Submitted by
Bikeamtn
a Racer
from MI Date Reviewed: September 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
OEM Close-out
Strengths:
Ultimate Ti XC, Trail/Off Trail frame. Nobody builds a Ti frame like this (anymore).
Weaknesses:
Expensive, frame approx: $1800 but worth it! Will be very hard to find.
Similar Products Used:
As a part-time bike-tech, performance-trainer and racer I've had 1st hand expericance with most MTB and Road bikes.
Bike Setup:
Frame-set only. I am waiting for some component improvements.
Bottom Line:
One of the best Ti Frames
Since there hadn’t been a review regarding this mystery of a bike I thought I would share.
I was overjoyed to acquire this superb Titanium (Ti) frame-only as a factory close-out. When Kona lunched it’s "Out of Bounds" line of MTB’s they setout to build the ultimate in a ‘go beyond the trail’ bike. What Kona’s marketing team found is that the bike was indeed "Out of Bounds" in $ as well. It was quickly pulled in mid production 2000 and Kona added the Scab and Stuff bikes to the line for 2001.
The frame is custom drawn multi-shaped and directionally shape Sandvik aerospace certified 3/2.5 titanium seamless tubing with 6/4 titanium plate dropouts. TIG-welded, made by Titanium Sports in Kennewick, WA to Kona specifications. Special features are; multi-shaped reinforced gusseted Down-tube, 6/4 titanium plate dropouts (Water-Jet cut and milled) made with "Bullet" plugs for superior strength & perfect rear wheel alignment and the Head-tube is CNC milled out titanium, superb (the Bottom Bracket shell maybe 6/4 titanium as well; see 98 King Kahuna specs). The welds are beautiful. This is all fitted to Kona’s performance balanced geometry. Nobody (anymore) builds a Ti frame like this, because the cost of working titanium is so high. Frame only weight: 1670gm/3.6 lbs (15"), 1814gm/4 lbs. (17"), 1905gm/4.2 lbs (18")
The frame will fit: 30.0mm seat post, 34.9mm TP-front derailleur, 68mm bottom bracket, & 1-1/8" headset. Disc brake compliant; Fork suspension design: Fork Length: 500mm; Fork Travel: 100mm/4”
The 1999 KING KAHUNA frame-only (without the CNC milled out Ti. head-tube) had a MSRP of $1699 and HEI-HEI (without Multi-shaped gusseted down-tube) MSRP was $1399
Keep in mind, although this can be built-up as a light cross-country race bike (22-23lbs) it’s intent was the ultimate "Out of Bounds" ultra responsive frame. That in mind, with frame strength added where it’s needed (milled Head-tube and gusseted Down-tube) and a little beefier components it will weigh in at about 23-25lbs depending on frame size and wheel type. Note: If your hard with your bikes and looking for a pounder, see the Kona Hoss. A great specialty addition. All in all once this frame is assembled with the right balance of weight to strength components, it will become an incredible machine for tail and off-trail.
Added Note: Before I purchase the frame, I contacted the Kona tech-team and inquired of the Score’s performance tests. The Kona team was very helpful (most of the Score info here was verified by the way) it was said that everyone (tech’s and pro’s) who tested the Score said it handle very well on all types of trails.
Note on Geometry: The Score has a geometry that is between Cross-Country (XC) and Mountain-Cross (jumping). Unlike the Dirt-Jump/Freestyle frames though, the Score frame was the perfect hardcore XC, Off-trail ultra agile frame and is capable of performing jumps. My kind of a ride. [I have a 29.5” inseam with a 29” arm reach and the 15” frame is perfect with a 172mm crank for this type of riding. For a XC only frame I would fit a 17”. Remember this regarding frame size: You should control the frame (bike) not the frame control you, unless you like to fall down a lot. The uniformed guy tends to buy too big a frame (I will put 50% of the blame on the sales-person) like it has something to do with their libido or something.]
I must say a word on Full-Suspension: Yes FS is the trendy rage, but please educate yourself. Know the tools of your trade or hobby and what a FS advantage is for. Why do you think multi-championship NORBA racer Brain Lopes uses a hard-tail in Mountain-Cross? Maximum power to the drive-train and maximum traction.
The Value Rating: Based on what you get for the cost; you get alot in Ti Machining, Qality and Performance.
Who should buy this: The dedicated cyclist or racer. Don’t buy this only to let it hang on the wall or garage to collect dust.
Happy trails to ya.
Great unofficial sites for Kona info, specs and collaboration: http://www.kona.dk/bikeindex.php & http://www.konaretro.com/index.php
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dog man
a Downhiller
from victoria, B.C. ,canada Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
awsome frame light solid as hell
Weaknesses:
nothing
Bottom Line:
its sweet if you wanna pay that kind of cash for a hard tail
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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