Submitted by
natertots_cc
a Cross Country Rider
from Juda, WI
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2009
Strengths: Light weight frame, very responsive, durable, and reliable
Weaknesses: Heavy components when you first buy the bike, but that is all the fun is lightning it up piece by piece! :)
Bottom Line:
This bike i got for REALLY cheap on a close out sale. When i got the bike it was extremely heavy. When i striped the bike down,(with the rear shock still installed)the frame was surprisingly light, bear in bind that i ride a 19" size frame.
The bike is an awesome potentially race light bike that is really durable for an aggressive rider!
Similar Products Used: '93 specialized stump jumper with NO SUSPENSION! Schwinn Mesa.
Bike Setup: 2005 Kona kikkapu Deluxe. Raceface: seatpost, headset, handle bar (NEXT carbon) generic stem, truvative crank, XT disc brakes and SLX rapid rise shifters, XT rear derailleur, deore front.
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Submitted by
frdfandc
a Cross Country Rider
from Elkton, MD USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2008
Strengths: Purchased as a frame/rear shock only. Built with hand selected components. This thing rides like its on rails. Very good climber for not having a rear shock lockout. Very stable through corners and downhills. Sweepers are pretty good too.
Weaknesses: Fox Float R doesn't have a lockout. Will upgrade to a RP23.
Bottom Line:
I absolutely love this bike. Of course building from frame up helps out a lot. Did not have to waste money on unwanted components. This frame is a great base to start from.
Bike Setup: Reba Race 100m fork, FSA Afterburner Crankset w/Blackspire rings. Sram X9 shifters, X7 derailleurs. Titech Hellbent bars & seat post. BB7 brakes with 185mm rotors, Speed Dial 7 levers and Jagwire Ripcord cables. Continental Mountain King 2.2 tires on Mavic Crossrides. SPD 520 pedals.
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Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Gatineau, Qc, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008
Strengths: (06 bike) Strong frame, maneuvrability, good seating position
Weaknesses: Not that good climber for a XC bike, stock fork
Bottom Line:
I'm not an heavy rider but I did beat up that bike like a downhill one, never let me down on a trail. I like the seating position, lower than race XC bike.
Bike Setup: Fox F100 RLC(08) Avid BB7 brake, SRAM X9 derailleur and shifters
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Submitted by
fludey
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2008
Strengths: good frame, good components, rear shock, hayes brakes, shimano spds
Weaknesses: front forks low end marzocchi looking to upgrade these to some higher end marzocchi air sprung. Forks supplied may be ok for some one a little less weighty than me.
Bottom Line:
This is a great improvement over my hard tail bike other then the fox terra logic i had on my hard tail, as soon as i get some air forx then it will be one top bike. Done some good climbs, flat riding and downhills rear fox shock is the dogs, even with it open it still doesnt bob too much! Tope bike great colour scheme and a great website www.wiggle.co.uk
I purchased this bike because I'm way too lazy to walk. The main purpose of getting the bike was to ride from my camp spot to the crapper. My buddy who is an avid rider recommended this paticular brand. Other than using it while camping I has also been riding around my neighborhood with my dog, she is able to pull me about 20 blocks or so even before I have to peddle, I think its due to this bike being so light. I am pleased with the purchacse so far and would recommend it to anyone with the same riding style as mine.
Submitted by
Brian Tobey
a Weekend Warrior
from Norwich,CT
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007
Strengths: This is one TUFF Machine,Also A great Feel while Riding,No flex.Over Rocks,Up hill,Down Hill, Like a champ. Just an Awsome Bike.I sold My Trek 8000 on Ebay to make this Purchase. and im Glad i did.This Machine will be my soulmate in no time.
Weaknesses: A little heavy,Mine weighed in @ 32 Lbs.{More to Love!}
Bottom Line:
This Bike Has taken all the abuse i have thrown at it!No Problems.Major Miles, all trail miles.Just a great Bike.I have read reviews of the front shock bottoming out,im 240 and havent done it yet.I will continue the pound on this Bike and enjoy every minute of it.And for the Price ,its perfect for an average workin person to afford.Shes a keeper!!!
Similar Products Used: Trek 8000,Also considered a Trek fuel.
Bike Setup: Stock,With a Cateye Enduro 2 computer and a small seat bag from Bell,and a Blackburn pump.
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Submitted by
Molly
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007
Strengths: Handles very well; durable and sturdy; brakes; nice cockpit; componets work well together... overall great value for your money.
Weaknesses: Lockout on the rear shock would have been nice yet still it climbs reasonably well; weight
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It does all I want it to and more. After 3 months I still have not had a problem with it, even after riding many of Colorado's awesome trails. This bike is a great value, with which guarantees tons of fun riding. The bottom line is I now know why to stick with Kona.
Similar Products Used: Diamondback Coil EX; Trek Fuel 90
Bike Setup: Stock except with Easton EC70 handlebars and Candy SL pedals
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Submitted by
pgclydesdale
a Cross Country Rider
from long island, new york, usa
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007
Strengths: Comfortable, Fast, Strong
Weaknesses: A bit heavy, so am I. probably 30 lbs as set up
Bottom Line:
I'm a heavy Clyde (250 +) on ny first Dual suspension. This is actually a 2005 holdover, sitting at the LBS waiting to be bought. no difference beyween 05 and 07 except color. Swapped out most of the stock components (except stock Tru -Vativ bar and seatpost, stem) Bike tracks nicely, not sloppy on tight singletrack, though not as quick as my RM Blizzard. Rolls over anything, fearlessly!
Favorite Trail: Prcky point LI, Ringwood and High Point / Stokes NJ
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At: Bjke Junkie, Bethpage NY
Similar Products Used: scouted out SC Superlite, Titus
Bike Setup: Swapped out most stock components - Fox Float front and rear; Crossmax SL disc; Kenda Nevegal; XT drivetrain; King Headset, Fizik Gobi saddle; Speedplay frogs
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Submitted by
Jay Leno
a Cross Country Rider
from Asia
bought frame and shock on ebay and assembled remaining parts off old bike. This bike climbs very well and descends just as well. Its great for all round xc riding.
Bike Setup: Fox RP3 High Volume shock, XTR 07 shifting, Avid Ultimate discs, Truvativ Carbon cranks
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Submitted by
Kory Botz
a Weekend Warrior
from prince rupert british columbia
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007
Strengths: the whole shimozzle
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
bike brakes like a dream and really seems to stick to the trail. up in northern b.c. the trails get pretty soggy and this bike takes the abuse. perfect for anyone who wants to aggressively attack the trails amatuer-pro. very cost effective. five flamin chili's for the kikapu deluxe
Similar Products Used: norco's, giants, cannondale
Bike Setup: fox float r rear,marzocchi mx comp front, hayes nine hydrolic brakes6", deore lx components.
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Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Near New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2007
Strengths: Fairly sturdy. Everything works, if unspectacularly. Fairly standard entry level full suspension componentry. This is for the 2006 model, which had a very stiff unresponsive front fork. It works, but reluctantly. Beyond that, everything else is at least reasonable in its application. This is a good bike for a first full suspension purchase. It's a fairly capable four inch trailbike, which will give the rider time to work on his/her skills (Kona makes a woman's version) until he/she decides whether to ride xc, race, or all-mountain and get a more purpose built bike. When components wear out or you want to upgrade this is a solid well built trailworthy frame. I ride about 5 miles 5 or 6 times a week and the bike has held up well over about a year. The geometry works for a long arms/long trunk/average length leg person.
Weaknesses: Rear shock is not very adjustable and front fork, as noted above, is very stiff. Standard entry level components are pretty heavy. The bike weighs about 31 pounds without reflectors or water bottle cage. Bottom bracket tends to squeak under heavy use.
Bottom Line:
A solid entry level performer that can be upgraded over time and works right off the shop floor, so long as you are not a weight weenie. I deducted one chili from what should be a four value rating because the front shock should have been better for the price paid, and the rear shock should have been a float R instead of a base float. Still, I'm glad I purchased it and would probably do so again.
Similar Products Used: Demoed some Gary Fishers and a couple of Specialized hardtails.
Bike Setup: Stock except for rear shock which I changed for Magura Hugin.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Zeb
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2007
Strengths: well built, great paint job, responsive, almost no pedal bob
Weaknesses: wish the rear shock was better, a bit on the heavy side, but nothing ridiculous.
Bottom Line:
It is amazing going to a full suspension bike, and this one is a keeper. bought just the frame and shock then built it up from there. if i had some pro pedal it may be a bit better but i don't see how, this frame feels solid, this coming from a 220lb rider. I can see why this is a top pick!!!
Bike Setup: Black Elite fork, XT-LX mix, fox float rear
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Submitted by
Alain
a Cross Country Rider
from Rosemere, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006
Strengths: **2005 Model - Red and White** Strong bike who can take tough x-country terrain. Just love the Hayes brakes as they provide precision braking, the rear shock "Fox Float RP3" and Marzocchi fork are excellent suspension choices for the price.
Weaknesses: Eventhough the Tioga tires are fast, they are useless for uphill climing and had to replace them after 500 miles. I also changed the Shimano PD-M505 clipless pedals are they do not perform well in muddy conditions.
Bottom Line:
I had my bike for a year now with over than 1000 miles of riding (2/3 x-country). I had to adjust the bike at the beginning, front and rear suspension air pressure, seatpost height and finally participated in several mtb x-country competition when the configuration was ajusted to my size. It is a strong bike with good overal components, but I recommend to change the tires and pedals if you bought those from stock. I read complaints about the seat as they found it unconfortable, if you are a serious mountain biker this seat is fine. I just love the sport !
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Strengths: Great frame construction, mid-range components across the board don't require any immediate upgrades.
Weaknesses: The pedals on mine were a low-mid range Shimano. Not much of a weakness but more a personal opinion.
Bottom Line:
This bike is setup up perfect for the price point. I personally don't think there is a better "value" full suspension bike on the market for the low $1200 range. I bought/rode the standard Kikapu and then returned within a week for the Deluxe. The upgrades on the Deluxe are worth more the difference in price. Very easy to ride and you can immediately appreciate the value. 5 chilis from this satisfied rider with absolutely no complaints!
Submitted by
Adam Mitchell
a Cross Country Rider
from Blenheim,Marlborough,NZ
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006
Strengths: Look ive had a 10 year layoff,and have only just got this bike 6 weeks ago.strengths:well built tough,rigid light frame.Perfect fit for my size.I dont seem to have any problems on the uphill climbs its just a matter of sitting fwd and low which for me is not a problem. The rest of the bike has proven it-self.Good mix of components.
Weaknesses: zip
Bottom Line:
The facts: 10 years off MTBS and now fat and back. Bought the Kikapu deluxe based on my brother inlaw has a kikapu.Rode it a few times up and around the vineyard.Hes happy with his and bought his on a recommendation.And so on and so forth. I plan on losing a bit of the gut and getting fit.The Kikapu deluxe is a well built and designed bike. A lot of bang for your buck. Not many other bike companies seem to be able to match the price with the same or similar componentry. I ride hard,not a graceful rider.I hit the bumps hard as.And the KD loves it. Bear in mind you have to respect your bike as well,pretty much after every ride I tighten everything up,lube what needs lubing,and wipe sh*t off places you dont want it. The kikapu deluxe in my opinion is a great single trail/xc bike which handles all conditions that ive thrown it. Buy one,ride a mountain,grin like hell as you come down it.
Similar Products Used: last bike i owned was a G Fischer h/tail..10 years tho. Boy has bike science shot ahead.Wouldnt catch me on a hardtail anymore.
Bike Setup: Straight off the shelf,will let the tires wear out and may try others.The Nokians seem fine,very wet and muddy here at the mo but do the job effectively.May change forks at some stage,as im pretty hard out on the DH leg of any track.The small print on the MZIII a slight concern.
I was wondering if you guys could post some different pictures of your Kona Kikapu or Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB.
I am going on a 100+ mile drive to pick one up this weekend. Im not Read More »
Hey everyone. So, I'm getting back into riding after taking a few years off. I'm really excited, but my bike is a bit aged ('99 GT iDrive).
I've done a LOT of research and catc Read More »
I started by first bike build. Its based off an 07 Kikapu Deluxe. Specs as follows.
07 Kikapu Deluxe w/Fox Float R - weight - 5 lbs 10 oz.
Rock Shox Reba Race 100mm
Race Face Deu Read More »
