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Submitted by
PEET
a
from san fernando valley california usa
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mammoth mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | wheel world | | Strengths: | Great Bike, solid performer, handles like a dream. | | Weaknesses: | the seat and grips - only 4" of travel - no double crown | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, GT, DEAN, Diamond Back | | Bike Setup: | stock - except Specialized seat (keeps the nuts from numbing out) and Ouri Grips | | Bottom Line: | I like to think I beat the daylights out of it. I've used it on mammoth mountain a bunch and never had problems. I have had big rock hits and it took them all like a champ. I used to ride the smoother side of the trail, now I blast through the ruts, rocks and drops and the bike just keeps going. Why stear around the stuff that shocks where made for?, is what I ask people on supension.
I was doing between 30 and 40 mph last ride down a loose sandy rutted rocky fire road with jarring washboard and hit a turn hard and thought I was going to wash out but the bear delux held it's track and pulled me through.
I never had to do a hard core tune it up either. It really seems to ride better in rough rocky terrain then smooth hard packed. I have bottomed the shocks with stiffer settings but it happened on bigger drops. alot of riders say it isn't a good big hit bike, but most if not all never rode the bike on a trail. If you want a great bike for a good price get a kona. they are strong bikes. My next bike will be a kona stinky nine that way I got the best of all worlds - I am a kona fan all the way they got my business. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester,NH U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | FOMBA trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Bob's Portsmouth, NH | | Strengths: | beefy frame,sweet handling,FOX suspension,HAYES hydraulic discs,fairly light | | Weaknesses: | chain suck,cheap head set,painful seat,shorty stem | | Similar Products Used: | Pro-Flex 957 | | Bike Setup: | Thomson 120mm stem,WTB Laser V saddle,syncros headset | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a blast to ride and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a heavy duty trail bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | All around great bike | | Weaknesses: | See below | | Bike Setup: | stock with cross max wheels | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden this bike a good bit since I bought it almost 2 years ago. Yesterday, I was in the shop and someone brought in their Bear Dee Lux with a crack in the frame. It is on the chainstay. If you look at it closely, there is a fitting welded on to the bottom of the chainstay for the pivot bolt. Just above the pivot bolt and below the weld was a small, horizontal crack. This was on both chainstays. The crack on the right side was on both inside and outside of the chainstay. When I got home, I checked my Bear Dee Lux frame and, sure enough, there was a small crack in the exact same place. Mine is not near as bad as the other guy's but bad enough to make me concerned. If you have this frame, please check and see if this crack exists. My LBS is in the process of contacting Kona about this today so I am not sure what their reaction to it is.
The odd thing is that this seem like a strange place for a stress crack. I could see maybe above or at the weld or perhaps a crack radiating out from pivot hole.
Definately not knocking on Kona but just want to see if this is isolated to two frames or if others have had this problem. I still think it is an awesome bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
robert fox
a Weekend Warrior
from plano
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | -H | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | internet | | Strengths: | I bought the bike used off ebay, I've had the bike 3 months and what a tank and it's only 29lbs. This bike is tough, I've done 5 1/2' to 6' drops and it doesn't bottem out. I've used the lock outs (fox rl) and they work great, no bob on hill climbs. I'm 6', 200lbs. and try to tear things up just to see if I can and this bike holds up to every thing I give it. I even do urban rides when it rains, drop onto concrete no big deal! | | Weaknesses: | I will buy a new headset soon (chris king)and the bottem bracket seems low, I've hit the large chain ring more times that I can count but for a used bike what a deal.... | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruze blur, giant ac1, giant nrs | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend this bike to any one, My friends ride my bike and tell what a great deal all the time. I try things that I would have never even thought of before. It's a solid beast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from San Mateo, CA
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | the bike is awsome | | Weaknesses: | well, I just wrote a review a while back.. (see Below). I have just found one big problem with the bike. If you are way back in the woods and have a steep climb out, DO NOT BREAK YOUR REAR DERAILUER. The way this bikes fram is built, the chainstay is BELOW the small ring in the front. Hence, you cannot convert this bike into a one speed on the small ring if needed, wich I badly needed the other day. Oh well, cant think of it all | | Bottom Line: | nice rig | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from San Mateo, CA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Skeggs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | The Backcountry, Tahoe City | | Strengths: | Almost everything.. I love the fox fork.. | | Weaknesses: | The stock tires (tioga) and the bar grips.. | | Similar Products Used: | none. Glanced at the enduro but was quickly taken back to the Bear | | Bike Setup: | Stock... except I added wtb weirwolf 2.5 front and Mutano 2.2 rear... nixed the jack sh!t grips and put on yetis.. | | Bottom Line: | I fricken love this bike! I have been riding it two to three days a week for the last three months and it just keeps on getting better. Forget what anyone says about its climbing ability...if you know how to pedal correctly and sit forward, you can make it up almost anything. This thing climbs as well as my old Trek 8000 Hard Tail. I must say, I rarley use the lockouts unless I am on a long steep fire road, wich is not often. I was never really into getting into the air before this bike, but this thing makes you want to jump/bunny hop off of any bump on the trail. I have done some small drops (2') and I am sure this bike can go well beyond that(not me). Have yet to bottom out the front or rear. Handles great, feels solid. This thing is the bombdiggity | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brecht
a
from Boston
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Kona | | Strengths: | climbing, descending, and flats over severe or mild technical terrain (everywhere) | | Weaknesses: | weaknesses? (okay - its a tad heavy) | | Similar Products Used: | a host of Konas and other rides over the past 15 years (since before suspension) | | Bike Setup: | custom - Z1 in front w/ 130mm and various other different parts | | Bottom Line: | This is the best riding mt bike I have ever experienced, the thing is a bit heavy but it hardly matters, if you can afford it and you ride technical terrain - i couldn't give it a higher rating - soaks up every hit beautifully, big and small, sticks like glue during dicey technical climbs - sweet | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cris
a Cross Country Rider
from Nj
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Skyline, Ringwood,six mile run | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Zone ( Skillman ) | | Strengths: | Cool Factor
Fox Fork
Fox Shox
Hayes H.Disc Brakes ( Orange )
Frame ( will take all the abuse )
Over all, very good balanced | | Weaknesses: | Little short head tube, but u get use to it realy quick,
Shimano Deore Hubs ( ahhhh what can I tell You...) | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Manomano | | Bike Setup: | Factory mostly, just changed rear Der. ( XTR )and Grips ( Oury ) | | Bottom Line: | Kona makes good stuff and this bike is a clear and perfect example.You can ride it all day long, all kind of terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darcy Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | P.Pine Rim, McKenzie River, Phat Larry (fernie) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow Cycle | | Strengths: | Best overall bike I have ridden, very well balanced, fox fork is amazing, | | Weaknesses: | Low BB height, headset, tires | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Kona Explosif, Santa Cruz Bullit, Santa Cruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Bought stock..>Since replaced both tires and the front rim with a 321 on deore hub. | | Bottom Line: | First FS was the specialized. Bike climbs great but I think it sucks going down. Went to Moab and saw someone with the Bullit.>I just had to have it so I bought one. I'll admit the bike is great but going up hill I couldn't stand not being up front. That is when I saw the Kona Bear. Kona's have always been great for me and I have introduced many people into various models, all of which have been well adored. This bike is the same. I live in the portland area and see conditions ranging from hard pack and twisty to muddy and rocky. This bike has been amazing. I recently went back to Canada where I rode the Fernie Ski Hill (probably the best single track I have ridden) The bike handled amazing. I mananged to break the front rim in half flying downhill so I upgraded to a heavier rim. The balance in the bike is amazing. Its awesome for climbing and awesome for going down. If your looking for that all round bike, I would recommend this bike more than any other I have ridden. If the bike feels comfortable to ride, buy it and you wont be sorry. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Magnut
a
from North Shore
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cove Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Frame strong - but light, and the fit is great. Component specs - reliable and durable. Versatility - a truly "do-it-all" bike. Stiff rear end.
Descends really well, climbs great too! | | Weaknesses: | Low BB - could well be my riding style having switched from a hardtail! Can't tink of anything else! | | Similar Products Used: | Checked out Rocky Mountain Slayer, Intense Tracer, and Specialized Enduro Pro. | | Bike Setup: | Race Face DH bars, stem, headset, BB, cranks/rings. Full XT with XTR rear derailleur, XT hubs on Mavic 317's - Superheat tires (2.1 F, 1.9 R). Bomber Z1 FR with ECC fork - which makes this bike awesome for the North Shore! | | Bottom Line: | I finally chose this bike over the Enduro Pro because of 1. The components - way better than on the Specialized for my riding. 2) It's built for North Shore XC/Freeride style conditions - it takes a pounding and just keeps going! 3) With the Bomber fork the set up is perfect for me on all day rides which will always include a lot of climbing and a lot of rocky, rooty downhills. I got the XL (20" frame) with a 110mm stem that fits my 6'1" 190lbs perfectly.
Geometry is awesome - I can't rate highly enough the comfort of this bike and the really solid and confidence inspiring riding position it puts me in - both up and down hill.
This bike is amazing in all the conditions I've ridden - long distance XC (it's more comfortable than anything I've ridden before), climbs - great on both technical, steep uphills as well as long grinds - I use both the rear shock lock out and fork ECC on occasion but am happy to climb in the saddle without any lock outs. There is some pedal bob but with smooth pedalling it's hardly noticeable and the rear tire hooks up so well! Heading down the hill on this bike is an experience too good to be missed! It handles just about most of what the North Shore throws at it (apart from the REALLY crazy stuff!!) and tracks true, stops on a dime, and really does give me confidence to go where I'd never have gone before.....I've also found it light enough to throw on my back and do some hike a bike stuff too!
If you're looking for a do it all bike that will comfortably carry you all day over just about any terrain, in any weather conditions, and is durable, reliable, stiff and strong - this is it. For its price I don't believe you'll find anything better.
I don't baby my bikes, I don't like to fiddlle around with them - I ride them lots and I ride them hard. So far I think this one's going to last a long time! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris kimberley
a Weekend Warrior
from cambridge, uk
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | red bull @ coed-y-brenin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | micks bikes bury st edmunds | | Strengths: | strong, light, easy to throw about, wicked on the downhills, lockout for smooth climbs, rear shock is very good, conventional frame for water bottle, cool paintjob/funky graphics | | Weaknesses: | bit of bob on climbs, needs a bit of layback on seatpost
lots of bearings to wear out, rear mech slaps chainstay, thats not necessarily a frame problem, no rim brake bosses, no crud catcher mountings | | Similar Products Used: | kona hahanna, muni mula | | Bike Setup: | dde-lux frame with bomber mxrs, lx/xt kit, easton, mavic 319s, hope mini discs(awesome) | | Bottom Line: | Only had this a month and only had 1 proper all day ride but it is sweet, its my first full susser so just geting the hang of it, but its a whole new level of comfort and control got a discount off the frame coz i snapped my muni mula which swung me from geting an orange but im glad i did coz i love it and cant wait to try it out on some proper mountains, east anglia is sooooo flat.
Buy this if you like all day epics, subway steps/ street, dropoffs, medium downhilling and im thinking of the odd xc race (which i wouldnt win even if i was on on a team issue scalpel so what the heck) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
c
a
from victoria,bc,canada
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | handling, stiff frame ,fox suspension, durable well designed frame, technical climbing | | Weaknesses: | 50 cent headset broke right away, cheap cables that were not the right size for 3mm housings wore the housings away very quickly, fox lack of quality control, LOW bb height | | Similar Products Used: | (owned) stinky deluxe, fsr, hardtails | | Bike Setup: | stock except for headset, stem and tires | | Bottom Line: | this bike isn't perfect but it comes the closest of any bike i have riden or owned. you can lock the bike out and ride to the trail head, climb like a mad man, and bomb the down hills. i have been very surprised by the way that this bike handles rougher terrain.
on the downside this is the 3rd kona i have owned and have had simular probs with all of them. there is no excuse for that head set on a bike at this price range, and saving a few cents on the cables just gives the custumer a repair bill. kona saving a couple of bucks means you are going to have to shell out many more. there is moderate pedal induced bob and brake jack. i also had problems with both front and rear shocks
aside from the problems, which are easilly fixed, i still highly recomend this bike. it may be expensive but is good value when compared to others. all of the major components on the bike are well selected, and again the bike is a blast to ride. the bike over all is standing up very well and the rear end shows no wear. 3 of my friends have now bought one. i can only give 4 flamin' turds for value because of the headset ect. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt neuman
a Racer
from boise,id
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Idaho Mtn. Touring | | Strengths: | climbs great. very little pedal feedback in rough terrain. when pointed downhill the bike just rips. absolutely confidence inspiring. no brake jack and it rails in corners. | | Weaknesses: | fox fork had some problems. but fox's warranty dept. rules! | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz heckler, conejo ap5, specialized, several demos | | Bike Setup: | hayes hubs f/r, sun rhynolite rims,easton monkeylite bar, sram shifters and derailleurs. | | Bottom Line: | If you want one bike to do it all. All day rides, downhill runs at local resort, urban, freeride, and racing. front and rear lockout, the frame will take tons of abuse and no paint to worry about. ride it and remember why you got into mountain biking in the first place. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bear
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, Ca.
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting/O'Neill/Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Built Very Stout, yet reasonable weight for intended use. Very smooth, plush suspension. Works very well in virtually all conditions. You want to ride all day. | | Weaknesses: | See Set-up mods. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar (hard tail, I know), Klein Mantra Pro (pretty good but the med. frame is a tad small for me, no discs, Trek Y11, Turner Burner | | Bike Setup: | The cockpit was a little tight for me (18" frame, height 6ft.) however I dialed it in by installing a Raceface XY offset seatpost, the 1" setback was just right! Some have mentioned steering being a bit slow and this might be the result of the Kona downhill bar which is 26" wide. I swapped this out for a RaceFace Cross-country bar ($49)that measures 24" wide and steering is now a good balance for downhills at speed and yet not to slow for technical sections. Factory Spec Tioga tires work well in dry/hardpack conditions which are typical for S. Cal conditions but I can see looking at the tread that they are probably not that great in mud/wet. Tried a set of MutanoRaptor 2.2s which also work well but they can be a little squirrelly (sp?) at speed on hardpack. Not sure why. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is 100% as advertised. Excellent backcountry full suspension ride. I realize people sometimes seem to write feedback here to feel good about their purchase, not true for me. I've owned a number of decent bikes and have read this site for quite a while and never before been motivated to take the time to write a review, This bike is worth it. Kona has a free test ride program, so put this one on your shopping list and judge for yourself! See ya on the trail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PETER MARTH
a Cross Country Rider
from PARK CITY UT
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | SNGLTRK | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | CANYON SPORTS, SLC | | Strengths: | 4-BAR Design/FOX W/Lockout/Cartridge Bearing pivot points/Built heavier for heavier riders looking for
an FS bike. Frame design is focused on mid-travel, durability and function. It is available as a frameset ($1,000) And,
it's a KONA!!
| | Weaknesses: | None really, if you recognize that the design of the Bear is
directed at durability and function. It does seem that
this bike requires more steering input as compared to the racier King frame, which is a bike that you can just think
to turn and it turns! Remember, this bike is not designed for racing, but for durablity, all-day trail-riding in a
longer-travel design, and pure function.
It's good looking too!!
| | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS/GT I-drive/Kona King Kikapu | | Bike Setup: | Bought the FRAMESET and built it up custom. | | Bottom Line: | IF you are over 200lbs like me and break frames like straws,
you should consider the Bear in a FRAMESET ($1,000)
or a pre-built bike. I also have a King Kikapu, which
is a quicker-handling, racier, super-sweet ride, but the King frameset is a bit too lightweight for a 200pounder.
I snapped the drive-side swingarm in half on it JRA after around 3K miles of rough/technical singletrack.
Since I ride alot of whole-day rides, and after breaking
the King swingarm,I don't trust the King completely. The BEAR frame, on the other hand,which I would guess is 2+ pounds heavier, inspires me to take it on long rides,
saving the King for the 1-hour rides in town.
Nicely designed, 4-bar, air-sprung option for those heavier,(or fatter)agressive xc riders who cannot keep
a lightweight 4-bar underneath them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike G
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Amber | | Strengths: | bombproof/ components are well thought out/forx rule/love the lockouts/ climb and decend with confidence. | | Weaknesses: | chainsuck/chainsuck/chainsuck | | Similar Products Used: | k2 OZ M / Gary Fisher Joshua / FSR / GT LTS /Trek 970 | | Bike Setup: | orig. except for Answer carbon riser/120 mm stem/Time pedals | | Bottom Line: | The best bike I have owned! Just got back from Killington and ripped that baby up. I went through sections that my Oz m would have let me down like it has before. The condtions were awful,
(3 days of none stop rain) however the bike held it own. Whenever I picked a bad line the Bear would find the right line. I also love those disc brakes. If you 200+ lbs. and are tired of breaking frames (I Was) this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, Wa, US
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 911 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Skagit Cycle Center | | Strengths: | Built for all kinds of riding!, lockout shocks, tough tough tough! | | Weaknesses: | Not a weakness, but the tires don't seem to perform to well in the mud. (Not made to). Just change them out in the wet season. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized, Cannondale, Proflex, Trek. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, until something breaks. (Which could be a while) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is not the cheapest on the block but it's worth every penny. I can ride a line on this bike that i could not do with any other bike. I've read it before and it's true, It inspires confidence.
It climbs technical single track great with the shock unlocked. The only time i lockout is on long logging road climbs. Downhills are awsome!.
The bike is made for a little freeride mixed in with a little x-country and it does that perfect.
I feel like i should say something negative but i just can't think of anything... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean-Stephan VOZA
a Cross Country Rider
from Marigot, St-Martin, France
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 5mn from home | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | TRISPORT NV | | Strengths: | + Cool looking bike
+ All XT
+ touch up paint kit
+ gears adjusted right out of the box
+ round / square tubes
+ orange hayes calipers
+ ball bearings
+ strong & reliable frame & components | | Weaknesses: | - rear derailleur banging on the chainstay
- cheap headset
- rear not as smooth as front
- FOX 100 FORX has only 95
- 2 unexplained rear-shock setups | | Similar Products Used: | Jekyll 4000 SL - TREK FUEL 100 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | First, I don't agree about the short top tube length. For me it's a not a XC geometry or a DH one. Change the 10 cm stem ! It's a real trailbike with high front and low rear. Everything is setup strong wich leads to the 29pds. If you want something lighter, it will break or wearout very fast. Even if it's not as smooth as a Jekyll, the bike feels stronger. I trust the fox seals with no boots (don't trust RS)and the bike has bearings throughout its frame.
Overall, it's a bike that can go everywhere forever. Don't register for an XC or DH race with it. Even a marathon one. This bike is designed to have fun with friends. Nothing else. I give it an overall rating of 4 chilis because the Jekyll is a better, smoother, lighter bike but it's more expensive too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M Butler
a Cross Country Rider
from McKinleyville, CA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | My back yard | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolutionbicycle.com | | Strengths: | This thing rocks! I have ridden hardtails all my life and this was a step into nirvana. I rocket down stuff with comfort and confidence. The Fox fork steers as good as my Cannondales Headshock, but has some suspension. On my first ride I flew down a technical trail not even knowing how fast I was going till I hit the first corner. Fortunately the disc brakes work great and slid it through. | | Weaknesses: | None, other than my lack of skill. I know this bike is going to raise the ante on what I ride. I just bought it and the folks at Kona have responded to the short top tube and have lengthened it. They also lost the cheesy Deore hubs for an XT rear and LX front. I would make two wheel sets available, 519's for the larger rider and the 317's for the lighter folk. The Mavic 317's are a bit light duty for a bike like this. I destroy at least one set a year of 517's on my Cannondale. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannodale Killer V 900, F1000. StumpJumper. All hard tail | | Bike Setup: | Time carbon pedals, Monkey lite riser bars (get em!) Custom Mavic 519's on XT hubs (hand built by the crew at Revolution). | | Bottom Line: | If you are a heavy rider (I am 6'2" and weigh in at 220 ) who wants an all day ride, you need look no further. Mine weighs 29 pounds, not exactly a light race bike. But, I have a feeling I am going to be competitive in the Clysdales with this beast. I figure it is easier to lose 5 pounds off me than worry about the bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Rocky Mount, NC
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Tiger Mountain, WA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2570.00 | | Purchased At: | Steve's Bikes | | Strengths: | Awsome decending ability for a bike that handle the accents. Super stiff, but still soaks up the bumps. Hayes discs...Fox Forx...I could go on for hours. | | Weaknesses: | A bit cramped when compared to a normal XC bike. A little chain suck took the paint of the chainstay quick. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Enduro, and a stable of HTs | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for 646 pedals and an 11-34 cassette. | | Bottom Line: | Very pleased. Best bike I could find for my riding style. It handles the big drops but is able to maintain speed on the flats. I'm about 6' 220# and have torn a few frames up in my day, but I don't think I can do much damaged to this one. Bombproof components for a mid-high end bike. If you haven't ridden with discs, you've got to try them. You'll never go back to Vs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Gale
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Russ Hay's | | Strengths: | handling, climbing, smooth suspension, looks - FUN! | | Weaknesses: | Grey paint on stays chips off easily. Rebound cartridge in Fox fork wasn't damping (Fox is sending a replacement). Top tube a bit short. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension bike and I love it. Rode a Rocky Equipe with Bombers for 10 years. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for longer 140mm stem (I'm 6'4" and the bike fits fine now); XTR 11-34 cogset (to help get my 200 lbs up those hills!) | | Bottom Line: | THis is a great bike. Encourages me to push my limits - gives me the confidence to try stuff I wouldn't even think of on my previous bike. I am still amazed at how well it climbs (like a bear!) - I'm regularly riding up stuff that I had to walk up with my hardtail. Its rejuvenated my interest in mountain biking. Thanks Kona (and my wife who gave it to me as a surprise Christmas present!) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
r k
a Cross Country Rider
from halifax, ns, canada
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | wrandees | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | cyclesmith | | Strengths: | tioga factory extreme tires rock. they hook up like a good night on the town.
- fox fork is great! stiff, plush, feels like a coil.
- beautiful frame! fox grey and polish make the best looking bike. plentiful gussets, radlike tubing.
- its a kona | | Weaknesses: | magazine reviews. bike mags seem to want to slam the bear. by reviewing a product thats too small to begin with, an accurate review is not achieved. mba seems to think its a bike for exbmx'ers, due to the short top tube. this is not a race bike! the stinky line all have a short top tube. this bike is no different. admittedly, i would prefer a slightly longer tt, but i got used to it.
- deore hub spec.
- 536 pedals.
lockout. dont need it! | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky, c-dale jekyl3000sx | | Bike Setup: | hugi/bontrager race disc wheels, hayes hfx mag(orange!) w/ razorock levers, thompson seatpost and stem, king h-set, protaper bars, odi lockons, xt cranks, xtr shifters and rr der, 646, fox fork and shock obviously... | | Bottom Line: | this bike makes my jekyll handle like a tricycle.
confidence inspiring. considering my chute weighs five pounds more, it feels like i can really throw the bike where i want it.
now i know the difference between a four bar linkage and a single pivot...never go back!
i have been waiting years for a bike like this. glad i bought one. i like the fact that its a kona, they do great things.
im so impressed with the fox fork. its better than i thought! even buying the standard bear would have been great, i just wanted the fox fork.
the bike climbs so great its like a tractor. i plan to race it as well. one bike for everything, thats what im about.
yeah | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Cronin
a Cross Country Rider
from Rapid City, SD 57702
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Highway 44 trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | ACME BIKE | | Strengths: | XT and Raceface Groupo, Frame design, length of travel, pretty much the whole bike. | | Weaknesses: | Have not found one yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for RS Psylo SL fork, Monkey Lite bars,
Chris King headset, | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for cross contry and freeride. If you want a bike that will do about everthing with a great ride this is the one to own. Great for climbing and downhill. Possibly a little heavy for the hard core lycra racer bit of you want to ride and have fun this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2799.00 | | Purchased At: | Hudson River Cycle | | Strengths: | Everything - the fox forx is amazing, plush and stable. Sweet Hayes hydro disc bakes. The rear fox RL is so smooth. Kona put together a sweet bike with no cheaping out. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar 1, RM Slayer | | Bike Setup: | Stock with WTB speed V saddle | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. I was a hard tail guy and was a fool for waiting. The perfect blend on free ride and XC in a sweet package. My wife got one as well and now she is doing drops and huge logs and crazy technical downhills she would have never even tried before. This bike is a sweet ride and gives you so much confidence to do anything. We both wanted a durable bike that can handle the very technical stuff where we ride and this bike has it all. I definatelt recommend getting one. KONA HAS MADE THE PERFECT BIKE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Essex
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Cockaponset | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | The frame is strong but light. The Fox fork is superb. THe component mix is excellent. Though not a lightwiegt, XC stylr bike, it tracks very well up steep, technical hills and is at its best on technical downhills. | | Weaknesses: | None, Some might critisize the weight, but for its intended use this bike has a very light feel and pedals well | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain RM6, Specialized Stumpjumper XC comp | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent "trailbike". I weigh 220lbs and felt that this bike was plenty strong for my use. Climbing was a pleasure; stay seated and spin. The bike can handle all the rough stuff that I choose to try...and more. This bike is great fun on rocky downhills. I went over stuff that I would never touch on my hardtail. I'm considering buying this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tzur
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Kona - Pick | | Strengths: | Very(!) strong frame and relativly lightweight, kona's geometry, perfect fox shock&fork, strong components. | | Weaknesses: | Firm but heavy hubs, I got loose BB that will be fixed under warranty, shorty stem (for 17" size) | | Similar Products Used: | Trek fuel 98, Sugar 2+ , Kona Mokomoko | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | The Bear dee-lux as said before is 'hybrid' of the cross country and freeride kona's. I believe this is the best bike for those who want to 'taste' freeriding and downhill without sacrificing XC (and uphill) ability. It seems that the guys at Kona paid attention for every inch at this bike and the result is perfect functionality for what the Bear DL was designed for. The high price is mainly due to the frame cost. Don't compare it to ordinary full suspention XC frames, it worth it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stefano
a
from aosta - italy
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | aosta - blavy - aosta | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2970.00 | | Purchased At: | italy | | Strengths: | Magic geometry! The first time i drove it was magic, the first descent on my favourite trail was done at the highest speed ever. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy for climbing in sigletracks, burly shimano deore componenets. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekill, super V, Specialized fsrxc & Ground control extreme, trek Y33, | | Bottom Line: | If someone desire the perfect bike fon backcountry riding, this is the bike, a little heavy on the climbs, but its magic geometry and affordable frame and components pay off on the rough and the descents, on the rough climbs, the traction is incredible and the fork is so incredible rigid that is like he has a 20 mm axle.
If you don't like Xcountri racing, but plunking around in the mountains, like the Alps in Aosta valley, this is The Bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ned
a
from WA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Jo Pond | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | A very nice mix of the best traits found in the Kikapu and the Stinky bloodlines. Burly but light tubekit, good finish and not one sh!t part on the bike. | | Weaknesses: | In only a couple weeks the bike has already suffered a good beating and nothing has emerged as a sore spot. If anything, the rear air shock might be replaced with a lockable coil-over. | | Similar Products Used: | Moko, Kikapu's, Stinky's. Plenty of others including Heckler's, Superlights, Bullit's, VPS's, Enduro's, Aeon's... | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a 2.4 Rokko up front. | | Bottom Line: | After the inaugral rides in the NS nasty stuff I was impressed with the precise handling and overall stability in the rough stuff for a mid weight bike. I look forward to dropping the bike into its element once the backcountry thaws. It's gonna be a season full of 12hr days.
If you like to climb and descend the best of what's out there... look no further. This is your ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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