Submitted by
Jack Slade
a Cross Country Rider
from Knaresborough England Date Reviewed: April 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Castle Bolton Wensleydale
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Leisure Lakes
Strengths:
Great sweet bike. Climbs beautifully and screams downhill.I have riden this bike cross country and raced it ! So sweet to ride. A testimony to Kona!!!!
Weaknesses:
Hard to say. The Ball Burnished finish is looking tatty now but hey it`s travelled over 7000 miles off-road !
Similar Products Used:
Marin Pine Mountain. Proflex Animal. Specialized Rockhopper.
Bike Setup:
XT mechs. XTR Brake levers. Avid V Brakes. Pace RC36 Suspension forks. Mavic 217 rims. Total weight 22lbs.
Bottom Line:
I love this bie but it`s getting old and I honestly don`t know what I could replace it with !! Maybe just ride it till it dies !!!! (I`ve always fancied a Santa Cruz Heckler though !!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, AB Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all of dem
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Works - Waterdown, ON
Strengths:
Good components, sweet geometry, good welds, good 'feel'.
Weaknesses:
weak rims and hubs
Similar Products Used:
prior was trek 9000, diamond back apex
Bike Setup:
stock w/ Z4 bomber, upgraded hubs and up to some phat rhyno rims for my 240lbs.
Bottom Line:
This thing flys. If you want to ride recreationally or seriously, this is a great choice, with big bang for the buck. I've entered it in everything from log pull contests to x-c races. Plan on three this summer. Climbs all day, allll dayyyy...and then it climbs some more. Swing behind the seat and it drops down hill pretty good. All in All, 5 out of 5 steaming cowpies
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tamás Mészáros
a Cross Country Rider
from Budapest, Hungary Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
Kewl color, geometry, Kona feeling :)
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!
Similar Products Used:
Magellan Crux
Bike Setup:
XT, LX, Rock Shox Judy XC, Magura Louise front disc brake, Ritchey
Bottom Line:
Well-designed frame, I used it for XC racing, and it was great. This will be my frame for the next season :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Bowman
a Weekend Warrior
from Haifax ,PA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hebron Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Awesome Color Strong Frame Good Components Kona!!!!!
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
GT Zascar, Mongoose Crap
Bike Setup:
99 Muni-Mula frame, 2000 Marzocchi Bomber z4, Sram 9.0 SL, Bontrager, Cane Creek headset, Mavic 221(anodized red), etc.
Bottom Line:
This is the best purchase i ever made. This bike kicks bear ass, and it is a great price. Really light and dependable. Kona is the shiznit!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MachRacing
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000
Factory saddle Kona riser bar Marzochi z4 fork weight
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Homegrown '97 XT Specialized hardrock
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Race Lite Ti Seat Replaced pedals to Ritchey WCS Ti pedals...someone said that it gets hard to clip into pedals in mud??? Doesn't every clipless except TIME and the other exotics...BONK! Replaced sad lookin and feeling Kona grips to CODA grips
Bottom Line:
Great ride. Gives a sense of security on trail, strong welds. Nice choice of components. Upgrade the Z4 and Mavic 221s and you have a VERY agressive ride. Works well with 9 speed, very fast. Lower the seat for the trails and fooling around, raise it for some fast action. Tires are better than I expected. Works well when you have the rear tire set in cross country (reversed). Great overall price for the bike. Made in Taiwan? Ain't everything?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bilbo
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Rides great, good component mix, well priced.
Weaknesses:
Stock tires arent the best, ritchey pedals dont work well in muddy conditions.
Similar Products Used:
GF Big Sur.
Bike Setup:
99 Muni Mula, 00 SID XC, Crosslinks, IRC Mythos XC (rear), Panaracer Fire XC (front), Titec bar, Raceface post + bb, xt f. derailler, xt cassette, Selle italia saddle, Bontrager stem, Time ATAC alium pedals.
Bottom Line:
Well designed frame that is fun to ride for tight technical riding. Well priced - good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Weekend Warrior
from Townville,Queensland,Australia Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Paluma Dam
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Looks great, Good mix of components, Lightweight frame.
Weaknesses:
Fork is a little soft for me (6'2", 200lb). I wore the tyres out fairly quickly but may be due to some rocky and rough downhill terrain that I was riding.
Similar Products Used:
Merida MAT TS PRO
Bike Setup:
New Tyres (Hutchinson Python), New Pedals (Platforms), New Grips (due to a major stack - OURY), Otherwise Standard.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic bike, fast, light and good price. Perfect for budget XC racer or Weekend Wannabe (like me). Gets plenty of stares from the crowd.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philippe
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hanna Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike is incredibly fast and quite light for the price. I feel like I'm in a ferrarri when I accelerate and like I landed on an aircraft carrier when I use the excellent Avid 40 brakes. The welds are the best that I saw of all the bikes I looked at. The components are excellent. Frame and paint quality are top notch. The fork is great too.
Weaknesses:
The only thing I'm worried about is the Mavic 221 rims which I've heard horror stories about. The tires at first seemed low end, but once I got used to them they were fine. The cool Kona decals come off easily.Seat should be better and I plan on melting the pedals and selling them as trinquettes.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000 (nice but didn't have the feel i wanted), Specialized A1 rock Hopper Pro(ewwww), GT Avalanche(heavy as a tank,good bike) Fisher Big Sur(decent) Raleigh m800(P.O.S!!),Cannondale(lightweight yet disgustingly blah)Trek Y3(heavy,slow,not good),Jamis(sweet bike, but Kona stole my heart)
Bike Setup:
stock for now. Going to install Mavic 521 rims and eventually install Marzocchi z3.5 80. cat eye enduro 2.
Bottom Line:
This bike has made my 230lbs 6'2" frame a better rider at everything.I got this bike for only 800.00 bucks at a clearence sale at Open Road Bicycles. I am totally satisfied with the bike. I plan on racing and having many long fast riding days with this rocket. This bike seems to be aimed toward the "gung ho" type of consumer. BUY A KONA!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ole Amund
a Weekend Warrior
from Kristiansand, Norway Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Norwegian Mountains
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lightweight frame! Brakes are exellent! The gears are really smooth! Really cool design.
Weaknesses:
Nothing much to talk about
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000, DBS Intruder, Kona Cinder Cone ++
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I think the bike is best for those who use their bike just for the fun of it - and for them it is the best you can get! Still it's not a slow bike. The tires has a good grip both in tarmac or gravel and mud. Another great thing about this bike, is that you get this extream accelerating feeling when you want to. The bike has a cool image and I have actually experienced that other mountainbikers look at my bike as I pass them, and say "WOW LOOK AT THAT COOL BIKE" as I pass them. Comparing to the '00 Muni-Mula I think it does well. The most are the same, but the '00 has deore components instead of the deore LX that the '99 has.
I don't regret the purcase for a secound.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Brown
a Racer
from Atlanta U.S.A. Date Reviewed: June 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The reaper
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Nice frame I love the brakes
Weaknesses:
the shock needs to be lighter it needs a new front hub lose the riser bar
Similar Products Used:
Gary fisher paragon Marin mount vision pro Klein pluse comp
Bike Setup:
Raceface crank selle italia set cross max wheels
Bottom Line:
Great bike but lose the kona house brand
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andres Rivas Paquet
a Weekend Warrior
from Asturias, Spain Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Argayu (downhill circuit)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Frame geometry Avid Arch Rival brakes Very nice for the price
Weaknesses:
The only product weakness that I have found is that the grips are too soft (not big deal).
Similar Products Used:
Spanish brand frame (Boomerang) with mainly LX components and Marzocchi Z5 fork.
Bike Setup:
I have switched the original pedals for Shimano 545, I also substitued the stem for a Diamond Back BMX/downhill one, I added a Specialized Comp bike computer and a Specialized seat bag, another change that I have done is the original brake pads for Kool Stop after some rides on the rain.
Bottom Line:
This bike works great!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mika
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
fast singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Blastproof frame with good geometry, decent mix of Shimano LX/XT components which work very well. Poverful brakes too (Avid Arch Rival 40). The Marzocchi Bomber Z4 fork has strong construction, handles OK. And oh yes, I just love the blue paint finish...
Weaknesses:
There aren't any REAL weaknesses in this bike. Fork is a bit on the heavy side, but then again it's a coil spring...and the tires didn't suit my riding style ;)
Similar Products Used:
Many rigid bikes, this is my first with front suspension.
Bike Setup:
Replaced the original (too knobby) tires to Nokian Boazobeana S's. Other than that, as it came from the bike dealer.
Bottom Line:
Very good value for money. Although it does look a bit like a freeride, it really is a solid xc machine. If that's what you're looking for, go get it. Nuff said.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
glen buckland
a Weekend Warrior
from victoria bc canada Date Reviewed: May 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
hot cherry
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
this bike handles very well and the price won't break the bank it will take you pretty much where ever you want to go.the brakes are great arch rivels 40.
Weaknesses:
it would be great if it came with a four inch travel fork.
Similar Products Used:
gt avalanch
Bike Setup:
rock shock seat post t.h.e. fenders
Bottom Line:
this bike is great for someone who wants to get out on the trails and doesn't want to have to spend a lot of money.I have not had any problems with this bike and would recomend it to anyone who would like to have alot of fun on the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marshal
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria B.C. Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
snakes and ladders (heartland)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
good shoks,brakes,cranks and compnents for the price
Weaknesses:
rims and front hub
Similar Products Used:
cidercone,trek 8000,cannondale f700,garyfisher big sur, gary fisher paragon and brodi voltage.
Bike Setup:
stock exept I have a roko 26 by 2.4 inch tire on the front
Bottom Line:
This is overall a great bike for the price I say if you have the money go for it. If you do get this bike I would reccomend a better front hub. I got this bike for $1300 and its good the only problems I've had is with the rims I'm not very heavy only weighing in at 130 pounds they keep bending. So I'm koing to give this one 5 flamin'Chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr Bongo
a Weekend Warrior
from Harpenden, Herts, England Date Reviewed: March 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Slick Rock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
"Right on Point" Kona ride Tasty blue colour...mmmmmm Light but well 'ard
Weaknesses:
No gusset at head tube
Similar Products Used:
Kona Cindercone, Marin Hawk Hill, Specialized Rockhopper, Marin Muirwoods,
I put a straight bar on instead of the curved bar and put the stem the other way at -10 degree. which is perfect at XC. The Z4 is an awesome sauspension, heavy but it eats all bumps, i am way faster down then many of my rock shox weight-maniacs
Bottom Line:
I changed the tyres from the start to Hutchinson Python so i dont know the original Kona tyres. But this bike has got perfect geometry goes up and down, its comfortable (control and connection to the ground when speed is high i rough terrain) My weight is 150 lbs though i'm 6feet 4. Some heavy guys might say that it isn't stiff enough but i love comfort and control and at my weight it is stiff enough. Konas Geometry with small rear triangle is perfect! Shimano LX and XT well it works great but i'm gripshift freak so i put on sachs ergopower extreme they are great! Great bike go get a Kona!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield MO Date Reviewed: November 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
None
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I am a heavier than average rider. Still has really good control and handling. I put 517's on it and changed the JUNK seat out!!
Weaknesses:
Had to put heavier springs in fork (even the light riers who tried it were bottoming out!! The seat was like sitting on a cheap paperback novel!!
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Big Sur Specailized (JUNK) TREK 8000
Bike Setup:
Changed wheels to 517s (citron) Better seat
Bottom Line:
Very good deal all around!! If you can find a dealer willing to DEAL!! I have had it on trails, some Touring (with pans!!), and just out cruising around town!! Very Happy!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Morten
a Weekend Warrior
from Norway Date Reviewed: October 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Arch rival brakes frame geometry LX\XT components
Weaknesses:
Rims Tyres Not disc-compatible
Similar Products Used:
NUNU Trek 7000 Kula
Bike Setup:
Switced to a Monitou X-vert e for longer travel, Mavic 521 rims, tioga 2.30 tyres and some Tioga flatties for porsonal preference.
Bottom Line:
My first Kona, but not the last. I loved the bike from day 1,-but several components was busted the first week.. With the changes I made- I couldn`t want anything else! Buy this bike!! It is extreme value for money, a hell of a climber and quick as a fox!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ole
a Weekend Warrior
from Norway Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere with this bike
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Cool colour, light and xtream fast
Weaknesses:
None that I could find
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
99 Muni-Mula, z4
Bottom Line:
Yes! Great bike for the price. Made in Taiwan, no problem! Buy it, I know I will!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corey
a Cross-Country Rider
from Gilmanton, NH Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
carr ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great frame riser bar lx,xt stuff
Weaknesses:
shock rims shifters tires
Similar Products Used:
giant 870 trek 7000
Bike Setup:
muni-mula frame atom bomb 517' continental tires
Bottom Line:
This is a really great bike. I have the 8 speed, 98 model. It came with kona break and enter tires, stx-rc shifters, sun cr18 rims, and the useless rock shox judy t2. All of those items either broke, wore out or were useless. However, the frame is great and I really like riser bars. If you plan to race the bike and ride it a lot, the items that I listed will probably need to go. I love kona and I love the feel of my bike. After all, its not the manufacturers fault that I choose a bike with less than top shelf componentry. I would buy this bike again in a second. If you are looking at a muni-mula, you can't really go wrong (especially one with out the useless t2 pogo stick).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Endo_zzyzx
a Weekend Warrior
from North Shore Vancouver,BC Date Reviewed: August 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
no real fav
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light Strong Looks LX,XT Comps
Weaknesses:
The Tioga tires should go on this one. I think they start on the Pahoehoe. THE SEAT SUCKS!
Similar Products Used:
Lava Dome Cindercone
Bike Setup:
20frame, Z1 BAMS, LX,XT Comps, ring god, Mavic 221 rims
Bottom Line:
This bike climbs very quickly, and descends even quicker! I broke the cheap seat the second day, but I replaced it with something with titanium rail and kevlar corners. I love how upright you are on this frame(especially with a 5fork!) GREAT DEAL AT THE COVE!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
davey
a Racer
from Maine Date Reviewed: August 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Handling Overall value
Weaknesses:
riser bar tires
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stump Pro
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Test rode this frame before deciding on a Kona Kula. Handles great, drivetrain and brakes work flawlessly. Tires are a little squirelly for knobbies, and the riser bar is too wide for some really tight tree-infested singletrack. Phenomenal value for the money. Not the lightest bike in the world, but for this price you're not getting a King Kahuna.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Price
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oxford, England Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great forks. The handling of the Muni Mula is impeccable - really light and flickable - it flies. Riding position and the control it gives is fantastic
Weaknesses:
Tires could be more grippy, especially when turning in the loose stuff
Similar Products Used:
None - A couple of test rides and I was hooked.
Bike Setup:
Stock set up
Bottom Line:
The great components really do add up to a sum even greater than the parts. Component-wise it's well up there but what really makes it for me is the great geometry and riding position which makes it a real demon off road. It's also surprised me by feeling so light and yet so strong when being subjected to serious off road abuse. A fantastic bike that will also last some time.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernard
a Cross-Country Rider
from Surrey Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999
Had a NuNu before this which was also excellent, MuniMula feels quicker, lighter and just more phun all round..!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stoney
a Cross-Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: July 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Arch Rival brakes Frame Geometry Marzocchi Z4's
Weaknesses:
Tyres a bit slippy No disk mounts
Similar Products Used:
Klein Attitude Orange EvO2 Specialized Rock' A1 Comp FS
Bike Setup:
99 model with Qranc Risers and 636 spds
Bottom Line:
If you like a bike that skips over hardpack and gives that twitchy on the edge feeling at speed, then buy one. I'm 5'10 and the 18 frame has a fantastic feel off road. Accelerates like a bullit. Forks are as good as any I've tried. This is my first Kona but it won't be my last.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al Crawford
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey,England Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
bombshelter up the Nower
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Versatility acceleration inspirational design looks the dogs bo**ox brakes
Weaknesses:
doesn't come with flat pedals!
Similar Products Used:
Kona Caldera and Pahoehoe Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp fs
Bike Setup:
99 Kuna Muni Mula Z3 lights LX group set with XT rear derailler V12s sus. seatpost RooX Danny's stem
Bottom Line:
buy it now before someone else does!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! five chillies
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trev Simpson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Stoney Creek, Ontario Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
I Own the 98.5 muni mula Which is last years components with this years paint job and a z-3 fork. The Fork is awsome. I pesonally like it more than the (compairable) manitou. forks. The drivetrain on it is amazing (xt/lx) extreamlly smooth and fast shifting. also the front hub is very fast moving(java the hub).
Weaknesses:
The stock front derailer(stx-rc) had some chunky shifting. Rapid fire shifters The front tire also slides a bit on wet logs and branches.
The Bike is amazing and thats the bottom line. Its an overall great (and fast)ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Nanaimo, B.C. Date Reviewed: May 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
It has a well made frame with great geometry. Good forks. Good parts
Weaknesses:
Poor rims and tires
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn moab 1 Giant 870
Bike Setup:
The only stock parts left on the bike is the derailleurs, shifters, cranks and hubs
Bottom Line:
I acually own the 1998 1/2 muni mula, which is the mid-season bike. It has Z-3 lites and a few other differences. The muni mula is a really great bike and it has taking quiet a beating from me and it never let out a wimper. Overall i think that the muni mula is a good all around bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Y
a Weekend Warrior
from Macclesfield, UK Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Red Bull Coed-y-Brenin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great set of components, very slick gear change, Avid Arch rival brakes are very powerful, it handles really well, it feels really well balanced, the centre of gravity seems to be in the right place.
Weaknesses:
UK list price 900 pounds! but then hey we Brits get ripped off for all goods not just MTBs. Other than that I'm not sure about the Kona gravy rear tyre it seems more prone to sliding than the Specialized Team Control tyre I have on my RockHopper, may swap it over to see if that improves rear end grip.
Bike Setup:
as brochure, I'm 5'10 and the 18 frame is perfect for off road riding but a bit cramped for tarmac
Bottom Line:
I had gone out to buy a Kona Cinder Cone, but the shop didn't have one in 18 frame so they showed me the Muni Mula. The CC has a bit of an iffy mix of components, if you can stretch to the extra money for the Muni Mula you get a bike with superbly matched frame and components.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL Date Reviewed: May 13, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Well build, not too heavy, good component set (LX/XT), great handling
Weaknesses:
doesnt climb as well as it could, ritchey pedals suck in the mud.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp, Cannondale F500, Gary Fisher Big Sur, GT Ricochet, Kona Caldera
Bike Setup:
Kona Muni-Mula Marzocchi Bomber Z4 Rock Shox Seat Post Time ATAC Alium Ritchey Force Lite handlebar
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike in the price range (<$1000) - I payed $900. It handles well and is great on technical downhill sections. It is not too heavy (+-26.5 lbs) but is solidly constrcuted, and has a good component set - mostly LX (XT rear derailler). The stock Ritchey pedals dont work well in the mud - I now have Time ATAC which seem to work better (so far). This bike is handles very well and is fun to ride.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil Bates
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Date Reviewed: April 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light yet solid, excellent components for the pricing. Rides really well.
Weaknesses:
The use of steel bolts, causing rust on the breaks, headsteam and frame.
Similar Products Used:
Campared for comfort and price with Norco - Nitro, Avanti - Aggressor
Bike Setup:
Probably upgrade to the Xtra Hvy spring set for Mazocchi, for a heavy rider
Bottom Line:
For a first of bike that fits the budget of the <$2K, this is probably the best value bike around. It has quality components fitted, that there is no need to modify (for the beginner). The shocks (Z4), very similar to the Z3 minus the light weight cross arch. For a back-yard hack an excellent bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sovann
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, South Australia Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excellent frame and forks - handles really well: light, stiff and responsive. The frame is really well made. It's got a fat gusset, huge welds and chunky dropouts, and good clearance too. The bombers are also top quality - they're way plush and soak up everything. The 9-speed LX/XT drivetrain works really well too. The bike's also well priced (in Aus anyway) - i got it for AUS$1800. Cool colour too. It's nothing like the blue in the Kona catalogue, go have a look in a shop and see for yourself. Also looks smaller than what it actually is (i have a 16inch, which looks like a 14). Comes with touch-up paint too.
Weaknesses:
The Kona front tire doesn't seem to grip in anything, and that's about it really. Black spokes would be nice, i guess.
Similar Products Used:
None. I rode it and loved it. I guess i knew what i wanted and the kona seemed to be perfect.
Bike Setup:
I swapped a few bits at the shop. I got rid of the kona risers and put on some wider azonic pyramids, and i swapped the Ritchey pedals for some Shimano M434's. I also changed the tires to an IRC Missile front and a Mythos rear.
Bottom Line:
Works brilliantly for the sort of riding i do, which is trail riding, jumping and DHing. I love it, the whole thing has a really quality feel about it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bret
a cross-country rider
from Olympia, WA Date Reviewed: November 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just bought a 1998 Kona NuNu, which is the 1998 Muni Mula (same hardware, but painted alloy) I did a ton of comparo shopping, riding, etc, and found the bike to be ab-so-lute-ly excellent! Fun, fast, responsive, great gearing, craftsmanship, etc. Unfortunately, the 1999 NuNu has been downgraded component wise, so if you can find one of the 1998 Nunu's, buy it and save about $300.00
Overall Rating:
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