Submitted by
Chris S
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: October 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
various
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
planetary cycles
Strengths:
Well rounded bike. Smooth Cromoly frame. Not heavy for it's class/price range. I would say good climber but the climbing I do in Houston is relatively small. So i will say - Good XC bike instead. I ride allot on the road and neighborhood trails as well as real MTN bike trails too. 1 1/8 inch stem in 1998.
Weaknesses:
Stock shock (Rock Shox Indy S) is weak. I didn't know how weak until I upgraded it this yr. And they don't make this bike anymore.
Similar Products Used:
only ridden these other bikes in bike store parking lots...never on trails. Motobecanes HT 500, Iron horse mavericks, specialized rockhoppers & stump jumpers, gary fisher tassara, Haro's & Soctt's all around $500-$900 range new. Would look at more Kona's but no on in Houston carry's their sub $1000 hard tails.
Bike Setup:
As stock except for Marzocchi Marathon S Front shock put on this yr - tires, chains, cassettes as needed. The taller front shock changed the geometry a little but I am Ok with it.
Bottom Line:
It's a Kona. Had this thing 10 yrs and ride it allot every yr. Mine is a '98 and it must be a Timex...keeps on ticking... Every yr I ride new bikes to see if I need one - and I don't (not yet anyway but full suspension and/or hydrolic disc brakes may get me soon). Can't get the smooth steel feel on an aluminum hard tail. If you are looking for a realiable & respectable used bike you can get a used one for not that much. (I have 2 of them now)
If you are the jet setter looking to impress with pedigree specs and how much you spent on our bike - this ain't for you - but if you want a Kona and have to buy food too...then this might be for you. And if you want a steel hard tail...pick up a used one cause they don't make this model anymore. And don't forget if you plan on riding lg roots and bumpy roads plan on adding a better front shock then hey you have a custom bike. -And people might call you old school - could be worse.
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