Submitted by
Gray Mauch
a Weekend Warrior
from Alberta Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
cyress hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
Good quality, strong frame. Decent components for the money. Begs to be upgraded through time.
Weaknesses:
Stock wheelset sucks. Stem/bar combo way too upright for cross country.
Similar Products Used:
trek GT avalanche Haro
Bike Setup:
ALmost Stock. Upgraded to Shimano discs & Sun Rhyno Lites. Thomson stem, kore bars. Time pedals. Raceface crank
Bottom Line:
This is my third Kona bike and I swear by them. They've always made comfortable, stable, good quality frames. The parts mix is good for the money. Switch out the wheelset, tires, and stem/bars with something decent, it will be worth it. A little heavy but I'll trade it's durability anyday for someone else's wet noodle feather-weight. With some smart upgrades you can shave the weight down to be competative. In general, a kick-ass trail bike that can take any abuse you dish out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt wirzba
a Weekend Warrior
from lathbridge, alberat, Canada Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Muff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$875.00
Purchased At:
Acsent Cycle
Strengths:
Good match between durability and weight, am amazed at the strength of the bike considering that it is a 850$ bike and is called a cross country bike. I have hit a 6 footer with it and it help up fine (I am even a bigger guy)
Weaknesses:
Only 80mm of travel on z-5 bomber fork. Saddle is comftorable yet weak. You get what you paid for.
Similar Products Used:
Landgear
Bike Setup:
Stock components
Bottom Line:
Good all around bike if you do a lot of trails and are into Urban/freeriding. Gets high ratings for its all around strengths. If you are like me and do pretty much everything for biking and are low on cash I recomend it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kdoggers
a Racer
from Santa Rosa Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rough Go
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Peddler
Strengths:
Great all arround bike. This was my first bike in 10 years and it has yet to dissapoint. A little heavy but then again you get what you pay for. *Caution the wide handle bars will have you clearing the trail* (very wide).
Weaknesses:
Weight, weak bottom braket.
Bike Setup:
Mavic Crossmax UST, Rock shox seatpost, Serfas gel saddle, IRC mythos tires, Profile designs bar ends welgo clipless pedels and Kestral carbon fiber flat bars.
Bottom Line:
Great begginner to hardcore downhiller or XC rider. Some of the componets are week and should be replaces ASAP. Over all a great bike for the price payed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a
from New York Date Reviewed: June 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Amber Cycle
Strengths:
Good strong frame with midline components
Weaknesses:
The stock fork which is the Z5 bommer is a bit heavy and makes the bike feel heavier in the frount when going down hill
Similar Products Used:
K2
Bottom Line:
It is a good bike for the price but just a little unbalanced between the frount and the back weight
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Elliot Bay
Strengths:
Reliable, inexpensive, great for medium speed single track!
Weaknesses:
Slight flex in the frame, with some cheap and heavy components.
Bike Setup:
Basically stock except for XT brakes and a 120 stem.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the price. The guys at Kona did a great job. For the North West terrain, this bike does not disappoint (i.e. single track, medium speed--Not Cali terrain). Slightly heavy, but what do you expect. This bike will do until I get enough $$$$$ for an Intense Uzzi. Ride hard!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland Oregon Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
palatine hill graveyard
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Farm
Strengths:
Burley construction, great feel, nice all around mountain bike for people who like to ride hard.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy, but I'll take tough and heavy over light and flimsy any day. Stock rims suck.
Similar Products Used:
trek, specialized
Bike Setup:
deore / xt, avid, bomber z5, sun rhyno lite wheels with 2.4 inch WTB tires
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I ride it so hard that I had to put on much better wheels, but otherwise the package is a great deal. The frame will last a long time, and the bike is definately worth upgrading. I am a big fan of Kona frames and I would buy another were I in the market again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vjekoslav Miloradovic
a Cross Country Rider
from Umeå, Sweden Date Reviewed: May 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
not special
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
-stiff -design is good -playfull
Weaknesses:
none, perfict hardtail bike on market
Similar Products Used:
GT backwoods, GT talerra
Bike Setup:
all on bike is LX, judy TT
Bottom Line:
It's very good geometry, stiff frame. Look's and feel very playfool. If someone wont bike for trails this is perfict machine for mudd. If someone wont to spent more money, he shoul upgrade brakes and put magura or shimano disc's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johhny
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrington Park, NJ Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
beechwood
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Tenafly Bicycle Workshop
Strengths:
ALMOST everything!!!
Weaknesses:
rims are really weak, seat rips in the corners, and the tires gind down fast. The cranks and chain rings could be better.
Similar Products Used:
homemade junk bikes
Bike Setup:
snafu pedals, xt cranks, deore/XT setup. Hoping for Sun Rhyno Lites in the future
Bottom Line:
god bike for the money, minus the rims and cranks. Busted both within one month of purchase. the rest of the bike is holding up real well. It creaks alot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eugene Pascual
a Weekend Warrior
from Morganton, NC Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah National Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$860.00
Purchased At:
Univ. City Bike Shop Charlotte
Strengths:
Strong, tough, and stiff frame, Marzocchi fork, disc brake ready, a lot of bike for the money.
Weaknesses:
Stock rims, a little heavy.
Similar Products Used:
None, my first MTB.
Bike Setup:
Mavic Crossride wheelset, XT front derailleur.
Bottom Line:
I am very happy with this bike. It has taken quite a beating on rocky, rooty, technical trails. Due to my lack of skill, I have been over the handlebars more times than I can count, and the bike is doing just fine. This bike may be a little heavy for serious cross country racing, but it is still a great climber. This is the kind of bike that you just ride and not worry about. It works great for technical trail riding, downhill riding, cross country riding, or for just romping around in the dirt. It is definitely worth upgrading. For those looking for a durable frame and a good value, this is an excellent choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mazapekka
a Weekend Warrior
from Riihimäki, Finland Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
KV
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Lauttiksen pyörä ja urheilu
Strengths:
Frame. Doesn't weigh too much and still strong. Well made component choises.
Weaknesses:
Fork, rims and brakes. Fork have should been with 100mm travel.
Similar Products Used:
Roast '00
Bike Setup:
Original. Except pedals, stem and tires, witch are H. Jumbo 2.2
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is, that this bike is a very good two-wheeler for those who like to jump, drive trial and XC. With changing the rims and the brakes, you will have a nice all-around bike. I like my own VERY much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jaysen
a Racer
from canada Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
kelso
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
mcphails
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
the seat (realy uncomfortable) wheels are heavy
Similar Products Used:
you name it I tried it.
Bike Setup:
stock with xt front dr bontrager race light bars & bar ends Sworks saddel mavic cross link wheels and fire xc tires and soon to add sid xc fork
Bottom Line:
You can't beat it for the price a great entry level bike with lots of potential a few easy upgrades and you have a race ready machine that can stand up to anything. If your just starting to mountain bike or have been doing it for years but don't want to spend alot of money this is the bike for you. go buy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johhny
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrington Park, NJ Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
hilltop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Tenafly Bike Shop
Strengths:
Components, Light Frame, Nice fork, Disk Compatible
Weaknesses:
Thin Rims, Paint scratches with brake cables hitting it on headtube
Similar Products Used:
Homemade bike with xr80 forks
Bike Setup:
Stock for now, still paying off mx bike
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the value. I got mine on sale from last year with a short stem and snafu pedals. $150 off original price. great deal! Holds up like anyother bike i've ever used on trails, jumps and downhill slalom
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam a freeride not
a Downhiller
from Campbell River Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Guss's trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
All around good bike; frame, shocks, drivetrain
Weaknesses:
trie wore quickly weak rims
Bike Setup:
Rhino lites, Z.3 QR20, platform pedal
Bottom Line:
a real Mountain Bike. CAn be used for any type of riding once change to fit your style. The frame is great and can handle a beatting. Buy this bike, then change it to suit you. YOU WILL LIKE IT. Ge rid of wheels quiockly everything else can stay.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
philippine machine
a Cross Country Rider
from san angelo texas usa Date Reviewed: November 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
playground
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$930.00
Purchased At:
ozone bike shop
Strengths:
prestigious company for solid, strong-as-hell frames. great xc riding and getting big air. won several races for me in texas series. solid package containing a marzocchi z5 fork, xt rear, deore front, 9 spd, avid single digits, and 7005 db Al frame.
Weaknesses:
weak wheelsets, heavy fork
Similar Products Used:
schwinn rigid
Bike Setup:
everything stock w/ a pair of new hutchinson python tires
Bottom Line:
for a base price of $840, it came w/ great components that you cannot find on any other brand bike package at that price. any beginner planning on racing xc can utilitize this bike in many ways: having fun jumping obstacles, racing, touring, transportation, or training. you can always upgrade in the future if money is tight. i suggest that you upgrade the wheelsets first. giving it a weight reduction can make it an excellent climber.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Beefy Carp
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Wescot Woops
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Evans Croydon
Strengths:
Frame geometry, ultra-plush Z5 Bombers, XT rear mech, deore hollowtech cranks, Kona Pseudopod glow-in-the-dark-grips, HG72 chain, cheep but nice avid 10 series brakes.
Weaknesses:
Rims are a bit heavy. saddle is comfy but heavy and it creeks. Tyres are alright bur wear fast. XT groupset would be nice but deore/XT rd is still amazing value at this price
Similar Products Used:
Test ride on GT Backwoods and Trek 7000
Bike Setup:
Stock, exept for XT front mech, Continental Cross-Country tyres, Mavic 517 Ceramic/XT wheels and LX levers (I broke the Avids)
Bottom Line:
If you'r into xc but like to make it a bit more extreme then buy this bike. I got it for 700 UK pounds but I coundn't have got better for 900. The components in order of importance: the frame is light-ish and stiff. It climbs and decends imposibaly well. I will keep it till it breaks. wheels are ok while they last but I upgraded to 517 ceramics on XT which are lighter, tougher, and stiffer. when I start racing next year I will put Z2 X-flys on. drive-train is not bad at all. The XT rear mech and HG72 chain are great, and I have already put an XT fd on. will soon upgrade shifters, block and chainset to XT as well. the tires didn't grip so I upgraded to continental cross-countrys. The saddle, seat post, stem and bars are all OK but I will upgrade to lighter ones by selle italia, U.S.E, Race Face and X-Lite next season.
Weekend Wariorrs: Buy this bike.
Soon-to-be racers: Buy this bike and upgrade. you will get a better and more individual bike than if you spend $2000 straight off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve B
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Surrey Hills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
Frame, Forks, Level of components fitted.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
All standard will change as things break!
Bottom Line:
Been out of riding for a couple of years, am I glad to have come back with this one! Great all round (once you set it for yourself). Has taken a fair pounding in all conditions and comes up smiling. I haven't regreted what I still consider to be a bargain. Buy one now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Reeves
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, VIC, Australia Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$715.00
Purchased At:
Bike Now, South Melbourne
Strengths:
Smooth drive train, Quick around the city and handles the rough stuff well. Frame is strong and the shockers are excellent. Someone(s) has put a lot of thought into designing Kona bikes. It basically feels good to ride, the bike is in balance and when you push, the bikes just..well goes!!
Weaknesses:
Rims are too weak for this type of bike, were bent out of shape within a month of city riding and the odd jump, I mean who could buy this bike and not want to get air?. Bottom bracket could be better, a few dips in the old Yarra when it flooded caused it some grief. FD is not so hot.
Similar Products Used:
My first MTB, but tested Avanti Barracuda, Giant 870 and comparably priced Specialized, Cannodale, GT and Trek bikes
Bike Setup:
Stock Standard
Bottom Line:
I am no downhill racer and have limited experience with MTB's, but this is the best bike I have ever owned. I am no light weight (6' and 88 Kg) and it takes plenty of punishment both on an off the road (Given my ability I have had quiet a few stacks). It is fast on the flat and climbs well. I will replace the rims, FD and bottom bracket and should have an excellent bike. I ride the bike every day to work ,go off road when I can on weekends and have not regretted the purchase one bit. Value for money?....very hard to beat!! I looked at a lot of bikes over 6 months before buying this one eg Avanti,Trek , Giant, Specialized, Cannodale, and GT. The Kona, for me, stacked up as the best value for this class of bike. For your average rider who wants a bike to get some performance from..this is a good choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockville MD Date Reviewed: October 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Schaffer Farms
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Bike Doctor
Strengths:
Strong, pretty light frame. Comfortable, dual slalomy geometry. Gotta love the bombers (even if they are Z.5's). Sweet color. REALLY FUN BIKE (what Kona isn't?)
Weaknesses:
The Deore stuff in kinda weak, but it works. Slap some new stronger rims on this puppy and your be clearing stuff with confidance that you never thought you could
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Kaitai, Specialized Rockhopper Pro.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for saddle. Soon to get new rims.
Bottom Line:
While this bike may be a bit too heavy for competative XC racing, its great for long hauls and can take a beating. You can't beat he price and component value, either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat Henry
a Cross Country Rider
from St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Short Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$859.00
Purchased At:
Liberty
Strengths:
nice rear derailer, with some sweet components
Weaknesses:
Tires, rims, front derailer and stem
Similar Products Used:
Cindercone
Bike Setup:
stock but new platform pedals and i will be adding an xtr front derailer with maybe new tires and rims and stem but thats just for my prefernce street/dirt jumping/XC
Bottom Line:
I love this bike such a smooth riding piece of machinery. Though they pinted me with the front derailer ive had nothin but problems with it, and this thing is killer for DH sections. the shocks are a good value but i would prefer at least a Z4 but Ill stcik with my Z5's anyways if u need a new bike get this
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Fronman
a Cross Country Rider
from Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada Date Reviewed: September 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kersley Lease Land
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$860.00
Purchased At:
McBike
Strengths:
Great Drive Train for price. Awsome steering and fork absorbs everthing. Great downhill bike! This bike rocks! Great climber!
Weaknesses:
None!!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Kona Cinder Cone
Bike Setup:
Good!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
If you like climbing, downhilling, and extreme riding, and you are on a budget. Buy this fricken Bike. THis bike rocks! Buy it! Buy it! Buy it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Robbins
a Weekend Warrior
from Cairns, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Stinky Pengiun
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
VicMTB
Strengths:
XT/Deore groupo, Z5s, Avid brakes, Frame Geometery, Looks (glow in the dark baby!)
Stock except for Shimano M535 pedals and San Marco Rolls Seat
Bottom Line:
Excellent value for money, looks cool, good for bush trashing. Not much of a race bike, but for 100km weekend epics it cant be beaten. Not too bad at DH either, with the seat post down it feels very dual slalomy.
It can jump a bit too, although the cheaparse mavic wheels dont last long in mudcow territory.
Once I replaced the seat with a mega comfy San Marco Rolls, got rid of the cheap sh*t pedals, and dialled in the brakes, there is only one word to describe it - FUN!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew Boudreau
a Racer
from Truro,Nova Scotia,Canada Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bonsi
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great strong frame, pretty light,cool glow in the dark grips,XT.........what can I say its a KONA!!!
Weaknesses:
Crappy Tires
Similar Products Used:
Giant IguanaSE Gary Fisher Kai Tai
Bike Setup:
All Stock except changed the tires to Panaracers and front deraller to XT for like $45
Bottom Line:
This is the bottom line it is a very very nice bike. Its a Kona....Its really good for the money spent on it and some minor adjustment make it even better. I race with it and do dropoffs and nothing has ever gone wrong. This is the first year I decided to race and I'm doing GREAT with his bike...This bike is getting its 5 Flamin'Chilies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andi Baumgartner
a Cross Country Rider
from Berne, IN, 46711 Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
there are tons
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
good fork, plush good frame, strong, fairly light components rims good ride grips glow in the dark
Weaknesses:
tires, they suck
Similar Products Used:
gt lts-5
Bike Setup:
stock, but jsut waiting to be hopped up
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks for the price, if you are looking for a nice bike with a cheap pricetag, this is for you. Dont hesitate to buy this bike, it is sweet!! nice touch with the sweet rear der. and great components. Crappy tires, but who cares, your going to replace them anyway. Overall great bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
caserin mook
a
from Campbell River BC Canada Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
a river runs through it , ladies only, bogieman
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
frame , forks , drivechain, geometry
Weaknesses:
no shock books
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
great bike-stiff light strong fast the rims might be weak for urban trails but they stood up to 4 days of nonstop northshore it is a great bike for a good price it can be used for anything northshore,XC, freeride,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johann
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: July 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Up the scrub
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Z5 bombers full deore and deore xt componentry tough frame decent brakes
Weaknesses:
seat frame tad heavy - who cares Tires could be better
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX 850 Kona cindercone
Bike Setup:
stock for now
Bottom Line:
Unreal bike for the price, cheapest bike to carry an xt rear der. Good suspension, won't need upgrading for a while. Feels awesome to ride and you just can't kill it. Entry level Avid breaks do their job well but the tioga xc's could stick to the floor more often. Overall if you aren't gonna race this bike is for you cause it can do everything else!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Reinhaman
a Weekend Warrior
from Tulsa, OK Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Turkey Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I am digging the Z-5 Bombers, I also love the XT rear-derailleur, the bike itself is stunning, sometimes I just sit and look at it, it is so beautiful. The bike is a kick-butt mountainer
Weaknesses:
The breaks are a little weak, so are the tires, and the front derailleur was not shifting under hard-conditions. The rims are kind of wimpy, but I do some crazy urban on my bike, so they will be great for the average rider.
Similar Products Used:
97' Trek 820, 99' Rincon SE
Bike Setup:
The breaks are a little weak, I will soon be getting Avid 40's. I taco'd one of the rims so I upgraded to SUN Rhyno Lites w/ BulletProof hubs. The front derailleur was a little weak, so I spent 30 dollars and got an XT front. The tires feel like they provide no grip when your going up hill on loose gravel, so I upgraded to 2000 Panaracer Fire Downhill Pro tires, since I feel like tires are very important. I also got LP Composites XC Carbon Bar, which was my most expensive upgrade at 78 dollars, but I love the feel. I also put a SDG Comp Leather Special Edition seat on, but that was only like fifteen dollars. Lol -- I also put some Ritchey TGV (grips) on, because the other grips were making my hands sore.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great, I got it as the "getting kind of serious about mountain-biking" bike, but I have turned it into a kick-ass machine with only a few cheap upgrades that have cost aroun 300 all together. It can take anything, and once I throw a new fork on it around august it will be great. If you are looking into becoming a real week-end warrior than get this bike. It inspires me to do crazy jumps that I did not think I would have ever been capable of. I just love this bike so much. It is the only bike I have ever had that I just go out and joy ride. People love to look at my bike, they just come up and admire it. I shine it with Windex every weekend. This bike is just so much fun to own and ride. It feels good, fits well, and can take anything you can throw at it. I just can not tell you how much I love this bike -- the frame is pretty light too. Kona really out did themselves on this bike, and they let it go for a steal! 5 flaming chillies for my favorite bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james austin
a Racer
from autin tx usa Date Reviewed: June 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
city park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light shock.good for the money
Weaknesses:
shock flexes and im only 120lb. i hate the tires and they had to go. its not as light as the gaint xtc 2. thats a better bike. the handle bars arnt to good. shiftings ok.
Similar Products Used:
gaint xtc 2. but the xtc is alot better.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
good bike for the money. but the tires arnt good and the shock well thats a joke. good bike for riding rec. but if you want to race i wouldnt get it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dace ret
a
from north vancouver, canada Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
boogeyman,seabus,team pangor
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
relatively light ,disc mounts ,cool color ,headtube brace
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
kona blast frame
Bike Setup:
caldera frame with blast parts
Bottom Line:
i had a 99 blast and i broke the frame after 8 months of north shore riding. kona sent me a caldera frame as a replacement. it seems to be stronger than the blast and it is worth upgrading.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom "Catfish" Ferry
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, Indiana Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Town Run Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Well made bike with excellent suspension. The bombers rule and adjust easily to whatever type of ride your on. This dude is plush and has the feel of the "high-end" bikes. Deore components are awesome along with a tough as nails frame. Turns heads when on the trail or on the urban crawl.
Weaknesses:
Tires go first. Seat next. (In my opinion) Other than that -NADA
Similar Products Used:
Trek
Bottom Line:
You can't go wrong with this ride. It delivers on all levels and doesn't kill your financial world. In the Mt. Biking world, Kona rocks!!! This bike is for anyone who is serious about the sport and appreciates quality. A great upgrade from your entry-level bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Woodworth
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hartland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Every thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
ummmmmmmmm cant think of any
Similar Products Used:
rocky mountain vapour
Bike Setup:
stock with dh spd
Bottom Line:
Well its CANADIAN and its got bombers (z5's). Shimano xt rear der are great. the 2000 edition comes with avid brakes and 27 speeds! awesome bike. By the way iam 13. Kick ass light bike and plus its got glow in the dark paint ha ha ha.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 30, 2000
Just bought the bike three days ago, and i must have PUT 100kms on it already. This bike is very light and having an XT rear derailleur ,a deore front derailleur, a bomberZ5, and extreamly strong avid brakes at this price is amazing (got it for $50 less then MSRP). The only problem that I have with the bike is the riser bar. It is too tall, but the shop (Full Cycle in Ottawa) that I bought it at will swap it for free!!! Another great thing is that the frame is a good base for upgrades. It has front and rear disc mounts and is made of double butted, and beutifully welded 7005 aluminum, which manages to stay smooth. The brakes though do not have to be upgraded. A firm pull on the front brakes and you can almost endo, or at least get the back end will get off the ground. I strongly recommend this bike for riders that are just getting really into the sport or even racers on a budget.
BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: April 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Dump
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Beautiful riding frame on this little buddy, i'm a fan of the avid brake system, cranks rock, and ya just can't beat the shock for the money.
Weaknesses:
The stem/bars are kinda lame... they do the job, but they will be upgraded. The wellgo spd's are going to be beat on quickly... i don't think they'll last like other pedals do (or should). Tires are fairly hellish on pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, cannondale, 99 rocky mountain vapour (my second choice)
Bike Setup:
Stock, with minor changes... rock ring, pads, lights, purposely broken reflectors.
Bottom Line:
Basically, i enjoy beating the crap out of bikes.. as psycho as this sounds, the kona is my choice. This thing has held up to everything that i can deliver so far, except for the skyscraper drop test (which i won't do... i like it too much!). I have had NO problems with it so far, besides wheels coming out of true, but when you ride them hard, any spoked wheel comes out eventually... so bottom line eh? (i'm from canada, sorry bout the "eh" thing).. i can't say enough good things about this bike, i like it more than igloos, lumberjacks, maple syrup, and WAAAY more than people from Quebec. This bike is da best for da cash.
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Submitted by
Mike H.
a Cross Country Rider
from Gainesville, FL USA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Powerlines in Gainesville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good solid frame, XT rear deraileur, Bomber fork. I also love the new HollowTech Shimano cranks.
Weaknesses:
Fork is either stiff or soft, you have to find a compromise for your riding style.
Similar Products Used:
K2 Zed X, Specialized Rockhopper Pro, Comp
Bike Setup:
Stock at this point. The wellgo clipless are decent but they will probably be the first thing to go.
Bottom Line:
I looked at this bike along with the K2 and Spec. All of them compare similarly component wise. What sold me on the Kona was the test ride. All the bikes shifted well but the Kona was a blast to ride. I have taken it on a few serious XC rides and no problems yet. The only downside I see is that the fork is stiffer over the small stuff as compared to the coil/oil forks but there is not as much of a problem with bottoming out. Bottom line: Kona definately makes some solid, fun bikes.
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Submitted by
Can Adian
a Weekend Warrior
from Coquitlam, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All of Burke Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything but wheels. The fork is awesome, along with the brakes, derailleurs.
Weaknesses:
There are no weaknesses with this product except the wheels, my first drop out of trued them.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Tassajara, Norco Reactor, Norco Charger, Kona Chute, Kona cinder-cone, Norco VPS-1,
Bike Setup:
Shorter stem, magura-hydraulics, sun rpm rims, the fender, flat pedals, kona gloves, pads, roach pads.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the best deal for free-riding, im only 13 and i can save enough money by working hard so you can to, you will be very happy with this bike, its sub 30 pounds, plush, fast and very fun, a great dropper and log hopper.
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Submitted by
Eric Screamer
a Cross Country Rider
from Cottonwood, CA Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Chimney
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The Whole Setupis awesome. Marzocchi Air fork can't be beaten, or hurt. Kona builds a bulletproof frame.
Weaknesses:
Teh Mavic 138 is a weak rim, I sudgest some SUN 0 degree rims as the replacement. no other weaknesses on a Kona!!
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher: Big Sur, K2: Zed X Cannondale: F700(this is a company that severely licks major Donkey D--K!!!
Bike Setup:
Caldera, z5 @ 60psi Sun Mammoth Fat, and other Race Face goodies**
Bottom Line:
This is a bike that is at a price where any type of person can do all types of riding on it. The Kona company makes this bike so compatable to other parts, in turn it can be bulit up for the most hard core riders, like myself. Tis is a tough piece of metal at a pretty low weight. I love mine! For the $750 I paid I can't find another bike that even touches this one. Its all about not having to walk back to the car, buy a Kona!!!
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Submitted by
michael b
a Weekend Warrior
from melb,vic, aust Date Reviewed: March 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
labertouche, vic
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Reasonably light, yet robust frame. Like always Kona have overbuilt this machine - very tasty! Butter smooth shimano group, plush Marzochhi z5's. Tioga's hook up nicely, reasonable rolling resistance for tarmac.
Weaknesses:
Avid's not the best, a move to shimano xt would be a step in the right direction.
z5's at 35psi, nice for the trail, otherwise 40-45 for hard pack or road. Otherwise out of the box.
Bottom Line:
What an awesome machine, value for money, unrivalled by few other manufactures, is surpassed only by the enjoyment of being at one with this masterpiece of technical/mechanical wizardry! Pleasure dealing with such professionals. 5 chillis not enough to sum up this HOT MUTHA.
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