[propfishn]

I bought a 2005 Kona Dawg mountain bike recently, think I might have overbought for what riding I do, wife and I mostly ride local bike paths, some coastal trails along the ocean when trailer camping there, but no heavy duty offroad, I love the looks of the Dawg but it seems sluggish and heavy on the trails we ride, wife wants me to upgrade the tires from knobbies to Serfas Drifters for better rolling resistance, but I think I may need to reconsider going back to a light weight quality hardtail, any suggestions, I am leaning towards something like a Motobecane fantom Pro Ti. or??

 

[Zoke2]

you probably will never need 6" of travel on the local bike paths so yeah its not the best bike for the type of riding you plan to do but it looks like you know what you do need, a lighter weight hardtail. Last year I got my SO a 2005 Kona Coiler and it turned out to be too much bike for the XC riding we do, sold it and moved on. let us know how it turns out.

 

[ziglaf]

I got a KHS 555 not long ago and I do mostly urban and trail, but some light free ride and heavier stuff as well. I'm also a bigger rider. I ended up deciding I like a hardtail for most my riding better, and just got a heavier/more durable hard tail to compensate for when I do free ride type stuff. If all you're on is trail though you're probably best off going with a light hardtail. There are plenty of good lightweight full suspensions too though, they just need to be a little more tailored to your riding than the one you got. Also, I don't know what you're budget is like, but have you looked at carbon frames? I wouldn't upgrade and replace tires to try and get your bike to something you like, sell it and buy something fit for you right off and I guarantee you'll enjoy it a lot more.

 

[propfishn]

Yes, I got carried away with the looks of the Dawg when I bought it, it also fit me fine for my size when I road tested it, but just doesn't feel right on the trails, (wife can run circles around me) my last mountain bike was a superlight older M1000 cannondale, and I miss the lightness and responsiveness on the trails. Had to get rid of it since it was getting old and in need of major parts,etc. Plus I wanted front suspension which it didn't have. I am not up on current lightweight hardtails, models etc. Other than I saw the moto fantom pro ti, at around 22 lbs.

 

[jmmUT]

You might be able to trade the Dawg with someone who wants to go bigger for a real nice hardtail of equal value which could keep you from losing any $ from changing bikes- just a thought.

 

[propfishn]

My thoughts exactly on the trade, I posted an ad on our local craigslist today to that effect, no action yet.

 

[BrianU]

I bought a 2005 Kona Dawg mountain bike recently, think I might have overbought for what riding I do, wife and I mostly ride local bike paths, some coastal trails along the ocean when trailer camping there, but no heavy duty offroad, I love the looks of the Dawg but it seems sluggish and heavy on the trails we ride, wife wants me to upgrade the tires from knobbies to Serfas Drifters for better rolling resistance, but I think I may need to reconsider going back to a light weight quality hardtail, any suggestions, I am leaning towards something like a Motobecane fantom Pro Ti. or??

For the type of riding you are describing, I would seriously consider a rigid 29er.

Just wondering, what was the motivation for buying a Kona Dawg?

 

[jmmUT]

My thoughts exactly on the trade, I posted an ad on our local craigslist today to that effect, no action yet.

If you are willing to ship you might have good luck posting it here in the classifieds as a trade. Also pinkbike.com is a more downhill/freeride focused site with a for trade section.

 

[Tim-H]

^ Or try the local forums.

 

[propfishn]

Well, I got my 05 Kona Dawg sold finally, made some guy very happy! I been looking at lighter framed FS bikes still, The Dawg was 34 lbs. I am kinda interested in the Santa Cruz Superlight, that would give me the FS I want in a somewhat lighter bike. Still might end up with a hardtail, not sure, also looking at Specialized Stumpjumpers in hardtail, that is what the wife has. Hard part is I don't want to spend over 700.00 so that limits what I can look at.

 

[shiggy]

Well, I got my 05 Kona Dawg sold finally, made some guy very happy! I been looking at lighter framed FS bikes still, The Dawg was 34 lbs. I am kinda interested in the Santa Cruz Superlight, that would give me the FS I want in a somewhat lighter bike. Still might end up with a hardtail, not sure, also looking at Specialized Stumpjumpers in hardtail, that is what the wife has. Hard part is I don't want to spend over 700.00 so that limits what I can look at.

For the riding you have said you do ANY full suspension bike is overkill. A hard tail or even rigid is best for your rides and budget, and do not be afraid to look at used bikes.

 

[propfishn]

Thanks for the input, I am looking at used for sure, best bang for my bucks, I probably will settle for a Specialized Stumpjumper disc model if I can find a clean used one here local with good components.

 

[cobi]

I mostly ride local bike paths, some coastal trails along the ocean when trailer camping there, but no heavy duty offroad

For the riding you describe why do you feel you need suspension???

I agree with others, you sound like a perfect candidate for a RIGID bike.

 

[bermluvr]

I had a 2008 Giant XTC Alliance hardtail with a Reba up front... I miss that bike every time I ride XC. It rode so well.

 

[propfishn]

Finally found a bike I really like, ended up buying a used Santa Cruz Superlight, 2006 model, much lighter than the Dawg about 6.5 lbs lighter, not as clean, but will slowly upgrade the few parts it needs replacing to clean it up, frame is nice shape, rims like new, will need shifters and brake controllers is about it to upgrade the looks to par. Has XT derailleurs, Push rebuilt rear shock, very decent bike, I am happy. FS and a light bike to boot.