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Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Boone, NC
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Iron Mountain in VA | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Magic Cycles | | Strengths: | Awesome bike...can't say enough good things about it. Bought it brand new in 1994 and I still ride it all the time. Aggressive riding position, super stout frame, stock components have held up to years of racing and general abuse. | | Weaknesses: | Only failure I ever had was after 6-7 years, the front fork literally broke on me while I was riding down the ski slopes. Sucked, but it was a good excuse to upgrade to front suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondales, Treks, Specialized, Schwinns, Giants...tried em all but the Kona just fit my body type and riding style. | | Bike Setup: | I've only replaced parts as they've broken over the 13+ years I've owned the bike...upgraded to v-brakes, chris kind headset, rock shox judy's, mavic rims, xt rear, and clipless of course...everything else is bone stock and performing well. | | Bottom Line: | If you're lucky enough to find a pristine Kilauea, buy it! Even if you just find a frame, buy it and build yourself a nice hardtail. You'd be hard pressed to find an equal out there. Just my .02 after riding/racing this rig for 13+ years! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Saltburn, Yorkshire, England
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | fantastic climbing, single track, high speed stability, | | Bike Setup: | standard except xt v brakes and bottom bracket. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has lasted me 10 years of heavy xc action. It has never broken or even complained even after some serious hammering. The only thing needed replacing have been tyres and pads. I upgraded the v brakes at purchase of the bike cos i thought they looked better than lx. Its short back end and long front is perfect for power climbing and stable high speeds. When I look back over the time ive had the bike im amazed its still in perfect working order. And its a sweet ride. Atm im seriously thinking of upgrading after looking at some tricked out Kilaues on the net. This bike would suite anyone into racing/pushing the limit rather than for touring as it does have a rather stretched geometry. This bike will stay with me for as long as im able to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | UBER! light frame | | Weaknesses: | once the frame is weakend it has a very low fail point. | | Bike Setup: | judies, frame, juncker every thing else | | Bottom Line: | After having my brodie 9 ball stolen then 2 weeks later my brand new 2007 kona stinky was stolen my buddies dad gave me this bike, brought it into my local shop and there building it up for me, i used it a bit and holy crap! it was amazing for trials ad street riding, i love it iv always been a fan of those frame styles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duncan
a Cross Country Rider
from Seoul, Korea
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | JiYangsan and lots of others | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikezone, Oxford | | Strengths: | Great frame, simple, strong, light and quick. A great frame to build up with good stuff. Just a really sexy, classic, well-built frame. It weaves through the twisty singletrack that my Turner struggles on and handles a lot of really rough riding that I never imagined I could put it through. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing really, particularly since all the not-so-great stock parts have been replaced. Not easy to ride when stolen for three years. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 RM Blizzard, 2004 Turner 5 Spot (well, not so similar, but it's a bike) | | Bike Setup: | Everything has been changed except the frame. Everything is now XT or XTR, SRAM X.9, Raceface, Thomson, Avid or Chris King. Still sticking with the old retro P2 rigids too. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I'm one of the lucky ones in that I actually managed to find and reclaim a stolen bike three years after it was lost. It was stolen in Korea in 2001 and I saw it completely by chance three years later, being ridden up the street by an old man in Seoul. It's a long story - check out the KonaWorld website if you want to know more.
It's a fantastic bike. I must confess that after I reclaimed it in October 2004 I had the feeling I would ride it once and, being by now used to the plush comfort of my five inch front and rear Turner 5 Spot, hate the harsh little rigid bugger.
But in fact this bike is such fun to ride. I love retro rigids with rim brakes. This little bike can ride up and down almost all the stuff the Turner can. It whips between the trees like an eager little ferret. I've built the bike up very nicely over the years, which one of the reasons I was so devastated when it was stolen. Fortunately when the other people had the bike they changed nothing on it and it was still in good nick. And since getting it back it's had its final upgrades so that now only the frame is original. I had to negotiate for the return of the bike as it has gone through a number of hands, none of whom know it was stolen. But my contribution to buying the old man a new bike was less than the cost of the CK headset that I put in the bike several years ago in England, so I had no complaints.
Some people have griped about the stock components on the Kiluaea, and the rating has suffered accordingly. To me though this bike deserves full marks as it's the kind of quality, long-lasting frame that's going to outlast most of the components on it anyway. As a Kiluaea is gradually built up and upgraded over the years, I'm sure the owners can only get happier and happier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexi
a Weekend Warrior
from Chagrin Falls, OH
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Polo fields ride | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | City Bike Cleveland | | Strengths: | This bike is indestructible! I've never once been unhappy with my purchase, and that's 11 years going strong! The frame is still in perfect shape and has the best feel out of any ride I've ever been on. | | Weaknesses: | At the time, lack of colors (I ordered it red and it came lime green!). And that's about it. | | Similar Products Used: | It's all i've been riding since '93. | | Bike Setup: | '92 1/2 17" frame, RockShox Mag 21, XT top-mount shifters/deraillers, XTR hubset, original Mavic rims, my indestructible Race Light titanium handlebar!, recently new set of Avid brakes. Any believe it or not, my original Joe Murray tires, which still rock! | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, have been riding it over 11 years and it still keeps up with anything else on the trail. Has been a great investment and plan on keeping it indefinitely for sure. They don't make frames like this anymore, so keep it if you've got it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy Foster
a Cross Country Rider
from Brentwood, TN
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Coop - Albequerque, NM | | Strengths: | Smooth, tight ride. 1995 model with Tange Prestige tubing. Very comfortable geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Pre v-brake frame. I run solid housing because a cable-stop clamp won't work on the ovalized tubing. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930 | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z2 Bam fork, Thomson stem, Race Face Cranks, Cane Creek Wheels, XTR drive, XT brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been my love for about 9 years now and is still going strong. I have owned other bikes, including FS, but would always choose my Kilauea when going for a ride. The classic steel frame is the way to go.
I have had the bike set up as a SS and normal gearing. Now it has a 2 chainring setup, runnning 24/34 with a guard as the outer ring.
If you can find a classic steel Kona frame, jump on it. I would love to find an affordable Ti or 853 frame from that same era. It would be the same geometry as mine, but an upgraded frame material. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Giarratano
a Cross Country Rider
from Federal Way, WA USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Sedillo, NM | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Drive, Abq., NM | | Strengths: | This is one nice frame. I have the "limited" edition glo-in-the-dark decal set (white and grey frame). It's light, well-built and very well-aligned, and it has great compliance and makes for a comfy ride. Has a high bottom bracket for an XC bike (12 inches). Plus it responds very well when ascending, even super-steep stuff like you'd find in Moab. Set this up with a longer travel fork (100mm or more) and throw an XT group on it. This thing will be a nice machine. I picked mine up in 2002 on a great deal from a friend who owns a shop. I decked it out in SRAM X.0 and Shimano XT goodies with a FOX Float 100 R fork. 25 pounds total. The steel feels very nice. I'd definitely recommend it if you can get your hands on one of these older beauties. It's easily as good as any frame by Independent Fabrications or similar custom company, except at a fraction the price. | | Weaknesses: | Funky rear dropouts don't allow for the quick release lever to point in any direction other than straight forward (Ritchey dropouts- I had never seen Ritchey dropouts on a non-Ritchey frame until I found this frame). They look cool, though. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose IBOC Pro (1990) - heh-heh, not much comparison....
Some Gunnar bike that was really pricey.
Specialized Stumpjumper Comp FS (1992). | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XT group with SRAM X.0 shifters and rear derailleur.
FOX Float 100 R fork.
Mavic X221 and XT hub wheelset.
Super snazzy San Marco Era Pro saddle.
Profile riser bars and Profile Stiffee stem. | | Bottom Line: | Old school folks like me will love this bike. It's material proof that works of art CAN be made overseas. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere except soft sand | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Knysna Cycle Works | | Strengths: | Bought new '95 model at end of '94 and still going strong. Great frame, Marzocchi XC-51 suspension fork, and Mavic wheels. | | Weaknesses: | Original chain (not sure what brand) broke without warning early on and wrecked the rear derailleur and rear wheel spokes. All replaced under warranty.
Original Suntour top-shifters did not shift well and were soon replaced with Gripshift SRT600, original weak brakes replaced with V-brakes, original seatpost bent early on and replaced with titanium post. | | Bike Setup: | Original frame, Marzocchi XC-51 fork, Gripshift SRT600 upgrade, Panaracer Smoke tyres, Shimano SPD pedals, titanium seatpost, V-brakes. | | Bottom Line: | The only major problem in almost ten years was the poor quality OE chain which wrecked the rear derailleur and spokes (both replaced under warranty anyway). The Suntour top-shifters and weak OE brakes and seatpost were not really unexpected on a $1100 bike, as I expected to spend money on upgrades anyway when I bought it. The bike is really good value for money and has given me unbelievable service. It's light and handles really well, great geometry. Best part of the whole package is without doubt the frame! That's why I still love it after all these years. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheels in Motion | | Strengths: | Bomb Proof | | Weaknesses: | Can't justify buying new bike | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Bought a new '95 in '95. Original frame, thumb shifters, front derailleur, bars, seat, seatpost, cranks, front hub. Upgrading to v-brakes is the only improvement I've ever made. I've raced, toured and commuted on this bike. Aside from the occasional flat it has never let me down. Climbs like crazy. Light, fast, dependable, big value. What else is there? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Onanum Dural
a Racer
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Thunderdome | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Epic Ride | | Strengths: | Columbus Cyber steel frame, spot on geometry. Handles better than my old Litespeed. Also the frame is light, durable, repairable, and damn tuff. | | Weaknesses: | Lack of colour choices, I have the 97 model which is dark metalic blue (same on as in the photo above)
Also the stock handlebar and seat post were not on par with the quality of the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 Dekerf handmade, 98 Brodie Energy (My other ride), 94 KHS Summit, 91 Norco Bush Pilot | | Bike Setup: | XTR Drivetrain, Chris King/Mavic Wheelset, Syncros BB and Cranks, IRC tires, Race Face Bar, Kore Stem, Time ATAC Carbon Pedals, 98 Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb (80mm), Thompson post, and a WTB saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for it's frame first and foremost. I spent the better part of 2 years building it into the race machine it is today. I have competed in dozens of events on this bike from 24 Hour races to triathalons to enduros. It's been a constant companion for the last 5 years, I've taken it with me to the Canadaian Rocky Mountians, Vancouver's Infamous North Shore, California, Arizona and Colarado. It will be joining me on my trip to Scotland next spring. I love this bike, Ive won several events on this old steel hardtail and continue to even against the latest crop of FS/XC racing rigs I see at the starting lines. The bottom line, if you have one of these fine fine steel beautys keep it forever, no-one makes em any more. They can take mine when they pry it from my cold dead hands ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Hull, UK
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | I love Kona bikes, the geometry is encouraging and comfortable, whether you're jumping or just commuting. To my dismay in the last year or so Kona has almost completely cut their range of steel frames - bummer! :-(
The good news is I've noticed that Leisure Lakes in the UK are selling the Kilauea frameset! Last time I rode one of these back in '98 it was fantastic, all being well I'm hoping that the ride will be just as good as the original.
Kona thumbs up to Kona! (arf arf)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the last one I rode | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Strengths: | Kona geometry, setup | | Weaknesses: | Poor quality steel | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Lava Dome, Kilauea '95(?), Spec. Stumpjumper | | Bottom Line: | Loved this bike...til it snapped...in three places. Steel IS real - just gonna make sure next time its 853 or better! This is a bit heavier and weaker.
Kona's replacement policy is great - I got the bike this bike a long time ago and it's out of warranty, but they're giving me cost minus 50 bones on a new one. Only problem is, they're out of steel frames now!
If you want a killer ride, get a Kona. The geometry is the tightest steering, best climbing around. Only problem now is getting them to re-release some steel steeds. I'd also check out Gunnar and Voodoo bikes, as their geometries are the same and still believe in steel.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
geoff
a
from Newcastle, UK
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Sweet handling, strong, light frame. Good initial spec. | | Weaknesses: | Initial gripshift setup was a nightmare in winter. Limited mud clearance between chainstays. Upgrading to Vbrakes difficult- no rear cable stop. | | Similar Products Used: | Saracens, GT Zaskar, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Z2 Atom 80, Full XT, Vees, Wildgripper Hot S tyres | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike (95 model) in the end of season sales that year. Back then it was a fully rigid, super light (23lb) XC machine. Since then i've replaced everything but the derailleurs and the front wheel (soon to go). The frame is soo sweet- accelerates really well, handles brilliantly, and takes the knocks easily. I've crashed it more times than i care to remember and there is no sign of damage at all.
Now i use it for jumping and downhilling instead. The changes i made have put on loads of weight- the forks, and the massive tyres mainly (2.1? Pretty large 2.1s!). It weighs about 27lb i reckon, but it rides as if it was lighter.
Basically I like this frame so much, I persuaded my mate to buy a 2001 model frame (available only in Canada and UK?) when his saracen got nicked.
The sweetest handling hardtail I've ever ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gordon Gravatt
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hulls Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1295.00 | | Purchased At: | George's Cycles (not recommended) | | Strengths: | Steel frame is forgiving, geometry allows teriffic standover height-perfect for steep trail getoffs. Welded in Taiwan using U.S. steel-great combination. Setup right and it will track true on the twitchyest singletrack or downhill straight and true, kinda an all arount cross country bike. | | Weaknesses: | Can't get them anymore in the States, but my '94 is still going strong, dents and all. | | Similar Products Used: | Numerous specialized, Kona Blast, Mano Mano, my brothers hand-me-down schwinn with a metallic silver banana seat and sissy bar. | | Bike Setup: | Kilauea frame, race face components (seven speed with 22,34,46 up front) Mavic Cross's, Maguras, USE shock seat post, Vetta, Grip Shift, WTB tires, | | Bottom Line: | For the money, a great bike that will last you, well, your kids will be riding it ! I love Kona, the geometry caters to those of us with short legs and big lungs. It's a forgiving bike that will actually save your hide in difficult places. Seems to have a mind of it's own, and fortunately, it's mind wants to pick the cleanest line on a trail. Out of the box, really doesn't need any up-grades to be a long lasting, great ride. If you can find them, the Kona A drive, B drive tires are the grippiest, longest lasting kevlar treads you can find, a great tire in mud, sand, hardpack and rock. Better than Umma Gummas, WTB's | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Make
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Great geometrics and comfortable riding | | Weaknesses: | flexiness, Curve components | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Explosif | | Bike Setup: | -96 bike with -96 Judy XC, magura HS11 in front, V's in rear | | Bottom Line: | Well, the bike handels great. It also softens the trails out. It's stable. First, what I haven't liked is the flexy feeling of the frame. When you pedal hard, the bike doesn't kick back, in stead, it just gives away a lot. The stem is a bit too long, though it died of oldness last summer with a snap... Curve cranks were awful: they were a pain in the ass until broke up. Curve brakes slowed down quite well, but adjusting was just... hell... The rims didn't keep straight, as they did with my Explosif, which was stolen.
Now as I have powerful brakes in front and rear, the forks just cry for boosters: the power goes warming up the tubes when they flex. The saddle with rusting "magnesium" rails bended within a year. The seat post bended within two years and the mounting broke right after...
I could continue this, the bike has been a disappointment.
Oh, they shouldn't have stealed my Explo', it was a great piece of work. Maybe I have just been unlucky with my Kilauea, I don't know, but I waited a lot more from it.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve-O
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | I have to have a favorite? | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$615.00 | | Purchased At: | Solano Ski & Sport, Fairfield, CA | | Strengths: | Geometry, Steel, Price | | Weaknesses: | Weaknesses??? | | Similar Products Used: | Bridgestone MB-1, Nishiki Alien Alum. Marin Steel | | Bike Setup: | XC Pro shifters, XC Pro microdrive, Manitou 3, Ringle post, Avid Cantilevers (pre V), XT hubs, XTR cassette, XT ders. | | Bottom Line: | I bought a 95 model new in 96 through the shop I worked in (pro deal) and immediately replaced the Marzocchi XC 51 forks with my older, less leaky Manitous and the gripeshift with my superb XC Pro topmounts. I have never been happier with a bike. Steel is real. It soaks up bumps but also lets me think I can climb relatively well, it is graceful with it's small diameter chain and seatstays (No fatty oversized pig tubes here). It rides sweet, is reasonably lightweight, and cost me virtually nothing. I can think of no reason to replace it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike burton
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | has no name | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Steel, lightweight, bomb proof, decent components, Kona. Oh, by the way, this is a 2000 model, you won't see that in any Kona catalogue and Kona tells me it's only available in Canada. If you like steel, it's a steal. | | Weaknesses: | Kona Riser handlebar is a bit wide for bush riding, wear full gloves. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher, Univega | | Bike Setup: | lx front, xt read, AVID SD 25, Tioga FActory XC tires on Mavic X221 rims,Hollowtech cranks.. | | Bottom Line: | I rode a lot of bikes and researched as much as I could before buying this bike. I was very close to buying a Fisher and looked seriously at the RockerHopper but when I rode the Kona I was sold right away. Perhaps I'm a victim of advertising and like what the Kona brand stands for but this bike has been exceptional. I know the steel will last forever, it's forgiving but light and nimble, climbs better than I do, descends well and is great on technical single track.... but did I mention the handlebars... way wide. I will be cutting them off 1/2 inch per side until I find optimum width. If that never happens, toss and try something different... I also must admit I'm not totally sold on the riser bar for xc yet. The 2000 bike comes with Z4 Bomber Air. It's light and smooth but on the flats when I accelerate hard out of the seat it dives like Red October.If aluminum hasn't yet caught your fancy, if you have a longer than average torso, if you want a bike that maybe isn't great at any one thing but is really, really good at everything, take it for a ride. One last thing, comes stock with Tioga Factory XC front and back, keep them, but get a Tioga Factory mud for the rear on wet days, the XC, in my experience, held too much mud. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Gelo
a Weekend Warrior
from Zagreb, Croatia
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Medvednica Mt. above Zagreb | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | I bought this bike in '95 and I still ride it hard way. I just love the slopping top tube design which was revolutionary 5 years ago. Since than I changed all components apart from excellent Suntour Pro thumbshifts, Shimano LX front hub and Shimano 737 pedals, but the frame survived the torture. | | Weaknesses: | The only problem I have during extreme riding is that the rear end is too light so front end tends to drop faster when airborne. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Avalanche LE | | Bike Setup: | RST Mozo Pro 3,5; Shimano XT/LX; Suntour Pro Thumbs; Ritchey Logic ahead Set/Rizer Pro post/Rock rims; Syncros Hard Core seatpost | | Bottom Line: | After 5 years I still don't need to replace my Kona Kilauea frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian Fjeld
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bergen, Norway (Europe)
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Singletracks in the Bergen area (STEEP!!!!) | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Nice handling when riding singletracks in gnarly conditions. Very comfortable because of the columbus nivachrome tubing. Almost ti-feeling without having to pay for the real thing. | | Weaknesses: |
Dont like the bottom bracket or the tires. Sniff and scratch are not worthy components of a bike whith this potential. | | Similar Products Used: |
Lots and lots. | | Bike Setup: |
Changed to Ritchey tires and a Manitou SX TI up front. | | Bottom Line: | Very nice and aggresive without titanium price. But its still not the real thing! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris howard
a Cross-Country Rider
from coudersport pa
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
anywhere | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
i love the 631reynolds frame it is vertually indistructable | | Weaknesses: |
needs better rims | | Similar Products Used: |
caldera | | Bike Setup: |
i used a bomber z3 i have yeti grips shamano clip pedals and a terry italian leather seat | | Bottom Line: | the bike is strong and dependible it is a light hardtail that is great for agressive mountain biking | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Elliott
a Weekend Warrior
from Southampton Hampshire England
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
That Canadian style frame is a true thing of functional bueaty. It is the most accomplished all round MTB I have ever ridden. The original component spec was well balanced for performance and value. Very light and durable. | | Weaknesses: |
The original forks ( Marzochhi XC52) were a little wimpy, even with my 145 lbs. The original brakes sucked badly. | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Avalance, Kona Explosif, Proflex 996, Dave Yates Diabalo, Orange P7 and a whole host more | | Bike Setup: |
Club Roost Go fast bars, Control tech ultra short ahead stem, Control Tech seatpost, Selle Italia Flite saddle, Shimano DX spds, XT sti, M600 v--brakes (home made rear cable adaptor), Marzochhi Atom Bomb forks | | Bottom Line: | This bike has taken everything I've thrown at it and lasted the distance. It started as a racing snake which saw three national (UK) student mountainbike championships, urban trails with the posse, 80+ mile cross country rides, 100+mile road tours with panniers, and now has the modern high bar-short stem-long travel forks 'free ride' set up. Truly an adaptable and usable machine, I don't want anything else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got the Kilaue '96 and it rocks. Best bike I've ever been on. The only reason I'm going to replace it this season is that it's too small for me, I simply bought the wrong size. If I find another but larger at a good price, I'll buy it. It's light, got snappy flex and extremely easy to handle. (Maybe cause It's too small!).However the Marzocchi XC51 that came with it has given me a lot of trouble and worry. It keeps leaking and leaking so now I've decided to simply buy a lot of shock oil and a pump and keep riding anyway. Just refill every 4 weeks.I won't give it a 5 thought, because of the gripshift (I hate GS), the fork and the crappy handlebar. Had to change it with titec since it got bent.Seems like Kilaue is removed in the 1999 line, but if you find it on sale and like small, snappy steel bikes, don't hesitate. (Anyone in sweden who wants to trade in their 16 Kilaue/Explosif frame for my 14 is free to mail me! :-)¨/erik | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a cross-country rider
from Knoxville,TN
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok...I waited a year to pass full judgement so as not to look like moron in case something turned out bad...that however was not the case. I love my bike. My only complaint is that I can not marry the thing. It is as it was when bought...aside from the 97' Shaun Palmer Manitou FS-TI lime green shock that I added. It does all that I ask: climbs (very well) and is very agile. Not going to do much better for a grand. Columbus Nivacrom tubing gives me the balls that I wouldn't have with an aluminum bike...I'm poor and paranoid. Anyhow, it kicks ass all over the place as far as I'm concerned. I recommend one for the price...but you can't ever have mine! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Niklas
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike are the best I've ever riden. It's easy to handle and it's easy to ride. It feel great when you ride singletracks(it's so fast). The handling is fast. everything about it is just great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matthew
a weekend warrior
from Jersey shore
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Got sick of the fire mountain and bought the 98 Kilauea. This bike handles so well through technical terrain. The specs are way better than average and the weight can definitely be decreased with a couple modifications. If you grew up riding BMX bikes, than you'll love the feel of any Kona bike with the fatty-sloped-top-tube. Ride on! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
warren
a cross-country rider
from Freeland, Wa
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Mine is the older Tange tubing version. I love it. It replaced my old Cannondale sm500, and I really can tell the difference between the aluminum and steel frames. The frame is very responsive, and takes a beating without flinching. The only complaint I have about the frame is that the brake cable routing makes it hard to convert to Vees. (Of course, I don't have that problem since I went with Maguras.)
Kona is a great company to deal with, if you have any questions just stop by their web site, and you'll probably have an answer in a day.
Oh yeah, another thing great about the frame (comparing it to the Cannondale) is that the paint job holds up well! I've hit trees, scraped buildings, fallen off logs (it's easy) and even thrown the bike a couple of frustrating times. With the exceptions of a few chips, the paint is still great.I don't know where they come up with a 22lbs for its weight. I've got mine set up with xt/xtr and a JudyXC, and it weighs 27. (Yeah, the brakes add a pound, but still). But, who cares! I will never upgrade.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a cross-country rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a '95 Kilauea in '95 from a great shop in Albequerque. I have had a difficult time tearing myself away. I currently work in a shop in Abilene, TX, and I can't convince myself to invest in a new bike, even though I would get a great deal. It is a bike for the ages.The only problem I had with the bike was when changing to V-brakes, the bike didn't have a rear cable stop. After trying several remedies, I have ended up using solid housing Avid Flak Jackets zip tied to the frame. It may not be as pretty, but it certainly does the job and the cable stays clean.I am considering another bike, as an addition, not a replacement, and it will most likely be a Kona, hopefully the King Kahuna, the same bike but in Ti. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor Gamache
a racer
from Appleton WI
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Dream-like frame chews up the single track with voracious appetite. Scratch and Sniff tires work good. The Ritchey-like Clipless petals rot. Rot a ton. Rot wet. The Shimano petals on my other bikes are tons better. Why bother with such Kmart style junk. Why not deliver something better for petals??? It such a cool bike with one major downfall. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
esko aho
a
from sweden
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Kilauea is the best bike I have ever ridden! The columbus tubing is light and strong, and the sloping top tube works great. The only thing I dont like about the Kilo is its weak crankset. There must be some kind off design fault in those
Curve cranks. they are really anoying. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
It handles brilliant and also has some good kit on, the weight is brilliant and nice control is given with the sloping top tube. The tyres give good performance in muddy terrain. I like trials and this bike was really good for me as it had the straight forks which are generally better than normal rigids, the v's had great stopping power and due to the weight the bike was easy to through around, I had to change the pedals to dmr's> i dont like riding with spuds, I recently raced on this bike on the great North bike ride and I have no complaints except the price everybody wants cheaper dont they. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got myself a second-hand Kilaue '96 for a great price, and I just LOVE it! The Marzocchi XC51 came OEM that year, and besides from the leakage, the fork's great too! I used to have a Marin, nice and all, but now I realise how nice and smooth a bike really can be! I follows all my little moves, easy to handle, light weight. I replaced the gripshits immediately though. Couldn't stand 'em!At first I felt that the frame was a little to short for me, but with an extra long seatpost, I solved that problem and now I'm used to it. No hurting backs or anything. The extremely low top tube is great when riding in technical terrain, as it makes it possible to take bigger chances before having to put your feet down, without risking sitting on your family jewels!I just love it and I would probably kill anyone who tried to steal it from me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane Murtagh
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC. Canada
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a version of this bike with a few modifications (z2 fork, xt vee brakes, kore stem, syncros seatpost, ceramic rims etc..) I have found the bike to be excellent in every regard. It has great standover clearance so I don't bang up the family jewels . it is very light, so its good for long rides and climbs, and i find that because of the long top tube it is nice in descents as it places your weight more over the rear of the bike. All in all, a winner!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tag Frothingham
a weekend warrior
from Cambridge, MA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just picked up the Kilauea, so my result are far from long term. This year I decided that I needed to upgrade from 95 low end Trek (my first mt.bike). While the trek was fairly trust worthy it was heavy and the cockpit was cramped. After trying various brands in my price range I read about the Kona Lavadome on this site. Finding a Kona dealer I tested the 98 lavadome and was very happy, when I brought the bike back the dealer was waiting holding the Kilo. He told me to give it a test ride, I knew that it was out of my price range, but thought why not. Took it for a spin and I was in heaven. Upon getting back to the dealership I was told it was the last 97 in stock and the dealer was willing to sell it to me just above cost. Needless to say I accepted, I had them throw on xtr components and rapid fires (nothing against grip shift just more comfortable with RF's). I have yet to try anything really technical on it, but so far the kilo has performed like a dream, really smooth and goes where I point it. Can't wait to hit the hard stuff when the ground dries out. You'll hear from me later if I run into any problems in the future, but for someone who mt. bikes for fun and wants a responsive ride I highly recommend this bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darius Teter
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got my Kona back in 1994, switched to clipless pedals, and have been in love with this bike ever since. I've taken this bike to Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philippines, and it's quickness got me out of serious trouble more than once (some happy khmer rouge tried to coax me to pull over, the gave chase on a motor scooter, but couldn't keep up on the rice paddy trails). I've also toured successfully over 1500 km with full panniers no problem. I'll keep this bike until it gets stolen. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a cross-country rider
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a Kona Kilo for 5 years now, and I'm still committed to it after riding many well-reviewed full-suspension bikes. My Kona (with clipless pedal and Marzocchi fork) remains more fun to ride than other bikes I've tried. XT/XTR components, very quick frame geometry, and minimal maintenance all spell a great ride. If this bike were a car, it would be a Porsche 911 - not comfortable, but always fun, and requiring talent and finesse to ride/drive quickly. This bike involves me when I ride. Five chilis here! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.J. SJOGREN
a weekend warrior
from MASSACHUSETTS
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got the 96 model in Aug 96,$1,100 with 21R, Love the bike .Had chain suck problems at first and the dealer(GEAR WORKS) and Kona replaced the chain with a Sachs and the Curve cranks and rings with a Sugino Mighty 900. END of PROBLEM. Can't say enuff about the quick service of the dealer and Kona to remedy the problem.
Added a Quadra 21R for a low maintenace fork, Also replaced seat with WTB titanium, stem with a Syncros cattleprod,toe straps with a set of spd535 pedals and added some SRP bolts just for the fun of it.
Not to impressed with the Curve OM canti brakes though.They perform better than shimano cantis but don't come close to the performance of V brakes.You can guess what my next upgrade is going to be.
All and all, I am very happy with the Kilauea. As a weekend warrior and somewhat limited rider, I feel that I hold the bike back on it's performance rather than the bike holding me back.
The Geometry is great,love the nimble handling characteristics and the supple feel of the light Columbus Nivicrom frame.STEEL IS REAL!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steele Bryde
a downhiller
from Skövde, Sweden
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I´d bought this bike from my brother. He had used it for a year or so.
It´s very agressive and fast. 100% body-contact. Extremely light and funny. it will obey your every command .I love it.
And it´s a beuty aswell. Weel i can only find one true centence. Rock´n roll dude. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kristofer
a
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: February 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The BIke Kicks ass with full XTR, but it sux without it!
Im changing to a Scott W/C, much better!
no no no no no no no no no no on on on on on no no no no no no n oo on no no on no no on on on no no on on on on on on on on o no n on on on o n on on on on on dbsg b dfuibgudisf | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bret
a racer
from school
Date Reviewed: February 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike absolutely kicks ass. I've never been able to kick everybody's ass as I can now. I used to have a Kona full suspension but it weighed 27 pounds and I didn't like all of the comfort (seemed to make me ride slower because I was so comfortable). The bomber z-2 is a sweet shock and I plan to upgrade to the atom bomb soon. The steel frame is also a nice ride for a hardtail. The bike weighs in at 25.4 pounds with xt derailers, xtr cranks, xtr 12-32 cassette, crossmax wheels, conti. double fighter tires, regular tubes, xt rapidfire shifters, thomson elite seatpost, serfas seat and lx v-brakes. I ride in technical single track with few hills but the hills we have are short and steep. This bike rails on my trails around here. I've taken it out on oopen fire roads and swithed the tires to some knobbies and learned that this is the best bike I have ever ridden. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Cobourg, Ont, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Initial review was May 97. I' d just like to add to it after a good season of riding. This bike is great. Has the spring and suppleness of good cro-mo. Rode hard, often in any weather and quite a few crashes. Damage minimal and frame stood up well. I've noticed a few reviews that said the frame broke, the bike was too expensive etc. Are we talking about the same bike? I've got a great dealer and he takes care of me. The bike was CHEAP and extremely durable. Only problem I had was the creaking cranks, LOC-TITE them and they'll be silent. Overall a great value. So good I'm going to have to give one more pepper than before. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
davie
a weekend warrior
from Tor Can
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have 96 Killa - I'm 240 pounds and 5 10 - I like it but needed much shorter stem than I thought - like 60MM long. I have Bomber Z2 on it which works well. Impulse crankset not as good as Shimano for shifting down to small ring plus Curve brakes suck - I upgraded to LX Vbrake right away. I have been riding for 4 years. One tip - triple butted tubes are very very dentable - watch out | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dino Gardi
a cross-country rider
from Auckland, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Work in Auckland as a bicycle courier in the city.Many of us were sold these
bikes and we are excellent advertising for Kona. But five of us had the frames
break in the same place, which was the bottom bracket. This is obviously a
manufacturing fault. We all tried to get replacement frames, I even cycled
1000km to Queenstown to see the N.Z.distributor to get my replacement.
It turned out to be more trouble than it was worth and found the N.Z. distributor
of your product to be very unhelpful. We also contacted the US Kona website and
received no reply. This whole experience has left a very bad taste in our mouths
regarding your product and your service. This happened a year ago and I am still
without the replacement frame I was promised to receive. Our advice to you all is
to stay well clear of Kona bicycles. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
N/A
a cross-country rider
from N/A
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike as a nice well priced bike for its standard. I have ridden other bikes around this price mark and have found this one to be one of my favorites for its price. It has a pretty good weight. Its componantry Xt and Curve a fairly good but i don't particuly like Curve i go more for XTR which is a bit to expensive for a buyer of this bike. I recommend it to anyone who wants to start up mountain bike riding as a sport and wants to enter races. THANK YOU | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will Thomas
a cross-country rider
from N E London
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Date : 19th November 97
Bought 96 model in last year's sales for £750. Beautiful frame and forks; incredibly light and responsive. XT and Curve componentry good, possible design fault in Curve cranks though. After initial loosening and re-tightening, they now 'creek', which is extremely annoying. I am having this checked out by dealer; however, they're so cool looking that I would be reluctant to swap them for any others. Some of the components were shit (spec. has changed considerably over past two years), especially the grips, which always gave blisters, even with gloves. Changed for Tioga 'G-Wraps', which are infinitely better. Dislike the saddle, which is uncomfortable and ugly. Pleasantly suprised with Grip Shifts 600's though. All in all an excellant bike with the importance laid on the frame and forks; the only bits that seem to let it down are those which are relatively cheap and easy to replace, and which only go to perfecting and personalising a superb bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Schott
a downhiller
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Much to over priced. I mean It is just a plain bike.Nothin' fancy. ={ | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Björn Johnsson
a cross-country rider
from Linköping/Sweden
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My first meeting with the KONA KILAUEA was in 1994.
I had a lot of fun with my steelhorse until this year, when I together with Mr.Fisher joined FINNMARKSTUREN (106 km crosscountry race)in August.
After 50km something strange happened; the rear fork was broken, one inch from
the rear axle. My wight is 83kg and I'm very disappointed at the bad quality !!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Saturn
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Got the 97 Kilauea this summer and slapped on a Z2 and I was thoroughly impressed with the handling and feel of the bike. I love the geometry. The first change is definitely getting new tires. The stock tires suck. Got the Veloceraptors and that did the trick. Also slapped on a Syncros stem and USE suspended seatpost and the bike really feels sweet. Get a USE seatpost, it is light as hell (300g compared to 500g as the rest) and it does the trick for even the minimal travel it does. The Columbus Nivacrom frame really absorbs a lot of the rattle of rocks specially when I was at Props Run at West Virginia (It closes this year for 2 yrs so go down it all 1900 feet of bone jarring rocks, before its too late.). No hardtail can beat it at its price. Now I'll have to find a dually as light and as responsive as this bike at the same pricepoint. So far nada :(
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Braun
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The 1997 Kilauea is an amazing bike. The classic sloping top tube from Kona makes the bike roomy and very nimble on some tricky single track. You can't beat the components that come standard for the price. XT RapidFire/Rear Derail/Rear Hub. LX V-Brakes/Cranks ; all around it is a very solid drive train. Keep in mind that you are going to have to buy $110.00+ pair of riding shoes to go with the clipless pedals (if you don't have shoes already.)
The bike handles magnificently. The geometry is just long enough to keep the bike comfortable, yet tight enough to zip through tight singletrack. The Columbus Cyber tubing is nice and light and absorbant, yet remains stiff under the greatest of stress.Absolutely a great pick for a first or second bike. This bike can easily remain Sub-24 pounds with a front suspension. The stock fork weighs 1.8 pounds, then I threw on a '97 Manitou SX (3.5 lbs). That leaves you at 24.5 lbs having only changed the fork.I recommend Kona bikes to everyone I meet who is looking for a new bike.
If you are looking for a bike in a lower price range, check out the Cindercone and upgrade the components as you go along, or forego the front suspension for a while. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Syvertsen
a racer
from Skövde,Sweden.
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love the Kona it performs very vell, a great bike at a great price!!!
This is a playfull bike that you vill ride untill you drop or perheps it drops
you!Thomas syvert Syvertsen. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Mohan
a cross-country rider
from the big apple
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up a 97 Kilo back in February and am finally getting the bike dialed
in. This is to be expected, in my experience (fmr shop mech, 100+mi/wk roadie) production bike never really come built/adjusted quite right. The frame construction looks first rate for an assembly line bike. The seatstays and dropouts are brazed instead of tig'ed, I was impressed. I have a couple complaints about the build however. Kona spec'd a 27mm Konalite post on this bike. I bent it within two weeks, I appears that the seat tube is actually designed for a 27.2mm. I replaced the original with a Kore elite easton 27.2, no more problems. I do beleieve this is a mis-spec. The paint is okay but nothing to write home about. With the exception of the seatpost the parts mix is very good. I would prefer an xt bottom bracket, not a sexy part but a very important one. The ride is excellent, stiff laterally, compliant vertically. I installed a Z-2 bomber (heavy springs) it is a good fork and the people at Marzocchi are very helpful. It climbs well for a mountain bike with a front suspension (climb on a stiff road bike and you'll understand). It handles very well at speed and the compliant rear compliments the fork very well. For its's price the bike is an excellent value. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sorin
a weekend warrior
from Uppsala/Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Got myself a white 96er some year and a half ago. Was impressed with the light handling of the bike, especially in twisted single tracks. A year after that I upgraded with a judy xc and me and the bike started some serious flying on the tracks. The frame is a bit long, tried a shorther stem but found it made the bike to nervous, so I swithced back. Still, I love this bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Riaan
a cross-country rider
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I,ve been riding this bike now for nearly six months, and I have to say its the best bike I have ride ever. Mine have XT parts troughout exept the V's, which is LX. This bike really deserves a 5-star rating for handling, climbing, stiffness (I weigh in excess of 220 lbs and is quit muscular),singeltracking and to a lesser degree XC. This is however not a downhill bike. Another drawback is the paintjob on mine-exellent looking but incline to chip easily. But I did not buy it for looks or downhill so for my use its worth a five. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Rochon
a cross-country rider
from Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 1996 Kilauea with a Rock Shox Quad 21R, a Sugino Mighty 900 crank
and Sratch and Sniff Natural tires. When I saw this bike I wanted it, it
got good reviews and the price was right. Climbing is a dream I don't have
barrends and you don't need em, single track is awesome and it's almost as
light as Ti. Kona is a excellent company and anyone who says bad things about them is a fool. I call mine the Green Machine, and I have a FORD decal on the Top tube. Bye I hope anyone who owns one keeps it, See ya on the Trails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
david levine
a cross-country rider
from Concord, New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love the Kona. I love its light weight, its simplicity, its finish and quality of construction. Somewhat iffy going from large to inner chain-ring. You easily end up on the smallest chainring. It has the feel of a much more expensive bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hank J.
a cross-country rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Rode my friend's Kilauea the other day, and I must say it is a nice steel bike. I was surprised by the stiffness around the BB. I weigh two hundred pounds and can push hard but the bike didn't flex but a hair during my flex test. Grab a bike, straddle it, clip into one pedal, apply both brakes really hard, and push on the pedal as hard as you can while looking at the bottom bracket. If it is flexy, you will see a lot of movement and bowing in the chainstay opposite of the pedal on which you are pushing. I have an F2000, and it flexes a bit more than the Kilauea, but only marginally. I tryed this on a lot of high end steel bikes the shop salespeople told me would never flex, and they were noodles -- Ibis, Salsa, Bontrager, Steelman, Yo Eddy, and Landshark all failed. Surprising! WTB Phoenix, Ritchey, and Kilauea were much less soft for light steel frames, along with the pre-trek high end steel Fisher. Why? Beats me, but the Kilauea is a great deal for a light and stiff high end steel frame.
Outside, the Kilauea had serious snap in its acceleration, and was nimble as hell, and solid feeling for a quick steering bike - not jittery. I cofidently left the ground many times on my first ride, which I know I shouldn't do on an unfamiliar ride. This Kona was highly confidence inspiring however. The frame is pretty long, so the body position is fairly committed, but the low slung top tube and small triangles don't make the pitched in positioning precarious.
Part are okay, but the bike deserves XTR; still it is a deal. Put on a fork and you are stoked, although my friend said the frame itself is compliant enough to have a lot of fun with out one. The stock tires are shit and must go immeadiately (try contis). Last note: my friend was always much slower than me off road on his previous Specialized and GT bikes. Now he is about 60% faster instantly, and I have to really push and hang it out to get him off my tail. Overall, Kilauea is a hell of a frame, better than many small shop frames in stiffness and performance. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles Edwardo Kunkel
a racer
from Flagstaff, Az.
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
(1996 Model) Frist mountain bike, and believes the geometry is brilliant. Rode several other brands and the handeling and performance was not compareable to the Kilauea. Even though I am green in the sattle, I get major chain-suck in the first chain ring, and have tinkered around with the front derailer, but no luck. I went through the Mavic 231 rims quickly due to hitting objects and the factory's qualtiy of building rims. The stock components have allowed me to save some mula with out up-grading to the total trick stuff. Over all, bomer components and a super frame. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Cobourg, Ont., Canada
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
96 model. Great cro-mo. Great geometry for tight, technical single-track. Bike is very twitchy ( a good thing ), extremely agile, light and durable. Climbs very well. Installed a Judy XC, now bike really snorts. Great price for what you get. One complaint; teal colour BLECH. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a racer
from Elgin, IL
Date Reviewed: April 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 1994 Killauea, so I been riding it for 4 seasons now. It came with a Marzzochi xc51 fork, which has held up nicely. With some upgrades I’ve gotten the weight down to 24 lbs. The geometry is great. I can beat anyone on a climb because of the tight rear triangle, and it's quick through tight singletrack. I love the longer top tube because I prefer a more spread out riding position. The only negatives that I have, and they've probably made improvements since, are: Brake levers and pads were crap, the Kona light seat was hard, and water collects in the BB shell, so I always have to take the BB out to dry it after I clean the bike. All and all it's a pretty sweet ride, though. It's served me well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a cross-country rider
from Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i just picked up a '97 kilauea about a month ago and so far i love it. I got it set up with the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 which is super sweet, the bikes handles soo nicely with this fork. I also have the LX v brakes which work about 8000 times better than any cantis i've ridden. The XT/LX drivetrain w/Xt rapidfire is flawless so far but my cranks are creakin'. I have the new LX spiderless cranks which i'll admit are super stiff and light but they're still creakin'. hopefully it's an easy fix, we'll see. For my $1800 this is a pretty damn light hardtail that performs exceptionally well. What more can i say? I love my bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a weekend warrior
from Leicestershire, England
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My 95 Kilauea has a superb frame with a direct response in tricky singletrack. The original brakes were pathetic!! I have upgraded to DX cantis with Scott Mathauser blocks. Judy xc's on the front have made downhills more comfortable. New wheelsets will be next followed by V brakes.Check out the new bakery in Eyam for a good lunch break!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
berty
a weekend warrior
from toronto, canada
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i also hve the misser replica | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'm still cruising in anger on my '94 model and still amazed at it's performance. Uphill it is invincible and the rear triangle really does give the stability on all terrain.
I am pleased to see that the newer models have a better brake set up but no grumbles from this mountainous corner of S.E.Asia. Hong Kong has some fabulous terrain bt the way! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
randy
a downhiller
from britain
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
its kicking for xc but not for downhill
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
megan morse
a weekend warrior
from usa
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
puffter bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DANIEL TROTTER
a cross-country rider
from REDCAR, ENGLAND
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I HAVE JUST PURCHASED THE NEW 97 KILAUEA AND I AM WELL PLEASED WITH ITS PERFORMANCE SO FAR. I WILL WRITE MORE COMMENTS IN THIS SECTION LATER IN THE YEAR. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wolf
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
In the summer of 1996 I bought a 95 Kilauea. I instantly fell in love with the great geometry, standover hight and great nimbelness of the bike. Unfortunately I was greatly disappointed when a while later I noticed that the bike was always leaning to the left. Upon closer inspection I found out that the frame was cricked. The head tube and the seat tube were not in the same plane and thus the whole front triangle was tortionally twisted. Now, half a year later, I am finally getting through to the kona people but for the six months I have been constantly brushed off. This sort of customer unfriendlyness is definitelly not welcome. Even though I like the idea behind the frame design I definitelly think that the welding and precision of Taiwanese production stinks. STINKEROO!!!!!!!!! . As far as I am concerned kona is getting sloppy and should seriously look into immproving their factory standards. STINKEROO once again!
I would give five butholes as a rating but pepers is all I got!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NATE
a racer
from CONN.
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own the 95 version of the kilauea. this bike climbs like a cat. descends with great precicion it can get through any single track and since it it steel it is not too hardon the long ride, i PUT A MARIZOCHI FORK ON AND CHANGED THE TIRES THE RITCHEY BREAKES ARE THE BEST CANTILEVERS IVE EVER TRIED BIT I STILL AM THINKING ABOUT CHANGING TOO V BRAKES | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FEDERICO OLIVARES
a downhiller
from Monterrey, Mexico
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 95 Kona Kilauea and it has never disappointed me. I have raced
five times and in three I've been up the podium. Right now I am working and
I am now a downhiller-weekend warrior. That bicycle is not so common down
here, because of the brand, which is not so commercial here in Mexico, but
you see one every now and then. It kicks butt. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jesse cahill
a
from montreal canada
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the '96 version of this bike and it rules. Great component group. The
Curve OM brakes are great, a little difficult to ajust but very strong. Rides
great with answer riser bar a Judy XC. Only major bummers: I have toasted the
RD hanger twice and some of the curve cranks get weird. Later dudes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a cross-country rider
from Victoria, BC CANADA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 95 Kilauea that I bought last May and it is the best investment that I
have ever made! This bike is clutch. I put a Judy XC on the front to help
smooth out my ride and it's just cherry. I ride around the Victoria, BC area
where I ride some of the roughest trails you can find in the pacific northwest.
This bike has taken a beating due to my riding style (balls out, however
lacking any skill or technique) and stood up to the test. KONA knows how to
make a strong bike!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mathias Appelblad
a cross-country rider
from Gothenburg, Sweden
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a '95 Kilauea with Judy SL last year. I think it's a great bike for XC. The handling is great and very smooth (I think it's even smoother now since it has Colubus tubing). It's pure joy to ride it in tricky technical sections with good speed, the Kilauea is also very good at fast downhills (suspension absolutely required). The geometry suits me very well as I like a more streched out riding position. There are a few negative points with it though:
1. As almost all cromoly bikes it's a bit flexy at hard sprits, can be annoying if you are used to a Alloy frame.
2. At very fast downhills in very it has a tendency to be a little nervous and jumpy.
3. It is not suited for trails according to the relatively long toptube and low bottom-bracket. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Parker
a cross-country rider
from Calgary, AB. Canada
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding Columbus tubing in the form of a Yokota Half Dome for three years now. I have found the Italian tubing to be extremely strong, light and smooth riding. However 6 months ago a buddy of mine bought a 96 Kona Kil. (In part due to my strong liking for columbus tubes)
The good points of this bike are many. They include light weight, clean styling, and phenomenal steering precision. The bike came with a LX/XT drivetrain mix, and Grip-Shift 600's. All of which performed flawlessly as usual. The bike was also spec'd with a Quadra 21R fork, another flawless performer (all the travel of a judy xc but with less weight) However the bike also had a few flaws, one of which is quite serious. The first problem we encountered was that the curve cranks although stiff, and light would not stop squeaking. After two months of trying to fix the problem we swapped the curves for a set of Sugino 900's, which may not look as cool, but they work very well. The second problem lies with the curve cantilever brakes. Although the levers themselves work well, the canti's are extremely weak and spongey (pronounced suck) These two problems pale in comparison however to my main concern with the Kona. While out riding some fast fire-roads, my friend hit a small compression in the road, and his frame buckled in three places. Now this was a very small dip in the road which I myself hit at twice his speed with no effect at all. My first response was that this was some sort of fluke, a manufacturing error. However the Kona rep insisted that we had hit a rock or a tree and that had caused the damage. He could not explain however, why this tree had not bent the rim, spokes, fork, stem, or handlebars. Fortunately the bike shop was very cool and they replaced the frame, even though Kona would'nt. Since then I have heard of two other instances of similar frame failures. I suspect that perhaps Kona is tapering their tube walls too thin trying to save weight.
In any case I hope Kona gets their act togeather and sorts out this problem, because Kona bikes rule! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Mitchell
a weekend warrior
from Belleville, IL
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Kilauea last Spring. It was my first mountain bike so admittedly I'm
speaking from limited experience. I had my first real taste of mountain biking
last summer at Kettle-Moraine state forest in Wisconsin. Even with the rigid fork
the Kilauea handled like a dream and was reasonably comfortable. One last note,
I've been partial to Columbus tubing on my road bikes and the Kilauea was one of
of the few mountain bikes that came with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Mitchell
a weekend warrior
from Belleville, IL
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Kilauea last Spring. It was my first mountain bike so admittedly I'm
speaking from limited experience. I had my first real taste of mountain biking
last summer at Kettle-Moraine state forest in Wisconsin. Even with the rigid fork
the Kilauea handled like a dream and was reasonably comfortable. One last note,
I've been partial to Columbus tubing on my road bikes and the Kilauea was one of
of the few mountain bikes that came with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Cowger
a cross-country rider
from N.O. LA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I upgraded to the Kilauea from a low-end Kona because I liked the tight geometry of the frames. I chose it over several aluminum frames and got the feel of steel at the weight of aluminum. The components are excellent and not the usual. The bike handles very nimbly and climbs very well. I've raced it with the rigid fork and the shock-absorbtion of the fork and frame is impressive, though I am searching for right suspension fork. Full suspension racers are jealous of the <23 lb weight. Even the paint color looks great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howard Chong
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
After having switched from a Bianchi Ibex Front suspension bike to the Kona
Kilauea (96)(No suspension) I must say I am impressed with this bikes geometry and the tubing set (Columbus Cyber CroMo). On single tracks and climbs this bike handles with confidence building precision. For the money (approx. $1000 CDN) the parts mix can't be beat as others have pointed out. To add a suspension fork to this frame can only improve upon this very fine
bike. I currently have my eyes on setting this bike up with the Marzocchi
Bomber Z.2 fork but thats another story. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pascal
a weekend warrior
from Ottawa,Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my first REAL mountain bike. It's replacing my 30+lbs Concorde Kogo which was a great beginner bike.
I figured I'd get a bike with a rigid front fork because I can always add a shock later and put more money towards the bike now. Therefore more bike for the $$$.
Now, about the Kilauea: the reason I bought it is because it's super light (without a suspension fork It weighs a hair over 23 lbs.
I purchased the 96 model (19) which is made with Columbus Cyber cromo tubing. This brand is said to be stronger than the previous Tange Prestige but I wouldn't know.
I do know that it handles like a dream-this bike rides itself, the rigid fork is super plush and light. The geometry makes it a great climber.
The Scratch and Sniff tires grip well on the hard pack surface my local trails are composed of. The brakes (Curve OM) are O.K (they are not V brakes but they stop and let you have plenty of control.
The Curve crank made this creaky sound the first few rides but my dealer said it would go away and it did.
The drive train is mtsterious though: the catalog said XT front and rear with Grip shift X-ray. I got XT rear, sachs front and 600 shifters.
I didn't put up a fuss since I only paid $999 cdn. +tax (it's regular 1399) and the Sachs shifter is great.
Please note that although I am totally into mountain biking, I haven't had the chance to ride that many bikes on the trail, so my rating may be generous.
But consider this: if I were to go through the whole two-month-long-shopping-for-a-mountain-bike ordeal again, I'd end up with the same rig.
Three cheers for KONA!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dirk Anderson
a cross-country rider
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
No gimmicks, anodizing, or suspect no-name parts; just a cro-mo hardtail that is light, nimble, and reliable. After two years of thrashing and racing, the only thing that broke was the Shimano IG chain. Contrary to some reports, the Grip-shift/XT combo has been flawless, once I got it dialed in. This is the best $1,000 hardtail spec I have seen yet. Slap a suspension fork on it, and you're ready to rage. The tight geometry makes this a better climber than downhiller, but chairlift riders wouldn't be looking at a bike like this anyway. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marky
a racer
from Brockville, Ontario
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
What else can be said about this bike except It's Awesome!!. This bike epitomizes what a great cross-country bike should be: light, durable, affordable (relatively) and responsive. In addition to this the guys (and gals) at Kona have dialed in on a frame geometry that yields a bike with tremendous stand-over height and rear-end rigidity. This bike will not let you down! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Belding
a weekend warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this bike! The reasons:
1) CHRO-MOLY RULES! It's strong and stiff yet soft enough to absorb
alot of the bumps that Pacific Northwest single track dishes out (I
still recomend a front shock). The frame is so much more forgiving than
aluminum bikes I have ridden, and, for the single track I ride, my old
full suspension bike is NOT missed.
2) The frame geometry is great. This bike handles great - it seems
to read my mind and go where I want it to. If you are looking for a
bike that is very quick and responsive you must consider this one!
3) Excellent component set. XT drive train, Curve OM brakes (these
guys have some very good stopping power - not quite like V-Brakes),
the Curve OM cranks (A change from last year's Sugino cranks) are very
stiff, very light, and very handsome. The Grip shift, however, is...
well... grip shift.
4) One of the things that I really like about this bike is that it
does not come with one those sub-standard front shocks that every other
bike in this price range seems to have. Yes - you will have to buy a
front shock, but you won't have to worry about upgrading your components.
5) Finally this chrom-moly bike weighs less than most aluminum bikes
in this price range (22.8 lbs), albeit without a front shock.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Su
a cross-country rider
from Ithaca, NY
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is totally sweet. Lightweight, high-quality Tange Prestige frame,
full XT components, this bike is pretty well spec-ed. It rides great, really
nimble and climbs well. The sloping top tube design is awesome - in the frame
that fits me correctly lengthwise, I have over four inches of clearance. With
the smaller triangle, the bike feels stiffer, is lighter, and I feel as if I
can toss it around without worry.
Of course, it does help that I got it for pretty cheap, too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dwayne spence
a weekend warrior
from pickering ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: May 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the best hardtail I have riden at an reasonable price. The frame is light and and strong,
I havent had a problem with excessive frame flex under my 30lbs + body.
Handles like at dream, responsive and a great climber.
The bike just digs in and is super easy to control. The XT drivetrain with grip shift
is great shifts all the time when I need it. The only sore point are the stock cranks
that come on the bike. The Sugino cranks seem a little flimsy and are already
working themselves loose of the spindle after two months of hard riding even
with tighting them after ride. I will probaly be buying a pair of Race face IB cranks in the near future.
this frame is head and heals over my over Rocky Mountain Hammer with Suntour
XC Pro.
| | Overall Rating: |
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