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Submitted by
fludey
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | rutland water | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | www.wiggle.co.uk | | Strengths: | good frame, good components, rear shock, hayes brakes, shimano spds | | Weaknesses: | front forks low end marzocchi looking to upgrade these to some higher end marzocchi air sprung. Forks supplied may be ok for some one a little less weighty than me. | | Similar Products Used: | carrera kracken | | Bike Setup: | all as it came but looking at changing forks | | Bottom Line: | This is a great improvement over my hard tail bike other then the fox terra logic i had on my hard tail, as soon as i get some air forx then it will be one top bike. Done some good climbs, flat riding and downhills rear fox shock is the dogs, even with it open it still doesnt bob too much! Tope bike great colour scheme and a great website www.wiggle.co.uk | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee v
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Center Cycle | | Strengths: | Looks cool | | Weaknesses: | Fox shock already leaks | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this bike because I'm way too lazy to walk. The main purpose of getting the bike was to ride from my camp spot to the crapper. My buddy who is an avid rider recommended this paticular brand. Other than using it while camping I has also been riding around my neighborhood with my dog, she is able to pull me about 20 blocks or so even before I have to peddle, I think its due to this bike being so light. I am pleased with the purchacse so far and would recommend it to anyone with the same riding style as mine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Tobey
a Weekend Warrior
from Norwich,CT
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bluff Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Mystic Cycle | | Strengths: | This is one TUFF Machine,Also A great Feel while Riding,No flex.Over Rocks,Up hill,Down Hill, Like a champ. Just an Awsome Bike.I sold My Trek 8000 on Ebay to make this Purchase. and im Glad i did.This Machine will be my soulmate in no time. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy,Mine weighed in @ 32 Lbs.{More to Love!} | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000,Also considered a Trek fuel. | | Bike Setup: | Stock,With a Cateye Enduro 2 computer and a small seat bag from Bell,and a Blackburn pump. | | Bottom Line: | This Bike Has taken all the abuse i have thrown at it!No Problems.Major Miles, all trail miles.Just a great Bike.I have read reviews of the front shock bottoming out,im 240 and havent done it yet.I will continue the pound on this Bike and enjoy every minute of it.And for the Price ,its perfect for an average workin person to afford.Shes a keeper!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Molly
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Rainbow Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Full Cycle | | Strengths: | Handles very well; durable and sturdy; brakes; nice cockpit; componets work well together... overall great value for your money. | | Weaknesses: | Lockout on the rear shock would have been nice yet still it climbs reasonably well; weight | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback Coil EX; Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock except with Easton EC70 handlebars and Candy SL pedals | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It does all I want it to and more. After 3 months I still have not had a problem with it, even after riding many of Colorado's awesome trails. This bike is a great value, with which guarantees tons of fun riding. The bottom line is I now know why to stick with Kona. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pgclydesdale
a Cross Country Rider
from long island, new york, usa
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Prcky point LI, Ringwood and High Point / Stokes NJ | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bjke Junkie, Bethpage NY | | Strengths: | Comfortable, Fast, Strong | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, so am I. probably 30 lbs as set up | | Similar Products Used: | scouted out SC Superlite, Titus | | Bike Setup: | Swapped out most stock components - Fox Float front and rear; Crossmax SL disc; Kenda Nevegal; XT drivetrain; King Headset, Fizik Gobi saddle; Speedplay frogs | | Bottom Line: | I'm a heavy Clyde (250 +) on ny first Dual suspension. This is actually a 2005 holdover, sitting at the LBS waiting to be bought. no difference beyween 05 and 07 except color. Swapped out most of the stock components (except stock Tru -Vativ bar and seatpost, stem) Bike tracks nicely, not sloppy on tight singletrack, though not as quick as my RM Blizzard. Rolls over anything, fearlessly! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Leno
a Cross Country Rider
from Asia
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | great looks, clean welds, nice paint job, suspension system, radical tubing | | Weaknesses: | weight | | Bike Setup: | Fox RP3 High Volume shock, XTR 07 shifting, Avid Ultimate discs, Truvativ Carbon cranks | | Bottom Line: | bought frame and shock on ebay and assembled remaining parts off old bike. This bike climbs very well and descends just as well. Its great for all round xc riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kory Botz
a Weekend Warrior
from prince rupert british columbia
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | butze rapids trail systems | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | black market | | Strengths: | the whole shimozzle | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | norco's, giants, cannondale | | Bike Setup: | fox float r rear,marzocchi mx comp front, hayes nine hydrolic brakes6", deore lx components. | | Bottom Line: | bike brakes like a dream and really seems to stick to the trail. up in northern b.c. the trails get pretty soggy and this bike takes the abuse. perfect for anyone who wants to aggressively attack the trails amatuer-pro. very cost effective. five flamin chili's for the kikapu deluxe | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Near New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything unpaved | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Fairly sturdy. Everything works, if unspectacularly. Fairly standard entry level full suspension componentry. This is for the 2006 model, which had a very stiff unresponsive front fork. It works, but reluctantly. Beyond that, everything else is at least reasonable in its application. This is a good bike for a first full suspension purchase. It's a fairly capable four inch trailbike, which will give the rider time to work on his/her skills (Kona makes a woman's version) until he/she decides whether to ride xc, race, or all-mountain and get a more purpose built bike. When components wear out or you want to upgrade this is a solid well built trailworthy frame. I ride about 5 miles 5 or 6 times a week and the bike has held up well over about a year. The geometry works for a long arms/long trunk/average length leg person. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock is not very adjustable and front fork, as noted above, is very stiff. Standard entry level components are pretty heavy. The bike weighs about 31 pounds without reflectors or water bottle cage. Bottom bracket tends to squeak under heavy use. | | Similar Products Used: | Demoed some Gary Fishers and a couple of Specialized hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for rear shock which I changed for Magura Hugin. | | Bottom Line: | A solid entry level performer that can be upgraded over time and works right off the shop floor, so long as you are not a weight weenie. I deducted one chili from what should be a four value rating because the front shock should have been better for the price paid, and the rear shock should have been a float R instead of a base float. Still, I'm glad I purchased it and would probably do so again. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zeb
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Buttermilk | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | well built, great paint job, responsive, almost no pedal bob | | Weaknesses: | wish the rear shock was better, a bit on the heavy side, but nothing ridiculous. | | Similar Products Used: | all hardtails before this | | Bike Setup: | Black Elite fork, XT-LX mix, fox float rear | | Bottom Line: | It is amazing going to a full suspension bike, and this one is a keeper. bought just the frame and shock then built it up from there. if i had some pro pedal it may be a bit better but i don't see how, this frame feels solid, this coming from a 220lb rider. I can see why this is a top pick!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alain
a Cross Country Rider
from Rosemere, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Eddy | | Strengths: | **2005 Model - Red and White** Strong bike who can take tough x-country terrain. Just love the Hayes brakes as they provide precision braking, the rear shock "Fox Float RP3" and Marzocchi fork are excellent suspension choices for the price. | | Weaknesses: | Eventhough the Tioga tires are fast, they are useless for uphill climing and had to replace them after 500 miles. I also changed the Shimano PD-M505 clipless pedals are they do not perform well in muddy conditions. | | Similar Products Used: | Many other mtb | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I had my bike for a year now with over than 1000 miles of riding (2/3 x-country). I had to adjust the bike at the beginning, front and rear suspension air pressure, seatpost height and finally participated in several mtb x-country competition when the configuration was ajusted to my size. It is a strong bike with good overal components, but I recommend to change the tires and pedals if you bought those from stock. I read complaints about the seat as they found it unconfortable, if you are a serious mountain biker this seat is fine. I just love the sport ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Trailblazers | | Strengths: | Great frame construction, mid-range components across the board don't require any immediate upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals on mine were a low-mid range Shimano. Not much of a weakness but more a personal opinion. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant and Trek Hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock bike with upgraded Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is setup up perfect for the price point. I personally don't think there is a better "value" full suspension bike on the market for the low $1200 range. I bought/rode the standard Kikapu and then returned within a week for the Deluxe. The upgrades on the Deluxe are worth more the difference in price. Very easy to ride and you can immediately appreciate the value. 5 chilis from this satisfied rider with absolutely no complaints! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam Mitchell
a Cross Country Rider
from Blenheim,Marlborough,NZ
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mount Vernon Traverse | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Penny Sport CHCH | | Strengths: | Look ive had a 10 year layoff,and have only just got this bike 6 weeks ago.strengths:well built tough,rigid light frame.Perfect fit for my size.I dont seem to have any problems on the uphill climbs its just a matter of sitting fwd and low which for me is not a problem. The rest of the bike has proven it-self.Good mix of components. | | Weaknesses: | zip | | Similar Products Used: | last bike i owned was a G Fischer h/tail..10 years tho. Boy has bike science shot ahead.Wouldnt catch me on a hardtail anymore. | | Bike Setup: | Straight off the shelf,will let the tires wear out and may try others.The Nokians seem fine,very wet and muddy here at the mo
but do the job effectively.May change forks at some stage,as im pretty hard out on the DH leg of any track.The small print on the MZIII a slight concern. | | Bottom Line: | The facts: 10 years off MTBS and now fat and back.
Bought the Kikapu deluxe based on my brother inlaw has a kikapu.Rode it a few times up and around the vineyard.Hes happy with his and bought his on a recommendation.And so on and so forth. I plan on losing a bit of the gut and getting fit.The Kikapu deluxe is a well built and designed bike.
A lot of bang for your buck. Not many other bike companies seem to be able to match the price with the same or similar componentry.
I ride hard,not a graceful rider.I hit the bumps hard as.And the KD loves it.
Bear in mind you have to respect your bike as well,pretty much after every ride I tighten everything up,lube what needs lubing,and wipe sh*t off places you dont want it.
The kikapu deluxe in my opinion is a great single trail/xc bike which handles all conditions that ive thrown it.
Buy one,ride a mountain,grin like hell as you come down it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Hampton
a Cross Country Rider
from Kannapolis NC USA
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | South Park Cycles | | Strengths: | Durability, Design, Looks, Handling, Climbing As far as I'm concerned the best bike I have ridden. | | Weaknesses: | Kona could do a little better on components. However stock group works fine. | | Bike Setup: | Xt Hollowtech II, XT 769 Rapidrise RD, XT Front DR, Mavic Crossland wheels, Weirwolf Tubless, Carbon Bar and Seatpost, Cane Creek S-3 Headset. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a bike that rides and handles great out the door this bike is for you. I have upgraded quite alot not because it needed it but because I have been lucky enough to be able to. Bottom Line a great bike for trail riding up to Cross County Racing. It's also my understanding for 2006 the King Kikapu is the same as the 2005 Kikapu Deluxe. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Strasbourg,Alsace,France
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | The world | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Techno Cycles, Hagenau | | Strengths: | Very nippy, smooth , climbs well, and fits me very well - looks nice too. | | Weaknesses: | Pedals - the 505's have spilled me a couple of times, Nokian's are (suprisingly for Kona being Pacific North West) a fair condition tyre.
Weighs a bit - but all full sussers do to me. | | Similar Products Used: | Long term trialled a Decathlon Rockrider 9.3, very good kit ; but ride very bouncy compared to KK.
Own Kona AA hardtail - very fast but harsh.
Car park trialled Spesh Stumpy (bad fit), Epic ( too pricey) and Giant Trance (bounced at rear too much).
| | Bike Setup: | Now this is actually a King Kikapu 2006 , as in 2006 the KK is the sam (frame etc) as teh 2005 Kikapu Deluxe, no scandium etc.
So I have also posted this on the King Kikapu reviews; but really it belongs in both.
It is spec'd with nice Red/Cream colour scheme, 19"
Due to problem with Zokes LBS upgraded at no cost to Reba Team with remote poploc - bit hesitant after bad Rock Shox reputation and my Hardtail's Quadra; but so far very impressed (now I understand when people compare smoothness to butter)
SRAM seem to have really created a high quality reputation again. | | Bottom Line: | Smooth , fairly rigid at back , lock out of Reba excellent. Climbs as good as hardtail (after I learnt to position differently) only thing is - obvious really- because it is smoother 20kms an hour seems slower than on my hard tail on singletracks.
Saying that Down hills are just the business.
Will upgrade the pedals and giving the Nokians an extended trial.
Haven't been on any truly epic rides yet on it - really looking forward to the longer days and thawed mountain tracks now.
I don't race so cannot say if it will be good enough for that - but I bought this for epic rides in hilly places, not 2 hour blasts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Hollis
a Weekend Warrior
from Baton Rouge, LA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | ridge trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | It is not too squishy. It is much like a hardtail in the climbing, its like a mountain goat. It is great for a cross country frame. | | Weaknesses: | Downhill could be a little smoother but thats it. | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Kikapu deluxe frame, Reba fork, Hayes brakes, SRAM X.0 components | | Bottom Line: | I love the frame, I would recomend it to any rider who rides cross country. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia Md.
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Strengths: | strong frame, 4/bar set up looks more beefier than others I have seen that are called CC frames. Stock componets work very well together. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost clamp broke after only a month of use. The stock Tioga tires I knew were crap for my type of riding so I switched out immediately. Some minor problems with the Hayes disc brakes (like others )but easily fixed by the LBS | | Similar Products Used: | basicly I'm a hard-tail freak.I tested a Klein Palomino, other than that I bought this bike on a whim...dealer made me an offer I couldn't refuse. | | Bike Setup: | So far everything remains stock except for the seatpost ( Thomson Elite set-back ) note this is the 04' version. I set my rear shock with the recommended pressures and set the rebound setting relatively fast. | | Bottom Line: | Like I mentioned before: I've been a H/T freak for the last ten years..I bought this bike on a whim (dealer took $500 off price) I figured if I didn't like it, I'd sell it the next year. After riding this bike for more than six months all I can say is this bike rocks. Yes, it is more heavier than what I've been used to but for the most part I never notice the additional weight except on the "very steep" climbs. Others have mentioned how well the bike climbs and I can agree. For some reason I've noticed that I get a much better pedal stroke on this bike (vs. my H/T bike)This might be because of the higher fork height, Shimano Hollow-tech crank or the seat tube angle...(?)I'm not sure. Probably the sum of all. (note: I'm 5'11", 180 lbs., 50 yrs young.) Last comment: This bike floats over obstacles like you wouldn't believe. You'll barely notice things like log pyramids with the higher front end. This is not a race frame IMO. This bike is for having fun on shorter more technical rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bavington | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Dirty Harry's | | Strengths: | Well built bike for the money. Alot of quality components. Handles well and takes the abuse. My first full suspension bike and it climbed very well, better than I expected. I weigh about 190 lbs and I am not easy on my bikes. I feel this bike suites me well | | Weaknesses: | Tires didn't provided very good traction. Bike is a little heavy , but then so am I. | | Similar Products Used: | I looked at the Blur and Liquid. | | Bike Setup: | Easton Carbon Bars, XT Hollow tech Cranks, WTB 2.1 Tires, Time carbon Pedals Every thing else stock | | Bottom Line: | Excellent value for the price. I did two 24hr events on it and it performed very well. This is my second Kona and I have been very pleased with their products. The only other up grade I will make will be a lighter wheel set for racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from salt lake city, utah, usa
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | any and all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Road 34 (Fort Collins) | | Strengths: | Decent component mix
rugged construction
nice looking (2005 cream/white) | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Slayer70
Klein Attitude | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is my wife's commuter/weekend toy, and it does exactly what she needs it to. While not extravagent, the component mix is decent for the money. Nice welds, and solid looking construction inspire confidence, while a comfortable riding position with minimal pedal bob make this bike fun to ride! Also, I wish I could throw down 5 chilis for Road 34 Bikeshop in Fort Collins, Colorado. I highly recommend this bike shop!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Cunningham
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, NH
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Quarry Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World (frame) | | Strengths: | Does everything I have asked of it and more! It races, its a trail bike, and its a commuter. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found a single one | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mtn Slayer, Rocky Mtn ETSX, Schwinn Homegrown HT | | Bike Setup: | Lets see, nothing is stock. Marzocchi Marathon S, Chris King wheels and headset, SRAM drivetrain, Fizik saddle, Thomson stem and seatpost, FSA handlebar, Race Face cranks, Hayes brakes, Eggbeaters...And not a single piece of Shimano on the entire thing :-) | | Bottom Line: | Seeing this frame online really got my pumped because I have always wanted to try a Kona and never really gotten my chance (no LBS dealers). Well all I had heard about Kona was really positive and so I took the chance and ordered the frame. I know this is a no-no in the bike world but let me tell you I couldn't be happier. I use this as my primary bike for racing and trail riding. Its done a couple of marathons and a couple of day races. It out performs anything I have ridden in the past. Once I got the suspension set up, I didn't want to get off this thing. Directly behind my house is a network of trails that are pretty technical and that I know pretty well. After a few rides I was completely hooked. This bike, like Kevin said, climbs like a goat. It is very stable and I actually swear that it helps pull me up hills. Downhill is a treat because I pick a line and this thing follows it. I would reccomend this bike to any full suspension racer that is looking for a great bike and a great ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Comite | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Play | | Strengths: | Bullet proof four bar frame, simple but effective full suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, Deore components w/XT RD at a reasonable price. | | Weaknesses: | Freewheel began sticking almost right away piling chain on chain stay when coasting. Dealer fixed it immediately with replacement freewheel unit. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested Trek Fuel, Fisher, Giant, etc. ...chose Kona | | Bike Setup: | Stock plus Brooks B-17 saddle | | Bottom Line: | *2005 Model*
Came with Deore XT RD which I like. Hayes disk brakes haven't exibited any of the adjustment problems mentioned in other reviews. "New" red/white/silver paint looks great. Cockpit ergonomics are perfect. The bike just flies down singletrack. I just love it. I weigh in at 212 lbs and this bike can take the beating I give it (I limit drops to three feet). You can spend more to get lighter components, but I'm not convinced that they are necessary for anyone not into serious competitive racing. Ride On! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john s
a Cross Country Rider
from richmond, va, usa
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | fast open single track | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Only LBS that carried Kona | | Strengths: | Great overall bike. Does everything well.
Learning to like the bike but do not know that I will ever love it but I am trying to.
Comfortable, handles well, looks good.
First F/S so I cannot rate the ride. | | Weaknesses: | Required multiple trips back to LBS for tweaking and rear hub/cassette trouble.
Should have come with XT like the '05 does.
Disc brakes rub-squeak-rub-squeak...adjust...rub-squeak-rub-squeak... Hayes sent new adjusters at N/C to fix backing out problem.
Wheels out of true at 350 miles (I only weigh 150 lbs. and ride pretty easy)
Tioga tires stink and I went back to my old Panaracers. | | Similar Products Used: | Looked at Trek Fuels but they could not get one in to try. | | Bike Setup: | Changed rear derail to XT after LX broke off.
Changing to Avid mechanical/cable disc brakes.
Swapped tires.
Crank Brothers Candy pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I like it!
Bought it for one reason and one reason only = Kona has a reputation for being reliable and well built.
So far it seems to rate equal to or a little less reliable than my previous bikes (Specialized, Trek, Bianchi) but maybe in the long run it will prove better... I sure hope so! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand rapids, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | NCT near Mesick | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Bike shop | | Strengths: | Lateral rigidity, brakes, bike handling, comfortable cockpit. | | Weaknesses: | Bike grips, stock tires, and small reach adjustment screws on brakes continually want to back themselves out (see Hayes hfx9 reviews). | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Cannondale Super V1000 with Fox coilover. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new tires. | | Bottom Line: | **This review is for the 2004 version**
This bike does exactly what it is supposed to do, take you down the trail fast! I used to ride a coilover rear shock and could not believe the difference when pedaling with this bike especially uphill, there was virtually no pedal bob. I did run the rear shock at a lower pressure than Fox suggests and thought it felt much more compliant, as I am a clydsdale (around 200lbs). The Marzocchi front shock is never noticed and that is in a good way, it just does it's job so you can ride. I like the slightly longer rider cockpit compared to some bikes I tested and have ridden, I feel like I am balanced over the bike more. Some people have complained about the components being spec'd too low, but I have not found them to be a problem they work flawlessly for me. I had to upgrade the tires almost immediately as the Tiogas were not holding the line at all and felt quite squirrely. The Hayes hfx9 brakes work flawlessly when working but on my first couple of rides the small screw that adjusts the reach would continuously work its way out. I have since read the reviews for these brakes on this site and see that is a common problem. A little blue locktite on the screw and everything is better. This bike inspires confidence in it's rider and loves to be ridden hard. This bike is great for your average weekend warrior who is not into huge drops (over 5 feet) and someone who wants to put a little distance between yourself and your friends once in a while. With some minor tweaking, i.e. grips, tires, etc., this is the perfect bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Barrett
a Cross Country Rider
from Waco, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Cameron Park Waco | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel World (Frame Only) | | Strengths: | Strong Frame. Great geometry. Bright Paint Sceme. It's a Kona. | | Weaknesses: | Bright Paint Sceme. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kilauea. Raleigh M-60. | | Bike Setup: | All SRAM...X-0 shifters, X-9 rear derailer, X-Gen front derailer, PC 99 chain, PG-990 cassette. Truvativ BB and Race Face Turbine cranks. Avid Mech disc. Cane Creek S-2 headset...Thompson stem and seatpost. Manitou Super Skareb. Spinergy Xyclone Wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Wow. This bike is like night and day from my previous hardtail experience. After building this bike from the frame up, I did initial test riding on the road "around the block". My first impressions were that this bike was going to be great on the downs and a "beast" on the climbs.
Well...the first trail ride was today. This things climbs like a "beast", if the beast is a mountain goat. Unbelievable climbing ability with this setup.
Downs were better...but a little "sketchy" in spots. This may be due to my suspension setup (first ride)...I think I need to do some tweaking.
Cornering was great...I have never been very fast on the tight singletrack...but I was leaving people behind on the twisties!!
This is an XC bike...that (with the right setup...ie, not stock), is almost at the level of the Scalpel or S-Works Epic...but not quite. But ALMOST. Not a heavy hitting downhiller...not a "hucker"...but almost an "all mountain" bike. Great for the avid cross county rider and/or racer.
4 Flamin' Chilis for value (because the stock setup is a little pricey for what you get) and 5 overall!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
barq
a Cross Country Rider
from Guildford, UK
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | Primarily the build quality.
Other strong points are the Hayes Disk brakes, the Fox Float R shock, cranks and frame. The forks are pretty bomb-proof and the ETA lockout not only makes riding up hills more efficient but drops the front end of the bike down an inch or so thus making the geometry more hill-friendly (i.e. the front wheel is less likely to lift off the ground). | | Weaknesses: | My LBS agreed to put some Panaracer tyres on as I really didn't want the stock tyres. The 2004 version only had an LX rear mech - for the money it would have been nice to have seen some XT kit on this bike.
On a more personal note the saddle was okay, but not great. I'm also not a fan of the Truvativ stem (but more because of how it looks). | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS-1, Specialized Epic, Trek Fuel. | | Bottom Line: | I had held off buying a full suspension bike for ages because I really liked my Trek hardtail. Like any half-decent hardtail it is great fun to ride BUT I got sick of the vibration coming up through the saddle, the bars and of course through my SPDs. I realised that it was having numb feet that was making me turn around and go home rather than being physically tired.
The solution was a short travel full suspension bike with some form of platform technology to minimise pedal-bob. I spent MONTHS choosing a bike and test riding popular short travel XC bikes. It really came down to the Kikapu Deluxe or an Epic and since my riding-partner has an Epic that pretty much ruled it out.
Kona wasn't a company I looked at straight away because rightly or wrongly I associate them with hardcore bikes like the Coiler. However, the Kikapu is clearly aimed at people like me who want suspension but without too many of the draw backs. Obviously the Kikapu is slower up hill and on the flat than a hardtail but there isn't much pedal-bob with this baby and the suspension keeps those wheels firmly planted on the ground.
The actual construction quality of the Kikapu needs to be seen to be believed. The attention to detail is really impressive. There are so many things, like sensible cable routing, which although boring and don't show up on the spec sheets make a real difference to performance.
At the end of the day this is an XC (rather than free-ride) bike so its not going to suit everyone. I have heard that despite its slim frame it is very strong (which I guess you'd expect with Kona). However I suspect that anyone who wants to do REALLY rough stuff would want longer travel anyway.
Stuff you may need to tweak:
* The bars seemed VERY wide (this is easily fixed and better than being too narrow).
* The reach adjusters on the Hayes brakes seem to readjust themselves every few hundred miles (this can be fixed periodically with an allen key or by thread-locking the bolt).
* The stock tyres aren't great (if you are buying the bike new see if the LBS will swap them for something a little... erm... better - mine did!).
The only other thing I'd advise a potential buyer to consider is that in order to get the bottom bracket well off the ground (which is obviously a good thing) the cross bar is quite high. That said I've yet to hurt myself on it but it has felt a bit close once or twice and so gives the impression of the bike being larger than it really is.
Certainly in the UK the Kikapu Deluxe is quite an unusual bike. Its really nice to get stopped by people on the trails who want to take a closer look :-) I know bikes like Specialized's Epic are great but its nice to have something a little more individual.
I'm giving this bike 5/5 overall and 5/5 for value (I would have knocked off a point because I think for the money Kona should have put XT on the back, however the 2005 model does now have XT).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike C
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern, NJ
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountaneer Cycles | | Strengths: | Kona name for durability, looks, shocks, brakes | | Weaknesses: | headset | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88, Specialized Mc Pherson Strut design, Airborne Ti Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Hydros, Hayes / DT Hugi hubs, XT group, Ritchey Rims, WTB seat, Michelin Hot S tires, Thomson post and stem, Syncros riser bar | | Bottom Line: | Absolutely love this bike. Bought the frame, fork, brakes from Mountaineer cycles in West Va. (fellow MTBR guy) and built it up with some new and old parts. I was worried about FS durability after being stung by Schwinn / Pacific on a Rocket 88. The 4 bar design was what I wanted as long as it was durable. The suspension works when it has to in a quiet efficient manner. The Cane Creek headset lived up to its name and was promptly replaced with a King. I'm a 160 lb. rider and have ridden this thing over many rocky, rooted trails and it's held up admirably. I'd buy another Kona again in a heartbeat. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | **2005 model**frame geometry/ rear suspension design. This bike is fast considering that it felt as heavy as my enduro expert (and is). I'm 5'10" and the medium fits me very well. That's one of my favorite things about this bike is the feeling from the cockpit. I have owned a Gary Fisher with genesis geometry, and a NRS2 over the past five years or so and this bike is more comfortable to me than both of those. The rear suspension works great and feels smooth/plush. | | Weaknesses: | The tires are something I would consider a weakness. Certain tires for certain terrain, but I can't figure out what these are good for. They roll fast but that's about it - no traction, they don't corner well, and mud is a problem. Tires aren't a big deal but the front suspension is not good at all. I weigh 190lbs so maybe I am just to heavy but the problem isn't bobbing when climbing, or taking a hit (that's actually the forks strong suits). The for is weak when you are trying to hammer through roots, rocks, etc. The shock shakes and rattles in the rough stuff like it is coming apart and feels like it slops up most small to medium bumps. It sucks to have to scrub speed through downhill, bumpy turns because the shock isn't stiff enough, and the steering is not that solid. This is the only weakness I have found after riding the bike pretty hard - but I think most riders would be dishing out another 400-700 bucks for a fork upgrade after putting up with this one for a while. I would work something out before even bringing the bike home so you can really get the most out of a great bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS2, Diamond back DBR | | Bike Setup: |
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$ 1599.00
