Submitted by
P. Man
a Weekend Warrior
from Clearwater, FL Date Reviewed: July 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Alafia River State Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
Sun And Ski Sport
Strengths:
Durable Durable Durable. Cannot wear it out
Weaknesses:
Too durable, doesn't give me an excuse to replace it
Similar Products Used:
Ridden lots of different types
Bike Setup:
XT 9 speed front and rear derailliers and shifters, Judy forks, stock all the rest
Bottom Line:
Had this bike for years now, ridden in all climates hot to cold, sand and hard rock, upgraded components as I saw fit along the way, never had a single complaint. Scared the heck out of me when I looked at it in my tent one night and saw something glowing, until I realized the decals glowed in the dark NICE TOUCH! Of course, you can't get this bike now so this review doesn't help much, but I just wanna thank the people at Kona for making my ride. Thumbs up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lephturn
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Pete's Wicked TrAle
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$607.00
Purchased At:
Cyclesmith
Strengths:
Great frame, geometry feels great. Awesome paint/decal job.
Weaknesses:
RST fork is crap. Tektro brakes not the best. Stock pedals blow.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4200, some other Hardtails I tried first.
Bike Setup:
4" Judy XL, Avid Arch-Rival front brake, clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
Can't beat it for the price. I've gone from commuting on this bike when I first got it, to doing technical XC and freeriding. I got rid of the RST fork when I started doing offroad, as it is CRAP. Had to ditch the Tektro front brake caliper, as it would not stop wailing. An Avid fixed that right up. I've thrashed the hell out of this bike for almost four years, and I don't think I've spent $200 on it. I got a used Judy XL 4" for $100, some cheap clipless, and it just keeps going. Finally this year I've cracked the rear rim a bit (3' and higher drops to granite flat) and the drivetrain is starting to wear out. I've only put a chain on it so far. Great bike for the $, and the new Blast is even better since they've swapped out the sucky fork and brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Downhiller
from Mount Vernon, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Cultis Mountain
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
Skagit Pedal Sports
Strengths:
Everything is good exept for the front durailer and cheapo RST fork.
Weaknesses:
RST fork and durailers and rims. Upgrade if you ride the least bit hard.
Similar Products Used:
Fire Mountain,Hahanna. KONA RULES!! FEEL THE GROOVE!
Bike Setup:
AVID BREAKS, MAROZZACHI BOMBER FORK, SHIMANO XT DURAILERS, AND RHYNO LITE RIMS.
Bottom Line:
Solid bike with good frame but poor components. I advise you upgrade them if your going to be riding trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steph
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Crest, down through Mill Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
Steveston Cycles, BC
Strengths:
indestructable frame, great value
Weaknesses:
RST shock, didn't come clipless
Similar Products Used:
specialized rockhopper, a few Gary's & trek's
Bike Setup:
stock except pedals, saddle & seatpost
Bottom Line:
EXCELLENT value for the intro mtn biker - low-end components on a very good frame to keep the price down. Upgradeable, but not worth going above LX.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benjamin Bilsland
a Weekend Warrior
from Taunton, England Date Reviewed: April 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Quantocks
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles?
Strengths:
Looks good, weights good, smells good, comes with a potof touch-up paint that my friend through was grease and tried to grease my pedals with. Good saddle.
Weaknesses:
RST 281 EL
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300, Cannondale F500, GT I-drive XCR 3000, Other Konas...
Bike Setup:
Singlespeed w/ 24/7 setup. LX/D521 r/wheel. Kona P2 forks.
Bottom Line:
I rode it as a full on bike and loved it. Apart from the forks lasted one ride. One, admittedly wet, ride? I then went rigid, and then went singlespeed. Its lgiht, and all the components lasted (apart from rear wheel and forks) and I love it. I am annoed by the way nothing breaks, so I have no excuse to upgrade. I love the SDG saddle and I am sure that subliminally I want to snap it so I can buy a Sattellite. Honestly, I love this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from NW England Date Reviewed: January 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
around Les Arcs, France
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Strong & stiff Frame. Quick, precise handling. Wheels acceptable. Cheap & upgradeable. Looks good
Weaknesses:
The original forks were TERRIBLE. I replaced them after a few weeks -they're not used on new Konas anymore either. WTB tyres not very good in mud. Some cheap components, replaced when necessary.
Firm ride, but it is a HARDtail!
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
Judy XC, Mavic F519/LX Rear, Mavic X517/LX Front, Avid Arch Rival brakes, LX drivetrain, SPD's, Fire XC Pro tyres.
Bottom Line:
*This bike is an excellent allrounder*.
It has been ridden (& crashed) hard. Its been all over the UK and to The Alps. The frame and stem/bars have stood up to everything thrown at them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Strump
a Weekend Warrior
from Sweden Date Reviewed: January 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
åre
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
ösd
Strengths:
it´s cheap, bombproof, it´s nice lookin´, the colour is nice i haven´t had any problems yet, but i have ridden it every day since i got it!!!
Weaknesses:
it has pretty low budget components but it can be upgraded cause of it´s cheap price
Bike Setup:
original
Bottom Line:
This is my first "real" mountainbike AND I LOVE IT. I became interested in mountain biking about a year ago and then bought this bike and since then i´m totally into mountainbiking. I think this is the perfekt bike to grow with. I´m planning to upgrade it to the summer to get even more plesure from riding. I would recommend this bike to everyone, KONA RULES, FEEL THE FLOW!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toad Spike
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Alberta Date Reviewed: December 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
Good Frame pretty well impossible to ruin frame. Fairly light. Good Price!!!
Weaknesses:
Not bad components may wear out but possible to replace for cheap. Horrible rst fork REPLACE IT ASAP. Rims not so great 4 jumping. no back disk mounts.
Similar Products Used:
Other Kona hardtails
Bike Setup:
Blast, Manitou Mars fork, Avid front disk, Panaracer trail blaster tires.
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money. good hanling, weight, and STRONG FRAME. Good for a Person who wants to have a good time riding or beging racer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: August 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great Frame, Great Price, Overall an amazing bike
Weaknesses:
Fork, thats about it. The components aren't that bad at all and I was fine riding them until some wore out. Rims a bit weak for jumping, etc...
Overall, I love this bike. Its cheap and if you shop around, you can get all the upgrade parts you want for really cheap. And the frame is stong and light and so its just a matter of making some minor changes to the parts when they wear out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl Kettler
a Cross Country Rider
from Fresno Ca Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sky Harbor
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Tri-Sport Unlimited
Strengths:
Frame indestructable, Steers great, Fast down hill for a hardtail. Literally a BLAST!!! For the dough you can't go wrong
Weaknesses:
RST Fork,(Yikes!!) Pedals, deraileur components. Overall package a bit heavy.
The best fun hardtail out there for the bucks. Upgrade as you go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane Sweet
a Weekend Warrior
from Sooke, B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: June 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hartland
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Russ Hays The Bicycle Shop
Strengths:
Took it off a ten foot drop with flat landing survived except for the rims
Weaknesses:
The pedals sucked so did the forks.
Similar Products Used:
other konas
Bike Setup:
platforms in-syncs 565
Bottom Line:
good bike for the price buy it it's worth the money and its upgradable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
GrandWest Outfitters
Strengths:
Great frame and the mongo color is the BOMB. Good Components for the money.
Weaknesses:
Sorry front Fork. In the process of installing a Rock Shox Judy SL.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Hahanna, Old Mongoose
Bike Setup:
Stock for now. Plain on upgrading drivetrain and brakes
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Really love riding it and have had no problems so far except the RST on the front. I highly recommend piking up the 2000 model before they are all gone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy Price
a Cross Country Rider
from MA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2001
Santa was sweet...had to come back and say how sweet the ride on this frame is now that it is a more mature bike. The Marzocchi is perfect for Kona, just as bombproof as the frame...traded the XT stuff back for the grips, love the performance, this bike completely rocks now...just waiting on a new seat and stem/bar...this frame and bike should be around for a while...Kona should go back to the mongo paint on this baby, anything else is an insult!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tracee Polcin
a Weekend Warrior
from DOuglasville, GA Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Whole bike can take alot of abuse.
Weaknesses:
Stock front fork, pedals, and seat.
Similar Products Used:
cheaper bikes
Bike Setup:
Manitou Magnum fork, 545 SPD's, SDG Gran Prix seat, Avid 40 Arch rivals.
Bottom Line:
Good bike for the money. Just replace the cheap parts when you feel like they are holding you back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Esben Hansen
a Cross Country Rider
from Denmark Date Reviewed: March 14, 2001
I replaced following parts during the winter: fork:RS Jett XC, Rear derailleur: XT, Pedals: Time -full carbon, brake levers: LX 2-fingers (servo)
Bottom Line:
I have ridden 2200 km (1400 miles) during the winter. In Denmark mtb-riding is mostly a winterssport for road-cyclists. However the winter is rough on the bike! Chain and cassette is worn out after a season. Of course this problem concerns all bikes. This particular bike suits me fine. It´s a cheap bike, and the good frame deserves better parts. You can replace the different parts when needed. This way, as time goes, you will end up with a bike, build to suit your needs. All in all; a good deal !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clint Johnson
a Racer
from Saskatoon Date Reviewed: March 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Bench
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$738.00
Purchased At:
Doug's Spoke n Sport
Strengths:
Frame is strong. The geometry really fits taller, bigger riders.
Weaknesses:
Brakes, RST fork sucks, mine busted. The rims could be a little better, too.
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300, Kona Muni- Mula, Rocky Mountain Soul
Bike Setup:
I put a Manitou Spyder R fork on, a RaceFace bottom bracket, XT drivetrain, and Mavic 517 rims.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike. It's just as good of a bike as Kona's higher end hardtails, but with a more economical spec. I fixed mine up, and I love my bike more than a lot of things. I would strongly reccommend this bike to anyone thinking of getting into racing at the sport level, you could even race expert if you wanted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benjamin Bilsland
a Weekend Warrior
from Taunton, England Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
N/A
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Ralf Colman Cycles
Strengths:
Looks sooo sexy, string, light, looks more expensive than it is and it has the doodiest grips ever!
Weaknesses:
Brake levers. Bouncy RST shock broke :(
Similar Products Used:
Trek 4300, Cannondale F500
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
It aint mine for a start, my mate paid 500 english pounds for his and its amazing. Its so much fun! It can now be bought in the UK for 400 quid and I'm tempted to buy one to go alongside my GT XCR... My mate's shock broke afer about 6 months :( Replacing it with Judy XC's but we are gonna miss the bouncyness that he had :( I dont like the brake levers, dunno why :) Also, I think the grips are coolest :) Its SOOO MUCH FUN!!! Honestly, buy the damn thing and ride it. Its a laugh and its a bargain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from Hove, Uk Date Reviewed: January 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Snail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$277.00
Purchased At:
Evans UK
Strengths:
Its a right laugh to ride. All the other reviewers take this bike to seriously. Why not spend an extra $500 if all you are going to do is moan about the group set and shocks!!
Weaknesses:
I can not stop laughting whist I ride
Similar Products Used:
A whoopy cusion
Bike Setup:
As It came
Bottom Line:
Buy it, Its brilliant, The shocks have been a great suprise. The bike is sturdy, Bright and Cheap for what you get. Do not spend any more on a bike or less you are going to ride around the world twice!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
malfunction
a Cross Country Rider
from Annandale, VA, USA Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco - Avalon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Revolutions Cycles
Strengths:
Frame, components for the price, riser bar, brakes, Mavic wheelset, overall feel and ride of the bike, great looking
Weaknesses:
RST fork (wouldn't let them let me out of the store with that piece of trash on such a sweet bike)
Similar Products Used:
Giant Yukon, Fisher Tassajara, Marin Bear Valley, Trek 6000, Klein Attitude
Bike Setup:
Blast frame, Deore all around, Magnum fork, wellgo clipless
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price! Test rode every other bike in the price range (and some that were 2 and 3 times the money!). the blast blew them all away. bike has an incredibly smooth ride with a really controlled feel. The bike itself looks great (mango and black). I have shorter legs and a longer upper body and arms...the kona build fits that perfect. It has a long, upsloping top tube that makes the feel that much better. Amazing bike from a great company. Never go back to another company. Hooked on Kona for life.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris knox
a Cross Country Rider
from st.johns,newfoundland,canada Date Reviewed: November 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
white hills or cloevalley pole line
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Freeride mountain sports
Strengths:
Nice frame & wheelset cool colors
Weaknesses:
stupid garbage RST fork, bad bars
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth truth,Trek 5000
Bike Setup:
stock exept for pro taper bars & marzocchi Z-3 fly-lights
Bottom Line:
Bike is goood for beginners and intermideate and holds up to some semi-serious stuff but the fork licks and the brakes arent that great but everthing else is fine
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Renfroe
a Weekend Warrior
from Lithia Springs, GA, USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain-AL, Tsali-NC, ?-GA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
REI, b/c Independents would not order
Strengths:
Great Geometry, Super Fast, Good Price, because I am cheap.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy( so am I), Fork blows, pedals are lame
Stock, except for Marzocchi Z4, Shimano clipless pedals, Michelin wildgrippers
Bottom Line:
I like this bike a lot. I loved the price I was getting because my wife would kill me if I spent more. But I knew when I bought it that upgrades would have to happen. I have been riding for 4 years and to me that is long enough to be able to make an intelligent decision about a bike. RST's little excuse for a suspension fork belongs on a Huffy. Component group is decent. I am currently searching vehemently for a great singletrack experience in Atlanta, so if anyone knows of anything, let me know....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe aleman
a Weekend Warrior
from san antonio texas united states Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything with some speed and jumps mixed together
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
pzone cycles
Strengths:
great frame and geomatry practically industructable and i love the thing
Weaknesses:
front shock it was really sorry botoms out way to easly and it just dosnt hold up to the challage
Similar Products Used:
not really anything i just started a 1 year ago nd was riding a early90' stuntjumpoer
Bike Setup:
real good actually great
Bottom Line:
it is the bes bikeive ridee in a long time alot of bang for the buck and the only real change i would do is swap out the rubber and get some serious rubber cause when ii was riding stock tires i was slippen and slidden all over the place i would recomend it to any beginner-or some what experanced rider
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P. Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: August 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ant Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
Sun & Ski Sports
Strengths:
Frame, brakes
Weaknesses:
Rear derailler, seat
Similar Products Used:
GT Outpost, Gt Rebound
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Rock Shox Jett Race forks
Bottom Line:
Heard so much bad stuff about the stock forks I replaced them before taking the bike out of the shop. Rear derailler has trouble downshifting on even moderate inclines, but compared to my '94 Outpost this thing is a dream. Very comfortable to ride for a few hours at a stretch, on or off road. Great bike for a beginner looking for the most for his/her money, but drivetrain will be upgraded soon. Also, damn good looking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darrell
a Cross Country Rider
from Torbay, Newfoundland, Canada Date Reviewed: August 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Pippy Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$515.00
Purchased At:
Freeride
Strengths:
Sweet frame, good rims
Weaknesses:
Toe clips, fork and brakes
Similar Products Used:
Kona Cinder Cone (test drived only)
Bike Setup:
same as boughten
Bottom Line:
Good frame, and good parts. This is an excellent begginers bike !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendon Masson
a Weekend Warrior
from Prince George, B.C , Canada Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike was good when I first got it. The frame rocks and that alone is worth the price. I like the riser bars! I've done 5' drops on this bike without problems.
Weaknesses:
The rst front shock sucks ass. I've had to true the rims a couple of times and have had problems with the shifters and deraillers.
Similar Products Used:
Kona stab-d-lux
Bike Setup:
stock replaced rst's with z5's
Bottom Line:
This bike was worth every penny. It is very good for beginners and is a good upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimmy
a Weekend Warrior
from Flower Mound, TX Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Grapevine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Strong but light weight frame...Feels very agile and nimble...Descent climber...Decent components for the price...Frame geometry fits my body geometry to a "T"...
Weaknesses:
I've ridden the bike for a little over a month now...I've already destroyed the Shimano IG-31 chain on a 3' hill climb, which allowed me the luxury to do some cross-training on how to push and run with my bike for about 2 miles in the woods in the dark... The other major weakness I've found is the front fork...The RST 281EL just doesn't do the job unless your ridding on smooth country roads, etc...This is just an entry level shock and it probably does good for that application...I'm no serious downhiller/freerider jumping off of 5'+ hills but for what I little I do, I've bottomed the shock out many times...It's just too plush for my taste and riding style...
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose D60R - dual suspension...
Bike Setup:
Stock...Except for my new Sachs chain(see weaknesses above!!!), Manitou Magnum R fork, and Easton Flatbar(personal preference)...
Bottom Line:
This bike is a very good entry level bike for a beginner/intermediate rider on which you can upgrade components as your style and technical proficiencies increase...It has very descent components for it's price range...
Overall, I'm thrilled with the bike and proud to be a Kona owner...It fits my riding style and budget...
Bike on...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy
a Cross Country Rider
from Holyoke, MA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Shinipsit
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Indestructable frame
Weaknesses:
Shock sucks; brakes suck; shifters suck; tires wore out quick
Bike Setup:
Full XT makeover almost complete; velociraptors; shock is the next to go
Bottom Line:
I have upgraded almost the whole bike but still love the ruggedness of this bike. It performs better than ever with the quality components on it. You can't argue with the price to get you going on this this. Santa better bring me that Marzocchi for x-mas!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tracee Polcin
a Cross Country Rider
from Douglasville, GA USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Macintosh
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Killer Frame with some decent components.
Weaknesses:
Front fork and seat
Bike Setup:
stock except for Manitou magnum fork
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price, seat is a little hard. It just puts my last bike to shame. LBS gave me a killer deal on bike and fork, (it helps to ride with the guy). The bike really handles well on downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Racer
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Yellow River
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The frame is awsome,indescructable, and light.
Weaknesses:
The fork sucks, I would rather ride ridged. RST can stick that fork in their ass. The shifters, rear deraileur, brake lever, and the heavy crank had to go. Componets sucked.
Similar Products Used:
Muni Mula, King Kahuna, Hei-Hei
Bike Setup:
Race Face Next, Full XTR, Avid Mags, Marzocchi Z.2 Alloy
Bottom Line:
This bike has a great frame. The perfect bike for the beginer or the cheap skate. Componets had to go so did the fork. If you want an awsome bike for the money go for the Blast, its an awsome bike with an awsome ride, even with the stock crap. To all the other reviewers, good luck with the bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Riley Hunt
a Downhiller
from Hobart, Tas, Australia Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Resivoir
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great tough frame, bars are good
Weaknesses:
The forks are no good, get some Marzocchi Z.4's
Similar Products Used:
ATX 880
Bike Setup:
Tioga DH 2.3, DMR V8, Marzocchi Z.4
Bottom Line:
Great bike for intermediate's. Sturdy, strong and comfortable. It's all you could want in a bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Ricketts
a Cross Country Rider
from Kapaau, Hi Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kohala
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great frame, price
Weaknesses:
Front shock, seat post
Similar Products Used:
Raleigh
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Would recommend the Blast for beginner/intermediate rider. Its basically indestructible (except for the seat post-I'm not that heavy)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver City, NM Date Reviewed: June 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
CD
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
Ridden the bike another few miles and am back for a rereview. I still like the frame a lot, but I really don't think that paint is supposed to chip like it does on my bike. All the other bike companies' paints just sratch, I just hope that Kona only has this problem with their neon orange - I know why they give you that touch-up paint now!
I am still replacing the stock parts, but all the ones on there are holding up admirably! This is a good complete bike for a BEGINNER, the frame can go on to bigger and better things.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fab
a Weekend Warrior
from NY Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
River side
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great solid and light frame, good tires, good pedals, excelent feeling off road and most important - looks great!!
Weaknesses:
poor shocks and brakes
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
standard with new Bomber shockd
Bottom Line:
Great bike for beginners / itermediates that love the outdors and look for a good hard off road ride. A grat bike for upgrading to your personal taste and needs. I tried riding different bikes for this money - nothing comes close to the feeling this bike gives you!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clark Boatwright
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver City Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
CD trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame is real nice, and so are rims. Asthetically appealing and a good ride.
Weaknesses:
Components for the price.
Similar Products Used:
Nunu, Hahanna, Caldera, Mokomoko, Cindercone, Voodoo's line too
Bike Setup:
Stock frame, Al flat bar, Marzocchi Z.4, Velociraptors, bar ends - working on money for overhauling the rest.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike to buy if you want a fun upgrade job! I bought it for the nice aluminum frame alone, and all that other crud came on it, but I am slowly getting rid of it. First thing to go - SHOCKS! Those RST's suck major ass. Very nice otherwise, beats the other companies in the price range by far.
This is a great bike to personalize - I know I will never see another Blast that looks even remotely similiar to mine!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy
a Weekend Warrior
from Holyoke, MA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Batchelor Street
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Frame solid as a rock, great looking bike
Weaknesses:
Stock setup will need upgrading (brakes and shifters)
Similar Products Used:
Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
I had a terrible experience with a Specialized Hard Rock and got a phenomenal deal on the trade in. I went in looking at the Rockhopper and tried this because I liked the look. Took it out and fell in love. Ridden for 3 weeks on some hard trails and absolutely love it. I think this will be a great frame to upgrade components on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazy Canuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Saskatoon Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kona Kup
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light Frame, good hubs, tires good(primal Raptor) front and rear,
Weaknesses:
comes with rst 281 el which has poor travel and stiffness, rear derailer is deore lx, poor brake levers and pads, heavy cranks
Similar Products Used:
kona lava dome, hee-ha, muni-mula
Bottom Line:
This bike is good quality, sturdy and definately good for what u pay. This is a good bike to do add ons too and is pretty sharp too. It is a good bike for anyone who likes to hit the trails hard and long. The frame is light and this is a very good bike for trials. The bike also comes with good clips and pedals. This bike is definitely on of the favorite kona's i have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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