Submitted by
Glenn Thorson
a Weekend Warrior
from Dayton, OH Date Reviewed: April 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Speed River bikes in Guelph Ontario, Canada
Strengths:
Awsome frame, light for how sturdy it is. Tracks well, very laid back handling, predictable.
Weaknesses:
the fork, Kona should have spec'd a sturdier fork, blew the Z5 within months of getting the bike, $$$$
Similar Products Used:
previous bike was a 95 GT Timberline with STX and that kick ass black light splatter paint job, almost bought a trek 6500 instead, glad I went with the Kona
Bike Setup:
LX/Deore 9sp, Avid Arch rivals w/speed dial 1.9l levers, race face crank, Sun Rims Ditch Witch wheels, disc hubs
Bottom Line:
Killer bike, will probably never buy another hardtail again. I love this bike, will upgrade fork and other components as neccesary in the future. could not ask for much more from a frame. I don't put miles a day on this bike but I have abused it and the thing just takes it and begs for more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Brighton, UK Date Reviewed: March 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Marin trail at Betws y Coed
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Evans Croydon
Strengths:
A versatile and great looking hardtail.
Weaknesses:
Seat post, forks.
Similar Products Used:
Giant hardtail, Giant full suspension.
Bike Setup:
17 inch frame, DMR V12 pedals, Thompson post, World Force bars and stem, Mavic F519 rims, DT spokes, XT hubs, Avid Arch Rivals, Psylo SL forks, Race Face Prodigy cranks,XT/LX mechs, Deore shifters, Specialized Enduro Pro tyres. SDG saddle.
Bottom Line:
A decent bike. It Looks good (mean and stealthy)and the frame geometry is sorted. The roast rides well and after 4 years service it was worth every penny that I paid (£750 rrp £899). Kona were well ahead of the hardcore hardtail bandwagon with this one (and the previous years Chute). Excellent frame and a good bike to upgrade. Original Z5 forks did not last long. However, in fairness, Kona were trying to keep the original price of the bike down. I swapped Marzocchi's for Pyslo SL forks (run at 100 mm)and true potential of frame was evident. More recently I got a professionally built wheel set as Sun Ditch Witch rims were a bit heavy and the wheel build quality was questionable- this made the bike feel more lively. I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a versatile trail bike that is strong enough to take some abuse and is still good for longer rides. May be a bit heavy for some, but climbs well enough for me. As a bigger rider I would accept the small weight disadvantage for the added confidence the tough frame provides. I've got a 04 Chameleon frame on order so I will, reluctantly, have to let the Roast go. Easily the best bike I've had so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darby K
a Downhiller
from Vancouver BC Date Reviewed: October 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
BLT Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
VI BC
Strengths:
Solid frame, decent components
Weaknesses:
fork upgrade needed
Bike Setup:
XT Disc., Rokko DH240, DitchWitch, DirtJumper III, RaceFace Prodigy
Bottom Line:
Sound welds. Handles awsome. Needs Bigger Badder Bombers. My Roast came with head set problems but thats it for downtime. My Kona Roast is used for hills/jumps and does it well. I'm keeping this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Waiman Cheung
a Racer
from UK Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Delamere
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Winstanleys
Strengths:
Frame looks amazing in turd brown with glow in the dark stickers and is so damn strong + not too stif to throw you off bumpy trails!! Quite good components and sweet angles
Weaknesses:
Forks are bit naff but useable (leaks after 4 months + stupidly slow rebound). CLEARANCE on the rear allows only skinny xc tyres in.
Similar Products Used:
24 seven martin ogden, Orange airo, Curtis super x, Orange missile
Bike Setup:
Z1 freerides, sun rhyno lytes, nokian tyres with heavy DH tubes, V8s, EA70 bars, FSA headset and most is original.
Bottom Line:
People say its heavy...not with a few component upgrades, mine weighes 29lbs. In my oppinion its the perfect bike with a few minor upgrades coz its light, strong, gr8 looks, sweet handling, adaptable with lockout forks for trials etc. had mine for 2 years and laughs in my face when i do a 6ft drop to a concrete flat. Just keep it away from scallies coz theyll wanna nick it!! :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew R
a Downhiller
from Albury/N.S.W/Australia Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
evans
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1159.00
Purchased At:
some bike store(can't remember)
Strengths:
bloody strong assed frame
Weaknesses:
some of the other bits could have been higher speced
Similar Products Used:
speacialized P3
Bike Setup:
magura Julie(front)brake,truvative husselfelt cranks, axiom chain roller(with two orange wheels and two plates), michelan dh comp tires, pazzaz head stem(50mm)
Bottom Line:
with a few upgrades this is a sweet bike and it just keeps on taking jumps and drops after another also it a KONA so what else would you possibly need. so if you need a good bomb proof bike the roast is for you
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Peterson
a Downhiller
from COLORADO SPRINGS,CO Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
captin jack/shoots
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
the sweetest deal ever
Strengths:
super bomb proof frame
Weaknesses:
cant fit large tires and need to keep wheels street true
Similar Products Used:
02 roast,02 kona lanai,00 trek stp 200,00 k2 zed se,surly instagator,soon to be 02 stinky primo
I'M 5'9" 160LB AND TRY TO RIDE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE.HAVEN'T TAKE ANY BIGGER THAN 4-6FT AT MOST YET. I USE TO BRAKE THINGS ALOT UNTILL I GOT THIS BIKE.GOING TO RACE FOR THE FIRST TIME VERY SOON(2WEEKS).LET YA KNOW HOW THIS BAD CHICKEN DOES.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
will wilkins
a Weekend Warrior
from westminster vermont Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything the outdoors can dish out
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$720.00
Purchased At:
Summer's Sports
Strengths:
i can session jumps all day long on it and it takes whatever i throw at it. its a little heavy for serious climbing, but its versitile enough to ride anything i encounter. its a good decender, and it comes with a decent componets setup. the avid arch rivals are great as far as rim brakes go.
Weaknesses:
the bomber z5 air that comes with it sucks
Bike Setup:
the roast is my main ride, but i put added a psylo sl, bigger tires, and a front avid mechanical disk brake.
Bottom Line:
im 15 years old, and i dont have a big budget, so for the price i got this, i couldnt ask for better. at the shop i bought this bike at, i had narrowed my selection down to this and a cinder cone, and im glad i took the roast because i doubt the cinder cone could take the abuse i put my bikes up to. right now its my only bike, so i really lucked out to find a bike that can do so much and last.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Lindh
a Weekend Warrior
from Cambidge Nova Scotia Date Reviewed: March 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Switch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Steep Outside
Strengths:
Beefy frame, nice parts for the price, Bomber, it glows great desender, loves to jump. It makes a nice urban bike and is a great freerider, Also has the best vee's ever created, Avid arch rivals
Weaknesses:
broke seat wth in a week, broke the cranks the tires are too small
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Z-5 flyligth air 110, Race Face North Shore DH ISIS crams set, Black spire bash guard, Avalanche DH sadle, LX parts, Avid Arch rival brakes Sunn Ditch witch wheels
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Its saved my bacon many times. But the Prodgy cranks that cam with it were not up to jumpng, broke two sets then got my shores :) the bike handles well and is easy tl land, but seems a little nervious on the skinnys. Mine has survived repetied drops over 5 feet and some 10's to flat (off my 6 foot ramp.
over all this bike rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from RI Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
MTBR marketplace
Strengths:
Can you say strong, can you say just damn cool looking, glow in the dark stickers, SWEEEET. This bike is great, since I've built it up I've been riding it 95% more then my Wapr DS1. The welds are incredible, the frame is beef, and this bike is strong enough for a dual crown fork. I can use it for picking lines, riding over things, and just pure speed. The bike makes riding fun, and isn't that what most of us are into mtbing for? Also Kona has some great technical support people, I bought the frame second hand but Kona asnswered all my questions.
Weaknesses:
Can't use a 2.3 tire on the rear with out wearing out your rear triangle.
Similar Products Used:
P3, Brass Monkey, Ruckus
Bike Setup:
2000 Kona Roast frame, Zokes Z3 100 fork, Rhyno lite rims, Truvativ stylo team and isis BB, Ringle ZUZU pedals, Precision Billet brake levers, and V-brakes, Precision Billet rear der., SRAM 9.0 front der., SRAM shorty grip shifts, SRAM 9.0 SL rear hub, SRAM 7.0 rear cogs, Avid flak jacket cables, SACHS chain, Specialized Big Hit 2.5 front tire, Panaracer Fire 2.1 rear, Specialized Stout front hub, KONA seat post, Bontrager saddle, Specialized shorty stem, RESOL DH clear lexan front fender, RESOL clear lexan frame armor, Profile carbon riser bars, Ritchey TGV grips, RESOL black delrin grip caps, Gorilla brake booster.
Bottom Line:
FUN, reliable, strong, FUN, looks cool, multi attack vehicle, FUN, great customer support from KONA. If you bought this bike complete, you are going to have a blast when you upgrade. The frame is the perfect platform to mix and match components on and riding styles on. Every week it seems like I'm trying out a different part, or style of riding, or different descent just because I know I won't have to worry about braking my frame. The bike has given me more confidence, and just looking at it it makes me want to ride. It screams at me like a 5 year old that wants to go out and play, it doesn't worry where, just that it gets to go out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EggMaster
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas Date Reviewed: November 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
Ozone Bikes
Strengths:
Very strong frame. I am 6'4", and 240lbs and I tend to hammer my bikes pretty hard. I don't have to worry about breaking this frame.
Weaknesses:
Wheels go out of true too often. I broke the stock seat (SDG Grand prix) almost immediately. Brakes squeal. Z5 fork leaks, is mushy, bottoms too easy, and feels worn out.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper, Gary Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock with a rockshock seatpost, Titec berserker seat, 100mm stem, clipless pedals.
Bottom Line:
I like this bike a bunch. This year, I will upgrade to a set of handbuilt wheels, and also upgrade the deore and LX stuff to XT. Cranks seems sturdy so far. The frame is bombproof, but the components are mid-grade at beat, and are not nearly as storng as the frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Haggis
a Downhiller
from Annapolis, MD, USA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Pushers
Strengths:
Beefy Frame, Java Paint Job, Kona funk-stylistics
Weaknesses:
Inability to fit large DH tires on rear end
Similar Products Used:
1983 Raleigh 10-speed
Bike Setup:
XT Discs, XT rear derailleur, more or less stock
Bottom Line:
Some of the parts have melted during re-entry; upgrading as I go. Handles the big hits, even while tossed around by 200 lb ex-rugger. Parts is parts - rest is good foundation for the future. Only problems I've had are related to battle damage, including, but not limited to, high-speed contact between drive train and solid metamorphic objects, and crankarms bending, tapers rounding off, after coming back to earth after airtime. Will shortly upgrade to Profiles; can't foresee any other problems. Oil leaking from Z5. Casualty? Word.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Czarno
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strong frame
Weaknesses:
the GEOMETRY is somply not right on this bike...You just don't feel at home on the damn thing. Horrible components. Broke the cranks 4 times and then race face sent me some north shores for free. Hubs need to be tightened once a week
FORK FROM HELL this fork is plain dirty, slow rebound, pure garbage
Seat was nice but it broke on me really early for some reason,
Oh yeah, the brakes at the beginning have absolutly no modulation it's like somebody poored some RC on them or something, 2 months in, it's like you have no brakes at all
Similar Products Used:
P.3 Take that if you have a brain, it's too sweet
Bike Setup:
basically everything is different except the frame
Bottom Line:
DON"T GET IT
so many better hardtails out there, that once you sit on them, YOU"LL KNOW YOU"RE AT HOME
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver bc canada Date Reviewed: May 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ANY THING I CAN GET MY HANDS ON
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
BIKE CELLAR $1300 CAN
Strengths:
GOOD CRANKS AND SWEET FRAME GOOD BIKE FOR A BEGINNER RIDER WHOS GOT GUTS AND WHEN HE GETS GOOD IS GONNA BIG
Weaknesses:
SHIATY FORK Z5 I WISH I BOUGHT A CHUTE FOR THE BETER FORK AND FRONT DISC
Bike Setup:
PHSYLO XC 5 INCHS MAVIC D521 REAR RIM WITH ELGATO TIRE 2.25 GONNA GET HAYE FRONT DISC
Bottom Line:
GREAT BASE FOR A BIKE BUT NEEDS BETTER COMPONENTS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
camus albert
a Weekend Warrior
from prince george BC Canada Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
10 Dollar (It won't let me write it.)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Strengths:
Price, Frame
Weaknesses:
Hubs, Z5 air fork, Tioga tires
Bike Setup:
Z1 Dropoff, IRC Kujo tires. The rest is pretty much stock.
Bottom Line:
Over all the bike the bike has been pretty good. I bought the bike because I was beginning to ride a bit more agressivly. I wasnt prepared to shell out 3 Grand for a bike yet, so I went with the Roast instead of the Chute; my attitude being that I could always upgrade components later. Bottom line: I should have bought the Chute. With the fork, tire, pedal, and now wheel and disk brake upgrades, I have spent well over what it would have cost to buy the Chute. If you have the extra money, spend it, don't make the same mistake I did. Aside from this, the bike has been good. It likes to descend, the frame is tough and it is affordable. I would like to mention that I have had no problems with the cranks. I wouldnt even think of upgrading them. I found them to be one of the more solid components on the bike. I jump and drop the bike quite regularly and have not had a problem with them yet. Oh yeah, the Z5 air fork performs poorly (Why Kona would spec a free ride bike with an air fork still has me perplexed); don't even think about leaving the store without swapping them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam Sherriff
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mt.Wellington
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Treadlies Mountain Bikes
Strengths:
Tough Frame, handles the abuse. KONA, kinda glows in the dark!
Weaknesses:
Forks don't really fit in with the bikes intended purpose, or at least they were too light for me. Chainrings have given me annoying shifting problems.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing like it
Bike Setup:
Z1 Drop Off forks, Azonic Shorty stem, WTB SST Saddle, Oury Grips, just put XSIV discs on today,
Bottom Line:
It's kinda freaky 'cause it's been exactly a year since I last reviewed my bike, and I didn't even mean it to work out this way. Anyway, it's been a little over a year and the Roast is still going relatively strong. I swapped the forks at Christmas time because I felt that the Z5s just weren't cutting the mustard. I think I was too heavy for them (87kg) and they didn't really suit my riding style. These made the bike feel really awesome. I also put a shorter stem on it which made it nicer going downhill. Today I took the plunge and had disc brakes fitted. The only problem was, the rear disc mount on the frame was bent (during building) which in turn screwed up the alignment. LBS had to file away until we got it to line up and this fixed the problem. It pissed me off though. I'll have to wait for the brakes to bed in now. They're called XSIV, and look exactly the same as Shimano XT's and Grimeca System 8's. I think they're all made by Grimeca anyway. All up the bike performs very well except for the shifting but I think this is something a little fiddling can fix. I'll keep you posted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ZEBART
a Weekend Warrior
from port moody Date Reviewed: February 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
cove bikes
Strengths:
Frame is soo strong in the right places ok parts on it
Weaknesses:
can not fit a big tire on the back (have trouble with a 2.35 on it) seat post broke on me.
Similar Products Used:
lot'a stuff
Bottom Line:
this bike is good if you want to huck it around off huge drops cheap lx and deore stuff will break but just upgrade too XT stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Carlo
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any thing
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$880.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Bike Outfitters
Strengths:
Strong Frame,Weight of bike is great it's just like the say it is heavy duty and stong so that when you go of 7 foot drop offs it doesn't snap in half on you, Love the geometry,
Weaknesses:
Mega 9 SUCKS!(chain hangs on shift pins) had to replace RaceFace crank with Deore LX but still sucks, z.5 fly light air having to replace seals, but either then that this bike is great
Bike Setup:
Factory
Bottom Line:
Those who are complaining about the wieght WHAT DO YOU ExPECT FOR A BIKE THAT IS RATED HEAVY DUTY AND HEAVY FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRSHING IT! If you like to have a bike that you can take a trash and still ride it. This is the bike for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hiroshi
a Weekend Warrior
from Coquitlam, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anywhere in British Columbia
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Deep Cove Bike Shop
Strengths:
This bike has a very strong frame that will not brake even if you go off the biggest drops at the Shore. It has good choice of components (Deore, LX), good wheel sets, and awsome cranks (Race Face Prodigy!!!).
Weaknesses:
I think that this bike can use a better shock in the front, kind of like a Z4 or even a Z3. The The original bike comes with a Z5 which isn't a bad fork, but still I would like to upgrade it. Also I found that the grips don't last very long, and the rear brake cable broke for the 2nd time in less than three months. Other than that this is a sweet@$$ BIKE.
Similar Products Used:
TREK 6500, and the frame is kind of like the Cove Stiffie or the Marin Quake 7.0
Bike Setup:
Front Hayes Hydrualic (soon getting the rear), rock guard, and other small things.
Bottom Line:
Since I got this bike near the end of the year I got it for a good price, but I don't think that I wuold of paid $1600can. for a bike with a Z5. Also if some of the components are upgraded it will be a great bike. I also like the 2000 model more than the 2001 model mostly because of it's colour. The people who should buy this are the people who loves to free ride urban style and do big drops and North Shore type of things who hates getting there energy sucked up buy the rear shock when climbing. So the bottom line is that if you can get this bike for less than the MSRP than there aren't alot of deals that will beat it. I give this bike nine flamin' chillis, but with a better fork it would of been ten.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
corrie davidson
a Downhiller
from calgary Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
cop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$949.00
Purchased At:
BOW CYCLE RULES
Strengths:
UNBREACKABLE FRAME, PRICE
Weaknesses:
PRODIGY CRANKS SUCK,COMPONENTS
Similar Products Used:
SASQUATCH(NORCO) IT IS SIMILAR
Bike Setup:
MAR Z-5 ,DEOR COMPONENTS, DITCH WITCH RIMS
Bottom Line:
GOOD BIKE FOR THE PRICE BUT I WOULD UPGRADE THE SHOCK TO JR-T AND XT COMPONENTS ALSO NEW CRANK CHANGE TO NORTHSHORE THIS BIKE IS A REALLY GOOD BIGINER BIKE. IT IS GOOD FREE RIDE AND I FIND IS ALSO GOOD AT DUAL SLALOM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian VanS
a
from Calgary AB Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dirty Little Secret or Rasberry
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
Super strong Fairly cheap
Weaknesses:
Cheap parts Weight (if you care. i dont)
Bike Setup:
Replaced z.5 with Jr.T, bent prodigy cranks so upgraded to north shore xs, IRC Kujo tires
Bottom Line:
This bike is fairly cheap but it is for a reason. The tires are way too skinny for any hardcore bikier, the fork is a piece of swanus (why would you put an air fork on a "freeride" style bike?), and the RaceFace Prodigy Cranks are just awful. I stripped the insides within 3/4 of a season. This bike is for someone who is just getting into the sport of "freeriding" (i hate that word) or can't afford a Reaper or a Torrent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Hill
a Racer
from Santa Barbara Date Reviewed: January 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Jesusita
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$620.00
Purchased At:
Kelly Steelman's house (the coolest bike rep you'll ever meet!!!!)
Strengths:
The frame is beefy and strong, but not extremely heavy, good parts, love the look of the crank
Weaknesses:
maybe the headset, but I'm not complaining
Similar Products Used:
Kuku, King Kikapu, Chute, Specialized Hardrock(sold to pay for this)Demoed the konas
Bike Setup:
stock, with pryme pedals
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I needed something strong that wasn't going to fall apart on Northshore wannabe trails(with a Northshore wannabe rider) but still light and agile enough to race cross country. I borrowed it for a race and it did everything, downhill(hardtail class), cross country, and dual slalom. If you can only afford one bike, but have a multiple personality disorder like me, get this bike. If you have the money get the Chute and something else, the Chute is the best hardtail for DH but the roast does more. 5 flamin' chili's for everything, but six overall because it glows, which the chicks dig.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Evans
a Weekend Warrior
from Duncan, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: November 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Roy's Revenge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Experience Cycling
Strengths:
Strong and Easy to ride. For a novice biker this bike gives me alot of confidence. Huge frame!!!
Weaknesses:
Seat post (replaced stock with a 2 bolt design) Seat rails bent, but I am over 200lbs so what do you expect.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for seat post
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money. Great bike for someone just getting into the sport. Everybody seems to talk about the Roast being to heavy, but what do you expect everything on it is heavy duty and very bomb proof!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christophe Venot
a Downhiller
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: November 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Slick Rock, Moab UT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$510.00
Purchased At:
www.Ebay.com
Strengths:
This review is for the FRAME ONLY- •Bomb proof frame- massive gussets •Accelerates like a bat out of hell (even for it's weight) which can be attributed to the solid rear end • goes where you point it • steps and loading docks- no prob!
Weaknesses:
Frame is 4.9lbs for the 18"! that is as much as some full-suspension. I can't complain though, I didn't have to shell out the dough for it.
Similar Products Used:
None! All other frames are pathetic in comparison
Bike Setup:
X-vert Super, Hayes front disc, Kona rear disc, DitchWitch rims w/Real front hub & kona rear, Raceface LP crankset, XT front and rear der, SRAM Attack shifters, MRP BB - ~28lbs - HEAVY but bombproof
Bottom Line:
I bought the Kona Blast 2001 Special Edition that comes with a ford focus from the owner of the focus. Swapped out ALL the parts for good stuff.
This frame KICKS- period. It has insipred me with a whole new level of confidence. Don't complain about the weight if you chose to buy it. If you want lightweight, get a carbon fiber noodle of a bike. It does make up for it's weight (at least partially) because of the flex-less rear end which allows you to mash the pedals without sucking up all of your energy.
The weight does allow you to cruise over ruts, drops, and bumps without changing course. It is so beefy that Kona warranties it even if you use a dual crown fork. How many companies can claim that of their frames?!
5 flamin' chillies for value 5 flamin' chillies for overall
Ride on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wok
a Racer
from Coeur d'Alene IDaho USA Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bernard, or outback(my own)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
Vertical Earth
Strengths:
Good frame, nice components, strong, universal FAT. Good looks, and the gonads to back it up!
Weaknesses:
Cheapest Marzzochi fork they make, I have rebuilt them twice. Rear hub striped on me. Heavy for aluminium. cheap rear derailler, but it works. (I don't mean to be negative)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rock Hopper, GT 2000 I drive, Ellsworth truth, Kona Stinky, Trek.......
I love the Roast, it makes me feel like a kid again. When I ride my roast I instantly look for the biggest drops that I am willing to try, or I find myself trying to hop on cars and any other obsticle. When you ride the roast on singletrack you bust a nut!!! I like to climb with mine, and on the descent it handles like a bmx bike. Good bike for practicing trials!! wok
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
endo
a Weekend Warrior
from north coast B.C Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
FACEDIGGER
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
McBIKE in Terrace, B.C.
Strengths:
Bombproof frame, ripper components, way-cool glow logos. awesome bomber forks, best frame set-up. Superb components (race face, ditch witch, Ahead set. BEST brakes I have used)
Weaknesses:
ditch the stupid plastic shift indicators. They broke on the first wipeout. No other weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain, Trek
Bottom Line:
BEST bike for the money. This ride handles it all with control and style. Like, its on autopilot! Big drops, north shore, decents, hopping...this bike even wipes out with class. Other makes don't even come close for the price.
BUY BUY BUY!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerry Kjorlien
a Weekend Warrior
from SSparwood ,British Columbia,Canada Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Pere's Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
Ski Base
Strengths:
Frame,geometry,brakes,forks,tires,glow in the dark stuff
Weaknesses:
seat and seat clamp
Similar Products Used:
kona hahanna ,GT aggresor,kona blast
Bike Setup:
NRG Saddle
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for downhill,point and shoot.Solid bike works well for cross country,but really is a home going over drops and steep downhill.Great value for the money.Not dissapointed at all.Bent the rails on the saddle after 2 weeks,but I am over 200 lb so I can't complain.The bottom line is if you want a bike to abuse this one will take it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonjon
a Weekend Warrior
from jerkwater pa Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything tech & scary
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Strengths:
strong,and its way cool,did i say strong!!!
Weaknesses:
notta at this price although the fork is a little slow..
Similar Products Used:
stinkydeelux, dudu, go kona
Bike Setup:
stock except pazzaz stem. and a toothfairy...
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike for my kid but I sneak it out when he is in school. I ran it on some of my sicker trails and this bike is just as stable and strong as my dudu. well almost.. anyway I liked this bike so much im gonna order me up a new chute I cant belive I forgot how much fun a hardtail can be !! so if your looking to get back to basics or just a bike to make some of your old dh or tech trails fun again this bike should fix your fetish for fun and danger.... the only reason I want the chute is the better forks,brakes and the fact that there is already a roast in the stable....kona rocks...
Teddington Lock- Come and see my kickarse trails and wonder at being able to pull no-footed nacnacs
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
STRONG,STRONG,STRONG-f*ck the weightits beefier than anessa Feltz arriving at Fat Camp. Starts conversations bout' bike colours quickly and easily with your mates. always nice to have something to talk about at the trails.
Weaknesses:
ignore what i said below- everybody find flaws with a product- thats due to personal taste. But if you want off the shelf quality, for a bike you can take to your jump spot and just chuck around straight off- its gotta be the roast
Similar Products Used:
Everything under the sun thats a jump bike, Orange Patriot (ooooooooooo, bouncy...), BMX
Bike Setup:
changed from below, 24-7 three piece cranks (the dogs bollox), azonic hammer stem, DMR speed guide, 44t front chainring, Hope 02 disc on the back (also the bollox), NO FRONT BRAKE- keepin it BMX stylee (cept when racin o course)
Bottom Line:
BUY BUY BUY......... if you have £800 and you want a jump bike, but cant be vothered/affored to build you r own..... BUY as you'll see below, i loved it then, but even more so now.. ive used this at the jumps ALL summer, took some qite big stacks,(6ft x 18ft doubles) and all that happened was the seat ripped. I rode this in the practice of the Swatch Biker-X, and it was ruling, until i had a little accident with some moguls- anything Gilly can do...........just don't ask. youve heard my piece, so get oon the phone, order yourself a Roast, and while youre waiting for it to be delivered, go and dig yourself some trails...............
oh yeah, and dirt magazine rules. buy it today.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lynden
a Downhiller
from Savona, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
None
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Mmmm, beefy. The Marzocchi z.5 flylight air. Value. Powerful brakes. Race Face stuff. It glows in the dark. Really good riding position (for me at least). Burly.
Weaknesses:
In need of Jenny Craig. The derailleurs are a little cheap.
Similar Products Used:
VRX 200, FSR, Specialized P3.
Bike Setup:
Stock.
Bottom Line:
This bud's for you, maybe. If your on a budget This thing is great. It descends like my brother on jolt. For the first time ever I feel in control while riding. The forks rebound is a little too slow. I doubt even my brother couldn't break it. Buy it, ride it, buy a Jolt and feel really happy. (In a controlled manner, that is). In fewer words, get this bike!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C L Chan
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any trail with dirt and downhills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Burly frame, luminescent graphics, great frame geometry, attention to detail, price, looks.
Weaknesses:
Weight.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first freeride hardtail. Previously had a Rocky Mountain Element Race(duallie).
Bike Setup:
Stock except for '00 Marzocchi Z-1CR, Shimano XT disc brakes, XTR rear derailleur, Syncros seatpost, and SDG Ventura Comp Ti saddle.
Bottom Line:
Great handling bike, lives for the downhills, rails the corners. A tad slow on acceleration and climbing bits, but that's okay given the price of the bike. Most likely the culprit is the beefy wheelset (stock KK disc hub with no brand spokes and Sun DitchWitch rims). Nice component setup, even when stock. I had the components listed above swapped right off the showroom floor. Upgrading to discs was dead easy with all the disc mounts and disc wheelsets already standard. I'll fill in the durability of the bike in about a month's time when I've had more saddle time, but right now it simply rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
c88a88s88
a Weekend Warrior
from Brookfield Ct USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
got it for 750$ us -New Haven Bikes-it drops, climbs, and handles like a dream
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jade Jenny
a Downhiller
from Williston, Vermont, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: June 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
My B.C. briges
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very burly frame great components for the money
Weaknesses:
Some cheap kona parts Shimano stuuf breaks to easy
Similar Products Used:
Kona Chute, Bianchi Super Bee, Trek 8500 LT
Bike Setup:
All stock except noe stem and a 34 toothe front chianring
Bottom Line:
This is definetly a great bike. I rode it alot through the winter and loved it. Latley i have been using it quite a bit for jumping and B.C. kind briges. this bikes is great for jumping since i got it in a 13 inch. My only real complaints really so far are that I bent the deraileur and the deraileur hanger really easy as well as breaking the seatpost and bending my seat into a half moon shape from landing on it tohard jumping and bending my brake lever. I can still ride the bike with all these things broken but now I am a bit in debt. Otherwise this bike completley rocks and is great for B.C. style riding and real technical stuff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Taylors, SC Date Reviewed: May 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Bomber proof frame, love the Bomber shock, great mix of components
Weaknesses:
Frame geometry, weight not great for uphill, but you can't have everything...
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR4000, Marin Quake 7.0, K2, Zed-X
Bike Setup:
basic setup, with a couple inexpensive improvements
Bottom Line:
If you priced all the components that are on this bike, it is well over the purchase price. It is disc ready (including hubs), overbuilt frame, great components, all around great bike. I would recommend that you get thorn proof tubes, and a suspension seatpost. I know it will add more weight, but this thing was never designed for XC. I am well pleased with my purchase, and the envy of my friends. They think it looks like something from a Mad Max movie. Kona did their homework, and that's why I bought it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wade
a Downhiller
from Kona Homeland Date Reviewed: May 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
River runs
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
DID U READ THE OTHER REVIEWS???
THE NAME KONA IS STRENGTH I downhill with it and freeride it and it rocks
Weaknesses:
Kona never heard this word before.. ( WEAKNESS..no such thing)
Similar Products Used:
Kona chute (big bucks)Holeshot (big bucks), Stiffie (more X/C style), Reaper (Big Bucks), evwn tried a orange bike my freind brought over from england...big bucks nice though
Bike Setup:
As stock as it gets ..I wont buy anything till it busts but thats most likley wont happen
Bottom Line:
If you notice i tried all the bikes i could that were a freeride type bike. They all costed at least double other then the Cove Stiffe which can be purchased with crappy components. The Kona Roast as far as i was concerned costed less then the others and had as good of components and ride as the Chute.... Anyway this is the bike you want BOTTOM LINE
5 farts for Value no one comes close 5 farts for Rating
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from dublin ireland Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kentridge HS
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very nice tough frame. Can't break this beast. Components
Weaknesses:
Nothing wrong with the bike just the person riding it. Namely my friend Karl Kornhash.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Roast,Specialized, Cannondale
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Great bike for a greeeaat price. It would cost way more to get a bike with the same strength but lighter. This bike is the top of its class. I test rode some full suspensions but none of them were as comfortable as this. Bottom line buy this bike if excitement is what you crave and you don't have thousands of dollars to flush down the toilet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kristof Ulburghs
a Weekend Warrior
from Heverlee, Belgium Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the ones where I can ride my bike
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
1 word : ALIVE The bike actually feels like it's thinking ahead of you in finding the most fun in your ride.
Weaknesses:
are you kidding me? for this price? weaknesses?
Similar Products Used:
Not similar but I have a Giant X1200 which is a hybrid leaning more towards mountain- than city bike.
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
All the years I didn't have this bike were kinda wasted. This bike makes you feel like you can do anything you want. The front end always lets you know what is going on, yet without rubbing your nose in it. It filters out the harshness and lets the fun through. Although it's a bomb proof frame, to me it didn't feel too heavy. The weight is compensated because the frame is so stiff and strong. You notice it right away when you're exploding for an energy filled sprint. I've ridden this bike on the road for about 12 miles and although it is not a road bike, the miles just burnt away under those f(ph)at spungy tires. Then I took it for a ride in the woods to see what it got, and I tell you, with this bike you can have some pretty good old fashioned fun. There are no no-go zones for this bike. And let's face it : who wants to do jack-move stuff with his XC-bike when he can XC with his jack-move bike. The shifting is pretty smooth, the bike is very well balanced, the brakes work a-ok for me, the saddle has a cosy bounce to it, the fork may not be the fanciest but upgrading when its life cycle is over will be soon enough, overall, if you want to find out how to put the 'KERRRRR' back in 'Mountain Biker', get one of these babies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff closs
a Weekend Warrior
from ont, canada Date Reviewed: May 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ski hills and loading docks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
tough bike,begs to be abused.
Weaknesses:
I spend too much time looking for things to jump. It is heavy , 34.4 lbs (very good scale).To get a bike this strong under 30.0lbs would cost at least double
Similar Products Used:
khs
Bike Setup:
stock except thinline pads , avids were crap
Bottom Line:
I love this bike , if my wife only knew how much she'd be jealous. I checked out most bikes and nothing comes close, if you like wheelie drops etc. this is your bike.If light bikes are your thing you should buy a road bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Miller
a Weekend Warrior
from OKC, Ok Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything with dirt, urban trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Super strong frame, comes pre set up for disc brakes which will keep you from having to by hubs when you do decide to put disc brakes on the bike. Can leap from tall buildings with a single bound and survive, me on the other hand???????????? Very well built bike that can handle anything you through its way. Beefy!!!!
Weaknesses:
Uh, Hmm, let me think,,,,,,,,,,,NONE!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
GT Richochet, junky Schwinn
Bike Setup:
Replaced original seatpost with a Syncros seatpost and put some shimano clipless pedals on it. Replaced Lx derailer with an XTR from my other bike.
Bottom Line:
Great bike for the money that you pay for it. Kona builds a hell of a bike. I expect this bike to last me many great rides and be able to take the beating that I usually subject my bikes to. Its definitly not a racer but rather and urban assault vehicle. Go and but one today!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek Sullivan
a Downhiller
from Prince George,b.c.,Canada Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
love trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything,This bike ripps up the hills and jumps The fork is perfect with 4" of travel The weight shouldnt matter
Weaknesses:
Only thing would be NOTHING!!!
Similar Products Used:
This bikes to good
Bike Setup:
same as factory setup
Bottom Line:
BEst bike ever made for this price!!! kOnA 4 LIfe
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Schingh
a Weekend Warrior
from North Haven, CT USA Date Reviewed: April 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Westwoods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Everything about this bike is great. All the way from the Race Face cranks to the SDG saddle. This bike was made for drop offs.
Weaknesses:
Nothing. You people complain about the weight, well suck it up. This bike was made for big drop offs and extreme riding. Try doing this stuff on a 24 lb. XC bike. It would break. If your complaining about the weight then your not riding the bike the way it is meant to be ridden.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Kona Chute, 2000 Cannondale 900SX, Arrow DS-2
Bike Setup:
Took off the wimpy air shock and put on a Marzocchi Jr. T
Bottom Line:
This bike rips and it one of the best hardtails for extreme North Shore riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eddie the dirt monkey
a
from London (richmond) Date Reviewed: April 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Any that I've Built (Clandon)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Absouloutely Kickass beast, handles both jumps and descents brilliantly. bombproof frame, good quality spec, THE dirt/trails bike 4 under a grand
Weaknesses:
the stem is a little too long ( 4 some1 with diddy arms) and it is a little heavy
Similar Products Used:
Schauff ht, Azonic DS1, Planet X jack flash, DMR trailstar, Spooky bandwagon, GT Zaskar, Kona fire mountain & Blast, Kona chute
Bike Setup:
Triple chainring with D.C.D, Azonic hammer stem instead, same thing with tyres, 2.1's
Bottom Line:
Topp quality bike, for all sorts of highly dangerous Malarky. For £800 I don't think anybody could ask for more than this- look at people whov'e built up dirtbikes from frames. All in all one rippin', stiff and bombproof bike- NOW GO DIG SoME TRAILS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam Sherriff
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Wellington
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This is one tough bike. Kona have put together a great range of components from several great companies to build one of the best bikes out there for the money. The bike looks and rides brilliantly.
Weaknesses:
Everyone says that weight here is a weakness- I don't think so, I'm not a light person so I don't need a light bike. Anyway, who needs a light bike to go downhill fast?
Similar Products Used:
My old customised Trek Mountain Track 830 with Mozo Pro's, Mavic rims, tektro brakes etc.- OK, so I haven't used any similar products.
Bike Setup:
I changed the SDG saddle to a WTB SST which is more suited to my arse, my LBS also fitted an FSA headset because the standard one got mashed in transit. Other than this the bike is standard, oh, except for a Tioga Factory DH 2.3 on the front.
Bottom Line:
Kona are an awesome bike company who know what they're doing. Their commitment to quality, performance and value are second to none. I think that they build the best bikes available today. The Kona Roast has everything you need if you A) like fanging about on trails, B) going downhill fast, C) like jumping and just general bombing around. It's just a kick arse bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Shaw
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria BC Canada Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hartland Dump
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Kona's Super Strong Fame Great Long travel Shocks Huge Riser Bars Race Face Cranks
Weaknesses:
Wieght Mabey........
Similar Products Used:
Kona Roast SE Kona Chute 99
Bike Setup:
Stock SE (Specail Edition)Extended travel of forks
Bottom Line:
Sweet for freeriding crazy stuff. North Shore set up. Rips up the downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Cummings
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, B.C, Canada Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Skull Trail--Hartland Dump
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike is solid. This is one of the best out of bounds bikes on the market. Marzocchi z5 100mm. can tackle anything. The race face crank set and ditchwitch rims and acrch rival 40 brakes make this a great all around bike.
There isn't anything this bike can't handle. It is solid on every ride. I am a mixed xc racer and daredevil rider, I like to do the in the trees bridges and 10 feet drops and this bike hasn't failed me yet. I have changed the suspension to Marzocchi Mr.T because the z5's aren't great for my type of riding but they are also very smooth shocks with 4' of plush travel. This is a great out of bounds bike, the only two bikes that I would rather have for out of bounds ridind would be the Kona Chute or Rocky Mountain Reaper. But those bikes are both almost double the cost. Go with this bike it rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KAAABooom
a Weekend Warrior
from Burnaby BC Canada Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
North shore anything
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike has all the component you last yr guys wanted raceface cranks, ahead headset, sun ditchwitch rims, Bomber z5 shocks with 100mm travel( can you say airtime),Avid brakes/levers, KK Hayes disk ready hubs,and Toiga XC 1.95 tires This frame will support double and triple clamp forks cause ITS A KONA kick ass OUT OF BOUNDS BIKE This bike is almost a 99 chute and if you ever seen North Shore Extreme 3 you know this BABY is Bombproof
Weaknesses:
Does Kona have a Weakness maybe weight but then again if it was super light it would break...SO hmmmmm at this price range NOPE no weakness all the right stuff BABY
Similar Products Used:
I looked at all bike's available in its price range couldnt find anything as equiped as this bike is A F/S may offer a smoother ride BUT im not one for repairs and up keep on a F/S thats gunna buckle under my weight or require huge dollars to make tough and rear shock joints and upkeep .....YUK As well a F/S in this price range would have a crappy componets i want to ride a bike not bring it to the shop all the time to fix joints bushings
Bike Setup:
The bike is stock other them a Rockshok seatpost for those long riding days (comfy comfy) My stock seatpost has a downhill togia seat on it for freeride and downhill The shocks has 40 psi in it to support my BiG AsS :)
Bottom Line:
I have to say im a heavy weight 240lbs and this bike is solid and sweet 5 and 6 ft drops are no prb for this baby i've done it tough and well built Kona If you want a all around bike that can take a beating better then you can beat it with Good solid components BUY A KONA ROAST or if you have the extra dough A Kona Chute is the same bike but with XT and hayes disks and add 1k
I have to give it 5 chilis for value and rating If i have any break downs i'll post again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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