I've had this bike eight years. Climbs really well. Tight turning. Aluminum frame is stiff on washboards.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david crawley
a Weekend Warrior
from carlisle Date Reviewed: November 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
mabie forest, red route
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
amzing frame for a steel
Weaknesses:
hubs and tyres (in the wet)
Similar Products Used:
giant boulder shock
Bike Setup:
changed the bars for easton ea30s but apart from that its all original kit
Bottom Line:
an amazing ride for a steel, although it looks skinny and only up to the little stuff its can't half take a hammering on the trails. it's original scratch and sniff tyres don't half let it down though once it gets wet your traction goes way down.dont like the gripshifts either i'd prefer rapid fire which is what ill upgrade to next. i'd advise this to any weekend warriors out for a good ride or as an entry level xc bike its really versatile and well worth a look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Elijay, GA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
loco motion
Strengths:
1999 Kona Cinder Cone great frame geometry 17", fork is awesome
Weaknesses:
tires, rims, grips, seat, brake pads - worn out in 1 ride down the mountain in the rain in Elijay, GA. upgraded brake pad, rims and tires (maxxis)
Similar Products Used:
kona chute, stumpjumper, klein, gary fisher, giant
Bike Setup:
sun rims, maxxis tires, grips (clamp on type) and brake pads. I had to upgrade the brake pads after 1 ride they were toast in the rain. I also had to upgrade the grips after they kept slipping even after the best intentions of the dealer to correct it.
Bottom Line:
I like the Kona small company image although it seems to be growing rapidly and hopefully the product will not suffer. This Kona is a good set up with some minor upgrades. Dealer support good, tech support good. This is a true hardtail, it is hard and harsh and mean and nasty I love it. It rides anywhere and on anything fast and furious. If you are from the old school and just want to ride a good mountain bike without all the fancy dancy plush dual tricked out crap, this would be a good bike for you. If you are a yuppy buy a Cannondale or Trek. What are you waiting for clump!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wheez
a Weekend Warrior
from Morristown,nj Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
unnamed
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Climbing, handling, speed
Weaknesses:
Somewhat heavy, mostly only a problem when trying to hang it on the rack at the end of the day when you are beat.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6500
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is an excellent climber on all type of hills. I have only been riding for 3 months but I am usually the only one making it up the steepest grades without stopping or slowing to a crawl. My riding companions have been at it seriously for over 2 years and ride Cannondale, Giant and Gary Fisher but are very impressed with the handling and climbing of the CinderCone. This is my first mountainbike and I have only ridden the Trek 6500 to compare it with, but I am very pleased with my choice and would highly recommend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo,CA,US Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
bomber fork, xt rear der
Weaknesses:
hard seat, front der, heavy tires
Similar Products Used:
big sur, trek 6500
Bike Setup:
stock, added bar ends
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent bike for the weekend rider that can take the pounding of the downhill trails and then easily climbs back to the top. I picked it over the big sur just for the marz front fork. It should have been offered with an xt/lx setup, but I'll just have to upgrade later, which will make the bike even lighter. Change up to all xt, get a better saddle, and maybe switch the fork to a Z.2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max Weiss
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Snowshoe, WV
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Where do I start? This bike toasts the downhill and singletrack. The handling and feel is amazing. It has no problem climbing either. I love bomber forks and the XT rear derailler. This bike is the best bang for your bucks. It even looks cool too.
Weaknesses:
Eh...it's a little heavy. Some of the standard components could use a little upgrading- i.e. the crank, front derailler, brakes/brake levers. The tires are pieces of crap. None of these are anything serious and can be fixed with a little moolah.
Similar Products Used:
The Cindercone is similarly priced to the Marin Eldridge Grade. Kona has no competition. The Cindercone is often compared with bikes several hundred dollars more.
Bike Setup:
I got the standard package, but up graded the crank to LX, f. der. to XT, new seat, and new tires.
Bottom Line:
If you can, GET THIS BIKE!!!!!!! This bike is made for a intermediate level biker who isn't weight conscious and likes to bomb the singletrack and downhill. Sweet price, sweet ride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamox
a
from Hertfordshire, UK Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
That sloping top-tube is seriously good looking and the Cinder' handles like a dream. Top Marks to Kona for the price too..
Weaknesses:
Hmmm - I might have to get back to you on this one - I can't think of any!
Damn - why spend more? Top performance and looks and worth every penny!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Patterson
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, Canada Date Reviewed: April 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
illegal
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Frame (good geometry and how can you go wrong with the paint) Parts, for the money you can't get a better mix I have beat the f&*k out of this and it *likes* it Fast and easily manouverable
Weaknesses:
the seat, the seat really hurts after long rides, switch it up for something else, Bontrager or Specialized
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab 3 (no comparison
Bike Setup:
I put the Marzocchi z.2 Atom Bomb on
Bottom Line:
Umm, ok, this bike rocks. I tested nine bikes twice and picked this one over Gary Fisher's Big Sur, the Schwinn, a Brodie, and other assorted rides. Speed, you will love it on this bike, the only thing you will hear is the chatter of the derailleur as your are flying down the hill. Great geometry for climbs, especially if you stay in the seat. With the z.5 my only complaint was that it didn't soak up enough of the small stuff, but with the z.2 the bike rides like a cloud. The bike, straight out of the store is stellar for the price. Great tech support too. Good buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dimmu
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: March 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Grizedale Forest, Lake District
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
That elusive Kona singletrack handling Those buttery smooth bombers
Weaknesses:
OEM bombers don't have a disc mount. They're also a bit heavy SDG seat is hardly an ass pleaser Stock 120mm stem on 19" is too long Lumpy & Gravy tyres are a load of trousers
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, Klein Pulse Comp, Marin Pine Mountain, Orange Gringo, Kona Muni-Mula
Bike Setup:
As standard, but with WTB Velociraptors, Kore Lite 3 stem, Avid 2.0 levers, X-Lite seat and flat pedals
Bottom Line:
A great value, great handling bike. I'd turn down Buffy for a ride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D. Raldi
a Cross Country Rider
from uniontown, ohio usa Date Reviewed: January 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the dump
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Blue collar bike, which means its tough and durable and it doesn't talk back to me niethr...its also fun to cuddle with and makes going down hill kinda nice....it takes care of technical stuff for me..like email,,no just kidding like switchbacks and logs and roots and stuff....
Weaknesses:
at slow speeds the front shock is a little bulky in handling but thats about it....
Similar Products Used:
my ex-gurlfriend...a lot of long hard riding....
Bike Setup:
factory specs..but changing pedals and going to xt - shimano on crankset...
Bottom Line:
bottom line kona is a grass roots company, which means they aren't such a huge bike company so they are personable....just email em you'll see...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sal
a Cross-Country Rider
from Big Bear, California Date Reviewed: January 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
WC Race Course Big Bear
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Nice light frame, XT rear derailluer
Weaknesses:
Heavy fork and wheels
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
Kore Stem Bontrager post
Bottom Line:
Good entry-level race bike
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zebidiah Barkley
a Weekend Warrior
from Napa CA Date Reviewed: December 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Single track behind the college
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great components,cool paint job, Haven't bent up the rims yet
Weaknesses:
Paint job looks cool is weak (scracthes easily)
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 Shwinn Moab 2
Bike Setup:
Everything stock
Bottom Line:
Love my bike. Havent touched the fork since I got it still performs great. Love the way it handles. I can ride faster longer now. Goin riding today. Great going down hills. Great going up hills. I use mine to ride to school then to work and then to the awesome trails in Los Posados.Bottom line best bike I have ever owned next season I plan to get a Caldera.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Timmins Ontario (Canada) Date Reviewed: December 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
OFF ROAD (ANYWHERE)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
As for a cross country racer the bikes weight and components literally kick ### The avid brake set does a exelent job rain or shine.
Weaknesses:
If you are doing a lot of cross country riding then I suggest that you replace the kona handle bar, I find that it is more of a downhill bar and hurts your back in low positions
I have used every part of the bike exept for the handle bars.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that this bike was rated the best in it's class for cross country down hill, and technical riding by Mountain Bike Action Magazine. I AGREE!!! The downhill riding of this bike is awsome. But take my advice , the only way you will ever find a bike that you like, you have to test drive a variety and buy whatever one feels good.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john lawhon
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: October 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
muleshoe bend
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Similar Products Used:
'95 diamond back
Bottom Line:
This bike looks & rides great. Can't decide on the Cindy or GF's Big Sur. The people here in Austin, that sell Kona's are really cool, I have no doubt they'll treat me right and make me happy. Over at the GFer camp, things are totally different, they act like they don't want to sell me a bike. The big Sur feels awesome. Torn....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seann
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
bomber fork, xt rder, frame, paint
Weaknesses:
My wife gets pissed because I won't stop riding it.
This bike is wicked awesome. I tried many other good bikes, but this one edged them all. The bomber z.5 fork is better than the Judy C or the Spyder for my 180 lbs. The bike handles excellently. It looks cool. It wants to go fast. I use it for XC, single track, fire roads and commuting. It is great for all these terrains. I would recommend having a set of semi-slicks for a faster commute on pavement. I don't have them and am fine. This is a great bike for the weekend warrior who can't upgrade right away or ever. I probably won't. I am very satisfied. 5 roaring chiles for this bad boy.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G-Man
a Weekend Warrior
from VA Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Nice frame and components
Weaknesses:
Handle bar and tires
Similar Products Used:
GT Rebound GF Tassajara Giant something
Bike Setup:
Factory setup except for the added Azonic bar ends
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Highly recommended. No problem in downhill and up. Frame is the bomb, dude.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: September 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
XT Rear Derailleur Z5 Fork Kona geometry
Weaknesses:
STX cranks w/Suntour chainrings and STX shifters
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
If you're a big guy and you ride hard, you'll need to replace the crankset. At 200 lbs, I've already chewed the crap out of the chainrings and have a bottom bracket that won't quit rattling. Overall, though, Kona spent bucks on the right stuff - the fork and rear derailleur. Overall, this is probably the best bike in its price range. Plus it looks cool and the trademark Kona geometry gives you a little more room to maneuver over the bike. I'd definitely recommend it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great components for the price sturdy Z-5 fork
Weaknesses:
creaks from joints
Similar Products Used:
Kona Nunu
Bike Setup:
stock except Mythos XC Slick tires
Bottom Line:
The Cinder Cone is the best bike I have seen for the price.The bike offers a super solid ride. The fork is very plush. It would take a 20 foot fall with a 300 pound person on top to expire the Cinder Cone. The Lumpy-Gravy tires were great for extreme trail riding and downhill, but I needed something faster, so I put on the Mythos slicks. The performance from this bike never ceases to amaze me. also-IT JUST LOOKS SO DARN COOL! Way to go KONA.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
patrick
a Racer
from calgary, alberta Date Reviewed: August 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
world cup trail @ canmore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
this bike is b!tchin. Marzocchi Z.5. tough a** frame, and is one hell of a ride. the stiff frame really complements the plush XC fork. when upgraded, this bike may make you go into a seizure.
Weaknesses:
so good that people fight over it.
Similar Products Used:
nunu
Bike Setup:
upgraded to LX-XT components.
Bottom Line:
this bike is b!tchin. Marzocchi Z.5. tough ass frame, and is one hell of a ride. the stiff frame really complements the plush XC fork. upgrade this bike and you may go into a seizure. face it, if you don't like it, you haven't given it a chance.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
DOABLE
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great suspension, great components
Weaknesses:
stx front deralier
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
Cona's factory setup with xt front deralier and 545 pedals and icon crank arms
Bottom Line:
kick ass bike that IO can use anywhere
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam
a Racer
from Calgary, AB Date Reviewed: July 24, 1999
Submitted by
John Young
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The Components
Weaknesses:
The frame
Bottom Line:
This frame sucked. Notice how I say sucked. Luckily Kona will replace it. Hopefully.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Downhiller
from Wales Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super fork, Stiff back end & super comfortable
Weaknesses:
None that you don't expect on a hardtail
Similar Products Used:
Giant boulder shock, Marrin East Peak, KHS, Giant ATX,
Bike Setup:
As Standard but with the contact points sorted for taste and Shimano 545 pedals.
Bottom Line:
This bike is perfectly suited for the type of riding which i geneerally do, I also own an East Peak FS which is better at the ragged edge. but for all round riding and general trails, jumping, downhills and day long rides the Cindy rocks. The best money I have ever spent on MTBing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Redcliff rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Redcliff Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Superman
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strong,wicked for 89.99 degree slopes awesome for jumping
Weaknesses:
Lx r drlr, Indy C's Xc handlebar
Similar Products Used:
99' cinder cone LTS #3 '97
Bike Setup:
98 cindercone everything upgraded
Bottom Line:
This bike is wicked!! i Used it for trials and have done 7' drops with it and crashed 20+ times with it this bike should have 6 burning peppers
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ShoreRider
a Cross-Country Rider
from THE Shore Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
A good deal for the money
Weaknesses:
The ride is horrible
Similar Products Used:
Nunu Vappor
Bike Setup:
Stock Cinder Cone
Bottom Line:
I test rode this bike thinking about buying it and sorry, but it rode like shit. It felt horrible. Of course in many cases it's a personal thing, but this bike felt horrible! But what can I say, the bag of components for this price range was really well chosen, so that gives it the extra star. XT rear der and z.5's ...the BEST choices for two of the most important components on the bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terra
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montreal, PQ Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good fork,derailleur
Weaknesses:
Not so far
Bottom Line:
Very good bike, for city or trail. Good mix of components. Get one today!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elliott Hannam
a Cross-Country Rider
from Winnipeg, Manitoba Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
monkey trails
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
z-5 so plush, Great frame, very good component mix.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Hammer race/soul.
Bottom Line:
This bike is a great deal for the money it has the Marzocchi Z-5 fork a double butted aluminum frame xt /stx components and avid breaks. It is a good climber and can even handle some downhill.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dom Brook
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: March 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Skiddaw
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Nothing
Similar Products Used:
'95 Cindercone
Bottom Line:
I got this as a replacement when my '95 cindercone was stolen. Has all the best attributes of the old bike, but still somehow manages to be better. Love the Bomber - sooo plush
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david fry
a weekend warrior
from dublin ireland Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999
Bottom Line:
got my cindy' at the beginning of march (last week) it's a '98 but i got those crap indy c's replaced with Z5. absolutely amazing feel, easy to control, light-weight. i have'nt been out on the hills yet but i can't wait for saturday. i got mine really cheaply, but go for it anyway its worth it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lane
a cross-country rider
from Sask, Canada Date Reviewed: January 28, 1999
Bottom Line:
As far as I know, this is a good bike. I don't have it yet, but I am seriously looking at it. The alum. frame is good,and I like the fork.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr Majica
a weekend warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
Fantasitc Bike, one problem, bomber 5's should have come with there own shock pump. See this months edition of Total Mountain Bike for a review. Alot of bike for your money. Excellent fun. No other complaints
Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 799.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
