Kona Bikes

[lilred]

Does anyone own a Kona?
There are 3 great LBSs in my area. All of which, carry different brands. I've riden, researched, etc. each brand and have narrowed my decision.
I'm thinking seriously about a Kona. Specifically the Cinder Cone or Blast.
What are your opinions on the Kona brand and/or either of the 2 bikes I listed above?
Once, again, Thanks.

[cyclesafe]

The former has lower quality hydraulic disks and the latter has a non-lockable shock - reliability and energy efficiency penalties, respectively.  I wouldn't waste my money on either.

For value in a mountain bike I recommend V or cantilever brakes, big (29er) wide (>2.2") tires that you can underinflate (instead of a heavy cheap shock absorber), and the strongest wheelset you can fit into your budget

For these reasons IMHO the minimum (<$1300) touring-capable rigid mountain bike should be:

- A steel 29er such as the Surly Karate Monkey
- Shimano LX componentry
- A custom 36-hole wheelset comprised of Sun Rhyno Lite rims, XT hub, DT 14 ga spokes, and DT brass nipples.

This bike can be built for you by any willing bike shop.  Or try an online retailer such as Speedgoat.

[biker_james]

Kona has a good reputation, and there are a ton of them around up here. I guess it depends on what you are wanting to do with it as to whether or not it is suitable. I've met people touring across Canada with lower quality mountain bikes that had no issues with them. Suspension forks and 26 inch wheels may not be the perfect on-road touring setup, but then again it may be for you. Personally, I wouldn't have any issues with going on a tour with my mountain bike,if I couldn't take my touring bike.
Disc brakes nowadays have moved way past their reputation for being unreliable.

This message was edited by biker_james on 7-16-08 @ 5:04 AM

[ahrgus]

I actually own a Kona Blast 2005 model.  Ive logged about 835 miles on it so far.  the most ive put on it in a single ride is about 47 miles.  quality wise, its held up pretty well whether on the road or when im on a trail.  I dont personally have any complaints, and for a bike thats in the "budget" price range, im pretty happy with my purchase.

(edit) another reason i went with the blast is that it
has mounts for other brake options if you dont like disk.. maybe this is standard, idk, but was a nice option.

This message was edited by ahrgus on 7-20-08 @ 8:50 AM