|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
elmodog
a Cross Country Rider
from wellington somerset england
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | 1998 model...superb handling/ stability on single track or road, great ride | | Weaknesses: | stock wheels/tyres, but thats nitpicking | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 kona explosiv..1993 lavadome | | Bike Setup: | stock mostly | | Bottom Line: | i upgraded to explosiv but its just not the same ride feel and i regret to this day selling my steel cinder cone, it just felt inspiring to ride and if i could find another bike that rides the same i would snap it up.this was a case of the grass is greener on the other side........ | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cindercone
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Blue Bonnet Bicycles | | Strengths: | Great value for the $$ - This is my first real mountain bike. I'm 6' 240lbs. and this bike is getting me into the best shape of my life. It fit perfect with little set up. Hydraulic disk brakes work great. | | Weaknesses: | None that I'm aware of. Maybe the original tires, but that is probably me. | | Similar Products Used: | Pacifica, Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | Original except for a pair of Ergon GP1 grips and some egg beaters for efficient peddling. | | Bottom Line: | This bike always delivers and is a joy to ride. I'm glad the 2008 Cinder Cone was my first "real" mountain bike. For anyone still looking at Wal-mart specials...step up and get a real mountain bike. You'll be glad you did. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry Pos
a
from Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | The Bruce | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | KAMIKAZE | | Strengths: | Good brakes & tire combo allow for great handling at almost any angle or terrain. Solid frame for an XC bike. | | Weaknesses: | Saddle is a bit stiff & uncomfortable after a while. Forks not quite what it could have been. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Wahoo | | Bike Setup: | WTB Jaxon V Saddle, WTB Weirwolf compound trail grips, Marzzochi MZ Super Comp Fork, Hayes Sole Hydraulic Disc Brakes | | Bottom Line: | This is the most tankin' XC bike i've ever riddin, and for the price u know what I mean. After riding a Wahoo and then taking one of these puppies for spin, I wondered what I was ever doing on any other bike. The first season I had it all I wanted to do was see what it could do on every trail I know. My verdict, it'll do pretty much anything you want it to do. From leg numbing climbs to rough downhill terrain, this machine can take it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from West Chester, PA USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Brandywine Creek State Parks | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Strengths: | This is my first, and will not be my last Kona bike. I bought this one to replace my GT TerraQuesta which was stolen. What a nice bike the Cinder Cone is. I am a big rider (+225 lbs) and I beat the snot out of this bike and it has yet to let me down. Despite V-brakes, the control on downhills is percise and predictable. The frame is strong and the tire/wheel combination is great. I am still impressed that I have had only one flat in 3 years (and that was due to a branch sticking out of a log). Overall, I feel this bike outperforms many of more expensive bikes that my friends ride. It's light weight and very responsive when I need it to be, yet built like a brick outhouse when it's supposed to be. The front suspension keeps taking a beating and never blinks. Reliable, honest and rugged!!! | | Weaknesses: | No disk brakes available on my model. They became standard equipment the following year. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Original except I use Panaracer tires and Ritchey V-brake pads | | Bottom Line: | I thought $850 USD was alot to pay for a bike in 2003 but it proved to be money well-sent. My brother rides a Trek and my other brother rides a Christina and paid much more for their bikes. I am always in better control and have less trouble with my Kona then the two of them combined. This Cinder Cone had proven to be a very reliable bike with just the normal wear-and-tear maintenance required to keep me flying down the trails for years to come. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Eartham to whiteways,West Sussex | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Strengths: | I've owned my 1990 model Cindercone since 1995,when i bought it secondhand for £220.It was totally original and still is apart from the gearset and rims-i split the rear rim this year at the join.I have used this offroad and it is so precise with its control along the trails its lovely.Project 2 forks give it a real solid feel and makes you work hard tackling the trails. | | Weaknesses: | The rear rim split at the join for no reason other than age i think,they were narrow rims with Porcupine tyres that had been on the bike since i purchased it.had to replace the whole gearset as everything had been on there for so long it had all worn together,and fitting just a chain,or rear cassette would have it jumping and mis shifting,but credit to suntour,it had lasted since 1990 through to 2004 without a single glitch.Amazing!(only wanted to replace chain for extra reliability going offroad which is how i found out the wear problem with the gearing) | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Koa-Lovely bike.Has been my trusty steed for offroading over the past year,bought frame on ebay and built up with lx gearing,rolf wheels,rockshoc duke xc front sus fork.One of the best bikes i have owned to date(1997 model)25.6lb weight. Burnt orange colour.
GT i-drive comp-heavy full suspension bike,lowest in the i-drive range,but have been offroad today and it performed faultlessly! have my Duke xc's on the front.30.6lb weight.
| | Bike Setup: | Shimano Exage rear derailleur(from mates Marin Bear Valley)
Lx front derailleur,Suntour XCD front crank(original one bike came with and also bottom bracket,perfectly smooth!!!)
Shimano 8 speed shifters,Deore v-brakes and levers,rolf 24rear and 20 front spoke black rims,still original splatter paint job frame,project 2 forks(had rockshox XC 50mm travel forks but reverted back to 2lb weight P2's!.
original seat post,handlebars. | | Bottom Line: | I cannot see myself ever parting company with my 1990 Cindercone,i have owned her for the past 10years and she has never let me down,no other bike i have owned has come close to the amazing,direct steering,instant drive when you pedal,and the satisfaction when you tear along a trail and you flick her left and right,carving your own path along the forest trail,feeling all the tree roots and stones you pass over trying to navigate a route to the end! Its a brilliant bike and one that KONA should be proud of! Keep the splatter paint job on them and be ready for the big beaming smile when you use it as it was intended!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Archer
a Weekend Warrior
from Bicester, UK
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Snowdon in Wales | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$899.00 | | Purchased At: | Somewhere in London | | Strengths: | Cinder Cone - it rewrote the book on serious mountain bikes.I still own and use my 1990 Cone (first model - white paint with red/blue splatter) and love it every time I throw an ageing leg over it. I've read most of the other reviews here and many superlatives are used to describe how this puppy handles. None of them come close. Sublime. Yes, that's it. Sublime handling, feel, comfort. All these things and more. On the loose stuff it's, well, alive. Can't describe it any other way. | | Weaknesses: | None to think of. | | Similar Products Used: | My other ride is a 1994 Manitou FS frameset with XT/XTR, Middleburn cranks, Pace rings, Ringle, Hope, White, Ritchey Logic, Club Roost, X-Lite, lots more. It's got loads of grin factor, but somehow just doesn't quite equal that of my Cone. | | Bike Setup: | I've changed much of the bike's running gear over the years but always kept the original Suntour Xpress under-bar shifters - simply the best shifters ever, and years ahead of Shimano at the time. Maybe even today too. Also kept the original Suntour 3-finger levers - again, one of the best levers ever. Suntour were so underrated! It's looking in need of some TLC so planning to rebuild as close to original spec as I can. Real "old skool". I still have the original Project II forks in the original paint scheme so it's either those or the refurb'ed Manitou I sussies I still have. Anyone know where I can get some replacement stickers for a 1990 Cinder Cone? | | Bottom Line: | Nothing more to say beyond what's been said above! I love this bike. In the history of mountain biking it's undoubtedly one of the most significant bikes ever made. If ever they opened an "MTB Hall of Fame", this bike should be the first one you see after paying your entrance fee. So often copied but hardly ever matched. Kona rules. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Brennan
a Weekend Warrior
from Aberdeen, Grampian, UK
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | disapearing downhill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Alpine Bikes | | Strengths: | Weight, handling, feel & reliability | | Weaknesses: | those bontrager rims that came with it and those kone race lite brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky mountain hammer | | Bike Setup: | Bontarger race lite bar, barends, hope hubs, ringle skewers, V brakes, flight saddle | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike in 1996, raced it for two seasons untill a mate crashed in front of me and it took a few years to get back up to speed, still feels as good to ride to day as when new. Only my old bones complain, great for urban warfare, and likes to jump. I'm 6ft3" and the 18" fits like a dream. Keep the north shore going..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Brennan
a Weekend Warrior
from Aberdeen, Grampian, UK
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | disapearing downhill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Alpine Bikes | | Strengths: | Weight, handling, feel & reliability | | Weaknesses: | those bontrager rims that came with it and those kone race lite brakes | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky mountain hammer | | Bike Setup: | Bontarger race lite bar, barends, hope hubs, ringle skewers, V brakes, flight saddle | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike in 1996, raced it for two seasons untill a mate crashed in front of me and it took a few years to get back up to speed, still feels as good to ride to day as when new. Only my old bones complain, great for urban warfare, and likes to jump. I'm 6ft3" and the 18" fits like a dream. Keep the north shore going..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, IL USA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Matson Hill, MO | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Touring Cyclist | | Strengths: | Good value, tough little bike. Love the paint job on my '02 | | Weaknesses: | Pedals had to go, seat can be a bit harsh if you spend a lot of time in the saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Alum frame bikes | | Bike Setup: | Added: Rhino Lite wheelset w/Shimano XT disc hubs, Shimano 324 clipless pedals, Avid 185mm Mechanical disc brakes front and rear. | | Bottom Line: | I've been very pleased with this bike from day one. Does a great job while commuting or urban assult style rides. Single track isn't a problem on this machine either. After riding pretty hard for a year, I still haven't managed to break anything... that has to count for something! An all-around solid XC bike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Elliot Kleiman
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | La Jolla | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$799.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Bike | | Strengths: | The Forks are awesome. Oh my God this bike rips. The front and rear brakes on the 2003 cinder cone are so awesome. | | Weaknesses: | The stock seat is kinda tough. You gotta get a gel seat; but I think thats standard with bikes these days. | | Similar Products Used: | I test rode all kinds of diff brands, after I rode the Kona bikes I was sold. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The 2003 cinder cone is really a great buy. Not only does it look good, but it rides awesome. With the forks its so easy to do bunny hops, wheelies, and just really attack terrain at high speeds. Plus, it climbs really well for me. I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | bullet proof! 8 years and going strong (still has the original headset - smooth as butter) | | Weaknesses: | Onto my third set of shocks. The original marzocchis weren't bad, the rst's I replaced them with were crap, and my new rockshox duke xc's are awesome! | | Similar Products Used: | diamond back, trek 8000, giant yukon | | Bike Setup: | titec ti bars and kevlar saddle, mavic 231 rims (7 years of abuse and still true), onza pedals, hutchinson python gold tyre, duke xc shocks | | Bottom Line: | been thinking for a while about upgrading, but after a few hours in the dirt with old faithful I wonder why I even considered it. New shocks this year revived her. I get some funny looks from the youngsters when they see my old thumbshifters, but I club most of them in the races so who cares?! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt Luneburg
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere I can get wet and muddy | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | The value of the bike was good, especially when I bought it in 1991. This was one of the first Cinder Cones for sale (in my area) and represented really good value compared to the other bikes in its price range. Vitually indestructable. | | Weaknesses: | The Suntour (the what?) XCD components. Everybody has gone Shimano and while I have had no problems with the original components, when it comes time to fix something, parts are not available. | | Similar Products Used: | First and only MTB - 12 years and counting | | Bike Setup: | Stock 1991 with spd pedals. Replaced stock rims with better quality ones after the first year (cracks) and no problems since. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been great. I have ridden this bike for 12 years with the original equipment (except as noted). While I'm not particularly rough, I don't treat the bike like it's made out of glass (plenty of scatches to prove it). The bike has held up well. The Kona has been relegated to commutor duty for the past few years, and with slicks on it moves. While not as quick as my road bike it is much more comfotable and with the pot holes here it is like riding single track! Overall very impressed. I know I'll have to replace the drive train soon as it is getting tired but the frame is still holding out. 4 for value due to Suntour and 5 for overall because it is still going strong after 12 years. Try that with a cheapo bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Superthrive
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, MI
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Deep Lake | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Bike | | Strengths: | Long Lasting
Light for Steel | | Weaknesses: | BB
Original Headset
| | Bike Setup: | '96 14"Frame and stock rigid fork, now with LP carbon bar, Easton carbon seat post, Rolf Dolomite wheels, Race Face Cranks, King head set, XTR Front and Rear and Kore Elite Platforms
| | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. Its fast and handles like a light cycle from Tron. Had to replace the BB only 2 weeks after purchase, but the guys at Village were Awsome, Sold me a XT replacement-half price for the hassle. Went through two headsets the first year - first one broke - lost the little set screw gimmic on the second, bought the king and no more problems.
An excelent bike for street, wheelies great, stops fast, bunny-hops high (of course it's down around 20lb maybe less now). And when I though on the 747's it's an unstoppable XC machine.
Catch me if you can. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neil beaumont
a Cross Country Rider
from peebles, scotland
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Glentress nr peebles | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | williamsons Edinburgh | | Strengths: | Classic looks, quality of frame, the total handling package. | | Weaknesses: | My own ability, skin and bones!! | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Nail Trail | | Bike Setup: | Standard frame and fork. XT BB, chainset, F + R mech. LX STI and brakes, Answer bar, Titec seatpost SDG saddle, LX 2001 hubs on Mavic X517, WTB velociraptors. Ritchey pedals. | | Bottom Line: | 6 years on this bike still looks great and it must be getting close to classic with the admiring glances it gets. gets up and down hills a lot easier than a whole lot faster than most modern machinery. The lack of suspension means preride checks are quicker allowing more time endangering my life on the downs! It honestly cannot get much better than this. Enjoy MTBing? buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Holliston, MA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Handling
Weight (for a steel frame)
Durability
drivetrain
on and on | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires and Brakes sucked
| | Bike Setup: | Stock Drivetrain
LX v-brakes
| | Bottom Line: | I've beat the living piss out of this bike for three yars, and it's still asking for more. I was going to dump a lot of money into a new frame and biuld from the ground up, but why? This bike is lightning quick, handles like a dream, unbelievably responsive and reliable. Wheels and brakes are all I've had to replace after three years of shear daily (almost) torture on demanding technical terrain. I've decided to keep my frame and upgrade from here. This bike is my pride and joy, and I only paid $650 new (aftermarket price). I love my bike...Kudos to Kona, you've got a customer for life!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from leeds
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Town style | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | the frame is quality but the rest of the bike is just good i have had a kona for 3 years as well as orange and pro flex frames and the kona runs top! | | Weaknesses: | the frame has a real problem with v brakes needs a v jobby from a bike shop to run v brakes but dont worry there only £ 12 | | Bike Setup: | xtr sti units and v brakes 97 There HOT and hope wheels front n rear Cannondale v 800 folks (Ridged) very strong and good for stairs and stuff! but the rest is xt ohh the chain set is xtr (american) | | Bottom Line: | Good bike better than orange i think shame about the colour this year Haa? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maze
a Weekend Warrior
from Umeå, Sweden
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | frame geometry | | Weaknesses: | Front fork,
Handelbar(Kona stock),
Shifters(I dont like gripshift!)
Tires (Kona stock). | | Similar Products Used: | Wheeler 6800 | | Bike Setup: | RooX DH handelbar and seatpost,
Shimano rapidfire+ shifters,
IRC Elgato 2.25 tires.
(Soon to buy a Rock Shox Judy Race 2000) | | Bottom Line: | Great little kickass hardtail for hardcore street and dirt riding!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Garson Ont
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Great Frame, responsive, decent components | | Weaknesses: |
not great for anything other than XC, weak tires | | Similar Products Used: |
Norco(never buy norco...please) | | Bottom Line: | Great Bike for a beginnig XC rider, not very good for serious upgrades(although very worthwhile to upgrade) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cody
a Weekend Warrior
from Ukiah, San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Geometry, response, best bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: |
No shock(95 bikes), Kona tires | | Similar Products Used: |
various other bikes, however, since I have been on the same bike since 95, nothing can compare. | | Bike Setup: |
96 judy xc, nuke proof carbon handle bars, xt v brakes, thompson elite seatpost w/sdg comp saddle, 535's, kore stem, specialized team tires...the best all around tires...various other odd and ends | | Bottom Line: | Bought this as my first real bike after 3 years on a 300 buck GT. (never ride GT!) This bike was the bomb for only $800 in 95. Sure, I have replace everything but the frame grip shifts, but that is no fault of Kona's. Kudos to Kona for building such a awesome handling frame. Only reason why I still have it. But on to full suspension now:`-( Looking at the Stinky or Mokomoko, oh, and the dbr X6. Any others I should look at??? Oh, no problems with my paint. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
konakid
a Racer
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of them... | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Excellent Cr-Mo frame | | Weaknesses: |
Front derailer and crank | | Bike Setup: |
changed stem, bars & peddles | | Bottom Line: | for the money spent, worth everypenny | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RJ
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
one hell of a fast bike, great handling, Kona craftsmanship | | Weaknesses: |
thin frame (check out the Kona Chute) INDY C! | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek SingleTrack, Bianchi Osprey | | Bike Setup: |
all Kona stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is just plain awesome. All it needs is a new fork and maybe a new handlebar and you're pretty much ready to roll. Its really fast and handles great and you're automatically a member of the Kona brotherhood | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Soquel Demo Forest | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Price, looks, frame, most componentry | | Weaknesses: |
Indy C, tires, flaky paint | | Similar Products Used: |
lots | | Bike Setup: |
'98 Cinder Cone
AT3 bars
Rock Shox susp. post | | Bottom Line: | Love it! This was my first MTB after several years of not riding (eeww!). I got it on a year-end close-out for US$550 and its been just great. My only complaints are that the Kona Break & Enter tires are waaay too soft and don't hold well at all (easy enough to replace, which I will do once I finish destroying them :), the shock isn't all that good (but certainly much much better than nothing!), and after about 6 months of weekend riding, the paint is starting to chip off (which is a real shame since I love the color). The geometry is absolutely wonderful, it handles and rides comfortably and predictably. My next MTB will certainly be a Kona! Its few flaws are for the most part easily fixed, and are overshadowed by how wonderful of a bike this is! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
patrick
a Cross-Country Rider
from calgary, alberta
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
??? | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
really cool | | Weaknesses: |
front deraileur, hubs, stem, bars. crankset, bottom bracket | | Similar Products Used: |
lots of hardtails | | Bike Setup: |
99 cindercone, (several new components) | | Bottom Line: | buy me | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Cole
a Racer
from Barrie, Ontario
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fanshawe Lake, London | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Frame Geometry, Handling, Bee-oo-tifull | | Weaknesses: |
Indy C, Paint | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS Comp | | Bike Setup: |
Trans X bars
Onza barends
IRC Mythos 1.9 tires
Ritchey pedals
Giro Nisene Saddle
Avid Rollamajig | | Bottom Line: | I reviewed this bike just after I got it (April '98) and am still luvin it! I'm going to be upgrading to a full race bike in the near future, but I have yet to find one that handles as well as my Cinder Cone. Glad to see that Kona went with a Bomber fork for '99, the Indy on my '98 is waaaayy too flexy and likes finding it's own lines during hard cornering (a bad thing). Nuthin styles like a Kona!!! Peace. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Felix
a Downhiller
from Worcester
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lickey Woods | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Amazing geometry
light
strong
cheap | | Weaknesses: |
paint
bottom bracket
new aluminium frame | | Similar Products Used: |
trek 6000
marin eldridge grade | | Bike Setup: |
Marzocchi Z1
DX SPDS
Bonty Risers
Planet X 30mm. Stem
d521 rims
full XT | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely top bike. Used it for XC at first - with P2, flats + lycra. Absolute dogs bollox. Now I use it for slalom and jumping with z1's, risers, DX spd's and d521. Still absolutely amazing. Frame handles like an absolute dream, on anything BUT bottom bracket, flat bars and THAT paint job need sorting. Still the best bike I have ever ridden. And that includes the top Raven, so up yours Cannondale
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Le Poidevin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Penticton B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
All of them | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
I'm in love with my new Cinder Cone! I have been riding on a 5 yr. old Norco Kokanee and can't believe the difference a real mountain bike can make! It climbes like a mountain goat and is very smooth on the downhill. SPD's are also a huge improvment over the old clips on my Kokanee. I'm sure there are better bikes out there, but for my budget, this bike is the right tool for the job. Special thanks to my wife for letting me trade in both my Kokanee and her's too on my new Cinder Cone. What a women! | | Weaknesses: |
Only my legs after a 1000 foot climb! | | Similar Products Used: |
Norco Sasquach, Rocky Mountain Soul | | Bike Setup: |
98 Cinder Cone
R.C Indy C | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for someone who has graduated to aggressive trails, but still has to pay the morgage and buy diapers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam White
a Weekend Warrior
from Norwich, UK
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
UEA | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Real fast cornering, stable in the air and fast accelleration even with monster tyres | | Weaknesses: |
The cromo frame looks weak and thin compared to the jacked up mount | | Similar Products Used: |
Now frame has been replaced with a Coyote DH-1 (5 travel) which is more unstable in the air, but faster on bumpy downhills | | Bike Setup: |
Bomber Z-1's Profile BOA stem, FSA headset, XT groupset, Specialised fear control fromt tyre, IRC El gato rear, AC brake boosters f+r, DCD (dave's chain device), TITEC Beserker DH-KTI seat, DX SPD's, Velocity deep-v rear rim, 217 cd ceramic front, Crud catcher | | Bottom Line: | If you want a cheap (but not nasty) DH/Slalom mount on a budget, this is THE bike to own.
I'm 6ft and was more than comfortable on a 17.5 (?) steed. The low top tube makes even the big sizes seem small.
RIDE RIDE RIDE | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugh
a Weekend Warrior
from Boone
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
China Creek Loop | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Low Top Tube = Nad Friendly. Handles Excellent, Soft Like Chromoly should be. Tight Cornering, and Overall awesome ride. | | Weaknesses: |
Paint Sucks badly.
Parts Could be better.
The New Cinder Cone is Aluminum :( | | Similar Products Used: |
Kaston Aluminum Pro-Xl Bmx Frame. I know, BMX and MTB are not the same, but this hardtail has the most similar characteristics to a BMX | | Bike Setup: |
Shock-Manitou SX/TI 97'
Pedals-Wellgo 800
Wheels-XT rear, White Industries front, Dt dbl butted 14guage, Mavic 217 sunsets.
Tires-Geax Front, (2.0)Specialized rear (1.7) | | Bottom Line: | Best Bike I have ever even test rode. Rides like a dream, and Will buy a Kona again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Richards
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
After owning a 1997 Cinder cone frame for about 1.5 years now i have enjoyed every minute of it. It can handle all terrain, from technical singletrack, downhill, to jump spots. The small rear stays keeps the back end tucked in to provide execellent acceleration and stability. The sloping top tube provides good clearance and the head tube angle allows the front end to become very quick and responsive into corners. The quality steel frame keeps your ass on the saddle as it absorbs shocks well. All in all a whoop ass bike frame go buy one. P.S Unfortunate the 1999 frame is guffin aluminium, what a shame. Also I'd like to say a big thanks to danny boy and macca for being gnarly riding partners, cheers lads! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ilya Romaine
a weekend warrior
from Leicester
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I HAD a Cinder Cone for about two years, I first bought the bike second hand, it was a 92 model, then about 2 months after buying it I got hit by a car, from this I managed to scam two new wheels, Hope and Mavic, then about 1 year after that the rear drop out cracked, possibly as the result of another car-bike impact, Kona replaced the frame for me with 1 month even though it was not garaunteed for such collisions, I then upgraded the back wheel, added V-brakes, a yellow X-lite saddle, DMR pedals and it was luverly. Then I went to Nottingham for the weekend, I left my bike along side my girlfriend's (a £200 Giant), when I got back my bike wasn't there. I thought the landlord had moved it but my girlfriends bike was still there - some arse had broken in and nicked it. Anyway the insurance paid up and I got a Bonty Privateer S. I still miss my Cinder Cone, it was a fantastic, reliable bike, except where cars were involved. I only got the Bonty instead of another because the insurance paid out too much and I didn't fancy the Caldera. If I ever see anyone riding my old Conder Cone, and believe me I'll recognise it, I'll kill the bastard. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skankin Hughy
a weekend warrior
from Boone, NC
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I like this Bike. Being an ex BMX racer, this bike feels like a BMX in its geometry, and even better, it is super light and fun to ride. Components will do for now but I did upgrade from Avids 1.0's to a set of XT for About $17. Fun bike with A manitou sx/ti up front. Paint chips rather easy, so i clear coated the frame and no more scratches. For now, 3 flaming poop piles because I can't give an honest remark after only owning one for a week. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrienne
a cross-country rider
from An island in Washington State
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Cindercone in 1994 and have loved it ever since. The first three years with it I was mostly a wannabe trail rider and the bike was good for that. However, once I got serious about trails I realized I needed some new stuff. LX components OK, sturdy and never a problem. Stock brakes were JUNK. I bought it with a rigid fork, and so a Judy XC was a terrific upgrade. About a month ago I went whole hog and replaced almost everything... got XT deraileurs, Sachs Extreme shifters, USE XCR suspension seatpost, XTR/Mavic 517 wheelset (Saved almost ONE POUND with new wheels...best $300. you can spend on any bike!!) Time pedals, well you get the idea... so what I have left is the frame, basically, and it is in perfect shape... paint is still primo. How does it ride??? Well, all I can say is that now, I'M NOT A WANNABE ANY MORE !!!
I give this bike a 5 because it's really good out of the box, and it will make you want to be a better rider, and spend money upgrading it instead of buying a new one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Canberra, Oz.
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My mate has one of these, a '98 model. He got it new with mostly LX components, Avid brakes, and that stupid gripshift. I got to ride it a few times, and apart from the gripshift, I loved it. Light, flickable, smooth, just fantastic. He changed the shifters to LX rapidfires, and put LX V-brakes on it, and now it is even better. The only reason I didn't buy one? Price. He paid $1700AUS for it a few months ago! You can get 'em a little cheaper now (new models), but I opted for a Giant ATX970, $$$ cheaper and w/ similar componentry, AND rear suspension!Get prices down Kona! 5 flaming bags of shit for the bike, -1 for the price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Wilkinson
a weekend warrior
from North Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm into my third year of banging the North Vancouver mountains with my Cindercone. This year I through on some Judy XT's to save my wrists, and added V-brakes and an anti-gravity bar to reduce the endo's. The paint is too soft, and the Scratch rear tire wears too quickly - other than that the bike has been good value and I'd recommend for Intermediate North Vancouverites riders, which equates to experts anywhere else ... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marquis Thompsonby-Smythe
a cross-country rider
from Edinburgh, Scotland
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Cindercone '97 This bike kicks ass!! Who needs suspension? Only wimps need it! I love the avid brakes and anyone who doesn't like the gripshifts hasn't really tried them. The chassis gives you such a hard ride, better even than my woman! My previous tortoise was a Saracen Kiliflyer, but that's the old days (c. 1989) - go on folks, take the top off a Cindercone now!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Leov
a racer
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just bought a 1994 kona and i think it's great.The person who had it before me took all the components off it and put on better one's.Currently i've got Rock Shox Judy Xc and it and that makes it alot better to ride.If you clean your bike and strip it down every now and then it goes like a dream.Oh the weight of the bike is good too,Nice and light for all those hills you're going to have to push it up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Leov
a racer
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just bought a 1994 kona and i think it's great.The person who had it before me took all the components off it and put on better one's.Currently i've got Rock Shox Judy Xc and it and that makes it alot better to ride.If you clean your bike and strip it down every now and then it goes like a dream.Oh the weight of the bike is good too,Nice and light for all those hills you're going to have to push it up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
allen
a cross-country rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i have a 97 Cinder Cone that doesn't have much factory equipment left on it. I agree the tires suck, but the front tire is pretty good on the rear when the rear wears out. I changed the whole shifting componentry because the grip shits(oops) quit working good after about a month. I did bend my seat-post because i'm 6'4 and 215lbs. on a 20.5 frame(the biggest they make). I also bent the handlebars when the front tire washed from a flat. The first two months I owned the bike I broke the fork on a downhill. Rock-Shox warrentied it and I put TATS in it. I do like it better than my old cannondale. Overall I would recommend the frame but not the components. When I replace it I will most likely buy another Kona frame and build it up. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Curtis
a racer
from Bristol
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I like this bike because i only ever ride on roads and this bike is so fast on tarmac. Any thing dirty scares me but thats ok. This bike would be good off road but i cant ride to save my life cos im a bit of a flid. I fell off my bike the other day going up the hill and it really hurt, cos i wedgied my self on the extra long stem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Waddell
a weekend warrior
from Cambridge MA, USA, ex-Scotland!
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Kona Cinder Cone 1993-4 model
I owned this baby for three years until some scrote ran off with it in the back of their red Volvo estate when I was living in England (sometimes you have to). I upgraded very little, Onza raw ends and grips, Ritchey logic red clipless jobbies as it was a pretty hot bike anyway, especially for the bargain price of 400 quid (~600US$) as it was the year end model at the time. It was black so it hardly mattered it was last years colour. The only real bother I had was that the teeth kept breaking off the drive train and since the one fitted was some Suntour thing that was bloody hard to get hold of I had to change pretty much all of the gearing after my third rear cog block went. I hope the new owner is benefitting (my arse). So how did this baby ride when it was mine, great ripping comfort from the geometry, crunchin' hard (much more than me) even when ko'd by a lorry, although obviously could've done with some suspended fronties when it got fast and bumpy. I often used it on hilly roads and the climbing was fantastic (I'd put on specialised nimbus roadie tyres for those days to avoid the vibro massage, although that can be kinda nice underneath). I'd say I'm a climber and this bike rocked for that. so have I bought another to replace the one that maybe someone out there owns? nahh, I'm lookin' but, am I the only one that thinks the art work of the 98 Konas is cheap & nasty? I'm checking the US market for something good in the $1000 bracket to bring home with me, any recommendations or should I just pull the stickers off a Kona? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott again
a
from there, USA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Kona Cinder Cone love chariot 93-4
what am I saying?
I shouldn't have given it five peppers in my previous splurge. that's ridiculous. give it three. I guess since Kona claim(ed) to pick the best componentry for the money each year they made an arse of it on the Cinder Cone 93-4. The brakes were also crap and needed constant attention. I should've upgraded them for the benefit of the new owner. Hopefully they'll have crashed at top speed. I'm really not bitter that somebody knicked my chariot, honest.
these review pages are great but let's not get carried away with giving bikes five red hot chile peppers when it's not stood the test of time or it has a few crappy bits on it. Tutt Tut | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Cole
a cross-country rider
from Barrie, Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my 98 Cinder Cone for about a month now, and have ridden it over every terrain type imagineable. This is an incredibly responsive bike, but is also very stable over the rough stuff. I added Onza bar ends the day after I got it, and save for lubing it up, I have not had to touch a component since. The Avid breaks are spectacular, and the LX rear derailleur is bulletproof. The only major complaint I have about it is the front derailleur (Shimano STX), which absolutely will not shift to the lower ring under power. I plan to replace it with XT as soon as it breaks (either by crash or by sledgehammer). Other minor problems include an annoying creak where the stem meets the handlebars, tires that wear rather quickly, and paint that scratches a little too easily. Overall, however, this bike is wonderfull, and there is no doubt in my mind that for the money, it deserves all five peppers. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Marks
a cross-country rider
from Bristol, England
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the CinderCone for about two years now, riding at least twice a week seriously and doing tricks inbetween, including dropoffs etc - and the frame still holds up to anything I throw at it (usually the ground). I fitted some RST mozo pros to the front and the geometry still feels great, even with 3.5 travel - brilliant design. One reservation is the strength of the rear hanger - I have already bent it in once, and had to pay £30 to get it sorted, which sucked - break-away bolt required, I think. The tyres which came with the bike (Mr Dirt) were good enough for the stuff I do, although I have now upgraded them - the ritchey logic brakes which came with the bike were the best cantis (apart from V-brakes) that I have yet seen, with great stopping power. Overall, the frame's great - the groupset is a good choice too, (LX front XT rear) and the components stand up to a good thrashing. Wonderful bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Bailey
a weekend warrior
from Manchester, England
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Kona Cinder Cone 1992 model.
The only original items are: frame, forks, cranks, stem, seatpost.
I have upgraded everything else as the bits have worn out.
I absolutely love my bike and I never really do it justice. It handles brilliantly and is well strong, but reasonably light (4lb 15oz)for its price bracket. The geometry has hardly changed over the last 6 years so I will keep it for the foreseeable future. I have fitted downhill bars, basically because they are more comfortable, with a mix of LX, XT, Pace rings, and Continental grip when everyone else is slipping Cross Country 2 tyres. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ED WINDMILL
a weekend warrior
from Berkshire UK
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Cinder Cone is it. My '94 model is great to ride, however watch the rear mech hanger and brake set up. For its price the Cinder Cone has no rivals. I believe that the classic Kona geometry puts it in another class with the best custom frames. My bike has aged very well, although I have upgraded. Top tip, Pace RC35s are the only way to go after P2s. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a cross-country rider
from IL
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '96 Cinder Cone, and I've been pretty happy with it. I've had some trouble with the Curve brakes. I suspect they (esp. the rear set) have to be adjusted frequently (esp. after a hard ride). They're beautiful, and have lots of power when in tune. Otherwise, the LX/XT deraillers, GripShift 600, and Mavic 221 rims on this bike mean I got a good deal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a weekend warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: January 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding a '95 Kona Cinder Cone,since new, and it really cooks!This bike handles excellenly on almost any kind of terrain:logging trails;singletrack(not extremely twisty stuff, though! - maybe this is just an idiosyncrisy for my bike, a 19 - so the wheelbase could be a little long or maybe the stock stem -Velocity- is too long.
Anyway, it's not totally unmanageable).
The '95 series possibly came out with the best componentry (LX/XT;Sugino Impel; and Ritchey Logic brakes)and the frame is relatively light(go too light on a hardtail and it gets skittish).
I've replaced the Project Two fork with a Manitou 5 XC last June and the bike has really come into it's own....other upgrades being clipless pedals and new tyres(IRC Pir.Pro -fr. & Maxxis rr.)otherwise the bike is stock standard.
I commute, race infrequently, ride road tours and blast offroad over weekends (and in the week when possible), all this resulting in continuous use and high, high mileage in all kinds of weather.
If and when I do upgrade,it'll be to a Kiluaea
I give the Cinder Cone six chillies in it's class!PS:Konas are damned expensive here in South Africa, costing about 350-400 US dollars more than other bikes (Giant;Trek;Fisher;D'back) with equivalent componentry - so they're not that common!!!Hey! Where's that sixth chilli ?
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matan
a racer
from Israel
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
cinder cone 97
avid brakes and levers (better then xt v-brakes),
unbeliveable stiff controleable frame (bad paint job),
makes you feel that the bike are a part of you,A PERFECT BIKE!!!
HAS NO MATCH IN HIGHER PRICE GROUPS!!!
DIDN'T TOUCH A COMPONENT!!!!
UNBELIVEABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MADE MY TAKE 1 PLACE IN MY COUNTRY (12 place with a pro flex)!!!!!!!!
Way to go Kona!!!
Keep on the good work!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Kuehrt
a cross-country rider
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my Cinder Cone last January, it is a good entry level bike but nothing more. The Indy C is shite, I broke the arch within about two months. The scratch and sniff tires leave alot to be desired. They wear very fast, and the rear tire gives no traction in wet or extreamly dusty conditions. The rest of the componentry works well but will not handle alot of hard core riding. Even with all these flaws the Kona is a pritty good bike. As soon as I have the money I'm going Specialized. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arte Edmunds
a weekend warrior
from Surrey,England.
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 98 Kona. Great so far but paint chips easily!
Thumbs up for the V-brakes. Worth up grading the bottom brackrt too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a weekend warrior
from Winnipeg, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is awsome. I purchased it 4 months ago and so far it is great. I love the frame. Right now the only thing I have changed on it is the shifters (grip to rapid fire), but I am planning on upgrading the front derailleur. Good job Kona!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Quinton-Tulloch
a downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is bloody fantastic. The geometry is suberb for any type of riding. The addition of a short stem and riser bars along with a few other beefy components turns this bike into a demon downhiller. With hardtails like this, who needs full suspension? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hendrik Oosthuysen
a cross-country rider
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding a Lava Dome since 1995, the bike was wonderfull. The beginning of Jan '97 I've got myself a Cinder Cone. It's so light compare to the Lava Dome. I've done a few upgrades and never wil look back. The bike is amazing, it's wonderfull. We do road-races, downhills, cross-country anything you can think of, the bike fits in all types of riding. Big value for money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jordan Holt
a racer
from England
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding a Cindercone since 1991 and i've still got my first one and its still holding out I think for a bike thats nearly 7 years old its done amazingly well the only upgrades i've had done to it are putting suspension forks on it and getting new brakes for so i've done quite well but won't be buying another one because I prefer full suspension now.Oh well KEEP ON BIKING
Bye | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Gasser
a cross-country rider
from Rugby, England
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is the absolute dogs bollucks. Compared to my old bike, it is sooo light. The Avid V brakes are awesome - although I have not even wound the speed dials onto full strength yet!!!. I've had no problems (mind you I've only had it for 2 months) so far, and hopefully I won't
I ditched the gripshifts for LX underbar shifters, and used a wider bar & fitted bar ends too. These make a huge difference to the bike, so see if you can get them when you buy it and haggle them in... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Barlow
a cross-country rider
from Stow, Me.
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My Cinder Cone has been put through some of the most challenging riding the White Mountains have to offer. After one year of mud, sand, punishing downhills, lots of rocky and rooty trails, I have only needed to make minor adjustments. It is a rock. I look forward to many more hard miles. Thanks Kona and thanks to the Red Jersy Cylcery in Glen, NH | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay
a weekend warrior
from north vancouver,b.c.
Date Reviewed: September 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
my 1995 cindercone has put on many miles at whistler, moab, ut., methow valley, wash., sedona, az. and all over the vancouver region. it has been a great ride, a little skittish, but a great climber and tough. front shocks (rock shox), clipless, etc. no original parts have broken except wheels (i'm now on wtb rims). anyway, for the money this has been a fantastic bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gav the Gipper
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought the frameset to replace my old Giant clunker which was clad in a reasonable mix of XT/LX, with Manitou Pro-Cs. Can only say it makes a definite difference to ultimate speeds, must be the geometry, and is a pound-and-a-half lighter. The springiness makes for a more comfortable ride to my old bones. The paint seems to chip easily, unfortunately. Can't understand the cable routing for rear mech, but I'm sure Kona have their reasons, though it only just scrapes round a crud-catcher, which we need in this muddy land of ours. I think I have taken a liking to Kona geometry - but will the wife agree to a King Kahuna ? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gord Downie
a weekend warrior
from Oakivlle
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't have one, but I want one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G. MARTELLI
a weekend warrior
from ITALY
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Univega alpina 500 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a racer
from England,Derbyshire
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My 96 cinder cone is still going, JUST. The curve brakes are crap. I've bent my mech hanger 3 times. The Kona hub is crap. I've only had it 1 year and I need a new bike allready. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jan H. Umlauf
a weekend warrior
from Austria
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Got the 97 version with no equipment changes so far and I'm really amazed. It climbs like a dream and handles quite nimble as well. Quality and components are fine, except the cyclone crankset which seems to be cheap stuff and the rather thin tires that got me two flat tires in one and a half months. Above all, a great, light bike in a superb color. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich T
a cross-country rider
from Ling's Lynn, UK
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
A good bike with good parts, but watch the race lite bars, I've bent 2 sets and I'm light! Hard to beat for the price with Project 2s. Don't bother with the Indys | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Yello Arse Singleton
a weekend warrior
from London, England
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the bike for 3 years now and don't plan on upgrading yet. The best thing is how taught the bike feels and the predictability and speed of handling. I've got project twos which feel a bit harsh at first but are bomb proof and sexay. The only problem is if you're a heavy rider ( more than 75kgs) as its easy to rip the head tube from the frame. Steve Peat got famous on one of these riding downhill without suspension ( enough said). Great value for money, but I'd go for a custom built fat chance rocker biily with the cash. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rukh
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got the 97 Cinder Cone a few days ago and this bike is worth every penny.
I've never tried a better ride. Test drive one ;o) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Blair
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike kicks all other bikes arses out of the way | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Chmilar
a weekend warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a 1997 Cindercone, and it is the most trick bike I have ever owned. The Aivd single digit brakes are marvelous, and aside from the tires, i would recomended it to anyone | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Clunes
a racer
from I am a TV character, I don't exist.
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi there. Don't bother buying one of these. I've had one for a few months now and I'm fed up with it already. It has really spongy brakes and is a horrible color. I am going to buy a KHS Montana comp. Only good looking people are allowed to ride them. You can be ugly if you want to ride a cinder cone (you should see my brother). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased a 96 Cinder Cone on sale for 600 and it's the best bike that I have owned. It beats the shit out of my old Huffy and it's much better than my friends Marin Bear Valley. I think that this is one of the greatest inexpensive bikes on the market. I'm going to add
a 96 Judy XC from my Huffy and then this bike will really kick ass! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wayne
a weekend warrior
from New Haven
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up a '96 Cinder Cone from dealer overstock (for $650), swapped the rigid fork for a Manitou and ended up with a whole lot of bang for the buck. It's light and nimble, and climbs like a mountain goat. Every other bike I looked at for around the same money had a low-level Rock Shox (which I think are ne't rigid enough) and STX (or below) components. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wayne
a weekend warrior
from New Haven
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up a '96 Cinder Cone from dealer overstock (for $650), swapped the rigid fork for a Manitou and ended up with a whole lot of bang for the buck. It's light and nimble, and climbs like a mountain goat. Every other bike I looked at for around the same money had a low-level Rock Shox (which I think are ne't rigid enough) and STX (or below) components. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Scott
a racer
from Ukiah, CA
Date Reviewed: April 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My bike was pretty nice... untill I broke the frame (which was under
warranty), but it took 6 months for them to respond. Neither a yes, nor a
no on whether they'd replace the frame. It left me hanging all season with-
out a bike to race. Don't buy one, they don't stand behind they're product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Veli-Pekka Alkula
a weekend warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I really like it. My Cinder Cone -96 is the best bike I have ever ridden. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kristjan Vassil
a downhiller
from Tartu, Estonia
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Kona's the best I've ever seen to downhill. I just love it. The only minus:
Konabrakes are'nt the best...(crash) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Francisco Grilo
a weekend warrior
from Portugal
Date Reviewed: March 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my bike. It's fast, light, nervous. It rules. I'm upgrading it with a 97 Pace fork and Magura brakes, and my bike deserves the money i'm spending.
Great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Speedy
a downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Add some RST shocks with 3.5 of travel and this bike kicks but down hills and up and makes a brilliant bike even better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Dewdney
a weekend warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm totally happy with my '97 Cinder Cone. It's fantastic in the single track and not too bad on the fire roads. The Avid single digit brakes are absolutely brilliant. The LBS guy took it for a ride and rekons they performe as well as his lx v's. The Indy C had some play in it, but the shop repaired it no problem. I've beat the @#%* out of it in the two months that i've had it and it hasen't complained once. A fantastic ride!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fanatic
a cross-country rider
from Sussex
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Its too much fun to write about. See ya i'm off for a ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bro
a weekend warrior
from Wales
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my new bike. I have had many bikes over the years and no other bike has even come close. It is no effort to control it or get it moving. It is like a race car. It reacts to every move and accelerates real fast. It feels part of me.
I have had no problems with it yet. The only comments I could make are that there is silly cable routing, but I am told this is better, and the fact you cant fit v-brakes to my 96 version but 97's are ok. The paint is great and I love the shape. The brakes are a bit spongy for my taste but they are really excellent at stopping. The traction is a bit poor on mud and slippery roots or rocks. But out of all the bikes I have ridden this is the most controllable bike and fastest. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R. Marcus Barron
a weekend warrior
from San Antonio, Texas
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned my Cinder Cone for a year and a half and have enjoyed 90 percent of my time on it. I only had a few problems that my Kona dealer was able to fix, a loose headset and adjusting the GripShift 600's. I can't wait to add a suspension fork to this delightful bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy
a cross-country rider
from Portugal
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Perfect | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mats Kingstedt
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride an Kona cinder cone -95 and I must say that it is the coolest bike on earth | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
inuk
a cross-country rider
from Nuuk,Greenland
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi i`m a biker from greenland it is cool to ride on a kona i got hei-hei
it is the best!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
niklas
a downhiller
from sweden
Date Reviewed: February 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
the kona cinder cone with a club roost xt bar is a real good downhill bike
even if it doesn`t have a rear suspension | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Brown
a downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is a wonderful bike. Mine is a 1990 edition, and does not have suspension. When you are riding it it feels like the bike is a part of you, and not something to help you ride. You use the energy of your body and power it through the bike. When your going about 50 mph, you can't see, but the bike lets you know where to go. You don't need and shocks, the bike is brill. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin Genier
a racer
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 1995 Kona Cinder Cone and so far I'm more than pleased. Kona is a wonderful compagnie with good service and quality. The bike shop the I deal with is McCrank's, the biggest little bike shop in Ottawa. My Cinder Cone has made racing alot less difficult then what I had. But now I have to raise money to buy me an Explosif or HeiHei. Don't worry it's not expensive for me I have a Pro deal because I race for McCrank's. For all you mountain bikers in the world. There's nothing better than a Kona. See you at the races!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pekka vainola
a weekend warrior
from helsinki, FINLAND
Date Reviewed: November 10, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Kona cindercone 93. I think that it's a great bike,but i hate the brakes!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kim Erik Hang
a
from Hamar,NORWAY
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Mine is 95 model and I have equipped her with a XCR600,Gorilla Brake Booster,535 pedals,Yeti(OTI)grips,Lizard Skin Chain Stay Protectorand a Grip Shift Bassworm
(a must if you still use your SRT-600).I'am very pleased with her,if it hadn't been for the lousy paint-job I'd given 5 Stars.And the next season I'll be sitting on a Kona Kula! :-) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stewart Fehr
a cross-country rider
from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
It has most of the parts replaced (XT componentry, Marzocchi xc500 fork, Ritchey brakes, Vetta TT TriShock saddle). It looks cool and has some good stuff (like Shimano 747 pedals). I bought it used (total cost $1000 CDN). I use it mostly for commuting to work. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Owen Griffiths
a cross-country rider
from Portsmouth, England
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Cinder Cone for a year now and I haven't stopped riding yet. This is the greatest bike you can buy for the money, in my opinion. So good I fitted RockShox Q21R and now it rocks everywhere even faster. Buy it, you won't regret it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a downhiller
a
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Kona is da most best bike company in universe. There is no other bikes who will ever match Kona in speed,performence and equipment. Kona bikes is made to push every extremely limit and take da rider so high up i da air that everywhone gape in disbelief. The kona hardcore bikes is ride by da local madmans all over this world.
Fly high all kona riders out there and remember: Thumb down to all other chicken bike companies.KONA WORLD!! da evil from sweden. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Lombardi
a racer
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Two weeks new, my Kona Cinder Cone's front down tube began showing
stress
marks, (ie. paint started chipping.) Well, I couldn't believe it because I
did not recall crashing hard enough to stress the frame. My dealer couldn't
explain what had happened but was kind enough to dissemble the bike and ship
it free of charge to Kona to warranty. Kona would not warranty the
frame, they said I hit something hard... I told them I didn't know I bought
an airplane. More importantly, I told them if they weren't going to warranty
the Cinder Cone - meaning I had to lay out more money for a replacement
frame - I did not want to purchase another Cinder Cone. They reccommended
their Kilauea model - said it was stronger. However, they also said the 17
was backordered and would take two months to arrive. I agreed since
it was winter anyway. Two months later - no Kilauea.
Three weeks later - still no Kilauea. So I change my order
to a 16 which is in stock - I just want to go riding at this point.
Kona's customer service rep (I think there's only one - seriously) who was
familar w/ my situation from the beginning tells me that he'll ship it
via UPS that day. Two weeks later and still no Kilauea - I call the
customer service rep thinking perhaps the frame got lost in the mail.
This rep gets flat out rude to me. Turns out he's upset because I'm
calling, instead of my bike shop. Well my bike shop had directed me to him
each time I inquired about the status of my bike. I explain this to him, and
he procedes to tell me the bike has not shipped yet. I ask why, he offers
me no explanation other than, Tough luck it'll go out tomorrow, I don't
want to hear you whine. {Listen to me whine now.} I was so disappointed
and turned off by his indolence that I went directly to my bike
shop the next day and picked up my components. Upon reviewing
Kona's farsical customer service due the time and money I had wasted -
I bought a Klein Attitude. Needless to say - I am very pleased w/ my Klein.
| | Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$
