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Submitted by
2lazy2pedal
a Weekend Warrior
from cabramatta west NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Narrow Neck Katoomba | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | from a friend | | Strengths: | rigidness smooth handling on technicle downhill rides | | Weaknesses: | the derailers shift quick up slow to come down frame cracked in rear drop bike needs constant striping down and re greasing after every 4 rides other wise it sqweeks | | Similar Products Used: | nun | | Bike Setup: | all original except goose neck ,handlebars,grips,saddle,and tyres | | Bottom Line: | Cant complain for my first proper dual mtb considering the bike had done many miles when I got it, the middle suspension spring was too soft for my weight so I got three made up and found the right one, the middle chain ring was worn so I filed it and switch it around ,I metal bonded the rear crack in the frame , the brakes work well if you buy up market pads and adjust it so feels like a hair trigger (it also helps if you can tru your own wheels straight)and I put on a adjustable goose neck for my height | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stu
a Weekend Warrior
from Cashville, TN
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr forums | | Strengths: | Great bike, sturdy. Never under any circumstances get the feeling that any part of it could break. I'd suggest buying the frame and building it up yourself. | | Weaknesses: | Kind of heavy, but it's a mountain bike and I am kind of a weight weenie since I got my road bike. That being said, I've never had a problem getting up a hill. | | Similar Products Used: | couple specialized hardrocks | | Bike Setup: | mix and match, xtr derailers, deore brake levers, chris king headset, marzochi bomber, tubeless mavics, blah blah blah | | Bottom Line: | Good bike that I'm sure can be picked up cheap. Would give it a better value rating, but the setup new could have been better. As a frame alone it's great. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Kanchana
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | castlewood, chubb in MO, Aiea in Honolulu | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | the touring cyclist | | Strengths: | The frame is strong and reliable. Its rear shock is very plush. This is my first FS frame and I like it. It helps me control the bike better in difficult terrain. I stay in the saddle longer. Going downhill is smooth. | | Weaknesses: | This frame is rather heavy. It is not too bad when you ride on rolling terrain. But there is a trail here in Hawaii that really offers a longggggggggg steep climb to the top of the mountain. It is really hard to keep the bike from bobbing if you stand and push the pedals really hard. It starts to bounce me here and there. Its front fork is cheap and rubbish. Swap it out !!! | | Similar Products Used: | None yet. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou black comp fork, XT components, WTB saddle | | Bottom Line: | Bang for the bucks, except the front fork | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cain
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha NE
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lewis and Clark | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | bought only the frame | | Strengths: | very strong frame very light i love it | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | a 24 inch gary fisher | | Bike Setup: | bomber EXR, Fox float R, Shimano Deore | | Bottom Line: | Very good frame. Very light and durable. Its a good frame for an afordable price. Great for cross country. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexi Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Poison Spider Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | From Friend | | Strengths: | Very strong frame due to top tube angle, very agile and strong. This bike can take a beating! Unless your a dumb ass that flies off a cliff from sliping on leaves, and wonders why it broke! It climbes ok and goes exceptionaly downhill. Rides smooth and keeps in control. | | Weaknesses: | Overall the only weakneses are from the components. There are some things you should upgrade: Judy TT's, handlebars, rear shock, and if you are a freak that rides this bike for the first time, on a trail you've never been on, with no skill AT ALL and has the weakness of sliping on leaves... Upgrade the treds because they dont hold very well. As everyone else says, the front end is very light which rides up on you a bit, to fix this grace yourself with a beafy, ton travel fork, then dont wory about weight because its evening it out | | Bike Setup: | What I got when I bought, with the exceptions shown above which I upgraded gradually. | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike. It is perfect for someone who wants a good balance of cross country riding and experimental riding. The frame is stroge unless you fly off a cliff (i wonder why that would be...) Dont listen to anyone who says that the Kona people are evil because they are awsome. You may have some difficulty upgrading components but not everything is built to fit everything else Duh!! The Bottom Line is that this is a very reliable bike, it takes the beating for you, and goes where you want it to go, well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, VA (DC)
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Wheel Bikes**Avoid at all costs** | | Strengths: | Competitive price, beefy rear suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Seat has to go immediately!! Has some wiggle in the front end. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for seat, and got rid of the clip pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Pretty good bike for the money. Good starting point with a full suspension. Front shocks will be replaced next season for sure. They are fine for cushion and travel, but has lot of side-to-side wiggle which makes the whole bike seem loose. Rear suspension uses a hefty hinge/pivot system to facilitae the vertical rear shock which helps keep the rear end in a straght line. Rear shock could use a lock out, but it's low positioning may make it impossible to use on a trail. The SGK saddle it came with has to be the most uncomfortable ever built. A few more upgrades in due time should make it a great bike. I've had a blast with it so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, CO USA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Horse Gulch Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$820.00 | | Purchased At: | Durango Mountain Bike Camp | | Strengths: | For the most part it's shifts smoothly (except the front won't all the time), the rear shock is great and performs good. This bike is made out of Alluminum and is somewhat light. | | Weaknesses: | The front gears have given me problems when shifting and the Fork isn't as good as I'd like it to be. Some of the componets are not Top of the line, but they do the job for me. It's also a tad on the heavy side which may slow some people down. | | Similar Products Used: | Beofre This bike I had a 2000 GT Saddleback | | Bike Setup: | I didn't have to set up the bike because I bought it used from Durango Mountain Bike Camp. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It' looks cool and works great. I got this bike for $820 used only about 6 or 7 times so you could find one pretty cheap. A new one is only around $1,200. So if you want a awsome performing bike and lives up with the Kona additude then this bike is yours! If you want to get this bike you proboly should be somewhat serious with Mountain Biking (such as riding on singletracks, and trails because you shouldn't pay that much money if you won't use it aggresivly.) and remember you can't go rong with a Kona bike, Spread The Kona Groove!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Middleton
a Cross Country Rider
from Durham...England
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords Sunderland..UK | | Strengths: | Ride quality. Low weight (for a full susser). Tracks ground very well and allows you to pick any line through a trail without a complaint. Rear shock is plush with very little bob when climbing. Frame geometry is spot on ( mines a 17") and is very flickable in tight spots. | | Weaknesses: | The forks are terrible.....Sold mine first day i bought bike and fitted some RockShox Psylo XC 2002 forks instead.
Gear shifters are Deore...very plasticky and front shifter has a weird habit of not doing anything when changing from the middle to big ring, it's as if it has lost all cable tension and you have to push thumb lever all the way through its travel to re tension it????? very strange. | | Similar Products Used: | Loads of bikes....Cannondales, GT's, Raleigh, Saracen and Treks | | Bike Setup: | Other than the forks being changed, oh and the pedals, everything else is as it was when i bought it. Hopefully i'll be upgrading the chainset for a race face in time, but will get some use out of the evil Shimano one that came with the bike. Hope discs will also be fitted soon, probably C2's as they are awesome. I can't stand the constant grinding of the V brakes against the rims due to all my fave tracks being very muddy at the mo. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a quality bike at a good price and you need a shock at both ends then buy the Manomano as it is a quite outstanding bike. I just got rid of my Cannondale F1000 which was a very nice bike...caad 5, lefty....etc but it took away the fun from my riding. The manomano has put a huge grin back on my face and made me realise that theres more to biking than just loading your bike with expensive kit.....JUST ENJOY THE RIDE....A KONA WILL GIVE YOU THAT FEELING.....BUY ONE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max Sage
a Cross Country Rider
from missoula,MT,USA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | bike rite | | Strengths: | good overall bike with some upgrades | | Weaknesses: | judy tt
| | Similar Products Used: | Specialized and GT | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi z3 fork, bontrager seat post, bontrager crowbar handlebars, wtb velociraptor tires 2.1", Specialized s-works saddle, everthing else factory | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike and although I bent my seatpost, broke the weld around the rear suspension downtube pivot and tried to change the geometry of my previous handlebars, I have had nothing but fun with this bike. I upgraded my shocks and saddle immediatly and had a ball until I did some "hard riding" and did all the damaged to the bike over a few outings. By the way, I'm 6'4" and 210 lbs so i tend to be a little hard on equipment. After getting the new frame (which was no problem) and being assured that the weld was faulty on the first frame I have had no further problems. I replaced everything else with heavy duty stuff and it makes the bike feel even more solid than off the floor. this thing rips on the downhills and sucks up all but the biggest stuff. it is a little heavy but if you bike a lot you get used to it and might even pass a hardtail or two, but who care you'll dust them in the technical stuff. Overall this can be a very sweet bike with upgrades that fit your needs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
seth holub
a Weekend Warrior
from bellingham
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Jack's Bicycle Shop | | Strengths: | I thought the bike was a good entry level value for a fs bike | | Weaknesses: | The frame is crap! The Judy TT is no good either. Pedals. Bent both rims within a week. | | Similar Products Used: | Old Kona Hahanna | | Bike Setup: | It's gone! | | Bottom Line: | This bike sucks! Avoid Kona at all costs. I purchased this bike and rode it four times before I crashed and bent the frame(in three places. I was coming down a wet trail (hiking/biking) I had never been on before. There was a set of roots runs paralell to the trail and when I hit those I started to slip on the wet leaves. So then I braked went over about a two foot drop in the trail and was braking the whole way. The trail had a 10 inch wide log on the side marking where not to leave the trail. I hit that going maybe going 10-15 mph. Went over the handlebars. Got up was perfectly fine. Walked over to my bike and spun the front wheel to see if I had bent it. Nothing. It was fine. Then I saw the frame. Top tube bent about 5 inches back from the head tube, bottom tube bent directly down from the bend in the top tube and also bent by the rear shock stay. So I think this is a pretty weak. I'm thinking Kona will give me a new frame without a problem. However, they charge me $500 for a new one. I didn't want another manomano frame so I asked about upgrading. The bike shop said I could upgrade to a Bear frame and interchange all the parts. Wrong, they didn't tell me I needed to get dics brakes( new wheels and hubs to go with them), a new seatpost, and a new front shock. So now the bike is costing me around what I paid for it to get it back together. You may think why didn't I just say screw the bear frame and stick with the manomano frame. well this was all a progression. First they said I needed new brakes, so I go out and buy those and some new wheels and hubs. When that stuff gets here I take it to the shop and they tell me I need a new seatpost. So I go and get that. Then after I buy that they throw in the clincher. A new fork is needed because the steerer tube on my old one is 1 1/2 inch too short. So I call Kona and talk to a guy in the warranty department. Right off the bat he is annoyed about talking to a customer. Since there number isn't listed anywhere on their site and the bike shop wouldn't give it to me. I found it on 411.com. So the guy is annoyed and I explain the situation to him. He replies by saying that Kona doesn't deal with customers there dealers do. Then he tells me it isn't his fault that all the parts aren't fitting. He blames it on the dealer. He okayed the new frame, collaborated with the dealer and said the parts would fit. All in all he was a complete jerk. So here is my bottom line. KONA SUCKS. DON'T BUY THERE STUFF. THEY TREAT THEIR CUSTOMERS LIKE CRAP. As of yet my problem is not solved and this happened about two months ago. Sorry this is so long, but I think it is important. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Cartwright
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Thornliegh Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | Goes downhill like a reclining armchair with suspension. Excellent handling. Tough as a tank with a bullbar. | | Weaknesses: | For the price, None. Upgrade from the Judy XC's adds to the potential of the bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Canondale F500. Specilized dualies. | | Bike Setup: | Deore front, LX rear. Avid V's. Bomber Z1. Tioga XC 1.95. | | Bottom Line: | This bike does one thing very well, and that is to put a smile on your dial. Fun Fun Fun and Very Cool. For the price cannot be beaten. Doesn't go uphill like a hardtail but passes them all going down. Upgrading the Judy XC's to Z3's or similar would make for a great package. Tioga XC's are the best tyres I have ever ridden on. Not a XC race bike but if your after a bike that is a pleasure to ride EVERWHERE this is the bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from western Kentucky
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Feels solid
Agile
Smooth riding
Climbs great
Descends even better | | Weaknesses: | Could have a little better components off the showroom floor | | Similar Products Used: | Have rode a couple, but first FS owned | | Bike Setup: | Upgrading as my money allows... Shifters and front derailleur are next.....Currently has
XTR rear derailleur
Deore front derailleur
LX Mega9 shifters
Avid 1.9 brake levers
LX Hollowcore crankset
Manitou X-vert fork
Fox Vanilla R shock
Chris King headset
858 pedals
Rynolite wheels
LX front and XT rear disc hubs
Panaracer Pyro tires
Avid Mechanical Rear disc brakes
| | Bottom Line: | I absolutely love this bike! This is the best bike I have ridden. I am not a weight freak, so this bike is kinda heavy with the components I have on it(29 lbs.), but it rides like it's 4 pounds lighter. It feels better than my 25.?? pound Raleigh M800. It could easily be made much lighter than what I have with the right components.
Did I mention I love this bike? It climbs like a goat and descends like a rocket. I have climbed trails that I have never climbed before on my Raleigh or my old Trek 950; I always spun out. But not anymore! I don't feel ANY bob to speak of when I crank hard up steep hills or stand up and hammer. It really surprised me how little rear suspension feedback I get when I really hammer down. Much better than other FS's I have ridden.
This bike feels very solid and bombproof. I have taken some decent size dropoffs ( for me anyway ) and have never heard so much as a squeak that shouldn't be there. I built a ramp in my backyard, and go over it again, and again, and again, and nothing rattles; very well put together.
I would recommend this bike in a heartbeat to anyone, except maybe racers who need something lighter. I will be entering my first race ever in the fall, and I don't have any reservations, but I'm far from professional level!! I just can't say enough good things about this bike, the guys at Kona hit the nail on the head with this one. Oh yeah, one more thing, I love this bike!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Bender
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenixville, PA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | BIKESPORT | | Strengths: | Frame is very strong and agile (thank the top tube angle for that). Decent components for the price and the bike is very upgradeable. Everything is very ridable, no immediate upgrades necessary. | | Weaknesses: | Fork: Judy TT (You get what you pay for I suppose, will upgrade after a thorough thrashing)
Tires are kinda weak but Ill wear them out too before upgrading | | Similar Products Used: | Actually a bunch of hardtails...Went out on a limb with this FS and LOVED it. | | Bike Setup: | Straight off the showroom floor (check KONAWORLD.com for details) | | Bottom Line: | This bike RULES. I love it, not because I have to, but because i realy do love this ride. My first FS. Went a little smaller on the frame size - I am 6'0" about 200lbs and I went with a medium. The bike is extremeley nimble through downhill sections, stable in the singletrack and climbs extremeley well with little or no bob (my main concern with getting a FS).....I spent a hard earned 1300 but its ALL GOOD (since the VISA bill has ben paid). Looking for a cross country ride that can take a good beating?...Look no further mates.....Kona, you can write me a check later for endorsing your product...Happy trails | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
VID
a Cross Country Rider
from Squamish, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | made in the shade | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Tantalus, Squamish | | Strengths: | Fox Vanilla C rear suspension, seat, wheelset, frame | | Weaknesses: | R.S. Judy TT fork, Shimano pedals, Tioga tires | | Similar Products Used: | Giant nrs3, Specialized fsr, Rocky Mountain Spice, others | | Bike Setup: | new R.S. Judy XC, Front Shimano disk hub, Sun Rynolite front rim | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike, Faster than rigid going downhill and cross country, only a little slower uphill. Great fast handling.
Could be lighter by replacing crankset. A smart bike.
Good all round freeride/XC bike.
Tried, tested, and Proven on the North Shore "KONA ROCKS" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G Cromi
a Racer
from NJ
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Sourland | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Very strong frame and rear suspension !Good geometry for freeride and a little XC race ! Very easy handling ! | | Weaknesses: | Front fork is so heavy (4.5 lbs but storng :-)) Front derailler Deore and the cranks Alivio is sucks ! The wheels maybe a little too weak to me Im 190lbs ! | | Bike Setup: | As new | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a very good beginner bike ! The frame is extremely strong and the geometry very forgiving but still fast enough. The Avid brakes are so good and give you a very good braking power . The bike is climbing fairly well with small or no bob .On downhill this bike is Rocks !!! With a little diet this would be a nice XC bike. The front derailler and the crankset need to be replaced . Getting XTR this week :-) !If you get the money replace the fork ! Tioga Factory XC tires are good specially in mud !
For this money you can't get a better deal !
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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