Submitted by
Matt Steele
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006
Strengths: This bike makes riding addictive!Well made frame and I've taken it all over the world and its never failed.Good components supplied for the money,easy to maintain.
Weaknesses: The front shock lets it down,I broke the spring twice and the stanchions were always sticky.The rear shock was too heavy.
Bottom Line:
If you like to go fast on the way to work or XC trails after this bike is great.Its been reliable to me for 4 years riding it every day on all kinds of trails every where.
Bike Setup: Upgraded to Rock Shox Reba race on the front and Ario on the rear.Hayes Nine disc brakes.This has made a huge difference in every area and a lot lighter-now a super bike!I only made these upgrades this year,after 3 years on the old shocks.
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Submitted by
nathan ashton
a Cross Country Rider
from cornwall, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004
Strengths: Nice setup in the rear end! components are good for the price, rides well, rear setup doesn't take much power away from pedaling.
Weaknesses: rear chain stay broke the first week I had the bike, and the fork sucked ass!!
Bottom Line:
this bike is awesome for the everyday trail rider, nice set up, gives the least amount of power loss when pedaling looks great! this bike is cheap, but rides like alot of expensive bikes, i drove the Norco atomik for alittle more than a year before i got the kahuna, and id choose the kahuna over the atomik any day!!! great bike kona! (it was a pain in the ass to get the rear chain stay replaced on my bike when it broke)
Bike Setup: Upgraded to Rock Shox Duke Race, Aero Spoke Carbon Fiber Rims, bash guard really helps!!easton handle bars!(carbon fiber)
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Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Holmdel, NJ, United States
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003
Strengths: The frame is strong. The shifting and brakes are nice.
Weaknesses: The shox that come with the bike aren't the best, but they can easily be upgraded.
Bottom Line:
The bike is well made and gets the job done. Great look and feel, excellent bike for the price, although i would go with the new 2003 model....its cheaper, has better components, and looks better. Has no problems handliing the trails and road travel is possible with the preloaded shox.
Bike Setup: 2002 Kona kahuna Frame, Judy tt rock shox, shimano xt brakes, vanilla coil rear suspension, standard grips and handle bar, tiga tires, Sun Rhyno Lite wheels w/Deore LX hubs,Shimano XT shifters/levers,XT brakes,XT derailleurs,XT crank.
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Submitted by
Ronnie
a Weekend Warrior
from Watauga, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003
Strengths: Looks great,handles great,strong frame,plush ride,good standard components for the price.
Weaknesses: Just the stock fork and riser bar; otherwise, a great FS bike.
Bottom Line:
This is my first full-suspension bike,and I got a deal on it that I couldn't pass up. Konas are not as well known in the U.S. as they are in Canada and Europe, but I highly recommend you check one out. The frame is super-strong and well made, and the bike handles great. I do recommend replacing the stock fork(Judy TT) however. It's okay for bike paths, but for off-road use, spend a little for a much better fork and you'll be glad you did. The Deore stock components are decent, but XT is so smooth, and it's the best component group for the money, I think. My next upgrade will be to a Fox Float R air shock, but the Vanilla coil-over performs well for now. This bike makes riding addictive. Thanks, Kona!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockhopper FSR,Gary Fisher Sugar.
Bike Setup: 2002 Kona Kahuna frame,Fox Vanilla coil-over front shock,2001 Rock Shox Judy Race fork,Cane Creek S6 headset,Sun Rhyno Lite wheels w/Deore LX hubs,Shimano XT shifters/levers,XT brakes,XT derailleurs,XT crank,Serfas saddle,Azonic riser bar,ODI Rogue lockjaw grips.
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Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC, Can
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003
Strengths: The bike as a whole is flat out awesome. I upgraded a few things here and there to fit my liking.
Weaknesses: Can't think of any...
Bottom Line:
This is one smooth bike. The 4 bar suspension system works wonders. I have noticed no bobbing whatsoever. Everytime I ride, I am amazed! It is everything I want and need in a bike, especially at this price. I have done my share of jumps/drops and it has held up wonderfully. I can also ride for hours without tiring. I am thrilled with my new purchase. I most certainly recommend it, especially for the intermediate rider. Great job Kona!
Similar Products Used: Giant NRS 3, Ironhorse Showdown
Bike Setup: Manitou Black fork, Wellego clipless pedals
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Submitted by
Nataniel Lessnick
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2003
Strengths: The components are great! You won't find a Fox Vanilla on many bikes at this price. Killer looks too!! Makes riding become an addiction
Weaknesses: Somewhat heavy, OK for a full suspension. You might want to upgrade the fork and pedals. Perfect for me though.
Bottom Line:
I was recently thinking of buying the 03 Norco Charger but fell in love with the Kahuna. Great xc bike although I have'nt been riding much yet (I kept it in my room for the first week!) Kona rocks, get one and see for yourself. To sum up: fun, sweet lookin, affordable bike :)
Strengths: Great looking bike, fairly light for a full suspension, under 30lbs. Handles real well.
Weaknesses: Fox vanilla shock, I'm 5'7" and even on the loosest setting I could barely budge the rear shock.
Bottom Line:
I dig this bike!!! I went from a Specialized rockhopper, 10 yrs old and no suspension to this, and I am stoked. I climb better, ride better, and am less anxious on the technical stuff. Maybe pretty soon I can beat my hubbie on these rides, we'll see. I think this bike is great for anyone looking to upgrade to an f/s ride, it really rocks!!!
Bike Setup: Stock, except switched out the rear shock for a Cane Creek air shock, way better. Now I can feel the cush of a full suspension bike, and this shock has rebound and stiffness adjustments.
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Submitted by
Ray Fewtrell
a Weekend Warrior
from Wirral, UK
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002
Strengths: Light, easy setup fun to ride full susser, and cheap too. Looks good and rides well too.
Weaknesses: Not a fan of the front forks (Judy TT), I didn't like the feel once the correct sag was set.
Bottom Line:
Been riding a Saracan dirt trax pro for 5 years on many xc route, decided a full susser was needed. Got a good deal at halfords, bike was on offer for 700 pounds instead of 1000 pounds. Upgraded forks and wheels 2 weeks ago, not been out on the trails yet. Much easier and more comfort on trails than the hardtail. Overall looks good and great fun to ride, but I've upgraded a couple of bits to suit my choice of terrain and riding
Bike Setup: Changed the front forks to Marzocchi MX Pro, upgraded the wheels to Mavic F219 rims on deore disk hubs with Deore Mech disks. Also added smart lights and gps
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Submitted by
Michael Ulrich
a Weekend Warrior
from Albert Lea, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Strengths: bang for the buck
Weaknesses: front forks
Bottom Line:
I researched $1000 FS bikes for a month and was going to buy a Jamis, until I rode the Kona. I spent 2 hours riding 4 different bikes including Jamis, Rocky Mountain and Trek Fuel - and I just liked the feel of the Kona. I didn't even like the color - but it has grown on me. Great cross country. Good feel and good up hill with little bounce. I found the seat uncomfortable and added a Koobi. Kona rules!
Strengths: I like this one beacuse it handles great on the jumps, and the Fox Vanilla is awesome. I went from riding a hardtail Diamondback that tore up 24/7, to this, and I think it is outstanding.
Weaknesses: As of now, no clipless pedals, but I'll fix that soon.
Bottom Line:
Outstanding bike, better get one fast. Lightning will give you a good deal, too.
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Strengths: Price, paid £799 and its simply great. Frame - rear suspension design works really well, nice and plush while keeping weight down. groupset - Shimano deore groupset with truvativ crankset, looks the part and performs very nicely
Weaknesses: Front forks have a little stiction, and I'll have to get some new springs or oil or something to sort them out as when I get on the bike the forks only go down about 1cm, which should be more.
Bottom Line:
This bike is superb, it can handle drops (not too big though), and it is also apt at xc hacks going along tracks, flat, up and downhill. Its gears are smooth and work well, the forks aren't brilliant, but they do the job well enough for now. The frame is the best thing though, I love the design and it works brilliantly
So, overall, this bike is brilliant, I think the world of it!
Similar Products Used: None - my first full sus/serious bike
Bike Setup: All stock, will get new forks sometime (marzocchi), and probably disc brakes after that
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Submitted by
Russell
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland NZ
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002
Strengths: Price. Goes or rather went really well down hill! I can beat my son over downhill stretches especially over rough stuff. Good first suspension bike. I bought it because of a nagging back ache and perhaps it helps over a hard tail. Goes OK uphill if you can get it in the groove.
Weaknesses: Bobbing on climbing with standard rear shock. Didn't survive a head on with a tree at speed!
Bottom Line:
Good bike just don't ride it, or probably any bike, straight into a tree at speed! I really liked it and bought another Kona.
Similar Products Used: Kona Mano Mano which I replaced it with under an insurance claim.
Bike Setup: Mazochi Dirt jumper 2 Fork, Formula Disc Brakes (I had them from another bike)
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Submitted by
Bob Red
a Racer
from Regina, sask., canada
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002
Strengths: very light and strong
Weaknesses: objects losen after long rough downhill rides
Bottom Line:
I LOVE this bike and I actually prefer this bike over a full suspension which my friends have and have been trying to get me to buy, but I keep completing trails with ease when my friends are out of breath. I tried their bikes and I can see why. I'm stick'in with this bike for as long as I can.
Bike Setup: e-mail me cuz I can't remember off hand here.
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Submitted by
Jeff Green
a Weekend Warrior
from Boynton Beach, Fl USA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001
Strengths: Great geometry Good suspension (for Average trails)
Weaknesses: Could use a lock-out on the rear shock.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for both basic trail riding as well as some more extreme trails. The balance is good, drops are no problem as long as they're not over 3 ft or so. I found the components to be of good quality. It's a great mid high end bike for someone that wants to ride but is not to insane!
