Submitted by
michael c.
a Weekend Warrior
from pineville
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2010
Strengths: strong and light. I am able to throw it around on trails and have a great ride.
Weaknesses: older frame limits some upgrades...doesn't bother me though. Handlebars sit low and can place strain on neck.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike in college, 1994, and I was a hard rider then too. I see all of these newer bikes with amazing options and they still don't compare.
Similar Products Used: several low to mid....this is the best bike I had ever purchased though.
Bike Setup: disc brakes front, v-brakes rear. front suspension added. .5 in cut off each end of handle bar...everything else is original.
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Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from West Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2010
Strengths: Great frame, good balance of performance and cost
Weaknesses: Stock stem, handlebar, seatpost and saddle were heavy for the overall quality of the bike, but I guess that provided a good bicycle with room for gradual upgrades.
Bottom Line:
The Kilauea is a beautiful classic frame. I bought this bike as a previous model year closeout, and it has served me well for 12 years. For eight of those years it was also my primary transportation, so it took a variety of abuse. I ride mostly XC and some AM, and I can't imagine giving up an elegant steel frame for chattery aluminum in a hardtail bike.
In the last three years I have upgraded everything except the seatpost collar, but I can't let the frame go. If I had, I might well have been out a bike this summer--a friend borrowed the bike and managed to make a disastrous bonehead crash involving a cell phone charger he forgot was in the mesh pocket of his backpack. The rear end of the drivetrain was destroyed, along with the back brakes, two sheared-through spoke nipples, and a bent derailleur hanger. Thanks to the steel, I was able to have it revived at my local bike shop, and fortunately the company covered the labor and a new derailleur, chain, brakes, and cassette.
Bottom line: If I saw another Kilauea frame in good shape for sale, I would snatch it up in a heartbeat.
Similar Products Used: 1997 Raleigh M-80, 1998 Specialized Rockhopper, various entry/mid-level fleet bikes from a camp where I work.
Bike Setup: Currently: XT drivetrain/shifters/hubs, Mavic XC717 rims, Rockshox Recon Race fork, Single Digit 7 brakes, Easton EA70 bars/stem/post
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Boone, NC
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2007
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.
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!
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.
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Saltburn, Yorkshire, England
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2007
Strengths: fantastic climbing, single track, high speed stability,
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.
Bike Setup: standard except xt v brakes and bottom bracket.
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Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2007
Strengths: UBER! light frame
Weaknesses: once the frame is weakend it has a very low fail point.
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.
Bike Setup: judies, frame, juncker every thing else
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Submitted by
Duncan
a Cross Country Rider
from Seoul, Korea
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2005
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.
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.
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.
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Submitted by
Alexi
a Weekend Warrior
from Chagrin Falls, OH
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004
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.
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.
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!
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Submitted by
Troy Foster
a Cross Country Rider
from Brentwood, TN
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2004
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.
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.
Bike Setup: Bomber Z2 Bam fork, Thomson stem, Race Face Cranks, Cane Creek Wheels, XTR drive, XT brakes.
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Submitted by
Paul Giarratano
a Cross Country Rider
from Federal Way, WA USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004
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.
Bottom Line:
Old school folks like me will love this bike. It's material proof that works of art CAN be made overseas.
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.
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Submitted by
Mark Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004
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.
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.
Bike Setup: Original frame, Marzocchi XC-51 fork, Gripshift SRT600 upgrade, Panaracer Smoke tyres, Shimano SPD pedals, titanium seatpost, V-brakes.
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002
Strengths: Bomb Proof
Weaknesses: Can't justify buying new bike
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?
Submitted by
Onanum Dural
a Racer
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
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.
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 !
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.
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)
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Strengths: Kona geometry, setup
Weaknesses: Poor quality steel
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.
