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Linkage-actuated single pivot, cutting edge stuff that!
I'm talking about nicely made very stiff Scandium full sus frames weighing what, 4.8lbs... With famous razor sharp geometry that rides like an XC race hardtail but super comfy. Seriously nice bike.
I had a Jake and whilst the frame was úber strong, the rest of it was rubbish - most of the bolts rusted badly to the point where they'd have snapped had I not replaced them, the wheels were crap and it was pretty heavy. Still miss it though....
I think it's when the names started getting really silly - probably around the late 90's early suspension bikes - remember the Sex One and Sex Two? As bad as the Cove B**w Job or whatever it's called.
So around then a whole generation of now 40 somethings like me brought up on the aforementioned Explosifs, Kilaueas, and Cinder Cones (which I've still got) got turned off. Combined with the fact that Kona seemed to move from from classic "Hard Core" bikes for real riders to making things like the Stinky Primo Dee-luxe............ just the name is enough to put me off
Plus they did a Marketing Brochure waffling on about not having a marketing department............
They do make hardcore bikes for real riders - they make the lot. Everything you can think of this side of BMX and trials.
Good point Kimbers, Kona have stuck to a proven design (with minor alterations) for the last ten years, while other manufacturers have been round the block changing designs
I loved my '03 Stab, good luck with it
they're becoming the Trek of a few years ago with a much-maligned brand imagine. this is mainly due to the dated designs and technologies used. the only people who like them are those that hark back to the halcyon days of the mid-90s which is part of the problem. they need to re-invent themselves a bit like Trek did recently with bikes like the Fuel, Remedy and Session
I think they need to narrow their focus a bit on a particular area instead of just bringing out the same old designs for every conceiveable cycling pigeon hole.
100% with the post above
the only people who like them are those that hark back to the halcyon days of the mid-90s
Apart from me, that is.
You can go on about old technology all you want - try riding them, then tell me what you think.
I don't want to ride a bike that everyone says is crap - that's just human nature
I tried Konas in the 90s and never got on with their geometry, I've also rode a Stinky which was admittedly too big, but was still horrible
maybe I'm just thinking from a UK perspective, maybe their image and credibility is a better in the US and they're doing well
but then they're bit thick over the pond
no offence like
I rode a Kona Dawg round skline a while back. It was so heavy I renamed it the Kona Anville.
this is mainly due to the dated designs and technologies used
Since when was the magic link dated, or the use of scandium ?
Its true that they like to tweek rather than just re-design for the sake of the marketing department
Keva - when are used to riding a hardtail then a bike like the Dawg will be heavy !!! Its designed to be a 30lb + trail bike
It's bit like saying this old Mini is slow compared to my Ferrari !
i think a big factor here is that kona seem to make bikes that young gnarly dirt-jump/ DH dudes
so im guessing that middle-aged stwers arent the target market!
the magic link is a step in the right direction, but they still maintain the four-bar gate design and poor graphics. scandium isn't new - although one of the few bikes I like is The King
they'd be re-designing for the sake of keeping the company current and relevant
marketing may be bollocks, but people buy bollocks
kimbers - think you said in 10 words what i was sort of saying in about 100
suspect most of the 90's Kona riders are on something that feels more "grown up" - and think Kona have gone a bit too muck down the MBUK route.........
i think a big factor here is that kona seem to make bikes that young gnarly dirt-jump/ DH dudes
What, like sweet road bikes, the Paddy Wagon, the Sutra, the Heihei 29er, the Unit, the Jake etc etc? Have you actually looked at their range? New bikes recently include the Four for trail usage and the 5.0 long travel hardtail - both very much aimed at the kind of riding that gets done on here.
I don't want to ride a bike that everyone says is crap
Well I'm telling you they're great. So go try one 🙂 Skyline at Glyncorrwg will lend you one that you can thrash round Afan by way of a proper demo.
The thing that annoys me most about Konas is the pivot bearings(particularly the nylon
The bushing system that they used on the '95 Sex One.. and still on current bikes?
this is mainly due to the dated designs and technologies used
Pretty much.
I've had 3 stabs, all with worn bushings.. resulting in numerous rear mechs getting destroyed as the rear end folds sideways under cornering.
I love their older hardtails (love the RM blizzard too) but i'm completely unimpressed by their current XC and trail FS bikes.
Relatively cheap over here though - especially if you work for Whistler Blackcomb.
so thats y sum 1 chucked a apple @ me when i was on my 03 kona kula delux!!
was a big fan of kona...R.I.P
My kula primo is lovely to ride, but does get rather too much attention from the local spotty teens than is becoming for a bike belonging to a man of years