I had my 2002 king kikapu stolen (19inch) and replaced it with a whyte e5 (17 inch but same reach to bars) the Kona felt planted and sharp around singletrack etc. The wht does not feel planted at all, it just seems to want to 'push' i have a 10mm longer stem than std, and an inline post to put a little more weight over the front. It seems more 'wandery' and does not inspire a great deal of confidence in the front end if grip is a bit low.
On the Monkey trail monday morning and used the fork damping lever to increase the damping. It felt much better. Is this a placebo or will increased damping keep the wheel more planted and less likely to 'move out of the way'? any ideas?


