Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerset, England Date Reviewed: October 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Around Cheddar
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop at the Loc
Strengths:
Frame geometry, brakes, overall design.
Weaknesses:
Cheap pedals, hard forks, bottom bracket failing
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
This is a brilliant budget hard tail and it's even better value now that it's starting to be discounted, though I still don't regret paying full price because I've had a year's use of this excellent bike - bar the 6 weeks I couldn't ride when I broke my collarbone on a ride :-(
At last service though I discovered the bottom bracket was starting o fail and this is a recognised issue. When It comes to it, I'll upgrade the BB to something longer-lasting. Also even with all the damp control taken out, I find the shocks too hard. I'd like to upgrade to something where I would need to dial plushness out, rather than have so little give to start with.
That's the downsides, but the upsides are brilliant frame geometry and design. Solid disk brakes that just work and wheels that have taken some pounding, but get me through the slick mud as well as down the hard tracks with control and poise and they're still in top condition. The gears hold their adjustment and are positive and easy to use. Only my inexperience makes me crash! I love my Kona! I'm only holding back on the chillis for those couple of points above.
Buy this bike if you're looking for a brilliant value hard tail with some seriously good kit already on board. Upgrade the pedals and maybe the forks and you'll have the perfect 10/10.
Don't buy this bike if you don't like gold bikes or you want full suspension.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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