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Submitted by
pambadude
a Cross Country Rider
from East Peoria
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Any that I find time for | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Little Ades | | Strengths: | Durability
Local shop support
Geometry
Butted scandium frame | | Weaknesses: | Nothing flashy-simple design if that is a weakness | | Similar Products Used: | I have been on a Kona since 2000 so whatever it may have been I have forgot about it | | Bike Setup: | I have nothing on the bike from the original purchase anymore | | Bottom Line: | I will first say that the bike and it's original build are excellent. The Fox suspension, both fork and shock, Race Face Evolve cranks, and Hayes HFX-9 carbon brakes are an incredible value. After 5 years I am just now replacing them, and not from any loss of functionality, but rather I just want something new. The frame is absolutely bombproof. Butted scandium frame comes across light and responsive. Tried and true four bar suspension design, while not VPP or DW link, has never failed, loosened up, or weakened in 5 seasons of a 190lb. load. Lastly, which I think is what bought me a couple more years on this frame, was a recent ride I was on. In the middle of the ride as I am motoring along wishing I had more time to ride I realized how much FUN the bike is to ride! The geometry just seems to get better the longer you ride. Tight single track is a blast, 17.1 chain stays mean it feels stable when the speeds pick up, and with Kona on the downtube you know it can go downhill. Lastly, I have to hand it to Little Ade's for representing Kona so well and handling the few things that the bike has needed quickly and professionally. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jersey0826
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno, CA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Tour de Granite | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Strong frame for the relatively light weight. Solid linkage system on rear sus. Traditional build specs make self-maintainence a breeze. | | Weaknesses: | Lacks the standover (lowered top-tube) of most newer bikes. Rear shock "lockout" is weak. Pedal bob can be a problem for heavier riders as a result. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona hardtails, Giant Anthem. | | Bike Setup: | Totally custom from frame up. XTR drivetrain, BB7 mech brakes, Mavic crossmax xl. | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the frame only. I purchased and built up this frame to my specs, and I have been absolutely pleased with it. The Kona geometry is perfect for me, and the frame has held up great under some serious trail riding. It is a great tweener frame for those who like a little XC and a little all mountain. Light and strong. Takes two to three foot drops no problem, and still climbs like a champ. Just wish it had the swept down top tube like their new frames. Would eliminate the occasional nutcracker in certain technical rides when slipping off the seat. Overall, I love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GrantB
a Cross Country Rider
from Macon, GA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Arrowhead Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Simplicity of design. Geometry/handling. Comfort on the long haul. Flexibility in set up. | | Weaknesses: | It's FS, so it makes some funky noises. | | Bike Setup: | R7 Platinum fork, WTB Laser disc light/lightish rim wheels. Stock cranks and brakes. Thomson stem and post. The entire package is about 27 pounds. | | Bottom Line: | Quick note to start. I already owned and loved a Kona hard tail before this bike, so I had already drunk deeply of the Kona geometry kool aid.
A short hour and a half jaunt on this bike will leave you thinking, "What's the big deal?" For normal riding it just doesn't offer that much for me over a hard tail. But, in the past year I have done three six hour races and two other longish races, one a pretty tough 34 mile point to point deal and the other a 50 miler in the North GA mountains. Of course there have been other long rides in the local trails, too. It's only in those sorts of rides that the bike shows its true colors.
Without getting into long explanations of what the suspension may or may not be doing, I'll just say that I ride it like my hard tail with the surprising benefit that I stay seated in choppy stuff and maintain good control when things get rough. At the end of the questionably entered into race, I can get off the bike and walk. I consider the bike a success for that reason alone.
So, even though the bike is complete overkill for the trail down the street, it really helps me enjoy pretending to be an endurance athlete.
Ont the price point.....I bought this 2006 King Kikapu a year ago for $1500 with the express purpose of marathon racing bike. For the price I got enough parts to swap all the light stuff I had on a hard tail onto the Kikapu frame and keep both bikes running. Pretty cool considering the same dough might have gotten me only a frame from another manufacturer.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark_hanley
a Cross Country Rider
from Victor, NY USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Dryer rd | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Trailblazer's Bike S | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Chain kept falling off the middle chainring to the smallest one - needed derailer adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Hayes hydrolic brakes, wtb seat and posts, Rock shox tora front, Fox rear suspension, shimano stuff | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike because it was a leftover. The price was way low. I've been riding road bikes all my life so this is somewhat new to me. Riding over roots and logs is so crazy awesome. I have just my kona to judge, but I love everything about it. I feel alive on the trails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
smokin
a Cross Country Rider
from Kelowna BC
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Strengths: | solid design, no gimmicks | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSRxc in parking lot | | Bike Setup: | stock, Marzochi mx comp, RP3, hayes 9, raceface crank | | Bottom Line: | The purchase price is in Canadian funds. I wanted a bike that would climb like a goat and take lots of abuse on the down. I should have mabye got a dawg but was limited by buget because of being weight concious. With the budget restrictions in mind I could not be happier with the Kona. The bottom bracket on some other models feels low but I have not clipped the King Kikapu yet and it seems to clear a lot. The front end is very stable and is not twitchy as some cross country bikes are. I have taped off the eta lock out on the marzochi as it is no fun to hit it with your knee on the way down and loose travel. The bike climbs great with out it engaged. The RP3 is adjustable but I end up forgetting about it as there is no bob. The stock tires would kick out on loose stuff so I changed them with geba sturdys. You should be able to abuse a bike intended for this type of riding and not be braking stuff. I will let you know if I do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
STEVO
a Weekend Warrior
from NORCAL
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution in Arcata | | Strengths: | Comfort, price, stability & rear shock | | Weaknesses: | Stock Tires | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized StumpJumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | all stock except for the tires - upgraded to Maxxis Ignitors | | Bottom Line: | I just picked this bike up the other day & I am in love. I am big guy - 6'1" 245lb - & bought this bike over the Santa Cruz Superlight because it was recommended for me by my LBS. This sucker is light as can, without feeling too flimsy, & it climbs like it is nobodies business. I conquered a very steep climb, that my buddy & I have nicknamed the Executioner, without a problem. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Larkspur, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Solstice | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cesars Cyclery | | Strengths: | Light, nimble, good handling in rough stuff, great geometry, good fork (marzocchi mx comp), excellent shock (fox rp3), good brakes (hayes hfx-9), very comfortable overall. | | Weaknesses: | stock tires | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR ground control elite | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for crank bros eggbeaters and a fat 2.5 inch timberwolf tire in the front | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome. The rear suspension works great for cross country but is plush enough to absorb small and big hits. In combination with the ETA engaged, the stable platform rp3 does wonders in pedal efficiency. The 17 inch feels perfect for me (5' 8') cuz I can pedal it up but still be comforatble in the tight techy descents. At first i was losing traction with my front wheel on steep loose descents, but the huge 2.5 timberwolf took care of that. its good that the fork can handle this wide of a tire, and i'll probably switch the rear later too. I saved 500$ on it cuz its an 06 and they're getting rid of them. I look forward to this season of racing. So, If you like going fast up and down, and want to race and ride, then get this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe buhl
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder,co, USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Monarch Crest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | full cycle | | Strengths: | scantium frame,suspension ,breaks and geometry,geometry,geometry | | Weaknesses: | Head set was a smoking POS, it said cane creek on it but it was more like creek and pop. Race Face crank was another flaming POS failed after only one season and I had both components replaced. Wheel spec was way week so I had that upgraded to Mavic wheels set before I took possession which is way nice also the reason for the $3000 price tag up from ~$2400 | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Slayer and Jamis Dakar Team | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the wheel upgrade and putting on UST tires. | | Bottom Line: | Everything that has been said good about this bike by other posters. It's not that light 26+ but with the Mavic wheels it feels really light. The front tends to get light on climbs but I like it. Light pulls and tugs and you can put the front anywhere you want. Did I say it fits? man does it fit me. The RP3 works. I recommend the UST set up as well. I run low air pressure now (around mid to low 30 lbs) where with the slayer I had to run really heavy tires and high pressure to avoid pinch flats. I have not had a flat tire yet! value is a 3 cuase of the crappy spec on some components 4 overall becuase if you spend the extra $ for upgrades then you got a fine rig. They up'd the price to $3k on the 2006 model and put a good set of wheels on it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Taunton, Somerset, England
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Smooth, agile, strong, climbs well, reasonable weight | | Weaknesses: | Perhaps slightly lower spec than you'd expect at the price. The saddle is awful. Not sold on the tyres. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp, Giant Trance 2 | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla 100RLC fork
DMR V8 pedals
Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 tyres
More comfortable saddle (can't remember exact model) | | Bottom Line: | The standard bike is an excellent XC bike. While the spec-sheet is average at best, the only actually noticeable weakness over other bikes at this price is the fork: the MX Comp ETA is a good fork, but in this price range you see a lot of Rebas and Fox F100s. I got an upgrade to a Fox Vanilla 100RLC for £100 extra on top the standard UK price (£1500).
So how does it ride with the better fork? Nothing short of phenomenal. With all the adjustments on offer it lets you fine tune the ride to match the trail and your mood perfectly. The bike is both agile and sure footed. It'll nurse you through slow, technical sections you've never seen before, or shred your favourite trail that bit faster than you ever managed on your old bike, hammering down rocky descents all day.
As you might expect from a Kona, it's not the lightest bike in the world, but the emphasis is clearly on making a bike that will stand up to some abuse. It climbs well with the RP3 taking care of the back end, but if being the fastest up the hill is a priority, you may want to look elsewhere. Point it down the hill though, and it's hard to see how to make a bike more fun.
In stock form, I give it 4 flaming Chilis for value. In terms of fun for your biking pound/dollar, it would get 5 chilis. In terms of the spec sheet, it would get 3 or 4.
Overall rating gets 5 chilis, either in stock or upgraded form. It's a great bike for spending all day hammering out the miles, and for a 1 hour blast in the woods, it's absolutely unbeatable.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Strasbourg, Alsace, France
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | All of the Vosges | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Techno Cycles, Hagenau | | Strengths: | Very nippy, smooth , climbs well, and fits me very well - looks nice too. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals - the 505's have spilled me a couple of times, Nokian's are (suprisingly for Kona being Pacific North West) a fair condition tyre.
Weighs a bit - but all full sussers do to me. | | Similar Products Used: | Long term trialled a Decathlon Rockrider 9.3, very good kit ; but ride very bouncy compared to KK.
Own Kona AA hardtail - very fast but harsh.
Car park trialled Spesh Stumpy (bad fit), Epic ( too pricey) and Giant Trance (bounced at rear too much).
| | Bike Setup: | Bike is 2006 spec'd with nice Red/Cream colour scheme, 19"
Due to problem with Zokes LBS upgraded at no cost to Reba Team with remote poploc - bit hesitant after bad Rock Shox reputation and my Hardtail's Quadra; but so far very impressed (now I understand when people compare smoothness to butter)
SRAM seem to have really created a high quality reputation again. | | Bottom Line: | Smooth , fairly rigid at back , lock out of Reba excellent. Climbs as good as hardtail (after I learnt to position differently) only thing is - obvious really- because it is smoother 20kms an hour seems slower than on my hard tail on singletracks.
Saying that Down hills are just the business.
Will upgrade the pedals and giving the Nokians an extended trial.
Haven't been on any truly epic rides yet on it - really looking forward to the longer days and thawed mountain tracks now.
I don't race so cannot say if it will be good enough for that - but I bought this for epic rides in hilly places, not 2 hour blasts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Navid Tahamtani
a Cross Country Rider
from SaoPaulo - Brazil
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | biketec | | Strengths: | light and solid with good spec components.
Lots of adjustablility to the suspension. Which is a good thing if you are into spending some time to learn the effect of all those little knobs and valves but a real hassel if you just want to get going. Prepare for a long term relationship. | | Weaknesses: | slightly strange sizing and dimentions. 18" seems just a bit too cramp and 19" just a little too clumsy.
Also, I would probably change the suspension to lower spec models (like the Fox Vanila) until I got to know the bike better and then up grade to Fox Floats. | | Similar Products Used: | I did try a GT I-drive and Specialized Epic and fund the Kona to more compact, tighter and faster turning. But this is my first full sus. | | Bike Setup: | Standadard except a 410mm seat post (due to slightly strange sizing) and Maxxis instead of the Nokians. | | Bottom Line: | I had a GT hard tail for many years and had got so used to it(a damned good frame) that anything new was bound to feel funny at first. But I must say, that it will take me a long time to get the best out of this bike. It has many suspension adjustments and even slight changes o the pre-load has severe effect on the feel and handling specially at the back. Experimenting with the air pressure of the Fox Float is time consuming and may deter one of taking the time each morning to do so. However the Kona is wonderfull and very forgiving. It does everything to try to accomodate and even though you may go from a wallowing, mushy and imprecise ride to a stiff, sharp and un-predictable ride with just a few PSIs, it will always take you through, more often than not, with a wide grin on your face. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anders
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm, Sweden
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Sameslingan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Pedalogerna | | Strengths: | Frame, rear shock, brakes. Geometry is great as with any Kona! | | Weaknesses: | None realy. Well, did not like the standard tires. | | Similar Products Used: | First fullsuspension after two hardtails. Last Explosif 2002 | | Bike Setup: | This is for a 20" 2005 model,with scandium frame. Standard setup, with Conti Explorer tires. | | Bottom Line: | It's fun, fast comfortable, yet very responsive to rider input. I like the wider riser bar too, just point it in the right direction and there you go!
Climbing is realy good in any kondition. No bob in the rear,not even when standing up, what i can feel anyway.
I made it through a rockgarden into an ascent i newer did on my hardtail the first time due to god grip!
Great in the technical stuff, but does not mind fast fireroad trips. I'm as fast on this bike as on my hardtail, on fireroads.
I was a little bit concerned about weight, but nothing i have thought about since i started riding.
It was afraid what to expect going from ht to fs. But now i'm happy and satisfied with my second Kona. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington VA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Lockraven in Baltimore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR.com, used frame | | Strengths: | Light, and under control. This bike goes where you point it, just hold on. | | Weaknesses: | A little worried that the scandium frame might dent if i happen to fall wrong. | | Similar Products Used: | trek 8500, Homegrown Pro | | Bike Setup: | XL, scandium tubset with X.9, Race Face Turbine Cranks, XT disc ryno lite wheels, avid mechanical, straight jacket cables, Marzocchi Z4 Air 100m | | Bottom Line: | I love the bike. While its considerably heavier than my hold hardtail, it lets me ride things faster than I had before. The geometry seems to fit my height well, 6'4", and i really enjoy how it allows me to take turns faster. If you can find one, go ahead and pick it up. I am very satisfied with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DLH
a Cross Country Rider
from PacificNW
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Scandium framset, FoxRP3 rear shock, geometry, Fox Forx, basic components are OK... | | Weaknesses: | Wheelset, headset -- although neither gave me any trouble for the short three rides I tolerated them. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur & Heckler - Many Specialized, Trek, Haro, Titus and others - way too many really | | Bike Setup: | Replaced stock setup as follows: King headset, XT front to back, Juicy 5's, American Classic wheelset, Thomson stem and seatpost, Easton EA70Carbon handlebar, WTB Weirwolf 2.1 rear and 2.3 front. | | Bottom Line: | Review is for a 2005 Scandium 16": This is a great riding bicycle. I am seriously impressed by the Fox RP3 rear shock - and I am pretty hard to impress. Fox RL up front works very well and is predictable as are all Fox Forx float offerings. Bike is easy to setup and match tune front and rear suspension. With modifications bike weighs in at right at 25+/-lbs. A strong pedaler, great climber, confident descender and is fantastic in tight twisty single track - and is very comfortable on steep technical descents/shuttes. I've ridden and owned a lot of very good bikes - this may be my last XC dually for a long while(unless it breaks) if that says anything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from East Peoria
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Little Ade's | | Strengths: | Value, Reliable, Proven design | | Weaknesses: | None, 0, Nada | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 King Kikapu, Specialized FSR-XC | | Bottom Line: | Little Ade's set me up with this killer bike and it is going to be a great summer!! Most frames I was considering cost $1650-$2000, or $2400-$2600 w/ Fox Float up front and I got the whole bike for $2500 speaks of the value. Butted Scandium front triangle, Race Face Evolve X-Type crankset, Hayes HFX-9 carbon hydros, Fox Float RL up front, and a RP3 in the rear. The way I have it built up it tips the scales at about 26/26.5 lbs., not bad for a 4" bike. Two steps up from my previous 2000 King Kikapu. In the big ring I get minimal bob. Climbs awesome, flies on singletrack, and loves to descend. Really a great all-around bike that thus far has been well worth the money paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt G.
a Racer
from Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Monkey Wrench Cycles - Lincoln, NE | | Strengths: | This review is for the new 2005 King Kikapu, with a Scandium frame, as opposed to the 2004 Easton frame.
Strengths are: Light (5.5 lbs. for a 19" frame - on my digital scale); laterally stiff front-end; great handling; efficient pedaling; fox rp3 rear shock; low-leverage rear suspension ratio; very nicely engineered BB/main pivot area (it houses the BB, main pivot and lower shock mount into one forged/machined piece, which the tubes weld onto); "racy" feeling rear suspension doesn't give up pedaling efficiency. | | Weaknesses: | "racy" feeling rear suspension isn't as plush initially as the maverick rear-ended klein i've raced the past two seasons (that's not necessarily a bad thing though...) | | Similar Products Used: | 2003, 2004 Klein Palomino Team, 2002 Klein Adept (custom), Kona Kula Deluxe and Explosif hardtails, Bontrager TiLite | | Bike Setup: | Purchased as a frame - Manitou Minute 2 (100mm) fork, WTB/Sun/DT wheels, XTR drivetrain (old-style rear der) with Rapidfire shifters, Avid mech. disc brakes, Thomson stem/post, WTB saddle, Answer ProTaper bar, ODI Lock-on Grips (Ruffian pattern), Michelin Hot S 2.2 tires (for winter duty) | | Bottom Line: | An awesome ride! I've always liked the way Kona bikes handled, so it's been awesome to have the opportunity to race them in 2005. My King Kikapu has been very easy to get used to, which is a nice change from some other f/s bikes that require a long familiarization period. It's a very intellegently designed frame... all of the little details have been thought through (disc hose routing, for example), so there's nothing "weird" required to set it up properly.
I am a big fan of the Fox RP3 rear shock right now too. I'm amazed at how, even on the stiffest propedal setting, it can still easily use its entire travel if you hit something big. I guess that's what the concept of "platform damping" is all about, but this shock takes the concept to a new level of bump-leveling ability. Good stuff...
Overall, the King Kikapu is a very reasonably priced high-performance bike for xc racing or riding. I'm taking it to Fruita at the end of March, and I'm confident that I'll be an even bigger fan of the bike when I return from that trip. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a
from Iowa
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Local trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | $2200.00 | | Strengths: | Quality Easton frameset, Fox Float 80 RLT, Hayes HFX-9 carbon brakeset | | Weaknesses: | Wheelset is not the lightest or smoothest(Freewheel needed adjustment), Brakes are a little finicky-once dialed in they're awesome. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 98s(still have one) | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I think it's immportant when writing a review to describe fit characterisitics in a detailed manner so as to give potential buyers a good idea of what size frame might work best for them. I am 6'1.5" with approx. a 34 inch inseam and long arms(36/37 sleeve)-185 lbs. I chose the 20 inch frame and feel it is a perfect fit. I have the seatpost approx. .5 inches from max. height and the top tube/reach to the bars is just right with no stem adjustment(I realize this is subjective). I bought the bike because it seems like a great blend of cross country/light trailbike characteristics. Mine weighs about 27.5 lbs, but that really isn't an issue. Rotating weight is the most important weight consideration(read wheels)-static weight is really quite trivial unless you are a top notch racer. Side note-tubeless tires really improve ride and reduce rolling resistance with a modest weight increase. I don't have them on this bike, but do on my other one and the difference is noticable. In the midwest I really think any more than 4 inches of travel is overkill. This one has 3.9 up front and 3.5 in the back-high quality travel. It has a firm pedaling platform, but really soaks up bumps big and small. It reminds me a lot of the Ellsworth truth in geometry and suspension design. One note, I initially felt the riding position put me "in the back seat" and when climbing, felt the front end was a little light and the handling wasn't quite a sharply as I had hoped. I turned the seatpost around so the post head was forward and remounted the seat. It put me in a perfectly balanced/centered riding positions and the aformentioned problems disappeared. Hope this helped!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Enos
a Racer
from Maine
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedar Creek, NH | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Sebago Outfitters, ME | | Strengths: | The frame is very stiff and it climbs like a goat. Not too light but with a little work this bike can be around 22 lbs. The stock components are quality, Fox Shox, XT, Raceface, etc. | | Weaknesses: | I am not a huge fan of the stock wheels, Mavic X223, and i also dont like the tires, Nokian Boanzabeena 1.9. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 1, Giant NRS air, and Santa Cruz Blur. | | Bike Setup: | All stock components except for a new Easton Monkeylight XC bar, thompson seatpost, and eggbeater pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike I have raced. To be honest I loved it. The weight is a little heavier than my hardtail, but the smoothness and comfort of the Kikapu is well worth the extra weight. I would recommend this bike to any XC racer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Annice
a Cross Country Rider
from Calabogie, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Wabun Lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclo Sportif, G.M. Bertrand, Hull QC | | Strengths: | The balance and the stiff frame! It climbs like a mountain goat even in the loose stuff. The weight. It is light and nimble. Also, this is my first full suspension bike :) and I'm not disappointed. I can lock out the suspension any time. This bike is fully equipped with top of the line fox shocks and the ride is smooth! The Hayes Hydraulic Brakes are so much better than my Magura Claras on my old bike. | | Weaknesses: | The tires ... for my area where I have lots of wet roots. They should be good in dry hard pack. However, they do shed mud really well. | | Similar Products Used: | My last bike was a hard tail ... Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS Pro with disc brakes (international version) | | Bike Setup: | 16" as per catalogue so far except for the stem ... I traded it for a shorter Race Face Prodigy. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is well worth the money. Before buying I shopped around and this was the best cross country race bike for the money. I am not disappointed! As a female rider disappointed with the WSD bikes out there (too low end) I am pleased with the fit of the Kona. I went with the 16" frame and my bike shop fit me perfectly, changing my stem to shorten my reach, adjusting the seat, my cleats, everything, to make sure this bike fit my body. This bike is awesome! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark lugo
a Cross Country Rider
from fayetteville
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | kokopelli, fruita | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | sports cove, slc, ut. | | Strengths: | fantastic geometry offers unparrelled acceleration, and balance. This 4-bar linkage design is extremely stiff especially laterally. The bike levetates over everything, and climbs like a champ. | | Weaknesses: | The frame materical is definately thin walled. Originally I had the 01' Mokomoko, which is made from the same easton tubing. I put that frame to some serious tests, seriously, just short of abuse, and ended us snapping a couple of wields. Definanetly a true cross country bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky | | Bike Setup: | Chris King, Disc hubs/head set. Xtr drive train. Fox float with propedal, rock shox sid. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great setup. Sure there are some upgrades that a person will want to do, but for the money you won't find a better bike. Kona likes to set their bikes up in such a way that allows the owner to upgrade items that may be more specific to there riding style. Ie. wheels, tires, and so forth. It's pretty much the same design as ellsworths top of the line cross country, at half the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Hove, Uk
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | SDW | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Syds 2 | | Strengths: | Looks, componenets | | Weaknesses: | Will advise | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode an Enduro | | Bike Setup: | As per catalogue | | Bottom Line: | Purchased Bike a week ago. So far a vast improvement on my 2000 Blast. Though thats to be expected. Tyres are not made for uk mud but I thought I would give them a go. Will do for road training until evenings get lighter. Really nice feel to the bike and very fast. On last ride I think I have bent the big ring which is very dissapointing considering I havent crashed or anything. Will provide updates as a when. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Málaga (Spain)
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Sierra de Guadarrama | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2850.00 | | Purchased At: | Ayrun Cycles | | Strengths: | Balance. Suspension quality. Everything works fine. | | Weaknesses: | Price. Cheap wheels. Not Easton ultralight frame, only a couple of tubes. Advertised weight is a joke. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Pine Mountain 91, Kona Muni Mula 02 | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded wheels (Crossmax XL) and tires (Michelin Wildgripper XLS TL. 11.95 kg without pedals, 12.5 with Mallet C. Front sag 2 cm, rear sag 1cm. Front rebound 5 clicks away from full closed, rear rebound 8 clicks away from full closed. Tire pressure 2.5 bar front and 2.8 rear. | | Bottom Line: | Good package except for the cheap Wheels/tires combo, that was upgraded.
Well balanced bike. Brakes do brake with good power, better modulation and without squealling, fork and rear shock work flawlessy, as well as Shimano derailleurs do. No problem with my Tubeless: negligible air loss and rolling resistance seems lower.
Sure not the finest frame arround, but its geometry and rear suspension comfort suit me well
For me and my lumbar discs rear susp is a good thing, and I don´t feel bob except the few times I smash the pedals. I´m not into blocking/unblocking.
More a trail than a race bike.
I´d like to say that next upgrade should be the biker (more training, less kilograms, less years).
Saludos y un abrazo para todos
David | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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