Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: June 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Scotia path 76
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Has great rear shock and very good crank. very nice XTR shifters and crank+ derailuers. Good for back country-cross terrian. Has a nice seat and post. very light weight for carrying it across streams etc.
Weaknesses:
Has weak stock tires. i allready blew mine. Plus, thier only 1.95. Front shock is okay, until you want to do some tuff terrain, then it is crap. Im getting a new Bomber Drop-off for mine. tubes that come with it are junk. Also, i am getting disk brakes for mine, brakes on this are okay, not the best.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized StumpJumper, Specialized HardRock COMP, Kona Stinky.
Bike Setup:
N/A
Bottom Line:
Very Nice Bike over all, I like it alot. I think it is a great bike for anyone that wants to go the distance and yet, still have a nice looking bike. I like the fact that it can come with new stuff. Good luck with your KONA MANOMANO!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gregory Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester UK Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Delamere (cheshire)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Action Bikes Warrington
Strengths:
A fantastic ride... Light, agile and very, very fast! Good components and amazing handling on rapidly changing terrain...
Weaknesses:
Weak frame, rather disspointing stock bar and stem...
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
mainly factory, replacement 24/7 bars and stem...
Bottom Line:
An amazing ride.. Past tense. I loved every minute of it and relished leaving some of the more lumbering AND more expensive bikes in my wake... Until...I broke it.. I really was just riding along... Im a very physically light rider and the terrain in the UK is'nt exactly harsh. As I was riding along a canal bank on my way to work, the front of the headset shifted forward and tore its way through the frame. A paint drip had gone down the inside of the frame and caused just the right amount of pressure to cause the frame to snap... Not good.. Kona UK (paligap) were awful in their customer support which soured it somewhat... My replacment EVENTUALLY arrive some 5 months later. Not quite as good but the trademark handling is still there, thank goodness.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
calvin mar
a Weekend Warrior
from oxford, ct Date Reviewed: March 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1599.00
Purchased At:
bikeshop
Strengths:
good company, great frame
Weaknesses:
recently broke frame
Similar Products Used:
specialized rockhopper
Bike Setup:
when living at the end: full XT components, 00' z1cr m317 rims, tioga 2.1 factory xc extreme, 2nd hurricane 100 post chris king headset, xt discs, sdg big boy and STOCK fox air vanilla, handlebars, stem
Bottom Line:
just reporting back on the end of this bikes life. I cracked the frame at the weld below the rocker pivot point. This happened at mount snow shuttle runs, where I broke a hurricane 100 seatpost in half and had to run just the last 2 inches of post in my frame which may have put extra stress on the seattube and rocker pivot point. Kona was excellent, and after 3 years of 5' dropoffs and downhilling and freeriding on it, they still gave me $799 credit, which I used to buy an 02' stinky primo frameset. It pays to take care of your customers!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
calvin mar
a
from oxford ct. Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
water co. land
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
smart cycle
Strengths:
frame is solid, shock lasts and is rebuildable, light for what it can handle
Weaknesses:
z.3 lite fork must go, pedals are narrow, some cheap components
Bike Setup:
z1cr bomber, m545 pedals, xt cranks, chain, bb, rear d, hubs, mavic f519 rims, intense 2.1 tires, hurricane seat post, sdg big boy saddle, rampage grips/wired down, stock bars and stem, vanilla air float
Bottom Line:
STILL can't break it! 5ft and climbing! why have such a heavy freerider when this is all you need? build it up to your style and budget, frame WILL take it! 99's rule!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Guelph, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kolapore or 3 Stage - just go to Collingwood!
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Speed River Cycle
Strengths:
It's a great bike for cushy, cross country fun. The Manomano makes the rough stuff (roots and rocks) more forgiving and can take the big hits and spills with no worries. At the end of the day both you and your butt will be happy. Kona is great with servicing and customer support; mine was a demo model so I got a fantastic deal to boot (under $2000 Canadian with my two 'upgrades' - see below).
Weaknesses:
Not too much that I wouldn't attribute to all f.s. bikes; it is heavy, it requires muscling to really maneuver and it climbs like dump truck (a full one). The stx/rc bits are craptastic, but they haven't broken yet so I've left them on. My one major problem was finding a replacement cog for my rear derailleur; it took 9 months for a replacement 9 speed xt cog to arrive (and it shouldn't have broken in the first place). Curses on Shimano - this is why market monopolies suck (yes, a monopoly. Admit it, SRAM).
Similar Products Used:
When I bought the Manomano I tested a Rocky Mountain Element Race, a Trek VRX (ouch), a KHS softtail, and whatever the price-equivalent Specialized bike was. Both cost and ride won the Kona out.
Bike Setup:
Stock, save the Time pedals and the heavy springs. I hate a soft fork (I'm also 200+ lbs) and the Time pedals work great in the nastiest mud. I love their float too, although clipping out can be challenging.
Bottom Line:
The Manomano is great for all day, cross country fun, though it does have the usual drawbacks of full suspension bikes of this era, as it were. I bought it as a present to myself for successfully completing physiotherapy on my then newly reconstructed titanium-pinned shoulders; I wasn't looking to race any more and I wanted something cushy and fun. This was it. Now that I'm looking to ride faster on the more challenging, technical trails I do yearn for something lighter, quicker-climbing and more agile (a softtail frame to match my titanium shoulders, perhaps?) and the Manomano comes up a bit short. Maybe I'm old school, but 'real' full suspension bikes and long travel forks just don't cut it on the aggressive, cross-country singletracks I'm enjoying again - even though I'm not racing. If you want to have fun and ride rough cross country terrain with confidence, go Manomano: it's all about a good, smooth ride. If you want to really challenge yourself on the hops, twists, turns and climbs, look elsewhere, as I will be doing when I get some more cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirk
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan Capistrano, CA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
San Juan Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$679.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
I have a '98 Kona Manomano. I love it!!!!! I changed my fork to a 2000 Marzocchi Z2 ATOM 80 with heavy springs and a King Headset. I also changed the seat to a Terry Fly. Make the simple changes like I did and "WOW" or "MANo" you have an awesome XC bike. I think I'll buy the KORE Light Forged stem soon. It's a totally KICKIN' BUTT BIKE! Get one if you can still find one! The '98 and '99 are better than the new 2001.
Weaknesses:
Change the fork to a 2000 Marzocchi Z2 ATOM 80 with heavy springs and switch the AHEADSET to CHRIS KING.
Similar Products Used:
Other Konas
Bike Setup:
1998 19inch Kona ManoMano, 2000 Marzocchi Z2 ATOM 80 with heavy springs, Chris King Headset, Terry Fly seat.
Bottom Line:
BUY ONE and MAKE THE CHANGES! It will be a dream bike! A++++++ KONAWORLD.com for making an AWESOME bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
calvin mar
a
from oxford ct. Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
water co., Now bought as open space!
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
smart cycle w/freebies
Strengths:
excellent frame as platform to build on, fox air vanilla float won't deflate, even with 210lbs landing on it repeatedly from 4ft. drops.
Weaknesses:
z3 lite fork, stx components
Similar Products Used:
specialized rockhopper sport W/manitou
Bike Setup:
99 with z1-cr, 517mavic front, 519 36h rear, stock tioga xc's xt hub, cranks, bb, chain, Sdg big-boy, hurricane 100 post, (a must have w/seat)
Bottom Line:
This is an update: Bike is getting better with age! I would'nt take a Bullit or I-drive or ANYTHING over this bike! O.K. maybe for downhill racing only another bike with more travel but.....This is by far the best bike out there due to light weight(xc) frame strength(freeride) tech support(Kona). You can build it up however you need it. Soon after I bought it I thought I made a big mistake buying a xc bike, Just start by changing the fork for more travel and you will start to feel the possibilities of this ride. The color is one of a kind, And I love mangoes now!The feeling I get now is like when you were stuck riding an xr80 for years until one day, a cr250 arrived and you will never be good enough to thrash the bike the way it was meant to be handled. the only drawback is the cost for top quality parts. Keep scanning the bargain basement sales and work a little o.t. (or plow snow for extra cash like me) and build yourself a killer! c'mon snow, I need a front derailleur!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corbin Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
wouldn't you like to know
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
Sweet Frame/decent wheels Mavic 517s/somewhat good component mix.
Weaknesses:
That cheap front fork, STX RC cranks, cheap headset, stock bars have a weird geometry.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Endure/GT XCR 1000
Bike Setup:
Replaced front fork with a Z.3 Flylight 100, XT Hollowtech cranks and BB, Azonic riser bars, Shimano 747s, and Mythos XC tires. The bike came with sweet XT rear hub and Ritchey front laced to Mavic 517s.
Bottom Line:
Get rid of the Z.3 Light, it's crap on a fast downhill. You would think with that sweet smooth travel it would work well, but that travel quickly dissapears and you left with a rigid front. The stock bars are weird also, it seems as if they angle inward and down. Nice frame and with a couple of upgrades it is turning out to be one sweet ride. Invest about $400 into the bike and you'll have yourself an all around bomber. I'll give it 4 flames for the inadequate front fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Leigh
a Weekend Warrior
from Bucks, UK Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cadston Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Sunset MTBs
Strengths:
Kona ride quality. Well balanced suspension. Good components (Except for cranks).
Weaknesses:
Stock Tioga XC tyres. STC cranks. Riser bar was too shot for me. Rims seem a little fragile. Snapped Rear mech.
Similar Products Used:
Demo'd Marin East Peak. No Comparison
Bike Setup:
Easton EA50 riser bar. Conti 2.1 mud (rear).
Bottom Line:
My first FS bike. Huge discount due to 2000 stock made the decision for me. Ridden in Summer and Winter and its been perfect except for lack of mud clearence especially at the rear. Fixed this with narrower tyres and since then its equally good at climbing or descending. Stacked it big time a couple of times and it seems very strong. I tried the 2000 and it felt so heavy and cumbersome - I just hope I don't break mine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
niall Temple
a Weekend Warrior
from Burton-upon-Trent UK Date Reviewed: November 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Baslow Edge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
leisure lakes Nottingham
Strengths:
Handling brillantly. Suspension Works Well.
Weaknesses:
Bike came with Kona Break and Enter Tires found them totally useless.
Similar Products Used:
Only bike to have within the last 2 years
Bike Setup:
Z1 99 Bombers. Hope front and Rear Discs. Tioga 2.1 DH Tires ( Although these snake bite on regular basis.) Shimano XTR crankset
Bottom Line:
Totally cool all round free style bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler Dunford
a Weekend Warrior
from North Bay Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bulls loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shed
Strengths:
overall good bike, handles well, relatively tough, can take a good beatin and keep on riding
Weaknesses:
no problems so far, stx/rc cranks arent the greatest
Bike Setup:
Magura hydrolic brakes, race face cranks,rings, kore seatpost,stem,bar,z3 long travel upgrade, kore gass clipless, xt front der.,shifters,
Bottom Line:
awesome ride with all the upgrades, suspension is plush, great support from kona, beauty!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris evans
a Cross Country Rider
from Swansea Wales Date Reviewed: November 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Afan Argoed
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
evans cycles
Strengths:
extremely plush reletively light though it's no featherweight but adequate
Weaknesses:
STX-RC Cranks, Bombers a bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
only hardtails
Bike Setup:
Swaped bar/stem for Raceface/titec combo to suit
Bottom Line:
Being the only full susser i've had i can only compere to th eride of a hardtail and so far it has performed admirably,losing only slightly in the weight dept but gaining in climbing traction and decending ability.I am glad i bought the '99 version as i don't think the Y2K or 2001 have as good a spec.All round immense fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian
a Cross Country Rider
from nashvegas, tn Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
most of them. ...fairview, tn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
rei
Strengths:
dual suspension, light. Now I get to say "manomano" in casual conversations. Manomano.
Weaknesses:
the z3 bomber is nice, but doesn't have the travel that I would prefer
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher kaitai, big sur; c-dale 400
Bike Setup:
stock. I will probably upgrade the front shock to a 100 mm judy or a sid eventually--if I can afford it--and am considering switching out the stem to something a tad longer. stretch.
Bottom Line:
this is one sweet ride. with the rear suspension you can really thunder down the mountain. the rear suspen. does add some weight, but this bike is still lighter than my old fully rigid mtn bike. the frame is relatively tight which helps squirreling around the tight singletrack and feels better climbing the mountain. I love it. I got a scortching deal on mine as they were clearing the 99's and it was one of the last konas on the lot before switching to schwinn. but, if you don't mind the pricetag, everyone should buy one. Manomano.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle McIver
a Cross Country Rider
from Owen Sound, Ontario Date Reviewed: October 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Smith Bush
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
Jolley's Alternative Wheels-wicked shop!!
Strengths:
This is one awsome all purpose bike!!! The rear handles everything like a dream!! Pretty good component mix, and the Avid Arch 40's are sweet. The suspension is hard and racy or plush and soft. WOW. This is the best all prupose bike ever, just don't use it in a DH race. The 99 Manomano has a much better component mix than the 2000 or 2001, which have many more lower end components.
Weaknesses:
The 2.5" fork was to short for an all purpose rider. Other than that the Vanilla shock is OK, but rebound adjusment would be nice.
Similar Products Used:
SC Heckler, GT I-drive, Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Stock except Manitou SX-LE fork, and Sachs chain.
Bottom Line:
This is the bike that will do anything, go anywhere, and generally be really, really sweet. The frame and suspension are rock solid, and the shock is good for the bike. Get a bigger fork, and of you go to Paradise Mountain for a ride of a lifetime.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
calvin mar
a Weekend Warrior
from oxford ct. Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
still looking!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
smart cycles
Strengths:
Beautiful looking, light for full suspension, tuff frame well working rear shock
Weaknesses:
not long enough travel fork for freeriding, some components like anything stx sux, broke ti seat rail, blew fork seals cheap bb
Similar Products Used:
specialized rockhopper w/manitou
Bike Setup:
00" marzocchi z1-cr, sdg big boy saddle, mavic 517, un72 better grips/wired down
Bottom Line:
Don't get me wrong, this is an excellent woods machine here in New England, it just needs upgrades for a real freerider. first thing is dump that fork and go long travel. The rims are kind of wimpy too. Very fast handling, almost too fast on loose downhills. Climbs nicely. Have been beating the hell out of it and will upgrade as I break. Jumps well. Can't wait to get out of work for that beautiful fall ridin! The only downside is the extra money you need to spend to make it a total freerider. When it's there, you in heaven!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from halifax, nova scotia Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
martock downhill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
tuff frame upgradable rear suspension design(you can get more inches from betd) relaible parts (except for the crank)
Weaknesses:
snaped the stx-rc crank off but i guess that's not konas fault other than that nothing.
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky and stinky 5, joshua xo(but it got stolen) gt xcr 3000
Bike Setup:
stock except for 2000 judy xc the 100mm travel one lx crank, and betd suspension upgrade for 5 inches in rear
Bottom Line:
the bike company rules and so do their products. this bike is grat for freeriding if you set it up right it comes with a z3 light up front get rid of that if you are going to be doing any downhill races with this bike. i took it in my first one a few weeks ago and it worked great. this is a good all around bike that can take all the abuse you throw at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bandera, TX park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Price, bought mine for $800 from a bike shop with full XT with exception of Cranks STX RC and shifter pods LX. Bike was a dealer demo provided by Kona, luckily at a roadie store, those guys don't know what their missing!!!!
Weaknesses:
Dissapointed to find out the Z.3 lite has only 2.5" 70mm travel. Seat post quick release gets in the way if you really pound the rear suspension, switched to an allen wrench version. Considering the Z.3 longtravel kit.
Similar Products Used:
none, Trek 930 w/INDY SL front
Bike Setup:
stock with exception of Mavic x517s, XT full rear which came with the bike, dealer demo that was barely ridden.
Bottom Line:
What can I say, the bike smooths out the bumps and lets you haul downhill. I was a diehard hardtail guy and will never look back. I looked at many designs and liked the Kona the best, "especially the sweet deal I got". I'm a little dissapointed about the 2.5" 70mm travel on the front considering 3.5" 100mm is provided on the back. The front shock does provide a sweet and plush ride and if you didn't know it the 2.5" 70mm probably wouldn't bother me. Soaks up 5' 6' of air with no complaints and it is light for a Full suspension bike. I like it and wouldn't give it up for anything. I can't give the bike enough praise. Ride it and believe!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from colorado Date Reviewed: February 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
colorado trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
this bike can really take the uphills well, when it's back end digs in. this bike can also take the downhills well. it has great control and the suspension is very nice. all the characteristics of a great cross country bike.
Weaknesses:
the only thing i can think of is it could have had better componentry. it has everything from shimano stx to shimano xt.
Similar Products Used:
schwinn s-10
Bike Setup:
standard still but i'm going to upgrade.
Bottom Line:
this bike has great cross-country ability. I got mine on sale for $1200 which was a great bargain for the bike i got. it does everything from uphill climbing to cross country to down hill even though it says cross country bike on the price tag. I would consider the '99 version a great bike for anyone who is serious enough to consider racing but may only take it out on the weekends.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Heyden
a Weekend Warrior
from Eastwood.Nottingham.UK Date Reviewed: February 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any in Derbyshire plus Sherwood Pines
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent climber - rear really digs in on bumpy rutted climbs.Handles well on single track.Better than 2000 model. I got mine with a £400 Discount.Good Kona technical service.
Weaknesses:
Too soon to say.
Similar Products Used:
Only rigid Cindercone previously.(Also an excellent bike)
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
Very good all day bike which climbs better than a hard tail in my opinion.Slightly heavy when compared with more expensive bikes but that is irrelevant when you weigh 85kg like me.Good traction in glutinous Derbyshire mud! A very good bike for any non racer who likes to go for it sometimes.Don't worry about the weight.A good all day play bike but I don't think that it's up to "big air"? Suspension is better than the magazine reviews tell you. Long term reliability - too soon to say.I'll review again later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric D.
a Weekend Warrior
from Skagit Valley, WA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Galbraith Mtn., Bellingham
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
For me, the Manomano has been a point and shoot ride. It takes the toughest terrain I can throw at it without any problems. With the upgrades I have in place, the ride is incredibly smooth.
Weaknesses:
With my upgrades, weight is a slight problem (just under 30 lbs) on the climbs, but the benifits gained from how it handles the trails is worth it.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
98 Manomano; Z-1 BAM & AD-10 suspension upgrades, Race Face BB, Chris King headset, Shimano LX, Kore stem, Ritchey riser bar, Titec Bezerker saddle.
Bottom Line:
Chicks dig the ride. Seriously now, the suspension upgrades are well worth it. I've hammered out some intense DH singletrack with this rig, and it smoothed out every rock, root, and rut. In a nutshell, wouldn't trade it for any other ride. I've gotten several compliments on the look and feel of the bike. This bike is for the rider that wants a great handling ride that will help them learn how to ride the nasty stuff. Kona designs their bikes for the serious rider, and their customer service is excellent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Downhiller
from lethbridge AB Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim in moab
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
well balenced suspension
Weaknesses:
weak wheels (bought XT hubs and Rhino Lite rims) Cracked all welds on head tube
Similar Products Used:
schwinn 4banger kona stinky deelux
Bike Setup:
bomber Z3 fox coil vanilla mitsuboshi rokko2.4 tires sun rhino lite rims
Bottom Line:
nice riding bike weak welding
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Many
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame, shocks (front & rear), My first comfy seat (or is it the suspension)
Weaknesses:
Would like to see some LX cranks at least and an XT rear cassette
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper, Pro-Flex (full), Kona Hahana
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z3 Lite (front), Fox Vanilla (rear) And all the other stuff that came with it
Bottom Line:
I really like Kona bikes. It all started with the bottom of the line Kona Hahana (purchased to replace my stolen Stumpjumper). That bottom of the line bike did pretty darn well. Anyhow, the Manomano is excellent. I have ridden on a variety of terrain. It was incredible on the very technical local ski resort downhills. It feels quick for a full suspension and it climbs very well. My opinion is that full suspension does great on bumpy climbs. If you are looking, give a Kona a try (especially the Manomano) they make solid bikes. I got mine on sale for $1200. I will use it racing next year; you can sit when others can't. I will re-review by the end of the year.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lloyd
a Cross-Country Rider
from Medicine Hat Alberta Date Reviewed: August 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Spruce Coulee
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
looks good, good components, fair price, great warranty,
Weaknesses:
rear sprockets (lasted 4 months, no pump, faulty design on seat tube (1st production)
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Element Specialized Stump comp Gary Fisher
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Here is the update that I promised. It has been about six months with the Mano. The frame snapped after about 1000km of moderate use. It was a faulty design, breaking the seat tube near the pivot for the rear suspension. It was replaced by Kona within 3 days, no questions asked. One week later the Mega nine sprockets on the back wore out and had to be replaced. No fee, no questions asked. It was explained as a bad batch of metal. I was a little worried about the break-downs, but I have to give the guys at Kona an A+ for service and commitment. I don't like failing parts, but I respect the quality service and warranty. Therefore, after riding the Kona Manomano hard for over 1200km, I would still have to give it the five burning rings of fire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerry
a Cross-Country Rider
from New Brunswick Date Reviewed: July 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Marysville Singletracks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Overall layout, suspension setup works very well for me (195lbs, XC recreational rider)
Stock, Marzocchi Bomber Light, Fox Vanilla Float, Deore XT components
Bottom Line:
This was the best bike that I tried for the money ($2100 Can. taxes and shoes included) It is a little touchy compared to my Trek 930 but I still haven't ridden it much yet. It is a really fun bike to ride and I would recommend it to anyone who likes the riding I do, single track with some technical (but short) down hills.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Racer
from Calgary Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the trail that Aaron built
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Light for a Full suspension bike Nice frame and Suspension movement Cool bike company
Weaknesses:
Low quality spec dosent do much to compiment the frame Expensive
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar AMP F-4 carbon
Bottom Line:
The bike was too small when I demoed it, so I spent most of my ride out of the saddle, but the quality and care put into this bike was evident from the first 10 meters. The suspension worked excellent, and the weight was low enough not to be a hinderance on the climbs. The spec was slightly low (STX cranks, Kona brand stem and bar etc. for the price of the bike, but the money went into a great quality frame and excellent suspension. I couldn't live with myself if I gave this bike anything but a five!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Stupid trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff and relatively light for a good strong FS bike.
Weaknesses:
Rims a little weak
Bike Setup:
Upgraded to Z3 longtravel, big big change. Time pedals replaced fragile ritcheys. Soon to have formula disk brakes.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Love the size and the feel. Could use better rims and pedals stock but depends on what type of riding is planned. Great setup stock for X-C riding but should be upgraded/strengthened for serious bashing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ont. Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
bull mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
frame design, looks
Bike Setup:
97 manomano, 98 sid, nukeproof superflies w/ mavic 517, lx group, fox vanilla(changing soon to cane creek ad-10)
Bottom Line:
I have wrecked my bike! but thats a part of it all. The bike is awesome in respect to its design. A bit heavy but Ive fixed that.....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lloyd Bray
a weekend warrior
from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999
Bottom Line:
The Mano is a great bike. Kona lists the bike at 25.9lbs and that is pretty close. For the price, this bike is a great deal. I just got into some serious mountain biking last year in the Cypress Hills in Southern Alberta. I weigh about 215lbs and this bike is very strong. Component mix seems fine so far. As the year goes on I will let you know about the durability. By the way, I rode all kinds of full suspension bikes including Klein, Fischer, Specialized, GT etc, and the Kona was the best ride I found. Even the closest competitor, the Specialized FSR XC Comp wasn't as good (Too much flex for my weight) and was about $500 Canadian more, with a lesser warranty, (only 5 years on aluminum frames). In my opinion the Kona Manomano awesome
Overall Rating:
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