Submitted by
doglet
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: October 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hong Kong's finest!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
So light. That'll be the scandium. The rear is super plush when the rp23 is engaged and really firm when it's off. Feels like there's 5" of travel and its more laid back angles make it very confidence inspiring. Great stand over height and longish top tube makes burning up hills as easy as going for it over technical rock gardens. BB height is good yet is combined with a low centre of G. It is race worthy, enduro friendly and all you'll need for Xtreme XC trails.
Weaknesses:
That scandium down tube feels a bit thin and it probably wont take a beating on rocks. However, its hexagonal cross-section does make it more robust than rounded tubes.
Similar Products Used:
My other bike is a Giant NRS G which I have converted into an all-mountain machine for Hong Kong trails. Its black anodised frame is very strong and extremely hard wearing. I would go as far to say that this version of the NRS is a classic of our time.
Bike Setup:
Kona Four Supreme 18", Rear shock: Fox RP23, Rock Shox Revelation Dual air u-turn 100-130, Chris King headset, Shimano straight pull tubeless wheelset M765, LX Deore Cranks, FD XT, RD deore, XT cassette, shifters 2008 XT, Juicy sevens, Gravity Dropper 4", Specialized BG saddle, Truvativ Rouleur stem, EA 70 low rise monkey bar, FR Kenda Nevegal, RR Larsen TT
Bottom Line:
So much fun. Encourages speed with the safety net of big hit absorption. Loves hills. Climbs like a hardtail with amazing traction. Even over loose dirt. Great acceleration. All the travel you'll need on trails, no matter how knarly. Makes you want to ride, and ride faster. If you throw some more cash at this you could get a very fast racer. I know I go faster with a gravity dropper despite the weight penalty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bearburrell
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm, Sweden Date Reviewed: September 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hellasgrden area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
Warranty Replacement
Strengths:
Lightweight, seems like a strong design, better standover height
Weaknesses:
Not enough room for a Fat Albert 2.35
Similar Products Used:
Kona Kikapu Deluxe
Bike Setup:
2009 Fox Float 32 RLC
2009 Fox RP23
1x9 set up
Hone HollowTech II M601 175mm
XTR Cassette 9 Speed M960 11-34
Rear XTR Rear Derailleur Rapid Rise M960 GS Short Cage
Mavic Wheels EX721 & EX729 w/ HopeII hubs
etc...
Bottom Line:
The frame should have been designed to handle a little wider rear tire.
In my opinion it's a pretty significant engineering oversight. In the Stockholm area the Fat Albert 2.35 is the tire of choice for technical and wet riding and so many other bikes can handle this tire without rubbing:(
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mrirving
a Cross Country Rider
from Land O Lakes, Florida USA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Alafia River State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Oliver's Cycle Sport
Strengths:
Nimble, light, smooth. It is a Kona!
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Kona hardtail
Bike Setup:
2008 Kona Four Supreme. XT cranks and Cassette, XTR front a rear derailuer, Bontager XXX Carbon Bar. Thompson Elite X4 stem, Oury lock ons, Industry nine wheels with Stan's ZTR Arch rims, Maxxis Ingnitor eXCeption series tires, Chris King no thread head set.RP23 shock, Rl100 fork, Hayes Carbon Brakes.
Bottom Line:
I have been a hardtail freak for a few years, this bike responds just like a hardtail and is even lighter than most. I am in love! Under 25 pounds!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
