Submitted by
irideablackbike
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI, USA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Potawatomi
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
This frame is exactly what I have always dreamed of out of a bike. It's firm enough that it doesn't lose power when you climb or get out of the saddle, yet plush enough to really hammer down hills and take on any reasonable obstacle. Heck, I've taken the bike to Boyne Highlands and had fun!
Weaknesses:
The only weakness I can think of is the fact that the frame is no longer made.
Best bike I've ever owned, hope to have it for a very, very long time. I will be buying another kona when it's time for a new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lexibm
a Cross Country Rider
from Ladera Ranch, CA, USA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Orange County et al
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
sBay
Strengths:
Well thought out design. Good looking. Scandium frame is light and strong. Cable routing excellent.
Weaknesses:
Cosmetic: A little flashy. Some rear derailleur noise hitting chainstay at times.
Similar Products Used:
Adding a note here instead! Price above is frame only deal from eBay.
Bike Setup:
Fox Float RP3. Fox 130RLC. XTR hubs/DT SWiss 4.1d wheels. Tubless run WTB Exiwolf 2.3 tires. XTR build. Chris King headset. Easton 90mm stem. Carbon bars. WTB titanium rail saddle. ODI lock-on grips. Salsa QR seatpost clamp.
Bottom Line:
Light, agile, while retaining good downhill technical ability. (The 5" travel fork on a 4" travel frame has all the handling charateristics I desire for overall trail riding) Scandium frame makes a "different" noise when pebbles ping off of it. Cable routing is excellent. Pedals uphill like a hardtail. Bob-less. Confidence inspiring, yes it is. Rear derailleur/chainstay contact very slight on fast hard bumps remedied by small piece of innertube on chainstay. My bottom line: a)I use this one bike for everything and it constantly improves my abilities.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tlevine@sbcglobal.net
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Camp Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Bought frame and built-up bike. Great geometry, Scandium tubing, light, stiff, well engineered. Fox RP3 rear shock.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Kona Explosiv, Specialized Stumpjumper XC
Bike Setup:
SRAM X-9 RD and Shifters, XT FD, Cook Bros.Crank, Mavic Cross Ride Disc hubs and wheels, Formula Oro K24 Brakes Rock Shox Recon 351 (100-130mm), WTB Comfort Zone saddle, Race Face seatpost, Crank Bros. "Candy" pedals
Bottom Line:
I wanted a $3,000 FS bike, but spent only $1,300 building this bike. Thank you eBay and Craigslist! Super plush and solid on descents, agile on single track. Only 26 lbs, great climber. Shock lockout for long road or fireroad rides. Perfect geometry...really comfortable. All I need is more courage and stronger lungs. Really love my bike, I've lost 10 lbs and can't wait to ride every day!! I have the Blue and white frame, looks great. Great all around XC bike Will review again after a year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
black_rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: August 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Alpine Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Farm
Strengths:
Light, stiff, and fast. Suspension tracks well in rough stuff, great on technical climbs. Comfortable bombing downhills like it's got more than 4". Lockout and ProPedal are great for long climbs. XT kit is solid. Great all around bike--endurance races, short track, epic XC rides.
Weaknesses:
Frameset is great, but some of the build leaves a bit to be desired. FSA XC-300 wheelset--broken nipple, broken spokes, and irreparable rim within 1 year. Headset and BB didn't hold up too long (6 mos?) in the Portland winter. Have had to bleed Hayes Nine brakes several times--bit of a pain, but they stop well.
Similar Products Used:
First DS bike. Tested Santa Cruz Superlight, Specialized Stump Jumper 29r, Fisher Paragon, Giant Trance.
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock 2007. Replaced headset and BB with Chris King. Wheels are now XT hubs laced to Mavic 717 rims. Ergon grips.
Bottom Line:
I'd buy it again. It's a great all-rounder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shoedork
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
Light 4" Travel XC Bike
Weaknesses:
Seat Stay portion of rear linkage suffered a crack at the joint fitting. KONA would not let the dealer warranty the item until they saw it - even though the dealer confirmed that it need to be replaced. Took two weeks to resolve.
Bottom Line:
Seems like KONA offers some good value, but their warranty service is terrible - which I think speaks volumes about the company. I immediately stripped the bike and bought another from Turner - which I quickly realized is not only really well built, but rides MUCH better. I will never purchase anything from KONA again...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marcerrin
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodinville, WA, USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
NYB
Strengths:
Great frame design, rock solid. Excellent stock groupo, xt rules. Handles anything you throw at it.
Weaknesses:
Wheelset is a little weak.
Similar Products Used:
Panasonic old school mountain cat, GT Pantera, Specialized FSR M4, Trek liquid 55.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a rock solid ride, this bike is it right out of the box.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ranxirox
a Cross Country Rider
from Paso Robles CA, USandA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pozo High Mtn Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
Jah Rastafari Provid
Strengths:
Climbing, High and low speed handling. Weight. Overall this is one of the best no BS frame designs avialable IMHO!
Weaknesses:
Seat post size. I think It's a 26.8. I ride the 18" frame and like to extend the post. I can feel some flex in the seat post so I have to use alloy instead of carbon and a Ti. post would be way to flexy.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis Dakar Pro, Titus Racer-x, Giant Trance, Fat Chance Yo eddy Ti.(my other bike)
Bike Setup:
Manituou Black forks, Xtr drivetrain, FSA Carbon Cranks, Easton Stem Post and bars, Hayes 9 brakes, Mavic CrossMax rims and hubs with the big fat spokes.
Bottom Line:
I like to ride - Uphill, Down, Across, Over, Trails, Hills, Fields, Etc "Burn One Down and ride all day". I have been riding since 84 (Ritchey). I have owned too many bikes to mention. This bike is in my top five of all time favorite bikes. I haven't been as attentive to maintenance as I could have been - But I have had zero trouble. No ghost shifting no funky noises from the suspension. I have the Carbon seat stays and no problems man. My other bike is a Ti Fat Chance and it hasn't seen much use since I built this bike (That's saying alot right there!)
I feel bad for people who pay for a name or looks over performance. I have been that route myself. There is a genuine magic feeling when you get the right bike. You ride farther faster and enjoy it more.
I am thinking about getting the KONA 29er because I like this bike so much. I am also thinking about converting my Wife and son over to this design. Am I starting to sound like a fanatic?
Any how if your getting ready to buy a bike and are looking at this review. Do yourself a favor and test ride one of these.
I reccomend this bike to the purist, riders who really like to ride and develop their skill. If you can't get there on this bike it's not the bikes fault.
I would discourage neanderthal riders, guys who blame the bike for their own shortcomings. If your gonna run right into the rut when you could have hopped over it - look elsewhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duder
a Cross Country Rider
from DC Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff, light
Weaknesses:
little slow off the gun...oh wait thats just me
Similar Products Used:
Kona The King 2005
Bike Setup:
RockShox Revelation 80-130mm, XT with Sun Rinolytes, Float R, Sram 9.0, Avid BB7
Bottom Line:
I cracked my 05 the King at the weld of the seat tube and top tube. Took the bike to my LBS, and they got it replaced by Kona under warranty. Its nice to have that kind of product support. The 08 is a very nice improvement over the 05. I particularly like the added gussets to the seat tube top tube joint(obvs), and the down tube. I cant tell if the rear shock mount is forged or machined, but its MUCH stiffer than the 05 King....a very nice upgrade, as was the added travel. They changed frame sizes between the 05 and 08 frames which meant i went from a 21 inch in 05 to a 20.5 with the new one. I wouldnt think this would make much of a difference, but the newer frame feels a little bit more stable and faster. The revelation is a great match for this frame, though 130mm of travel is too much for the geometry, so i tweak it down to 110.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: February 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Powderface
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Strengths:
Very stiff frame, no flex and light. Great performing suspension components and full XT which is nice. Tires roll very fast on hardpack, but lack traction in loose conditions
Weaknesses:
Wheelset flex is a problem. It takes away from the rock solid frame....this is noticed on choppy or rocky sections (maybe I am too heavy for this set but at 185lbs I am not impressed with the amount of flex in the wheels). Tires offer minimal traction and lower air volume. A true 2.1 tire with better traction would suit my riding environment.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar, K2 hardtail, Jamis Dakar
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
A great XC ride, would be perfect with MAXIS Enduro and Kenda Nevegal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Peery
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sunset Trail in Flagstaff
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Farm
Strengths:
Due to the use of Scandium, this thing is light for a 4" trvel bike. Over all the 4 bar system works great and OEM Fox fork and shock are very high quality items.
Weaknesses:
None yet found
Bike Setup:
Over all the King is set-up well out of the box, but I subbed out Mavic Cross Trail UST wheels for the FSA hoops as I had heard nothing good about FSA wheels, a Chris King headset, a larger front rotor, Thomson stem and seat post and some 2.35 UST Maxxis Ignitor tires, On One Mary bars and Ergon grips. The tubeless upgrade was amazing - changed the bike completely.
Bottom Line:
The ride is amazing - agile in slow technical stuff and rock solid in fast technical terrain. The bike is flickable and light enough for XC use, but has the cajones for all out downhill bombing. A GREAT DO IT ALL BIKE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jean
a Racer
from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: November 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
"trail" to the Valley
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The bike came with pedals, it's light & reliable; a great machine for the price!
Weaknesses:
Poor wheelset (the spoke nipples bust under easy riding conditions), poor handgrips.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Cadex CFM
Bike Setup:
stock: Fox Float RP23 rear shock, Fox F100RL 100mm travel fork, Shimano PD-M520 clipless pedals, Shimano XT derailleurs & shifters, HAYES HFX-9 XC Brakes & Levers, FSA XC-300 Wheelset
Bottom Line:
A great bike that takes in whatever I throw at it from rocky Sudbury. I was sad to let go of my very old carbon bike but this is a great replacement. I was skeptical about the weight due to the full-suspension but my body thanks me as I don’t feel the bumps as much anymore; I now accelerate to climb small, very rocky climbs!
The major downside are the FSA wheels: the spoke nipples let go and I busted 3 spokes ON AN EASY RIDE! I bent the rim beyond repair. I’m now debating on getting either: Mavic CrossMax ST, I9 All-Mountain or Spinergy Xyclones.
The King is THE KING! Ride on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff White
a Racer
from Victor, NY Date Reviewed: October 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dryer Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Trail Blazers
Strengths:
The components are top notch and the frame is so very light. The easy adjusting front and rear suspension is perfect for any type of ride. I have the Orange/White color scheme and it will not be mistaken for any other ride on the trail.
Weaknesses:
Stock grips were quickly replaced as was the seat, but there is nothing else that needs any upgrade.
Similar Products Used:
GT Tempest from 1995. Going from hard tail to this plush ride was quite hard to get used to, but don’t worry I managed.
Bike Setup:
Stock and loving it
Bottom Line:
I love this bike and tell everyone who asks. Originally I was a little worried about the height difference from my hard tail, but after a single ride I knew there was nothing this bike could not handle. The thumb shifters work perfectly and the on-the-fly adjustability of the shocks help you tune your bike to you. The fact I picked up a demo model from my LBS who gave me a full year warrantee and tune-ups made the deal irresistible. If I had the money for MSRP I would definitely consider this bike a top contender, picking it up for less is a no-brainer. My main rides are technical single-tracks and serious cardiac uphill this bike is perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Racer
from Temecula, CA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
buffalo springs, co
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
beyond bikes
Strengths:
light, simple and fast
Weaknesses:
rim tape on wheelset
Similar Products Used:
gt zaskar
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
this bike is great out of the box. on first ride i was very satisfied, very plush and responsive. after tuning the suspension and flipping the stem for a steeper more rigid setup, i like this bike ever more. so far no problems. i have heard mixed reviews about the brakes, but no issues yet. great simple lightweight bike that can be used for both free ride and xc racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gustavo
a Cross Country Rider
from Venezuela Date Reviewed: May 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Kona USA
Strengths:
Scandium Frame is perfect, light and heavy. Rear suspensión in the best position ever. Shimano XT perfect, Rear Shock RP23, Saddle WTB rocket is great, Evolve XC rocks!! Wheelset FSA XC-300
Weaknesses:
Nothing !! :)
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel, Rocky Mountain ETS-X, Turner Flux
Bike Setup:
Components Shimano XT, steam handlebars and seat post race face Evolve XC, Hayes HFX-9 XC, RP23, FOX 100 RL. Wheelset FSA XC 300
Bottom Line:
Best Bike Ever Made. This is great Bike, very funny color and very soft suspensión. Perfect for the ascents and excellent control in the slopes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William
a Weekend Warrior
from monterey ca usa Date Reviewed: January 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
goat trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1611.00
Purchased At:
my bike shop
Strengths:
freakin amazing, this thing can FLOAT over anything, and i mean float, u feel like ur not even touching the ground, its super light, came out to be 26 pounds out of the box just with new tires on and thats it
Weaknesses:
XT sucks, ghost shifting and all the other problems, oh and bad stem and seat post
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
crossmark tires and gonna put on sram group set very soon
Bottom Line:
worth every penny, its more than a bike, this thing i can do anything, go as far as i want, and have great fun on it, super light, great, durable, does everything i want when i want
love this thing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fun Bobby
a Racer
from Edmonton,alberta,Canada Date Reviewed: October 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
urmom
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
the bike ispretty wicked awsome, really good suspension and nice and light. Bikes performance is really improved with the use of spd's
Weaknesses:
the paint job sucks i get beat up because people say the bike looks pretty flaming. The tires are not up to my standars so i bought new ones
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockhopper, Subaru trike and the arashi dotaiko
Bike Setup:
is pretty pooonage nooobs just like what i did to your mother last night
Bottom Line:
its good only if u race over 48 hours if u use it for less u miss out
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wes
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: October 6, 2006
I cannot think of any better riding partner then this bike, it does what I want when I want and it really gives it up and down the hills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cheap for what you get!
Strengths:
Greating handling, great suspension and better looking than in its pictures. Perfect for blasting or epic races.
Weaknesses:
I agree with Eddie - it would be nice if they came with sealed headset
Similar Products Used:
Scott RC, Specialized Epic and Giant Anthem
Bike Setup:
Raceface Deus cranks and stem, Raceface Next seat post and bars, XT 11/34 cassette and Stans ZTR Olympic wheels.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike! They're very stiff, light (just over 26lbs standard), reliable and are very comfortable to ride. Plus they have that blast through everything Kona handling. I use mine for 24 hour and marathon races and no matter how ugly things get it never skips a beat. I have a lot of fun on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie O'Dea
a Racer
from Atlanta, GA USA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Pilot Rock, Pisagh NF
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Cartecay
Strengths:
Light, accelerates quickly, no bob or very cushy depending on RP3 setting, climbs like a goat and descends very predictably. Great for XC racing or back counrty epics. Perfect for 24 hour solo racing.
Weaknesses:
Cane Creek headset needs constant maintenance, replacing with Chris King.
Similar Products Used:
Specilized Stumpjumper, Kona King Kikapu
Bike Setup:
"The King" frame, SRAM drive train, Aerus bar & stem, Race Face seat post & cranks, Crank Bros Eggbeater pedals, Asipde saddle, Maxxis Ignitor tires, American Classic 350 disc, Hayes FX9 brakes,
Bottom Line:
Kona makes a great bike within financial reach of all racers. Super durable, but not heavy. I race 24 hour solo races on this rig, ride back country epics and XC races...perfect all-rounder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Davies
a Weekend Warrior
from Cambridge UK Date Reviewed: July 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Marin Trail North Wales
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4040.00
Purchased At:
Triton Cycles London, UK
Strengths:
Scandium frame fitted with Fox suspension front and back, good quality finishing kit, race face ShimanoXT, HFX-9 XC Carbon and FSA X300 wheel set. Once tuned in no detectable suspension bob and of all the bike tested, it just seemed right.
Weaknesses:
Standard tubes fitted are very thin and puncture easily, foam grips are aweful, rear brake hose rubs the paint work on the top-tube
Similar Products Used:
Test rides on - Orange 5 and Patriot 66, Scott Genius 30, Cannondale Rush 1000 and Prophet 1000, Rocky Mountain ETSX 30, Rocky Mountain Slayer 50, Kona Supreme, Giant Reign 1, Giant Trance 2, Whyte E5 XT and a Marin Mount Vision amongst others.
Bike Setup:
Standard except for ODI Lock-on's and a rear brake hose clip on the top-tube
Bottom Line:
After many years riding a hard-tail, my ageing body couldn’t take a full days riding, so full suspension it had to be and after several weekend test riding I bought a Kona King
Overall after 3 months of owning a Kona King, I am very impressed on how well the bike climbs and grips the trial – I can now clean sections that have challenged me in the past. Once set-up the rear end has no discernable bob and soaks up all that the trail throws at it, similarly the Fox forks have performance faultlessly. Shimano XT as ever crisp and reliable out of the box. Raceface finishing kit is a nice touch and to-date been completely faultless. The HFX-9 XC Carbon brakes, once bedded provide great modulation and stopping power. The frame angles are spot on for the bike intended use, coupled with a full range of sizes allows anyone to find the right bike for them The Kings overall low weight, 26lbs and 4 inches of suspension make this a great all day trail bike for someone who doesn’t want to drag around a 30lbs+ 6 inch travel bike.
The Kona King is a great bike with race potenntial
So far this bike gets 5 chili’s for value and performance, noting I didn’t pay full RRP. If I had to pay full RRP then value would have been a 4 chili’s - but I didn't so 5 it is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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