[Guest]

I have been looking for a solid entry-level steel rigid SS, and I have it narrowed down to these two choices. I am looking for some constructive opinions on which bike to purchase based on RIDE QUALITY and VALUE.

Other than going ghetto/stans tubeless, I plan on leaving both bikes stock and rigid. Both bikes are brand new leftovers with full warranties at my LBS. I have ridden both and the geometries work well for me.

If anyone can help with real-world weights on these bikes (size Large/20), that would also be great!

2009 Kona Unit ($600)

Frame tubing: Kona 4130 butted steel
Fork: Kona P2 29er disc, suspension-corrected
Headset: TH
Crankarms: FSA V-Drive SS
Chainrings: 32T
B/B: FSA MegaExo
Chain: KMC Z610
Freewheel: Formula 18T
Chain Tension Device: Rear Sliders w/ Vertical Dropouts
Handlebar: Kona XC/BC Riser
Stem: Kona XC/BC
Grips: Kona Race Light
Brakes: Avid BB-5 160/160
Brake Levers: Avid FR-5
Front hub: Formula Disc
Rear hub: Formula Disc
Spokes: Sandvik 15g stainless
Tires: Maxxis Ignitor 29x2.1
Rims: Alex EN-24
Saddle: WTB Rocket V Comp
Seatpost: Kona XC/BC
Color: Black Metallic

2009 Raleigh XXIX ($500)

Frame tubing: 4130 butted steel
Fork: 4130 steel disc, suspension-corrected
Headset: Aheadset
Crankarms: Truvativ FireX SS
Chainrings: 33T
B/B: Truvativ GXP
Chain: Unknown
Freewheel: Hard Anodized 7075 Alloy 20T
Chain Tension Device: Split Shell EBB w/ Vertical Dropouts
Handlebar: Easton EA50
Stem: Raleigh
Grips: Raleigh Logo
Brakes: Avid BB-5 185/160
Brake Levers: Avid FR-5
Front hub: Unknown (loose ball bearing)
Rear hub: Unknown (loose ball bearing)
Spokes: 14g stainless
Tires: WTB Stout 29x2.3
Rims: WTB SpeedDisc All MTN
Saddle: WTB Laser V Comp
Seatpost: Raleigh
Color: Alice Blue

NOTE: Raleigh XXIX historians may note that the split shell EBB was a running change to the 2009 and became standard in 2010. This 2009 does have the updated split shell EBB.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Dave

 

[JUNGLEKID5]

the new xxix runs the belt drive.. it is nice

 

[MTSHANK]

I'd say for the prices you can't go wrong with either....cheap enough to upgrade what you want, when you want

 

[Guest]

@Jungle: These are both leftovers...chains for me for now.

@MTSHANK: That's part of my problem! They are both good deals so I am having a hard time deciding!

 

[p nut]

Personally, if fit is the same, I'd just get the cheaper one. Put that extra $100 towards a new wheel set or new freewheel.

 

[Flyin_W]

Both are screaming deals! Am biased towards the Kona for the shorter WB quicker handling. Other points are no EBB, and since leaving stock - the SS hub is a cartridge bearing. Enjoy!

 

[Guest]

So the rear hub of the Kona has sealed bearings, but the front hub has loose bearings?

 

[Guest]

Anyone know what the bar width is on the 09 Kona Unit?

 

[MTSHANK]

bias towards the Kona...I like the SS on the Kona better.
Are they both the same color?

Dewd...I'd flip a coin

 

[Guest]

The Kona is jet black; the Raleigh is baby blue.

Had anyone had any luck converting a stock Unit wheelset to tubeless? Apparently the Speed Discs on the Raleigh are a bit of a pain with a deep rim channel.

 

[SpaceCowboy853]

Im a big fan of the sliders tension system. No tools required like EBB.

 

[Flyin_W]

So the rear hub of the Kona has sealed bearings, but the front hub has loose bearings?

---
RE: Unit
Yes, and the front hub is heavy.
Bars are 28" wide.
20" weighs around 26# (didn't weigh when stock)
Tubeless? Stock rims are decent, Ignitors seat easily - tell us how it works.
Quit waffling & pull the trigger... $500 for a SS with warranty is sweet!

 

[xjbaylor]

Im a big fan of the sliders tension system. No tools required like EBB.

I'm pretty sure you use the exact same tool to adjust both, a single allen wrench.

 

[Guest]

---
RE: Unit
Yes, and the front hub is heavy.
Bars are 28" wide.
20" weighs around 26# (didn't weigh when stock)
Tubeless? Stock rims are decent, Ignitors seat easily - tell us how it works.
Quit waffling & pull the trigger... $500 for a SS with warranty is sweet!

I will, I will...shop is closed today. Thanks for the info!

If you tension the chain right, is there any need for a chain guide for the chainring?

 

[Guest]

I picked up the Kona yesterday. Looking forward to getting out on the trail and trying this SS thing everyone is talking about...

 

[jdinsj]

Here's some info on setting up Speed discs tubeless with Gorilla Tape. I plan to do this soon with mine.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=598919

 

[Guest]

The Kona has the Alex EN24s, which are supposed to be a bit easier. Thanks, though.