Submitted by
archer
a Weekend Warrior
from High Desert, SoCal,USA Date Reviewed: October 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
McGill, in Frazier Park or Just Outstanding
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
This is for the 2008 version: Bang for the Buck considering what I paid as a discount year end leftover. It is light, seems strong, climbs well, has good components that function well.
Weaknesses:
Some chain rub on the bottom of the rear triangle in gears you don't use (granny front with 11 tooth rear for example). Paint could be better, more durable and better applied on underside of the down tube there were a few flaws or inclusions. Brake noise. Pedals were on way too tight. Kona QR seatpost clamp needs an allen wrench to adjust tension. Grips are soft enough that they are easily chewwed up by the ends of the bars when laying the bike down or propping it against the wall.
Similar Products Used:
I test rode everything I could get my hands on in the 5"-7" class. This was the best combination of price, weight and nice ride for the combination of all mountain and cross country riding that I do.
The Trek and Fisher's in the same class were nice but hard to find a Large frame in stock anywhere and the prices tended to be much higher. The geometry on the 2008 Dawg was so much better than the 2007 and the bike was so much lighter and more easy to pedal than the 7" bikes from Kona and Giant.
Bike Setup:
Stock plus WTB 2.4" Mutano Raptor tires with Mr Tuffy's liners, Blackspire Big Ring Protector and Crank Brother's Mallet pedals. I'll be upgrading to 7" rotors soon. Probably go with ODI lock on grips in a month or two.
Bottom Line:
I upgraded to this bike from my hardtail because my friends were dragging me through terrain that was spanking me with the saddle and shaking my knees through the pedals. This bike flows over and through rough stuff so much better it isn't funny.
I still need to work on MY endurance but for the most part the Dawg climbs at least as well as my hardtail. That's mostly without the lockout and propedal on the fork & shock which I only use for the occasional road section.
The Hayes Carbon Stroker levers have survived a few tumbles and everything else has worked flawlessly except for the rear derailleur that got nailed by a freak tree limb. The brake noise is annoying and I think I'd rather have aluminum levers for durability but they work well otherwise.
I've got a 20" version. I probably should have gone with 19" but this was available and fit well while the other was a 2 week wait during which the 20" would have been gone and the 2007 19" Dawg felt a little tight. Kona offers a lot of sizes and the overlap between them means you probably fit pretty well on two or three of them. Even though it is a larger frame this bike turns better than my old hardtail. With the drooping top tube I haven't had to worry about slamming the bar with my crotch either.
Everyone rags on Kona's being heavy and not climbing well. That isn't the case with this bike. I've had three friends including a bike mechanic who have picked it up during loading/unloading operations comment on how light the bike is. It is much the same as the similar Trek and for the price beat them pretty well.
I've taken this bike through some pretty narly stuff. It handled Cannell Trail/Plunge with ease in spite of my lack of endurance and speed. It is light enough that it can be dragged or carried through sections that aren't ridable or up stairs without breaking your back.
If you are looking for a good AM/XC rig to do some descending while retain climbing ability this is it. If you are looking for a no climbing downhill kind of bike go with a heavier gravity sled. There may be better bikes out there but I can't fault this one for what it is designed to do in any way.
I'm very happy with the bike. I only wish it came with the 2010 lifetime frame warranty as I'll probably keep it quite a while. Of course everyone says 'You'll never break a Kona.' The one my riding buddy owns is about six years old and going strong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
craigeliot
a Cross Country Rider
from Rapid City, SD usa Date Reviewed: September 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bulldog
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Acme Bicycles
Strengths:
Solid ride. The bike is versatile providing a fun ride in both climbing and descending situations. Locking the rear suspension provides a solid platform to power through technical sections. I ride mainly single-track cross country trails; the bike is very forgiving when I make a mistake and comes right back on the trail when I get lost on a section of trail. Great seat, excellent wheel set, and awesome suspension. Amazing paint job; the deep metallic red is sharp.
Weaknesses:
The way Kona chose to route the cables makes for some excessive rubbing on the frame which dulls the paint. This isn't a huge deal, but the bike is really sharp looking, so having the tubes needlessly scratched up is annoying. The cable mount on the main tube is also about an inch too high above the bottom bracket; the cable for the front derailleur touches the rear suspension. The pressure isn’t great, but it makes me wonder what Kona was thinking. How do you miss such an obvious, easy thing to fix?
Similar Products Used:
I test rode lots of bikes in the $2200+ area (i.e., $2000-$3000 range): Giant, Specialized, Gary Fischer, etc.
Bike Setup:
Cross country: tires: 35 psi; suspension: stiff front and medium rear. I am going to move everything in at least 1-1/2" and cut the handle bars accordingly.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike, but for the money most people would be just as happy with its Specialized counter-part and keep at least $500 in their pocket.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
12ferreale
a Weekend Warrior
from Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch, Boulder, Colorado
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light weight for it's capabilities. Very plush travel over larger obstacles. Good bottom out protection when tuned right.
Weaknesses:
When propedal is off, there is a a lot of bobbing when pedaling up large hills when I pedal standing up. But, if I spin there is very little bob.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Four Deluxe, Santa Cruz Heckler
Bike Setup:
Dawg Deluxe frame with components from a Kona Five-O: Marzocchi 55r fork, Shimano Alivo and Deore drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
This is a great all around bike. Although it is a bit heavy, it can take five foot drops and do well on tight cross country singletrack. This bike is perfect for epic, back country rides. The frame has five plus inches of travel so I would not classify it as a cross country bike. The 09 Dawg even has mounts for a floating caliper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andersor
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: May 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Brecon Beacons
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Keswick MTB
Strengths:
A fantastic machine which inspires confidence. Lets do with some basic facts. I dont do 24 hour races. I dont really care if the guys reach the top 30 seconds quicker than me or indeed if they get to the pub a minute before me, the weight of the bike isn't an issue (I could use losing a stone though so 100 grams gained by having carbon brake levers is pi**ing in the wind quite frankly). This is just a fantastic ride and believe me I have tried many of the others. Performance is superb and it feels utterly dependable, I have kept going when then boys with the Specialized and the Treks have had to take a pit stop. Ultimately a bike is a personal thing, it's a bit like your bird really, you may think that it's a good ride but your mates will never all agree. Your J-Lo is my Kate Winslett. I love my Dawg Deluxe!
Weaknesses:
the saddle - WTB - the pain!!
Similar Products Used:
Scott, Specialized stumpy (crap - the bearings last about 3 rides)
Bike Setup:
Factory, Peaty lock on's, Shimano spd's
Bottom Line:
A top machine, not the sexiest looking but overall does what it sais on the tin and is just the most amazing downhill screamer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lewdvig
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Canada Date Reviewed: April 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
mt Assinniboine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2275.00
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
Relatively light, active suspension, 5" front and back. LX/XT drive train, Hayes Striker Carbon brakes
You really need to be patient climbing with this thing.
The Trance X3 and Trek EX 7 deserved a better look. :(
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nateken
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange, CA Date Reviewed: April 5, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1740.00
Purchased At:
The Path Bike Shop
Strengths:
Strong frame and great components
Weaknesses:
Wheelset and brakes (both hardly a weakness)
Similar Products Used:
Other Konas, couple Giants, Trek Fuel EX
Bike Setup:
Stock 2008
Bottom Line:
I shopped for bikes for around 4 months before deciding on the 2008 Dawg Deluxe. Let me start by saying I am 6'2" and go from 190-200lbs. A major concern for me was finding a bike that was durable for someone of my size and the Dawg seemed like a perfect match. After riding, I've discovered it is the perfect match. Being my first bike of investing 4 figures in, I wanted to make sure I purchased a bicycle that I could develop all of my skills with instead of picking a specific bike type. The Dawg moves really well for XC but truly shines while descending. When I cruise up the hill at a decent pace, my pup begs to be opened up and allowed to shoot up the terrain. The only things holding me back when climbing are my own skills and endurance. When finally getting to the top, the beast whines to be allowed to go even faster. My descending has improved dramatically and continues to develop on this great bike. About the wheelset, the way I ride my bike (hard with intermediate experience) coupled with my size equals damaged rims. My rear rim became untrue my first few rides and I don't drop more than 2'. Apparently these rims are solid for XC and probably smaller guys... However, still rolling them until broken or swapped for some new DTSwiss e2200's!!! About the Hayes Carbon Trail brakes, they do their job with flying colors but also are very noisy. I hardly notice them but many people do. Real bottom line: Phenomenal backcountry ride that does great on its focus, XC, but also gives the rider more than a mere taste of shooting down hills, hitting jumps, and taking drops. If you have your niche in mountain biking, pick up a Dawg for the days where you do everything. If you're newer to the sport and finding what you like or want a intermediate-level do-it-all bike, still pick up a Dawg. I love my Dawg and it brings a HUGE goofy grin to my face every day.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gr8googamooga
a Weekend Warrior
from S. Florida Date Reviewed: November 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Active Cycle
Strengths:
The brakes are a love hate relationship(Stroker Carbon), Incredibly responsive to a 1 finger touch. Love the XT Shadow rear derailer, quick accurate shifting, no skipping or chain slap. The seat(WTB Laser) is very comfortable. Last but not least the frame (Scandium Light Butted) I mean Hell the bike weighs in at just under 31 lbs. I use it for trails and downhill and it has yet to disappoint.
Weaknesses:
Remember the love hate thing with the brakes well they are LOUD. Other than that I Love This Bike.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Dawg, Trek 100 carbon
Bike Setup:
Stock "2008"
Bottom Line:
Not a XC really. If you're looking for a great all around bike that you can ride on pretty much any terrain with confidence,light enough for XC and strong enough for some pretty hefty drops, this is it. JUST BUY IT ALREADY!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
semperfi658
a Cross Country Rider
from Monrovia California Date Reviewed: October 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Chantry Flats
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World Woodland
Strengths:
Suspension and brakes. very responsive.
Weaknesses:
the tires that came with the bike; maxxis ignitors... not as strong as i thought. popped tires.
Bike Setup:
all stock. marzocchi fork. fox rear shock.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome. everyone says its too heavy. i'm able to bike uphill 8 miles as fast as i could with a hardtail. im weigh 155 and am 6 ft. the bike handles so well on dirt that it blows my mind. i take rocky and sandy turns so much faster than i ever thought i could. when riding back home i take this bike off curbs and am surprised how much my butt does NOT hurt. I love this bike and the tires make a really nice hum coming downhill. The only problem i had was i rode over 200 thorn bushes with maxxis and got flat tires instantly. I easily replaces tubes and now the bike works perfectly. this bike is awesome and the weight is NOT a problem for me at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mikeyvegas
a Weekend Warrior
from edinburgh scotland Date Reviewed: October 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
JEJames UK
Strengths:
Bulletproof
Weaknesses:
Gear cable
Bike Setup:
Standard
Bottom Line:
Climbs very well. Don't know any 5" bike that is 6lbs lighter for the same $. Have used and abused mine for a year now and have only 1 main niggle. The last section of the rear deraileur cable is constantly getting crud into it and the gears then dont shift. Have considered changing up to a higher spec rig, but many bikes at double the price dont have any better components on them so i will stick with this. The fork is entry level Marzochi but i cannot fault it and it has done some serious downhill stuff. Overall lots of bike for the $ compared to other manufacturers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a Weekend Warrior
from danville,ca Date Reviewed: May 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything that rewards a big climb
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Strengths:
Solid construction, comfortable riding position (5'11, 163)
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Kona hard tails
Bike Setup:
Stock 2006
Bottom Line:
Awesome bike. One year of beating up this bike and I've never had a single problem. It climbs well, and it simply bombs downhill. The weight is not as bad as other reviews make it out to be. I ride 2-3 times a week and feel really confident and comfortable. I'm a Kona supporter and will definately consider another Kona when I buy again. Bottom line: this is simply a fun bike that will take whatever you throw at it...have fun with it! Buy this bike (5 in. of travel front/back) if you can handle big climbs and want to tear down the mountain and hit some decent jumps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: April 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
craigslist
Strengths:
all around easy bike to ride. Comfortable, fun, agressive
Weaknesses:
weight, low-end parts
Bike Setup:
stock accept the front end was run over by a car, so the wheel is a specialized something or other and the front brake is avid bb7 (way better than the hayes 9 that come with it)
Bottom Line:
This is for the 06, so the parts may be a bit different, but I got this bike cause my 8 year old hard tail was about to break in half and I wanted something more "all mountain." I saw this little beauty on craigslist for so cheap, it didn't matter that Konas are notoriously heavy (31.5 lbs) or that the parts were low end (entry level marzocchi fork, LX at best, Hayes 9... you get the picture) I'll be slowly replacing the crappy parts as they break with at least XT.
The sale price for the 07 was $1200, and this thing was slightly abused by someone who didn't ever take it off road, but never maintained it either. So I gave it a little TLC, rebuilt the rear shock, and here I am happy as a clam, fast and comfortable on a really legit ride for a slammin' price. That'll get it some flamin' chili's.
It definatelly lives up to the disclaimer that all "all mountain" bikes have on them (nothing over 3 feet, dear). I'm 155lbs and still can't push it like I thought I could.
It climbs really well. The pro-pedal works well, and the geometry is well designed. Coming from a hardtail to this wasn't nearly as destructive to my climbing as I thought it would be.
I am one satisfied customer. I would never pay over $1000 for it... not with those parts, so if you can find a deal like I did, I would highly recommend it! 5 Chili's for value, because of the price; 3 for the overall, because of the parts and weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raul
a Weekend Warrior
from Fontana, CA USA Date Reviewed: February 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Desert riding
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Coates Cyclery; Pomona, CA
Strengths:
I'm reviewing my 2007 Dawg Deluxe: tough frame, well balanced bike, lockout front shock, Fox Float RP2, bike handles wonderfully. Bike does very well with 3-6 drops with its suspension.
Weaknesses:
front derailleur had issues.... after adjustments at my LBS no more problems; the Dawg Deluxe is about 5 more pounds heavier than what I would prefer BUT I did test other lighter bikes but still felt this was the best bike/feel for me (6' tall; 205 lbs); the stock WTB Speed V comp saddle was very uncomfortable... changed to a Serfas Performance RX. The stock grips were not comfortable as I changed those, too. Some chain slap.
Similar Products Used:
Tested: Specialized, Cannondale, Giant, and other Konas like the King Kikapu and Dawg. Also rode tested the 07 Kona Caldera... very nice HT.
Bike Setup:
stock minus Race Face bash guard, Serfas Performance RX saddle, Race Face locking clamp grips, Kona Wah-Wah pedals for casual riding
Bottom Line:
The bike is bulletproof with its strong frame. After changing the saddle the bike felt perfect for long rides. Surprisingly my Dawg Deluxe rides uphills very good and up and over rocks and logs like nothing. The weight doesn't really impede the riding comfort at all nor its ability to tackle obstacles/conditions. You can ride a long time and not feel fatigue on your arms, legs, or lower back due to the full suspension. Downhill riding is a blast. The suspension does what its suppose to do. The negative word about some of the Konas is the weight. My Dawg Deluxe weighs around 32 lbs. I've noticed the more I ride it and the more I gain confidence and strengthen my skills the overweight is no big deal. I would highly recommend this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Krusty
a Weekend Warrior
from BC, Canada Date Reviewed: September 24, 2007
I think Kona makes the heaviest bikes out there. I mean this is XC and it weighs almost as much as my Specialized Big Hit which is for downhill! Selling it. I hate Kona.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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