Submitted by
Vicbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2010
Strengths: Disk brakes and external brakes and gears, smooth riding and easy to adjust suspension whilst riding.
Weaknesses: Bottom Bracket not up to date wrong taper
Bottom Line:
A great bike with effcient and smooth functions, especially when riding. The brakes are superb and are quick stopping. As stock the only thing I'd change is the bottom bracket and headset.
Submitted by
eggzilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Manhattan, KS
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2010
Strengths: Scandium tubing and hex-shaped downtube are strong and fairly lightweight. Long wheelbase makes the ride stable on steep ascents and descents. Four bar suspension system offers a sturdy, plush ride that's usually found on trail bikes. Sweet paint job, the metallic lime green definitely grows on you.
Weaknesses: Dramatically raked back headtube means that the steering can flop side to side when travelling at low speeds. Frame is a little on the heavier side for an XC bike. 31.8mm seat tube means you'll have to use derailleur shims (which come stock but you might not have them if doing a frame build) and a skinny 27.2mm seatpost. Long wheelbase may result in more bottoming out, though I haven't really noticed.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this frame with a Fox Float RL rear shock, Shimano XT Hollowtech II bottom bracket, aluminum seatpost clamp, and a Woodman headset. The headset was shot and was replaced with the Chris King, but all other components were in great condition. It was a great price and was a definite improvement over my old Gary Fisher Sugar. I built it up with XT components and it's a lightweight, fast ride. Due to the four bar rear end you can tune the suspension so it feels more like a trail bike. It rides like cross between an XC bike and a trail bike due to the plush suspension and slightly heavier weight (probably about 300-400 grams heavier than my old Fisher). This is where the Propedal comes in handy, it gives it the rigidity to climb hills. I got this bike a little on the large side at 20” (I’m 6’ tall) but it just cruises over trails. I would recommend a 19” bike for someone 6’ tall, but the long wheel base means that you won’t go over the front or the back of the bike very easily.
Bike Setup: Kona Four Supreme frame, Fox Float RL 100 fork, Fox Float RL rear shock, Mavic XM317 rims with WTB LaserDisc Lite hubs, XT drivetrain and hydraulic dual control shifters, Chris King headset, Thompson stem, Easton EA70 seatpost, Specialized BG saddle with manganese rails, Shimano pedals, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1" tires, Salsa Juegos de Fuego grips
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
doglet
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2008
Strengths: So light. That'll be the scandium. The rear is super plush when the rp23 is engaged and really firm when it's off. Feels like there's 5" of travel and its more laid back angles make it very confidence inspiring. Great stand over height and longish top tube makes burning up hills as easy as going for it over technical rock gardens. BB height is good yet is combined with a low centre of G. It is race worthy, enduro friendly and all you'll need for Xtreme XC trails.
Weaknesses: That scandium down tube feels a bit thin and it probably wont take a beating on rocks. However, its hexagonal cross-section does make it more robust than rounded tubes.
Bottom Line:
So much fun. Encourages speed with the safety net of big hit absorption. Loves hills. Climbs like a hardtail with amazing traction. Even over loose dirt. Great acceleration. All the travel you'll need on trails, no matter how knarly. Makes you want to ride, and ride faster. If you throw some more cash at this you could get a very fast racer. I know I go faster with a gravity dropper despite the weight penalty.
Similar Products Used: My other bike is a Giant NRS G which I have converted into an all-mountain machine for Hong Kong trails. Its black anodised frame is very strong and extremely hard wearing. I would go as far to say that this version of the NRS is a classic of our time.
Bike Setup: Kona Four Supreme 18", Rear shock: Fox RP23, Rock Shox Revelation Dual air u-turn 100-130, Chris King headset, Shimano straight pull tubeless wheelset M765, LX Deore Cranks, FD XT, RD deore, XT cassette, shifters 2008 XT, Juicy sevens, Gravity Dropper 4", Specialized BG saddle, Truvativ Rouleur stem, EA 70 low rise monkey bar, FR Kenda Nevegal, RR Larsen TT
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
bearburrell
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm, Sweden
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2008
Strengths: Lightweight, seems like a strong design, better standover height
Weaknesses: Not enough room for a Fat Albert 2.35
Bottom Line:
The frame should have been designed to handle a little wider rear tire.
In my opinion it's a pretty significant engineering oversight. In the Stockholm area the Fat Albert 2.35 is the tire of choice for technical and wet riding and so many other bikes can handle this tire without rubbing:(
Bike Setup: 2008 Kona Four Supreme. XT cranks and Cassette, XTR front a rear derailuer, Bontager XXX Carbon Bar. Thompson Elite X4 stem, Oury lock ons, Industry nine wheels with Stan's ZTR Arch rims, Maxxis Ingnitor eXCeption series tires, Chris King no thread head set.RP23 shock, Rl100 fork, Hayes Carbon Brakes.
Hi,
I am in the enviable position of having both a HH 100x frame and a Kona Four Supreme frame to build my next bike with. Both are in great shape, the Kona is new and the HH is Read More »
Hi,
I am in the enviable position of having both a 2002 Titus Racer X frame and a 2008 Kona Four Supreme frame to build my next bike with. Both are in great shape, the Kona is n Read More »
I've read conflicting reviews of this wheelset & was wondering if any of you would share your thoughts.
BTW, they are on sale at Wheelworld for $199/set, although the shipping i Read More »
I can get both for a great deal, but can't decide on which. the kona four is $100 less than the king, but the king has better componets (especially the fork). I am focusing on gett Read More »
I can get both for a great deal, but can't decide on which. the kona four is $100 less than the king, but the king has better componets (especially the fork). I am focusing on gett Read More »
