Submitted by
Joey Kangaroo
a Cross Country Rider
from Saint Louis Date Reviewed: February 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
castlewood, chubb trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1170.00
Purchased At:
touring cyclist
Strengths:
Good rear wheel traction, plush suspension, stable geometry, fairly good wheels and good descending capability.
Weaknesses:
It is really hard to set the right saddle height. The saddle itself is bizarre. The stock fork is kinda OK, but it certainly lacks adjustability. So I changed my fork to Manitou black comp already. It is really plush and versatile. The frame does not come with a disc tab. Seatpost diameter is weird, 27.0 ????? What the hell is this? Wheels are not dic compatible. So you have to get a new front wheel to accommodate the only possible front disc brake. There is some degree of pedal bobbing, not a whole lot. It is kinda heavy uphill, but that is not really a big deal. It weighs around 28.8 lbs. with XT components, Black fork and frog pedals. It will certainly weigh more in the future because I will change from frog pedals to Time Z(wih more platform for technical downhill section.) Frog pedals themselves are OK. But I hate the cleats, they gather mud too easily. And when they do, it is damn hard to clip in.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first FS.
Bike Setup:
Mano mano with XT group, stock brakes and crank, new 2003 black comp fork.
Bottom Line:
Bang for the bucks !!! I got this brand new babe at the price of 850 bucks with stock components. I paid 250 extra for the fork. I will certainly get a better FS in the future, but now I will stick with whatever I can afford. We all have to be self-sufficient, don't we? Have a safe ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, CA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Whiting Ranch(Cactus)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Confidence inspiring rear suspension(w/ Cane Creek AD-12), PLUSH over rough trails, Component mix is not too bad, Not too much flex, tires had good traction.
Weaknesses:
SDG saddle was a killer(changed to a Trek Gel seat), a little heavy going uphill, tires wear out too fast, Judy XC fork limits the possibilities of this bike, seatpost clamp was weak & snapped,
Similar Products Used:
None, First Full Suspension Bike
Bike Setup:
Tioga XC tires, Azonic Shorty stem, Cane Creek AD-12, Manitou X-Vert Air 4", Thomson Elite 400mm seatpost, 12-34 XT cassette
Bottom Line:
The bottom line for this bike (for me) is that I have no regrets about buying it. I am 5'10" 215lb & push the limits of this bike. The guy who sold it to me said it was a 16" frame, but it turned out to be a 14" small. Although it is the wrong size for me, it is still "FUN AS HELL". Adding a 4" fork and a better rear shock unleashes the potential that the MANOMANO has. It bombs down Cactus Run without any worries and handles any type of trail thrown at it. Eventually I upgrade to another bike due to size issues, but otherwise I love this bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CODY THIBAULT
a Downhiller
from CANADA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2001
REAR SHOCK CRACKED ON EITHER SIDE,TIRES WEAR OUT,GRIPS WEAR OUT, BENT RIMS
Similar Products Used:
NONE YET
Bike Setup:
SAME AS WHAT IS ON IT AT WWW.KONAWORLD.COM
Bottom Line:
IT'S BEEN A GOOD BIKE,NOT REALLY A DOWNHILL OR FREERIDE BIKE, PRETTY MUCH JUST A CROSS COUNTRY BIKE
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Woodford
a Downhiller
from West Byfleet, Surrey, Engerland Date Reviewed: October 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Beggars Lane, North Downs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
Ridged frame, handles big bumps well, excellerates very quickly, cranks, shocks arnt bad
Weaknesses:
Tioga XC front tyre is bollocks,washes out on nealy every type of corner, little heavy, dodgy brakes
Similar Products Used:
old proflex fs,
Bike Setup:
changed stem to shorter world force(reach on stock to long) full bounce on shocks
Bottom Line:
used to ride a ridged bike then got this and was totaly amased, this bike flys down steps, takes rough downhills well, and soaks up those hard landing very well, judy xc doesnt always seem to work that well on various set ups might well change to a different shock, but this bike will deffinately go anywhere and come back. Well impressed. If you love riding all kinds of trails all day this is the one for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deth M'Sheen
a Cross Country Rider
from Atl Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bear Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Tough as nails
Weaknesses:
Kinda Heavy
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Rocket 88 Cannondale Lefty
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I feel totally confident going up or down. It handles well, and soak up bumps without any noticable bob. I've crashed numerous times (mainly because I'm a begginer) and to my great surprise, it hasn't damaged anything but my body. This is one tough bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Downhiller
from Seattle, Washington Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
snoqualmie
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
pretty good components (for the price).
Weaknesses:
horibble brakes
Similar Products Used:
specialiezed FSR
Bike Setup:
stock, except for disk brake and fat tires
Bottom Line:
good upgradable bike. Frame seems a little weak though, only time will tell how long it lasts
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nils
a Cross Country Rider
from Gothenburg, Sweden Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Änggårdsbergen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Bike
Strengths:
Nice frame with a nice set of equipment. The judy works well. The fox-damper could be a little bit more plush. The bike works well on both climbs and downhills, but it has a tendency to get a little bit nervous on fast descents.
Weaknesses:
Weak chainrings, to much flex in the frame (but I am a 280 pound rider). Weak brakes, should come with the same ones as the stinky. The seatpost is too weak and the saddle's bushings have a tendency to squeak, which can be mildly irritating if you have a long way to the nearest bottle of bikelube.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky, Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a really good bike for people who can't decide if they are all-out XC rider or if they like to freeride. The bike is too heavy too be a racing bike. But the people buying the bike are probably the ones who want a bike that works for climbs, XC and some light downhilling. Overall I think Kona has managed to make a really good all-around bike. This is a bike for those riders who want to do it all but want to stay from XC or freeriding extremes. Kona will push this concept next year, but I think this is one step in the right direction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew mclennan
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney nsw Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything without too much uphill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
bike addiction
Strengths:
bouncy and takes everything that you throw at it...
Weaknesses:
fairly heavy and slow corners
Bike Setup:
good rear sus system
Bottom Line:
having been riding a rigid wor ages this bike was very nice and easy to jump. it let me do things i never thought possible. i now spend my time looking for drop-offs, staircases and jumps that i can challenge myself with. it managed to clear seven steps in without any worries, that i know of. it is harder to bunny hop because of its weight but it goes fast and you can go high enough to clear most obstacles(gutters mainly). i upgraded the back tyre to a kujo which is nice and tough and keeps my back wheel stuck down. it just loves technical dh type riding, but dosn't handle fast corners too well (or maybee thats just me). oh well all i can say is that this bike will advance your skills and push you to the limmits of your riding capabilities.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buddy, The Rainbow Warrior
a Cross Country Rider
from Suffield,CT Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Province Town Bike
Strengths:
Great colorr. Drop bars look great.
Weaknesses:
Frame design. Fox Shock.
Similar Products Used:
Awesome Specialized FSR.
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
My experience has been that the bike is FABULOUS on the road but not that great in the dirt. First, the chainstays cracked on both sides in identical spots. Kona made me pay shipping of the part and labor to install. Treated me like i was their b**ch! Then the shock compressed and would not extend. Fox will more than likely treat me likewise. I would buy a Specialized if I had it to do all over again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J-Roc
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Tahoe,CA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mr.Toad's Wild Ride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Sports Ltd.
Strengths:
Heavy duty frame.Respectable weight.Every thing works smooth as silk.
Weaknesses:
Kona brand components are really strong but a little on the heavy side.Rock Shox Judy has nice travel but weighs a ton. Avid low-end brakes suck!Levers rattle and click.Brakes have excessive right from the start.
Bike Setup:
Changed to ShimanoXT V brakes.And switched Judy to a Mars 1 w/ no bob.
Bottom Line:
Ecellent bike for the $.Good solid bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob vance
a Weekend Warrior
from portmoody Date Reviewed: October 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
b&a
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
cove bikeshop
Strengths:
glows in the dark!! full suspension can be made into a lite freeride
Weaknesses:
the cranks have bad chain suck. other than that small problemn its perfect
Similar Products Used:
klien mantra
Bike Setup:
stock x-cept bomber z3qr20's with rynolite rim w/qr20 hub
Bottom Line:
awsome bike. i got is fully upgraded with a new fork for 1900$ cdn.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: September 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Whale Loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Spokesman
Strengths:
Nice paint, which will be sacrificed on the trails. Smooth ride on trails and enough suspension to get over most roots and ruts.
Weaknesses:
Heavy front end.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale with a lefty, Trek
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike that will inspire you to ride. So what if your hardbodied friends riding 19lb hard tails call you yuppie scum. This bike gets you out there. The Frame is GREAT and if you ever feel like you might have outgrown the bike, swap out the shocks for for a lighter kit and you have a MONSTER bike that will keep you challenged for a few more years. This bike can do some technical stuff and some light downhill. If you want to bomb down the mountain and expect to win a competative race, spend another fifteen hundred on the Kona Stinky Delux.
This is a bike for those of you who want to RIDE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Comox, BC Canada Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Barney's Biway
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The Frame, the cranks
Weaknesses:
the suspension is kinda weak. and the chainrings are weak. the tires are falling apart. heavy front end
Similar Products Used:
trek vrx 200, kona moko moko, gt 4000, 3000, and Rocky Mountain Spice
Bike Setup:
Upgraded shock to marazocchi Z-5 flylight air. upgraded breaks and (soon to upgrade tires)
Bottom Line:
this is a good first full suspension bike. it is a little heavy for cross country but rips it up good. it is a little hard to catwalk so i cant to too big of drops. i am very happy because it hasnt broke yet. the fox vanilla bounces a little on the road but takes up everything on the trail. could use better tires if you want to stay alive on steep faces. if you are looking for a downhill bike dont get this. if you are looking for a cross country bike, dont get this. if you are looking for a do all bike that will get you through the trails and back home again. get this bike. 4 flamin piles of crap for overall because of the weeknesses.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Sambrano
a Cross Country Rider
from Colo. Springs, CO Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
St. Mary's Falls
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great suspension! Super strong frame. Good components, and handles great. I've launched from 3-4 feet with no problem. Plush riding!
Judy XC front fork(adjustalbe travel),4-arm rear suspension with 3.5" travel.
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks ass! I'm addicted to riding it! It would be a great bike for racing, as it is a very fast bike. I love how riged the bike handles as it seems to handle all that I give it. It gives me confidence to ride practically the roughest trails. This bike would be great for novice riders, to learn how to become a great rider. Don't get me wrong, this bike is also good for advanced riders. It goes fast and handles technical areas real good. I think it climbs great with the 27 gears that it has. Definitly, fun riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christine
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Very flexy rear shock. I weigh about 95 pounds and this shock worked great. Strong frame with a comfortable seat. Handles well on the trail.
Weaknesses:
I'm not used to such a stiff frame (I have a Gary Fisher now) The front shock was also a little stiff to me (although that's probably because of my weight) This bike is HEAVY.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Hookooeku (hard tail) Gary Fisher Sugar 2(test rode)
Bike Setup:
Stock items
Bottom Line:
I would seriously consider this bike when upgrading from my Hooey. Although it's a little heavy, it's a good bike for the money. I love full suspension and the back shock is comfy although it doesn't make you bounce all over the place. It's good for cross country because you don't feel like you are losing anything while huffing up hill. The bike has all Shimano XTR components.
I enjoyed riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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