[fanfare]

Ok,

I'm leaning toward a Coiler ... Can someone tell me what the difference is between the dawg frame and the coiler frame? Other than the components (including shocks) I don't see a difference in the geometry/design. I'd really appreciate some feedback here ... I've decided on a Kona for my dream bike (I'm gonna grab a hardtail xc .. maybe used for my beater). Thanx in advance.

 

[Dawgprimo]

Your question is kinda unclear.
Not sure if your talking '04 or older or the new 2005 models.
From what i have seen they are increasing the travel for 2005 for both Dawg and Coiler.
(5 in. for the Dawg and 6 in. for the Coiler if I am not wrong.)
That could change things alot.
I have a Dawgprimo '03 and just love it for XC riding.
There is no really good answer,
You just have to compare what both bikes come with, taking into consideration weight of bike, type of riding you will be doing, wieght of rider, geometry of the bike, how much you want to spend...............
I was not much help but your best bet is to test ride both bikes and see how they feel.
Compare these bikes to other in the same category.........and see the comparisons.
Good luck!!

 

[fanfare]

I guess what I'm asking...

... is ... is there a difference in the geometry between the two frames? They look pretty similiar. Is one frame better for xc than the other? In other words ... if you stripped them both down .. could you build virtually identical bikes if you used all the same parts (apart from the frame). I'm new ..... but I'm reading all I can to try and learn about specs. My understanding is that there may be differences in the headset angle and/or the wheel base. I like the Kona frame. I want to use it for xc .. but I also want to try some mild freeriding. I suppose I'm still trying to answer the question of "how good is the Coiler for xc. I've seen more stuff posted about the dawg on xc applications .. so if I know that the frames are the same ... or very similiar in dimension ... it will go a long way to helping me gain some perspective.

.... I know the components are different ... and target different types of riding (in general).. but that doesn't matter to me.... cuz I'm unorthodox/disimiliar/non-conforming, and basically a weird kind of person who tends to do everything differently. <shrug>, I sure wish that were a good thing.

Anyway, I appreciate your input. I know you've answered my questions before.... so 'Thank You', and if you have the time/patience, I'd like to read your response to my clarification.

Geez it's late here.... why am I still up reading about bikes??

 

[Scooby-doo]

Coiler vs Dawg frame differences?

There are quite a few differences in the frames. The geometry of the bikes is slightly different. The head angles and the bottom brackets are different, The coiler top tube is longer then the Dawg. Frame material is the same. The Coilers frame is a little heavier due to the fact that the bike is meant more for freeriding and xc riding where as the dawg has thinner walls for a lighter frame. The Coiler is just a beefier all around bike. The Dawg will get a little more travel for next year and will still be lighter then the coiler this year. The difference being air shocks to the coil shocks. Hope this helped a little. You can still freeride the dawg until your heart is content but you just can't go to big. Where as the Coiler will take almost everything you throw at it.

 

[Lighty_]

See for yourself: https://www.konaworld.com/2k4_catalog/1000/2K4_Catalog_54-55.jpg

The print's a bit small, but readable.

EDIT:

Actually, go to Kona's web site. That same page is available in PDF too. https://www.konaworld.com/kw_index.cfm

Go to 2004 Catalogue and look at the last page.

 

[spin]

Coiler vs Dawg

If I'm interpreting the questions above correctly, I think what fanfare is looking for is versatility. Being able to put some xc parts on the Coiler for those longer xc rides...or putting beefier components on the Dawg for light free riding. I have an '03 Dawg & have been slowly upgrading to some stronger parts as my riding has progressed (more air, drops, etc). I'm currnently considering upgrading to a fork with 125 or 130 mm of travel. I think the current Dawg frames (04 & older) are really overbuilt for only 4" of travel. If the 05 models weren't being increased to 5" of travel, I would say go with the Coiler. I think the choice really depends on what kind of riding you foresee (or would like to see) yourself doing in the future. Good luck!