Submitted by
Deacon Chapin
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, New Hampshire, USA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Everything at school
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
ATA Cycle
Strengths:
Sweet frame, excellent fork choice, soft as butter. Good spec on the Tioga tires, good wheels and brakes, very responsive bike overall.
Weaknesses:
FRONT DERAILLIEUR!!! Toe clips (huh?)
Similar Products Used:
Trek 7000, and 8000, KHS Alite XC
Bike Setup:
I rode it stock for awhile (except the pedals, I switched to Time ATAC pedals), then added full XTR, Easton CT2 seatpost, and handlebar, Easton EA50 stem, ODI lock-on grips, Hutchinson tires, Selle Italia saddle
Bottom Line:
fantastic bike. I have just recently outgrown my 18" frame, as I am now 6'3", and have a year 2001 Giant XtC NRS 1, and it is nice, but it doesn't have the same responsive feel as the Kona. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a reliable steed. It is also very light for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Lund
a Weekend Warrior
from Århus, Denmark Date Reviewed: February 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
mosgård forest (several tracks)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$860.00
Purchased At:
ROWI
Strengths:
Good frame that makes a responsive bike that is a pleasure to ride (for a hardtail). Crank and rear deraileur are nice and the avidbrakes are nice. The key thing is the marzocchi fork: it is great so get the 1999 or 2000 model they changed it to rock shox for the 2001 model (bummer)
Weaknesses:
Front deraileur, toe clips (what where they thinking:o), The handlebar has a huge rise and is very thick. the stem could be upgraded. Cheap pedals. grips are slippy.
Similar Products Used:
Kona lava dome, Kona NUNU, tried my buddy´s Santa cruz Bullit...
Bike Setup:
Original exept, planet x pedals, lock on grips, selle italia max flite saddle, splash guard and other stuff.
Bottom Line:
This bike has a good value for the money, and it is upgradable because it has a good frame. im happy with it and i would only consider fullsuspension, this is a great xcbike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Mandal
a Weekend Warrior
from Ireland/Australia Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anywhere!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
Second Hand
Strengths:
Just an all-round great bike! Notably: Marzocchi fork Shimano deraileurs Cool colour! Very comfortable... Light (for me)
Weaknesses:
None that I've noticed. I've been upgrading as things break. (NOT a contradiction!)
Similar Products Used:
Various bikes since I was 4 (a LONG time ago), most recently a stiff framed Coventry Eagle MTB for 4 years. Before that various high quality road bikes.
Got this bike with a few upgrads already done: Standard except the previous owner had changed the Stem to an Azonic Shorty, rear hub to LX, rear derailleur to LX.
I've since changed both wheels to Mavic X222 on XT Disc Hubs (got a reasonable deal after busting my back wheel), XT front derailleur (had Alivio), more comfy saddle, M424 clipless pedals.
Busted teh Truvativ cranks and ended up having to put FSA Powerpros on (or not have teh bike over Christmas), also changed the bottom bracked to XT at the same time.
Bottom Line:
I use this bike mainly for commuting and have put about 2000km on it since getting the bike in late October 2001. I'm TRYING to get off road more, honestly!
And for this purpose I find it ideal. It could be either a pure commuter (It is geared well to go fast on teh commute) or a pure XC, part DH bike or (my hope) both!
I bought the bike second hand from one 'not-so-carefull' owner. But most things were straight and teh price was right.
Teh Shocks are great, teh bike feels right!
I'm not 'easy' on bikes being in teh 100kg range and reasonably strong.
I have busted a few things, crank, spokes and rim on the rear and have replaced where necessary.
I am very happy with this bike and, as others have stated, it provides a great foundation for future upgrades as necessary and did I mention it rides very well too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryk
a Cross Country Rider
from Stellenbosch, South Africa Date Reviewed: December 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mountains
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Second Hand
Strengths:
Good strong frame and fork. Nice components and especially the colour!!
Weaknesses:
Rims tends to bend a little when you drive into a huge holes full of rocks and a trolleys at speeds higher that 50km/h
Similar Products Used:
Kona Hahannah, Schwinn Mesa DSX, Kona Pahoehoe(very nice, but expensive) Kona Blast, Kona Stab Primo(not mine),Diamondback Vectra
Bike Setup:
Original 2000 stock
Bottom Line:
Buy this bike today and avoid huge holes with rocks and trolleys in them. The rims are very strong, but not good for huge holes. Very nice fork (Z5) and everything else is excellent!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Alamo, CA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Duey's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
California Bike n' Snow
Strengths:
The Frames light and so far, very strong, also easily ugradable
Weaknesses:
piece of $%*# rock shox and piece of $%*# stem and handle bars/grips
this bike is great if you don't plan on permanently riding the stock parts, but will a good sized amount of upgrades you can turn this bike into anything you want with the highly versitile frame and majority of stock parts
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
konafan
a Racer
from singapore Date Reviewed: July 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything ridable
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame!
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
GT Zaskar
Bike Setup:
Upgraded everything on the bike except for the seatpost!
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks! Especially after the upgrades that I've put into it!
Like they say, the most important thing about a bike is the frame and this frame doesn't dissappoint!
The geometry of the bike is just right for me and I've yet to experience any difficulty with it.
Will try some races with this bike and report back...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from victoria Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Goldstream cycles :(
Strengths:
-Value -good alround bike -ready for upgrading -glow in the dark stickers -it doesnt have sh*tty-ass rockshox
Weaknesses:
relativly small issues, all are fixed: -cranks suck the big one, they come loose every 5 mins -bars flexy -toe clips -hella long xc stem -front der. -rims could be put up a notch but thats ok -stickers come off easily
Similar Products Used:
nunu, roast, caldera
Bike Setup:
RaceFace risers, axiom DH stem, ring god, platform petals, rokko DH 2.4 tyres, the rest stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for xc, and with a few upgrades like mine, it could become a beginner freeride bike. Awesome value for the parts.
keep in mind i didn't know too much about sizing when i bought this bike:
Goldstream Ave. Cycles is a gay-as bike shop. I was 5'0" when i bought this bike. Those losers sold me an 18" bike!! thats at least two sizes too big. They also sold me a helmet too big. when i ride off the cerb it frikin tumbles off my head. i would have a much better mtb experience without those money-hungry baastards.
But the bike is still good!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
danny
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
those that throws a challenge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Frame is fairly light and strong!
Weaknesses:
Decals tend to peel after a while...
Similar Products Used:
GT Aggressor
Bike Setup:
Kore stem, RS front forks, LX cranks, LX front D, XT rear D, XT hubs front and rear.
Bottom Line:
So far, this bike has met everything that everybody has showered compliments on. The geometry encourages u to climb and ride from the saddle. The weight of the frame complements this geometry by allowing u to do so with relative ease. A real revealation after my experience with the GT Aggressor. Keep it up, Kona! A value for money XC raceable bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$579.00
Purchased At:
Nestors
Strengths:
Great frame and forks, awsome color
Weaknesses:
wide ass bar
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I'm 220 lbs. and I am very suprised at how solid this bike is. I've launched off some good stuff during an old BMX flashback and felt every bit as confident. The components are acceptable and will be easy to upgrade. Kind of starting to really like the tires, too. I recommend this bike to anyone looking for a quality bike for a good price. Let's face it, who really cares if a component breaks. It's the frame that's really going to send you home in tears.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
teddy
a Cross Country Rider
from harrington park, New Jersey, United States Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
beach wood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$625.00
Purchased At:
bicycle work shop
Strengths:
z5 fork is so nice and the truvativ firex cranks are really strong, and the frame has a really good jumping geometry
Weaknesses:
the drivetrain should be a lot better but everything else is awesome
Similar Products Used:
schwinn mesa,kona caldera,kona stuff,kona roast,k2 Zed se
Bike Setup:
just some wellgo platform peddles and i'm going to upgrade the whole drivetrain soon
Bottom Line:
this a really good bike and you can't get a better bike for this price. i'm really glad i got the 2000 model instead of the 2001 because the 2000 has the z5 fork and i think it's just a much better bike than anything else out there
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Ada, Mi Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Yankee Springs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$749.00
Purchased At:
Village Bike Shop
Strengths:
Awesome frame, it's designed to put most of your weight in the back, so when you go up hills you get more power. Great wheels. All of the Shamino componets are awesome.
Weaknesses:
The handlebar is way to wide for trail riding, and the grips suck! Seat could be changed.
Similar Products Used:
Any cross-country front suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
23" Straight Handlebar New Grips Specialized sport seat
Bottom Line:
This could be a great bike for anyone. It's on the road as well as off. The best part of the bike is gotta be the frame though. Basically this is a great, and very dependable cross-country bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ZACH
a Cross Country Rider
from ON CANADA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
??????
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
DUKES Toronto
Strengths:
Great value, long travel forks, durable drivetrain, clean shifting, crazy colour, most comfortable geometry this six footer has ever had, disc brake ready. Rides like a motor cross or a harley with the long forks! I like this alot it!
Weaknesses:
broke the cheap seatpost immediately, very dangerous design flaw in the bolt, dropped the heavy too wide bar for a light narrower riser, weak rims, squeaky yet comfy seat. Heavy but what do you expect? It's affordable!
Similar Products Used:
Older Kona cinder cone and an old RM Hammer
Bike Setup:
Thud Buster seatpost (best ever!) new lighter risers, SPD downhill/BMX pedals all the rest is stock and holding up well
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the guy who grew up and got too busy to race. Durable, great value, best geometry, responsive, stable and well built. For the price it really is spec'd well and the long travel shock while basic is plush and sweet! Lose the bar and post. Put up with the weight!
I recomend this bike to anyone, enjoy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Weekend Warrior
from Great Falls, VA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
my little secret
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$760.00
Purchased At:
Pedal N' Spoke
Strengths:
Like everyone says: Damn good frame and fork...and then you have decent components that back everything those two essentials up. The wheels take a good amount of abuse while I ride and have stayed pretty well true...and these are the base Mavic rims here...go figure. The paint job for the 2000 sets it apart from all others...sorry to see it go black for '01 (and drop the z5...quite glad I got the 2000!)
Weaknesses:
The stem and bar flex flex flex...but that's what one gets on a bike priced like it is. The cranks flex far too much...but again, does one expect Race Face Turbine lps to come stock???
Similar Products Used:
none to speak...my ald Trek 800 rigid is not in the same league
Bike Setup:
Azonic Shorty stem with an Azonic PDW 1.5" riser bar (gram watchers need not apply!). ODI lock jaw grips. Sun/Ringle platform pedals. Selle San Marco Race Day Bontrager cut saddle (definitely a good one)
Bottom Line:
I have only made this bike heavier than it already was. But what one gets in weight, one also gets in strength! I had to replace the fork seals after 4 months...but that's life. Because the z5 is an air fork, one can ride with blown seals for a good while and not worry about damaging the fork...the oil just leaks out little by little...no worries. Going to be beafing up the drive train with most likely Race Face gear and a 2 ring + a rock bash gaurd instead of the 3 ring set up. I am quite pleased with how everything has held up, and how much this bike lends itself to upgrades...you start with a good platform and it begs to be modified to ones personal taste. Sure you can get a similar frame stripped and pick and choose...you pay out the ass though! It is a great bike to start out on...I bet a pro would have a good time on it. Where this bike is good in '00 with the fork and paint...it goes to hell in '01...even if some of the components are upgraded. All derailers and levers/shifters are stock on my bike. Whenever there is a problem I take it up to my LBS and it rides like a dream afterwards...meaning I don't need XTR everything in order to enjoy my rides! Ride on and enjoy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from CoSprings, CO, U S A Date Reviewed: February 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything with big doubles
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$630.00
Purchased At:
Some Local Shop
Strengths:
Frame suprised me with the beatings it's with stood. love the beef in the Kona riser Bars, Great fork for the Price Range... too bad they dropped it for '01
Weaknesses:
For your average Joe there aren't many weaklinks in this Bike. ?It didn't come with a KickStand???? I guess I would have liked a little better wheelset for the price and I always want bigger tires
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn, K2, Raleigh, Giant, Gary Fisher, ...Trek(but don't tell anyone) Klien, Specialized, I think damn near every bike store brand there was, except Cannondale.. won't ever
Bike Setup:
Bars are chopped about 3/4" on each side, Single rign up front w/ makeshift chain guide, upgraded to Sunn Mammoth rims, Brake arches reenforced, threw some BMX caged Platform Pedals on... waiting to throw some Profile cranks or the Kona Tubular Cromoly cranks on
Bottom Line:
Greta bike for the price, i bought mine to rehab a BMX injury, spd an all it handled great fro cross country runs now I think I Dirt Jump it more than my BMX bikes, has held up to some major abuse, I've snapped several BMX frames with what I've put this MTB through. Has great gussets without going to overboard... allthough I think I'm gonna buy a Kona Chute or an Arrow next. Ya know with all the weight gaining upgrades I've thrown on mine, I put my 2 yearold son in a trailer clipped to the back and can still out ride a lot of the gram shaving freaks through some decent after work single track... and have on a few occasions. SO if your looking for a great starter ride for yourself or your wife...or just a great upgrade from the WallyWorld special you've been cruisen, take a big step in the right direction, it's worth twice what you were gonna pay for that crappy bottom of the barrel full suspention... besides who wants to be a spounge monkey anyway???????
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Hogan
a Downhiller
from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: February 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
King George
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Fresh Air Experience
Strengths:
The Z5 is the best possible fork for this price range. Kills anything else in the field. (Rocks, RST's, ext.) For the price this bike is deadly. Love the frame design and love all kona's riser bars.
Weaknesses:
The Avid brakes started to squeak within a month and cranks are kind of weak. Front rings are pretty weak and bent the first time I banged them up. Both derailier's aren't the best.
Similar Products Used:
For price this bike compairs to nothing. For the bike itself, I thought it was alot like the Rocky Mountain Oxygen race or Kona's muni mula.
Bike Setup:
Stock mostly, new clipless pedals, new brakes, new derailiers, cranks and front rings
Bottom Line:
Bottom line: By far the greatest bike for the money. Couple hundred bucks in upgrades and you've got a bike that will easily compair to anything in the $1500 - $2000 dollar price range. I recommend anyone who is starting off or is low on cash to buy this bike right away.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aNDREW
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth West Australia Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any bmx/slalom track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
A bike shop?
Strengths:
Nice geometry, I like the bars, fairly light
Weaknesses:
Rims are weak, shi-it drive train. Fork is starting to leak oil round the seals after 2 months. Cranks are weak.
Similar Products Used:
giant iguana, avanti hot dog.
Bike Setup:
stock 'cept for tyres, pedals.
Bottom Line:
I like to jump and drop things and this bike has lasted for a couple of months but the rims are full of flat spots and buckled, cranks make creaking noise the forks are leaking round the seals and the jockey wheels are seizing up and I can't pedal hard in the top 5 gears without it grinding and making a noise. Also the avid brakes are gone. I could not stand those rickety brake leavers and the the squealing of the pads. The rear brake was useless after a month of use. Next time I'll buy a frame and build it up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark J.
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: December 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Cove Bikes
Strengths:
Sturdy Bike, Great adjustable front Z5 fork suspension, 7005 DB Aluminum. Nice Mavic rims.
Weaknesses:
Only one color to choose from. COuld have used a XT derailluer intead of an LX. Toe Clips?
Similar Products Used:
Norco Sasquatch
Bike Setup:
Upgraded saddle, took off toe clips
Bottom Line:
It is a great bike. I am a big guy and it is nice to be able to adjust the forks easily. I have also taken a big spill and the bike stood up fine. I believe you get what you pay for and in this case I got a lot more. Kona makes great bikes. I am looking forward to many years of use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sammy f
a Cross Country Rider
from Prince George CANADA Date Reviewed: November 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
too many to tell
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
McBike
Strengths:
Good frame Avid brakes work well cranks stronger than they look good lookn ride
Weaknesses:
fork could be plusher but this is not a real weakness because it is a z5 and for a z5 it works great
Similar Products Used:
alot of other hardtails (I work in a shop)
Bike Setup:
stock but I put on flat pedals
Bottom Line:
I guessed the bike would be about 750 yank money but I don't konw It's about 1000 cnd I didn't pay for the bike I just had it for the summer and I dont have a bad thing to say about it. I road all types of xc trials as well as some jumping and freeriding and it always held up. I raced 3 xc races and was very happy with how the bike performed. If your looking for a great all round bike for around a 1000 cnd I dont think there is a better value out there. nothing broke over the whole summer and I'm still useing the same seals in the z5 the thing rips!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devin
a Weekend Warrior
from boulder co Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$630.00
Strengths:
The fork is awsome. Its at least 5 times better than any other forks on bikes at this price. The whole bike is really strong and is ment to be hucked off 5 foot tall gaps.
Weaknesses:
Nothing. Unless you can complain about its weight which is 28 pounds (18 inch). But you would have to be very stupid to not buy this thing because it weighs a couple pounds extra.
Similar Products Used:
schwinn mesa le
Bike Setup:
stock. Shocks on really soft setting.
Bottom Line:
This bike is great. Its really a good deal for the price and you can do almost anything on it. The shocks are amazing. I have had this bike for a couple months and i was supposed to bring it in for a tune up a long time ago but im too busy riding it. Nothing has gone wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$739.00
Strengths:
Great Frame and shocks. The bomber is better than anything else in this price
Weaknesses:
8 Speed instead of 9. Other bikes in this price range had 9 speeds, but this is a minor issue
Similar Products Used:
Tried almost every $700...Rockhopper, Trek, Marin...
Bike Setup:
Stock mostly
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, buy it. On the flip side, most bikes around $700 are made with about the same components. Try them all and buy the one that fits you best. For me it was the Kona. This bike rocks and I beat it up quite a lot on the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chipmunk na
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Big Fin Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Elliott Bay Cycles
Strengths:
Everythang! Fork is super gnarly and takes in the largest, freakiest bumps. Frame is nice and strong.
Weaknesses:
Chain chipped my right chainstay, which sucked, I wrapped the bad but nugget with bar tape so no longer a problem. Derailleurs could be improved, however they shift.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing like it!!!!
Bike Setup:
Stock, Fender and new derailleurs coming maybe some turbine LP cranks to beef it up.
Bottom Line:
This bike is one that lives up to taking on the urban, mountain and just plain beating it up aspects of biking. If you want an inexpensive, damn nice ride that includes decent and wholesome fork take this bike. I'm thirteen and needed the bike after doing some crazy stuff on my 95' Schwinn rigid (this things ghetto). So I stretched for a bike that could get me killed as opposed to me killing it. That's what its all about. Good riding and always wear a helmet. Hey dont drive to work, bike, you save gas.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Fitz
a Weekend Warrior
from CANADA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
LOTS!!! the Z5 fork is incredible (so plush and tuff) the components are great deraillers, fork, all of it looks real sleek frame: the welding is great and REAL strong. IT GLOWS IN THE DARK!! :) climbs very well.
Weaknesses:
!!! NOTHING !!! it is a little bit on the heavy side, but it wont bother you unless you like to carry your bike down the trail.
Similar Products Used:
'00 NuNu, '98 R.M. fusion, a couple more hartails
Bike Setup:
stock, except i put on platform petals, upgraded the rear deraller, and changed the downhill bars to cross country and put bar ends on it.
Bottom Line:
this is a great bike. everything about this bike is great. i cant say enuff about it. this bike will take abuse and will ride everything. it stomps on the compitition. if youre looking for a great entry level bike, this is it.
what are you waiting for? RIDE!!
5 flaming chilis!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
wissahickon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$739.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Therapy
Strengths:
Frame design is great for X-country. Good set of brakes.
Weaknesses:
Handlebars have more "give" than they should. I can actually feel them bend when I'm riding. The grips aren't comfortable. I'm also having trouble w/ the gears slipping on the front and back.
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher Marlin
Bike Setup:
as bought
Bottom Line:
Great bike, gets the job done. For the price paid, though, I'd expect clipless pedals, and slightly better components (handlebars). For those more concerned w/ looks, the color is cool as hell. Make sure the bike is assembled correctly cause I've had trouble w/ parts coming loose. The bike seems versatile enough to ride hard and not worry, so buy this bike if you like to ride hard and aren't concerned about weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Myles Mason
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Y2J
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$740.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
it is a very strong bike. I just had a bad wipe out and all i bent was my big chain ring.
Weaknesses:
the rims are a bit on the weak side.
Similar Products Used:
2000 caldera
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this is a sweet bike that is the bottom line. It has a sweet z5 marzzochi fork nice brakes that grab well the black spokes look great and the rear derailleur is pretty good but i could be a bit better. I reccomend the bike to anyone.It can take beats, it's strong for a cross-contry and it's worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Champlin
a Weekend Warrior
from Nelson, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bedframe YAH!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The frame is strong and heavy so it can take a beating. Good stopping power with the brakes. Great Fork.
Weaknesses:
Tires (too damned thin), i tacoed the front rim a week after i got it, crappy cranks and seat.
Similar Products Used:
brodie brat, kona nunu, and the rockey mountain hammer race.
Bike Setup:
i changed the pedals to flatbed and i got a new front rim.
Bottom Line:
A strong, affordable hardtail that can be riddin hard and fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ladies Only
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike has a very strong but heavy frame, not super great but good Avid 10 digit brakes.
Weaknesses:
Crappy Z5 shocks very sticky, too much maitnence for the shock, easy to blow air chambers, have to buy a shock pump. Genaric levers with limited adjustability <-- big word
Similar Products Used:
Fire Mountian Nunu
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
strong but heavy bike ok value if you dont blow the air chamber and need a new fork. I dont reccomend it to a person who rides hard. No fork boots :-(. you need a shock pump to adjust the fork right. it would be great with a z4 or better fork. air forks just suck!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jimbo
a
from canada Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000
the pedals... those damn toe clips... just take them off.. other than that, nothin'
Similar Products Used:
2000 nunu, 99 hahanna
Bike Setup:
normal
Bottom Line:
this bike is nice. all good(except for the toeclips) i recomend this beast for any rider who likes abusing their bikes, like me. also goood value for the $$$. this is one of the most fun bikes i've ever riddden
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Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kains , awesome !
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Well built bike, super strong frame
Weaknesses:
decals scratch off easy But who cares, I beat the hell out of the bike
Similar Products Used:
Kona Lava Dome, Nunu, Cinder cone
Bike Setup:
water bottle rack
Bottom Line:
If you do alot of hard riding, this is the bike for you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD Date Reviewed: March 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Loch Raven
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I’m completely happy with this bike. In the past 3 months, I’ve tortured the poor thing. It seems indestructible. I really like the Marzocchi Z5 forks.
Weaknesses:
Pedals (toe clip), rear derailleur (could be stepped up a notch) and the crankset.
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
stock (for now)
Bottom Line:
This bike was recommended by a veteran rider whom I trust. I think it is a solid mid-line package for the money. RIDE HARD>>>>>>
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thad
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This is a well built machine. Resilient. Fast. Beautiful.
Weaknesses:
The weakest component on this bike is me on it. Could be a little lighter...
Similar Products Used:
Test rode a myriad of bikes before deciding on the Kona... Schwinn Moab, Giant Iguana, etc...
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
There are many fine bicycles around. I'd recommend this one to any intermediate-enthusiast. It's not the lightest bike around, but it does not ride heavy. In fact, it flies. The marzocchi fork is sweet. The frame has taken a thrashing (well). The LX R. derailleur does the job. Riser bars are a nice touch. Buy this bike. Ride it often.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua Bierman
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, Wa. USA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chuckanut Mtns.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Reasonably bulletproof, good frame with great welds
Weaknesses:
weight, bottom bracket (LP-26), chainrings, all parts are heavy but strong, alivio f.derailuer
Bike Setup:
stock except un-72 BB, titec handlebar, seatpost
Bottom Line:
Great bike if you are not into playing the weight game, which is always a futile battle. Everything is strong and beffy, good downhill hardtail. Kind of disturbed that Kona could not even put a UN-52 bottom bracket into a 800 dollar bike. Good bike for cross-country hill climber and downhiller who is willing to slowly up-grade bike over time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: March 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Marzocchi Z5 forks Good drivetrain (Deore & LX) except crank Avid brakes Nice Mavic rims. Tough, well designed frame great for tight singletrack.
Weaknesses:
TruVativ crank - looks funky but not a great piece of kit, flexes and doesn't shift from out of middle gear too well. Swap it at source if possible
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATX 860, Norco Nitro, Schwinn Moab 3 and Kona Caldera (in Aus the Cinder Cone is specced pretty much the same as the Caldera for $200 less)
Bike Setup:
Stock at moment but crank changing soon
Bottom Line:
Bottom Line - a top bike to get started and keep going off-road on. Great frame, good value for money, looks a beauty, luminous stickers - what more can you ask?
Okay, it could be a bit lighter but I'm 95kgs and at least it's not gonna break.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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