Submitted by
Howard Boons
a Weekend Warrior
from Hawkins, Alberta Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The Kindler and some home made ones
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Junos Bikes
Strengths:
The frame is still toughing it out after jumping 8 foot to flat jumps. I weigh 150LBS and the only problem I've really had was with the headset.
Weaknesses:
The headset and seatpost sucked. I upgraded those to a raceface post and a king headset. The stock deraillers were kinda screwey, so i had them upgraded to XT. There was a lot of chain slap happening..............
Similar Products Used:
Kona Dawg, Norco rampage, Cove Stiffee fr
Bike Setup:
Kona kula with dh bar, king headset, Xt shifters and deraillers, 2.35" tires, single track rims, marzocchi Z1 freeride fork, hayes mag brakes.... the works
Bottom Line:
I've been jumping gaps and doing drops for over six months now, and this frame shows no signs of wear at all. I'd give my life for the love of riding this thing! Kona, a job well done!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart
a Weekend Warrior
from Abbotsford, B.C., Canada Date Reviewed: April 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Hogwash
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Got it used
Strengths:
You can't beat this thing's climbing! I've used it for six months, and I've had no trubles at all. The frame is stong and stiff and almost capable of downhilling.
Weaknesses:
The standard tires sucked! The seat and and rims made for a bit of a bumpy ride.(Easily changed by replacement.
Similar Products Used:
Kona lavadome, kona dawg, and norco nitro.
Bike Setup:
All XT's with mavic ceramic rims and brakes with kenda tires. raceface, Sram and xt components.
Bottom Line:
I have to hand it to this bike. It's fun to ride and it's smooth over the harshest of bumps. Anyone that likes lighter bikes for speed of jumping should look into it. My only words of advice are to buy a similar kona product. They can't be beat!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karl Hastings
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium Date Reviewed: June 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ardennes
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
UK
Strengths:
Frame feels as taught today as when new. Good control. 18.5inch frame recommended for similar builds - 90kg strong 6ft.
Weaknesses:
Crack in frame has appeared in relatively stress free area, some distance from any welds. Now i must test the lif time warranty. Original tyres & seat were junk.
Similar Products Used:
Heaps.
Bottom Line:
I am still happy to recommend this brand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adi kadan
a Weekend Warrior
from israel Date Reviewed: February 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Arad to dead sea-black trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
light, very strong ,front fork-amazing what 63mm can give, position, kona scratch & stinkey
Bike Setup:
bomber z2, xtr/xt,
Bottom Line:
like riding on air,amazing fork, climbes very good, light weight. a very good deal for riders that doesn't ride every day, very strong(still standing after many crashes), good feeling at high speed (65 km/h), steady.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howie Keylin
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ Date Reviewed: January 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
McDowell Racing Loops
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Bike World, Amherst, MA
Strengths:
awesome frame strength and geometry. came with magura hydraulic brakes
Weaknesses:
Deore LX, would have expected XT at this price range
Bike Setup:
Judy XC, 747 spd's
Bottom Line:
Since the day I bought this bike I have absolutely loved it. Mine is a 97 model. The geometry of a Kona is absolutely perfect, the sloped top tube allows you to ride a properly sized bike, but makes it feel more nimble and easy to throw around on the trail. The super stiff easton tubes are incredibly condfidence inspiring. The one big negative was the crap tires that came on the bike they were the Kona Scratch and Sniff tires, they were awful. They didn't wear down as much as they just crumbled. The magura brakes that came on the bike are just outstanding, after four years of steady riding I have done absolutely nothing to them and they brake as good as the day they were new. The only things I had to replce over the years was the rear cassette lost a few teeth(upgraded to XTR) and the seat was garbage. I will never buy anything other than a Kona. The only other thing I'm gonna change on the bike is the piece of crap Judy XC that came on it, it has been pretty much maintnance free, but it just sucks. I still wish I had my old Mag 21. If you are serious about your cross country riding and have the bucks to spend you can't go wrong with a Kula.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Eden Prairie, MN Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Farm or Lone Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Employee purchase through QBP
Strengths:
Very, very strong singletrack bike. Telepathic when stuff gets rocky, rooty and tight. good mud bike.
Weaknesses:
Gets fidgety on open descents, runs a size small as compared to other bikes.
This thing rocks. Total contrast to the Specialized bikes I have ridden previously. This thing is as close to singletrack/technical mastery as it gets. Doesn't feel particularly stable at high speed though, on open stuff. But how often am I zooming down open stuff in a race in MN? not too often. I built this thing up at 21.5 lbs... not too bad considering I spent way more on my Stumpy and it was an even 25. Climbs like an animal.... exceptional siffness in the rear triangle with good butting everywhere else to make it a strong stiff accelerating bike without beating your @$$ on long rides. Top tube cable routing is a plus for MN - we race in mud about 50% of the time and the top tube routing keeps shifting clean even when the conditions are nasty. Unfortunately I am moving it to the "B" bike for next year, I am switching over to a Fisher Tam Disc b/c my team is sponsored by Fisher. Oh well. I'll still race the kona on the more technical courses and leave the fisher for the easy, open courses.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Per Haps
a Weekend Warrior
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nordmarka+Krokskogen
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
Sykkeldelisk
Strengths:
Stiff frame, light, responsive, handles very well, excelent decender. Pure fun freeridin´!
Weaknesses:
None, but the brakes are flexing under heavy use, gives a "wishy-whashy" feel. The XT front shifter gives a very annoying noise - all the time! Can´t fix it!
Similar Products Used:
Old cromo Trek with RS Indy C
Bike Setup:
As delivered here in Norway: Shim. D. XT brakes, shifters, front dera. and hubs, XTR back dera., Mavic rims and Tioga Factory (too heavy) semislicks. I choose the RC Judy 100 insted of the Marz. Atombomb. Wanted longer and more plush travel. And got it!
Bottom Line:
Beautiful XC and freeriding (light) machine!! With the RS Judy 100 - not many of my buddies follow me decending. And what a cool look! Accelerating good, quick turner.
This is a machine for everyone who seeks long XC trips in combination with technical singletracks and freeriding.
Makes you feel like a bikeing King!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mason cooke
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver, B.C., Can. Date Reviewed: June 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
"The Dump", Victoria B.C.
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Amazingly strong frame, yet very light. Quick wheelset & hubs. Perfect geometry for the up or down in your lives.
Weaknesses:
Tires were shredded within a year. Weak stem and handlebars. Bombers were a bit heavy - traded them for Judy XC's.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Hammer, Kona A-A, Specialized Stumpjumper M2.
Bike Setup:
Anything but stock (remember, this bike was bought in '97) - full XT, Judy XC's, Syncros Stem, Riser Bars, Magura Raceline Brakes, Shimano Pedals, Beefy tires.
Bottom Line:
I think that a 200 pound weekend warrior will do a lot more damage than a racer, especially when you're asking the bike to be a downhill rig half the time and an XC racer the other half. This thing has served me well in both categories - I can beat my buddies on the way up and keep up on the way down. I've snapped the Judy's once already, so maybe the Bombers would have made more sense; however, the Judy's have put up with a lot of abuse. The geometry on this bike is sweeeeet! This bad-boy leans into corners and sucks up the heavy drops like none other. Whether I'm riding on the island, the north shore, in Washington state, Oregon state, or just outside of Montreal (all of which I've done, all of which were amazing, all of which allowed me to meet great people), this bike has remained solid and true.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ola Abrahamsson
a Cross Country Rider
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: May 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nordmarka
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Nice balance for technical ride. The bike has just the right flex for me. I can use it for 1 hour of tricky fun, or have my weekend 120km on everything from stony paths, blåstig to ordinary roads.
Weaknesses:
I had problems with my yellow Race Face cranks; the smallest chain wheel was wrong made and didn’t fit to the chain. The pedals don’t work well and I’m going to change this. The saddle stick broke. I don’t know if it’s really made for that use. The price for the original was about 20$ and I didn’t want the same again so I had to buy a new one for 110$. The leather on the saddle was twisting so I had to change that to. The original tyre was not good so I change them to. I think the most irritating here is the saddle stick with bad support from the import agency.
Bike Setup:
Saddle stick: Race Face. Tyres: Hutchinson’s, python. Back wheel: mavic 517 ceramic with XTR. The rest is original.
Bottom Line:
I like the bike, Bettan and have good vibrations for it, her. I have used her really hard for a period now and we are doing things together. Buy the bike, but get a good deal for the saddle stick and get another one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeppe Paaske
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nordmarka
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The best hardtail downhiller I know It is the best singeltracker ever Great climber Cool design (race face kranks!)
Weaknesses:
The race face kranks actually sucks! I have had many problems with it. The tioga semislicks are bad, the have a bad grip and the rubber burns up too fast!
Similar Products Used:
Kona lava Dome 95 (Unbeatable at this price) Kona Kula 97 (Great too!!!!!!!!!!!)
Bike Setup:
Stock 16"
Bottom Line:
This is the best crosscountry bike ever made... It is very light, it is a very good hard tail downhiller, it is so f*ucking good in technical singeltracks. No one I know have beat me in technicals tracks yet, and the closest one also had a Kona (paehoe). The gemoetri is very good, and that is the secret to kona. But now i am actually crying becouse it was stolen last week!! :( Of course I am going to buy a kona, maybe a Kona Stinky, and start to really downhill! Actually I dont need to buy a full suspension bike becouse no one can beat me in technical track, even they who has a full suspension bike! And its all thanx to my Kona Kula
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Norway Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nordmarka
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great ride, fast climber and great on singletrack. Good mix of components.
Weaknesses:
Bad choice of pedals - changed to Shimano 747s after one month, they rule. The spring on the Marzocchi is to weak.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Montare
Bike Setup:
747s azonic stem wildgrippers - rest is standard issue
Bottom Line:
Buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave B
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Jefferson, NY USA Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Point
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Superlight frame 16" weight only 3lbs! Custom paint beautiful welds Easton ultralight tubing quick release seatpost clamp that doesn't snag your baggies
Weaknesses:
None yet That I have encountered
Similar Products Used:
GT Tequesta Cannondale M700 Gary Fisher MT. Tam
Bike Setup:
16" frame with Chris King headset,Rock shox sid xc, Dean 135 10degree stem, Titec 118gr titanium bars, Rock Shox seat post, Vetta Vandanium seat, XT shifters and brakes, XT cranks, Mavic 217 SUP rims with DT spokes and GT CNC machined hubs, Specialized team tires (folding), Specialized pshyco tubes, 747 pedals.
Bottom Line:
After riding my 16" GT for 4.5 years getting on the Kona was a big change. The GT is a much more upright type bike and a very big 16" frame whereas the Kona due to the sloping top tube is very small for a 16" bike. I don't feel as fast on the Kona as on the GT but here are some things I can tell you. I am faster through tight single track on the Kona. The Kona weighs 23lbs as the GT weighted 26. The Kona is an amazing climber and feels very light. This bike does'nt have the feel of a typical aluminum bike as it does have some flex. I am used to riding steel frames mostly and this frame does'nt beat me up like my Cannondale did in the past. I used to road ride on my GT for excercise and this Kona is definitely not for that is is a true bread cross country race machine. I can't wait to race with it this season. I highly recommend this bike to anyone looking for a high end bike. Mine came with custom red sparkle paint that i have never seen before. This is Kona's top of the line aluminum bike. The thing I like about kona's as a whole is that no matter what frame you get the geometry is always the same. Some aluminum bikes feel cramped their bikes don't I have plenty of room to spread out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lin Gallant
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike is an excellent bike. It handles really well through those tight, sharp turns. The Kula is best for riding after a huge spring rain storm. The frame is the heart of the bike.
Weaknesses:
The only problem with the bike is the new color scheme, they can do better than light stinky green.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Kiluea
Bike Setup:
Mavic 517's, WTB Raptors, Full XT (9-Speed), Rock Shox SID XC, WTB seat with ti rails.
Bottom Line:
This is a bike made for riding in the switchbacks and the wet rooty trails of New England. This is the kind of bike you may want to use on race day. The overall handling is good and like all other Kona's it is well balanced and can take a beating. The only drawback to this bike is the color and the realization that Kona will make a new one next year, and you will be forced to buy it or atleast stare at it for a very long time. Go and buy this bike, you won't regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie Madden
a Cross-Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
The frame is the heart of the bike.Point it to a tight singletrack and you'll know what this bike is all about.Its the perfect weight distribution balance between the front and rear tyres makes it a sweet ride.
Weaknesses:
This bike is not an all rounder that so many other brands try to be.If you like your trails to be tight,singletracks with generous amounts of switchbacks and damp rock or roots...this is your ride.Otherwise, buy another bike.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn's,Specialized,Cannondale and Peugeot.
Bike Setup:
Fully XT components,Mavic 217 front,221 rear,Michelin Wildgrippers,Scott Octane riser bars,SDG saddle,Jagwire cables,Judy XC,Yeti grips, and this thing is an 8 speed baby..
Bottom Line:
If razor sharp response is what you need, the Kona Kula is IT.Buy just the frame and start accessorizing...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Nanaimo, B.C. Date Reviewed: December 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
urban assualt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
easton tubing
Weaknesses:
weak
Similar Products Used:
munimula
Bike Setup:
Kona Chute
Bottom Line:
First i had a munimula, cracked that. Then i had a kula, cracked that in 4 months. Now i have a chute, its bomb proof. I loved my kula, but i just can handle the punishment i put it through. It would be a great cross country bikes, but its not made for doing 7 foot whellie drops
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Hume
a Weekend Warrior
from mission Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
This is to all of you morons out there who yoused this sight to make fun of other countres. To all you americans out there who have heared bad things out there from other canadienss i would like to apaligise and ask that you dont judj all of us based on what they say. And that you all remember were all out for the same reason, to ride
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fastman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Haverhill, MA Date Reviewed: December 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Everything - from the way it looks to the way it handles the tight, rocky, rooty singletracks of the Northeast. It's also a blast on very technical downhills...when my friends on their Kleins get off thier bikes, I continue to ride right past them. Just look to where you want to go, you'll get there on a Kula!
Weaknesses:
I haven't really found one yet.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pulse II, Specialized FSR.
Bike Setup:
I upgraded to the Kula when my Kona AA (no longer made) broke. XT derailers, Marzocci Z2 Atom Bomb (very plush), Sugino Mighty 350X cranks, Sachs chain, XT V-brakes, Grip Shifts.
Bottom Line:
The Kula is a fantastic, do it all bike. It is very responsive in all cicumstances and always a blast to ride. Buy a Kula...or be past by one!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike P
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin, Tejas Date Reviewed: December 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great light frame. Awesome components. Looks sweet.
Weaknesses:
Too short of travel on the Z2. (although a great fork)
Similar Products Used:
Trek 930 Specialized FSR Cannondale F700
Bike Setup:
XTR rear der., XT front der., King headset, 2000 Marzocchi Z2 X-Fly, Easton carbon bars, Avid Arch Rival 50's
Bottom Line:
The frame is bad ass. It handles extremely well. This is a bike I can ride all day and still race on the weekends. Love it so much I bought a Hahanna for a commuter and my wife has a Cinder Cone. Kona's rule. (plus Ozone Bikes kicks ass as a dealer.) Thinking about getting a Rockshox seatpost for it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
great set-up for the price. love those raceface cranks. XT and XTR components.
Weaknesses:
snapped my chain 2 miles in on the first big uphill. the bomber shock also came bone dry and needed tons of lube to get rid of the sticksion.
Similar Products Used:
a lot. work in a shop
Bike Setup:
factory set up. added quick release seatpost binder and have 2nd set of rims w/ farmer johns on them for those muddy days. and yes I still ride farmer johns!
Bottom Line:
Great bike! Factory specs puts it in around 22 lbs, actual is about 24.5 lbs. very responsive and once set up stays pretty well dialed.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
snodog1
a Cross-Country Rider
from NJ Date Reviewed: October 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
great geometry
Weaknesses:
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
lx-xt,Z2 frnt., Bontrager accs.
Bottom Line:
I AM NOT WRITING IN ON THIS PRODUCT BUT RATHER KONA AS COMPANY. FOUR WEEKS AGO I SNAPPED MY FRAME AT THE BOTTOM TUBE. WITH OUT EVEN STOPPING HOME FIRST WENT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER HAD MY NEW FRAME PICKED OUT WITH IN TWO DAYS. IT IS NOW GOING ON FOUR WEEKS AND STILL NO DAMN FRAME. WHILE FOR YEARS I PRAISED KONA PRODUCT I MUST NOW SAY I AM TOTALY OPPOSED TO THEM. IN THIS DAY IN AGE WHAT GOOD IS COMPANY IF THEY HAVE NO SERVICE. ON TOP OF WAITING FOR THE FRAME I AM STILL WAITING A WEEK ALREADY FOR THE WARRANTY GUYS TO GET BACK TO ME. ONCE AGAIN THEY MAKE A GREAT PRODUCT BUT JUST THINK MORE THEN ONCE WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO BUYING. THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE A COMPANY THAT'S THERE WHEN YOU NEED THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SO THEY HAVE ILLUSTRATED.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Are99
a Weekend Warrior
from Sthlm Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything (price also)
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Wheeler 6500
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula 1999 orginal + XTR brakes
Bottom Line:
Fast, light, and very tricky. Works great so far!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
big al
a Racer
from kAnZaS Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
rEDandbLUE!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
FUCKING AWESOME RIDE!!! climbs like a goddamn mountain goat, light as a feather, kick arse drivetrain (full XT with XTR der's and brakes)
Weaknesses:
forks are ultra plush and great quality of travel, yet not enough of it (70mm)!!
buy this bike - no i dont work for kona. for 1450AUS where can you go wrong?????
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Easton Ultralite Frame Marzocchi Atom Bomb Race Face Turbine Cranks XT with XTR rear derailleur
Weaknesses:
Tioga Factory Slicks
Bottom Line:
The ride on the Kula is so plush compared to my old GT Avalanche. The Kula is an excellant climber with outstanding handling. Those tight twisty single tracks now are a piece of cake. I was also impressed how easy it is to wheelie on the Kula. Get a Kula, you won't be sorry.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
arild
a Cross-Country Rider
from gjoevik, norway Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
skumsjoen area
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Easton Elite frame Marzocchi Z2 fork XT,XTR
Weaknesses:
Seatpost,stem, handlebar, tires
Similar Products Used:
Trek, Extreme
Bike Setup:
Changed the weak parts with Syncros and Ritchey tires
Bottom Line:
A great bike! Very stiff frame. Great fork and components. Good on climbs and singletracs
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Burny
a Racer
from Quebec (French Canadian) Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Nothing can beat him
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn homegrown pro
Bike Setup:
I use the original setup
Bottom Line:
I can't say nothing bad about this bike. I think that the problem with this review is the english canadian. They all suck!!! The only problem that I know about this bike is the shimano components. Because they are a little bit smaller because of the 9 speeds, you have to change them a little bit more often.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Aurora, Colorado Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Deer Creek Canyon
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Easton Ultralite Aluminum Frame Marzocchi Atom Bomb Race Face Turbine Cranks XT with XTR rear derailleur Ritchey Forcelite Bar Ritchey Pro S front hub Tioga Kevlar Slicks
Weaknesses:
It attracts jealous stares from everyone I'm passing while blazing uphill.
Similar Products Used:
Most everything
Bike Setup:
Icon bar ends. Switched out the Ritchey Logic's with Time ATAC's.
Bottom Line:
After two days of test riding as many bikes as there are stars in the firmament, it took only two minutes on the Kona Kula and I knew that this bike was the evident choice. After purchase I immediately took my new ride to Green Mountain and threw this bike around on some single track. I worked this bike like a rented mule and it begged for more! Fast and tight maneuvering is very precise on the Kula. The performance when traveling uphill is unconscionable thanks to the Race Face Turbine cranks this bike climbs like a mountain goat! The Marzocchi Atom Bomb soaks up most of the big hits and has an external rebound damping adjuster. Anyone searching for a sub 24 pound, top of the line hardtail for $2000 look no further and go test ride a Kula!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
klg;
a Racer
from ghf Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
like it all
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
easton
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
race face with an atom bomb
Bottom Line:
canucks suk is a fukin idiot.!! that stupid fuker hasn't heard of race face or rockey mountain. Or norco. Or syncros. Thats all crappy built stuff right? canadian parts that have 200 reviews and above 4 adverage(race face cranks) ratings must suck right?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ross
a Cross-Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: May 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
climbs great Sweet component group
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 specialized Stumpjumper Voodoo Hoodoo
Bike Setup:
kona Kula-Full xt &str rear D & brakes spinergy spox atom bomb
Bottom Line:
This is a sweet bike that clims great
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lenny
a Cross-Country Rider
from Amherst Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Slade Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very light and an awesome climber
Weaknesses:
none except its competitors
Similar Products Used:
Trek y-3 which is a piece
Bike Setup:
Full xt with xtr derailurs and xtr brakes. Rock Shox Sid xc. mavic 517 ceramic. titec and chris king. vel. raptor kev.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for those who have to climb and live for awesome airs. this bike has been the best bike I have ever owned. It is durable and strong, anyone who says other wise is just weak or lazy
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
King
a Racer
from King Town Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
King Trail
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Great stuff, Fast as hell.
Weaknesses:
The only problem that I can think of is that it atracks loser, sickos to this site. The reason being is that they all went out and bought Specializes and they are so upset that they take it out on the bike they knew they should have bought. Although they probably can't read what I just wrote, I think it should be known that this is a great bike.
Similar Products Used:
Just about every thing
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Consider this bike regardless of what a few weaklings said. If you don't take a look at it you will be missing out. Happy Trails.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ed
a Cross-Country Rider
from crested butte colorado Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
full xt mavic 517 97 judy xc mythos xc
Bottom Line:
i love this bike been riding since 1986 made me in real expert rider. just look where you want to go and it goes there. climbs incredibly well, since i'm kind of a weak climber, it's made me able to get up hills i never thuoght possible. i've also been able to clean stuff i could never do on my old cannondale. one incredible bike for anybody who rides anywhere.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Cedar Hill State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very light, stiff frame, great climber
Weaknesses:
none that I have found
Similar Products Used:
Klein Pulse Comp III
Bike Setup:
XTR brakes, derailleurs, hubs, shifters, RaceFace Turbine cranks, Standard rings, Atom Bomb fork
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. Mine complete weighs in at 22lbs!!! It's not stock, but the frame is the heart of the bike, and this one handles tight singletrack like it's on rails. After reading some of the other reviews, I felt the need to defend my ride. It's the best hardtail you can buy - no contest!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
russ
a Cross-Country Rider
from sheridan, wy Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
I had to defend my steed. I have legs like tree trunks and arms like cannons. You people that didn't like this bike have to be little sissies. If your anorexic asses would gain a few pounds you might discover that this frame flexes, you just have to be strong enough to do it. I had to replace the crappy mavics with some rhyno lites and stiffen up the fork but those are industry faults, not kona's. Great bike for people with big muscles that don't cry all the time.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gareth Owen
a cross-country rider
from wales Date Reviewed: February 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
The Kula rocks and rolls through the valleys of my homeland and makes me sing like my fathers. Buy it boyo!! Laaaannnnd of my fathers, chasing sheep is best left to shepherds
kula, kula, kula, what would be stiffer John Homes in ViVa La Daisy. If your a hard rider and like it rough the experince in the Kula. So queit talking limp and go ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karl
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999
Bottom Line:
Let's face it: The Kona Kula is stiff but heavy race bike that was made for one thing, and one thing only: To be raced and raced hard. Yes, during hours of singletrack riding, the damned thing torments your butt and feels just a tad too stiff. But once you get going, get that speed building up, and lean that bike into some tight corners, you will appreciate the Kona Kula. It is a little racing machine, and nothing but. I compare it too a Porsche. No big fun in rush hour traffic or on a cross-country trip - but hell, I'd sure like one to boot around a tight little race track for a while. That's what the Kona is, a Porsche, so don't mistake it for a Cadillac. As for the juvenile Yank-Canuck-slamming that has replaced reasonable product reviews for the Kula, I remind all fellow Canucks that Canada is nothing without the US, and the US is much less without its little pesky brother up north. So chill out, and ride, please, eh?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elton
a cross-country rider
from Durango, Colorado Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
I cant beleve the s--- I have been reeding here, it sounds like a bunch of Canucklehead whiners cant accept the fact that Americans make better bikes. Oryx? Rocky Mountain? Losers. The Kula is an awesome machine. The frame is light and perfect. Bomber forks rule! I can even dig those Canuck Race Face cranks. Kona keep up the good work.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Too-Kool
a racer
from Saskatchewan - Canada Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
I've ridden most of the 99 Kona's and this one is good especially on loose rocky s--- - it's a bit stiff for my liking. Components good also but nothing compares to my cheapskate Rocky Mountain Cardiac (with a few of my own components) it rocks! I wish I bought a couple more of them when I bought mine. Save your $$$ by Canadian dudes.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a weekend warrior
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
Wow, there sure are a lot of differently able'd people out there. Lets talk about bikes. My Kula is a tight little woods bike. It rules the twisty single track. That's all you need. The rest of you may not have noticed, but there aren't too many real downhiller's on hardtails these days. Don't ride the wrong style of bike. I can't see myself hauling a full on DH rig with 9 inches of travel across rolling hills for 6 hours, & I won't try & wring out the Kula on a rocky 60 mph downhill, but then I just look dumb, I'm not really dumb. Just Ride!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Heidi Pizka
a cross-country rider
from Lake Geneva, WI Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
For the record, I actually own a 1999 Kona Kula and want to review it. I'd hope that everyone else reviewing bikes on this site is extending the same courtesy. It's doesn't seem too constructive to be reading opinions from people who obviously feel that their choice in a bike should be the last word.I paid $1889 and tax for my bike. I felt that it was a good value for the money when I compared the spec part by part. I'm very excited about how it rides. The wheels are light and accelerate very well. The frame is very stiff, as I was told it would be, being aluminum, but it seems to track very well, and goes exactly where I point it. The bike itself is pretty light. I think Kona pays a weight penalty using the Marzocchi forks, but after riding it, I'm convinced that nothing else on the market works as well for a light weight rider. It's a more active fork than I've ever been able to ride in the past. I'd reccomend this bike to anybody who wants a nice reliable high end racing bike.See you on the trails.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Herb Jones
a cross-country rider
from Arlington, WA Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
Obviously from the previous reviews certain Canadians are more interested with their scrotum than with posting a REAL review of a KILLER bike. Quit wacking off, get out of your self absorbed shell and join the real world. The Kona Kula is one of the best bikes that I have ever ridden. The Easton Ultra-lite tubeset rules and is forgiving and light. The angles of the bike along with the Marzocchi fork make this bike eat up single track like candy and climb like a dream. As for spec for the dollar do some homework boys and you'll see it stacks up against any of the big companys AND Rocky Mountains. If you want a real bike for a real MAN OR WOMAN score the Kona Kula and you won't be disappointed. This bike is rips.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
t.day
a cross-country rider
from down under Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
I started riding/racing in the late 80's, by the early 90's I had fallen away from riding altogether, I could not find a bike that met my riding needs and ability. then came the kula, I started riding with a level of zeal that I had not had befor, go ahead try to take my kula away! r .
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a cross-country rider
from Cambridge, Wells Date Reviewed: February 2, 1999
Bottom Line:
The Kula is the best bike I have ever owned, I love the colour and the decals are cool!! I ride really hard and want a bike that can hold up to this, and the Kula has done the job.Well done Kona!!!!I think that every mountain bike should have one, so go and buy one now!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a racer
from peoria, illinois Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999
Bottom Line:
While everyone else uses this particular review site to discuss nationality, I will give a review of a friend's 1997 Kula as well as my 1998 Kona Ku (custom frame no longer available). Both frames have excellent characteristics on the trail, with the Kula being slightly stiffer due to the chain stay bridge. My Ku does not have the bridge, so it is not quite as harsh and has more mud clearance. The Kula is a 1997 Easton frame while my Ku is Columbus Altec 7005 with ovalized top and down tubes like a Litespeed Owl Hollow. Very Sweet. The geometry on both bikes is identical and favors fast singletrack riding, a good thing since both bikes are used to race. As far as the paint chipping, consider the nature of the sport and don't expect so much. I have owned and raced my Ku for 2 years now and can honestly say that it is a very sweet ride with no downsides, from customer service to clipped-in performance, something hopefully all nationalities can understand! 5 Habaneros
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jared
a cross-country rider
from idaho Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999
Bottom Line:
Man, I can't believe the stupidity of all you canadians that wasted the time to write so much trash. To the moron in the hospital--Kona didn't make the rim that fell apart so dis the company that did. And Peter North--do your homework buddy. Kona not only specs canadian parts, but also designs bikes that perform exceptionally in the pacific northwest, whether your country or mine. your patriotism is almost as astounding as your vocabulary is small. hmmm, small mindedness, small vocabulary, I wonder what else is small. I could venture a pretty good guess. This isn't a site to slam countries. it is for honest ratings of bikes you have ridden. if you have so much time on your hands that you can waste it on such stupid reviews then you ought to get a job so you can buy a real bike--KONA ALL THE WAY BABY! an astounding ride from a company that was started by a man that knows far more about riding than Mike C., Dustin, or Arna. (oh, if you haven't been in the sport long enough to know who Joe Murray is, well, then I guess you hopped on the mtn. bike bandwagon with all the other posers who think they can ride).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike T
a downhiller
from WA Date Reviewed: January 17, 1999
Bottom Line:
A good bike for the money. Nice tight angles- Likes going fast on technical trails. Not bad at the BMX track either. My guess is that it was too much bike for the f@gs from canada, Eh?
Overall Rating:
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