Submitted by
King Sintkypu
a Weekend Warrior
from York, UK
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2011
Strengths: Everything works great, strong brakes, smooth gears, solid frame, and great suspension
Weaknesses: none that I've found
Bottom Line:
Bought this online new in it's box massively discounted as it was seen as an old model... Less than half price!
Could not be more impressed, easy to setup the suspension, gears and brakes are excellent, and the feel of the bike when I ride it is fantastic - it's as it if't itchiy for some rough stuff.
Taken it on a few rides round Derbyshire (the Peak District in the UK), and to be honest I've pussied out before I felt the bike was going to fail.
The only thing I'm going to change is the tyres... and that's from wear!
Bike Setup: facctory standard, Tora front, RP2 rear, Hayes brakes, Deore set.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
cloubser
a Cross Country Rider
from Houghton, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2011
Strengths: It has taken quite a beating over the past few years as my main trail/commuter bike, but has remained strong with nothing broken structurally. Very light/quick, Fork provides ample damping for the trails I do. Good handling. I got it for a relatively cheap price on ebay
Weaknesses: The 9-speed Deore XT combination in the back makes for a thin chain that has snapped on 2 different occasions.
Bottom Line:
A great bike if you like riding trails hard and you want a bike that works. The light frame lets you climb easily and is still stiff and strong. If you can get this bike for under $1500 you're getting very good value for yourmoney
Similar Products Used: GT Avalanche (Hardtail), IronHorse warrior (hardtail),various other mountain bikes (most hardtails). Own a carbon/aliminum road bike.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Bomber xc comp (100mm travel)
Fox Float rp3 rear shock
Shimano Deore XT components
Raceface xc cranks
Hayes nine hydraulic disk brakes
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Submitted by
pambadude
a Cross Country Rider
from East Peoria
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2009
Strengths: Durability
Local shop support
Geometry
Butted scandium frame
Weaknesses: Nothing flashy-simple design if that is a weakness
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.
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
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Submitted by
jersey0826
a Weekend Warrior
from Fresno, CA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2009
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.
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.
Similar Products Used: Kona hardtails, Giant Anthem.
Bike Setup: Totally custom from frame up. XTR drivetrain, BB7 mech brakes, Mavic crossmax xl.
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Submitted by
GrantB
a Cross Country Rider
from Macon, GA
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
mark_hanley
a Cross Country Rider
from Victor, NY USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2008
Strengths: Everything
Weaknesses: Chain kept falling off the middle chainring to the smallest one - needed derailer adjustment
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!
Bike Setup: Hayes hydrolic brakes, wtb seat and posts, Rock shox tora front, Fox rear suspension, shimano stuff
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Submitted by
smokin
a Cross Country Rider
from Kelowna BC
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2007
Strengths: solid design, no gimmicks
Weaknesses: none so far
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.
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.
Similar Products Used: Specialized StumpJumper FSR
Bike Setup: all stock except for the tires - upgraded to Maxxis Ignitors
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Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Larkspur, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006
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
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.
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
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Submitted by
joe buhl
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder,co, USA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006
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
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.
Weaknesses: Perhaps slightly lower spec than you'd expect at the price. The saddle is awful. Not sold on the tyres.
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.
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)
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Submitted by
Pat Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Strasbourg, Alsace, France
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Navid Tahamtani
a Cross Country Rider
from SaoPaulo - Brazil
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2006
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Anders
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm, Sweden
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2005
Strengths: Frame, rear shock, brakes. Geometry is great as with any Kona!
Weaknesses: None realy. Well, did not like the standard 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.
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.
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Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington VA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005
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.
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.
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
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