A few to consider...
The Kikapu is a nice ride for sure and Kona is a great brand. You may be able to get a bit better component group with another brand though. I own a Kona and love it but I wish they put a better component group on the entry level Kikapu's and Dawg's. If you were also thinking hardtail you could get a better overall spec for your budget. Based on the Kikapu price I would guess your ceiling is about $1300. Then there are the 06 end of year sales your LBS's should be starting. The 07 bikes will start to appear and shops will want to move out the older stock. Guys I am sure will chime in with Internet based bikes and there are good deals if you are willing to buy a bike based on your measurements alone. I like to test ride many and really feel comfortable before I buy.
Of the dealer market bikes I would look at:
Kona
Specialized
Giant
Trek/Gary Fisher (same parent company BTW)
To name a few good ones. If you are thinking Internet I would consider the Iron Horse line as they have some nice bikes and their FS bikes feature the DW link rear suspension that works very well. Good luck and post back with your findings.
The Kikapu is a nice ride for sure and Kona is a great brand. You may be able to get a bit better component group with another brand though. I own a Kona and love it but I wish they put a better component group on the entry level Kikapu's and Dawg's. If you were also thinking hardtail you could get a better overall spec for your budget. Based on the Kikapu price I would guess your ceiling is about $1300. Then there are the 06 end of year sales your LBS's should be starting. The 07 bikes will start to appear and shops will want to move out the older stock. Guys I am sure will chime in with Internet based bikes and there are good deals if you are willing to buy a bike based on your measurements alone. I like to test ride many and really feel comfortable before I buy.
Of the dealer market bikes I would look at:
Kona
Specialized
Giant
Trek/Gary Fisher (same parent company BTW)
To name a few good ones. If you are thinking Internet I would consider the Iron Horse line as they have some nice bikes and their FS bikes feature the DW link rear suspension that works very well. Good luck and post back with your findings.
