Submitted by
Zach Rohe
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: January 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Reynolds frame! I love hardtails, rode a Giant carbon, and this actually may be better! Components set is solid. Great geometry.
Weaknesses:
some minor components, but nothing major.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Cadex 2, Giant Sedona, Giant Iguana
Bike Setup:
xt shifters/brks/levers .. lx/stx derailleirs .. kore bar/titect stem .. race face old skool cranks .. etc etc
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike mainly for the frame. I read a lot of great reviews of it here. The reviews were all correct. If you can get a hold of this frame, get one. This may be the last frame I ride (after a nice powdercoating job!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Hill
a Cross Country Rider
from East Kent UK Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
North/South Downs, Ridgeway, Hope Valley
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Cyclemart Canterbury Kent
Strengths:
Fantastic singletrack handling and climbs like a mountain goat
Weaknesses:
No disc mounts
Similar Products Used:
Lots but none really stand out
Bike Setup:
As factory except Easton carbon risers, all XT, avid ti brake levers and panaracer fire XC pro tyres
Bottom Line:
After 3 and a bit years, two very bad crashes and 3 paint jobs, you'd expect the old boy to be on his way out - No way baby!
Anyone in the UK who is new to biking or has heard the blurb about Kona bikes - buy one and believe it. All your mates on their Specialized or Trek 'shoppers' will be left in your vapour trail. Kona do offer a slightly lower spec than the others but it ain't about XTR or brilliant wheels or superlong forks. Its about ride quality. Kona wins - happy trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Hill
a Cross Country Rider
from East Kent UK Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
North/South Downs, Ridgeway, Hope Valley
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Cyclemart Canterbury Kent
Strengths:
Fantastic singletrack handling and climbs like a mountain goat
Weaknesses:
No disc mounts
Similar Products Used:
Lots but none really stand out
Bike Setup:
As factory except Easton carbon risers, all XT, avid ti brake levers and panaracer fire XC pro tyres
Bottom Line:
After 3 and a bit years, two very bad crashes and 3 paint jobs, you'd expect the old boy to be on his way out - No way baby!
Anyone in the UK who is new to biking or has heard the blurb about Kona bikes - buy one and believe it. All your mates on their Specialized or Trek 'shoppers' will be left in your vapour trail. Kona do offer a slightly lower spec than the others but it ain't about XTR or brilliant wheels or superlong forks. Its about ride quality. Kona wins - happy trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny Salidakis
a Cross Country Rider
from fort defiance , az Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Quaking Aspen @ McGaffey NM
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
singletack in Flagstaff
Strengths:
Frame geometry is awesome. The bike really shines in tight singletrack and on climbs. Fork is plush.
Weaknesses:
A litte jittery on the down hill The fork is alittle heavy but durable and plush.
Similar Products Used:
'93 Kona cinder cone
Bike Setup:
XT drive, XTR brakes SDG saddle, Time ATAC pedals, panaracer tires (fire in front, trailblaster rear)Marzocchi z2 atom bomb
Bottom Line:
This is the best! I'd sleep with it if my wife would let me.I had a sore butt until I switched from a Flite to a SDG saddle. Great climber, shines in the switch backs. Bomb proof frame. I would advise any one looking for a hard tail to consider a kona beacause of geometry and durability. My '93 Cinder Cone is still riding too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sarah Johnston
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Strengths:
The frame geometry is great! Smooth control
Weaknesses:
I didn't like the ritchy pedals that came with the bike.
Similar Products Used:
Rockey mountain blizzard. (more expensive; same thing)
Bike Setup:
I added riser bars and changed the saddle
Bottom Line:
The best cross country bike I have tried
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Titus Kho
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All the trail here in Borneo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
W.G.Cycle in town
Strengths:
This frame is a 97 Columbus steel tubing.......always comfort for me.
SID XC 01, CrossLink, THOMSON Elite SeatPost/Stem, Flite, Titec straight bar,Avid Mag Ti Brake, Time Carbon and the rest is XTR mega 9 01.
Bottom Line:
It always a comfort steel frame. Happy riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kristy
a
from allentown, pa Date Reviewed: November 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
jim thorpe
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
nestor's full cycle in whitehall, pa
Strengths:
sloped top tube, steel frame
Weaknesses:
stock pedals
Similar Products Used:
various crappy trek mountain bikes
Bike Setup:
added a terry saddle, clipless pedals with big metal cages, panaracer fire xc pro tires
Bottom Line:
My explosif is actually a '96 model (it's been a while). I love the pac northwest type geometry - small and tight, lots of standover height due to the sloped top tube. Mine came with hydraulic rim brakes, kinda rare since most people just go for the disk setup. This bike is seriously a blast to ride. I've ridden it in the pennsylvania woods and utah deserts. Even street riding is fun on this bike due to its overgrown bmx attitude. Quick handling, fun on downhills, lots of control. I have a rock shox judy that came stock, but I bet it would be awesome with a rigid fork, too. This bike is for someone who wants to ride a real bike, not a seat on springs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J. Vracar
a Cross Country Rider
from Zagreb, Croatia, Europe Date Reviewed: September 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
steep climbs, mostly
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
LBS in Zagreb
Strengths:
Materials used, components chosen. Handling on the berms and turns. Geometry, most of all!
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy. Anyway, it is hard to say cause of the ripp-off at my LBS: they claimed that the 18 was the right size for me (being a 175 tall (rather: short)). I'd prefer a smaller frame, but there were'nt any available at the moment, so I stick to this one.
Similar Products Used:
CrMo Schwinn MOAB Ltd. Anniversary Ed. with Zokis' Z2Light fork. Smooth rides, lots of fun, but low on efficiency. The other one: light aluminum frame and a lousy Rock Shox Indy SL, made it painful and bumpy on technical rides - the steel is real period.
Bike Setup:
Changed the original stem for a bit shorter one from Icon (had to, you know). Barends added too. Currently trying to find new coil springs somewhere, cause these that came with the fork are really way too soft (what the hell did Marzocchi guys think when assembling it with ProWind, instead of Medium?!?)
Bottom Line:
Having it all said, this one fits better than the Schwinn. Feels alive and more responsive, though I'd feel more comfortable with size 17 or maybe even 16 (any ideas, anyone - please???) The feelling of traking and steering is much more intensive, the contact with ground is great, the frame accumulates the energy, yet feels forgiving on the bumps, but the rear triangle is what really gets the job done: being made of stiffer cromo tubes, it uses the energy more efficiently than the Moab (which is, don't get it wrong, excelent frame). Climbs great, rides perfect on a singletracks and takes care of your back and knees, unlike all the aluminum frames. Personaly, I feel a bit uncomfortable on the steep downhill sections, but this is mainly because of the fork that feels way too soft (I weigh 65 kg, yet have managed to knock it all the way down on the technical downhill details), and maybe for the size, again. On the old bike the fork felt a bit harder, but still it was an excelent plush. ProWind coil springs made it all look a bit unsafe, it seems the old Z2 Light handles the job better. Besides all this, there is no doubt that '99 Explosif makes the best steel hardtail I've ever ridden. It's a shame KONA changed it for a Scandium: you couldn't care less about the weight when you feel numb or sore due to stiff frame after a 6 or 7 hours of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Lund, Skane, Sweden Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Romeleasen
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Hibike in Germany
Strengths:
Frame geometry, Design, Magura brakes, Mavic rims, Shimano XT parts
Weaknesses:
A bit unstable at high speeds, Seatpost adjustability
Similar Products Used:
Peugeot Team Line 1000, GT Karakoram
Bike Setup:
Everything XT, Magura HS33 brakes, Mavic D521 rims, Rigid P2 fork, 16" frame (I´m 177 cm tall), Syncros rizer bar,
Bottom Line:
I love my bike. I bought the frame and parts and built the bike myself, apart from the wheels. It´s so easy to control and turns so fast you can´t believe it´s true. The rigid front fork enhances this, but gives me a more bumpy ride. I´m going to buy fat Conti Vertical Pro 2.3 tyres and they should swallow some of the bumps at least. Most of my biking friends ride high end full susp. bikes, but i´m faster than they are apart from when it comes to fast downhill sections. Suspension is over rated. I used to ride a front susp. bike but prefer the rigid fork, even in the forest.
I recomend this bike to those who like fast single trails and tricks, and who enjoy the advantages of a steel frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chas Sample
a Cross Country Rider
from Green Bay, WI, USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
New Zoo/Reforestration Camp
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Nordik Sports
Strengths:
Quality components all around. Nice Paint and frame construction.
Weaknesses:
Tires. The Tioga factory slicks are not suitable for use as a rear tire. Thankfully most bike shops will swap it out for somthing that is.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale M500, Specalized Hardrock, Trek 800
Bike Setup:
Stock with WTB Tyrannoraptors Front and Rear
Bottom Line:
Great Bike! I was very lucky to find a '99 in my size because I really wanted the steel frame not the Scandium. If you want a cross country bike, and you can find one don't hesitate. If you want a bike for jumping or something similar, look elsewhere, because the Z-2 Atom Bomb while a tough fork, only has 65mm of travel.
5 Chillys
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stevenr.
a Cross Country Rider
from Douglas County, Or., USA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Brice Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Climbs like a mountain goat, great mix of components for the price, likes the technical stuff, too too pretty (love that metal flake paint)
Weaknesses:
Hmmm. . .for a hardtail steel I'd say it's at the top of its game. Well, o.k., it's a little on the twitchy side when you open it up for a long decent, esp. on pavement but also off-road. Also, the stock tires weren't a proper tire for coastal mountain range conditions, so I had the store credit me and put on a set of Geax Hook and Warps, light green sidewalls. A great tire!!
Similar Products Used:
1990 Trek 7000, rigid fork
Bike Setup:
Zokie Z2 atom bomb, LX/XT, Ritchy front hub/pedals, Avid 4.0 brakes (gotta love 'm), SDG Bel Air saddle (numb's the boys).
Bottom Line:
My first steel since junior high. A much more pleasant ride than my old Trek rigid aluminum. However, at 215 lbs the stock fork springs were too soft, and the extras were too tight, so I'm having to get yet another set of springs for the fork. Once that's settled I'll be much more pleased with the overall ride of the bike. But for a hardtail I don't think I'd have anything else, especially for the techical, steep and tasty trails of the Oregon coastal mountain range. But this bike's raised my taste for suspension, so I'm off to the land of Santa Cruz Hecklers and eventually a lighter, longer travel fork from Marzocchi, like the Z-1 X-Fly. Yum!! If you don't want the extra hassle of tuning suspension, don't mind a fork that's a little on the heavy side and may need different springs if you're over 180 lbs (at a modest forty bones for springs from Zokie) and want a bike that is a definite cross country goat, go for it!! You won't be disappointed. If, however, you want something that will inspire large air, downhill speeds, and low chiropractic bills, please look elsewhere. Consider a suspension seat post to really round out this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Ward
a Cross Country Rider
from United Kingdom Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Chair (forest of Dean)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I have raced aluminium and steel bikes all custom built on stock frames. The Explosif is by far the most responsive yet forgiving ride I have ever experienced. 853 is also the best steel I have ever ridden. Because of its forgiving nature this bike is also superb for extended rides.
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!(except that the Explosif now comes in alloy BIG MISTAKE!!!!!)
Similar Products Used:
GT Avalanche
Bike Setup:
Custom build with full XT, custom wheelset (mavic ceramics with Hope titanium hubs), Pace Evo IIIs (the best fork ever!) and syncros, bontrager, flight and Paneracer finishing kit.
Bottom Line:
A combination of killer geometry, high quality frame building, and a sweet ride......NICE! This bike is great as a platform fo a custom build such as mine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kev
a Cross Country Rider
from Saskatoon Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
stiff but forgiving frame atom bomb fork arch rival 40's work great
Weaknesses:
makes me want to ride all the time but I can't (school, work)
Similar Products Used:
GT backwoods
Bike Setup:
stock, except for a Kore XC riser and Tioga factory XC's
Bottom Line:
so much better than aluminum... the 853 tubes are awesome. on tight singletrack the bike comes alive ALIVE, it sqirts from corner to corner like you see those UFO's do on cheezy Fox shows about aliens. It holds a line at speed yet is really easy to muscle through the technical stuff too. Not a lightweight, but it feels solid and I think it will stay that way for years. Five bloody dildos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wag windrum
a Weekend Warrior
from victoria bc/london uk Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
skirt mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
nice and controllable,very nice fork(read adjustable) i use this bike in london for courioring and it zips in and out of traffic like a dream. when i visit canada, the only modification i do is to throw on a riser bar and grippy tires. asthetically speaking, the bike looks great the frame absorbs alot of the bumps(yeah steel!) yet is strong enough to be ridden quite aggressively
Weaknesses:
the rear end can be skittish at speed, and the stock handlebar needed to be replaced to bring out the bike's brilliant singletrack performance. why kona, a pacific northwest company, sold this bike stock with semi-slick tires is a mystery. real hardcore types would probably be better off with a beefier frame, such as a chute(no i don't work for kona)
Similar Products Used:
specialized m2 klein attitude race
Bike Setup:
basically stock except for the tires and handlebar i will be upgrading my cranks soon, race face maybe?
Bottom Line:
maybe i'm a dying breed, but i love light, responsive steel hardtails.because, like most people i can only afford one bike, i feel my explosive can become a different bike for different styles without too much trouble. i've ridden konas and brodies for the past few years, and can honestly say that this is my favourite so far
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kim
a Racer
from Gainesville, FL, USA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I bought just the frame and I love it! I am a small rider (5'2") and had previously had alumnium frames. The tight geometry on the small frames made the alluminum ride too rough. The Reynolds 853 Explosif is PERFECT. It soaks up the rumbles in the trail but is stiff enough to really crank up hills. I can see how the frame could be a bit flexy in the larger sizes.
Weaknesses:
No complaints.
Similar Products Used:
aluminum Trek frame (model?), Fisher Big Sur
Bike Setup:
SID shock, XT setup
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a light, high performance, small size frame, THIS IS IT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: February 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lysterfield
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Overall fit Atom Bomb fork superbly plush 853 frame a quality unit A pleasure to ride and it's a great looking bike
Weaknesses:
Seat post lacked adjustability Handlebars too narrow and heavy to boot Tyres not all that impressive A little twitchy at speed
Similar Products Used:
GT Timberline Marin Bobcat Cannondale F1000
Bike Setup:
Full XT drivetrain, WTB SST'98 saddle, Raceface Seatpost, Easton EA70 bars, XTR V-Brakes, Michelin Comp S tyres, Oury grips
Bottom Line:
Overall I`v been very happy with this bike. Most of the money seems to have gone where it counts in this bike ie. frame and fork as the contact points and tyres are definitely not a highlight so they were replaced as soon as possible. It has stood up well in all conditions from commuting to racing to mud and I've heard nary a complaint apart from the odd drivetrain problem which is due to slack maintenance rather than a problem on its part although I guess just about everything complains in mud. Handling wise it has been a treat except on long fire road descents where I simply don`t feel as confident on it as I do in the slower going. In the end though the complaints are fairly minor and it's strong points far outweigh them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Sulivan
a Racer
from Victoria Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Milstream
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
nice fork and the geometry was realy nice
Weaknesses:
frame too flimzy brakes suck heavy tires btm bracket price
Similar Products Used:
98 Rocky mtn element race with a z-2
Bike Setup:
factory explosif set up except fire xc pros instead of slicks
Bottom Line:
this bike is good for anyone who dosen't plan on racing a whole bunch. it's heavy the frame is very soft when hammering and the weight is insane for a bike of this part selection.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave hudyma
a Racer
from wethersfield,ct Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere that has dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
A very forgiving bike...when you make mistakes. The frame is stiff, yet very smooth ride. The shock is superb.
Weaknesses:
Right now the only weakness is the rider, but give me a few more months.
Similar Products Used:
Didn't try any others...this bike fit perfect.
Bike Setup:
U.S.E post
Bottom Line:
I picked this bike up for $1259.00....I can say it's the best bike I have owned so far. I still say they should continue to make one steel model.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sierra Pete
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ukiah CA Date Reviewed: November 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Boggs Mtn or Flume
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great handling and smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
Um...
Similar Products Used:
Every bike sold in my area.
Bike Setup:
'99 frame with '99 Judy XC. Custom built with XT, Mavic rims, Syncros, Kore, Avid...
Bottom Line:
Great ride. The 853 frame absorbs the rough stuff and the geometry of the frame give a well balanced ride. The only bad thing is that Kona no longer offers a steel hardtail.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Owens
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lancs UK Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great on singletrack,fun to ride
Weaknesses:
not enough time to ride it
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale caad 3 GT Backwoods
Bike Setup:
Pace fork Hope hubs V brakes Shimano transmission
Bottom Line:
The sizing of the bike is a lot better than my cannondale.Also the steel frame soaks up the bumps a lot better and leaves you wanting to go on and on.This bike is great for all day epics,no more backache since I ditched my cannondale.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Santo
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
853 Renolds frame Atom Bomb Raceface Cranks and Rings
Weaknesses:
Can't think of any right now
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Blizzard
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Great price. I used to have a Klein Attitude and Specialized Stumpjumper M2 and nothing beats the feel of Steel. I find that bumps are alot easier to absorb but then again it could be the Atom Bomb. The store I bought the bike from was running a special where they upgraded the cranks and rings to a red color Raceface. I also upgraded the front deraillure to XT all this for $1,869.00 CDN or approx. $1100.00 US. What a deal! You can check out their website at www.bowcycle.com
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis
a Cross-Country Rider
from Euless,Tx Date Reviewed: April 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
New to the area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
853 Frame and Marzocchi forks
Weaknesses:
none that I can find!
Bike Setup:
I have upgraded to the rideon cables and added some bar ends. I am saving up for some raceface cranks $$$ and that should finish this bike off.
Bottom Line:
This bike handles great in single track. I agree with the other reviews this bike is very quick and turns great. This bike is the shit for the money. Even after run out of steam I still find myself wanting more.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Liverman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Moscow/Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Date Reviewed: April 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Shit, too many to pick from
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Awesome value for the money. Kona made very few if any compromises when specing this bike. It is a real solid value and i've been totally stoked with my purchase
Weaknesses:
Yeah, it's a little portly but it doesn't ride like it this bike accelerates like mad. It is kind of a bummer that the rear triangle is not 853 but for the price there's little room to bitch.
Similar Products Used:
Heavily modified Stumpjumper (steel) American Comp Lite (Aluminum) I've ridden a bunch of others but only these two enough to compare
Bike Setup:
RIght now the bike is completly stock, being a poor college student I haven't had the time or money to splurge yet. Oh, I did add barends and a rollamajig.
Bottom Line:
Best bike I've owned period. The stumpy was laid out but a real slug on the single track in my opinion. My American was an awesome ride but sluminum is just way too stiff. The Explosif has great geometry for the area, and the high B.B. and sloping top tube make the bike great for stock trials (even in a 18 frame). Love the way it handles nice and quick, with real precise and tight steering. Kona also started putting comfortable seats on their bikes this year, YEAH! In my opinion you can't go wrong if you want a good bike for sprinting, climbing and single track.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Yakima, WA Date Reviewed: April 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Little Naches
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame & fork
Weaknesses:
Relatively heavy, but the fork is worth it.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn s-10
Bottom Line:
I have 3 rides under my belt now. I just sold my S-10, Schwinn. The Kona has a smooth ride, the steel sucks up the bumps really well. It tracks well, and the fork is awesome. It was a little stiff on the first ride, but now it's buttery. I switched to a riser bar, wider and stiffer, love it. I also had Time ATAC's installed, much better on the knees for me. 5 flaming pigs. See my review of the Schwinn (if it's still there), this bike wins.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david
a cross-country rider
from colorado Date Reviewed: January 6, 1999
Bottom Line:
Responding to the last post, Reynolds does not even make seat/chain stays so that is why it is quality CRO-MO. Think befor you dis! I agree with you a bout the value, though...it is a great bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a cross-country rider
from Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: December 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
This isn't much of a review but....Got my first look at a 99 Explosif last week (to my surprise, I wasn't expecting to see one until April 99). Noticed a few minor changes from the pictures on the Kona's web site & brochure: Head tube and front of top & down tubes painted fire-red (instead of grey) up to the start of the frame stickers. Also, Avid Arch-Rival 40's were painted fire-red also (instead of black). IMHO, bike looks a bit better than in it's all-grey form.Asked the LBS if the whole frame was Reynolds 853 or if it was only the main triangle. To my surprise (and disapointment), only the main triangle is 853. A phone call to Kona by the LBS confirmed that the rest (chain & seat stays) are quality chromoly from the Taiwan frame suplier :-(Picking up the bike (19 size), I found the feel to be heavier than I expected from a 24.9 lb bike. Part of this is due to having an Atom Bomb up front (well worth the weight!).All this and I have not been for a ride on this bike yet! Four chillis for now (still the lowest priced 853 frame with an Atom Bomb from a locally available brand) but don't pay too much attention to this very preliminary rating.Looking forward to hearing from those of you who have!
Overall Rating:
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