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Submitted by
Andrew George
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | You Yangs VIC | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn NZ | | Strengths: | VERY solid frame, decent LX, XT components. Crap stem. needed the long travel forks. The Bomber Z4's were to XC for my riding. | | Weaknesses: | Soft Bottom Bracket, lack of free ride front suspension as factory, crap factory peddles. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Ricky Ridge, Giant Trance 2, Giant Reign 1 and 0, Kona Coiler (new toy) | | Bike Setup: | 1999 model with Foes F1 Wet One 6" USD double triple clamp forks, 8" Foes front disc, Hayes front brake, 30mm front axle, RaceFace BB, Redline BMX peddles, Billet CNC machined 75mm stem | | Bottom Line: | One word - AMAZING!!!
This thing blows all my mates on 6" full suspension brand new Giant Reigns! One seriously solid frame and setup. The bike out rides me. It is light and easy to XC and ride up trails. Kills downhill all bar the full on extreme DH double diamond runs (more my skill though).
This is a hoot to ride anywhere, it is such a free ride bike and has survived huge stacks and big drops and still wants more. I cannot rave on about how cool this machine is.
I'm now lashing out on a Kona Coiler 07' as this machine is getting a tad old. Still love the ride though. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Damian Tomas
a
from Nottingham
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light,Strong,Handles very nice,mines blue one and it looks very nice, | | Weaknesses: | Found none after 5 years | | Similar Products Used: | Cindercone, Fire Mountain , Hardrock ,Rockhopper. | | Bike Setup: | 9-speed XT Gear setup , LX v-brakes ,LX Crank,Bontrager crowbar bars , Raceface prodigy stem , mavic 721 rims dmr revolver hubs,Xtr brake levers,DMR V12 pedals,
| | Bottom Line: | Great light weight frame handles like a dream as you would expect from a kona,ive done some quite heavy downhill stuff 20ft jumps loads of extreme cross country on this bike for years and its still in great condition,
I love this bike more then any bike ive been on its simply awesome in my appien.
Its perfect setup as a XC bike,street,jump,light downhil bike or just a bike you can hammer!i lov the way when you go round a corner and think your going too fast but the bike just handles it like the corne is not there,(helps to have a good custom setup)
Ive been on a few new kona's and this is still my favourite. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a
from tampa fl usa
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | ****************************
**** Quadra 21R Rebuild Kit ****
****************************
http://www.geocities.com/quadra_21r/ Rebuild.html
Check it out!
..
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brynan
a Weekend Warrior
from santa barbara, CA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | foothills - WA | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | classifeds | | Strengths: | solid frame, unmatched graphics | | Weaknesses: | not with Kona | | Similar Products Used: | hahaha... ha... youre serious? I wouldnt CHEAT! | | Bike Setup: | tons of good stuff | | Bottom Line: | Since 1997 has come and gone, and I doubt anyone will be considering buying a '97 Muni new at their LBS, I guess this review is more of a praise for my Muni-Mula which has served me so damn well for about 5 years... though since I bought it used in 2000ish, it has nothing original on it except the beeeeautiful red frame, which only after reading the reviews below did I figure out that my blushing bike mustve been a '97.
But anyway, to make this more than just a late-night bike worship story, I have to say that the frame has been put through a LOT of 5hit and never whimpered or cringed in battle. Ive made routine meter+ drops on it as a matter of course for year after year, bashed it into rocks at full speed, and used it as protection from angry dogs, curious wildlife, and shotgun carrying rednecks. All it has to show for wear is thousands of lovely little pock-marks from rocks once loved and lost, and some mullet hair fused into the paint. And my Muni-Mula must hear the whispered praise when we ride through town, cause shes still glowing bright red!!! I love Kona.
ps. right now my bikes in the shop having surgery... which is why im up in the middle of the night thinking about her... what if some nocturnal punk sees her through the back window and breaks in, lulled by the colors and teased by thoughts of riding through town getting stared at? damn... cant wait til they open so I can call and check up... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Hensel
a Weekend Warrior
from Des Moines
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | From my bro! | | Weaknesses: | The bike had a rookie for a rider. | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Q21R | | Bottom Line: | I bought this 97 off my brother a few months ago. It rocked. Other than the fact that I'm just a beginner this bike excelled on all levels. Went up and down hill with superb control and when I did wipe out, the bike held together nicely. I had some trouble in the sand, but that could have been due to my rookieness. Handled the mud with no problem. If your new to this like me, this could be the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alec
a Cross Country Rider
from vancouver
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | from nsmb buy and sell | | Strengths: | super good frame - almost everything is different from stock when i got it.
super light and good geometry. | | Weaknesses: | cranks creak a bit but i admit i should tune them up. | | Similar Products Used: | fisher tasajara | | Bike Setup: | nice z1 drop offs with a dh stem and handlebar. | | Bottom Line: | fun to ride - good mix between freeride and xc makes it perfect for what i want to ride. definitely worth the price i paid. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Lanhart
a Cross Country Rider
from Burnsville, MN
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | CAMBA trails in WI | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Great value for the price, light, great handling, quality construction, lifetime guarantee, good customer service. | | Weaknesses: | None that I'm aware of yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Topanga was my only other bike. | | Bike Setup: | XT components all around, Mavic wheels, Rock Shox Q21R | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike!! I've put over 17,000 miles on it with about 4,000 of it on serious single track and I've done some racing in the last two years. No complaints at all. I may never get rid of it! If you can get one at a good price, buy it. It's a great bike for beginners through advanced. You'll love the way it handles, especially on rough terrain or downhills. Plus, you fly up the hills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neal
a Weekend Warrior
from Pacifica, Ca.
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | milagra to sweeny to mori ridges | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | z3-lite front shock, avid brake setup is one of the best (better then xt) xt rear derailer. | | Weaknesses: | Front derailer stx (sucks) upgrading to xtr. tires are a bit funky. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamond back, speacialized fsr, Trek 8000 | | Bike Setup: | Marz. Z3 lite, lx cranks and chain rings, xt derailer, stx front derailer avid 2.0 brake setup, sdg seat, lx hubs. sun cr18 rims. | | Bottom Line: | I got the bike used for 500.00 it was like new hardly ever used, the bike fly's up the hills great control comin down I love this bike it rocks!!! I have been thru the mud and major puddles and it doesent bog down a bit. For the price you can't beat it. For price and performance this one get's 5 flamin' chillis. Great bike to upgrade to for front suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Eskelinen
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn Hills Michigan
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all with twisty single track | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Climbs like a Mountain Goat!!
Descends Awsome!
Overall geometry begs for more!!! ANYTHING!! | | Weaknesses: | Original wheels had some issues! but LBS took care of that. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback, K2, | | Bike Setup: | Race Face stem, bar, cranks(next's),bb, 9.0SL shifter, brake levers, rear der., XT front der., XTR brakes, Bebop pedals. Chris King headset, 99 Manatou SX Ti,and Crossmax wheels. Nothing left original but the Frame! | | Bottom Line: | Mine is a 97' Muni-Mula that came with Judy T2, LX and STX RC components. This bike was Awesome as original. Had a blast riding it and trying to break it. Still have all the original parts just had to upgrade to make this bike ugly. This bike loves single track whether it is up or down. The more twisty the better. This bike is great for entry level riding/racing and able to handle upgrades. I love this frame!! If you are in the market, give it some serious consideration. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kp
a Cross-Country Rider
from huntsville ala
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
montisano state park | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
great climber | | Weaknesses: |
wheels and tires | | Bottom Line: | great bike, when it gets narly it can handle it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reid
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | I bought a '97 model in July of '97 as my first real mountain bike after getting old ones from my brother. It is super light, very agile, and a great deal for the CAN$1100 it cost. I hope and Im sure this thing will last me a long time. It's getting a litle sloppy, but nothing a wrench won't fix! This is an awesome bike. The stock RS Indy XC's are still pretty solid and plush, and the components are like new. Congratulations Kona, as always, on a job well done! I give you 5 flamin peppers for this work of art! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross-Country Rider
from Castlegar B.C
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Really nice frame. The bikes a nice weight for XC riding. It is holding up really good and i Love It | | Weaknesses: |
It not kona fault but my shop had the rear derailer set wrong and the chain came on the spokes and wrecked the rear wheel. The bikes really nice but not a great climber | | Bike Setup: |
1999 kona muni mula Z-3 xt,lx and stx front derailer | | Bottom Line: | Really nice bike at a good price | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allan
a cross-country rider
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a 98 Muni Mula about six months ago so have had some quality ride time on it. The only complaints I have are the stock tires. The ENTER front tracks poorly even on dry hardpack and both front and rear loose all stability in dry sandy conditions. I haven't rode in muddy conditions so can't say if these tires are are a problem there, but highly recommend swapping them if you're going to predominantly ride in the sand and/or on dry hardpack.Otherwise, great, great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
azur
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't believe it is possible -whitin a reasonable ammount of time- to do more research than I did. But if you want go ahead, read magazines, consult books, test drive a million bikes with big brand names like Cannondale, Gary Fisher, Marin and so on. After you do all of that then call your local KONA dealer and buy from him the Muni Mulla. I found a brand new 1998 for $680 -a steal!!!- it was the last one in stock. The 1999 is very similar except for the shock that is a different type. So far I have ridden this bike for a couple months and I am loving every single second on it, the frame is light yet tough, it offers great control and is very responsive, a dream. TIP I asked the dealer to change the special clip pedals and put some good old standard ones since I could not afford the shoes right now. It would be nice to put a good suspension seat post but that is about it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Speed
a cross-country rider
from Washington State
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the pre 1999 Nu Nu (which when I bought it was the painted Muni Mula) It has all the same components, but I got a deal on it for $730.00 with tax. So far I've been really pleased with the bike. It seems tailor made for the NW woods, is light and nimble, easy to pitch around, and a scream to ride. The Judy T2 shock needs some work (apparently I need the springs swapped) but I'm happy with the pruchase, ans customer service is fantastic with Kona. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Airoldi
a weekend warrior
from
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a '97 Munimula and its the best bike I ever owned. The Scratch and Sniff tires work great, and so do the Shimano LX components. The frame is light ant it feels good. Its a great bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor McIlroy
a cross-country rider
from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
First off, I do NOT have this bike. I just wanted to let you know that Muni-Mula spelled backwards is aluM-inuM. I thought that was cool. This bike looks like a good deal and would be a nice bike to ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from IN
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The muni-mula. What a wonderful name, what a wonderful bike. I got the 97 in August of 97. Since it is my first, and still only mountain bike, it holds a special place in my mountain biking heart. I bought it without even riding it, so when I finally rode it, I was supremely happy. It is a joy to own, and is easily upgradeable. It would be perfect for beginning bikers who hope to one day rule the trail and be respected and awed at by fellow bikers. If that is what you are looking for, then this bike is definitely for you. It definitely makes you feel confident while riding and enjoys zipping through the trails as much as you do. Do yourself a favor, buy a Kona. All Kona's are solid, and the people at Kona stand behind their products. They take customer service and help after the sale very seriously, not to mention the manufacturing pride that they take in their bikes. Be proud of what you ride, no matter what it is. For me, I am a proud Kona owner, and I will be for life. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reedy
a cross-country rider
from Kent in the UK
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
WOW, this bike is a dream! Why isn't it top of the list?
I have just bought a late '98 with Marzocchi Z3 light forks, what a package all for £749! Kona really do make the best frame, and as hard as they try all the copy-cats dont quite hit the mark.
Do yourself a favour buy a Muni Mula, then come here and give it a FIVE!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
glenn burgess
a cross-country rider
from williamsport pa
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Proud owner of a muni mula for 3 yrs Total xt comp and mavic 217's with thud buster have moved from tx to pa and love the way it climbs. also own fsr by specialized with xt comp love it 2 the kona is a great handling for all level of riders. and has some great grahics ( | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward Freeman
a downhiller
from Wyoming
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a '98 Muni-Mula at the begining of this summer as the next step in MTB. I was very pleased with the excellent set-up of the bike frame, to components, to weight. It defintetly has kicked the ass off my last bike. When I was deciding on a bike and had test ridden several other bikes from other manuf. it literally was the sweetest riding bike in it's price range. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcus Wikström
a cross-country rider
from Turku, Finland
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I first bought A second hand '96 muni-mula really cheap, and it totally rocked! Althought the Quadra shox weren't in the best possible shape, but the frame was excellent. Then some ass-hole stole it, and I bought a '98 muni-mula (with help from the insurance company), and that one REALLY ROCKED!! The weight differance compared to the '96 model was notable, but the components were the biggest differance. XT rear deraileur and the Longtravel fork. The shiny color also look cooler. I haven't tested it very much yet, so we'll see how it holds up, but if it's at all like the '96 model, I bet it will take everything I throw at it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Gallagher
a cross-country rider
from South East of England
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my '97 Muni-Mula in December '96. Since then I have ridden over 2000 off-road miles on it, including 11 XC races. From new I upgraded the bike with '96 Judy XC forks (instead if Indy's) and fitted Eibach coil springs in place of the standard elastomers, these transform the fork and are an essential fitment. I also fitted rapid-fire shifters and SPD pedals. During the last 18 months I have been through various tyres, the Scratch and Sniffs wearing out pretty quickly and have settled on some Panaracer SS & SK's. A performance upgrade I fitted about 6 months ago was some carbon brake boosters. One problem I have found with V-brakes is the extra leverage causes the seat stay's to flex resulting in excess travel at the lever and the need to constantly adjust the brakes, (after each ride in the winter). The boosters stiffened things up massively and resulted in a much more controllable and consistant brake setup. Of the other bits that just wear out anyway, I'm on my second bottom bracket and headset, third middle chain-ring and cassette and about 6th chain, (all Sedis as they are much better). The bike is a fantastic XC hardtail, climbs technical stuff superbly, singletracks second to non and is a blast on the downhills, if a bit of a handful at times. Technical downs are probably it's weakest area until you gain confidence, although I think the narrow bars a low front end have got a lot to do with this. Latest upgrades will be X-lite Xpert bars (wider) and an XT rear mech, the standard LX version has just about given up the ghost now.
All things considered, it is possible to get better specs on aluminium hardtails from other manufacturers, but you don't get a Kona and that is what I like. I will buy a Kona again, albeit a higher spec next time and a bit lighter. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Ottawa Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a '97 muni-mula with a Manitou FS-TI fork. This bike kicks some serious ass. It handels awsome and looks slammin. I find it to be well grouped with LX and STX components which has so far not let let me down. The one problem I've encountered was a defective botom bracket which Kona replaced free of charge. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cody Mosley
a downhiller
from My house
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the worst bike ever invented except for mabye ventures I can't believe Kona could make this bed of bikes this is a disappoinment for Kona after coming out with the sex one two and three this is brutal I think the company should just discontinue the bike like common I even tried riding it naked it still didn't work very hard owwwwwwwwwwwwwww but the seat was to hard | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Livingston
a racer
from Vancouver,BC CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this bike 'cause it was on sale and I sure got my money's worth. It's got a frame with kickin' geometry, great for getting up the mountain, and it's
pretty light for the price. My only problems have been my Race Light seat pole bent, and the Kona 999 hub got shot within the first few months, but I called Kona and they replaced it free of charge. That's customer service! All around a good buy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from Kent,England
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my muni-mula 3 weeks ago and I am well impressed with it, I used to have
a LavaDome and Kona bikes are just so cool, i've had a ride on a few other bikes
of similar value and the Kona's are just something else.
I've changed the tyres (break+enter) cause they were pants and an xt front changer is soon to go on and type 3 springs and a damper in the T2's would be nice.
Go and buy one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris gignac
a cross-country rider
from quesnel b.c canada
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this bike has a nice frame but the comments suck for the price lx and stx/rc
the 98 bike comes with xt thou i don't like grip shift unless it's esp 9.0
the avid breaks are to touchy and the lx crank bends to easy. i like this bike but it is over price | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KC
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought the brand new Nu-Nu - which is the same frame as a Muni Mula - but several hundreds of dollars cheaper. You get an XT/STXRC equipped bike that's tons of fun in the technical riding we do up here in the North West. Value for money it's the best and the paint job is a lot cooler than the Muni Mula. The brakes need upgrading (avid 1.0) and the shocks aren't the best (RST 381s) but it all does the job. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Brauer
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a 97 Muni Mula in July 1997 from my local dealer, Steveston Cycle. For the type of riding I do this bike is an excellent buy. I had to change the rear wheel after about eight months as I was breaking spokes on the Mavic 238 rims with regularity. The dealer seemed to think it might be a bad batch of spokes. I had a Sun 0 XC built and have not had any problems since. Some weak points are the drive line, chain in particular. I am on my second chain and cassette mainly because we do a lot of gravel riding and the grit is a killer of these parts. The Indy XC fork took some breaking in but is now delivering a very plush ride with adequate damping. The brakes are excellent and the grip-shifters are super smooth. I replaced the original tires with a set of 98 Kona Break and Enters but they were so wimpy I changed them for a set of Trek Big Kahunas and have enjoyed them ever since. These tires do wear incredibly fast but provide good grip and they are being sold for $ 20.00 each up here. Overall, I think this bike is well worth the $ 800.00 bucks I paid and I will consider another Kona for my next bike. The dealer has also been very good and provides great service and good prices on parts. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Gasperini
a cross-country rider
from Arkansas
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Wow !!!!! Two Words AWE SOME !!! Just picked up a 98' Muni-Mula Light as a feather. Kona is the 'Harley Davidson' of Mountain Bikes. Ritchey clipless,
Bontrager Mustang Rims, Roc Shoc Judy T2 Long Travel, Avid SD-1.9L brake system, Ventura Comp saddle, XT Deore rear Derail, Race Light seat post and Scratch and Sniff tires, CatEye enduro 2 computer, Giro Hammerhead helmet, Shimano Sh-M150 shoe (1,200.00) Hammer on !! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Drummond
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got a 97 muni as my first mtb. Upgraded to flite saddle, USE seatpost, riser bars, DMR pedals, Risse spring in the Indy XCs, XTR cabling, Rapidfires. Very happy with it, but some things to watch out for - maybe also with 98 version. Note that I have used the bike in some very muddy conditions over the winter.Chain and BB were low grade - chain bent and BB wore out pretty quickly. Got a lot of chain suck in mud, maybe the bent chain caused some damage before I changed it. Now upgraded whole drive train to XT. Wore the jockey wheels out on the LX rear shifter pretty quick - bought XTR jockets, then a XT shifter. 98 has a XT shifter with ceramic jockeys.Top swing STR-RC front shifter can clog up with mud and won't get the lower cog.
Upgraded to a bottom swing XT front shifter.Not much mud clearance from chainstays and front forks - mud has worn all the paint of the frame so don't go more than 2.1 in mud. Upgraded to Panaracer Dusters (1.95) - prefer to slip in mud than grind to a halt.Other than that - great. Loses a star for the cheap chain and BB.If I had to buy a new bike now - I would go for a more expensive Kona hardtail to get XT/XTR to start with. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe B
a weekend warrior
from Tazmania
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just bought a beautiful ball-burninshed '98 Muni Mula. It's spec'd out really nice for '98: Xt rear dr., LX crankset, LX rear hub, Avid Single Digit 20's with 1.9 LP levers, STX RF shifters, SDG Ventura Comp saddle, and Judy T2 just to name a few. Frame is really responsive, and has great welds. Kona DB riser bar and moose knuckle grips are a nice touch. Bike climbs exceptionaly well, even with the riser bar. Love the geometry of this bike. Judy T2 is a decent fork for a bike in this price range, and is easily upgradable. Not sure about the all around performance of the Kona break and enter tires, as I have only ridden in very muddy conditions so far, and they have done fine (remember these bikes are designed in the Pacific NW). This is one great aluminum hardtail! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris tonay
a cross-country rider
from easton, pa usa
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
yo...i use to have a muni-mula, but i sold it. i have owned both a gt and a cannondale too. the kona frame was cool and all, but the rest of the bike sucked! the parts are a bunch of noname crap. can anyone say OVERPRICED? all konas are. you might as well just buy the frame and take all the components off an old huffy. you would save some money. what a joke. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EJ
a weekend warrior
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Cool looking bike...nice red paint, Rock Shox, LX cranx, lightweight Kona bars & post. The seat (Selle Italia Expedia) kinda hurts, and the yellow
on it looks kinda whack. Powerfull stoppers(Avid V's). Pretty light, guess you could shave weight by spending a fortune on a wheel upgrade (comes with Mavic 238's STX/Kona Hubs). Replaced the pedals with clipless ones. The Tahoma stem also looks pretty Plain-Jane. Get rid of the stem & pedals and you're set!
I'm very happy with it, though.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lucy Praught
a cross-country rider
from Terrace, B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased the 97 Kona Muni Mula and have been totally happy with the performance
of the bike. Kona has done a great job with the graphics and the design of the
frame is like that of none other. The only item upgraded right away was the
pedals to clipless, but Kona has taken notice of our cries and the Muni Mula comes
stock with clipless in 98. Way to go Kona! You've created a masterpiece. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Lee
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently bought a 97 Muni Mula and it is a great bike. I looked at the differences between a 96 and 97 bike, and concluded that the 97 was a much better deal. It has better cranks (LX vs STX), brakes and levers (AVID 20 Linear pull), stem (Tahoma) and better shocks (Indy XC vs Q21R). This bike is great off road, especially for climbing. The Kona tires are a bit squirmy on loose gravel and dirt, but they work well in the deep stuff. The frame is very stiff, sometimes a little too hard on my spine.The AVID linear pull brakes and levers are first class. I have tried LX and XT V Brake combo's and find that the AVID combination is unbeatable.Upgrade recommendations include the seat (too hard), customizing the Indy's spring rate adjusters to the riders weight (or upgrade to Judy XC's), replace clipless pedals and change drivetrain to XT. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy Goodman
a cross-country rider
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a 1997 Muni Mula. Loved the name, graphics, and components. Good value for $850.00. Imediate upgrades are a saddle (Race Light's saddle was too hard and the nose de-pants you) (replaced with a WTB SST, excellent saddle), tires (the scratch and sniffs has little control in soft dirt and fine gravel), and clipless pedals. Excellent geometry (long frame) for climbing, but not for manuevering in tight spots (unpredictable, so sloooww down). Reliable components overall but the handlebar and seatpost had to be replaced within two months (bent handlebar from a high speed wreck-no fault of Race Light's and a bent seatpost-I'm 210 lbs.. May not be Race Light's fault, but doubtful). Also replaced the Shimano chain with a Sachs. All this within a few months of ownership. Granted, components breaking and wearing out comes with the sport, all I could say is that you get what you pay for. I considered several bikes in the price range, but was drawn back to the Muni Mula for the forementioned reasons. Overall I am proud to have the Muni Mula displayed on the back of my truck. Being on the trail with the Muni is almost effortless, compared to the other Mountain Bikes I have owned, and handles everything I throw at it with ease. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd McCallum
a cross-country rider
from sydney,NSW,Australia
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The only way to describe this bike is AWESOME
it takes all you can throw at it and excels in handling and climbing ability | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Olli
a cross-country rider
from Delta, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I forked out $1300 for this awesome bike, but im glad I did! Only problem
is that it scratches easly(but all bikes do) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a weekend warrior
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my 96 Kona Muni-Mula about a month ago and so far i love it, the only thing though was that it came with pretty much all STX except for the rear derailleur, which was an LX.I am now upgrading the componants | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Newins
a weekend warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Since you don't have it listed. I thought I would put in a good word for the Kona Kula! I have a 97 model and its my third Kona. Im aprox, 6'1,185 so I ride a 21'. I have a Bomber fork which is second to none and full XT,XTR components. The Kula is a great handler through tight single track as well as a born climber. The Easton tubeing soaks up the bumps and at speed the overall handling is very forgiving. The tech service from Kona is excellent and my local dealer,Stan Moore of Moore's bikes in Medford, Or.,offers great service and prices. I highly recommend any Kona product. Thank you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leon Naggonn
a racer
from Sidney, B.C., Canada
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a '96 model and I love it.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: February 8, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought a '95 Muni-Mula about 10 months ago. It was an amazing ride for 6 of those months, then the frame snapped at the head tube/down tube juncture. Check your frame carefully after every ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
glenn burgess
a cross-country rider
from belton tx
Date Reviewed: January 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I am the proud owner of a muni-mula an just want to say thank you to kona. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren Barnes
a weekend warrior
from London, England
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The 96 bike was on offer in my local shop at 600 UK pounds (thats cheap over here!!). I tested it, I loved it, I bought it. I had the brakes changed to Shimano 600 V's (awewome) and LX Rapidfire shifters (I hate GripShifts) - in my opinion it is a superb set up. Infact the engineer in the shop who put it together was so impressed when he test rode it that he bought the last one in their stock - his other bike was a GT LTS 1 !!!I have ridden many bikes of many makes over the years, but the Mula is love at first ride. It is so quick, responsive and nimble that it inspires confidence beyond my ability - fortunately it handles the rough stuff well too, even at speed, thanks to the Quadra 21R's.My only gripe is that its lightness can prove taxing to control in windy conditions. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peepuff
a weekend warrior
from Honolulu Hawaii
Date Reviewed: November 26, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I saw this bike on sale for $749 yesterday so I test rode it. The Cinder Cone was also on sale for around $400 and I test rode it also. I also rode something by Kona that was $1750 (full suspension...forget the name) but I immediately fell in love with the Muni-Mula and had to have it. It was light as a feather, shifted beautifully, and the Rock Shox (Quadra 21R) was a dream. Rode it down some stairs, over rocks and roots, dry dirt and gravel, road, etc. and it handled so nicely and the fun-factor was a thriller. It's a FUN bike. I forgot to mention that I also test rode the Cannondale Super V 900 (full suspension Y type frame going for $1452) the same day , but the Mucho-Mula kept haunting me. It's really worth the mula...I would recommend it. Oh...seems like the Kona guys have a sense of humor with 'Easter Eggs' on their bikes...if you look on the sides of the handlebars, impressed in the rubber are steaming hotdogs :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Culley
a weekend warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
After much agonising debate, I parted with the $AUD1600 necessary to purchase this machine and boy am I ever glad I did! The Quadra 21R is a superb fork and the componentry is great value for money (Deore LX R.Derailleur, STX cranks etc) Light as feather, handles great, RIPS uphills and flies down them. The ONLY negatives are a slightly overly light rear end (but you'll get used to that after a coupe of rides and the SCRATCH and SNIFF tyres are pretty soft and I had
to replace them after only three months, but apart from that this is one AWESOME bike! Go buy one today :> | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
josh
a weekend warrior
from launceston, australia
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is a orsome machine which is of very high quality | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Little
a weekend warrior
from Calgary, Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The Kona people were really using their brains when they put
together this one.
After owning and testing many other bikes, this one is by far the
best for its price ($1299). I have no problems with this bike except that
it is made of aluminum instead of a stronger chromoly frame.The Quadra 21R
on this bike is an amazing fork and the LX components put it over the top.
I think this is a very sweet bike for off-roads and city riding.
I suggest buying this bike to really piss off your parents. I did! | | Overall Rating: |
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