|
|
|
| |
Submitted by
OakeyDokey
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Too many to choose | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Shop | | Strengths: | This bike is sturdy. It takes a beating and keeps on going, and I'm never worried about it breaking while I'm hammering trails It also comes with a nice component package for the price. Plus, it is sooo plush. | | Weaknesses: | A little sluggish uphill, but once you get the susp. set up correctly and get used to full susp. (if you're coming off a hardtail)it doesn't do too poorly. One gripe I have is that the chainslap on this bike is out of control. It's almost better to ride downhills in the middle ring to lessen it. | | Similar Products Used: | I've been on alot of different bikes, most recently a Giant Carbon Hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, upgraded to eggbeaters (or downgraded I'm not so sure I'm happy with these pedals) new tires, replaced the brake pads. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a blast to ride. I used to do alot of cross-country racing, and I never thought I would go to full susp. but it's awesome. I still have my hardtail for smoother trails or when I just want to hammer some uphills, but the Dawg is my primary trail bike. It handles pretty intense terrain (I don't do big drops or anything like that, this bike isn't suited for it and neither am I) and doesn't give up. I am coming off of a back injury, and I haven't been able to ride for almost 8 months. I got on the Dawg today and rode for the first time since. It was spectacular. This bike is a rocket on the downhills, climbs pretty well, and corners like it's on rails with some nevegals on it. It's not a new Ibis, or Moots, or even a flagship Specialized, but this bike rocks. When you buy a Kona, you've just bought yourself more bike for your dollar than any other manufacturer. I am 100% happy with this bike (besides the chainslap!) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Crusty
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike Store | | Strengths: | Looks, solid, all-around performance | | Weaknesses: | Kind of heavy, mediorce fork, problems with transmission | | Similar Products Used: | RM Slayer, Specialized Big Hit 2 | | Bike Setup: | BMX platform pedals, Specialized BG Gell Saddle | | Bottom Line: | This is a great looking bike that does everything. I think it's alittle bit heavy for XC so not sure why it's classified as one. I can't really climb with this bike, but maybe because I am tired or too fat? I have some problems with the chain getting caught and stuff but could be because its too dirty? I don't like the Marzocchi fork because it's the lowest model, but I guess it can be replaced. It does the job though. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Mercado
a Weekend Warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Blue Marsh | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Spokes | | Strengths: | I like the 5 inches of suspension front and rear. I've tried to bottom out the front fork and I still only get about 4 inches. I just like the feel of this bike compared to other XC bikes, probably because its also an all mt. bike and has freeride capabilities. The shimano XT derailers are also nice. I also love the hydraulic disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe just the seat post clamp. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first real bike other than trying other peoples bikes. I started w/ a walmart special last yr. | | Bike Setup: | Factory | | Bottom Line: | I only got into MTBing last yr. I really , really enjoy riding this bike, especially as of late. I thought I was given the wrong frame size at first , but I think now this is how it is supposed to fit. I,m getting more into some downhill runs and jumps and I can say that this bike can handle anything I throw at it. Because I am new to mountain biking I have put my bike through a few falls and the only thing I,ve had to fix is my odometer. This bike is takin it like a bike is meant to! I am really happy with my purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Levritch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | In the bozone! | | Strengths: | I tried my best to break it and it still works like new. The Hayes Nine hydro breaks are nice for the downhill. I have bottomed out the suspension throughly and everything is in good shape. The Fox Float rear end is really effective with Kona's 4-bar linkage. As an engineerin student, I really think Kona has the most efficient frame suspension for the price. | | Weaknesses: | I plan on upgrading the fork but it still gets the job done. | | Similar Products Used: | My first soft tail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now except for a shorter 90mm stem for killer downhill. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for the price. It puts a smile on my face almost every day. Great for someone who can only afford one bike and likes to do it all. I never need to do the push of shame like the "hardcore" down-hillers and I think I have just as much fun on the way back down. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX,
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike store out of Washington state | | Strengths: | This bike is awsome! I just wiped out, I am broke, but the bike is fine. Really tough bike! Great suspension allows you to climb with ease. This is my first full suspension and I will never go back to a hardtail. I read the reviews on this web site prior to purchasing the bike. I agree with all the superior comments. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness I can think of is the tires. Wish they were a little tougher for the terrain. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuji, marin | | Bike Setup: | Stock all the way | | Bottom Line: | This is an awsome bike. Really can handle anything you can dish out. Friends really like the bike. This is a really solid bike, one that I plan on having for a really long time. I really enjoy the sport of mountain biking and since I have gotten this bike, I wanna get out there even more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Collier
a Cross Country Rider
from Chandler, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | McDowell Mountain Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS - Focus | | Strengths: | Good value for the money, rugged, reliable, comfortable and most especially wide grin generating. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy and I want to replace the stock saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Inexpensive Trek HT | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock with Shimano pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS bike and I love it. I was looking for solid, reliable bike that wouldn't take to much TLC on my part to perform ride after ride. I chose the Dawg because it was sold at the LBS 2 miles down the road, had excellent reviews and felt like "my bike" as soon as I got on. I was trying to decide between the Cannondale Prophet 600, Kona King Kikapu and the Dawg Dee-lux. I chose the Dawg over the King Kikapu to get a little more travel. Ride after ride this bikes produces wide grins. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a
from New Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Nepaug Tunxis Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Very durable bike. Handles more than I have the cahones for. It likes to fly on the downhills. I find it climbs better than my hardtail. It is sooo much easier on the bod even though I am riding 2x as hard. | | Weaknesses: | Tires and grips are slippery. Other than that it has no other weekness | | Similar Products Used: | Tried Cdale Rush (too much bob), Gfischer Cake (chain suck on demo ride in parking lot, not good), Santa Cruz Heckler (price)and more. You can not beat the feel of a Kona on the trail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Tires. Kenda Nevegal 2.1 front and back. Sweet tires | | Bottom Line: | I tried many different bikes, and was frustrated by the lack of demo bikes. I wanted something that could take my mass. I got on the Dawg and it just seemed right. It may just fit me well (XL frame for 6'4" 34" inseam) but I seem to have better control and balance. There is little bob on climbing and downhill is a dream. Once the tires are replaced, it corners great. Point and shoot. The Hayes 9 Disk Brakes are unbelievable.
I hit some mid sized jumps and 3' drops, but I would not do anything huge with this bike, get a Stinky or Coiler or SC Heckler if you want the huge tricks. Kona has told me they classify this bike as a X-country bike. I have not had any issues with the frame and I feel very safe.
I wanted a bike that will take a beating without a ton of repairs. I have been riding hard 4 times a week 1-3 hours each ride since I took delivery in February and I have yet to have a repair (knock on wood) beyond a derailleur adjustment, a truing of the wheels, and a Brake pad replacement.
Great all-round bike. Do not get it if you are going to go big; it is not a hucker. Get it if you want to be able to do most stunts and still be able to climb.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sun & Ski | | Strengths: | Strong frame, balanced geometry & suspension, good components, decends well, plush. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy for cross country, not the best climbing. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a great all around trail bike. I have the Kona Bear Dee-Lux with 4" of travel front and back. Copyright issues force Kona to change the name to Dawg. Kona later changed the suspension to 5" front and rear. I imagine the newer Dawgs are even plusher.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
erik santner
a Weekend Warrior
from fort collins, CO
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | porcipine rim | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Oregon, Karina | | Strengths: | geometry, components
| | Weaknesses: | put wider tires on (2.3-2.5) | | Similar Products Used: | hardtails, ouch!!! | | Bike Setup: | Stock except candy pedals, conti 2.5 front, conti 2.3 rear.
| | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike! I could'nt be happier w/ the performance of the Dawg. It handles technicals extremely well(up or down). I will have this bike for a very long time 2 come!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham Phillips
a Weekend Warrior
from Portsmouth, NH
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bookcliffs area, Fruita | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Pro Form | | Strengths: | Great overall ride! It's a very smooth downhiller, and loves to go fast. The Dawg is a very comfortable bike to ride. I'm 6'4" and about 215 and the bike is plenty strong. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major. Had a serious pinch flatting problems when I lived in Colorado, but no real issues with that back on the East Coast with new tires. | | Similar Products Used: | My previous ride was Gary Fisher Mt Tam. A great hard tail, but no comparison. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love my bike. It is so fast and smooth. It climbs pretty well too. I wouldn't say it was better climbing than my Tam was, but it is so much smoother and more comfortable on rocky climbs, I never miss the hard tail. It really loves the downhills. It was definitely made for western riding, with long climbs and descents. Back on the East Coast now, it is still a great ride. I find because of it's relaxed head angle, short, steep climbs are tough to keep the front end down. Otherwise it's always great to ride. I just wish I was riding back in Colorado again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BROCKO TACO
a Downhiller
from KANSAS CITY
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | FREERIDE BIKE AND SKATE | | Strengths: | Geometry, handling, pedaling, stiffness, durability, suspension, looks. | | Weaknesses: | Wheels and tires, lightweight rims and worthless, pinchflatting nokian tires. Hubs wore out on me in about 6 months. Upgraded to Tioga 2.4's and mavic 219 and problem is solved. Handlebars are a little narrow, but that's an easy fix. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing like it. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the wheels and tires. | | Bottom Line: | This is the probably one of the best all around mountain bikes. When I was looking for a new bike, I wanted one that worked for my riding style on trails. I like hitting every kicker possible and every drop I can. This bike has the best geometry and ergonomics. It climbs like an XC bike, but decends with grace. It is easy to manual and is a good dirtjumper. Two words; CONFIDENCE INSPIRING. If you want a bike that can crank out the miles, and catch air, look no further than the dawg dee! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pablo Hill
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | CabroRoca | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | (frame only) wheelworld | | Strengths: | Solid built, short top tube, firm pedaling platform and cross country feel. Best of both worlds. | | Weaknesses: | Would like it to weigh 28 lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | 96' rockhopper, 00' rockhopper FSR comp, 02' Kikapu dee-lux | | Bike Setup: | 05' Kona Dawg, RockShox Pike, Shimano XT/LX | | Bottom Line: | It's a sweet bike, Its a do it all kind of ride. I use it mostly for heavy duty cross country and epic. It jumps, drops, pedals to the metal, climbs, kick ass. All on a single day and will enjoy every minute of your punishment. You will no be leading the pack on this bike on your way up, but everyone will be biting your dust on your way back. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mat
a Cross Country Rider
from austin, tx
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | city park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | ozone bikes | | Strengths: | I never reveiw bikes, but this one is worth my time. This bike is sick. I have had more fun on this than on any dh,cc,dj etc bike I have owned. The RP3 shock and 4 bar suspension work to perfection, it sprints very well and climbs well in and out of the saddle. I wont say you can just let it go down hills but the float in front will definitely make up for some mistakes. The new raceface cranks with the external bearings are nasty they are stiff as hell and have yet to require any sort of maintenence. The brakes though only 6" rotors do a good job of stopping the bike, I took it to Co. and on steep stuff they heat up a little but I never lost performance. After putting it through the meat grinder in several wrecks there has been no major damage just a couple of shifting tuneups is all that has been required. | | Weaknesses: | none so far (7 mo of HARD riding) | | Similar Products Used: | several treks (gay), haro x1 (solid bikes), jamis dakar xlt (weak), specialized rockhoppers and epics (broken), dh bikes and dj bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ exception of a few tire swaps | | Bottom Line: | Buy this bike and if you are in Austin buy it from Ozone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Breckenridge
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | suspension, solid feel all around. | | Weaknesses: | some components, it ain't light, spacing of large chain ring in relation to chainstay (chain can get stuck between on descents if not careful). | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpy, giant nrs. | | Bike Setup: | pretty much stock other than tires, saddle, and chain. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet ride that's a solid blend of xc versatility and downhill/freeride prowess. Wouldn't race on it, but for riding hard anywhere anytime it's awesome. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William O
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | UCSC/Grey Whale | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Another Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Stiff frame, no-bob pedling, very good fork/shock,good brakes. Excellent egronomics once adjusted. Great seat.
Low maintainance suspension.
Handling. | | Weaknesses: | tires (little traction and wire beads), Could be a bit lighter. Brakes could use a bit more grab (better pads?)
Color and graphics too loud and says "I'm under 20" | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed: FSR120,Giant Reign 2, SC Blur, SC Heckler.
Coming off hard tail and older Fisher Suspension. | | Bike Setup: | 17" frake. I'm 190lbs, 5'9"
Panaracer firexcpro XC 2.1 tires, Carbon Monkey lite XC bar,Time carbon pedels.
Seat slid more forward for better pedling. | | Bottom Line: | Climbs great, better then my hardtail with no bobing.
stiff frame for bombing down hill minus big drops but nimble enough on single tracks without being twitchy.
has a very balanced feel. I really like the handling, based on the numbers/specs I thought it would handle strange but Kona has it on the money.
Excellent bike for the money or for even more money. Perfect for the XC rider who wants a bit more travel and a frame that can take a bit more abuse from a heavier rider that likes to get more agressive. This 5" Kona make other 4" bikes feel like they lack enough suspension but not soggy or disconected as a 6" bike.
Highly recommend.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
akbar
a Cross Country Rider
from los angeles, ca
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bikestop.com | | Strengths: | built like a rock, and looks awesome. the delux model has good features and components, plus a badass red color. the brakes are awesome, and the bike is really responsive. i haven't beat up the f and r shocks yet, but i'm 150lbs and don't anticipate any major disasters. | | Weaknesses: | i have the 15" model and the frame is a little small...actually it's so small that you can't fit a standard water bottle on the frame. the smaller frame also doesn't have a quick release seat post because the swing arm would bash it. that's it though. | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale beast | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is a great bike with great parts. the small frame can't hold a water bottle and doesn't allow for a quick release seat post, but other than that this bike is bad. it looks so cool that people will think you're cooler than you are. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carey
a Cross Country Rider
from denver, co
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | enchanted forest | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | got a deal | | Strengths: | climbs better than my santa cruz hard tail on technical trails, and obviously faster down hill. suspension is very well balanced | | Weaknesses: | 2.1 nokian tires too small for this ride, good tires, just need more volume to handle what this bike will let you accomplish. | | Similar Products Used: | only other boinger i've had was 8yrs back - not even comparable | | Bike Setup: | stock - initially switched to some carbon this and that, but switched back b/c Kona had it right to begin with, will upgrade parts as needed (probably wheels first) | | Bottom Line: | this bike eats technical cross country trails for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. perfect for here in colorado where you often climb for a while, ride a few miles at the top, and then bomb down. i can climb just as fast, and sometimes faster, than before, and with the disk, larger volume tires, and efficient suspension, down hills are faster than ever. while the suspension dampens any bob between up and down hill, there could still be a little loss of speed due to weight, but who cares considering all that you gain.
I definately give this bike a thumbs up for anyone who likes to take on technical challenges and cover miles in the same day. Kona states it clearly = all mountain, and I state = miles of smiles!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Logan
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, Ca
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Tahoe technical -- Rubicon Jeep Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | No peddle bob even when purposefully, sloppily standing and pumping hard on 11% grade uphill singtrack -- Amazing!Excellent feel, good ride dampening on downhill. Nokian's seem to hook up o.k. Kona is just a great, unique,smaller builder; not a million-bike cranking machine. | | Weaknesses: | price | | Similar Products Used: | Ended up buying Cannondale Jekyll 800 (wanted the 2000) because of lower starting cost, plus 20%off MSRP. Gary Fisher Cake, Rocky Mountain ETSX, and Slayer | | Bike Setup: | stock, quite used @ demo day. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike! I truly don't think you'd regret this option. It'll inspire confidence that will make you a much more successful, aggressive and capable rider; all the while, looking great! I bought the Cannondale Jekyll, and though it's a fantastic bike, I haven't found my groove yet, and after four months, still lack the confidence that I had the first ride of the Dawg.
Not a lot of Konas out there on the trails or @ the races. My Kona Pahoehoe (63mm front, hardtail)was one of the only I saw in six years of riding the Kona.
Buy it, feel confident, ride better and stronger, and know you made a great choice! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
grant
a Downhiller
from Ann Arbor
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything freeride | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | town and country cyclery | | Strengths: | everything,this bike is soo comfidence inspiring, it can do anything, the brakes are amazing, the fornk and rear suspension feel like the have 6+ inches of travel, this bike is dope | | Weaknesses: | um...... are you kiddng its a kona, its strong, sexy, and fast as hell!!! | | Similar Products Used: | norco A-line, norco six, coiler, giant AC air, enduro, richey schley's RM switch :)(no joke, he let me ride it!) | | Bike Setup: | stoc except i bout some primo blue anodized platform pedals, planning to buy a five inch fork(Z1 fr, or sherman firefly) and some fatter tires | | Bottom Line: | im a freerider, plain and simple,i want to drop big (ive taken this bike up to 9ish, but ive hit 11-12) and jump even bigger. i was originally trying to buy a rocky mountain switch because thats my dream bike, but my dad decided that i didnt need a freeride bike like that, so he surprised me with a dawg deelux. at first i thought " this is lame, i want a bigger bike" all my friends are on 5-6 in travel bikes and her i am stuck with 2200 dollars worth of XC crap. i couldn't have been more wrong, this bike is the dawg's nuts!! i can huck anything they can, and with more style, i can jump bigger because its about 3-4 lbs. lighter then their bikes. i can ride manuals and nose manuals as long as i want becasue the cockpit is soooooooo perfect, and if need be, i can spank anyone else up the hill, wait for them, and leave them again on the downhill. The suspension is primo, its sooo smooth and progressive, it feels like it never bottoms(even off the 8 1/2 foot hip drop i did 2 days ago) the only reason i want a longer fork it to rake out the head angle a little more, and because im spoiled :) but honestly, this is one of my fav. bikes out right now, its made me a better rider in a lot of ways, over spring break i rode in arizona on a 25 mile loop called templetons trail, its a SICK trail with crazy downhills and some pretty flowy mountain cross-like sections and so plain crazy ridgelines, this bike ATE IT ALIVE!! i couldnt believe that i was riding so good, i scared my self!! ill write a followup review after the road trip to marquette with the boys, go out and ride, and if i need a new bike, get a kona, they're dope... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich B
a
from Long Island
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Stillwell/Rocky Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bike Junkie | | Strengths: | Strong frame, good components, good weight for all mountain bike (28.9 lbs).
| | Weaknesses: | At first I thought the lack of a lockout on the fork was a weakness, but it does not seem to be a big deal. Then again I ride mostly on Long Island (flat). The saddle (starts to creak from plastic under nose) and pedals need to be changed. Handlebars may have too much rise (2") some, lightly lower (1.5") seems to make the bike handle better. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein, Specialized, Giant.
| | Bike Setup: | Avid Juicy seven brakes, Crank Bros. candy Sl pedals, Maxm carbon handlebars, WTB Rocket v stealth saddle, flyweight tubes. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is light enough for cross country riding and strong enough to take all mountain punishment. I do not notice any bob, and it seems to climb very well.
The components are good right down to the Nokian tires which I chose not to upgrade. As you can see I did upgrade the brakes, handlebars, pedals, and the saddle. I upgraded the brakes because of the easy set-up, and adjustability on the Avids, and the caliper problem with the Hayes. I changed to a lighter and more comfortable (for me) saddle. The pedals are never too good on most bikes, and the handlebars for the weight (and I like the way they look). Anyway, the saddle and pedals were the only necessary upgrades.
The bike, in my opinion, is just what it is supposed to be, a bike that you can ride all day comfortably. It can take some punishment, and is light enough for good cross country riding.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gurra
a
from Gothenburg, Sweden
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykelspec | | Strengths: | Light, fun, excellent fork, durable | | Weaknesses: | hubs, chain & cogs a bit cheapo | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky Dee-lux ´01 | | Bike Setup: | Standard, xcept xt shifters, xtr rear mech, xt discbrakes (the "old" ones) | | Bottom Line: | Used to drag my old Stinky around but its a HEAVY bike! This is such a versatile bike, light but confident, enough travel for my riding, nice angles and a joy to ride! The Fox fork is just great! Feels like a really nice M-zocchi, but lighter... Changed the specs cause I had some "bling-bling" stuff lying around, no need really. Recommend it to anyone tired of the "freeride-has-to-be-atleast-8inches" craze and looking for a great bike for the all-day experience! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Birdman
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | the dirt ones | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Durability, handling, descending ability, looks | | Weaknesses: | Headset, weight for a 4" travel bike, cables run along top tube and tweak beautiful paint job | | Similar Products Used: | Jamis Dakar, Giant VT, Specialized Stumpy FSR and Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except azonic platforms (still use clipless too), CK headset, bashguard, Nokian NBX 2.3's. Also going to add Romic or Vanilla RC rear coil shock. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. Sometimes wish I'd bought Coiler for > travel and coil setup but everything's a tradeoff and all in all the bike is extremely predictable/versatile - fast on flats and descents and only slightly lesser ability on climbs - extremely stable in the air. Very little bob with stable platform shock. Headset crapped out after only 3 mos. but I think LBS installed too tight. Have also had some trouble keeping disc brakes centered and not rubbing. Psyched for coil shock upgrade as Float seems a bit harsh. Best upgrade to date was bashguard as bottom bracket is a bit low for technical riding. All in all, this is a great trail bike. Been riding it for 5 months now and feel like I made the right choice - I can pedal it all day and go anywhere - it's just getting better and better. Next to join the stable will probably be a Stinky. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
| |
|
Photo Caption Contest
(sponsored by Maxxis)
|
Enter here
|
|
|
$ 2199.00
