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Submitted by
chustig
a Weekend Warrior
from Lonsdale, MN
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Murphy-Hanrehan | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | The Gravity Lab (now | | Strengths: | Seems like a tough bike (except for wheels), turns quickly, | | Weaknesses: | WHEELS!!! Shimano cable disc brakes are a little weak, but do the job with two fingers hard on the front, Float rear shock | | Similar Products Used: | None, my first and only off road bike since I was a kid. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Mavic Crossride wheelset | | Bottom Line: | I pretty much learned to ride trails on this bike. I have crashed it a bunch and is has held up. I think the wheels are made out of wimpium. No problems with the Mavics.
If I sit on this thing on anything but light bumps, it bucks me off. I'm certain I have the preload set correctly. Maybe if it had a rebound adjust. No problem though, really, because I'm an aggressive rider and I'm always standing unless I'm resting.
The fork is not so bad. Not very adjustable, but it is what it is. At least it is air and has oil in it.
I have gotten to the point where I can ride this thing pretty quickly (I think, anyway). I can ride it pretty aggressively, but I would like to ride harder and with more confidence. I'm looking at moving up to a 2008 Stumpy FSR Expert so I can ride even harder (Fox suspension with more travel, brain, hydraulic discs, 3 lbs. lighter, etc.), but I will keep this thing. Never know when I might need a spare bike. Plus it has sentimental value. We've been through a lot together. I push it hard, and it pushes me hard back. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Hooksett, NH USA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | which one | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn ManchVegas | | Strengths: | Kona - Stand Behind their products. Kona Replaced the rear triangle which developed hairline fracture after 5 years of use. Provided original sales receipt and Serial Number. Bicycle Bob's Seacost NH did the repair work. Cost me $25. | | Weaknesses: | Original brake and wheel components. Shimano discs and M485 hubs. Have replaced brakes with Avid Mechanical and wheels with Shimano XT with Center locking XT discs. | | Similar Products Used: | Bikes in similar price range. None had disc brakes. | | Bike Setup: | Current setup. Original plus now Avid brakes, XT hubs with XT center locking disc brakes, XT top normal rear derailer, and rear shock with 2007 Fox Float R with pro pedal. | | Bottom Line: | Enough said - Kona - Purchased bike at beginning of 2003 and the bike still gets plenty of use with some hard rides here through 2008. Bike has been outstanding and has held up. As you can see as the components have worn out have been replacing them with upgrades. Estimate $750 spent over the course of 6 years for component upgrades and maintenance.
Bike rides like new..................
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rachel
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | (Frame only) E-bay | | Strengths: | Great geometry for jumps, doubles and safe descents. Good suspension for smaller (2-3ft) drops. Light with the setup I've got on it, at least compared to other dualies I've ridden on the same trails- probably 'cos they were for D/H (which itself says something about this bike's capabilities). Very strong- not surprised that some big blokes have had a fair go on this bike (but not sure I'd use it for D/H, especially for higher rider weights). Fast. Easy to pressure up the rear shock and reduce pedal bob if you're heavier or want to commute on the road. A very satisfying ride. | | Weaknesses: | Longer top tube and shorter frame height than on say, the same respective frame size Dawg, means sore knees on long, steep descents (especially for girls or blokes with relatively longer legs). But this you can get used to, and I'd rather this than going over the bars. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg. | | Bike Setup: | XC. Psylos front forks. | | Bottom Line: | Great frame and rear suspension. Lots of potential to alter over-the-counter setup and turn this into a competitive XC Racer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Green Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Pedler | | Strengths: | Great overall bike and can really take a beating. Former football player, big guy - started riding this bike at 360 lbs. and it took it all in stride. Now that I'm down 130 lbs it rides even better. Good full suspension bike. Spend the extra dough to upgrade some of the components (especially the Shimano Deore to XT) - brakes, wheels and pedals most definitely. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the standard components are a little weak but like I said, upgrade them and this is an awesome bike for the big guys! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Trek and Cannondale - can't remember the exact models but they were in the same price range and all felt like they couldn't handle a clydesdale rider. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, good value. Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashua
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | The Northern Kingdom - VT | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn - ManchVegas | | Strengths: | Great value for starting rider looking to break into the full suspension market. | | Weaknesses: | The mech. disc have to be set up exactly per the instructions or they won't work. The bike wieght seem high for what you get!! The rims wiegh alot and you can feel it on the hills. Also the rims went out of true quickly and I had to have the LBS lock tight the spokes. I also wish it had a 100mm fork. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Alta | | Bike Setup: | OEM spec'ed | | Bottom Line: | Its a great starter full suspension. I can't say anything bad about how it rides but my last bike had a solid front fork!! If you are getting into riding and want a cheap full suspension with disk brakes this is the bike for you. If you've riden awhile and want something more out of your riding I would pass on this bike. In the end, I wish I had hunted the used market and got a better frame package for alittle more money. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Hassel free sports | | Strengths: | has great handeling, and is a great overall bike for a average biker. | | Weaknesses: | bad componets, small tires | | Bottom Line: | this is a pretty good bike except for the fact that the componets are weak and can damage easilly. I hae rode this bike hard and it has held up pretty well, but i think that you could buy a better bike for the money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Hooksett, NH, USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | which one | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Overall durability. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano mechanicals lasted 2 months (didn't like the mud). Switched to Avid:) Heavy - Need to replace wheelsets - very poor and week - back wheel didn't take long to get outa wack - rider only 160lbs. | | Bottom Line: | Spend a couple extra pesos to get that next step up in the kona arena. You'll get a lighter bike, with clipless pedals, a better wheel set, and it won't come with the horid shimano disc's.
Like the frame and it will hold up and get lighter with some component upgrades.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirtdevil Mountainbiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit, MI USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Poto | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Strengths: | Marzocchi fork, fox fork, Kona durability, value | | Weaknesses: | Tires slide out from under you and collect mud. Brakes are "high maintenance"--have to adjust frequently from rubbing, HEAVY BIKE! | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Explosif | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except put on SRAM Rocket Shorty shifters. | | Bottom Line: | I was very excited to get this bike, but am (at least as of now) kinda bummed about the weight of the bike and how it has slowed me down when climbing. Climbing is one of my strengths and this bike makes it a chore. Not so much bobbing, but the weight and how the bike has you sit up more than my explosif. Maybe I'll get more used to it as time goes on. Had some chain suck (for the first time in my life) on my first ride on this bike. Don't know what happened.
I've only ridden it 4 times thus far, and hope that I grow to like the bike more with each ride and perhaps when I get better dialed in. I didn't like the Explosif much when I first got it, but now, it's the best bike I've ever ridden. Still have it.
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garrett
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | vertical ones | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | trailblazers | | Strengths: | very strong, frame...i've dropped this CC bike off 4ft drops | | Weaknesses: | Shimano mechanical disc brakes suck | | Similar Products Used: | jekyll, stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Kona's in genral give you the best bang for your buck PERIOD!!!!! this is a great cross country bike that is even good for light freeride, downhill. once you get the air shocks tuned in for you there is very little pedal bob and she is steady as a rock. You can't go wrong with these bikes | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
george wong
a Cross Country Rider
from poway,ca. USA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ALL | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | 123.bikes, | | Strengths: | Frontfork, frame, handling and ride, fit and finish.....see my earlier reviews. Durability. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano mechanical disc brakes, wieght(see durability) | | Bike Setup: | Thomson stem,Answer carbon bar,Shimano 545 pedals,Chris King headset,XTR cassette, SCRAM PC20 chain, XT crankset and bottom bracket, Chris King hubs, doublebutted spokes with Mavic 317 rims, Tioga XC Extreme tires. | | Bottom Line: | In 8 months, I have worn out the front and rear brakepads, chain, rear cassette, front chainring and bottom bracket. I have lost 30lbs. and am now riding quite a bit faster,crashing less and doing some minor 2-3ft.drops. Things have worn out, but nothing has failed. I upgrade componnents as they wear. For the money, this has been a fine bike and everything said in my earlier reviews hold true. The Kahuna Deluxe is no racer(neither am I) by any means, but it's the bike that I'm running. I've brought the weight down from 33 to 28lbs. Changing the wheelset/hubs/tires reduced the reciprocating weight and made the bike quicker and more nimble. The soul of this bike remains the same, I like it more now with the upgrades. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris miller
a Weekend Warrior
from glen ellen, ca
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | China Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | bike pedaler | | Strengths: | Still rockin harder than ever! | | Weaknesses: | lousy platforms, not so nice seat, brakes squeal and go thru pads quickly | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | speed-v seat, candy sl clipless | | Bottom Line: | this is a follow up review, bike has held up great, though the back wheel is all tweaked...but hey, I weigh 290 lbs! yep I lost some blubber (about 30 lbs) from when I got this bike, which says more than anything. lots o' fun, makes me want to ride it every day. new seat and recently added clipless pedals were a huge improvement. I plan on getting avid brakes in the future and new tires soon. I highly recommend this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike J.D.
a Weekend Warrior
from Taintville
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | St. Giles Free ride course-Thanks Lowes fot he wood! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | The bike has many strengths in my opinion.
A.) the bikes frame is very strong. It may seem a little bit heavy, but you can count on the durability. It is the same frame as the bigger brother, the kakapo. You could go up to Vancouver and go free riding and the frame would take a lot of the abuse.
B.)The bike set up is also another strong point. It comes with disc brakes, so you can upgrade later. (We’ll get to that later)
c.) When you pedal the bike up a hill, you will not have any bobbing whatsoever! Most bikes have lockouts to prevent this. Some bikes don't have them because they don't need them-This bike is one of them!
D.) This bike is worth the price. Brand new you'd buy it for I’m guessing 12? Well, you actually are getting a lot for $1200. I paid $900 for it, but I got it towards the end of the season.
The bikes drive train works well too. I don't seem to have any problems when it comes time to shift gears.
| | Weaknesses: | Okay, THE BRAKES ARE HIDEOUS! Going into the bike shop to look at the bike, I knew that it had the shimano mechanicals on it, which was sort of a turnoff, but it could have Formula MD1's on it. On my old bike, I had an avid mech. up front, which was fantastic! So I did plan on getting them again if I was going to get the bike. When I got the bike and after a trip to the local ski/bike resort I made up my mind to get different brakes, seeing how the shimano's stunk! Plus I smashed the rear rotor on a rock. (I know you can buy new rotors.)
Also, I think the bike needs the marzocchi EXR with 100mm of travel. Maybe my old bike spoiled me on the fact, since it had a Judy XC w/ 100mm of travel. But the fork does a good job. I do plan on upgrading to a DJ III in the future.
The brakes seemed to need tightened up a lot of the times, but with the new brakes on + the fact of being away at college; I haven't had time lately to pay attention to them.
I also personally don't care for the Tiogas because they don't seem to grip as well as my old motoraptors- maybe I just need to put more of my weight on the bike when I climb lose terrain.
For the bike being $1200, I sort of thought that it would have come with better pedals than the ones it did??
Some people complain about the seat, but I don't seem to mind it.
Also, there are NO Kona dealers around my area. I had to drive to Pittsburgh to get this thing!
But the biggest problem I have is descending. I think my old bike was easier to climb with for more reasons than one. For one, my old bike was a Fisher with genesis geometry, plus it was a hard tail, so it was a little bit lighter. Where as the Kona is not as stretched out as the Fisher was, plus it is a dual suspension=heavier. I did feel better when I was stretched out on the Fisher, compared to the Kona. On my Fisher, I had clip less pedals, where I still have the platforms on the Kona- mainly because I am trying to get into free riding. (I may look into the Kona Jack Schit pedals)
Also with Fisher's Genesis Geometry, the frame is more spread out, which decreases the chances of going over the bars.
But when it comes to riding over tough terrain, the Kona takes the medal. -the full suspension helps a lot in that case..Duhh
| | Similar Products Used: | My previous bike was a 2000 Gary Fisher HooKooEKoo- good bike. It was strong, and plus like I said 10 seconds ago "Genesis Geometry."
I also looked at the Fisher Sugar 4- I would have bought the bike but I was looking for a bike with disc brakes, or even disc hubs...but the fisher didn't have either, or I would be pedaling a sugar 4.
I also was thinking about a Jamis Dakar Sport...but the company was all sold out. Plus I heard that the frames were not as strong as the Konas.
The Haro Extreme X3 was another one of my choices, but I had a hard time finding a Haro dealer that sold more than just their BMX line. And when I did find one that sold their MTB line, they said they wouldn't be able to get the extreme X3.
| | Bike Setup: |
Stock except for the Avids, this was a darn good move!
| | Bottom Line: | I personally am very happy with the Kahuna Deluxe. It performs well, and will take a beaten! I am nothing great when it comes to bikes, but I know for a fact that I am giving it a lot of attention when it comes to that. Like I said earlier, you could free ride this bike if you wanted to and you wouldn't have to worry about breaking the frame. I am starting to free ride (nothing major, only a few feet off the ground, with ladders that are 20 inches wide) and the only thing I would consider doing to it is a bigger fork. I would have considered a new 04 "back country" type kona, but they are a tad bit more $$
I always thought I'd ride a Fisher- made in the good Ole US of A, but with the bang for the bucks, I made the right choice. Not saying I'll never go back to Fishers in the future. (Those new cake series are nice, check em out), but for now, I am happy being a Canuck, and I sure hope to someday go to BC for a nice bike ride!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sluggo
a Weekend Warrior
from Shaker Hts, OH
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cartecay Bikes | | Strengths: | Solidly built and well designed. This bike is a great value component-wise as well. The Marzocchi fork is solid and the Fox rear shock soaks up the bumps nicely. Where are you going to find a bike with a list price of $1,200 that comes with an XT rear derailleur and disc brakes? Excellent all around value and is built like a tank. Perfect for the budget minded hardtail owner wanting to get a nice FS bike. Funky chainstay design virtually eliminates chain slap. Chain suck that seems to plague the NRS bikes is non-existent on the Kahuna Deluxe. Great bike! | | Weaknesses: | A tad on the heavy side. $1,200 and and you get schraeder tubes? Grips leave a lot to be desired. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS-3 | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike with Shimano M515 clipless pedals and Serfas grips. | | Bottom Line: | You can't go wrong with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from växjö - sweden
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | häggs | | Strengths: | Kona aluminum worx | | Weaknesses: | Frame hade some scratches when i got it | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kilauea
Kona Blast | | Bike Setup: | Kahuna deluxe frame, full xt,bomber mx comp, magura hs33, mavic wheels
| | Bottom Line: | I wanted a bike that would go fast in the pretty hard terrain here in my local forest, i also wanted a bike that could take some jumps and drops, and if it looks good its always a plus :)
If you are lookin for a light and stiff frs xc race bike this is not the bike for you.
This bike can be set up stiff but it loose alot of the fun factor it really have..this bike beg for action :)
A better riser than kona original is recommended to! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spencer
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Forks ND,
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ski and bike shop | | Strengths: | Excellent handling in cross country. Bomber fork reacts well to any type of terrain. Fox full suspension provides for a cushy ride. all around very nice for cross country riding. speed is pretty good considering the weight. shifting is quick. price is decent also. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes wear quickly. especially in downhill riding. stock pedals are lame if you want to get off the pavement. crank could also be upgraded. | | Similar Products Used: | none. first full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | replaced brakes with avid mechanical... defninite plus.
replaced pedals with bontrager clipless... also a defninite plus. replaced stem with titec. considering upgrading to a better crank....maybe shimano XT or raceface | | Bottom Line: | good all around bike. works well in cross country as well as in town. component's quality is lacking a bit but still not bad considering the price. a few upgrades and this bike is ready for anything. good bike for intermediate skill levels especially for first time full suspension riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doyle Lauterbach
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins, CO. USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lory State Park Service Road up, Mill Creek Down | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1019.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock N Road Cyclery | | Strengths: | Bang for the buck! Customer service and support. Solid, secure, stable (guaranteed to make you feel like a fearless kid again on the downhill). Quality Engineering. I bashed the rear derailleur but thanks to a soft aluminum tab designed to bend (rather than the frame), It caused no costly damage. | | Weaknesses: | There are a few minor things to get used to. Brakes don’t stay tuned very long. Seat is uncomfortable at first. Tires hold tacky mud and wear quickly. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | If you want full suspension and you're on a budget, look no further. It's an unbelievable value. My fellow bikers have bikes that cost more than double (NRS’s) and they perform no better. GREAT SERVICE: My frame was assembled with a screw that was 4mm too short and after 1 month of use, it stripped out the last thread. The bike shop installed the correct screw, which would have sufficed, but Kona sent a complete new frame for me. Free. This bike is tough. Several times a week, I enjoy screaming down a steep (class 5) service road in about half the time it takes me on my hard tail. Thanks to the suspension, I can ignore rocks, rough washed out sections and I’ve ALWAYS kept the rubber side down at those speeds. The brake disks get EXTREMELY hot (they change color) but never fade. It’s a confidence builder. Others have said that there are plenty of places to improve weight on this bike. I started with my own gut. I’ve lost 20 lbs since I bought it. I love this bike!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Guelph, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Guelph lake | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Waterdown cycles | | Strengths: | Versatility. This bike can be used for many different types of riding. | | Weaknesses: | A little more frame strength for the price would make it a better all round machine. The pedals are pretty mediocre. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Giant Warp, Specialised Enduro, FSR, Trek Fuel 80 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great and was the solution I arrived at after much research. I wanted a bike with a combination of high pedalling efficiency and activity. Many bikes I tried were either very efficient but harsh, or very active but spongey or bobby for cross country trails. This bike excels because it's active enough to absorb everything and even handle some light free riding, yet it's stiff enough to be efficient and good for climbs without bob. It descends very smoothly too. The fact that it comes with air shocks means you can make it more or less active according to the type of riding you want to do that day. This is great for the price. 2003 Marzocchi Bomber forks are really excellent all round forks and incorporate the lightness, stiffness and travel that would only have been found on much more expensive forks a few years ago. Kona have specced this machine out with some really nice parts and, apart from the pedals, it would be difficult to find a bike better equipped or more versatile than this one for the money. If you want a bike that's more active and better for free riding or are becoming tired of trail hammering, a Giant Warp DS1 would be a better bet for the price. A racer might want to look closely at an NRS or similar. If however, you mostly ride trails, are beginning to be interested in free riding and maybe want to dabble in cross country racing, this is the bike for you, although I must stress that it's a little too active/heavy for serious racing. Great looking bike too!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Hooksett, NH USA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Carr Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1199.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Good overall components. Sets up well for 5'8". Nice front and rear shock combination. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy 29-30lbs.. Clipless pedals not standard. Front lifts easily on steep climbs | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS3, Specialized Rockhopper Comp, Gary Fisher Sugar 3 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocci EXR, Fox Float, Avid Levers with Shimano Calipers, and XT derailer. | | Bottom Line: | Good cross country bike for the dollars and for the average enthusiast. By no means a racing bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Wong
a Cross Country Rider
from Poway, Ca., USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Laguna + Daley Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | 1,2,3 Bikes, S.D., Ca. | | Strengths: | This is a follow-up review, everything that I said last time still applies. Having crashed a couple of times, I can hoestly say that this machine can take hits(more than I can!) These mishaps were attributed to my lack of confidence and/or skill(my old Giant would spit me off with regularity). this Kona on the other hand has saved me on numerous occasions. The beautiful paint job is holding up well. Also, KONA really backs up their stuff!!! (e-mail me for details;www.wongswoodcraft@cox.net) | | Weaknesses: | stock tires were merely OK. Shimano cable actuated brakes seem to need adjustment fairly often, but nothing really bad. | | Similar Products Used: | None, looked at GiantNRS3 | | Bike Setup: | Thomson stem, Anwer carbon bars,Shimano PDF545 pedals, Intense system4 tires and I added a Chris King headset. | | Bottom Line: | I still love this bike! I try to ride every day. This thing inspires so much confidence,I often find myself in touchy situations that I can usually ride out of. I raced it in the NORBA races at Big Bear last weekend, and it ran perfectly. I had so much fun, I am now training and trying to lose weight in order to improve. I have never loved a machine the way I love this one(except for Betsy, my 64 Nova Wagon!) This bike has been well worth the money that I paid for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Brandt
a Downhiller
from Marquette, Mi, USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail with bridges and drops | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | The Quick Stop Bike Shop | | Strengths: | >good on climbs and decense
>Very Nice Marzocchi bomber exr fork handles every kind of terrain.Fox Float rear shock handles great in the rear.
>great price for the set up
>This bike handles great on the drops and bridges and can handle small freerideing. | | Weaknesses: | breaks arn't super powerful but still work great. I wish there was more front and rear travel but what the bike comes with is enough for me. other wise there are no weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 4,Specialized rockhopper fsr comp, trek fuel 80,90,trek liquid 10,jekyl 500,giant vt2, jamis dakar comp, and dakar xlt1.0 | | Bike Setup: | stock setup but added shimano spd 545 pedals and cateye speedometer | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sweet, Im a 14 year old boy who loves to ride logs, down hills, and drops. this bike fits me perfect and was a great price. I recondmend this bike to any one switching over to a full suspension bike who has a limited budget and wants a bike that performs great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lionel Wong
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Very responsive bike and easy to handle. Great specs for a bike at this price. nice front and rear suspension combi. Inspires confidence for both climbing and descending.Well,it looks real sweet too. | | Weaknesses: | Weak headset,busted my within two months. The seatpost is kinda short especially if u are using a 16inch frame.Also the disc brakes may require quite a bit of tuning to prevent the brake pads from rubbing with disc but these are minor problems and can be sorted out easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Hahahnna with rs duke fork,xt components | | Bike Setup: | stock parts except for a cane creek headset,amoeba seatpost and panaracer trailblazer tires as i have worn out the tioga tires | | Bottom Line: | This is the ultimate value for money bike. U can get this really cool bike at very reasonable price compared to other brands and it is very well built,nice specs and it will really reignite your passion for riding when u are riding it.I would really recommend this bike to ppl who are switching over from a hardtail to a full sup and have a limited budget. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark Lyndon
a Weekend Warrior
from auckland, newzealand
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikebarn Ns | | Strengths: | This is a follow up reveiw, so...Its a really well sorted bike, I had a few problems with gear slippage but sorted that out (was a stiff chain linkage)..I have used it on 70k epic 6hr rides to cross country in clay and sand, and have found it to be a great climber decender and cruiser.
I have lowered the handle bar height by putting the spacers on top..this stopped the wee problem of the front wheel being a bit light and lifting on some steep climbs..the disc breaks are good, do need some fiddling with to get drag free but ok. Overall fantastic bike. | | Weaknesses: | Its so sorted I have nothing to adjust fiddle with...the wife is happy has got me out of the garage!! | | Similar Products Used: | Old HT | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for time atacs and front tyre Trail bear IRC | | Bottom Line: | Excaellent bike and a massive bargain compared to other offerings..far better spec than NRS's, specialised etc in the same $$ range and its a KONA!
My first revwiew was supposed to be 5/5 but must have hit the wrong key so another 5/5 is going in....buy one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R. S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilson, NC
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Steve's bike shop | | Strengths: | Very good components for the cost. I like the Avid shifters and the mechanical brakes. Fox float rear shock and Marzocchi front shock. Both are ajustable and good for climbs. Have not really pushed it yet for the downhill abilities and taking hits. | | Weaknesses: | Will change out the seat ASAP. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Moab(before bankrupt) and various test rides of Gaint, Trek and Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Standard from shop for a 6 foot, 180 lb male. | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike for the money. I can't see wanting anything thing else for it until I break something. I reccomend this bike for anyone wanting a full suspension with very good components at a good price. The bike shop said the company was easy to work with. Note * I am not an extreme rider but like to push my limits on each ride. The bike is very good at climbs and rims seem to be able to take a hit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George Wong
a Cross Country Rider
from poway,Ca,USA
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Laguna+Daley Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | 1,2,3Bikes,S.D. | | Strengths: | quality fit+finish,beautiful shifting,decent componnents for the $,well balanced and nimble the handling inspires confidence,it climbs well for a 30+ lb. bike. Excellent dealer/manufacturer service. | | Weaknesses: | At first this bike was hard to pedal uphill,till I noticed that the front disc was warped. Jason, at 1,2,3 Bikes said that this was the 2nd bent disc caused by shipping. He called the Kona distributer and I had a new disc in 4 working days.
The rear disc squeeks when applied on downhills.
| | Similar Products Used: | None, my old bike was a Giant,Iguana | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to Answer Pro Taper Carbon Handlebars, Thomson Stem, Shimano SPD545 Petals,and Intense System 4 XC Tires. Theese goodies brought up the cost to $1325 out the door. | | Bottom Line: | I am a 51 year old, 215lb. guy that doesn't race, or do 10ft. dropoffs, but I ride hard and often. This bike has given me a new appreciation for riding. It begs to be ridden fast, it's comfortable, nimble, handles and shifts extremely well. Bob is unnoticable, so it climbs better than my old hardtail as long as your spinning those petals. I'm a firm believer in having a good relationship with your local bike shop{LBS}. Having ridden with Jason at 1,2,3 Bikes in San Diego, He was able to put me on the right bike, set it up and dial everything in {not to mention set things right ie; Front Disc}. I know that this is still the "honeymoon" phase but at this point I really love this bike.
...Will check back in a few months. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris miller
a Weekend Warrior
from sonoma, ca
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anadale state park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | bike peddler-santa rosa | | Strengths: | nice spec, good workmanship, fun as hell! | | Weaknesses: | slippery platform pedals, kinda heavy at 31 lbs | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Lots of fun! strong bike, i weigh 320 lbs and have to crank the shocks all the way up, but it works great! Killer deal for 1200 bucks, but i need to get some clipless pedals and shoes. climbs well, descends really well, all in all its a blast. kinda heavy, but plenty of places to improve the weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Lyndon
a Weekend Warrior
from Aukland New Zealand
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | riverhead,woodhill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikebarn Ns | | Strengths: | Great setup very stable and agile..
Great components for price
Climbs very well..hooks up at the rear and the front soaks it all up | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | New Haro FS tested, My old Hardtail claud butler | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for IRC trailbear on front and my Platform pedals (redline) | | Bottom Line: | Awsome bike..has improved my riding 50%,I can now make loads of technical climbs I coundnt make before over roots etc. Climbs well on the smooth stuff ...front shocks allow me to blow thru sections that I would have been spat off on on my HT..Disc brakes are fantastic..Position is good Im 5'9" 78 kg and have got the 18" model..highly recommend ...love the bike better than what I had expected | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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