[mountaindown]

Has anyone trail ridden the '11 Tanuki yet? I just got mine a week ago but it's only been a commuter since I've had it. I don't think I'll be able to put it on the trails for quite a while do to the awesome Montana weather... It's an awesome ride as far as I can tell, but I want to know if anyone has any pros/cons on the trails on it so far. Thanks!

 

[mcstumpy]

I saw one at the shop... Damn good looking, but I did not take it out. Too much snow.

 

[markon]

I've been on the trails with my tanuki the last 2 weekends. What can i say,it's a beautiful thing. I've never had anything like the brakes on this weapon. The 185 rotor makes for an amazing amount of control. I tend to drag on my back brake alot on dh and i've had heat issues and warping on other bikes, not on the tanuki. I'm glad to read the good reviews that the rear shock is getting. My one problem with the bike is the saddle. The maxxis that came fitted handled all that wet Scottish forest trials could through at them. A big:thumbsup: for the tanuki.

 

[merc13000]

Is it just me or does the Tanuki have a perfect spec for an entry level DS? I've never had a DS but am definitely taking a very close look at the Tanuki - seems like great spec for the money and maybe $150 less than a comparable Fuel EX or Camber. Let's see some PICS!

 

[mountaindown]

Thanks Markon, I'm glad to hear I made a good purchase! Like I said, I've only ridden it as a commuter for the past couple weeks. But it takes down flights of stairs and ledges with great control and ease! And the only pic I have of it is from the day I bought it Merc.

 

[Guy.Ford]

I've been on the trails with my tanuki the last 2 weekends. What can i say,it's a beautiful thing. I've never had anything like the brakes on this weapon. The 185 rotor makes for an amazing amount of control. I tend to drag on my back brake alot on dh and i've had heat issues and warping on other bikes, not on the tanuki. I'm glad to read the good reviews that the rear shock is getting. My one problem with the bike is the saddle. The maxxis that came fitted handled all that wet Scottish forest trials could through at them. A big:thumbsup: for the tanuki.

Nice review of the brakes, which btw you failed to mention what they are, but what does that have to do with the performance of the bike?? So basically the tires and brakes handle the wet Scottish forest trails well, howz about you mention something about the actual performance of the bike - how it corners, handles bumps, jumps, etc??? Guess you wont be writing bike reviews for Dirt anytime soon!

 

[markon]

Nice review of the brakes, which btw you failed to mention what they are, but what does that have to do with the performance of the bike?? So basically the tires and brakes handle the wet Scottish forest trails well, howz about you mention something about the actual performance of the bike - how it corners, handles bumps, jumps, etc??? Guess you wont be writing bike reviews for Dirt anytime soon!

When i get a few more rides done i'l let you know.I dont think at any point i professed to being a professional reviewer.
* Frame Material Kona Race Light 7005 Aluminum Butted 130mm travel
* Sizes 15", 16", 17", 18", 20", 22"
* Rear Shock Kona/Fastrax AF2
* Fork RockShox Tora 302 Solo Air 130mm
* Crankarms Shimano FC-M430
* Chainrings 42/34/24
* B/B Shimano
* Pedals Shimano M505 Clipless
* Chain Shimano HG53
* Freewheel Shimano HG30 11-34 (9 spd)
* F/D Shimano Alivio
* R/D Shimano Deore SGS
* Shifters Shimano Alivio
* Brake Calipers Avid Juicy 3
* Front Brake Rotor Avid G2 Clean Sweep 185mm
* Rear Brake Rotor Avid G2 Clean Sweep 185mm
* Brake Levers Avid Juicy 3
* Headset FSA No.57BP-1
* Handlebar Kona Aluminum Riser
* Stem Kona Control
* Seatpost Kona Thumb w/offset
* Seat Clamp Kona QR
* Grips Kona Race Light
* Saddle WTB Valcon Sport SE
* Front Hub Formula Disc
* Rear Hub Shimano M475 Disc
* Spokes Stainless 14g
* Rims Sun SR-25
* Front Tyre Maxxis Ardent 26x2.25
* Rear Tyre Maxxis Ardent 26x2.25
* Paint Color Black Metallic

 

[markon]

spec

Is the spec i posted the same as you guys on the other side of the pond are getting?

 

[mountaindown]

Is the spec i posted the same as you guys on the other side of the pond are getting?

Exactly!

 

[markon]

I'l be on a new trail tmrw.(glenfeshie) I managed to get a free muk off freebie by registering my bike with kona before the end of feb, it was worth £35 so not to be sniffed at(4 brushs, sponge, cleaner and miant spray). Shame the lbs did'nt let me know about this, i almost missed out. I'm gonna add a pic and i've got to mention it's 3 celsius and i've just climbed a mountain. (my girlfriend managed to get her pink dawes xc in the background(she got there before me. if only this was true in other occasions )).

 

[andreas_spec]

i have specialized enduro expert 2004 .i want to buy a kona tanuki .can i fit the fox talas in the headtube of the tanuki?i think it's tapered heatube 1,5 down! and what's the size of the rear shock i have 200mm fox float!thank you .sorry for my english

 

[Blackout7]

I was wondering about the rear shock size as well. Anyone know the eye to eye.

 

[[email protected]]

I am currently on a 7 day rental in AZ and here's a short review of the Tanuki:

The BAD:
Grips -- suck fell very entry level
Saddle -- just not comfy, by far the worst wtb saddle I've tried (compared to speedV, pureV, rocketV)
Weight -- not sure but it's no lightweight

The Good
Both front and rear suspension are very stiff and it does not feel noodly at all.
Climbs very well, with little bob even when not locked out
Handles very well and does not feel twichy at all. One of the best handling bikes I've ever ridden.
Brakes -- seem fine so far no issues
Tires -- Ardents roll very fast even on pavement and seem to handle rocks, sand, and hardpacked well. Not so good under hard braking and the rear seems to loose traction a bit, but that's probably at 35psi as setup by the LBS because I don't have a tire gauge.

Overall I like the bike quite a bit and it would make a great entry level FS where you could upgrade the heavy parts and dump the saddle and grips. Kona seems to have nailed the frame and geometry.

 

[Daemongrad]

The eye to eye is 7.5... a good overall bike, a friend of mine owns one... some parts could be upgraded, but worth riding stock til you HAVE to replace something.

 

[Nandus]

i have specialized enduro expert 2004 .i want to buy a kona tanuki .can i fit the fox talas in the headtube of the tanuki?i think it's tapered heatube 1,5 down! and what's the size of the rear shock i have 200mm fox float!thank you .sorry for my english

The rear shock is 7.5 x 2.0.