Submitted by
Jon Lamb
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Breakaway Bikes
Strengths:
Climbing, descending, great components out of the box
Weaknesses:
Shimano Hubset
Similar Products Used:
Orbea Alma 29er
Bike Setup:
Stock. 16" Frame. Converted to Single Speed. Spot 32t front chainring paired to Niner 20t rear cog. Surly single speed conversion kit.
Bottom Line:
I'm 5' 5" and am riding the 16" frame. Even at this small size the bike has great geometry. The 16" has a 69 degree headtube angle which you wouldn't expect on a cross country hardtail. It climbs like crazy and also descends great. Really easy to throw around and maneuvers fine in tight technical single track. The bike feels very solid and balanced. In some rough sections i felt like i was moving faster and smoother than on my 5" full suspension maybe even picking up speed where I'm usually being slowed down. Kona made a really awesome bike, I'm impressed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Ochsner
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
(n/a - demo ride)
Strengths:
Handles great, lightweight, climbs/descends really well, just a very FUN bike to ride. I did a 2hr demo ride on my favorite local trail system, and it was just a firkin blast. My regular ride is a 5yr old 31-32 lb FS Kona Bear (a.k.a. Dawg) - it could have just been the weight difference, or the new bike factor, but I still think Kona got somethin right here. The Hayes Stroker hydraulic brakes are so much better (modulation, noise, etc) than the Avid BB mech's I ride normally. The Maxxis Ignitors did really well in the slippery slop.
Weaknesses:
Don't care for the latest XT thumb shifters - too positive/notchy + too much force required for shifting (no, I don't have weak thumbs). I likes 'em smoother (2002 XT's mo betta).
Similar Products Used:
Redline Monocog Flight 29er.
Bike Setup:
Stock, w/ Candy pedals.
Bottom Line:
Big wheels are more fun. Scandium is rides smooth and light. Bike demos on real trails are the only way to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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