Submitted by
Doctor Destructo
a Racer
from Seattle/Newport,WA/CA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Top of the World
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
0
Strengths:
Ditch the Rock Shox SID and throw a Manitou X-vert Super, and you've got a bike that will blow almost everything...
Weaknesses:
Rocker arm linkage to the Fox Shock, which Fox has fix for...
Similar Products Used:
Used to race on Fishers... now a KONA convert/disciple
Bike Setup:
2000 Kona Kink Kikapu... not OEM 2001 Kona Manomano... not OEM 2001 Kona Mokomoko... not OEM
Bottom Line:
Ditch that piece of sh-t Rockshox, and get a Manitou X-vert or Marzocchi, and you'll experience pure bliss...
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Submitted by
Steve Morgan
a Weekend Warrior
from Cardiif, Wales Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Ride is superb - see earlier posting. Kona do sort out warranty problems quickly - but they seem to have a lot of practice!!
Weaknesses:
Frame (a replacement for a broken 99 Mokomoko) broke after 9 months. I hope my replacement 2001 Moko frame doesn't go the sameway!!
Bike Setup:
Now a 2001 Moko frame with Pace Evo3s, Hope wheels and C2 brakes and mix of LX and XT
Bottom Line:
Superb ride, warranty is great but I wish the frames were up to "normal" off road riding, I don't jump etc - THEY SHOULDN'T BREAK!!! I really love the way this bike rides but if you buy one make sure you get it from a decent shop that will sort out any problems, mine, Sunset in Cardiff were great. I may have been unlucky, my Kona hardtails (5 to date) have all lasted well - hopefully the 2001 full sus will be as good!
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Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany, NY Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Purchased as frame only (2001 model) - this bike is incredible! I outfitted with Spinergy SPOX and SID SL with lots of Easton and Race Face...climbs faster than my Kona Explosif (853 Reynolds) - rides "lighter" than any other bike I have owned...accelerates like crazy - better than any hardtail I have ridden - great balanced ride for all XC riding out there...light and stable (who needs more?)Buy it as a frame set and go crazy (if you can still find one)
Weaknesses:
can get "flexxy" on technical downhill sections - not an XC racer due to the geometry (I don't race, so I don't care!)
Similar Products Used:
Owned - GT LTS 2, Schwinn Rocket 88, Trek 8900, Gary Fisher Paragon, AMP B4, Pro-Flex Animal, Kona Explosif (853), Fisher Level Betty FH O (free-ride)
Bike Setup:
SRAM 9.0SL, Race Face Ti BB w/ Turbine, Easton Carbon Post + Bar, SID SL, Thomson Stem, Spinergy Spox, Flite Ti Saddle, Time Carbon Pedals, Cook Bros. Skewers, Fire XC Tires, XTR Brakes w/ Grip Shift levers
Bottom Line:
If you can find one - BUY IT!! The model below it is the same frame w/ different shock - much cheaper but weighs just over 27lbs. - make sure you find a good dealer who can fit you to the ride...some people don't like the "non-race" geometry...great all day ride
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Submitted by
Tyron
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: February 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere challenging
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Kona
Strengths:
Mine is a 2001 King Kikapu and it is UnDoubtedly the Best Full Sub I have ever ridden. The suspension on the bike is so balanced thet its a plus X2. Since both the front and rear have lockout options, riding in any condition comfortably is definitely possible. The 2001 SL fork is light and a dream compared to the Mars Super i have on my other bike.(Maintanece non-existant)Climbing any hill is a smooth efficient and an experinece to remember. On the trails, the Kikapu is King of the trails. This bike was made to be ridden long and hard through any terrain(even water does not stop it).This is an excellent race bike just by switching to a flat handlebar.For the price nothing comes close to this bike. Kona has a potential bike of the year here. This Bike handles like a dream.
Weaknesses:
You must be Joking...but to be really picky...I changed my tires to 1.85 for faster performance. THATS ALL.
My Bike is stock. The front fork is a RockShox SID SL and the rear is a FOX air float(both have Lockout). The bike came with a mix of Shimano XT and XTR parts, Mavic Crossrides with Hutchinson Mosquito Airlites. But best of all I love the American Classic seatpost and Ti-Rail SDG satellite saddle. The monkeylite riser was fun to use but i changed it to a flatbar for competitions.
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a race ready out of the box XC bike. I found one, The Kikapu. The Fuel 100 did not handle as advertised and the Jekyll hurt my calves(bruises, bad design). The KIKAPU is only 24 lbs and is ready for a serious rider to take command.
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Submitted by
Jason Higgins
a
from East Peoria Date Reviewed: October 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Jubilee College Plank Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Warranty
Strengths:
Consrtuction, design, and a great company to deal with if the need ever arises.
Weaknesses:
Some might say the weight of 26 lbs., but the bike hides its weight very well. Limited opportunity to show off glow-in-the-dark stickers!
Similar Products Used:
Had a Kona Ku hardtail that broke, so this frame came to me via a warranty deal.
Bike Setup:
Very cross country with a Manitou Mars 80mm fork, avid brakes, Grip Shift/XTR drivetrain
Bottom Line:
My previous Kona frame broke after three wonderful years of racing and trail riding. I feel that riding it on a trainer weakened the chainstay and caused the failure, but oh well. Without hesitation Kona was gonig to send me a 2000 Kula frame as replacement. I had my local dealer(Denton's Fitness Center)ask about a deal on 2000 dually frames as well, a move that has paid off huge. I also have a Specialized FSR XC Comp frame with mostly my own mix of parts that I have had just about a year's worth of ride time on. Both frames utilize a four-bar linkage system to suspend the rider, but the Kona feels so much better in every situation it is simply amazing. The FSR worked in a way that you don't really notice it, but the King Kikapu just soaks up everything in its path and with very little pogo. The Kona handles tight singletrack better than the Specialized, which is really saying something, feels much more stable, and is built to handle 5 foot drops but light enough to throw into the occasional race as well. The 3.5 inches of travel feels much more plush than the 3 inches my FSR provides. The bike just loves to be riden fast and bunnyhopped over log obstacles, or any obstacle for that matter! I feel one of the best all around fun-ride bikes. Kona as a company is second to none, if nothing else because they answer their phones with people and do what they can to keep their customers and keep them happy!
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Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: October 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
North Shore, BC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
A fully suspended bike that climbs like no other. The frame geometry makes you a better climber. Everything always feels solid...Grab another gear and go!
Weaknesses:
Doesn't like concrete. Freeriding is hard due to abrasions.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale HT, Giant HT, Rocky Instinct
Bike Setup:
XT cranks, shifters, drls, Fox RC/lockout, White Bros AT<3, Hayes discs, Hugi hubs on 517s, Syncros, Koski...
Bottom Line:
Can't beat the deal I got on it. The frame is tight after many tough descents: North Shore and other stunted West Coast trails. Climbs better than my old hardtail and descends like a dream. Dropped 4'-5' without even thinking twice. I know, get a freeride. Someday! I am confident this will do it and beat you back up the trail. Did I mention under 26 lbs!!!! Feels even lighter on the way uphill, technical or not. Really a great dually teaching tool that will move into competition.
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Submitted by
Keith Suppe
a Racer
from Newport, Rhode Island. USA Date Reviewed: September 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Toby, Sunderland MA (UMASS/Happy valley)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
From Kona - Island Sports, Newport.
Strengths:
How exciting ! You are about to take a journey into the soul of an ex-cross country racer. So far have only ridden on road. Strengths: Varialble rate suspension, limited bob, lockout superb. Light, clean welds, interesting geometry. Initial test phase still in progress. Keep posted !
Weaknesses:
Colors!!!! I don't really like the pansy red, or the Garanimals green glow in the dark. Will the frame snap ? Weight ? Not a problem if this frame is indestructable, but 2001 is what inspired me to buy 2000, couldn't wait.
Similar Products Used:
Trek5900 (first FS all acrbon on the market) Cannondale SuperV3000, Proflex956, Mountain Cycle SanAndreas. HT's Litespeed Obed w/Interlock TL5, Magura hydraulics,ESP9.0, Thermoplastic bars/ends, Race Face, Nuke Proof, Etc. Trek 9900(all carbon) White BroSC70UL, Paul's Brakeset w/levers, Cane Creek Crono's, Race Face, ESP9.0, carbon bars/ends. Scwinn Homegrown Carbon sweetspot,Hayes, White BrosUD150, etc. Even a Raliegh M-something w/carbon wrapped down tube,and a MAG21 wow!
Bike Setup:
King Kikapu 2000 Fox VanillaRC w/lockout. Mavic Crosslink Disc,XT disc's,Easton Carbon post,bars, Magnesium Stem. LP Braids, Race Face Taper Ti, Next LP's, Kore GASS, Kore skewers, ESP shifters, FR derailer, XT rear derailer, Marzocci Z3 Flylight 100, What else is there ?
Bottom Line:
So far our little journey has just begun. To date there has only been limited road rides, and a few bumps around Salve Regina Babe School. I am providing a detailed review of all the components which have recently been acquired. So stay tuned, in a few weeks we head into the mountains for what has to be one of the absolute best unknown rides on the East Coast!!! Mt. Toby 1300ft fire road up, and the sickest most varied mutiple singletracks down! Best part, the view from the abandoned fire tower on the summit. Three states, some times Boston ! And the most beautiful family of Hawks you ever saw 8ft wingspan and they glide 20ft away. Lest we not forget why we started, spirituality which was once found in the insanity of cocaine, now acquired in reality, and natures abundant peaks. You can't ride the ones at Salve, so to speak, but their just as beautiful (almost depending to whom their attached.) Stay tuned for more MTB action, and detailed review of said products; XT disc brakes, Mavic Crosslinks, Easton cockpit, Race Face Next, and Salve Regina's potential for love on Aquidneck island.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilmington, DE Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Fat Dog Pro Bike Shop
Strengths:
Aside from the brakes, the part's spec is great. IRC post and stem are bomber. The frame and linkage are top notch.
Weaknesses:
Formula MD-1 Disk Brakes
Similar Products Used:
Klein, Specialized, Trek
Bike Setup:
XTR 8spd shifters, Middleburn Crank, Velociraptor on the rear and Michelin on the front, everything else stock
Bottom Line:
This is the second Kona I own the first being a '94 Kileaua. The Kona gang is great to deal with and their customer service is among the best. Their parts spec is refreshing, and their creativity is great (glow in the dark decals.) This is truly a great XC ride for epic adventures. Works great on DH too. Thanks Kona, you guys/gals rock!
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Submitted by
J C
a Weekend Warrior
from VanCity Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything Fun!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Linkage is nice. The geomery is nice. Fox FLoat RC shock is nice. Having full ball bearings is also nice. And it glows in the dark (ohh yah!)
Weaknesses:
none so far!
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Instinct, Kona Stinky Five, Specialized Enduro Comp
Bike Setup:
2000 King Kikapu Frame with Z2 Atom 80's, Hayes Hydraulic Disc (front and rear), upgraded everything to XT/XTR, and Race Face stem seatpost and cranks
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome so far. I have only had it for about a month and i am very happy with this purchace. Nice, strong frame with 4 bar linkage and an RC shock. Really plush for 3.5inch travel. Nice geometry, welds, and paint. It feels lighter than it really is on the trail and the suspension is awesome at soaking at any type of bumps. You must upgrade to Hayes or some sort of hydraulic! It just makes an awesome bike a lot better! If you are looking for an all purpose bike that can be used anywhere look no further! It looks awesome....and it glows in the dark! i give it 5 in everything
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hugh LePage
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Que. Canada Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Laurentians
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Geometry, Fox Float Rc, SID XC, ride quality & four bar link durability
Weaknesses:
Stock brakes, LX B.B. / cog
Similar Products Used:
'99 Mokomoko, '99 4-banger
Bike Setup:
Hayes hyd. brakes, XT B.B. / cog, Panaracer Firepro 2.1 tires, Time ATAC & Fizik saddle
Bottom Line:
This bike is is the perfect balance between a XC dual and a free ride bike. Perfect for technical riding, single track downhilling & medium dropoffs. I would be afraid of long term durability on most other XC duals out there and was not willing to go to a full free ride due to climbing my own hills. Basically a do it all kind of ride if you are not one to push the envelope out of bounds as 3" travel can have it's limitations however well used or set-up. Great for seated climbing, front end maybe a little lighter than am used to but has it's benefits for last second lifting out of or over obstacles at speed. The Hayes upgrade was well worth it and adds to the already stable handeling. Mountain biking is again fun.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Cardiff, Wales Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light,(for a full sus you can use all the time), decent(ish) spec but mine is a custom bulid anyway!
Weaknesses:
Price looks high compared with others - until you ride it!
Similar Products Used:
1999 Mokomoko - frame broke hence replacement 2000 KK frame, thank you Kona!
This bike does it all! It climbs and descends well, doesn't weigh too much and lookks great as well. Why the mags seem to favour other full sus I don't know.Full marks to Kona for their after sales-replacing my 99 Mokomoko frame with a 2000 KK frame guarantees my next bike will be another Kona. Anyone looking for a bike that'll do most things well should buy one!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hugh LePage
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, Que. Canada Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Laurentians
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Solid feel, lock-out shock, poinsetta colour, reasonable weight for such a robust design, quick lively handeling geometry, good climber, & confidence inspriring ride.
Weaknesses:
High price, low spec on B.B. , cog , original cable operated discs, & odd grips.
Hayes hyd., Panaracer XC Fire Pro 2.1 , XT B.B and cog , Time carbon pedals & Fizik saddle
Bottom Line:
Finally rode single track for first time on April 30th, more fum than doing my basement loop. The lockout feature is more useful that I would have expected. Basically stop , unweight bike for full extension, flip lever and swear you were on a hard tail just by feel and sound of frame. Flip lever again for fun and you immediately feel loss of acceleration, however this is only noticable getting to trailheads via paved surfaces and bikepaths. Off road the exact opposite happens, bike comes alive with suspension activated but feels awful with lockout on. The rider departement feels compact for an 18" but you get used to it fast. The small size feel and sloping top tube make for a quick steering bike great in sigle track, all this while maintaining good descending regardless. I also find that the bike tracks real smooth and that for a XC 3" of travel the ride is quite plush and travel well used. The SID forks seem OK but I may have been running them a tad soft at 65 PSI. ( rider weight 180 ) The hayes brake upgrade is as predicted : 'great' . Will post later in summer for a more enthusiastic review as I am burned out from all the overtime required to pay off this puppy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Salmon Arm, BC Canada eh! Date Reviewed: March 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great geometry. Excellent suspension. Good spec other than brakes and bottom bracket.
Weaknesses:
Spec with Cable Disc brakes. Should come with a better bottom bracket for the money.
My local shop switched to Hayes hydraulic disc at no extra cost (Thanks Green M.). Switched peddles to Time ATAC. Seat to Koobi Au.
Bottom Line:
After months of research I couldn't pass this bike up. You know you got a good deal when other local bike shops accuse the one you bought from of "giving there stuff away". The list on this bike combined with the original spec made me initialy disinterested. However I got a great deal and an awesome bike.
This bike climbs soooo well, I don't know when I will use the the lock out on the Fox Vanilla RC. Suspension is as good as I have tried, including Giant's NRS. The ride down hill and cross country is inspiring and builds one's confidence (Very Fast).
Buy this bike if your thinking about full suspension XC and you can switch to hydraulic brakes for less money than the original MSRP. I wouldn't have bought it with out the changes above.
I got great value, due to the shop I dealt with. Only 4 chilis for value due to the MSRP and original spec.
Happy trails!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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