Submitted by
cyclepsycho05
a Weekend Warrior
from Lancaster, Ohio, United States Date Reviewed: August 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Copperhead, Lake Hope State Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Some shop in Cincinn
Strengths:
Very good handling bike with good geometry and VERY durable.
Weaknesses:
Some of the components weren't the best but nothing major
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike new in 1998 and for 10 years it was my sole trail bike. I rode it fairly frequently and when I did I rode hard. I was also not the most religious about maintenance...besides lubing the chain or fixing something if it broke I did very little. The bike was still going strong when I finally decided it was time for an upgrade to full suspension. Last summer I bought a 2007 Giant Trance 3 and proceeded to upgrade most of its components (fork, wheels, derailleurs, crank/BB, etc.) The Nunu is getting a fresh paint job and all of the slightly used components from the Giant. With the quality of the Kona frame, the Nunu should be blasting the trails for at least another 10 years!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
easy e
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville, ky, usa Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Strengths:
I've had this 1998 Kona nunu for about 10 years and nothing has broken. I've ridden other bikes but none has the "feel" that this one has. Looks great too! I also like the riser bars, they're nice for casual riding and commuting.
Weaknesses:
Since it's 10 years old, I'm sure there are lighter, higher tech parts on new bikes but the old Kona just works.
Similar Products Used:
GT, Schwinn, trek
Bottom Line:
Best all round bike for the money. It just works right and feels great. Quality bike for sure. I've taken it off 6 foot drops repeatedly and it's still in one piece.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Mass Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$608.00
Purchased At:
Gravity Warehouse
Strengths:
Good solid frame, brakes work well,tires are good for a month or so then they get worse but that happens when you ride on assfault
Weaknesses:
Forks,rear derailer was replacd, weak crank and crank bolts
Similar Products Used:
bianchi,kona blast,k2 zed 3.0
Bike Setup:
deore,avid,azonic,rock shox,vp
Bottom Line:
it is a good bike for the money. many things were changed for newer models. it has also held up to a lot of big drops but it is starting to wear out
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike j
a Weekend Warrior
from alberta Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
pines
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
bow cycle
Strengths:
color, frame, brakes derailers
Weaknesses:
forks are anoying because they require constant attention to keep them at the right air preasure, the rims suck i think i have bent the back twice and had to replace the front, cranks are weak
Similar Products Used:
kona muni mula rockymountain hammer race
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
not a bad beginer bike which is what i bought it for but once you start to get into it and do drops and jumps it doesnt hold up
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donya
a Cross Country Rider
from Winston-Salem, NC Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sidewinder (Blacksburg, VA)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
Liberty Bicycles
Strengths:
Kona geometry: stiff 7005 works great in technical rocky singletrack of the Blue Ridge and Allegany Mts. Color: Magic Yellow reminds me of roadie-competition-gold. Makes bike easy to find when you endo into ferns. Value: can live with sub-par parts because I can upgrade spec the bike as the stock parts wear Durable. Cool AND Fun factor (vs. all the Treks, Fishers and Litespeeds here) versatile racer, urban assault, trials.
Weaknesses:
Heavy. The rear triangle still seems chunky. Replaceable deraileur hanger is hard to get from Kona. Thankfully, the heavy Z5 balances everything out and I don't notice the weight until my boyfriend complains about lifting it onto the roof rack.
Sketchy on long west coast descents. Seems suited for my area. (NC-VA-WVA)
Skinny SDG seat feels good to me but replaced it when it started looking like cheese.
Similar Products Used:
Vanadium Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo Cro-Mo Voo Doo Hoo Doo Trek 6000 Some blue Jamis with a 7005 frame.
Bike Setup:
Stock stem, Z5 fork, handlebars, STX front derailleur, cables and left hand Shimano 85 shifter. Ritchey spindle crank w/BB. Onza bar ends, HOX pedals and tires. Cane Creek direct curve brakes. Thudbuster. Superstock wheelset w Sachs 8 speed. SRAM 9.0 drivetrain. Trigger bell.
Bottom Line:
Looks great. Rides great. Not the best racer but the Nunu can do many things in town or on the trail. Gets glances even without its rider on it. Acessable "gateway drug" into Konaworld or Voodooworld geometry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NICK WARDEN
a Downhiller
from KIPPAX, LEEDS, ENGLAND Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
LOCAL WOODS/JUMPS/QUARRY
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
CYCLE HEVAN YORK
Strengths:
HANDLING ALL ROUND ABILITY LOW TOP TUBE THRASHABILITY
MARIN QUAKE 5 GT TIMBERLINE MANY A JUMP BIKE A FEW DOWNHILL BIKES ORANGE PATRIOT, BULLIT, B-17 IF YOU CAN CALL IT A DH BIKE
Bike Setup:
Z1 DROPOFFS, 24-7 BAR, STEM, SADDLE AND CRANKS, MAVIC D521'S ON BULB FRONT AND DEORE REAR DMR PEDALS CHAIN AND DEVICES SOON AN HOPE ENDURO 4 ON THE FRONT.
Bottom Line:
A GOOD FRAME WITH A FEW MINOR NIGGLES WHICH CAN BE TURNED INTO A DH/DS BEAST WITH A FEW MODS. ALSO kONA NEEDS TO REALISE THAT ALIVIO SAHIFTERS AND MECHS SHOULD NEVER BE ON A 600 QUID HARDTAIL.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Mansfield
a Weekend Warrior
from York, England Date Reviewed: March 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rosedale, N.Yorkshire
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Heaven, York, England
Strengths:
Frame design, Riser bars, All-day ridability,
Weaknesses:
Buget fork, Front hub (own brand), Bottom bracket (lasts five minutes)!!
Similar Products Used:
First Kona owned.
Bike Setup:
Have upgraded bottom bracket, forks (Marzocchi z4 air 100's), and wheels (Mavic x517's on Deore hubs with Tioga factory xc tyres (or is that "tires" across the pond)!
Bottom Line:
I was after a mid price, all day trail bike that was reasonably light, durable and extremely capable. I was drawn to the Kona brand by looks and reputation, and I found exactly what I was looking for. I get out on some pretty severe trails most weekends and the NuNu has never let me down. To sum it up in one word I would have to say "competent"............(and damn good fun)!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheffield, England Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wharncliffe wood DH
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
JE James
Strengths:
Frame geometry, nimble handling, light but stiff frame,
Weaknesses:
Little fork travel. Seat is a pain in the arse (literally).
Good little XC bike, with great handling and a lovely finish. The fork could do with more travel. When bought, make sure you get a new saddle to avoid serious arse pains.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mikw
a
from wilbraham, ma Date Reviewed: November 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
horse trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
aj's
Strengths:
its great, its a kona!!!! LX, Avid, Mavric, Bombers, and kona frame under 700!!!!!
Weaknesses:
i broke before it did! i rode nearly everyday on it until i ruptured my spleen so im stuck here writing thisinstead of riding my bike! the saddle sucks!!! i but on a nice body geomerty, need clipless pedals!!!
Similar Products Used:
trek 700, rock hopper, and others
Bike Setup:
put on intence handle bars, casket stem, clipless pedals, THE fender, panarcaer xc pro, sun ringo rims, planing on geting new crank but not sure yet getting
Bottom Line:
great band for your buck! need a un bike to ride on weekends or all the time get one! youll love it...its made by kona!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Ferguson
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Whatever is available
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$631.00
Purchased At:
BCS Bicycles
Strengths:
Frame Geometry Suspension
Weaknesses:
Torture stump for a seat Mushy brakes
Similar Products Used:
'98 Trek 930 Circ. '94 Giant Iguana
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Hemmorhoid sufferers may want to stay off this bike b/c the seat really kills. I'm six-feet tall but was always too stretched out on my 930. This 19" bike fits me extremely well. VERY comfortable riding posture. On the contrary, if you have a longer torso or legs than average, you may find this bike a little cramped. May be solved w/ longer bar stems, though. Front derailleur, handlebars, and both brakes went out of adjustment soon after I bought the bike but this was due to poor assembly at the shop where I purchased it (repaired for 0$). Mine came with the Rock Shox Jett; would probably want to upgrade to Bombers or Judy's if I start trail-riding multiple times a week. Excellent value. Paid almost the same money for this aluminium bike as I did my CroMo Trek when I bought it two years ago. Red paint job isn't bad either. For someone who wants a campus bike that will serve them just as well beating the trails on the weekends, this is a great bike. Wouldn't have bought this bike if my Trek hadn't been stolen. After riding the Kona, I wouldn't know whether to break the theif's hand or shake it. HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!! (but not necessarily in that order)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brooks
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
700 Acres
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This bike has a great feel, mainly because of the weight distribution. Solid, dependable and can be an excellent bike with a few choice upgrades.
Weaknesses:
Saddle sucks and broke after my first good wipe-out. Get clipless pedals. I don't like the tires so much on dry dusty trails but they do great otherwise.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 6000
Bike Setup:
Richey clipless pedals, rest stock
Bottom Line:
Super bike for the money, got it for $550. Climbs well for an 8 speed. Great color and best of all you won't blend in with all the other Treks and GT's out there. Absolutely no complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Peaks Trail (breckenridge)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Solid frame construction Well thought out geometry Decending ability solid knobby stock tires "feels" like a dream
Weaknesses:
Stock fork (RST) and cranks
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Stratos and Hammer
Bike Setup:
Stock: AVID 2.0/ STX cranks/ Ritchey Logic Clipless/ sun rims/ In-house tires Replaced: Stock fork with Marzocchi Z2 Bam Rear Derailleur with XT Headset with Kore
Bottom Line:
About a year ago I wrote a review soon after purchasing my Kona. It is a year later, several broken/replaced parts and a new fork and I can still say I am pleased as pie. Kona hails from the great Northwest and the handling of the NuNu seems to be perfect for the rooty muddy single-track I found around the Seattle area (the Tapeworm is a great ride for all you soggy Seattlites looking for a quick fix). Now I have moved to Colorado with its sweeping rocky dusty single track. The Nunu continues to perform. Comparing my ride to the Stratos or Hammer, I found the NUNu cockpit to be more suited to my frame. In all cases, the handling of the alum NuNu is just as quick as the Rocky Mtns. While, i will always feel that Kona's geometry was designed with the NW in mind, I can honestly say that you will get your monies worth with any Kona that you are interested in purchasing. So, with the change in fork, I still give the Nunu 5 flaming chilis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. Hortonics
a Cross Country Rider
from Whitehorse Yukon Date Reviewed: May 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Yukon Championship Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very nice shocks after I broke it in. Smooth ride.
Weaknesses:
Shocks are leaking a tiny bit of oil
Similar Products Used:
Brodie Quantum, GT zaskar, Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Just good riding
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Testroete
a Downhiller
from Abbotsford BC Canada Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
soft taco
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Damn good frame shifters rear derailer its a kona
Weaknesses:
fork saddle
Similar Products Used:
muni mula trek 7000zx
Bike Setup:
changed: z1 bam rhino lite rim mavic 521 race face seat post fulcrum saddle rocky mountain platform peddals fat tires wider handlebars
Bottom Line:
damn good bike i just ride it hard and things break i have bought alot of stuff for it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt White
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: April 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Catawba MTB Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
awesome on the downhill sharp looking
Weaknesses:
seat deteriorates touch heavy
Bottom Line:
I love the feel of this bike's ride - especially winding down a steep slope. It climbs well, but because it isn't the lightest thing it could be better. What got me to buy it was the bombers, the color, and the price. I have had rear casette problems, but otherwise I haven't been disappointed. Solid buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shandon L
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: April 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
"the 7k"
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great climbing Alumium frame Bombers
Weaknesses:
saddle sucks
Bike Setup:
upgraded pedals to wellgo clipless
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best. I've been riding it for a year now and nothing has broken on it and i've been riding with a friend during this time and his bike has broken so many times. It's got awesome compents on it like LX rear and Z5 bombers on it. It's bit heavy in front because of the bombers but it's good for cross country, daul saloum and light downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry Blanchet
a Cross Country Rider
from Texada Island, B.C, Canada Date Reviewed: January 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Abyss, Nanaimo B.C.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strong alluminum frame, wicked color, Marzocci forks and great price(even in Canada $899.00).
Weaknesses:
Uncomfortable saddle
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Hammer Race, Trek 8500
Bike Setup:
Got 98XT rear derailleur and Wellgo clipless pedals thrown in
Bottom Line:
This bike likes to be ridden HARD!! Feels great on narly downhills, climbs like a billy goat and super responsive on tight single track. BUY IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chad capece
a Racer
from easley s,c Date Reviewed: December 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
issiaqueena lake trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
killer color, great price, 24 speeds, good bomber fork with a smooth travel, bike last a long time in riding conditions.
Weaknesses:
cheap seat and no clipless pedels.
Similar Products Used:
trek 9.9 pro and trek 8500.
Bike Setup:
lx with bomber shock
Bottom Line:
this bike will last a life time and work like new. pay a little and get alot.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan the Man
a Weekend Warrior
from St. John's , Newfoundland Date Reviewed: December 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
White Hills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Excellent frame, Bomber shock and Wicked Magic yellow colour!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
Crappy SDG comp seat!!
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Moab, GT Backwoods
Bike Setup:
Added Titec little Al, SDG Bel-Air seat(PLUSH!!!!)and Shimano clipless peddles.
Bottom Line:
The frame is by no means rigid, but has the perfect amount of give. The ride sold the bike and the colour sure wasn't a deterence! I am a 6 footer and large framed (200+ lbs.). This bike fit me perfect and with the addition of the new seat became a Cadillac! I recommend this bike, especilly for the price. The best review of any bike though, as you know, is a test ride! Keep the rubber to the ground and get out and ride!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guillaume
a Downhiller
from White Rock B.C. Date Reviewed: October 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the water shed
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great color, great handling,reliable, good price, it's a kona
Weaknesses:
heavy rear end, need more travel on the shock
Bike Setup:
syncro's downhill handle bar, mavic 521 wheels, azonic short stem, shimano lx hub
Bottom Line:
this bike is the best hartail on the market, if my bike wouldn't have got stolen I would get a other one. But now I got a full-suspension bike to replace it. I love it a lot it's really great. But if I ever go back to a hard tail Im going Kona
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sketch
a Cross-Country Rider
from Urban Sprawl, MI Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great handling Good fork Good component mix One-of-a-kind name and color (makes me smile)
Weaknesses:
Heavy, felt especially on climbs Brake-rim combination not good in wet conditions
To tell you the truth, all the bikes I tested in the $500-700 range seemed pretty much the same. I chose the Kona Nunu because it was the bike that promised me the most fun (from the name to the Magic Yellow paint job), and it hasn't disappointed. I've ridden it hard on trails, in the rain, over urban obstacles, and, what can I say, the Nunu delivers. Buy it and ride it. A lot.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lax427
a Cross-Country Rider
from Maitland, Florida Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ocala Hardrock
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
It handels very well it is a light frame but the bombers make it a little bit heavier.
Weaknesses:
None that I have experienced.
Similar Products Used:
I have ridden kona for about five years and the are the best bikes you can get.
Bike Setup:
My Nunu has Ritchey clipless, the Z5's that came on it.
Bottom Line:
I would recomend this bike to anyone. If you are looking for a new bike KONA is the way to go. Also fellow kona users please contact me about tech talk I appreciate the advice. If you have AOL instant messanger my screen name is lax42787.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Putnam Valley, New York Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Responsive Frame Forks Brakes Color
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I just bought my Nunu today! The first ride was short but the bike handled really well. I am new to this mountain biking thing so I can't judge it too much until I hit the rocky jeep trails this weekend! Yeah........!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Groton,CT Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Handles very well Bomber fork is great Yellow frame is cool
Weaknesses:
could have come with a nicer, more durable saddle
Bike Setup:
Bomber Z.5, Michelin Wildgripper Lite S tires Time A.T.A.C pedals
Bottom Line:
Bike is wonderful for all kinds of riding, from just cruisin' on the flats to flying down rocky descents. Very durable comfortable bike at a good price, about $640.00.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crash
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Minuteman Extension
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
It Just Goes!
Weaknesses:
Handling is a little twitchy compared to my old roadbike.The seat is specced for more abuse-proof butts than my own
Bike Setup:
Standard Kona NuNu, plus an Avocet M30 aftermarket seat and a DimensionX raised stem.
Bottom Line:
D**n fine! I have to admit that I'm relatively new to mountain biking but this bike Just Screams Ride Me, You Fooll! :-)The only changes I've made are to put on an Avocet M30 gel saddle (this old butt isn't as tough as it ought to be) and to put on a riser stem to get a little more comfortable riding position. Other than that it's just a GREAT bike. The tires are knobbies, so they have a bit more road drag than I wish for on the road, but when they hit the sand and mud and crud they just claw in and hold. Everything just works fine- the Bomber fork is great, the brakes are sensitive but more than powerful enough, the shifters and derails click right through. I haven't been this excited about a bike in ... darn... fifteen years! And I'm a roadbiker, too!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross-Country Rider
from London, England Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good Mix of components Good Geometry Reliable Fast
Weaknesses:
Slightly heavy
Bike Setup:
shorter stem (Azonic)
Bottom Line:
Great overall ride, excellent value for money, solid and reliable
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Xavior
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, CANADA Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
n/a
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Good Parts Bomber Good Price
Weaknesses:
Look's Nasty, geometry seem to be sacrafice power and speed for a little more agility.
Similar Products Used:
Schwiin Moab 1,3 Trek 6500 GF KaiTai, Big Sur
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
I personally like the feel of the Bomber's over Rock Shox. But I like the more agressive Genesis geometry in the Fisher bikes. But think this bike would ride pretty nice on technical trials. I'm also a little weary of the 7005 frame, it seems Kona may have opted for better components, but a cheaper frame. Still a good bike for the money, even though I chose the Fisher.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross-Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast, Solid, Responsive
Weaknesses:
None really
Similar Products Used:
Rock Hopper FS Marin Palisades Trail
Bottom Line:
A great overall ride with quality components - looks the part
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jono
a Cross-Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
I've found this bike great fror both cross country and just general stuffing about on the streets. I've entered one xc race on it and couldn't fault it.
Weaknesses:
The fork makes the bike a little hefty, but acceleration is still good and the extra weight in the fork means extra rigidity.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for either xc or tooling around. Nice colour and specs as well. Avid brakes must receive mention as must the wonderfully plush and inexspensive for
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Connor
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
-stiff, light frame -good components for the $
Weaknesses:
- air leakage in shock
Similar Products Used:
-cannondale f-1000 -giant iguana SE -KHS
Bike Setup:
-stock
Bottom Line:
This bike is great. It's a lot of bike for the money. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a high performance, low priced bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross-Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mr. Toads
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
quick handling and comfortable i think the 98 model has better commponents than 99, except for the fork
Weaknesses:
i ride a 14 so its a little rough in the rear when i'm going down washborad trails
Similar Products Used:
cannondale cad2 k2 razorback
Bottom Line:
i love this bike. my buddy who rides a custom made kestral rode my bike and half seriously wanted to trade me. i upraged my for to a rockshox judy xc this year, the rst was cutting it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eoin Shea
a Cross-Country Rider
from Berkshire, England Date Reviewed: April 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
This bike is amazing (especially for the bargain price of £600). You really are paying for quality, with good brakes, drive-train, forks and frame. The damn thing even has riser bars for crying out loud- what more could you want?!!!Go out and buy one right away!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: March 9, 1999
Bottom Line:
I bought a 1998 NuNu a few weeks ago and it has performed well! It is an overall nice ride for the money and has great components (STX, XT, Avid). I was a little disappointed in the fork...my came with an RST that seems to have little travel. However, since I don't plan on becoming the next John Tomac, I think it will work just fine (Though, I may replace it later). I have noticed that Kona has remedied this problem on the new 1999 models by replacing the RST fork with a Bomber. Despite this one short-coming on the 1998 model, it is an aggressive climber on loose single-track and comfortable on long rocky jeep roads. The frame geometry lends itself well to steep climbs and descents. In short, this is the best bike for the money that I have ever found. If you are comtemplating getting one, stop reading this and go and buy it before someone else does...you won't regret it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Warren G
a cross-country rider
from Springfield Mo, usa Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
Bought a 1998 Kona NuNu in July 1998, from Ozark Cyclist in Springfield. A great value at $699. First off the bike turns much quicker than any of the other bikes I rode (Trek 7000, Specialized Stumpjumper, Marin etc.) the rider compartment is also a lot more comfortable than the afore mentioned bikes (Take note manufacturers). I live in a geogrphical area that is very hilly, and the NuNu is more than up to the task of climbing hills. As far as specified components are concerned I was impressed. This was the only bike I looked at in this price range that came with a XT rear derailler. Mavic rims are listed as specs but mine came with Sun CR-18 rims that do a great job. The Kona drop bars work great and best of all it's a 7005 serires aluminum frame. To the guys at Kona, Great Job!!!!!! You've beat the big boys by a long shot.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Twiggy
a cross-country rider
from Nova Scotia, Canada Date Reviewed: February 27, 1999
Bottom Line:
This is a pretty kick ass bike....I took it around a store a few times and It works great. The Components are Great the Bombers work great and It Looks Great!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a cross-country rider
from Hobart, Australia Date Reviewed: February 18, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have had the Kona Nunu for a couple of weeks now and I am very happy with it. The value for money is great compared to other bikes in this price range(Aus,$1400). Mostly STX runing gear(LX rear derailer), Mavic X138 rims, Avid brakes work great, and best of all Marzocchi Bomber Z5 front suspension (which retails for Aus$500 separately!)Way better than the crappy RST or low-end Rockshocks usually found on bikes in this price range. These forks (the Bomber Z5's) have virtually no lateral flex and don't easily bottom out. The forks are also extremely adjustable via altering air pressure (had no problems with air leakage as other reviewer did), this means you can go from soft shocks to hard shocks in a matter of seconds (using a standard bicycle pump and pressure guage) whilst other shocks require new springs! TIP: The easiest way I have found to adjust the air pressure is by pumping the shocks up with a normal pump (not the screw on type though or you'll lose the air trying to unscrew it) to a higher pressure than you want and then use a simple push-on pressure gauge to slowly release the air to the desired pressure. I find about 30psi suits me, but I'm pretty light (about 65kg's).The Kona frame (double butted 7005 aluminium) looks and feels strong and gives a comfortable ride. Not that fused on the colour though (Magic Yellow) but it's OK. Kona's own brand tyres work really well in the rough stuff and are 2.1's, nice and fat unlike the the little 1.9's fitted to most new bikes. The bike is fairly light, about 12kg's. Overall I am very happy with the bike's value and performance, and would not hesitate to recommend it to any one. You would be hard pressed to find a better bike at this price. Five stars!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
richard
a
from weekend warrior Date Reviewed: December 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have had the NuNu for 7 weeks now here in England and think that its a fantastic bike. The new Z.5's work well although i have had a few problems with air leakage which can easily be sorted. I thought that the stxrc and lx kit with the Dia comppe v brakes is of a really good standard and it is up to surviving any thrashings given aroundour loacal forest. Top bike from a top company.
Overall Rating:
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