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Submitted by
Elliott Sidey
a Weekend Warrior
from EDH
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Auburn/Culvert | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Used, Craiglist Find, Fellow MTB | | Strengths: | Improved my riding, do-it-all type bike | | Weaknesses: | oe brakes are hard to clean/stay clean (Hayes9) | | Similar Products Used: | only demo bikes | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float R, 05 Fox Van RLC, Hayes 9, Shimano Deore Shifters, Race Face Cranks, Kona Bars/Grips/Etc. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike, already bent my front rim, and messed up my front brake disc.
Great XC/AM bike, but beware, stock components will need some upgrades for heavy/aggresive trail riding.
Bought used for $900. its a 2005 bike, with an upgraded fork and some other parts.
Definately a great buy for the money | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Westhchester County
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Graham Hills | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Tarrytown Cycles | | Strengths: | Sweet looking bike. EVERYTHING about this bike is at least pretty good. Have you ever owned a Honda Accord? You don't really notice that it's great, but you're never complaining about it either. | | Weaknesses: | You don't find yourself saying "Wow! This is awesome!" about this bike. EXR fork is kind of a weak choice for this bike. No truly significant weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | None too similar. Have had Raleigh M40, Banshee Morphine, Specialized Big Hit (still have them all) | | Bike Setup: | Answer Pro-taper bars (wider than stock Koskis), Race Face bash ring, Specialized Roller RS Pro 2.3 tires (took one off Big Hit, bought another), Truvativ platform pedals (also off Big Hit),otherwise stock. | | Bottom Line: | This was my first full suspension bike. I would say this is an excellent choice for someone just starting to get serious about mountain biking, which is why I bought it. I think that there are probably plenty of bikes out there that climb hills a little better (should be fine if you get it with Fox RP3), and I wish mine had 5" of rear travel like the 2005 model.
I want to say that the EXR fork sucks, but that isn't really true. It has never given me ANY trouble of any sort. It performs pretty well as a cross country fork. The only adjustment on it (without taking it apart) is to put more or less air in it. How stiff do you want it? Take some air out, or put some in. I would prefer a longer travel fork with travel adjustment and rebound adjustment (maybe some compression damping adjustment would be nice too).
I thing a 2005 Dawg (5"travel rear) with RP3 rear shock and Manitou Minute or Fox Talas fork would be really sweet. I already have my 2003, so maybe I'll just get a new rear shock and fork.
One of the other reviewers mentioned something about upgrade kits to increase the rear suspension travel. Kona's tech people frown on this sort of thing, claiming that it screws up the geometry and is dangerous. I checked out EBTD's web site. They don't show a Dawg specific kit. I e-mailed them, but never heard back. I also e-mailed Danger Boy about the same issue. They say that they are working on a kit, and it should be available soon.
Romic makes a coil-over shock that will fit on your Dawg. (why would you want to do that? I'm not exactly sure, but it is available)
As you get bored with this bike over the years and upgrade it, you will probably find yourself transforming it into more of a light freeride bike. If I make a lot of major changes, I will post another review.
If you find yourself looking for upgrades to make this a better cross-country race bike, you should probably just go out and buy yourself a different bike.
If you never upgrade anything on the bike until the old parts wear out, you will probably be pretty happy with this bike. (If the EXR doesn't die soon, I'm going to have to put it on my girlfriends bike to replace her crappy Suntour fork and teach to ride for real)
Five flaming chilis for a bike with amazing dependability, solid all-around competence, great looks, nice price, and never having to say "this thing sucks".
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from western australia
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | handling, style, versatility | | Weaknesses: | a bit weighty, also budget (but OK) componentry, chainstay cracked | | Similar Products Used: | a few other similar duallies | | Bike Setup: | stock suspension, thomson seatpost, azonic bars (stock Koski stuff is weak), Candy pedals, WTB Pure saddle (great), XT and Sram drivetrain, new rims (stock ones were weak and folded), new hubs and BB soon (sealed ones this time). | | Bottom Line: | Have had this bike for 18 months and realy love riding it. It's the perfect trail and fun bike for me and can race too (enduro). Cracked the chainstay but it was replaced on warranty with no questions asked. I am heavyish and tend to ride the bike a bit harder than it's designed for. It is just so much fun... and with lots of component upgrades is pretty damn fast. There are faster bikes down hills and faster bikes up hills but I don't know a bike that would cope as well with such varied riding and not cost way more. Love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
REID
a Weekend Warrior
from EDDINGTON, MAINE
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | SKI RACK SPORTS | | Strengths: | Brakes, handling in the tight and gnarly stuff, and definatly the frame is sweet. Maintaines awesome traction all the time, rocks, roots, wet. Hardly ever spins. | | Weaknesses: | Seat post bends easy. Top shock bolt broke and Kona did not warranty it.I replaced it with a DH pivot pin and no problems as of yet. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension bike for me. | | Bike Setup: | stock. | | Bottom Line: | I love it. I'm still experimenting with air pressure in the forks and shock. Very comfortable bike and seems to climb well, all though there are short steep hills where I ride. Definatly better in the technical stuff vs. the fire roads. Is not a fast bike on flat stuff. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a
from Bismarck, North Dakota
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | MDH | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr.com | | Strengths: | Versatility, reliability, strength, predictability, proven design & bike induced confidence... | | Weaknesses: | weight, & it's not the latest, greatest whiz-bang anti-pedal induced bobbing linkage... | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi Z-100 flylight, rhyno-lites, sram shifting, azonic CF, avid rims, and XT elsewhere... | | Bottom Line: | This review is for a 2002 Kona Bear frame. I bought the frame in the winter of 02-03 and since have put about 2000 miles on it. I am a solid 225 lbs. and regularly go for 20-30 mile trail rides on the Maad Daah Hey trail in western North Dakota.
This bike completely blows away the hardtail from which I was previously riding. The frame is very comfortable for riding and is easily flicked from side to side in tight, narrow switchbacks. Once you are used to the pedaling, the bike can be very stable. I run a fox vanilla R with a 900 lb. coil and when I really start to get tired (and jab at the pedals) I can certainly feel the movement. A stable platform shock would greatly increase the stability of this frame (obviously). This bike get excellent traction in the loose and I have rarely broken free on short, very steep climbs. BTW, I am 6'-2" and I have the 20" Kona frame. Kona's typically run with a tight cockpit and the Bear(Dawg) is no exception. Although the cockpit is a bit tight for my wookie arms, it is very accomodating and is fine for 4-5 hour rides. This frame is also very stable at speed and I fine myself waiting for others at the bottoms of long, hairy descents.
I picked up this Bear frame for a great price with an XT BB and a King headset, delivered for $450. This bike is built extremely strong and can handle a rider who puts a lot of force to the pedals (twisting). The bike is also very proven, affordable and Kona's service reputation is top notch. I would recommend this bike to anyone. The bike is a hoot to ride and can plow throught very rough section with minimal fatigue to the rider. In addition, my lower back and legs feel so much fresher after a 40 mile ride that it is much easier to ride 2-3 back-2-back days than it was with my hardtail. Thanks Kona!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damon
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any of the riding around here | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Versatile, and plush travel. This bike is really comfortable either churning out 50+ mile days, or hitting the north shore and riding some black diamond trails. The fork, with a little work (changed the oil to a slightly lighter weight), works surprisingly well for being a lower-end model. It is really convenient that you can drop the seatpost as far as you want, and there is a fair bit of tire clearance for big treads and mud. | | Weaknesses: | It bobs a lot climbing out of the saddle (i've always been a hardtail guy, though). The stay pivot bolts and seatpost bolt have needed retightening. Chain slap is pretty loud (wrap the stay up) and the rear derailluer knocks on the swingarm (wrap that stay up). Ummm... Water bottle bosses kinda high up on down tube, and did i mention it's name is Bob? | | Similar Products Used: | Kona King Kikapu a few years back and a custom soft-tail (not really similar, though). | | Bike Setup: | I've swapped out the drivetrain to an older 2x8 setup (RF cranks, cheap Sram cassette, etc.), larger tires, and avid mechanical brake up front. No major changes. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has proven to be a LOT of fun. My wife "surprised" me with it because the riding up here in BC is so much more technical than my weenie california XC bikes could handle (proven true as i broke a frame not much later). Initially, i was a bit skeptical of this heavy, squishy bike, as i've been a bit of a hardtail purist for over 10 years now. I do enjoy technical trails, so i was curious to see how the Dawg would perform... My confidence bombing around technical trails on the north shore skyrocketed - from floundering on the super "beginner" stuff (still very hard, btw), to floundering on black diamond stuff.
So it can crawl up a fire road in the granny and descend nasty trails in the granny, but what about long all-day XC rides?
Yup! Surprised was i when a 4 day bike weekend proved its all-day merit. Over 7 hours in the saddle and it still let me float down those forested trails over the rocks and roots just gracefully gliding along with only the squish squish of suspension to remind me of whats happening.
It is still a bit heavy, and i would like to get the rear shock PUSHed, but i'm simply having a ton of fun on it right now and am enjoying the versatility it is offering in Kona's back yard. If you ride only semi-technical trails, i'm sure there are better pedalling bikes out there, but if you are looking for a beefy XC bike you can bomb around on and abuse (and be thanked for it!), this is a great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shell
a
from Whitefish, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | does it have mud!!! :D | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bike rite | | Strengths: | Frame, float R, stopping power, bomber... mmmm | | Weaknesses: | seat post moves, loud (but expected), front derailer | | Similar Products Used: | stinky | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE this bike. Serving as an upgrade to my M80 I was absolutely blown away when I got on this little monkey. The 17" frame has a little bit of a fit when I try to take it up super steep stuff, but that's what I get for being to tall for that size. Other than that it climbs like an absolute monkey. Downhill on it isn't bad at all... just try to avoid those things that sign the death warrant for a 4 inch travel. The one thing that gets sort of annoying, however, is that the front brake screams like a monkey in a vice when you engage it... I have a feeling that is due to what appears to be a damaged caliper... so this bike is ALL GOOD. If you're a rider who loves to mess around and just go different places this bike will take you anywhere. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wade Simpson
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Echo, Nova Scotia
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | cape split/wentwroth | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclesmith dartmouth | | Strengths: | So far I noticed the frame is solid,no flex even when my bulk tries to wheelie drop something. The disks have lived up to my expectations and more, they work in all conditions and need little maintenance(so far). It seems balanced and predictable once I became accustomed to the FS. | | Weaknesses: | I have had trouble with the rear hub(broke on the first ride),and I think the one that replaced may have broken a pawl. The tires are terrible, no grip in the woods at all. They may be designed for racing or something. | | Similar Products Used: | nothing, this is my first FS | | Bike Setup: | stock except I removed the 44 ring and replaced it with a bash disk and I replaced the rear tire with a cheap Specialized that works great. The bike is advertised with a fox float but mine came with a Vanilla R. I don't know what difference there would be but I like the Vanilla. | | Bottom Line: | For me, this is the best bike I've had yet. I'm 45 yrs old weigh 210 and ride aggressive East Coast trails. I don't take it easy on any single track or baby the bike. I do look after it properly. I don't do any freeriding or downhill beyond single track stuff because I would break too much stuff (me and the bike).
I reccomend this bike to anyone who has likes to push hard on trails, is not overly concerned with weight,(personal and bike), and has the skill and confidence to try something risky once in a while
This is not a race bike (too heavy) and I don't think it would last as a freerider/downhiller, just doesn't have the components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy S
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseville,CA
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Clemetine Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Spin City | | Strengths: | Solid beefy frame for a trail bike. Feels very stable when riding in any condition. | | Weaknesses: | None Yet... | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Evo 4.0 (Piece of crap), GT Timberline (loved it) | | Bike Setup: | DJ III Fork, King Headset, Azonic Shorty (50mm) stem, Manic DH Bars, Odi Lock-on grips, Chris King Hubs laced to MAvic 521 Rims, Fire FR Pro 2.4 up front, Fire XC Pro 2.1 rear | | Bottom Line: | This bike was great stock. After my upgrades it's incredible! I've done things with this bike (5' Dock drops to flat) that I shouldn't have but it just won't break. It takes everything I throw at it. I'm 6'3 210lbs and I can't hurt it. I rode Downieville Downhill several times this season and it was heaven on this bike. It weighs in around 30-31 pounds. It may be a little heavier than other "trail" bikes but this really can do so much more. Stable in the air and on the ground. The only complaint is that once or twice the chain has sucked in off of the front chain ring a couple times on fast bumpy downhill while shifting. (I think that's gonna happen with most FS bikes once in a while) For people that have talked about breaking their Dawg it's either because they don't know how to ride or they are doing like 6' drops. For the money it can't be beat.
If you are a hard trail rider who likes to be able to do some freeride/urban/ligh DH once in a while you won't be dissapointed with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christoper W L
a
from Maine
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | BOG | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | SKI RACK | | Strengths: | It's light
Rides fast
Rides any where | | Weaknesses: | Well i have been able to break not one but two chain stayes
I have also broken like 7 shock bolts
| | Bike Setup: | Dawg/ Mx pro/ and a bunch of cool stuff | | Bottom Line: | Well the bike was great for about the first 4 months that i owned it but then it went down hill from there. I broke lots of bolts and 2 chain stays. but oh well that is most likely my fault.
6to 8 foot drop wil kill a bike that was truly made for agressive trail riding.
recommended for a rider that wont huck it
worth every penny tho
not the kind of bike that fits my riding style tho | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from Marysville CA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Hammer head cycles | | Strengths: | Upuntil now it has been great. | | Weaknesses: | Up untill now it has been great. I broke the top shock bolt. | | Bottom Line: | I broke the top mount bolt for the shock.I am concerned I also damaged several other things such as the rockers and or the shock.I DID NOT ABUSE THIS BIKE. Yes I did some jumps but nothing big. Now lets see how Kona stands by there product. The lsat bike I tried to warranty a bike the company I will not name was not all that helpful. I hope they stand by the bike. BOTTOM LINE THAT BOLT SHOULD NOT HAVE SNAPPED. EVEN IF IT GETS FIXED I WILL BE LOOKING FO SOMTHING DIFFERENT I THNK | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Romero
a
from Coarsegold, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Goat Mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1299.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri Sport Unlimited | | Strengths: | The first and most prominent strength of this Bike is of course the contrast of what you get for what you pay. I bought a 2002 Kona Bear (older model, same as the Dawg) for myself and I only paid 1100.00 for it. I loved the bike so much that I went out to get one for my girlfriend. Due to the closeout price I paid for mine I wasn't able to find a bear but I did get a dawg which is essentially the same bike. Strong frame, very comfortable bike. The basic component package is an awesome set up and the bike can handle anything you throw at it. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle of course was uncomfortable for my girlfriend so we swapped that out for a more female specific seat. I also put the knowledge gained from my Bear to good use and swapped out the tires before we even took the bike home. Other than that I have nothing bad to say about the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Kona Bear | | Bike Setup: | XT Rear Derailur, LX everything else... | | Bottom Line: | Great looking bike, great value, killer performance. I can't tell you how stoked I get when I see my Bear and my girls Dawg strapped up to my truck and ready to go to the mountains. A definate must for someone looking for thier first FS bike due to the price/value combination. Also good for the Freeride/Downhill rider looking to hit some XC trails, or the XC rider looking to go out and do some light free riding or dirt jumping, with a few minor improvments, this could be the perfect all around bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tigg
a Cross Country Rider
from Glens Falls, NY
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Elevate Cycles; Saratoga, NY | | Strengths: | Uhhh...just about the whole thing! | | Weaknesses: | Tires! Seat. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for switching out stock seat for WTB Speed-V and trashing Tioga tires for Panaracers!! | | Bottom Line: | Alright....3 months on this bike and it's still the bomb!! I've riden it XC, epic, enduro, a little DH and even some dirt jump. Still a sick bike! The predictibility of it's handling cannot be understated! Even in the air (where I've never been all the comfortable to begin with) this bike it solid and stable. While not a DH bike by any stretch, the 4" did soak up a good amount of the punishment I was dealt on the mountain. It will definately make you a more confident bike handler (like it or not!!) Again....buy this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sam k
a Weekend Warrior
from ct
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | nepaug | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1550.00 | | Purchased At: | Benidorms | | Strengths: | everything-
fork, frame, rear shock, tires, rims. drivetrain is in lower levels- but works very well nonetheless. grips. saddle (why do people not like?) | | Weaknesses: | brakes- while they work very well, the rear rotor is already bent, but i can bend it back and fix it. as for that , hydraulic brakes on a bike this inexpensive= excellence.
brake cable to rear brake rubs against top tube and scratches it. easily can be fixed by playing a tie around it. | | Similar Products Used: | rm etsx-50, trek liquid 10 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for kona jack$hit pedals instead of stock. shorter stem also. | | Bottom Line: | buy this bike if u want to have !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
have done a 4 foot drop with this and yet to bottom out (170 lbs., i way)
while slightly heavy, it pedals very well. the ride is very smooth. i recommend this for peeps who want to be able to do xc but still have the option of light freeriding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Wilmarth
a Cross Country Rider
from Simi Valley, Ca
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | chumash trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World | | Strengths: | frame, suspension styling and pivots | | Weaknesses: | the brakes/frame setup is weak. when you sit on the seat the rear rotor bends towards the middle of the bike making it incongruent with the pads and causes drag on the pads, also, too noisy. | | Bike Setup: | basically stock except tires and an XT rear hub | | Bottom Line: | the rear frame has too much flex. there's no way to keep the rear rotor from touching the brake pads at some point. kona should have put a V-brake on the rear rim. i am in the process right now of putting a v-brake on the bike, which means welding v-brake posts to the rear chainstay. otherwise, bike jams, love everything else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
H Falise
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dauset Trails, Tsali, Blankets Creek, Chicopee | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Atlanta Cycling | | Strengths: | Strong Frame, Brakes, Fork | | Weaknesses: | Seat | | Bottom Line: | Solid bike. Attn fellow Clydesdales: This bike takes my 270 lbs of punishment on harsh XC and moderate DH, with only loss a couple of rear spokes (I'll keep 'em stocked now). Also, must vigilently keep Fox Float shock pumped to 300 lbs, since I bottom it out often. Also, lockout shock would be a big help.
Lost paint on top tube almost overnight due to cable scrap. Also, chain always knocks against stay near front...probably due to air loss in shock.
Shimano breaks are a great benefit. Due to serious braking power, front brake is taboo, except for the real steeps.
Overall, strong bike. Looks great and shifts down smoothly. Will post again in a few months to see if it holds up to more heavyweight punishment! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tigg
a Cross Country Rider
from Glens Falls, NY
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | SMBA Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Elevate Cycles - Saratoga, NY | | Strengths: | Frame, brakes, shocks (F&R) | | Weaknesses: | Seat, tires! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC Air, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | All stock so far except for switching out the stock saddle for a WTB Speed V. Tires are next! | | Bottom Line: | So...I've had this bike for 3 days and finally got out on it today for the first time! Just a 2 hour or so cruise through some easy local trails. Could not be happier! This bike enspires confidence. I guess I had gotten a little to used to my XC hardtail. I was jumping and dropping off anything I could find. Biggest hit was a nice little 4' ledge drop. Sweet! The head angle make this bike so smooth and track so well downhill that I can see myself going bigger real soon! Going uphill wasn't bad either as long as I was seated. Saddle sucked, kept sliding off the back. Swapped that out as soon as I got home. And for God's sake, who designed these tires!?! They didn't hook up in anything!! Can anyone suggest any decent 2.1/2.2 tires?
If you're like me who is basically a trail rider not looking to race and wants to actaully get off the trail and get more excitement out of your rides than this is the bike for you! I'll post another review in a month or so, but for now..buy this bike! =)
I'll give it 4 chilis for value and (so far) 5 chilis overall! Great job Kona! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a Downhiller
from Graz
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Awesome frame, nice looking, perfect geometry for fast downhills and still not hell uphill, brakes, suspension great | | Weaknesses: | front shock (changed into a Mazocchi Z1 DropOff), tire, brake cables damage frame finish a little and are knocking onto the frame (need some pad to fix it) | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Bear, Stinky | | Bike Setup: | changed fork (Marzocchi Z1 dropoff) and seat | | Bottom Line: | Perfect bike if you like fast downhills and still dont want to die uphill.... climbs well, downhills are fun too, it's a good trade-off! no troubles, driving since three months, the marzocchi z1 fork is perfect for this bike. Brakes are really awesome! Was thinking of buying a Stinky first, but due to sometimes long routes I really don't want to drive around with too much weight. Also, the 4" rear travel is not really too less, right now I'm driving with the progressive characteristic curve which suits me well (80kg)
So, if you love to drive downhill but also have to drive uphill - buy it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHRIS HAll
a Cross Country Rider
from Old TOwn MAine
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the bog | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski Rack Sports, Bangor Maine | | Strengths: | Well for starters the frame is just so cool looking and it's super strong too. The bike is made for almost anything you can dish out and it rules. There are some great componets on the bike like the brakes.
| | Weaknesses: | The only weakness that the bike had when i bought it was the tires. Now that i have riden it for about a year I have ben able to break almost everything on the bike except the frame and the front derailer. but thats not the fault of the bike is mine. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 dawg marz MX pro with eta lx cranks lx RD thomson seat post wtb laser v seat evil bash gard XTR shifters mavic 219 rear wheel bontrager super stock front wheel (dont ask) NOkian 2.3 NBX tires | | Bottom Line: | The botom line is that this bike is one of the coolest bikes i have ever owned and i love it to pieces. The bike is a great buy for any one that is looking to get away from the XC only rides and is looking to have alitle more fun on their bikes. SO this bike is for just about everyone. This bike is also go for hucking i do 6to 7fter on it and still keep going. This bike rules and i will say it over and over agian so if i where you i'd buy it. Oh and since the 04 bikes are coming out this bike is 30%off at the shop i go to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek W
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 2000 | | Strengths: | -Shocks, front and back. Very plush, nice ride
-Frame looks and feels very strong, but also somewhat light
-Looks sweet | | Weaknesses: | -Tires arent very good for pavement, too sticky, too much surface area touching the ground, loose speed. But i guess the bike isent really ment for riding around the city
-I have a wobble in my back tire, ridden only for about 2 hrs, and havent done any drops or jumps. | | Similar Products Used: | first full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Stock,
My bike came with the vanilla R and Coil version of the EXR, apparently it is better for the Vancouver, North Shore area, more plush? | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, nice and beefy, but light enough to be able to gain some good speed. Good componets for price, great for trail riding, and some XC.
Just wondering how to take the wobble out of my back tire, I don't wanna have to drive to the dealer everytime there is a problem with the bike, any help would be great.
I will review the bike again in a few months, after i take it out more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The magic Kona geometry. Great value for money. Good componentry on the whole. Bike goes great. Straight seat tube so you can drop the seat (why anyone would ever go for a bent/interrupted seat tube beats me). | | Weaknesses: | Koski gear is weak, like 'Kona' brand components in the past. The bike is fairly hefty. | | Similar Products Used: | A few duallies test ridden. Kona hardtail owned and loved and abused since 95. | | Bike Setup: | Azonic riser bars (wider, risier, stronger than Koski), new seat post 'cause Koski bent. Ourys to hold onto 'cause Jacksh.. grips were rubbish. | | Bottom Line: | For me, perfect playbike, trailbike, backcountry long ride steed. Handles perfectly, carves turns like a knife, stable at speed, good uphill, good down. I dream about high-end MTB's but this is one I can afford and I love the speedy green strumpet. A platform to work on with upgrade parts... me, the frame, fork and shock are best of friends and we trust each other when things get scary. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kaku Ito
a Downhiller
from Setagaya, Tokyo
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fujimi Panorama | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Ogawa Ringyo | | Strengths: | Light and Durable. As it was reviewed in a magazine, it could be used for BMX like riding style. Nice color. | | Weaknesses: | 30.0 seat stay does not give you enough choices for seat posts. 2003 Fox rear shock does not give you wide enough versatility for more active riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Bear Deeluxe, 1999 Stab, Pantela | | Bike Setup: | RockShox Psylo Race, Blackspire Badger cranks, Raceface stem, Easton carbon handle bar, Sram XO components, Hadley Hubs with Sunringle Singletrack 24inch rims and Sapim CX-ray spokes. | | Bottom Line: | With my effort to make my Dawg setup for BMX riding style, this bike is one of a kind. Now my wife does not complain that my bike looks like kids' bike (she means BMX is for kids), and it does everthing I need. Dawg is a good choice if you are customizing the parts assemble since it is the cheapest model. I have Bear Deeluxe and kept it stock (only changed to flatpedals) and Bear Deeluxe does work great espcially in light downhill course, too. I love them both.
Check out the photos at http://homepage.mac.com/kakuito/ . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barry (again)
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | grampians | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | a bike shop | | Strengths: | Still works great, no serious problems. Lovin it. its fast on the xc great on the dh. The perfect trail ride bike (probably only outdone by deelux and primo)! | | Weaknesses: | Rear brake hose doesnt stop rattling and scratching the frame until you sticky-tape it down to the frame...And if you are gettin a 17 inch frame you'll have to buy a camelbak cos you cant use a real sized drink bottle in the cage cos the mounts are too far forward. And my back disc rotor is slightly buckled which annoys me (not the bikes or probably even shimano's fault of course, it probably got bent in transit). forks still feel like they haven't worn in yet, but otherwise they rock. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 specialized ground control fsr, 00 Mongoose NX8.1 (with front hayes mech disc), 02 kona bear deelux and heaps of hardtails but they dont count | | Bike Setup: | stock but with flat pedals 90% of the time | | Bottom Line: | still rocks but those cables are shocking. Im gonna knock one flamin' terd off the overall rating this time cos of the whole drink holder incident. How could they have overlooked this. The drink cage is still nowhere near the rear shock. It could have been moved back a good inch or two. Maybe there is a structural reason for its position...i dont know! Lucky i already had a camelbak i guess. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy H
a Weekend Warrior
from Stillwater, OK
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Magic Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Strengths: | Great frame, Hydraulic disc brakes, Fox rear. | | Weaknesses: | Cable design scuffs paint substancially. | | Bike Setup: | Shiver SC, Marzocchi hub, platforms, Titec Hell-Bent seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | The past three years I have taken a two week summer vacation to Vail, CO. Previous bikes always resulted in self-destructing half way down the mountain and myself walking down it. I took the Dawg this year. This bike worked great without any problems at all; very sturdy overall. I have found the Marzocchi EXR Air fork too stiff in the first few cm and wouldn't give any sag. Kind of a sticky feel. This didn't bother me at first but small bumps didn't get absorbed and made the ride harsh. It's possible that it just didn't get broken in completely, but after a couple months with the shock I became too impatient. I replaced it with the Shiver which works great for me now. I believe this frame is very versatile. You can make it a lightweight xc or a very aggressive single-track bike. I think overall this bike is a great deal for the price and would definitely buy one again if this thing ever breaks, but doubt it could. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Whistler
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bike Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Glacier Shop | | Strengths: | The price in in canadian so compared to other bikes in its class... i think the price was great... everything is awsome on the bike... i got it with a coilover on the rear so whether i am on the park or the trails, it rocks... nice an light... the ultimate combo bike... can do anything... | | Weaknesses: | nothing that i've found | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock with a fox racing shox rear coilover | | Bottom Line: | if you like doing downhill and cross country and you only want one bike, this is by far the best bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric manning
a Weekend Warrior
from san juan capistrano CA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | san juan trail ( full loop) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | buy my bikes | | Strengths: | the frame of the bike is very strong and i like the style of it.the color is cool when in the sunlight but the paint can scratch very easily.i live the shimano deore hydros and you feel like you have a great amount of breaking power. i like how the back shox is placed it doesent move when peddling. | | Weaknesses: | fork is aight. if your have the money get a fox. | | Similar Products Used: | kona dawg dee-lux | | Bike Setup: | same as when i got it, in the future i will get a better fork | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a great bike, if u are a XC rider who likes alittle downhill in your ride then get this bike. the frame is very strong and will handle jumps,drop offs,and ladders, but i wouldnt do anything more than a 5 foot drop off.the weight of this bike is good, it weighs around 29 pounds. this bike climbs very well and i am very please with it.only get this bike if you are a serious rider becaus this is a serious bike. this bike is a great bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from albany, ny, usa
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | plattekill mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | klarsfelds | | Strengths: | good frame and components | | Weaknesses: | top of head tube subjected to easy paints scratches from the cables. annoying more than anything else. | | Similar Products Used: | jamis dakar 1.0 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for flats and xt rear derailer due to the old derailer being ripped off | | Bottom Line: | great bike. can handle any cross country trail like a hot knife through butter. light down hill is not much of a problem though i wouldnt attempt anything more than a 3-4 foot drop unless the landing is perfect. would stay away from urban except for light steps. originally when purchased was thinking going to hit more xc trails than anything else, but now going more dh and finding the bike is under qualified...which it is. if you know your going to be more xc and light dh with a little urban go no further. much lighter than the stinky and has great feel to it. just make sure what you plan on riding first. i boned out on that one. 5 chili's all around. cannot deduct for own mistake | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from Marysville
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Upperbidwell Chico | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Hammaer head cycles | | Strengths: | Very beefy stiff frame.No flex and very thick chainstays.Climbs vey well.Efficent pedaler. | | Weaknesses: | Stock stem too short.Fork has no dampning.Wheelset needs some tweaking intended use. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Specialized FSR 2000 Sant cruz superlight | | Bike Setup: | XT drivtrain with Race face cranks.Salsa 44 tooth bash ring.Easton stem Azonic riser bar.Salsa semi rim with Xt hubs.Chris king head set.Thomson seatpost.Stock brakes and fork. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is awesome for my use.I am a aggressive trail and urban rider.I ride 3 to 4 days a week hard.I do alot of urban riding and some technical trail riding.
I broke my superlight and needed a new bike.I looked at alot of bikes I debated 4 or 5 inch travel.I read alot of reviews including these at MTBR.I initally just wanted a frame and to upgrade to discs.It was cheaper to buy the complete Dawg.
I bought the Dawg and upgraded it with all my parts from my superlight.I also purchased some new parts.I rode the bike as is for awhile.It is a good spec of parts for the most part.I found the stem too short and the handelbar too low.The seatpost and seat both were not up too my liking.
I still have the stock fork on the bike and it is okay.The lack of adjustability is the reason I ordered a new Marzocchi Pro with Eta.No dampning is the reason it needs to go.
The disc brakes are a definate keeper along with the stock wheelset.I put a good wobble in the front rim but feel a good tweaking and they should last awhile.I like having two wheelsets and the stock wheelset will make a good set for urban abuse with some beefy tires.I had a set built to upgrade my other bike to discs eventualy so it is now my trail wheel set.Xt disc hubs Salsa semi hubs.The Deore discs work very nice.They are one of the reasons I bought the bike.
The bike rides very nice.Climbs very good and inspires confidence.I was always slightly worried I would brake my superlight but the Dawg is beefy.I do not worry.Ilike the geometry.I really like the bike.I did not ride for four months bfore I got on the Dawg.I was immediately feeling confident on the Dawg.It simply rocks.I am even more pleased after swapping out the parts.I cannot wait for the new fork.
The rear shock works well.I dealt with a Float R on my Superlight to include 3 rebuilds.It works well but I think I may try somthing with more dampning.I have the shock set 4 clicks from the slowest setting.I may see what will fit and look at a upgrade in the future.I like having two shocks for my bike.One air and one coil.
The bike is great just stock I rode it and was happy.I had recently upgraded almost all my drivetrain before I broke my superlight so I upgraded the Dawg.The Dawg parts were used too build another bike up.The brakes are very nice.The frame is very beefy and ideal for agressive trail riding.I really like the bike and have done a couple things I would not have attempted on my Superlight.Very nice bike and tough.I no it is not that light but I know I have a tough trail or urban bike.It will do shuttle runs long all day epic rides and alot of what I call urban trail riding.I already have pounded it on the urban riding and it rocks.I intend to do some downhilling and Downiville several times along with several epics.So I will post again in six months.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hanna Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Etc | | Strengths: | This is a follow-up to my review several months ago. I really love the bike and it has held up well except for... | | Weaknesses: | ...the upper shock bolt. It broke on me the other day, bending the rocker arms and possibly damaging the shock. The bike is used for XC riding and, in my opinion, doesn't take much abuse. Anyway, it's in the shop being repaired under warranty. | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar, Fuel, Enduro, AC | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock | | Bottom Line: | Ask your shop about this design flaw before you buy the bike or if you already own the bike. I'm not the first person this has happened to. If the bolt breaks at the wrong time, you'll have a long walk ahead of you, or worse, you might get hurt. This fix they are doing right now is supposed to correct the design flaw. I sure hope so. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Barry
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria Australia
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | grampians | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Smooth shocks, stiff confidence inspiring frame, efficient, may be slow in a sprint but once going theres no stopping (if it weren't for the excellent deore stoppers!). Makes trail riding a lot more enjoyable cos you can hit things faster. Brakes are awesome for nose manuals. oh yeah and its probably the slickest looking bike you'll ever see. Sure to attract the chicks (or more likely some of those bike thieving losers) | | Weaknesses: | Brake hoses are annoying they slide through their guides and hit and scrape along the top tube, removing paint and making some shocking noise (maybe some new cable ties or something will help). was disappointing to only see marzocchi exr fork at this price, but it still feels pretty smooth (you couldn't tell that it was made in Taiwan)...i actually feel that the forks are one of the high points of the bike | | Similar Products Used: | kona bear deelux, mongoose nx8.1, specialized fsr something | | Bike Setup: | stock besides flat pedals | | Bottom Line: | awesome bike, i was originally sceptical about using air shocks for freeriding, but now i reckon they feel better than coil cos they dont bottom out harshly. probably wouldnt want to do too many big drops on it cos thats not what its designed for, but for technical trail riding i dont think you could do much better than the dawg (except maybe dawg deelux or dawg primo!). cant wait to give it a burl on some slightly more challenging trails! i'll post another review in a few months to let you know how it holds up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Koen Steenmans
a Weekend Warrior
from Pannerden Netherlands
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Super strong and lightweight frame, smooth suspension, Fox air shock, Paintwork and Geometry | | Weaknesses: | The rebound of the Marzochhi EXR is very hard to adjust (no knob or someting) You have to change oil or oil heigt in the fork. | | Bike Setup: | stock, probably I will change the EXR for a Z1 drop off or Dirt Jumper 1 | | Bottom Line: | Kona bikes are just Awesome!(and very rare in Holland)
If you are looking for a leightweight trailbike with the ambition for downhill and freeride buy this bike!
The components are strong and the suspension is super smooth thanks too the ball bearrings. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Decent color scheme, decent parts, strong frame | | Weaknesses: | a tad bit on the heavy side. | | Similar Products Used: | gary fisher sugar, trek fuel | | Bike Setup: | All stock except XT wheelset with mavic F219's | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great. At first it seemed too heavy but when you ride it, especially climbing, it doesn't feel that bad. I can actually climb better on this bike then I can on other lighter full suspension bikes and turn around and bomb down the hill faster then ever. I do recommend changing the stock deore rotors. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dinax
a Weekend Warrior
from Toulon, France
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | dry, roots and rocks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycl'in | | Strengths: | Look, frame, brakes, rear suspension, equipment for the price (even a cheap marzo is a marzo) | | Weaknesses: | sensibility of fork on small shocks, weight (14,2kg) | | Similar Products Used: | Kona bear 2002, Kahuna | | Bike Setup: | Nothing : later, if money : fork (fox float or marzo Z1), crankset (LX), wheels (crossmax XL?) to make it a little bit lighter and to have a more comfortable front suspension | | Bottom Line: | Good bike for the price, strong frame and strong components. perfect for my favorite trails, in the mediterranean forests.
and ride a Kona in France makes you someone ... different !
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
blue monkey
a Cross Country Rider
from beaverton, or, usa
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | several | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | bikenhike | | Strengths: | strong, solid frame (love the square to round alum. tubes!), very tight, fox float r very adjustable, cool lines and color combo, overall a very good bike, seems like a lower standover height than many other 17" frames i tried. fits my short legs well. | | Weaknesses: | slippery jack**** grips gotta go, probably upgrade fork to marz dj after trashing the marz EXR in a few months. deore LX ok, would prefer xt for durability/quality. a bit heavy, but hey, who likes peddling uphill anyway? | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel, specialized ac, kona kikapu, GT, cannondale | | Bike Setup: | marz exr fork, float r, LX comps, Shim discs, pretty much stock as purchased | | Bottom Line: | I think this replaced the kona bear from last year. this is a great bike for the money but is really no different. If you can find a 2002 bear, buy it. Same bike, probably $300-400 less than 2003 dawg. But the dawg looks cooler, a good ride for your weekend warrior/cross country bumpkin. I will keep mine for a long time. very pleased. oh yes, better be ready to fend off muggers- this bike can get you some unwanted attention from lowlifes that will try to convince you why you should give them your bike. i gave 'em a kick in the nuts and a cut lip instead. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikko Jarvinen
a Weekend Warrior
from Valkeakoski, Finland
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportax, Tampere, Finland | | Strengths: | -Price/quality ratio
-Frame in general
-Rear shock (basic Fox but soooo simple and reliable)
-Brakes | | Weaknesses: | Can't say I've had any problems with any of the components (changed them to my 2nd bike mostly anyway) but based on previous experience expect to see following parts to bug you first:
-Saddle
-Saddle post
-Cranks & bottom bracket | | Similar Products Used: | Scott Octane FX-1, GT XCR 3000, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Basicly only parts I used from standard Dawg were frame, rear shock, stem, saddle and saddle post. Rest are XTR/XT level stuff from my old bike spiced with Marzocchi Z1 FreeRide 2002 fork.
This is great that Kona has manufactured all their frames the same and only changed the specs. For example I just took the parts to a Cinder Cone frame and took my old better parts to this one and have now two great bikes for different purposes! The Dawg weights with the Z1, XTR/XT specs now 13.3 kg including pedals so that is more than reasonable for purpose built trail bike. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is targeted for us who don't compete in XC or in DH but want to have fun and ride anything between one hour and weekend long epics.
If you fit into this picture buy it! Frame is superb and rest can be updated based on your financial possibilities over time. It does not mean that you could not ride for years with this standard specs, but you can get it even better over time if you wish. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cassian Bopp
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Que. Canada
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oka Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle et Sport Paul | | Strengths: | This really is a wonderful bike. It's strong enough to withstand some relatively tough free riding, but nimble and light enough to be able to race against bikes twice as expensive. | | Weaknesses: | The seat post and the seat are both pretty bad... the seat post clamp always comes undone after a couple of spins, and the seat it just a bit too "freeridy". | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Liquid, Giant VT 2, Giant AC 2, Jamis Dakar XLT 1.0. | | Bike Setup: | No changes... yet. I might get a better seatpost and seat in the future. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a keeper. I was having a hard time choosing between the Trek Liquid, and the Dawg, the Jamis XLT 1.0 was also a possibility. I chose the Dawg because of: The Price; the performance; and the great features. Not that they're endless, but the ones that are there, are great.
-> Consider the Trek
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hugo smink
a
from schilde belgie
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | BRASSCHAAT MILITARY DOMAIN | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | CASS BIKE HALLE ZOERSEL BELGIE | | Strengths: | great bike .
super for trails and light freeride.
switch the rear schox rebound to slow and you won't encounter BOB and put the rebound to fast and you will have a great plush trail/light freeride bike!!!
and it is great for in the city to do some urban assault | | Weaknesses: | well... to be really honest.
on my first review i said it suffered from bob but now i know how to set the shox it doesn't suffers bob anymore.!!!
and i set the shifters poroperly so it all works great!!!
so no weaknesses here!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | spec. HardRock 2001 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for ARIX flatpedals(bmx types) | | Bottom Line: | super bike !!
if want a trailbike and a freeride bike and you can't affort an santa cruz heckler go for the Dawg you won;t be disapointed!!!!!!!!!!!
I reccommend it to every light freerider/trail rider and urban assaulter!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr Spelling
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Water Dragon Bridge (Hornsby) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Addiction | | Strengths: | Very robust frame, reasonalbe gear all round, hydros are a must you'll never go back! Fox/Bomber combo works well. Great XC/Freeride bike! | | Weaknesses: | Initially quite a heavy bike when compared to a hardtail but easy to over come this....just ride more!!!!
More adjustability on front would be nice. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode the Kona Bear (02 model), specalized enduro, giant nrs2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock aside from time clip ins (helps on those up hill climbs) | | Bottom Line: | For those of you looking for a first dual suspension bike this is a must. It has all the gear you need to ride all types of terrain. It cruises downhill and corners like its on rails so you can push harder than ever before. Once set up properly this bike bobs very little unlike the enduro (yes i was surprised too)....and wont bend like an NRS might (actually happened to a mate). For the price i dont know how Kona make money but good on em....very happy buyer here good work KONA! (Price submitted in AUD). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hugo smink
a Weekend Warrior
from schilde Belgium
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | militair domain brasschaat belgium | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | CASS BIKE in HALLE zoersel | | Strengths: | great frame very light .
super well balanced .
gives you much confidence going fast down trails.
great for som jump or drops .
super in xc urban light freeride | | Weaknesses: | doesn't really climbs that great.
the shifting and cassettes are not really great because if you need to shift to a lower gear on a climb it makes a loud noise and justs jumps on instead of rolling on the lower gear. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardrock 2002 | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | great bike wich will get you everywhere !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the only issue is the climbing but who enjoys long hard climbs ??????
i more prefere going down !! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chubby Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Santiam Bicycles, Salem OR | | Strengths: | I really like the frame and the components have yet to fail. | | Weaknesses: | I was unsure about the front fork, so I had it replaced with a Marzocchi Z.1 FR. All the better to support my 230lbs of trail grinding flab. | | Similar Products Used: | I've test rode alot of bikes: Gary Fisher 2+Disks, Santa Cruz Blur; Santa Cruz Hecklar; Specialized Big Hit Comp; Kona Stinky Dee-Lux; Cannondale Gemini; Cannodale w/Lefty; Klein Palimeno; Norco A-line; and others | | Bike Setup: | stock except for the Marzocchi Z.1 FR | | Bottom Line: | I'm very pleased with the bike. It hasn't had any problems carting my massive butt around the trails. I strongly recommend it to my other clydesdale cycling brothers. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Bloomington, IL USA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Little Ade's, Pekin, IL | | Strengths: | Everything, Fork and shock are greaT, Greaspecs for the price | | Weaknesses: | I have to constantly mess with the front der. to get it to go into the big chainring, but other than that nothing | | Bike Setup: | Stock, will probably put shorter stem on in near future | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome. Have not got a ton of time on it yet, beacause of the weather, but will live on it when it gets nice outside. Props to Mike and the guys at Little Ade's, in Pekin, they are a great bunch and are the best bike shop I have ever been to. Anyone looking to get a great all mountain rig should strongly consider the Dawg | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JJ Johnston
a Cross Country Rider
from Cottage Grove, Oregon U.S.
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Brice Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | E-Bay | | Strengths: | Frame,forks,rearshock,brakes,drivetrain. | | Weaknesses: | Stem,cranks,bottom,bracket | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Scab, Kona Caldera, Kona Hahhanah, Kona Sex Too, Specialized rock hopper. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except- Black Spire ring god, and Maxxis mobsters | | Bottom Line: | Dear God!! anyone wanting to bridge the gap between crosscountry and freeride, here is your bike! Or if you just want an EXTREMELY tuff crosscountry bike, here it is! This bike is strong, light, and the suspension is un-believable. I was a little sceptical of this bike because of my weight (190 lbs.), but I have dropped 3-4 footers onto pavement and not even come close to bottoming the suspension out!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy Mayhew
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL USA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hanna Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles ETC | | Strengths: | The Marzocchi Air fork and the Fox air shock are outstanding. | | Weaknesses: | I have to frequently adjust the disc brake pads due to rubbing but that's a simple fix. Takes about two minutes after every other ride. | | Similar Products Used: | I demoed a Fisher Sugar and Trek Liquid but the Kona was more comfortable for my size and shape and I thought it was a better value with the cheaper components. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for my favorite pedals and saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I'm 6'0, 250 lbs and was looking for a durable, fun, low maintenance bike. I found it. I don't have any complaints so far (1.5 months) but I only ride one day a week, maybe two if I'm lucky. I opted for the cheaper component group and I'll upgrade if/when necessary. I run the fork and shock pretty stiff for hard XC riding but there's a ton of travel when you really need it. The front fork has saved my ass a couple times already. The bike is not a racer but climbs great and the riding position allows you to get way back behind the seat when necessary. I'm very pleased with my purchase so far. I'll post again in a few months to let everyone know if I have the same trouble as the previous review. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
randy martin
a Weekend Warrior
from jacksonville
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | bikes etc | | Strengths: | The frame and shocks. the marz and fox combo work great together. the frame is rigid and tough. | | Weaknesses: | The low end shimano (lx and deore) are not doing so well. So far I have stripped the left side crank arm on a hill climb which ended up in a endo turtle affect. this was quite painfull. The front hub bearings are fried after 1200 miles, repacking did not help. So upgrading I shall go, much to the dismay of my wife. | | Bottom Line: | I wish I had purchased the dee-lux or primo for the better components. Or better yet just purchased the frame and did a build up. bottom line the frame and shocks are keepers as is the shimano 525 hydros but the rest must go. I gave the three flamin' chilis on overall just for the wheelsets and drivetrain the frame and shocks are a 5!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Maine
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Ski rack | | Strengths: | The looks of the bike are just awesome and i love the green color on the front half of the bike. The bike handels great and is great to ride. The componets are great for a bike in this price range. I really enjoy the four inches of front and rear travel. Eveything is great on the bike except the brakes in cold weather. | | Weaknesses: | the bike is wonderful except the braking in cold weather. the only other thing is the saddle is not the the best. | | Bike Setup: | Stock just got it; except the hello kitty streamers (it may sound stupid but they are cool.) | | Bottom Line: | The bike is one of the coolest looking bikes hands down. the bike is great for anyone that is a XC rider that wants to have a fun bike. THis bike is perfect for small drops jumps and stunts. This bike is also great for trail riding. I love the bike and i will do another review this spring o n the finer points of the bike after i have riden it for a few months. The people who should buy this bike are people who want to have fun and look coool doing it. People who should not buy this bike are extrem freerides who will take a bike off a twenty foot drop. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Hall
a
from Maine
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Umaine Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Better then the bear of the past
looks cool love the color
the deore 525 hydro brakes are great
part list is great for a bike in this price range
rides great climbs well | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale jekyll | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | I got to test ride this bike due to the fact i was interested in it. I took it out for a ride and came back with a huge smile on my face i loved the combination bettween XC and freeride
I will be buying one in the near future.....im poor | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phatphil
a Weekend Warrior
from Lewisville TEXAS usa
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Knobb Hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bluebonnet Bikes in Lewisville | | Strengths: | Super beefy everything to hold strong under my clydesdale ACE | | Weaknesses: | Not yet | | Similar Products Used: | Ibis Szazbo | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now except for Thomson stem, Easton riser bar Aluminum, and Sram XO shifters and derailleur. More changes on the way | | Bottom Line: | All my clydesdale brothers this is a ride you gotta check out!!!
I am not HUCKING GAPS or anything like that. I am just a short phat guy that likes to ride. This bike is it. Doesnt wiggle side to side when you pump it hard. Excellent choice for all you other phaties email me if you have any questions.
The crankset is a bit cheap but hey other than that its a keeper | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rat attack
a Weekend Warrior
from jax,fl.
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | hanna | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1711.00 | | Purchased At: | bikes etc. | | Strengths: | strong frame no flex and it,s a kona! | | Weaknesses: | all good for now I will check back in later. | | Bike Setup: | all stock, fox float-r, marzocchi EXR air,shimano 525 disk, hollowtech crank,lx components, koski stem and riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | Cool bike, I'm 6'1- 225lbs. and this bike doesn't care.It weighs in just over 28lbs,but is strong with no flex,no creaking and groaning. My old joshua was never like this. No more worrying about cracking another frame, I don't do freestyle just aggressive XC. This bike climbs better than I thought, a lot better. Cornering is exceptional,braking is more than adequate,and the more upright position of the cockpit truly extends ride time.I will post again in a few months.Right now I have NO regrets!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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