I wanted a hardtail that would be a good alrounder. Something to take out in the winter without the hastle of cleaning a mud packed full sus frame. I bought the kona chute as I had previously ridden Kona and liked the fast steering and "chuckability" that they are known for. I have used this bike for 2 years now and have never been let down. It inspires confidence and urges you to try to cut some time off that tricky section !! It has become my favorite bike and I now have a permanent place on the wall to store my other bikes!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
xxx
a Downhiller
from TN Date Reviewed: December 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
urban
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
Kona brand is worthy
Weaknesses:
ONly a 2.1" tire will fit pretty much!! Limits the frame to be used for biker-x or urban but no DH because nobody makes a 2.1" hard-core DH tire!
Similar Products Used:
Azonic DS-1 --Norco Sasquatch
Bike Setup:
Judy3" fork--whatever parts i had laying around!
Bottom Line:
I had the frame Polished!...great frame
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ErRe
a Weekend Warrior
from sweden Date Reviewed: February 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
hangmans hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
baught it second hand and upgraded it
Strengths:
ALL!!! and it still is the best looking chute, all the newer ones look ugly compared to this!
Weaknesses:
There are no weaknesses except maybe the rear sprockets that i bent, but that has nothing to do with the bike.... only me :)
Similar Products Used:
lots of more expensive bikes....
Bike Setup:
stock chute except for a club roost riserbar and a cnc machined dh stem, and a couple of magura hs33, arch rival sucks....
Bottom Line:
It can take all the beating you give it and still get back home....... not all bikes can do that you know!!! :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim
a Cross Country Rider
from clifton nj Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
secret single track ringwood
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
amber cycle
Strengths:
everything that a bike should be and it's not a yuppi wanna be trek
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
nothing exist that can compare to it
Bike Setup:
stock with king headset and manitue x-vert
Bottom Line:
it the only bike you need xc dh bmx and urban assult all in one i abuse it and it keeps comming back
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe moe
a Racer
from new york Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
unbreakable frame
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
kona roast
Bike Setup:
5 inch rst front suspension, easton monkey lite riser bar, full lx components, avid arch rival brakes, tioga dh tires, fish bone platform pedals.
Bottom Line:
"this is the best all round bike i have ever riden. i has used it for freeriding, dh, and even tore it up in cross country races. if you are looking for a bike that can do it all and continue to surpris you check out the chute!!!"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg weber
a Cross Country Rider
from frederick md..usa Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
blue trail..frederick water shed
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
olivers cycle sport
Strengths:
strong, stable and a great technical bike..comfortable on all day rides.climbs well for a heavy bike..fast technical decender..13"bb
Weaknesses:
if you are coming from a typical xc bike it might feel a little slow on flat , smooth singletrack..the weight bias is more towards the rear wheel
Similar Products Used:
trek bruiser..specialized p3
Bike Setup:
x vert super fork, race face cranks, deore/xt drivetrain, profile stiffy stem and thomson extended insert post..(you will neeed one..i bent the other two posts.sun ryno rims laced 4 cross to deore hubs..
Bottom Line:
i built this up as my second mt bike and now spend most of my time on it..its a great ride that will do anything as long as you are able/brave enough..i came over from a race hard tail so it was a little bit of an adjustment..now i love it..it is a great all day bike!! it eats rock gardens for lunch and despite the 29lbs loves to get some air..ive been through 2 xvert super forks i will switch to a marzochi as soon as manitou stops sending me free forks!! i have had lots of bushing problems..its to bad because its a nice riding fork...the frame rocks..get one..lots of fun in the snow...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Clayton, CA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
San Fran Urban Trials
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
for the frame, 2k put into the bike
Strengths:
Bombproof, Fast, Stiff, Loves to fly, agile... come on, It's a Kona!
Weaknesses:
(I baugh the frame and built it from scratch, so I got all the sweet stuff on it, I hear the stock fork is crap, but who cares, we're talkin about bike here, not fork.
Similar Products Used:
96 Specialized Rockhopper A1FS, Ellsworth, Rockymountain, and trek.
Bike Setup:
99'Chute Frame custom painted royal blue and yellow, RaceFaces silver Turbine ckranks, magura HS-33 Quicksilvers, Rhinolyte rims on ringle hubs, 00'Marzocchi Z1 4", XTR derailers, XT rapid fire shifters, Azonic 2" riser bar, raceface stem, silver king headset, mythos XC tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike is ths shizniggityfabpopsnapper! AND THAT"S THE BOTTOM LINE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan Sklarski
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Baldy Pass
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
-Invincible frame
Weaknesses:
-stock fork was a little (well that's an understatment) cheesy -rear tire is limited to about 2.1, though I am running a 2.35, but it is slowly wearing through the seat and chain stays (due to wheel flex while riding)
Similar Products Used:
You name it I've probably given it a spin, though I've only put in a lot of time on a Rocky Mountain Hammer Race
Bike Setup:
Stock, changed to a Jt. T up front, and added a dmr chain guide, and a ring god
Bottom Line:
Well this is a follow up reveiw, I'm entering in to my third year on this bike, the bottom line is that this is a wonderful bike, once you get rid of that excuse for a fork. It has with stood every bit of abuse I can throw at it. I do almost nothing but urban assult, and although I'm not totaly "hardcore" I do very reguarly do 5 to 6 foot drops, and even bigger jumps. I do wish that the 2.35 tire I have wasn't too big for the bike, but other than that, the only complaint I have is that the bike wheighs 38 lbs as I have it set up, but I can't really complain much cause I really don't care. Ideal buyer: You want a fun bike that will outlast your sorry ass. Don't buy this: if you want to be blasting up hills, cause although it can climb anything out there, it does wheigh 38 lbs
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik Woeldern
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden, Visby Date Reviewed: January 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
hangmans hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$960.00
Purchased At:
second hand
Strengths:
All!! The first time I sat down on this bike i knew how good it was. You feel like a pro at once! Shimano mega 9 drive train. Avid sd 1,9L levers. Kona!!!!
Weaknesses:
Front fork leaks right know, so I`m going to fix it soon... I thaught arch rivals would be better, but I do not want any shimano!?!
Similar Products Used:
Lots of more expensive bikes, but none is near to this bike! Cannondale, trek Y50, Trek 7000zx, kona hahanna....
Bike Setup:
Chute 17" with club roost riser bar and a ballistic cnc machined dh stem (best I have ever seen), sigma targa computer.
Bottom Line:
Best bike their is. I use to have my bikes for around 3 months, but this one is never going to be for sale!!!! If you do not have a KONA, go buy one today!!!!, nothing beats them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: November 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
4 Point
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Mtn Bike Warehouse, San Marcos CA
Strengths:
Strong, aggressive built frame. It never lets you feel inferior to others, or thier more expensive rides. You would never think this bike was shorted in the size of it's loafers. It truly possesses a balance like no other and craves punishment like it was sheer pleasure. Loves to do it all! Nothing less. Bought this bike (a mtn bike)with blind-folds on without doing any research. A year later I find out it won the hearts of many reviewees & riders, making it a deal of a bike, a true find! (I'm glad mine was on clearance, since I found out these went fast in some places). I bought a bike that does it all and then some. I'm scared to think of the bike I would of had, given I done more research. A Stinky Dee Lux?? haha, nah (maybe??), I love my Chute!
Weaknesses:
Chain slaps frame hard, chain skipage at times of small jumps when accelerating (bad tuning of techs?) Mushy fork (I only weigh 160), rebound not as accurate as I would like. Will upgrade to a longer travel Marzocchi fork here soon. Somewhat heavy on the steep inclines. Not bad though, makes up for it in other areas!
Similar Products Used:
Tested Zaskar HT, Trek, Giant, and Santa Cruz Bullit at time of purchase. The closest thing to the Chute was the Santa Cruz, but still not good enough. I first got on the Giant and was totally disapointed in how crappy it felt to ride. I rode the Chute for about 1 minute and walked out with it in less than 20. End of story.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Will upgrade fork to a Marzocchi long travel. Chain rollers or serious adjustment making.
Bottom Line:
Sweet @ss ride. No regrets. Gets people's attention I tell ya! Go buy a new one. They have discs! =) 4 Stars Value, wish it had discs sometimes. And 5 overall!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Newton Rocky Cycle
Strengths:
the frame sweet ass geomentry looks sweet from any angle, especially if you're riding it kona did their homework on this one!
Weaknesses:
No gusset on the head/down tube. I think I'm on my own this one but I cracked my frame at the head/down tube weld.
Similar Products Used:
nothing has been invented yet often imitated never duplicated
Bike Setup:
99xlc w/ heavier springs, raceface/xt drivetrain, yada
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this: You will have the time of your life on this frame. It is the all around, do this, then that, cut the lawn after the ride and then laundry plus the dishes!! I've never ridden anything that can compare to it. It handles like its from another planet. Made me jump further and higher without clips than I though possible for myself. You got an instant testosterone bonus once you got on it. I felt frickin invincible on the thing. And is generally the funnest thing besides mountain biking itself. The one downfall as stated earlier is I managed to crack my frame at the head/down tube weld. The real bummer was I had a custom paint job of the flaming '98 Stab. It was a one of a kind, in a kind of its own. But Kona can just improve since they've adopted the Easton RAD Tubing now. Now I just have to wait for my 2001 frame. Best of all, its FREE!!I give the value of 4 becaue I cracked it and it had a custom paint job which I almost cried over and overall, is obviously a figgity five!
Totally nimble bike,super solid frame,great components overall for the price.
Weaknesses:
The Judy is a weak shock,I am a marzocchhi fanatic so I am a little biased,the tiogas suck ass the sidewall is way tooo soft.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized stumpjumper M2
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I own a stinky as well,my wife uses the chute more than I do but from my experiences on it,the bike rules it is totally the most nimble bike I think I have ever ridden.I wasn't impressed with the shocks,I would put a drop off on there,the tiogas are super soft but I am a big guy.overall the bike rules the weaknesses I have listed aren't even a real issue when ya think about the overall picture,the shock is good enough for the average person I am just picky.I use this bike when the stinky is broken down usually which is hardly ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Morgan
a Downhiller
from Basinstoke Date Reviewed: April 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ashvale
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Well, what can i say this is the ultimate in hardtails, i had an intense m1 and this is just that much more fun its razor handleing, tough construction, uts this bike in its own class!!!!
Weaknesses:
none!!!
Similar Products Used:
2000 clubroost stinger,2000 orange airo,dmr trailstar,azonic ds1 jumpin jack flash
Bike Setup:
middleburn,marzocchi,hope, xtr
Bottom Line:
best in hardtails ever and always will be!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendan
a Downhiller
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ladies only
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
the bike itself
Weaknesses:
no thanks
Similar Products Used:
zero
Bike Setup:
Primo pedals, QR-20, Mammoth Rims etc
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this bike is the be all, end all, free ride hardtail. I'd like to hear from you if you think you've found something better because it just doesn't exist. If you want the best quality and best time of your life go buy this bike and ride it. It's change your mind about free-ride hardtails and you'll never go back. Five (*****) turds for this one boys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matthew
a Downhiller
from england Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The Kona Chute is just bomb proof & is a wicki'd ride!!!
Weaknesses:
As alot of people have said the FORKS which is why I have fitted PACE RC37 MX from day 1 - Wicki'd.
Bike Setup:
Kona Chute - hope pro's - Pace rc37 mx's
Bottom Line:
EXELENT RIDE - buy one now - if you can find on that is!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendan
a Racer
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ladies only
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Durable Looks wicked flys well
Weaknesses:
Kona? weaknesses?
Similar Products Used:
nothing compares
Bike Setup:
stock, pretty much at least
Bottom Line:
This is and update from an earlier review. My bike is still kicking and taking my hardest abuse with out even trying. It rides well and flys even better. I still recomend this bike to anyone who wants a real free ride machine with out the hassle of dual suspension (and the price)and it still gets five flaming, crusty, infested, smelly turds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Nanaimo, b.c. Date Reviewed: January 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
urban assualt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Beefy strong Its a kona Everything
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
munimula kula
Bike Setup:
polished kona chute Z 3 QR 20 mammoth rims, tioga tires
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, the best hardtail i have ever rode. I just recently got my chute frame, i had cracked my munimula and kula, so it was time i got a stronger frame. I love this bike, it rides great, it looks cool, and it is beefy as hell. I would recommed this bike to anyone who needs a strong bike that will last.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendan
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: December 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Everything! This bike rips!!! Anybody who says anything bad aboot the XLC is full of shat!
Weaknesses:
nothing! This bike made me a better rider!!!
Similar Products Used:
GTs, Gary Fishers,Rocky Mountains(which also rock)
Bike Setup:
Kona Chute Judy XLC Avid Arch Rival Shimano XT Race Face
Bottom Line:
This bike is the bomb! I wouldn't trade it for any bike in the world. I love it! It is awesome for anything and everything.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Croz
a Weekend Warrior
from NY Date Reviewed: September 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
It's all good!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Raceface Cranks upright riding position Rigid frame Great geometry
Weaknesses:
The Judy XLC lacks dampening
Similar Products Used:
K2
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It is very snappy in the corners and acclerating out of them. It is very stable/predictable in the air. I can ride it faster down hills than my full suspension Diamondback V-link pro. This may be due to more travel up front. I do alot of cross country with it and it does well. It climbs the technical stuff well. It is a little sluggish on a long grind and the flats, but makes up for it in the corners, air time and crazy decents.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Downhiller
from edinburgh Date Reviewed: September 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
inerleithen duel course
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
brilliant frame
Weaknesses:
nope
Similar Products Used:
gt zaskar
Bike Setup:
bomber z1's big fat riser bars
Bottom Line:
erm i can't say how good it is without stripping naked and doing a paen dance so five big stonkin spackers
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Jackson
a Downhiller
from Stockport, England Date Reviewed: September 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Delamere Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame
Weaknesses:
None-Custom Build
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Z3 forks,Alivio Gears Mavic 222 wheels
Bottom Line:
Bloody Amazing, If I put some longer travel forks on it, it would be even better
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Caleb .R.
a Downhiller
from Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: August 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
nutsacker deathfall
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Most everything, the frame especially, I also ride trials so the frame holds up to those sick assed 10 foot drops!
Weaknesses:
-Triple clamp fork,hard to balance
Similar Products Used:
Kona cindercone Stinky Azonic DS
Bike Setup:
I have practically the same as the stock, A Z3 longtravel fork
Bottom Line:
This bike is a bully it could kick the $h!t out of any other bike out there it can do everything but suck 5 farting fire rats
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giiba
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta Date Reviewed: August 11, 1999
-Kinda heavy, but who cares? this bike is meant for dual slalom and fun
Similar Products Used:
Almost every FS design there, and various HT's.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
There is only one way to describe this bike, fun. So if you ride for the love of riding, this is the perfect bike. Five flaming dead horses.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Owen
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
1 of the strongest H/T's Period
Weaknesses:
dont have any cuz mine is custom built
Similar Products Used:
Spooky Metal head, Jumpin jack flash, Orange Ms Isle
Bike Setup:
Hope pro disks Mavic D321 rims Xt groupset Middleburn RS7 cranks AC pro chain guide full Xlite trick and last but not least Pace EVO11 forks (sinle crown 90mm travel works a treat)
Bottom Line:
This is the most bad ass H/T ive ridden to date it floats! it eats my 7ft doubles alive !!! and it cruisers round corners with out a mermer
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Donald
a Downhiller
from Hutton Rudby Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Carlton Bank downhill course
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Excellent frame and top quality components.
Weaknesses:
The forks let it down(never the right setting)
Similar Products Used:
Orange Ms isle/ DMR trailstar/GT Zasker/Rocket stage 1 fab
Bike Setup:
Changed forks to Z1 bams azonic pyramid bars DMR V12's
Bottom Line:
this is the best jump bike and dual slalom bike I have ever had. You can do a;;most anything on it. Buy one if you have any sense.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Baldy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Albany, NY Date Reviewed: July 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
strong frame
Weaknesses:
rapid fire shifters 9 speed drivetrain
Similar Products Used:
kona stinky deluxe kona explosif
Bottom Line:
the frame of this bike is no joke. drop offs and doubles cannot hurt this bike. trials neither. heavy springs are needed in the shock if you weigh more than 165. GO HARDTAIL!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sandblaster
a Weekend Warrior
from College Park, MD Date Reviewed: June 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
n/a, regrettably
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
MASSIVE. Good stuff, yo. Solid bike.
Weaknesses:
Judy XLC? I mean, c'mon...
Similar Products Used:
uhm, GTS, Trek 930 , Stinky
Bike Setup:
stock.
Bottom Line:
So I work at a bike shop, only for the past month (I'm one of the newer guys). Kona rep pulls up in an RV with this bike hanging off the back. AFTER everyone rides the Konda Stinky, the rep pulls this off almost as an afterthought. I got to be the first one to ride it (everyone else was drooling over the Stinky). I've decided that a less-expensive version of this bike (z.3 fork, w/ LX mix) will be my next off-roader, and I'll relegate my 930 to bombing around campus between classes. This bike is the sweetest hardtail I have ever ridden, bar none, no questions asked, for screw-insecurity-tear-up-the-mountain-and-bomb-down-it fun. Five boogers aflame.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JASON
a Weekend Warrior
from VA BEACH VA Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
YANCIES RIDGE
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
RIMS AND FRAME ARE BEEFY ALSO THE SEAT IS PRETTY COMFY AND TOUGH
Weaknesses:
FORK IS A LITTLE SQUISHY
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
WOULD RECOMEND REPLACING SPRING IN FORK TO SOME THING HEAVIER DUTY
Bottom Line:
I LOVE THIS BIKE. I'M A BIG DUDE (6'3' AND 245) AND I'VE REALLY PUT THIS SUCKER THROUGH SOME HELL BIG DROP OFFS AND EVEN BIGGER WRECKS AND THE CHUTE COMES OUT KICKIN'A WHOLE LOT A HINEY EVERY TIME.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hi
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada, alberta, edmonton Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Severed Dick (NS)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
EVERYTHING on this bike is Awesome
Weaknesses:
The fork could be better but I am not complaining
Similar Products Used:
This is a one of a kind thing
Bike Setup:
??????? what it came with (JUDY XLC)
Bottom Line:
This a bike for someone that wants to do it all. It doesn't bob but the 4 inches up front smooth most of the stuff out. It is also light wich makes going uphill a pleasure even though the DH bar and stem would suggest otherwise.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Meredith
a Racer
from Spokane WA Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
becon hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
EVERYTHING
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is a rad/technical/DS/DH/trials bike. I think everyone should have one of these.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Lougheed
a Weekend Warrior
from Vic. b.c. Date Reviewed: April 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Hartland (Skull Trail)
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Frame brakes and about every thing else other than the shocks
Weaknesses:
The shocks
Similar Products Used:
none really it is a unique bike
Bike Setup:
well the bike is more dual slalam
Bottom Line:
If u like the power of a hard tail but the strength of a dh bike get the chute. You might wanna upgrade the fork it is kind of lame and the pedals should be shimano 636.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brenden
a weekend warrior
from Michigan Date Reviewed: February 13, 1999
Bottom Line:
Can anyone who knows anything about this bike please email me and let me know about it and what you think about it? A hardtail with disc brakes and a triple clamp fork seems like a pretty interesting setup, but is it practical? I'm going off to college this coming fall and I'm looking for a bike to take with me and the Chute caught my eye in a magazine ad. So, if anyone knows about this bike, please email me.
Overall Rating:
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