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Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Bournemouth, UK
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Cross-country | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$360.00 | | Purchased At: | Halfords | | Strengths: | Good quality components. No need for regular adjustment of brakes/gears, etc.
Very sharp brakes!
Nice 'clean' gear change
Comfy saddle
'Windows' on the handlebar to see what gear/chainring you're on. | | Weaknesses: | Chain noise sensitive to grit. Sounds 'gravely' after use on sandy soil. A quick hose down and re-lub fixes it though. Not really a problem but something to be aware of. ...and the cure of course. | | Bottom Line: | A good value buy. Highly recommended!
I use mine for commuting too and it's perfect. Road users could argue the tyres are a little on the large/knobbly side but I take 'shortcuts' and don't fancy ending up face down in wet grass!
Strangely manoeuvrable for a big bike. Mine's slightly oversized for my height. Handles turns very well even at speed.
Watch out though, it seems to almost have a life of its own willing you to go faster...
I love mine and won't look back. Enjoy yours. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bretta
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwich, UK
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Sportson | | Strengths: | Great Frame, Kona Quality, Good Double Skin Wheels | | Weaknesses: | Pedals broke within a month as did the crank (whatever is in the hub) Not a problem though - replaced by the dealer for free. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Continental Gravity Tires, Avid Juicy 5's, RockShox Recon 351 Uturns, Xpedo MX9's | | Bottom Line: | I would recommend the bike to anyone!
It is a good frame, strong and sturdy. I would upgrade the tires and the pedals straight away. I waited about a month to swap the mechanical discs for hydraulic ones as well as swapping the the dart 1 for some rockshox recons.
I have heard of probs with the Alivio gears but i have not had any - will upgrade to something tougher if and when they break!!!
It is a good entry level bike, worth upgrading some parts for a lightweight XC weapon!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lembo71
a Weekend Warrior
from england
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | given to me buy frie | | Strengths: | good frame | | Weaknesses: | none as all changed | | Similar Products Used: | trek specialized orange | | Bike Setup: | road at the moment | | Bottom Line: | where do i start striped and powder coated once it started looking rough xt hubs mavic rims magura hydraulics marzzochi front end xt rapid fire and so on ! lovely smooth ride and just a lot of fun roll on summer so i can use it even more | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from east islip
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | sayville bike works | | Strengths: | very good | | Weaknesses: | handlebars , bent them kinda quick, and derailer | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | it a very good riding around bike and jumping | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kev
a Downhiller
from Santa Rosa, California, USA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Peddaler | | Strengths: | Really great bike, my friends have Kona Shreds and one has a Kona Five-0, they always make fun of the Fire Mountain but it is a really good bike and able to keep up and even pass the other bikes. | | Weaknesses: | the derailer isnt to good, take a couple spills and u will have a hard time shifting | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Shred, Kona Five 0, Kona Coilair | | Bottom Line: | Really a good bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh price
a Cross Country Rider
from swansea
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | kilvey hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | winstanleycycles | | Strengths: | hard as nails. great brakes and good solid feel can cary you through most of what you throw at it. | | Weaknesses: | fork is VERY tempremental, crank and both derailiers, also tyres arent very gripy | | Similar Products Used: | landrover tahora | | Bike Setup: | standerd (but not for long) | | Bottom Line: | a good beginers bike, frame is nice and responsive, if a litle heavy, and good overall components, although my rockshox dart 1 fork is a bit trashy as is the front and rear mech,if i was paying full price i would go for something else but i got it in the sale so... still a good alrounder, but just not the best value. so if you want a strong reliable bike with a great frame to build on, get it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan Daugherty
a Cross Country Rider
from O h i o
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Vultures Knob | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Solon Cylces | | Strengths: | Great stock components. Solid frame. This bike has been downhilling, xc, and street riding and held up great. I have taken some nasty spills and this bike always came out in one peice. This is a great beginers mountain bike for a cheap price. | | Weaknesses: | NADA!! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 4500 | | Bike Setup: | STOCK
+ Maxis Holly roller later on. | | Bottom Line: | I have never had a single complaint about this bike. As my friends tried to move their Wal-Mart bikes I hauled @$$. This is a FANTASTIC bike. Time has proven this to me. Buy this bike if your looking to start the sport or if you want a good bike for your kid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carole T
a Weekend Warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Grand Union Canal | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for a Great price. I loved this bike. It did me proud going to work everyday and on longer rides around London. Unfortunately, someone else loves it too... they've nicked it.
Seriously, great bike. Thanks Kona! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aidan Ray
a
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | camp fortune | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Mccranks | | Strengths: | shocks, disk brakes, | | Weaknesses: | tires | | Similar Products Used: | Brodie Omega | | Bike Setup: | great | | Bottom Line: | THE BEST BIKE EVER i love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pf fp
a
from h
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | frame desighn shocks handelbars gears brakes | | Weaknesses: | seat | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | rock shocks shimano alvio gears disk brakes | | Bottom Line: | a great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian Hatton
a Weekend Warrior
from Traveling North America
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | El Morro Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | a used bike dealer in Marthas Vinyard Massachusetts | | Strengths: | 1. its a Kona
2. good hard frame
3. everything works great | | Weaknesses: | the RST 281 shocks(not sure if those are standard) feels a bit soft at first but its worth it to get that extra inch when hopping a log | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | RST 281 front shocks
other then that i think its standard | | Bottom Line: | an awsome bike for an awsome price, all i did was pull the rear tire of my old P.O.S. and stuck it on the kona. i love it, i have gone all over new york, new jersey and parts of maryland in it, and it works like a charm | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reg
a Cross Country Rider
from Red Deer
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | brians ski and cycle | | Strengths: | man it kics a** totally harcore | | Weaknesses: | NONE! | | Bottom Line: | F**ken awsome | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia Mo USA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hell I'll ride em all!!! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Tryathletics | | Strengths: | Strong bike for the buck. The GOLD adds a nice touch. Loosk great. | | Weaknesses: | The FORK (INSync 266). It's a pogo stick. I'm a big guy and needed something better. Replaced the rims and tires also. THe handlebar is STEEL. Very strong but damn it's heavy. | | Bike Setup: | Replaced the handlebar with an EASTON Monkey Light, Replaced the tires to TIOG 2 " factory and Sun RHYNO Lite rims with LX Hubs. Upgradesd fork to a Marzochhi Z3. | | Bottom Line: | If you don't have a ton of money, or if you're looking to get into the sport...this bike is a good buy. And besides, and I'm a stickler for customer service...KONA is an excellent company to buy from. NO AUTOMATED VOICE MAIL AT HQ BABY...just real people. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from jacksonville,fl, usa
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Landsthul castle trail, Germany | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Ramstein Outdoor Rec, GE | | Strengths: | Tough as nails. Takes all the abuse I put it through. Excellent bike for a beginner like me who doesn't want to spend three grand on a bike. Solid frame with top quality stuff stuck to it, yet a reasonable price. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. I'm kind of new to mountain biking, but I am totally satisfied with my 2001 FM. | | Similar Products Used: | None so far. | | Bike Setup: | Standard, until I break something. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike!!! I want it to have my children. The FM is worth every penny I paid for it. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Elliot
a
from London UK
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | North Downs | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles Woking | | Strengths: | Longevity, strong frame, great climber | | Weaknesses: | Under strength components | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Nunu | | Bike Setup: | Club Roost riser bar, Diacompe brake levers, Sachs gripshift, White Industries chainset, LX rear derailleur, 400LX front derailleur, Spec Ground Control tyres | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic - bought mine in 92 and still going strong. I rode it for 7 years, even racing it a couple of times, then gave it to my girlfriend and bought a new Kona Nunu. The Konas were ahead of their time in terms of geometry - the sloping top tube gives great standover height and climbing ability. The frame shows no signs of damage although some of the original components like the plastic brakelevers and thumbshifters gave up the ghost pretty quickly. For some reason this bike came with an unbelievably high-geared 50/40/30 chainset, which helped out once in an end-of-season novelty granny gear only race. The only original components remaining are the headset, seatpost, stem, front wheel and nasty plastic cantilever brakes. Everything else has been replaced at least once. In all a great beginners bike which has stood the test of time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Repolainen
a
from Finland
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Helsinki Finland | | Bottom Line: | I´ve been riding my FM since I bought it in 93 or 94(can´t remember). This bike really has delivered for what it cost. I´ve had to replace the crank and rear rim and tyre. Otherwise I still have the factory setup, including the front tyre which I´ll have to replace for this season. I´m finally thinkig about getting some suspension for the front. Been riding it to school, work and allover. This bike is die hard. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Homepiece MCA
a Downhiller
from Columbus OH USA
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dorr Run | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cayuga Mtn Cycles | | Strengths: | Weight, Control, Durable. | | Weaknesses: | Since Purchase I have broken everything but the frame and stem. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale f600 and Spec Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Bontrager riser bars, Raceface cranks, Azonic A-Frame pedals, Beefier Mavic rims. | | Bottom Line: | The frame is bombproof. The components are not. I broke 2 sets of kona race light bars, and tore up the stock cranks and their free replacement, chain, pedals, rims, front and rear derailers. I love the way the bike rides though. Never ridden anything like it. The frame took anything my 210 pound arse threw at it, unfortunately, everything else on the bike that was stock didn't. Upgrade everything though if you weigh over 200lbs, or like to jump. I just bought a Trek bruiser 2, and the kona is being put out to pasture. If you want to pick the frame up for cheap, let me know. homepiece_11@yahoo.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Weardale Mountain Bikes | | Strengths: | Tough as old boots (just had its first major overhaul after nealry 6 years), handles beautifully on and off road, nice climbing, downhill, over country. Reasonably light and feels very efficient thanks to the tight rear triangle. Comfortable for long rides, too, when you put a proper saddle on it. Even toured on it with road tyres. | | Weaknesses: |
The componentry was of variable quality, but it all lasted well enough wit the exception of one crank (which was bad maintenance on my part). Key parts were quite high spec for the price, low use bits were cheap and nasty looking (but basically worked). I like Kona's practice of picking and choosing upscale and cheap bits in order to keep the costs under control. | | Similar Products Used: | GT, Marin | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much standard until recently (only additions were a Flite Ti saddle and Blackburn rack) - just upgraded with RST 461 forks, Time pedals, Dia-Compe levers and new rims for 5-6 years' more fun! | | Bottom Line: | Superb frame, built to last, excellent value for money. I've had mine since 1993 and have no intention of replacing it. For keen generalist, recreational users I can't see why you would need to spend more. The most satisfying 400 quid I ever spent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Lawnton
a Cross Country Rider
from Wales
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Red bull | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Good handling,comfortable riding position,good climber | | Weaknesses: | Poor forks, and the chainstay snapped because of a welding fault. Kona offered me a new 2000 edition frame for £100 but I thought F**k THIS! I should have it for nothing so I phoned them up and played merry hell and now I'm having it 4 nothing. | | Similar Products Used: | giant and trek | | Bike Setup: | Mostly standard with 2.1 Tioga Factory DH tyres which only just fit. | | Bottom Line: | kona should make the chainstays stronger because my mate's kona snapped here aswell, but otherwise they are solid bikes which will take a hammering and good value 4 money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john nichols
a Racer
from St'john's N.F
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | south side hill | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | this bike is an all around good bike for beginners and sould need no upgrades unless you begin to get serious. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | lavadome | | Bottom Line: | this bike is a great bike for starting off and I think is one of the best kinds of bikes for doing that. and for only 700$ is a great buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dropper
a Racer
from usa
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | right now im racing with it. i upgraded everything and its a sweet ride. just buy as a average biker and upgrade to suit you. 5 FLAMIN' CHILIES | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Brown
a Cross-Country Rider
from Campbell River B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Snowden | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
great shocks, responds well, good brakes and excellent handling. | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
nothing I tried is similar. | | Bike Setup: |
shocks: RST 381
rapid fire shifting
vee brakes | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike a lot.It handles well, and it is an excellent price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a Cross-Country Rider
from ny
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
nice bike for the money. solid commuter for around town, plus you get the feel of steel. they should keep the rigid fork as an option on this bike: light, no maintenance, tracks far better than any low end suspension can. no suspension is better than bad suspension.
the cheap shimano parts work effectively for the most part. the techtro brakes are simple and work nicely, even though the bushing is wearing out. | | Weaknesses: |
the cranks are crap (i'm on my third left arm) but i just keep throwing on a new low end arm every 6 months or so.
also, the stock tires will only work until you flat. pulling the tires off the rim (yes, with proper levers)caused the bead to break and the wires cut into the new tubes.
the rear triangle's tubes are a little skinny for my taste, and the juncture at the rear drop out is less than reassuring looking for a 200 pounder, but it has yet to break on me.
the Ritchey rims must of the same stuff the cranks are made. they're pretty flimsy. | | Similar Products Used: |
ancient stump (with biopace rings), raleighs, litespeed.... | | Bike Setup: |
threw on some generic riser bars and a longer stem. | | Bottom Line: | overall, the geometry is great for steering with your hips, the frame has that beautiful steel feel. i bought it for $350 and it's a fun bike to bang around nyc streets or your basic tow-path/fireroad type trails with.
in all, i'm quite happy with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam
a Downhiller
from Chester
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Delamere Forest | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Frame (Geometry & Strength)
Rigid Forks | | Weaknesses: |
Rigid Forks (i'll explain.. :)
Cranks
my frame size
brakes | | Similar Products Used: |
none yet | | Bike Setup: |
Kona FM, 97 Indy XC's, Planet X Clingon Pedals & DH Bar, XT V-Brakes, Tioga Factory 2.1 Tyres, LX Cranks | | Bottom Line: | I've got a '98 fm, and it's the dog's. I race it dowhill at Nantmawr Quarry with rigid P2's b4 i upgraded anything, bad move it's not made fot it. so i bought some shocks for £50, riser bars, tyres, pedals. My cranks went 'cuz i jumped it, but the LX were only £40. This bike is so strong though, i stacked really badly (out for 20 mins) and not a scratch! the (rigid) forks were fine, front wheel wasn't bent, no problems at all!! Had to upgrade my brakes 'cos the bolts went, but XT kicks my old sh**ty Tektro all obver the place. Only spent £500 total, i can jump this bike fine. Just don't do what I did - i'm only 5'10 and I bought a 19 frame (doh!!!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kincardine, Ont., Can.
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
3stages - collingwood | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Frame. | | Weaknesses: |
Drivetrain, rims. | | Similar Products Used: |
Owned an old Bianchi before this. | | Bike Setup: |
still have the FM frame, but everything else is upgraded. | | Bottom Line: | Good starter bike. I still have the frame, but after trashing the drivetrain and rear rim, I upgraded to XT drivetrain & brakes, Rhinolite rims, clipless pedals and marzocchi Z4 front suspension. If you're going to do some hard riding, spend the extra money on a bike with better components, but if not, this is a good bike for the price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtbman
a Cross-Country Rider
from up in heaven
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
can take a beating
low low price | | Similar Products Used: |
specilized rock hopper fs | | Bike Setup: |
rigid with all original products | | Bottom Line: | i almost tried to kill it nothing happend (well i got hurt but not the bike)
five flamin chilles | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rodney Zee
a Weekend Warrior
from Berkeley, CA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Sweet Price
Stylin'
Reputation | | Bike Setup: |
'99 stock setup with p2 fork | | Bottom Line: | From what i've been reading, this is a QUALITY bike. I've only been on it for a few days, but it its rides real nice. Can't wait to hit the trails with my friends on this thing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtbman
a Cross-Country Rider
from usa
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
great inexpensive rigid bike for beginers | | Weaknesses: |
beginers bike comes with bad shock so buy rigid and upgrade | | Similar Products Used: |
specilized rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | super for beginers but not for experince | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FreeFrog
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
American River | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Solid as an ox. Great geometry for excellent handling & jumping. | | Weaknesses: |
For the price ($520 in 93/94)... none. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Hardrock. | | Bike Setup: |
Stock. I've haven't changed a thing, cuz I'm not a tinkerer and have better things to do with my cash. | | Bottom Line: | I'm ridin' a 93/94 FireMountain, so the components and whatnot are dated, but work fine. I've checked out some of the recent bikes (GT Rebound, Rockhopper, Hardrock, etc.), and figure upgrading my ol' FM (especially adding some front suspension) will yeild just as good a bike (maybe better) for less clams. Love my FM... not a single problem after 6/7 years of hard ridin'! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from B.C.
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Boulder Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Nice and light.
Soft seat.
Good brakes | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Norco Bush pilot | | Bike Setup: |
it sucked | | Bottom Line: | A overall good bike for someone just starting to mountain bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cookstaa
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Tough frame, good geometry, pretty light, | | Weaknesses: |
nowt | | Similar Products Used: |
GT, specialised | | Bike Setup: |
1996, fire mountain, with various upgrades | | Bottom Line: | This is my first KONA Before this I rode a Diamond back acent, but this bike is totally different, its way more responsive puts power down faster, corners better, its the dogs bollocks, first thing to do when you get one, before you ride it even, drop the saddle, put on some risers, even with P2s up front this thing begs to be hammered Downhill, I've just got some mozo pro 4.5s off a mate of mine and I'll be racing slalom hopefully this season. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Ripper
a Cross-Country Rider
from Nelson Canada B.C
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Kenville Mine Road | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | Ive hade my FM for a couple of years now and it stands up to all the buse I give it. The fram is extremly tough. Don't want to spend that much then by the Kona Fire Mountain. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D Davis
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pittsburgh PA
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
It can really take a serious beating. I used it on my first really hard trail, and I don't know how many times I crashed it. Barely a scrath. | | Similar Products Used: |
My friends got a Rebound fron GT. The Bike costs the same, but I like my 99 Kona better. | | Bike Setup: |
I haven't upgraded yet. It's got RST 381 fork, STX-RC rear/Alivio derailers, nice frame | | Bottom Line: | Now that I actually know about bikes, aty least the 99 is definately a better buy than other big names for 500. Oh yea, the frames really tough. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Morgans
a Weekend Warrior
from Shropshire UK
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Rock Hole | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
The frame, rims and general build quality of this bike are amazing. When jumping or riding hard it feels great. The forks feel really good for low end rockshox. | | Weaknesses: |
Could need new forks after not very long if you are not happy with the indy s'. | | Similar Products Used: |
Gt Timberline fs
GT pantera
Giant Terrago fs | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks serious ass and everyone should have one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Money Makin Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from London
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
pinewood | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
I got a '98 Kona Fire Mountain for xmas, and I have already upgraded it loads. I started off with a riged mother, but now I got a wicked pair o' JUDY's, azonic risers, planet x platform pedals, and not to mention my LX stopping power up the front. Another wicked thing about my Kona is that it comes with a pair of rigid forks worth £80, so I'll be selling them. Finally, the best thing about my Kona is that it is as durable as hell, I take it anywhere I want and I do all the jumps that my BMX-ing brother would attenpt, I can also get as much air as him.
Just in case you hadnt gathered, my Fire Mountain KICKS A$$ !!! | | Weaknesses: |
Niente. | | Similar Products Used: |
I tried the similarly priced Gt, but that suked A$$. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that if you dont have a Kona then GUTTED! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from Prince George B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a FM off of a friend for $300 and a forty pounder of rye a couple of years ago. I fell in love with it. I have taken it any where and every where. The thing about this bike is that it takes a !@*# kicken but still keeps going. There is nothing that I have not done to this bike but it has never has let me down. GOOD WORK KONA KEEP IT UP !!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my FM second hand, its probably a '96 or so. I love this bike, I use it off road and daily commute. Its got a rigid frt fork but I'm putting a z.2 on it, I'm sure the frame will hndle the greater amt of abuse i'll be able to deal out with the shock. I mean its too heavy to race with but it feels great and its strong. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Knowing almost nothing about mountain biking, i bought my FM primarily because of the price and recommendation of a neighbor. One year later, I'm working at a bike shop, know a whole lot more, and I'm still convinced I got a good deal. I've upgraded the drivetrain to XT (gripshift 4.0's?!?) and put a Z2 bam shock on it, and it'll impress the folks on bikes costing over $2 grand. Skip the cheesy Indy shock option and go with the project 2 rigid fork until you can get a real shock by Marzocchi or Manitou. I'll probably buy a new Explosif frame and turn my FM into an urban assault bike, but it's bang for the buck is tough to beat. All in all, it's taken one hell of a beating, and keeps asking for more. Kona and Joe Murray design frames never fail to impress! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Owen
a weekend warrior
from NZ
Date Reviewed: August 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The FM is a damn good frame.
I bought this bike caz I knew i wanted a KONA and this deal was what i could afford at the time.
I upgraded a whole lot of stuff on it the day i bought it in 1996.
Put on some;
Answer king DH bars
STX RC shifters and brake levers
Rock Shox MAG 20
rode that for a while.Whilst being a heavy frame it is durable and feels good to ride. No problems with fatigue cracking or deforming (except for recent rear der hanger bending from crashing. Great for technical DHing due to the laid back geometry - can really get behind that seat and pummel the undergrowth.
Its 1998 and i still have it.
Currently with XTR derailiers and shifters
XTR rear hub+mavic SUP517 rim
Specialised STOUT front hub + SUNN Rhinolite rim
Rock Shox MAG21 long traveled
Magura HS22s
5 stars
ROCK ON
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stan
a cross-country rider
from tartu
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
my friend bought it and i tried it and now i just have to say
some words 'bout it. the frame is light, good climber, seems very strong (what's the material?) but it doesn't handle as well as my bike ( gt timberline).
shimano stx (rear) is very good ( i have it also), but acera-x in the
front sucks.
CONCLUSION: this bike can be very good, but only after a SERIOUS upgrading.
changed/added must be pedals, fork, brakes (stx-rx maybe), the handlebar is
kind of weird, barends, and the saddle ( wtb sst) and shifters ( i like rapid-
fire). after this you can do some xc, BUT after upgradeing you may find out, that the overall price, isn't THAT low as you expected.
3 flaming bananas or whatever they are. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Larson
a weekend warrior
from North Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Kona Fire Mountain rocks for 5 reasons:
1. A very strong frame
2. Awesome price
3. Handles well
4. Tottally upgradeable
5. It totally rocks.I have had this bike for 2 years and it has brought me lots of trouble free hours blazing through the switch backs in North Vancouver. It has never broken down on me and it stands up to all of my crashes.KONA'S RULE!!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mattt Boy
a cross-country rider
from Ocean Twp. New Jersey
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a 96' fire mountain for $4oo. I also put another $500 into it.
LX brakes and shifters, judy sl shock....had to change headset for this, Kore
stem, clipless pedals. I have been doing my homework on trying to buy the best
bike for under a $1000, This is it! I've rode everything and this bike kicks ass..........Period.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Chan
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver B.C.
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my F.M. with the Quadra 5 shocks last november for $560. I've just cleared my first 1000kms riding trails, to and from work, and over just about anywhere else. I've added Avenier barends, Shimano 535 pedals, so far and I'm just so happy with the bike. I've got an awesome bike for the money! The Q-5 shocks were way too stiff for my 140 lb body. Could not get much travel out of them. On hits big or small it was beating the @#*%! out of me. This is the one major upgrade that is a must. Should have done it at the time of purchase. Until Ican scrape up the cash, I'll have to live with it. I have replaced the purple (Barney poop??) elastomers with a softer one I got from a rubber company. Definitely helps. Overall, I would buy this bike again!!! KONA ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Barger
a cross-country rider
from Tucson, Arizona USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my fire mountain in 1994 for $550. I have ridden it heavily on trails, roads and to work. As you can imagine I have replaced a lot of parts. I love the geometry and it has been a very durable bicycle. It is beginning to look dated and it may be a good time to replace my trusty bike. Perhaps a Kona Caldera or Explosif. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle
a cross-country rider
from Calgary,Canada
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I paid just under $600 cnd for this bike 2 years ago. last year i put an indy
fork on it and clipless pedals. For the money this bike rules. it has stood
up to everything. i have easily out over 3000 km on it without any major tuneups.(aside from me lubiing it) the only upgrade it would need are some of the drivetrain components which are starting to give me trouble(freehub). all in all a great bike | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karl
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a Kona Fire Mountain for 4 years now, and I must say that for the money I spent, this bike really delivered. It may not have the sweetest ride, but boy, is it tough. A couple of heavy crashes, and still nothing could faze the frame, the geometry of which I really liked.
Over time, I replaced the components, in particular the heavy crank and the lumbering seatpost, and even dabbled in racing last season. Needless to say, I really missed a suspension fork. I bought a new Kona Kula now, which I will use off-road, but have turned my trusty Fire Mountain into a city-racer. This bike just won't quit, even when it's -20 outside, and you have to get to work. I have had nothing but good experiences with the bike, and wholeheartedly recommend it. Lose the crank and shave a couple of pounds! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erick Tan
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For the price I paid (S$600), this is a great bike! Thanks KONA!
¥ Love the look and feel of the bike - The handling was just what I was looking for.
¥ Good Components - The componentry is just right for enthusiasts like me with room to upgrade.
¥ Too Springy - I used to ride with an air oil system for my front fork. I was rather dissappointed with Indy S fork. New buyers should consider a trade-in for a Judy or something better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a weekend warrior
from London,Ont.,Canada
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Very good bike for the $$$. Front suspension is marginal for any racing. Good upgrade for overall trail use is LX components,Kool-Stop pads,and STX rapid
fire shifters.Those 400 Grip Shift blow dead bears!Used it in one race so far and
the scratch/sniff tire combo rocks!All this bike needs is a better fork and better
brakes.The frame is as tough as they come.Fit and finish are high quality.Overall it gives exceptional value. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Kawai
a weekend warrior
from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bike for the price! Climbs well, easy to handle. The shocks are low end, but works well enough for entry level riders.
To make a great bike even better, when you get serious enough, upgrade the shock! I put a rock shox JUDY XC on my fire mountain, and it's never ridden so well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Agregado
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my Kona Fire mountain. I am really happy with it's performance. For the price (CAN$500 on sale), it can't be beat. I ride my bike to work during the week and play on the trails on weekends. So, it receives its share of abuse and I have had little problems with the Acera X/ STX drivetrain. The Gripshift SRT400's work well. I like to climb and the bike lets me fly. The double butted cro-mo frame is strong yet forgiving. Especially for a rider with limited skills (like me). It's a great entry level bike. I'm going to upgrade the drivetrain to full STX sometime soon. Perhaps the drivetrain combination is the only factor that prevents me from giving this bike a top rating. | | Overall Rating: |
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