Submitted by
PeTe
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Steel is Real, shocks, old Marz Z4 alloy is real good
Weaknesses:
flat bar, tires, cranks
Similar Products Used:
GT, Specialized, Trek
Bike Setup:
8-speed conversion, LX all around, only thing original is the shock
Bottom Line:
Great frame, steel is the way to go no matter what type of riding you are doing. The frame has be able to withstand hardcore biffs such as crashing of off 2 sets of stairs while hopping (totally my fault) and multiple other bad accidents.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
$850
Strengths:
Frame shocks components
Weaknesses:
Rims Tires
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike for three years, and it's a great bike. It was my first real quality mountain bike. Since I didn't really have much experience I thought it was the ultimate steel bike and fairly light too. Since then however, I got an 853 steel Explosif. Now the Caldera feels pretty sluggish to me and I oly use it for a spin around the neighborhood streets. Funny thing is, the Explosif isn't exactly a lightweight. I'm wondering if I tried a lighter bike would I want to ditch the Explosif. I doubt it, I don't think I could handle the jarring aluminum ride. I'll still give the Caldera five stars cause not everyone can afford 853 steel. But if you can, go for it. After 853, cro-moly is just too heavy. I used to laugh at weight weenies, but no more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Espersen
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston TX Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Memorial
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Planetary Cycles
Strengths:
steal frame, bomber fork, shimano components! all great but the real strength is in the frame, its so quick and agile, great climber, incredible in the turns.
Weaknesses:
tires and wheels, i beat mine up some, but its mt biking! what did you expect?
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
incredible buy, kona rules! fast up and down hill.. great in the corners.. all around super bike. any bike can have problems if you dont clean and maintain it. I ride it stock and pass the treks and cannondales all the time.. no need to upgrade, unless you like spending $. its scary how fast the trees go by.. awesome bike!!! and now a hard frame set to find.. its a keeper!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
christopher long
a Cross Country Rider
from canada Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bike toss II
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
freewheel cycle
Strengths:
loved the fit, the components I loved everything about this bike except maybe the lack of beefiness
Weaknesses:
small tube look to it. also I had a few problems with the LX cranks
Bottom Line:
A really good bike for the price. I haven't had any complaints except that once I started getting into bigger stuff I worried that the bike was out of its league
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trevor Beeson
a Weekend Warrior
from Valemount, B.C, Canada Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$666.00
Purchased At:
Freewheel cycle Jasper
Strengths:
The frame is strong,great brakes, plush suspension good drive chain. Price
Weaknesses:
Heavy short travel forks, weakrims, flat bars are no good had to change them and the grips wore out quickly seatpost broke too easily. The bike is not that light.
Similar Products Used:
oo thin air
Bike Setup:
flat pedals, rino lite rims, roox riser bars mostly stock.
Bottom Line:
Great strong bike handles very nicely great bike for people just starting made for crosscountry but still strong enough for going big.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Parker
a Weekend Warrior
from PA but I'm in CO now Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
lots
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Wild Ware
Strengths:
Component set, all the Ritchey stuff, excellent frame, on the scale it weighs in at 25lbs...same as the rockhopper(aluminum frame) steel frame, hardtail, rims are decent, the bomber is nice, brakes check, i like the straight bar :)
Weaknesses:
Tires suck, the seat could be better, like i said the rims are decent, bottom bracket is crap
Similar Products Used:
rockhopper
Bike Setup:
stock except for some onza bar ends
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike for the price. Just read a review in a mntbk. mag of the 4 best bikes under a grand...they were all aluminum frame...sorry, steel is better when it comes to riding, not racing. if you find one, buy it, upgrade it, and you've got a keeper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from ny Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
there are lots
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Klarsfield Cyclery
Strengths:
This frame is great its strong, and it handles better than any bike I've ridden. The fork was the best deal in '99, and its still better than any of the rock shox offerings under 400 bucks.
99 Caldera frame, 9.0sl system, Race Face cranks, sun rhyno light rims, other wise stock
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike, the frame is worthy of upgrading so now I have a resonably light bomb proof xc ride. if you come across a steel Kona frame buy it, and build it up. some of their bikes have strange part specs, so I recomend getting a frame and custmizing your ride. The complete bike was a steel at 900 bucks in '99, I wish things equiped this nice now and only cost 900. Buy this if you want a nindestructable frame and you might want to race, not if ypu are somebody who lives to race, then get a cannondale, they are the best race bikes around. but for real riding the caldera can;t be beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Konaboy
a Weekend Warrior
from america's heartland Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Where no man has gone before
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LSB
Strengths:
The whole f*cking thing.
Weaknesses:
Cranks and rims, but even they're decent
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
lx/xt, z4 bomber
Bottom Line:
All Kona's kick ass. Every once in a while I'll consider getting a different brand, but when I try something else I come back. The low sloping tube makes you feel in control, and even on the scariest trail you won't be damaging your "boys". The bike is awe inspiring and on down hills you feel in control. Those of you who feel you won't make it up hills with an extra pound or two may want to check your riding technique, that's the reason you're coming up short. Steel is so much nicer than aluminum,but if you want to finish your ride feeling like you just operated a jackhammer for two hours, be my guest. Strong as hell, yet feels light. Nice going Kona.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Little Neck, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Sweet steel frame LX/XT Zoke Z.4 Alloy Mavic 221 rims Avid brakes and levers Color
Weaknesses:
Tires Could use a riser I don't like stock clipless pedals Stock grips are horrible
Similar Products Used:
Specialized HardRock FS
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Club Roost riser bar, ODI Lock-Jaw Ruffian grips and Avid Arch Rival 5.0 brakes with 2.0 levers
Bottom Line:
I love my bike. The ride is great, and the bike is quite. It has nice handling, and is worth upgrades (bar, cranks, tires and shock). The weight isn't a problem uphill, and the fork does well in the rough stuff. All around, this is a great bike, and worth the money ($800-$900).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nigel
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
whistler & the shore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
everthing is good. its a kona! great deal for price i love the feel of the steel frame
Weaknesses:
ok not everthing is good, the rims are ok for light xc but not strong enough to take anything too big. the straight bar sucked, it's long gone.
Similar Products Used:
cinder cone, roast, some norco alum. p o s
Bike Setup:
stock with riser bar
Bottom Line:
this is a really nice bike its a nice package for the price i'm gonna upgrade a bit and put on a whole bunch of race face stuff and some beefy rims but i've riden it stock since i got it and nothing serious has gone wrong. i really like the fact that its steel, i trust it a lot more than some aluminum piece of crap. i mean i can do stuff on this that i wouldn't do on aluminum. doing urban trials i can huck madd drops that my friends do with their big full suspensions. it sucks that kona made the 2k model aluminum.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DAVE
a
from LONDON ONT CANADA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
IT'S A KONA MAN WHAT CAN I SAY?
Weaknesses:
STXRC CRANKS KONA TIRES CRAPPY GRIPS STEM NO RISER BAR
Bike Setup:
2000 MARZOCCHI Z1 CR RACE FACE TURBINE CRANKS AZONIC BAR & STEM NOKIAN TIRES
Bottom Line:
GREAT BIKE FOR THE PRICE BUT SOME OTHER PARTS ARE NEEDED NOW iM GETTIN A STINKY DEE-LUX
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clint
a Weekend Warrior
from richmond ky Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great frame and a lot of good components. Fair price.
Weaknesses:
Tires are pathetic, rims not that great either.
Bike Setup:
Right out of the box
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike with a lot of great components, but some components suffered to keep it under a thousand. Still a great bike for the money. I recommend it to anyone wanting a quality bike. The only thing I would change is the tires, rims, and bottom bracet. Other than this a perfect bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TIm Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Halifax Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Wrandees
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
fame, shimano drive train, the saddle rocks!
Weaknesses:
crankset, wheelset, SEATPOST!( it WILL bend, tires
Similar Products Used:
univega, rockey mountain, specialized
Bike Setup:
stock frame,marzocchi Z.2 Atom bomb, race fce turbine lp crank, bontranger race light rims, bontranger crow bar, race face post, michilen wildgripper sprints, raceface stem,
Bottom Line:
out of the box this bike really impressed me......even more once i started swapping some of the stock components for some beefer ones. i raced this last year stock and it really impressed me. with the atom bomb and a raceface crank, this baby handles everything you want to throw at it. the frame is very stiff and responsive yet felxable ebough to eat some big bumps. would reccomend this to anybody looking for nice priced bike......but the 2000 model doesnt look as impressive...... need a 1999
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jean-Michel
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlesbourg,Québec Date Reviewed: January 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lac Beauport
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
good quality components for the price. very good fork (bomber z4). shifting is perfect for a 9-speed derailleur. good overall quality.
Weaknesses:
kona "break" and "enter" tires, as the company calls them, are very weak. nothing to say about the bike except the tires.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
i'm very satisfied. kona seems to make very good quality bikes for an affordable price. i had a mid-season discount but it is worth the full price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nw
a Cross Country Rider
from midwest Date Reviewed: January 13, 2000
great riding bike, love the steel feel, rode the factory tires once and got rid of them. geometry is excellent and of course the bomber is super, although weighing in at 4 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Agge
a Cross-Country Rider
from Gavle Date Reviewed: December 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Frame, fork, the spec.
Weaknesses:
The tires sucks, changed to Python Gold. My crashed after 3 months. Changed to a Bontrager RaceLite. I did not like the pedals, changed to 747's
Similar Products Used:
GT Karakoram
Bottom Line:
A great bike with plenty of respons. Marzocci never makes you disapointed. But the tires, who made them? Some condom manufactor?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Hawes
a Racer
from Dartmouth Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
freetown
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
everything! frame, components, everything! Great work Kona.
Weaknesses:
if u r seirius about racing upgrade the fork and crankset
Similar Products Used:
Haro Excape, cannindale super V 7oo, Kona kula
Bike Setup:
Kona CALDERA baby!
Bottom Line:
this bike is great! i race so i got a Z2 bam and Race face cranks to knock off some weight and kick in on performance. Great bike, Kona does it again!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WHO CARES
a Weekend Warrior
from NORTH SHORE Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
CIRCUS
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
STRONG FRAME GOOD FORK FORE CC RIDIN BUT I UPGRADED CAUSE I NEEDED MO TRAV. GREAT COMPONENTS LX/XT
Weaknesses:
CRAPPY TIRES
Bottom Line:
GOOD BIKE FOR CROSS COUNTRY EASILY UPGRADEABLE TO A SHORE BIKE.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vinko Miketek
a Cross-Country Rider
from Split (Croatia) Europe Date Reviewed: September 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
every thing
Weaknesses:
tires
Bike Setup:
cross country marzocchi bomber Z4
Bottom Line:
Great bike, light but durable. You can free ride (ofcourse not too hard) Nothing else to say, only change tires and ride! Best bike i ever ride!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thriller
a Weekend Warrior
from ny Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
number 6 @ killington
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
bombers rule!!! they are so plush!!! xt/lx takes abuse and comes back strong every time. kick ass color. avisd 25s
Weaknesses:
stxrc cranks and rear hub aren't as pretty as lx (or as well made) what the hell is the front hub?
Similar Products Used:
trek 850 c-dale f600
Bike Setup:
lx/ xt, bomber z-4
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks. i was gonna buy a trek 7000 but i'm heavy and aluminum folds to easily. the bomber destroys every other fork in this price range. rock shox = WANG! some people think it's a little heavy but it rides real real nice and is indestructable. if your looking for a ride thats under a grand this bike can't be beat.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DB
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Date Reviewed: June 29, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
lx/xt geometry kona quality z4s
Weaknesses:
cranks tires
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Trek Specialized.
Bottom Line:
Quick, solid, plush. What are you waiting for. All Konas kick ass! Just change the tires and maybe the crank.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MrLau
a Cross-Country Rider
from Gatineau Date Reviewed: June 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
XT, LX components, Z4, Nice Frame, Avid Brakes
Weaknesses:
Unknown front hub, heavy suspension
Similar Products Used:
Oryx 1000
Bike Setup:
Hardtail, Z4 Marzocchi
Bottom Line:
Very agile, the top tube is a bit long for me, check that if your looking at a Kona.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from B.C. CANADA Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
SAWBLADE,BURKE MOUNTAIN, B.C., CANADA
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
FORKS COMPONENTS ALMOST ALL LX OR XT
Weaknesses:
CRAPY COLOUR NEEDS BETTER CRANK NEEDS A BETTER REAR HUB STX-RC IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THIS BIKE
Similar Products Used:
TREK 8000,GARY FISHER PARAGON(BOTH 98 BIKES)
Bottom Line:
THIS IS AN AWSOME NORTH SHORE @$$ KICKING BIKE.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
arie
a Cross-Country Rider
from konaworld Date Reviewed: May 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
palmer park, colo spr.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
frame components ride quality
Weaknesses:
not enough time to ride
Similar Products Used:
schwinn moab aluminum
Bike Setup:
lx/xt zoke z.4 avid 2.0
Bottom Line:
this bike really shows its stuff on the singletrack, awesome ride ----- the frame has just enough give. nice work kona!! five burnin shlongs...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame geometry lx/xt brakes shocks handling
Weaknesses:
Blue shocks with orange frame makes my bike look like a Howard Johnsons.A couple of pounds heavier than many bikes.
Bottom Line:
After years of riding steel bikes I was prepared to buy an aluminum bike - specifically the great Trek 7000. After trying it, the weight difference wasn't as dramatic as I thought it might be. I guess I just like the smoothness of a steel ride. Maybe I'll get aluminum next time.When I first saw the Caldera I was concerned about the weight of Marzocchis and steel. After test driving it though I was sold. The ride is pretty smooth on hard surfaces, but really shines on dirt, whether it be up, down, or straight ahead. The Z4's and frame suck up all hits without losing any performance. Oddly enough, the front weight seems to work to my advatage most of the time, as the bike often feels like it's pulling me forward.I just like Konas I guess. If you do and live in the Chicago area, stop by Wheels of Northbrook and ask for Jerry. Good prices and no heavy sales pressure.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Snuz
a Weekend Warrior
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Handling. Durability. Marzocchis. Looks.
Weaknesses:
Ritchey pedals. Weaklings may cry about the weight.
Bottom Line:
Fun bike. Surprisingly nimble considering steel frame and Marzocchis. Handles great. Marzocchis give nice plush ride. Bulletproof. Cool color-Kona orange. My only suggestion would be lose the Ritcheys and replace with Time ATACs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bongkitty
a cross-country rider
from KONAWORLD Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks!! I love the ride of steel, STEEL IS REAL-- handles precisely, great setup with LX/XT and bomber Z-4 up front, i roll with wildgrippers and hills are no problem thanks to the awesome KONA geometry. Kona bikes rule, Marzocchi suspension is the best-----Great bike -- five dildos on fire ;)-~
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lory
a cross-country rider
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: February 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
OKAY! ridden it a few time now, and my wife has too. It's real agile and light feeling, but not too flexy. I ride aluminum myself, and feel flex alot thi sbike diod flex, but it was a comfortable kind of titanium flex. Real nice. I'll make my wife write a review as soon as I can get her to understand how the internet works!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lane
a cross-country rider
from Sask,Canada Date Reviewed: January 28, 1999
Bottom Line:
Unfortunately, I don't have this bike. But, I do know that it is very close to the Muni-Mula, (except for the frame)for a few hudred less. As far as I know, it is a good bike
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lory III
a cross-country rider
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: January 24, 1999
Bottom Line:
We'll I have just bought the bike for my wife, who will submit a better review later. we live on, and ride on Mt. Seymour, on the North Shore of Vancouver. This bike, in teilas was dream, lite and nimble, but strong enogh for my 220lbs. We'll let you know more.
Overall Rating:
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