!! I have invested about another 1000.00 to 1200.00 in upgrades, but its hard to make a bike better when its already perfect... lol.. Get a bike and rip it up.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Giglia
a Cross Country Rider
from New York
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bethpage State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bayridge Cycles Bklyn NY | | Strengths: | Great frame built tough made for Bigger riders then you see in the magazines top of the line parts for the money.I like this years color. | | Weaknesses: | The front fork is a little to soft I will up grade with stiffer springs | | Similar Products Used: | GT timberline, Gaint sedona | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now, it is good right out of the box | | Bottom Line: | If you are a big guy who is afraid of breaking frames wheels and everything else on a bike ,Then buy this one. I am glad to see someone makes a bicycle for a larger person then the average bike rider. My hat goes off to Kona. For the money I do not think you can find a better bike then what Kona puts out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ward
a Weekend Warrior
from surrey bc canada
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | bike zone | | Strengths: | great handling for a large(22) frame.weight not an issue ,but this bike is nimble love it | | Weaknesses: | i have the mechanical brakes and like others find them mushy.also the fork is needing to be beefed up | | Similar Products Used: | i have an older trek a gt full suspension | | Bike Setup: | stock with the exception of downhill type pedals | | Bottom Line: | i just love this bike i have ridden my whole life (45) and without a doubt this bike puts a smile on my face every time i ride it.im 6'4" 260lbs .and possess monster quads and i have destroyed and twisted frames from climbing this bikees frame seems very durable and maybe im just getting older and dont hammer as hard anymore but this bike instills a lot of confidence.i would heartily reccomend this to any rider not just the football linebacker sized guys like us.the other is finally we have a cockpit that actually fits . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy T
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ash Ranges/Swinley Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunset Mountain Bike Store, Cardiff | | Strengths: | Initial feedback on recently purchased 2005 model 22" Hoss:
- Strong, light, comfortable, good basic level of equipment
- Very imposing has real presence
- Hayes 9 Disc brakes, Better forks than '04 (Dirt Jam Comp)
- Excellent value | | Weaknesses: | Would prefer Kona JackS**t pedals as standard | | Similar Products Used: | Looked at Full Sussers but Hoss is as comfortable as I need without the complexity and added weight | | Bike Setup: | Standard '05 spec (Hayes 9 Hydraulic discs NOT shimano mech. as specified in brochure and konaworld.com) | | Bottom Line: | Needed something big(I'm 6'4"), strong(I'm 240 lbs) and comfortable(I'm pushing 40) and the Hoss has the lot. This is an initial review so whilst I have been off-road I have yet to really hit the rough stuff but I am sure that it will be a hoot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | witches trail, fort william | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles | | Strengths: | excellent frame, hayes hydraulic disk brakes, headset | | Weaknesses: | pedals (kona didn't think that someone buying a hoss does not like SPDs), fork is a bit crap | | Similar Products Used: | kona shred, spesh rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | MArzocchi all mountain three's (2005), DMR V8 pedals, all else stock. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best bike i have ever ridden and definitely ever owned. It is lighter than it looks, and can take a beating. Kona aim it at fatties, but i'm only eleven stone and it is excellent. It is good because it is as strong as a dirt jumping bike and as fast as a cross-country super light bike. I have done drops and big jumps and it's fine. I have also done eight hour rides in scotland. It is also the easiest bike to wheely and control. Ignore the label and buy it whatever size you are (its not just for six foot big guys), it kicks the S*** out of the cinder cone and the shred, make sure you have got enough money for new forks and pedals. P.s i put 1000 dollars but thats just a conversion in london it cost me £600. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam rattley
a Weekend Warrior
from england
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | swinley forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | bikes 'n' boards | | Strengths: | handles anything | | Weaknesses: | nothing at all, the forks are slightly weak, but u can live with it | | Similar Products Used: | orange aero, specialized hardrock sport as well as pro, dmr rythm, cdr gatecrasher 3 | | Bike Setup: | totaly stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike was designed for the heavy guys, but its set up enables it to be used as a hardcore hardtail for most purposes. i have used it for jumpin, catching 6 ft of air, handles it great. free-ride, perfect. i loved dis bike den sum1 stole it, one of da worst days of my life. any one who just wants fun buy this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse G
a Weekend Warrior
from calgary
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | bowcycle | | Strengths: | This is a follow up to my last post, Bike is Still going hard, Really tough frame, gears are kinda alright... tires ware hard on hardpack/asphalt, impressed with the Truvativ cranks, they have held up Really good.... | | Weaknesses: | The fork....the marz MZ comp, HAD TO GO!, replaced with a Manitou Minute 2:00 the SPV is sweet, even for big guys, air shocks is the way to go....tires ware hard on hardpack/asphalt, but to be expected | | Similar Products Used: | NOthing special, Raleigh Ambush, no comment.... | | Bike Setup: | Minute 2 100mm, Block 8 pedals, axiom stem, cateye | | Bottom Line: | This bike was made for big, all pourpose applications, and is a real hog next to some bikes out there, the size is impressivem i ride a 22" so she a big one. The fork was bunk, but since i have gotten the Manitou fork is a whole new bike, its still pretty new but the for is smooth
with all the adjustments being handles on the fork, the bike rides higher, the spv prevents bob riding up hills, and oin the trial it was amazing, it goes from locked out to full suspention. truly, a feeling to experience.
The Tires, brakes and possible drive train ovelhaul are the next upgrades for me, and m thinking hubs after all that,, wel see these bikes are expensive, but man what an experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Underwood
a Weekend Warrior
from Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Nant-yr-Arian, Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Summit Cycles, Wales, UK | | Strengths: | Frame,
Handling,
Brakes, | | Weaknesses: | Stock Fork (I replaced mine with an '03 Dirt Jumper 2)
| | Bike Setup: | As stock but with DJ2's, and Azonic X-Tension Pedals, and an Azonic 2" riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | When i specced out the replacements for the stock forks, i was aware that the forks would raise the head angle, and with it being a clydesdale and all, i was expecting a ride like a chopper!
How wrong I was!!! The bike is very nimble for it's size and frame design, but never feels loose or sketchy. The new fork adds some much needed adjustability (considering the target market fo the bike), and I would definetly think about replacing the stock as soon as possible.
The brakes are ace, and the recent upgrade to hydro discs instead of mech discs is very welcome.
One thing: I am 6'2", and I found that the saddle position was too far forward. It's great on the climbs, but that really isn't the focus of this bike, in my opinion. On heavy riding (i.e. fast descents) the bike tended to nosedive when in the air, and drop offs. I then replaced the 1" riser bars with some 2" and put the saddle as far back as it would go. This helped a lot, by making my overall riding position slightly further back. I don't consider myself to have short arms, so this is possibly a factor for a rider under 6'? Not also, i used the 20" version. A smaller frame (for more clearance) could concievably be worse. But hell, a new pair of bars, and some adjustments, and the problem is gone... so... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damon Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Medford, OR USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ashland Watershed | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Medford Cycle Sport | | Strengths: | The frame is TUFF. It is definitely the bike for us big boyz. Im 6'1" at 265 lbs. and the bike has never given me any reason to worry. | | Weaknesses: | Front fork is the only part of the bike that is not a great match for the weight the bike is built to hadle, I bottomed it out on my first ride. The derailers are a little rough, but hey they are only stock. And the brakes are good if you start down hill with them on, otherwise they have a hard time fighting gravity. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded front fork to Marzocchi Z.1 Drop Off II and Dimond Back Pedals (had stock clipless and did not want to any free riding locked into my bike.) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the $H!T. Plain and simple build with the strength to handle what ever is thrown at it. But hey, after all it is a Kona. The price is good and the platform is as solid as they come. A great starter bike to build on. The bike is heavy, but so are those of us that it was built for. If weigh was a concern I would drink less beer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BC
a
from Kaiserslautern, Germany
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Weaknesses: | This is an update to last posting:
- Rear hydaulic disc brakes problem
- Seat | | Bottom Line: | The rear disk brake lever was very spongy, did the re-bleeding to fix the problem. That did not fix it, the bladder for the fluid decided to fall back and tear. Fix action purchased Avid Mechanical's and Cables for the rear and Hayes lever to operate it. The saddle became loose a few rides back, mainly the saddle attached the the frame of the saddle. Salsa saddle was the replacement. Now I am down to 1 Salsa saddle as a spare. Nashbar had a right price awhile back and four was purchased. I am still giving high rating for the Kona. But, 4 chilis for value! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpharetta, GA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any XC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Reality Bikes, Cumming GA | | Strengths: | Strong Bike, good components, disk breaks standard, great value. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, but it is for 200+ lbs riders. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Added Crankbros egg beaters, slime tubes with Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | Kona makes a solid bike here. They put the components that are the best for the price range. I have been gradually putting this bike through more and more stuff and the only thing that has ever complained were the tires (Tioga Factory DH 2.1), as I got several pinch flats. As with just about any bike you spend less than $2500, you are making some compromises, and as things break or wear out, upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mat Jean
a Cross Country Rider
from Beloeil, Qc, Can
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$760.00 | | Purchased At: | http://www.bicycleseddy.com/pieces.htm | | Strengths: | -indestructible
-brakes disc, maintains simple and robust | | Weaknesses: | -undoubtedly, shimano Lx minimum would have been appreciated | | Similar Products Used: | -An old cromo's Hahanna Joe Murray by Kona! | | Bike Setup: | Stock, see dealer's web site | | Bottom Line: | I adore the form! Perfect! As a good old Hahanna in cromo which I already had. Hurled construction. Very strong.
I measure 6'-3" but weighs only 180lbs, I do not have the impression to succeed to breaking it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BC
a Weekend Warrior
from Kaiserslautern,Germany
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ramstein Outdoor Rec | | Strengths: | Heavy Duty Frame
Fork
Rims
Hayes Hydraulic Brakes
Shimano Drivetrain | | Weaknesses: | None So far! | | Similar Products Used: | Cro-Mo Frame bikes for the weight and abuse.
I still have my 93 Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I have not had any problems. The only part getting adjusted to after riding the Rockhopper and the tire setup I have on it is the Tires on the Kona 26 x 2.10" Tioga Factory DH, riding on some of the local fireroads and trails. I would swap them out; but I love the resistance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO USA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes & Berries | | Strengths: | - Finally! A good bike made for big guys!
- Heavy duty frame, fork, rims
- Shimano mechanical disc brakes
- SDG Grand Prix saddle | | Weaknesses: | - Shimano Deore components (XT would've been better!)
- Brake pads didn't last very long, but Shimano acknowledged the problem and replaced 'em for free!
- Too bad a full-suspension version isn't available | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for:
- Changed out stem for easier reach
- Added Crank Brothers Candy C pedals (awesome!)
- After 2 flats, changed out tubes to those with Slime! | | Bottom Line: | In October 2003, my 5'11" frame was carrying around a hefty 275 pounds - bleah! After deciding to change my life with diet and exercise, I began to search for a heavy duty mountain bike that would allow me to once again enjoy a sport I had 10 years earlier. After a week or so of looking, someone at www.bikeforums.net suggested I give Kona's Hoss a look. After reading the brief description on their web site, I decided to call my LBS and have it ordered in. After weeks of waiting, it finally arrived in November 2003 and I took delivery. What followed I can only describe as some of the most fun I've had getting exercise since I was a little kid! I've now put over 230 miles on my Hoss and would encourage other Clydesdales to give it a look. It really is a durable bike and the only minor issues I've had with it come from the Shimano Deore components. Don't get me wrong - they're not horrible, but I've found them to require a fair amount of servicing to keep everything in spec so as to avoid chain rub and sloppy shifting. I plan to upgrade to XT components in the near future. By the way, I'm now down to about 250 pounds and continue to ride my Hoss whenever I can. THANK YOU KONA for not ignoring us bigger riders and producing a quality bike for us that we can ride with confidence! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse Gilhula
a Weekend Warrior
from calgary
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Bow river, Varsity circiuts, nose hill is kinda fun | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow Cycle | | Strengths: | -Heavy duty clump 7005 frame
-Solid, durable truvativ crank
-sticky ass tires!!
| | Weaknesses: | -Front fork for big guys, this is not, but adjusted is better, more than likely will the first upgrade. | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 raleigh Ambush (POS!!!!) spent more time in the shop than on the road. Oh and not build for bigger guys | | Bike Setup: | -stock mostly, Higher angle Axiom stem 130mm, cateye comp. | | Bottom Line: | -This bike is designed for the big guys, if anything its good for between 180lbs - 250lbs, im 6'2 235lbs . Nice frame, great drivetrain. anything is better than my first bike. Besides all the comments on the poor colour, i like it, its diffrenet | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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