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Submitted by
TrailNut
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, 94703
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Butchers~3rd Divide | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Missing Link | | Strengths: | geometry, stiffness, durability, looks/paint scheme, butted steel | | Weaknesses: | oem seatpost, no oem disk brake mount (but easy for a skilled frame welder to install), barely enough clearance for 2.3 Conti MTB tire, Time ATAC pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F300 HT, Kona Hahana, Kona Kikapu, Motobecane Team Fly | | Bike Setup: | 2004 130mm Marzocchi Z1 FR QR ETA fork, Formula Oro Puro diskset, Mavic 819 UST tubeless wheel, XT driivetrain, Seven Cycles custom 26" 10* titanium flat handlebar, Thompson seatpost, Terry Ti saddle, Conti 2.3 & WTB Weirwolf UST tires, RaceFace 90mm stem, King steel bottle cages, Odi lock-on grips.
Coming soon:
Moots layback titanium seatpost,
27/44/bashguard rings. | | Bottom Line: | awesome.
I plan to trail and XC race this frame 'till end of time.
we have survived many fine crashes together on big mountains, the most painful from Butchers Creek and Second Divide (the lesser known trail than Third Divide, yet satisfying). I dig all the paint scratches and scars on my stout and lively frame. I don't mind buffing out the rust and coating with varish. I keep it inside (and locked).
I have replaced all part from the frame at least twice...
Considering Rohloff hub geared drive train, Magura Thor 100/140mm 20mm TA fork, and ceramic bearing UST disk wheelset.
Best "upgrade" so far -- local builder Bernie Mickelson brazed on disk tabs, YEAHH :) and did a masterful job. Thank you, Bernie.
While I'm shopping for a 140~160mm light AM bike and will, in good time, a Kona StabDelux bike for WC level DH bike to supplement, my main ride, Lava Dome, can handle majority of my off-road saddle time.
If you can find a used steel Lava Dome or a similar steel Kona HT (or Vodoo, both are designed by Joe Murray) then grab it.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darryl
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Short Hills Provincial Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Fit (St. Cathar | | Strengths: | Very durable, will last a lifetime. It still looks good even though its 10 years old! | | Weaknesses: | Came with grip shift, which suck. Alivio Brakes not too great either. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 650, Raleigh Serengetti | | Bike Setup: | Manitou SX-Ti fork, Mavic 221 wheels, Avid V-type brakes | | Bottom Line: | Awesome bike, will always choose to upgrade or fix it rather than buy anything new. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
starscream256
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: December 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Strong and light frame. Sometimes I try to push it farther than I think is wise. Have no idea about initial setup as I purchased it for the frame and after-market wheels that came with. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Alite | | Bike Setup: | Rhyno Lites w/ XT hubs, Thompson seatpost, XT rear der., shifters, SLX cranks Wierwolf 2.1 tires. Kore stem | | Bottom Line: | Sentimental value aside I would NEVER give up this ride. ever. I will have it until the day I die. It is my favorite toy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
freddd
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Qc, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | urban | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | Velodidacte | | Strengths: | solid, beautiful, long lasting steel frame, excellent value for the bucks | | Weaknesses: | maybe the Mavic wheels, but only after ten years... | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | almost as retailed, with a few additions : Vederstein semi-slick Perfect Moiree tires, 1 1/2 inch stem extension, extra long seatpost, Specialized BG-2 saddle, ESI Grips Racers Edge, large flat pedals | | Bottom Line: | So why writing a review on an 11 years old bike? After all those years, this is still a pure joy to ride this late 90s steel marvell. Ok, I now use it only as a commuter, so what? I consider myself as an aggressive rider and this bike suits it perfectly. Even after somme modifications to the geometry with the stem extension, the 1.3 semi-slick tires and the longer seatpost, it reacts very confidently. The solid steel frame has a soul and takes all the city abuses with grace. No worries to suddenly quit the bike lane and jump on the sidewalk or make a shortcut through the park.
Beware : at low speed, this bike take a nap; but the more you get crazy on it, the more it asks!
If you find a Lavadome from this era, just by it! Mine is not for sale and I will give it to my son(he's now 3 years old)... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jordan gregus
a Downhiller
from gloucester
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | downhill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | off a friend | | Strengths: | this bike has the most lightest frame but the most strongest out of all the bikes i have ridden, it brilliant at most things, i think i got the best bike for a cheap price | | Weaknesses: | its weaknesse has to be the gears they sometimes dont chage as quick as they should but they are still pretty good | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky, custom built hard tail | | Bottom Line: | this bike is worth the money, it doesent brake ive rode mine for 7 years and the only thing i had to replace was the air in the tyres its such a easy bike to ride and i think it will last me a lot longer ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Efrain Leija
a Racer
from Austin T.X.
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | santa cruz mountian in ojinaga/mexico | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | ozone bikes | | Strengths: | love the light steel frame!!!very rear quality!!! | | Weaknesses: | none!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | 97 kona lava dome | | Bike Setup: | onyx front and back hubs 9 speed,xtr front and back deraileur,xtr brakes,xt dual levers,raceface xc hollowtech crank | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike...best bike i've ever had "sorry grandpapa"i know you got me my 1st bike man!!but this does not compare.if you ever come across 1 snag it!!!no doubt!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Sankey
a Cross Country Rider
from Wigan, UK
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Mabie forest, Galloway | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ricks | | Strengths: | Strong light-weight db. steel frame gives excellent performance and handling especially crucial around the tight single track at Mabie Forest. This is my secound 'LD' first got nicked in town | | Weaknesses: | Could of fitted LX mechs, but only minor gripe! | | Similar Products Used: | First bike GT Tequesta, very good cromo-steel frame almost upto 'LD' but 'GT' discontinued, 'LD' more than makes up for it. Canondale F400, sold to my Bro, he likes it I don't | | Bike Setup: | LX rear mech, LX cranks | | Bottom Line: | Steel has been seen as unfasionable by many riders for a while , he F400 was good but the ride wasn't the same as a good steel frame. Definately wouldn't go back to aluminium, the control and flex this bike gives is just right. I have taken this bike all over the world from New Zealand to Croatia and never disappoints. With the lugs on the rear stays can take a rack which can turn the 'LD' into a capable off-road tourer another great plus.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenneth Sillers
a Cross Country Rider
from London, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | London | | Strengths: | Best bike I have ever traded a van for, rock solid performance and no breakdowns in 5 years | | Weaknesses: | none found yet | | Similar Products Used: | yukon, norco products in similar price range | | Bike Setup: | rst front forks, shimano lx derraileurs, kevlar sided puncture proof tires, everything else stock. | | Bottom Line: | wow what a bike, great detailing right to the paintjob. Cant believe I got this one for a run down minivan that was worth less than $300.00, good brakes, good performance, I have literally no complaints, great job Kona | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Pells
a Racer
from Addlestone, Surrey
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | wisley | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$630.00 | | Purchased At: | evans cycles | | Strengths: | everything is a strength on this bike, all the components are great and last. I did racing on this and it was superb because of its very light kona race frame and shimano equipment is good, LX rear mech, deore front mech, and even XT brakes on a model like this! You can fly up hill and decend with confidence, this bike can take a good thrashing. The kona project 2 rigid fork is excellent. | | Weaknesses: | none found so far in 4 years or riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 830 croos country
Specialized rockhopper comp | | Bike Setup: | stock 1997 kona lava dome | | Bottom Line: | i have since sold this bike and regret is dearly. This is the best bike i have ever purchased, i have tried similar products from other makes (see above) but even though they are very good, they cannot match up to the perfomance of the lava dome. It gives superb performance and dont be put off by the rigid frok, it is a brilliant ridgid fork and gives great performance. Botom line, if you want and mountain bike that is the best, buy this, and even the prcie was right at $630. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from berkeley, ca
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | downieville pauley creek 3rd divide | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$575.00 | | Purchased At: | Missing Link | | Strengths: | frame | | Weaknesses: | the 1998 stock indy s fork | | Similar Products Used: | many hardtails | | Bike Setup: | xt hollowtech 9sp drive train with 11-34 cassette, 2003 marz. mx comp eta 100mm, time atac pedals, hope mini mono hydro disk front brake 400 gram, avid ti rear rim break with sram brake lever, mcmahon ti seatpost, sel flite gel saddle, dave's speed dream 841 gr rear wheel (dual ust&tube), performance topo (dual disk&rim) 813 gram front wheel.
titec "downhill" 100mm steel stem, marin xc riser alum handlebar, king headset. pair of irc comp tires. | | Bottom Line: | i have slowy replaced all the parts of this fine bike untill now i have 4.5# green painted frame left of teh original bike, now with many scratches and small dents that i've covered with clear nail polish.
i could have eaily sold my old bike and purchased a new bike (like a '04 $1350 Marin Pine Mountain, since Kona no longer offers butted cromoly steel bikes), but i have had so much fun riding and racing (and crashing) on this sturdy hardtail that i've decided to keep it until it rots from rust or breaks.
Kona Lavadome (steel) is terrific
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donn Escario
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA USA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Gambrill State Park/Watershed, MD | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | $700 | | Strengths: | awesome paintjob, very efficient climber, very forgiving on fast descents | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | independent steel frame | | Bike Setup: | xtr cranks & f. derailluer, SRAM 9.0 shift/derailleur, & 9.0 carbon levers, xtr v-brakes, Manitou SX Ti, riser bar | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike in '97. i believe it's the '96 model, though. It's orange with blue decals.The components that came with the bike weren't the best. However, the frame is such a sweet steel frame, that I ended up upgrading it all the way. The bike now weighs in at around 24lbs., which isn't exactly the lightest xc bike, but the point is that the frame is definitely worth upgrading. I used it for racing for 2 seasons, and it was awesome! I'll be riding this frame until I can't ride anymore, or until it cracks. If you find one for a good deal, BUY IT... you won't regret it... Steel is real! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrik Keller
a Weekend Warrior
from Friedrichsdorf,Germany, Hessen
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Limes Hessen | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Germany, Dreieichenhain | | Strengths: | fantastic climber, comfortable frame | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | Shimano LX, PII Fork | | Bottom Line: | Hey you all,
thank you very much for your help! I rode a very old Cannondale all over the time, a pretty good one. In 1992 I bought a Lava Dome for my wife, but still rode my good old Cannondale. Now it was too old to get a new suspension fork for it. So I intended to switch over to the Lava Dome. And I found this site and was a little bit surprised about the Lava Dome loving community. But now I know why. The Lava Dome is such a wonderful Bike for Single Trails and especially great in climbing that I nearly regret havn't rode it in the past 10 years (the best bike a starter can get!). But it's like new and I'm not sure if still need a suspension fork. Anybody with experience with the Rock Shox Judy SL? Kona told me, with this old Bike I should not ride a susp. fork with more than 63 mm travel!? Pat | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Morgan
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincoln. UK
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Queen Elizabeth Country Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Plymouth Cycle Scene. uk | | Strengths: | Lightweight, durable frame.
Excellent race geometry. | | Weaknesses: | No suspension.
Steel frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin, Raleigh, Trek | | Bike Setup: | 17.5 in frame. Mavic 238 wheels. P2 forks. Curve OM cantilever brakes. STX Groupset. | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding my 1996 Dome regularly since the day I bought it brand new all those years ago. Since those heady days we have been through a lot together and she has a lot of life still left in her.
She has needed very little modification over the years, all I have added is a set of suspension forks and upgraded to V-brakes. The rest is pretty much as bought except for a couple of minor replacements (chain, saddle, cables).
I have been riding with a few "superior" bikes and found the Lavadome keeps up with the best of them in most situations, except fast offroad downhill to which neither of us are really suited. However, it never fails to match for speed. I have found it particularly superior on uphill stretches.
The geometry encourages the rider into a comfortable, low riding position, perfect for fast riding.
The standard Kona sloping top tube has also come in handy on more than one occasion....
The only real gripe after all these years is that the numerous dinks in the paintwork are beginning to show signs or rust.
When all is said and done though, as an entry level machine she is a light, natural feeling ride and I will continue our relationship until she keels over into an irretrievable pile of rust. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn NY USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Swamp | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Cayuga MT. Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Durability, Handling | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | GT's, Giants, Fishers | | Bike Setup: | Same as original - LX, STX, avid brakes, 400 grip shifts | | Bottom Line: | More than a year after my last review I'm still riding my '97 Dome. I hit a root last fall and wiped out my rear derailleur so I ended up replacing that plus the rear cassette,chain and chain ring. First thing I've HAD to do in four years of hard riding. I was thinking of moving up to a full suspension Kona Mokomoko, (as I just turned 50) but I think I'll wear out this drivetrain first. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry Fuston
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bryant trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Pawn Shop | | Strengths: | Lite ass frame and geomentry | | Weaknesses: | No suspension, curve center pull brakes and levers | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhoppers | | Bike Setup: | Gripshift 400 shifters, curve brakes, stx crank and front deralluier, deore LX rear, Bontriger rims | | Bottom Line: | I am natually a specialized man, and I tend to hate any other kind of bike due to the fact I own a '96 Specialized Ground Control full suspension, but if I ever needed a new bike I would buy a Kona. This bike seriously impressed me. I abuse it day in and out and it takes the abuse and asks for more. I bought this bike because I needed a hardtail to get to work everyday. I love the feel of this bike and the fact it is so light. My Kona is painted Orange and it stands out wherever I take it. I plan to upgrade EVERYTHING to XTR componets w/manitou x-vert and mavic Crossmax and disc brakes in a few weeks so that by the time I am finished I will have a XC hardtail that weighs in at 17 pounds. For the money, I HIGHLY recommend this bike to anyone. For a serious ride, get a Kona Lava Dome. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shane Vincent
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria BC
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | birth control | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | everything | | Bottom Line: | THE BEST BIKE EVER.
I have had my kona lavadome for 3 years now and i love it, i will never get rid of it, i will always keep it, even if some day i save enough money for a new bike i will keep my dome, when i started riding it, i sucked, but now i'm flyin off 5 foot drops no prob! if your going to get a bike this is it, no question.
THE BEST | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian Evans
a Racer
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Butchers-2nd Divide in Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | Missing Link | | Strengths: | Frame durability & handling (long, down sloping top tube). Sensible, long lasting part spec.s. Cool Kawa. Ninja green paint. Kona brand recognition from young kids. Very Low overall weight for an Under $1000 steel hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Front Susp. fork, usually a coil & elastomer type. (But then again, for the price, reasonable, indeed!)
My OEM fork was a Rock Shox Indy S 50MM which is a light & simple fork, durable but lacks damping, whcih is no problem as long as you don't ride fasst down rough trails. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Hardsomething & Rocksomething, Trek 930, Cannandle alum hardtail with some numbers. | | Bike Setup: | '99 Marzochi Atom Bomb 70 MM coil & oil fork, Chris King Headset. Marin alum. low riser bar. Richie Clip-less pedals | | Bottom Line: | Fantastic value with an excellent frame and good parts. The economy fork makes the purchase price so low you can easily upgrade to a better fork and still have spent less than other competitor hardtails. The handling's solid and the butted cro mo steel absorbs crashs into rocks and trees with only paint scraches, ready for more: it's 4.5# frame weight wears like armor-- the "steel is real."
This bike rocks! The Lavadome can take a "fun rider" anywhere your courage will allow. For the racer, a faithful stead that'll take you untl the expert/Semi-pro level which is when you may consider it worthwhile to be a weight weenie and get a lighter (and far more costly) race rig.
Sooner or later I'll cough up the dough for a downhill trail bike (Norco VPS/Drop?), but I'll always keep my Lavadome ready to roll to a XC race or trail.
The Lavadome invokes a prospective rider/racer with Conan the Barbarian attitude & strengh, but with an initial cash outlay for a responsible bread-winner or a hardworking student/artist/worker looking to stretch that precious cash flow, but want also a bike worthy of upgrades well into the years.
Thanks Kona, for a job well done. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, N.Y.
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Swamp | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light, double-butted cromoly frame with excellent climbing geometry. I like to stand when climbing and find no trouble whatsoever keeping the tail grounded and providing constant traction. | | Weaknesses: | Upgrade to a really good fork - this bike is worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | GT's, Giants, Fishers | | Bike Setup: | Terry saddle, Nashbar clipless, Rock Shox Indy s | | Bottom Line: | If you think this bike is a gas after 6 months or a year of
use, try riding one for three years - you'll love it even more. Mine is a 1997 model with no real high-end upgrades and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It climbs like a mountain goat and handles singletrack as competently as any of my family's other bikes, GT's, Giants and yes, other Konas. If I replace it, it would definitely be with another Kona. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Raeside
a Weekend Warrior
from Stratford, Ontario
Date Reviewed: December 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Good frame, good brakes, good rear
derailer | | Weaknesses: |
Weak cranks, wheels, tires and pedals | | Bike Setup: |
Changed to Shimano 747 pedals.
This spring I will upgrade to Bomber
shocks, LX cranks, Lx front derailer
and new tires/wheels | | Bottom Line: | This bike is fairly light, climbs well and handles great. Tuff as nails and has taken
all the punishment I can give it with the only problem being a bent rear rim.
For $649 Can. it is hard to beat!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jun Remodo
a Weekend Warrior
from Port Hardy
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Hartland dump (Victoria) | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
parts are fairly decent, dents in the cromo frame hasn't fased it yet. | | Weaknesses: |
wheels suck. went through them fairly quick and the brakes arent all that great. rigid fork | | Similar Products Used: |
specialized stupjumper | | Bike Setup: |
Marzoochi Z1, sun rhyno lite, aronic rizer. 2.35 IRC kujo | | Bottom Line: | i bought this bike to beat on and it does take a beating. i got this bike fairly cheap and and use it for freeriding. it's lots of fun as long as you get a good fork up front. i almost like it as much as my king kikapu. kona rocks! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carnage
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver,BC
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
neds atomic rut bin | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
GREAT frame, good brakes but wore fast, good component group for novice to intermediate rider who will probably break a lot of parts in the first year | | Weaknesses: |
front shock(rst381), tyres(b&e),mavic 128's needed trueing a lot at first | | Similar Products Used: |
norco bush pilot | | Bike Setup: |
parted up to Marzocchi z4, shimano 535 pdls, XT brakes(big mistake), Short stem, DH bar, lump/grav tyres, chain god ring | | Bottom Line: | This orange beaut. was fine out of the box but was stolen 6weeks later. replaced with purple unit with the upgrades above and this bike just KICKS BUTT. Great frame geometry means great climbs, smooth on the tight single track, and suck up the bumps on the descents and drops. Love that Z4!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tristan Kent
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wenham, Ma
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
lynn woods reservation | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Frame very durable, came stock with decent components, mad orange finish. | | Weaknesses: |
Scratch and Sniff tires wore out way to quickly, rear derailler hangar very weak. | | Similar Products Used: |
spd rockhopper, marin palisades trail...etc. | | Bike Setup: |
96 Lavadome w/ 97 manitou pro c. wellgo gt clipless pedals, tekro v-brakes (crap), deore lx rear derailler, stx crank, expedia saddle, easton bar. | | Bottom Line: | I bought my lavadome stock with the project II fork. the brakes had already been upgraded to tekcro's. I quickly added a shock and for the next two years the bike was my ride. The tires, although ok, wore out quick. The shock was terrible but the components im still using today (on a different bike, GT zaskar). The frame was very tough save the rear derailler hangar, which after bending once became to fragile. My first race was this bike, and it held together well. For the money, I am quite pleases with the Kona. I think i might make a singlespeed.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stinkfoot
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fast ones with jumps and drops | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Kick ass light frame, goddamn fast! | | Weaknesses: |
RST 381, some parts are cheap (ie. cranks), tires(?). | | Similar Products Used: |
GT Timberline, Avalanche, Tequesta, Gary Fisher Tequila (or was it Aquila?), Norco Bigfoot. | | Bike Setup: |
Kona Lava Dome, Marzocchi z5, Wellgo 804's | | Bottom Line: | If this bike were an album it would be Unsane's Scattered, Smothered, and Covered. Get on this bike and become possessed by the adrenaline gods. Go faster you coward!!, the bike yells at me as I scream along the trail.
Its probably obvious that I love this bike. Climbing, descending, cornering, and flat-out cruising; this bike kicks ass. I just started biking this year and having been a skateboarder and snowboarder for the last 10 years, I'm a verifiable adrenaline junkie. This bike more than provides a vehicle for my habit, it always seems to want to go faster. I bought the bike mostly stock but switched the RST fork for a Bomber z5 and added some Wellgo 804 clipless pedals. The tires seem to lack grip in some conditions but I haven't really tried enough different tires to confidently blame it on the tires instead of my riding technique.
I'd give this bike 50 chilis if I could but I'll settle for five. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eron
a Downhiller
from Spokane, WA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Riverside | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Frame, Components, Suspension | | Weaknesses: |
Color, wheels and tires | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike. It is a very good bike for the money. It handles nicely and comes with pretty good components. It's light and just really fun to ride. The only problem with it that i've encountered is the color, puple. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart Nicolson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Leeds, UK
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Frame, good set of components for the money, fun bike to ride - very agile and chuckable and has plenty of upgrade potential | | Weaknesses: |
Indy S fork is rough and too prone to bottoming and topping out | | Similar Products Used: |
Orange Clockwork, Rockhopper, Marin Bear Valley | | Bike Setup: |
Upgraded fork to a '98 Judy XC, added SPDS and this makes it into a killer machine | | Bottom Line: | Excellent package, unlike many bikes you feel part of, rather than perched on the bike. But upgrade that dog of a fork and your mates won't see you for dust on the bouncy descents! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vietnam, Milford MA | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Price, value, and frame geometry. | | Weaknesses: |
RST 381's, and toe clips. | | Similar Products Used: |
Most bikes in price range by; Schwinn, Specialized, Giant, and GT. | | Bike Setup: |
I immediately changed the pedals to Time Alium and plan to upgrade fork soon. | | Bottom Line: | If you're like me and can't bring yourself to spend more than 600.00 on a CC Rider, This is your bike (hands down!!!!)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very light.
Comes with great components for price range. | | Weaknesses: |
Tires wear out easily. | | Bike Setup: |
RST 381R's are have adjustable pre-load and soak up all the rough stuff. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the money, a must buy, especially in cool mango orange. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Murray Yazer
a Cross-Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
All | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Great handling.Great Colour (purple) | | Weaknesses: |
A few weak components. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rocky Mountain Soul
Brodie | | Bike Setup: |
1999 Lava Dome (Purple). Replaced RST fork with a Z4 Bomber, and put on Time ATAC pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great value. Buy this bike. You will be in love. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Milton Keynes
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
OZ Nationals course, Canberra | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great handling
Exceptional value for money
'Soft' CoMolly frame
Poject II forks | | Weaknesses: |
Bendable seatpost
Shitty bottom bracket
'Soft' CoMolly frame | | Similar Products Used: |
Loads of Gaints
Gray Fishers OCLV | | Bike Setup: |
Added Z2 Bommers, X517 rims, Hope hub | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the fastest single track bike you can get, period.
It's point and shot handling whips all commers. You'll love the way this bike rides single track, you'd have to be dead not enjoy hammering this bike.But remeber the Lavadoom has a soft'n'flexy CoMolly frame, if you nail the power down on you'll feel the frame flex. This slow the bikes out right speed and makes climbing a steady grind rather than a sprint. But this flex also allows back end of the bike to soften the big hits. This helps the handling and means you can ride it all day with out hurting your arse.I've added a set of Z2 Bommers to handle the big impacts, but the Project II's are are very workable.The bottom line...
This bike makes a great first bike or an even better sceond or spare bike. It is: cheap, robust, not too heavey, and one of the most fun bikes I've every ridden.
PHat Man! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Max
a Cross-Country Rider
from Stonington
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Shocks, Frame, Components | | Weaknesses: |
Seat, Seat, Seat | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek 6500, Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: |
Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is an incredible bike for the money, it has all of the compenents of a more expensive bike. I love how it handle in the single track. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike o
a Weekend Warrior
from Burlington Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
hardwood hills | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
very light and preaty strong.handles beautifly and is very comfortable. | | Weaknesses: |
have not found any yet! | | Bike Setup: |
magura H522 hydrolic brakes. rock shox judy XC. forged race face crank. bullet brothers. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is great ,it handels like a charm.The bike allways wants to go faster.It is also a great bike for jumping.Overall a great buy!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris S.
a weekend warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Great Entry Level Bike - Great Frame - Some low end components - easily upgraded-Have Had my Lava Dome just over a yr now, and have upgraded Rear sprocket setup - (reason it comes w/ less sprockets on back -is there is more high gear and less low gear - this is used in racing set ups) Next upgrades - Clipless pedals & Seatpost Shock. That will probably do it (maybe new front shock only if I start racing. For the $ you cant beat this bike. You dont see every other guy on the trail w/ the same bike as you. Everybody wants to be diferent. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fortnight
a weekend warrior
from Atlanta, Georgia
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
i'm not much of a racer or competitor. but, when i tried this bike out for the first time, it rode just the way i like it. a few minor adjustments here and there, and, i was comfortable. in general, the bike is suprisingly light, the seat is nice and cushiony, and the brakes and gears shifts are of high quality. i think it's a pretty good buy for anyone who's looking for something to cruise around on or off the road. it's comparable to the gary fisher aquila, but i believe the lava dome is a bit better for the price. since i'm happy with it, and that's the most important part, i'll give this bike 5 stars, or flames, or whatever they are. =P | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph Russo
a cross-country rider
from Auburn N.H.
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I wanted a good bike not the best bike in the world. Something that did the job and did the job right.This was the one. This is a top of the line bike. It performs very well and will outperform any other bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedro Branco
a racer
from Lisbon, Portugal
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I Bought by Dome in Jan 1998, I'm very satified with it, It has great manuverbility and control, a light strong frame waiting to be upgraded. I Set it up with a elevated riding position,so its very easy to perform a weelie or a bunny hop,some people said that it was dificult with the standart stem and bar(1997 Dome).
Uphill due to my elevated bar the front weel tryes to come up, you need to use
your power with care. The back tire Scratch gave a great performance when it was new but it wears too quikly.
Downhill it flies. The Dome gives you confidence to go faster, and feels like its a extention of you. The Avid SD-1.9L brakes are enough when you are over the terrain's limits. The tires perform a well balenced control feeling for that fast turns. Try one. Feel the diference. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mg
a weekend warrior
from Ottawa- Canada
Date Reviewed: January 25, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought a 98 lavadome for $650 (Can.) around July, rode it for two fun months without a problem, before i busted up the rear wheel. Obviously, some parts are low-end, but that's what upgrading is for. The hubs and crank are sort of suspicious, but they seem to work. Good rear derailler, brakes, rims, solid frame, mean paint job. Wish the front der wasn't STX, but it's not really worth upgrading, since i,ve ridden XTs that were no better. REar cassette should be eight speed, not seven. The Indy is a piece of crap, so I bought it rigid and then threw on a 97 Manitou FS (white) this fall. Also put on a specialized riser bar and Ritchey Logic pedals, and the crank is gonna go really soon.
overall, a damn good bike for way under $1000. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a cross-country rider
from South Dorking, UK
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got a '99 Kona Lavadome (See Kona site for proper picture). It's purple/mauve colour with RST381R front shocks.I'm a newbie to mtbr (6weeks) and love the sport. I've already upgraded to Shimano SPD pedals, and have just upgraded the RST381Rs to Marzocchis Bombers. Lime greeny-yellow goes well with a purple frame!Every sunday you'll find me doing 20miles in the rain and mud-fest (I have not ridden in dry conditions yet) - yet the bike, after a clean and re-lube, looks new(ish!!).The RST coped with the 12ft drop off that bent my seat post last sunday - this sunday I will be in 'posessed' of a Marzocchi laiden beasty after it comes back from it's free first service (bent seat post, warped back wheel, shocks....).Next upgrades will be due to wear any tear rather than limitations I think. Perhaps a tooth-fairy to protect them teeth from a mis-timed stump-jump.Don't get me wrong - this bike does not need upgrades this early - it's just that I'm a newbie and have one too many screws loose (like the nutcases I ride with) hence I either trash it or find it's limitations quickly (bottoming out).I found the front a little light (21 frame - I'm 6'4+ 70st) whilst doing granny gear climbs as it lifts a little easily under unsteady power but that's down to technique rather than bike wieght.Typical Kona (or Rocky Mountain) ride/feel - quick an nimble (read great fun).
Excellent frame. Good starting components. Uphill it's great. I'm a newbie and that technique is coming on nicely.Downhill it's like surfing/snowboarding - every little movement in you, the bike or the ground beneath you is felt. Any move you make is acted on - like surfing if you relax it feels that there is no bike .. just the extreme trail underneath and an equally extreme smile :o>Technical - oooohh... :):);) Missus...If you've never tried a Kona - try it then make up you mind. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a weekend warrior
from Calgary-home of mtnbiking
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a kona LAVA DOME (a steal at 700 CDN$, check the exchange rate southerners), what can I say, for the money this bike is out of the box FUN, it climbs like a sherpa on amphetamines and decents like TOMAC on fast forward. If you're a medium sized rider check this bike out. Really good component spec and rates as one of the best (and lightest 26.8lbs with Indy S fork) for the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a cross-country rider
from Vermont
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 98 Lavadomr this summer ans love it! It is my first entry into the Mt. bike sport. I thought I would ride it this year and upgrade next summer if I liked the sport. Well, I love the sport and the frame. Because of that, I have upgraded everything. Indy SL shx, XT ders., cranks and brakes, kore stem, raceface aheadset, Sun rims with superfly hubs, azonic bars, 747 pedals, coda suspension seat post. I love the bike!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought me a 97 'dome. After wearing out an old CCM and getting some cash I needed a new ride.I paid $709 CAN, and its a great investment.Pros: cheaper than its piers Rocky Mountain/Gary Fisher/Trek, fairly light, solid (yes, real men like steel) frame takes out those back end bad vibes on ratty downhills, good shifters and rear derailler (rapid fire shimano/shimano lx), great brakes (avid), good forks (rock shox), wicked green color, jealous friends.
Cons: shit front derailler (shimano stx, god damn, does anyone else know what I mean?), jealous friends.I spend 3 days a week beating in and around the Don Valley trails, and they are as tough as I can handle for now. But for god sakes, all you guys who ride in there, get a bell and ding it on the blind corners!!!!!!!! I'm tired of pulling burrs and spines out of my shins!!Oh yeah, this is a good bike. Get off the net and ride your bike!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHRISTIAN EVANS
a racer
from BERKELEY CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My bike Jalo is one hot green chili worth flaming five big stars! The $560 Lavadome is one of the BEST deals on the MTB market priced under $1200. To replace my Lavadome with an apprecitively better bike, one that would be noticablely more fun & agile and, ultimately, FASTER, I'd have to spend about thrice what the Lavadome cost me.
The Avid brakes stop aggresively, the Rapidfire with LX rear derailleur shifts with precision (thank goodness Kona didn't stock Gripshifts, praise da Lord!) The 4.5# cro mo frame is no feather weight, but the sturdy frame does inspire confidence hammering down bumps and jumps.
At first I had reservations about the Indy S shocks, but it's all right until I get around to upgrading to a lighter (under 3#) and stronger shocks (such as a Judy SL).
Lavadome's a fast and agile bargain, excellent steed for a beginner/sport racer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a weekend warrior
a
from SOMERVILLE,NJ
Date Reviewed: August 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I VE BEEN HAMMERING MY LAVA DOME FOR SIX YEARS NOW. JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO I HAD TO GET TEH REAR DERAILLEUR HANGER PULLED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE DROP OUTS ARE SOFT . I RIDE ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT THE EARTH THROWS MY WAY. IF AND WHEN I DESTROY THIS FRAME I'LL BE OUT THE NEXT DAY LOOKING FOR ANOTHER ONE. I ALWAYS SAY IT'S NOT SO MUCH THE BIKE AS IT IS THE RIDER, BUT IF IT WERE THE BIKE THIS WOULD BE THE GUSTO. IF YOUR STYLE IS RIDING HIGH UP LIKE A ROAD BIKE DON'T EVEN GET ON THIS BIKE. HOWEVER IF POUNDING UP THE STEEPEST GNARLYEST CLIMB, THEN FOLLOWING THAT UP WITH A MACH-SCHNELL-DOWNHILL YOU'L APPRECIATE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BIKE. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY BIKE TO MATCH THE SUPER AGRESSIVE FRAME GEOMETRY OF THIS YET. CHAMP TO THE END. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
genex
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got a 1992 or 1993 model and love it. Just moved out west and started really testing it out, and aside from some component upgrades, it's treated me very well. A little loose sometimes when I'm flying down hard pack, but that's about the only tweak, which is probably more my technique than anything else... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was going to buy a Trek 950, an excellent bike for the dough, but chose the LavaDome for its aggressive slopping top tube design which seems to duplicate my old customer cromo bike (got stolen) designed for rainy mud and rock garden action. Just love the rapid fire shifters, but wished it was stocked with LX front detailers. Really like the LavaDome's ride--really climbs and keeps control over the downhill bumps. I've installed Nashbar ATB pedals and shoes ($70) and about to replace the stock RockShox Indy S with a Manitou FS Ti green Palmer Ed. ($200/3.2#?)front shx and install a Thudbuster seat shx ($150). Only flaw is the front shx: I am not impressed with the stock Indy S as the 50 mm shock bottoms out easily with harsh riding with my weight of 185#; however, even with the cost of an upgrade fr shx the LavaDome is an outstanding value, worthy of many more upgrades (like some choice XT components, for instance). Big Five stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul daniels
a weekend warrior
from clinton ia. usa
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Love the brand, name, color, brakes. Wish it came with a 8 speed cassette, though. It's light and fast, it was only .9 of a lb. less than a gary ficher kai tai (which is aluminum). The specialized was heavier, and a boring color, and the trek 930 did'nt come close to the other three. I might have considered a barracuda a2z but there was'nt a dealer around, and the guy on the 800 # was a with a new york accent. Actually, a raliegh m-80 ain't a bad bike, but i hate twist-grip shifting | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil Miller
a cross-country rider
from NYC
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 1996 Orange Lava Dome after hearing about Kona for a couple of years. For the money it was the best deal I could find. Basically the bike feels great - this style frame reacts well to slight body movements. The only problems are a slightly light front end on seated climbs, and a little skittish on downhills. Luckily the frame is worthy of some component upgrades. Although the frame feels and looks great, I've had to make some changes. The Curve brakes were terrible - XT V-brakes are the move, along with XT Rapidfire vs. lame Gripshift (saved by an LX derailleur).People think it looks cool. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a weekend warrior
from Hope, NJ
Date Reviewed: May 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a 98 Lavadome about three weeks ago. Great Bike for the Money.
I couldn't be happier. But there are 2 items I am ready to upgrade already.
I purchased mine with the Indy S fork. It doesn't have enough guts at higher downhill speeds. Also the pedals feel a little weak and are starting to make som clicking noises. But over all I Love this Bike!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darin
a weekend warrior
from Alma Ontario
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Purchased March of 97 and run hard ever since. I picked it up new in Waterloo for a deal - you couldn't get a bike with these components on for this price. Since then I've dropped off 6ft grades, the occasional log, and a real screw up or to (I'm 6'1 190pds) and with the exception of a tube and a couple of forks I sware this bike could go through Hell. As for the rust - hey its metal get real. If your really concerned about it though put vasaline in the corners of the welds or where the paint might have cracked and you shouldn't have many problem's. Kona isn't a big name up here - yet. Its starting to pick up and its great to hear good things 'bout the Lava dome. Tour On! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a weekend warrior
from West Lafayette, IN
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just purchased a '98 Lavadome. Incredible ride for the money. A very responsive and light frame and a great climber. The riding position is great for almost any uphill or downhill challenge. Although many slam the INDY C, it's a good stiff shock for the money. The Avid brakes are top-notch. Kona now guarantees the frame for 20 years, so it must be good! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JRB
a cross-country rider
from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this bike. Great on hills (up and down). Great handling! Great components (I've added Shimano 535 clipless pedals). Great color (love that green). Out of the box this bike is fabulous. If you're looking for a fun bike to ride, this bike will definitely fit the bill. I'm wondering if there are any more Kona riders in Eastern Ontario. Love to talk to you. have fun on the trails and wear a brain bucket!Great bike!!!!!!JRB | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a weekend warrior
from South Wales, UK
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had my Lavadome for 22 months now. Though I wouldn't claim to be an expert in any way, shape or form its certainly an excellent bike for the money. I've ridden friends bikes in the same price range but my Lavadome just feels far more zippy.. . . and the metallic orange frame is cool! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a cross-country rider
from calgary, alberta canada
Date Reviewed: February 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own the '95 Lava Dome but I've changed the majority of the components only due to wear. The frame is bombproof. I originally purchased it for recreational offroad riding but found I was using it extensively. It rarely sees pavement. I've used it in several races and it's still as responsive as the day I bought it. It sports a Marzocchi Z2 up front and driven by AC cranks. It's got a mix of STX-XT, Avid brakes and levers. Singletrack performance is outstanding and if you like steep technical riding this bike seems like it was made for it. On fast downhills the rear triangle seems to take the edge off the little bumps. Its climbing manners take a little getting used to but once you get your position dialled in, it climbs very quickly. Great bike with excellent upgrade potential if the compenent spec is not to your liking. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabriel Tetro
a cross-country rider
from Qc Canada
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
for the price this bike is very good
i got one year now and i like it !
light and smooth
better than the trek 830, the giant iguana, the rocky mountain cardiac and any fisher prices bikesthis bike need 5 stars (with a good shock like a manitou sx or a bomber) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stewart
a weekend warrior
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Okay, fellas first of all let me thank everyone who has written a review on this site. I read lots and lots of reviews and found them a valuable research tool. I do find that there are very few bad reviews and I feel like the number of peppers given is generally too high, leaving little room for improvement. I really did my homework before buying my new mountain bike. I read everything and rode everything in the $500 to $750 price range. My overall impressions are that this is a great year to buy a bike. Money in this range buys a whole lot of bike from any of the quality manufacturers.I do feel like there are good bike shops and poor bike shops and used that as one of my criteria for which shop to by from. Some of the shops I dealt with were really unhelpful. One in particular, which I had driven across town to visit would not let me test ride their bikes because it was raining! Now, this is Oregon. The chance of a sunny, non-work day between now and June is slim. Besides, I was willing to ride in the rain what’s their problem. Anyway, I eliminated their shop from contention on the spot. Other shops I found went out of their way to make a sale. Me: I am 6’1, ~195# and this would be the second mountain bike that I have owned. I was upgrading from on older Nishiki steel bike that has seen better days but has always performed admirably. Fortunately (?) that bike was stolen at the end of summer and thus the shopping began. I was looking for a deal on a ’98 or close-out ’97 with either steel or aluminum frame, front shox, decent component group, rapid fire, v-brakes, but most of all racey, nimble geometry that felt fun every time I rode it, light weight and the ability to climb. Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo: My LBS sold a ton of these last year. The reviews on mtbr.com were generally favorable from a feel and component level but none of them ever said much about whether or not the bike is fun to ride. I rode one and found it to be sluggish and long. It felt exactly like my old Nishiki steel stud. Smile factor: low, blah blah blah. Conclusion: Eliminated from contention.Trek 6500zx: I rode a close out ’97 one of these that the bike store guy was going to make a smokin deal on ($499 with LX v-brakes). I really wanted to like this bike but just couldn’t. The ride was nothing exciting. That coupled with the non-replacable rear derailer hanger and the less than exciting components and I was able to pass on this without regrets. Smile factor: low. Conclusion: Eliminated from contention.Trek 7000zx: I rode a used ’96 Trek 7000zx with about 100 miles on it and was really impressed. This thing was feather light and really nimble. It desparately needed a tune up and the guy simply wanted too much money for it. Plus it had grip shift (ugh!!) and cantilever brakes that could not stop the bike. I did the math and could not justify buying used when new bikes were available for the same money with all the things I wanted. Smile factor: High. Conclusion: buy new, Eliminated from contentionSchwinn Moab: I rode the Schwinn bikes along with Specialized at the same LBS. I rode a top of the line Schwinn as that what they had on the floor and compared that to a Rockhopper FS by Specialized. The Schwinn frames felt fun but just did not feel comfortable to me or my 5’8 friend. They seem to have value at this price point but I could not like the geometry. Smile factor: Medium. Conclusion: Eliminated from contention.I had narrowed the field down to two bikes that were both excellent as far as I was concerned. The Specialized Rockhopper FS versus the Kona Lava Dome. Kona Lava Dome: This bike is fun, fun, fun and loaded with great components for the price (’98 ~ $550 at LBS). I immediately like the ride and new that this would be a front runner. Nimble, light, quick, climbs like a cat. Shifted and stopped perfectly and literally shot out from under me with a push on the pedals. Smile factor: Ear to Ear. Conclusion: Great Bike. I recommend it highly. Best buy in this price range.Specialized Rockhopper FS: This bike was in contention for first place. Great frame, flawless construction, super feel and response. Components were less than exciting and the bike was being sold heavily on frame and upgradability. Despite the lackluster compo group I almost bought this bike (’98 ~ $550 at LBS). Smile factor: High. Conclusion: Great bike but make them upgrade the front derailer. Best buy in this price range.In the end: There it was; time to decide between the two. But, what’s that in the back of the rack? A ’97 VooDoo with LX rear, LX shifters, LX v-brakes, STX-RC fd, WTB saddle, more. Rode it, rode the Kona again, haggled awhile, bought the VooDoo. Super feel, steel bike, light, agile, cat-like, precise, and on and on. Smile factor: Off the charts. Conclusion: What can I say, I bought it. Price? $575. Happy? You cannot know. JSteel bikes still rule. I rode everything in aluminum and everything in steel. Give me steel.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Douglas Ross
a weekend warrior
from Cambridge UK
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a secondhand 1991 Lavadome, with suntour componants, I have since uprated it to Shimano LX, and dispite its age its still a great machine. The bike has only cost me 50 quid, when I have saved up the dosh I'll buy a Explosive ( dream on ) see ya Doug | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John E Holmes
a weekend warrior
from Soo Canada
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Kona is a very good product although I ride a custom Dirt Research. Ive rode a kona lava dome in the past and found it was a good product. gggg gggg g ggg g ggggggggg ggggggggggg gggggggggggg ggggggggggggggg gggggg ggggg ggggg gggggg ggggg ggggggg gggggg gggggggggg gggggggg XTR only baby | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erazm Pochron
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've seen Brian, (who is located someone else on this page) ride his KONA many times and that thing kicks. Speed is a major issue for him and I just can't comepare. This is such an excellent Bike and all that's needed is a great shox to make this a great bike. Try one and you'll see what I mean!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CJ
a weekend warrior
from Cincinnati, Ohio USA
Date Reviewed: December 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
what can I say about this bike...I love it. Fantastic tracking through singletracks, great up and downhills. Maybe the only thing that needed to upgraded out of the box was this shifters. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a weekend warrior
from FINLAND, the land of polar bears
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '97 Lava Dome and I'm very pleased with it. By my opinion the bike needs some part upgrading, but after you've replaced the bar with a DH one and inserted V-brakes it really flies. I haven't got any problems with the STX front der and rear hub so why would I need any better? I think the looks and the geometry of the frame are BRILLIANT. Though the painting could be better but hey, no-one's perfect. The Lava Dome is the best bike available in this price range for some trial and XC riding.
P.S. Don't forget to buy FUSION freestyle pedals. (Sissy Clipless' suck) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Jackson
a downhiller
from Portsmouth
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 1996 Lava Dome frame and forks off my mate richard in November 1997 and it is a HUGE improvement over my Ridgeback 605 !!! It is so much more stable downhill, and corners suberbly. The Project II forks are surpsisingly comfy and although I upgraded to Bomber Z1's recently my exerience with the whole bike has been very impressive, after bending my 605 forks backwards !! Get one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco CA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a 95 Lava Dome and it was my first mtb. I rode my brother's Fuji a few times but didn't really like it. I ride my Kona to school a ride that is over 5 miles each way and S.F. is all hills. I have ridden to school in 10 min. that's an average speed of 30+ m.p.h.! I have ridden to Redwood city, a 33 mile ride in 2 hours. This bike flies UP and down hills. I have upgraded to girvin magC clipless, XT V-brakes and I am about to put a '98 zoke z3 on it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Cotnam
a cross-country rider
from Carleton Place Ontario
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a 97 Lava Dome and I am very pleased, I thought it would not work that good because it has LX and STX with the SRT 400 I was wrong it works very well, it is a good set up. this bike can really climb, and is good for trials riding. The only problem is the paint job it looks nice but does not resist well in the water, rust is a big factor with this bike and should be kept out of the rain | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Leao
a cross-country rider
from Sherbrooke, CANADA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike rules!!!
I have a 96 Lava Dome and it's is one of the best bike I ever had. The Curve brake are The best. This bike is very resistant and I can assure you that it won't break even if you drop it from your car on the highway... It only have some small scrachs. COOL BIKE!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pantse
a cross-country rider
from FINLAND, THE LAND OF SANTA CLAUSE
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I hate to admit, but this one is maby even better to handle than my Marin Bear Valley SE.
My two MTB friends have Lava Domes, and in fact, I thought of buying one my self. Luckyly I decided to buy buy a Marin instead, it has at least better brakes (Avid V-brakes)... Really, these are both good bikes, but still, guessed right, I like my Marin more...BTW, my VelociRaptors have been praised everywhere, but the tires on this one are remarkebly better in cornering! If I wouldn't buy Continental Double Fighters as my next tires, I would buy a pair of Sniff & Scratch ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Parrish
a cross-country rider
from Auburn, AL
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is by far one of the best values in the $600 price range. I bought mine back in 94 and the frame has held up beautifully ride after fat guy ride. Climbing compares favorably to similar Trek's and Specialized (climbs better in the saddle). And screams on singletrack descents. You MUST use a thin rear tire on this bike the chainstays are very narrow. Most 2.1 in. tires will rub the chainstays if the wheel is even slightly out of true. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Laura
a weekend warrior
from Vanc. Island, BC
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '97 Hahanna, which I just recently purchased after riding a heavy new Raleigh that I had for only two months before I traded it in. I went from riding occasionally to riding daily...what a difference!!! I am a beginner on the trails and this bike really kicks in both climbing and handling...I am a happy camper..I mean rider! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JB
a cross-country rider
from ATL
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got a 1996 LavaDome and so far it is still whoop'in ass. I think that it has a great frame and comes with nice parts for the price. I got mine for $600 and all the other bikes for that price sucked. I think that everyone should have a KONA! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jp
a racer
from Canada, eh?
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
yeah, well, can't say that I regret it.mine's a 94 and starting to rust. maybe cathodic protetion will help.the 94 is a good frame but spekked poorly. but who cares? I'm changin' the parts anyway.
not bad bike.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a weekend warrior
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The lavadome has the most outstanding color I have ever seen. Mines a 96 and it is an incredible orange. The components are great the bike is light and it get's noticed. THinking about a suspension fork suggestions? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Cotnam
a racer
from Carleton Place ,Ont. Canada
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
What can I say this is the best bike in the whole world, rides good ,climbs good, and can really fly, the components are great and so is the frame ,very light and reliable,good all a round bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
donnie mcgean
a cross-country rider
from kihei, maui, kingdom of hawaii
Date Reviewed: June 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
For some reason if you live on Maui and you ride mountain you own a Kona. Why you may ask why is this so? Because we live on a volcano and we ride on lava. My Lava Dome Super Race Light has climbed to the top which is 10,023 ft.(@3,000 m.) and descended to the sea. It has crashed more times than my body wants to remember and it just wants more. Its first race was the Aquaterra off rode triathalon which climbed up and down the side of Haleakala and the performance was superb. I'm getting rid of the LX and XT components especially the heavy cranks. Otherwise no sissy softtail for me. Ride on. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trev Simpson
a weekend warrior
from Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I Do not Own This Bike But do own the Hahanna And that bike kicks ass I have never riden a bike that I like more! The Component croup is perfect fro the bike and the price. The Dumb inbreed that says that this bike cannot climb should go home to his imagrint road bike and keep his poser ass off the trails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DELL
a weekend warrior
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I HAVE HAD MY 96 LAVADOME FOR ABOUT 2 AND A HALF MONTHS AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS. I GOT IT WITH QUADRA 21R AND CLIPLESS PEDALS AND SWITHCHED TO RAPID FIRE. IT GOES FAST. THE COMPONENTS WORK WELL BUT THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS BIKE IS THAT IT IS ORANGE. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marc
a cross-country rider
from gainesville, fl
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a '93 Lave Dome and couldn't be happier. Over the past couple of years I have managed to replace just about every component...upgrading to XT and more LX stuff, adding a manitou mach 5, new wheels, new GS X-rays, etc.
Originally it was spec'd with LX, GS 400s, sugino cranks, and Shimano exage brakes, and hubs. All this worked well, but after a couple of years it all wears out. The frame seems to be bombproof. It has held up to 4 years of regular pounding. And if I ever need it Kona is supposed to have a lifetime warranty on the frame.
It handles great in single track, flys downhill, but takes some getting used to in the climbs...but this could be attributed to me being out of shape.Overall: Killer frame design and well worth the money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Kuck
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
And I thought that nothing is tougher and more rugged than me after each abusing
rides; Lavadome stays in shape and rides as good as a brand new one. Kona Lavadome is Numero Uno.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Gross
a weekend warrior
from Cambs, UK
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I tested my 96 Lava Dome against the Trek 7000 (alu), Marin Bear Valley SE and Kona's own Koa (alu) at about the same price. The Trek felt comfortable, but not exciting; the Marin felt supremely smooth and confident, but didn't make me smile - I reckon it would be a better tourer; and the Koa was similar to the Trek. But every time I went out on the Lava Dome, I went twice as fast and came back to the bike shop positively grinnig from ear to ear! If you want to really ENJOY your riding, and be on a machine that simply encourages and dares you to go faster and do silly things, then get the Lava Dome. The components have give n me no trouble, and I've done a few hundred miles on it. Just whenever I get on the bike, it makes me grin, go fast and have a good time, and that's why I bought it. Try it, and you'll see what I mean. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Barnes
a weekend warrior
from North Dakota
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my lavadome the year of 92-93 (if i remember correctly) and i just love this bike. The frame seems to have changed very little - no need to change a good thing. When i ride, the geometry just seems very aggressive to me, and i like that. Although on longer rides my lower back gets really sore. Not sure if that is due to my riding style (i love wheelies and downhills) or if it is because of the agressive forward riding position. Have changed very little except the spindle and a crank that i bent in a stint of extreme riding. This winter i rpl the front fork with a rock shox indy xc that i think will drasticly improve the downhill riding. Havn't really had a chance to try it out. If you are looking for a moderatly priced bike i HIGHLY recommend this one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul T. Burba
a cross-country rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: March 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my (unsuspended) Lavadome back in the spring of 1994. Looking at the 97 Lavadome the frame looks to be exactly the same with the component choices different but basically the equivalent of what I bought in 94 for this price point. Brad Chu had written about the awful experiences he had with the frame (which I am sorry to hear) but I have to say that I have ridden this bike hard (on-road, off-road, downhill, CC races, etc.) on the finest rocks, roots, potholes, snow, and ice of New England and have had absolutely no problems with frame integrity (I am not a light rider either - anywhere from 170-190 lbs. depending on how much biking I am doing ;-) Johan Hansson said the finish sucks! and Rust is a big problem. My finish has held up as well as any of the other bikes my friends own and as for rust, well sorry Johan but rust is part of the deal with steel frames, if you don't want rust buy Ti (lose your wallet), Al (lose your teeth) or Carbon (?) bike.Can't say much about the components as I have replaced everything with the exception of the bar, crank arms, front hub (impressive no-name), and seat. What I can say is that the frame makes a nice starting point to build up a great, light hard-tail if you are on a budget. For the last two summers I have thought about getting a new frame or an entirely new bike but have said no and just thrown a few select upgrades on the Kona. It does look like a little beat but it rides like new. I am very fond of the sloping top-tube, not only does it give you good stand over clearance (and we all know how important that is!) but it also seems to produce a different feel in terms of handling from any other bike which I have tried which has a more horizontal top tube. I can't really put the difference into words but it is there. One thing, if you can afford the suspended version of the bike, get it, the straight tubular steel rigid fork is absolutely brutal and a great way to get tendonitis.Downhill this bike is steady and easy to control. Uphills are a little tougher, I have certainly been on bikes which are better climbers, but it still performs well. Slow speed manuvering is also good, predictable is how I would describe it, it goes where you point it without any dramatics. Porting the bike is somewhat of a pain due to the sloping top tube however.Pros: Inexpensive but high quality Cro-Mo frame, great on decents, you won't bump into 40 other people on the trail who have one.Cons: Less than exciting components (at least back in 94) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johan Hansson
a weekend warrior
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Good bike but the finish sucks!
Rust is a big problem and the paintjob aswell. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Vaart
a cross-country rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Lavadome in 1993, and I love the thing. My only (and not insignificant) complaint is that the bike does NOT go uphill well at all -- downhill, this bike flies -- but if you're going to ride a very hilly course (uphill) this is NOT the bike for you... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sarah
a cross-country rider
from Fruita CO
Date Reviewed: February 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know about Brad Chu's experience, but as a bike shop owner we have never had to warranty a Kona frame. Also, Kona's response time is about par for a smaller company in the bike busieness. Occasionally they mess up, but they are sually willing to fix it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Caleb Potter
a weekend warrior
from Seattle WA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My friend has this bike and it is one of the best bikes for what and where i ride. I like it's lite fram and it's at a very nice price | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LE ROI DU BIKE
a cross-country rider
from sherbrooke quebec canada
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i buy last mounth my new kona lavadome. since this day i go to mont Bromont
,mont Bellevue and becket wood. with quadra 21r and nasbar clip this bike
is the best of the west.buy this bike!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike has been my first real mountain bike and it has been great!It handles wonderfully and is the lightest bike for the price. Just get some V brakes, a new handlebar and some bar ends and you have an great begining to intermediate
bike. Also, the frame rules! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a weekend warrior
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: November 2, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a Lava Dome last month and so far it is the best bike I have ever had. Kona is a great company and The Lava Dome kicks ass! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John P.L. Kelly
a cross-country rider
from NYC
Date Reviewed: October 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
My Lava Doomy is my most prized possession. It is tough as hell but with the heart of the sleekest Italian road bike. I use it mostly on the streets of the boroughs of NYC. It happily handles the worst these streets dish out. It's long frame matches well with long bodies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikko Kontiokorpi
a cross-country rider
from Kotka, Finland
Date Reviewed: October 17, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike due to myt friends advice. I went to the shop and took
a test drive and I was amazed. I'm very satisfied to this bike, it feels very
light even when it has (Cro-moly) steel frame. Size fittings are excellent for a small-sized rider like me. Add clipless pedals to it and it'll be a cherry on the cake... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Sawka
a weekend warrior
from Seattle, Wa. usa
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I really like the kona Lava Dome that I had just bought. I used to be a BMXer, and riding the Kona is really a smooth ride on the trails. For the money you really cant beat it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
g-spot
a cross-country rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
First of all, get rid of those stupid Curve brakes and then you have a kickin bike.
I've ridden my dome on both coasts and all over the great state of Texas. It sure
beats the hell out of most bikes in its price range and it is so much smoother on
the trail then my old Klein Rascal. If you like to climb, this bike is for you.
My advice for a mid-range buyer: Buy this bike and take your time upgrading it; you
will have an amazing bike in no time. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Inglis
a cross-country rider
from Kamloops, BC, Canada (eh?)
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my second mountain bike - my first was a sports discount store special.
I couldn't believe the difference! It was like going from a chevette to a
ferrari. I added quad 21R shocks and ritchey clipless to it and I am VERY
happy with it. I have taken a couple headers, and as a result, had to have
the front wheel rebuilt. I researched the heck out of this bike and ended up
with a fairly light bike with good components for a reasonable price... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Chu
a weekend warrior
from Hawaii
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Kona Lavadome handles great and you get great components for the price. Unfortunatly
you'll definitly have to scrutinize the frame before you purchase any of the
Kona chromoly frames. I went through two frames and a lot of headaches before
I finally got a frame without weld defects (holes, cracks, etc). Other than
the bad welds and bad customer service (from kona, not the store) the bike is
great. The LX components shift well and the bike climbs better than any I
have ridden. For a beginner rider, the suspension ready frame is a plus
too. On the minus side however on Kona hardtails is that it's very difficult
to attach shimano Vbrakes and on smaller frames it's almost impossible to
shoulder and there's only space for one waterbottle. Unfortunatly due to the
terrible quality of the first two frames (for which kona charged me for
reassembly) i must give the lavadome a 3 star ranking.
| | Overall Rating: |
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