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Reviews 1 - 5 (9 Reviews Total)
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Submitted by
roland gallantDate Reviewed: November 21, 2012
Strengths: steel frameWeaknesses: noneBottom Line: love this bike! after riding one to try out i got rid of my giant escape3.a bit on the heavy side but the ride is worth it.
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Submitted by
Pras
a Recreational RiderDate Reviewed: September 6, 2011
Strengths: Comfortable ride, right geometry, looks simple does not invite theftWeaknesses: I had to replace the wheelset to make it enjoyable. Low-end components (will upgrade as soon as they worn out).Bottom Line: It was so heavy that I ignored the Kona Smoke soon after I bought it 2 years ago. But 3 months ago I casually replace the wheelset with a pair from my older Giant road bike lying around in my garage, which are much lighter including the cassetee. And hey, suddenly the Smoke really ride very well. I found it much easier to ride, and fast, without losing its comfort.
Now the Smoke is the bike I ride most among my other bikes (1 of them is carbon), almost every day I ride it at least 20 kms. Now I believe that steel bike is really comfortable.
Favorite Ride: Around Jakarta on Sunday morning
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At: Rodalink, Jakarta
Similar Products Used: Specialized Roubaix, Marin ALP Lucas valley Valley, older Giant TCR, TREK 1500.
Bike Setup: Replace the wheelset with lightweight rims and Tiagra cassette, 700/23 tyres, replace grip shifter with Shimano Alivio
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Submitted by
Chris Leigh
a CommuterDate Reviewed: April 21, 2011
Strengths: Takes a beating day in and out. Good value for the moneyWeaknesses: Handler grip shifter I changed first week, got a few comments about the fender styleBottom Line: Nice solid bike, good in the city and takes a beating jumping curbs and potholes, forks and rims very tough. Do a 20km commute throug parks and mud, streets.I have the 22" frame and it fits my 6'2" well. Shifts well on hills under load, brakes are good. Fenders keeps me very dry no matter what weather.
Favorite Ride: Kona Smoke
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At: Velorution Sault
Similar Products Used: Commuted for 3 year with cheaper mountain style bike, got tired of repairs
Bike Setup: Change handlegrip shifters to better style. I added carrying rack
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Submitted by
theresa
a CommuterDate Reviewed: April 15, 2010
Strengths: looks, smooth ride, all year rideablity!!!!!Weaknesses: not going to win a speed race.Bottom Line: this is the first bike i bought from a bike shop...all other bikes were the cheap kid ones from k-mart. i had not ridden in years but had my eco-stimulus check. i felt like i was flying! i rode from east nash to west for work, took about an hour and now i ride to work in chicago. i am surprised on how well it rides in chicago winters. not the fastest bike but i get my csa on it every week. it is beautiful...i work in a very ritz part of town and people still comment on how great it looks..these are people riding bikes that cost ten times more than mine. i just love love love this bike.
Favorite Ride: kona smoke
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At: eastside cycles nash
Bike Setup: to side folding baskets in the rear
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Submitted by
arnette
a CommuterDate Reviewed: September 25, 2008
Strengths: Bomb-proof build, smooth components and tires, fenders to keep the muck off your legs, grip shifters that actually workWeaknesses: a bit heavy for carrying if necessary - but really nothing else to complain about if you're going to use it as an inner-city commuterBottom Line: The Kona Smoke (16" - I'm 5'6" and I like a small, maneuverable frame) was a birthday gift from my brother. I never test rode it but from the minute I hopped on, it was my favorite bike. From the get-go, I was really nervous about the grip shifters. No need. The grip shifters and related components have turned out to be the smoothest and most trouble-free I have experienced. My past exposure to Trek 7500fx left a bad taste in my mouth for reliable deraileurs... Kona has shown me how they're SUPPOSED to work. Smooth, effortless, etc.
The Smoke is cromolly so it absorbs more jiggles than an Al bike but it also makes it a heavier ride. Rolling around it is not noticeable; hoist it up 4 flights of stairs, however, and you're gonna feel it. I used the Smoke in Glasgow as my 4mi commuter down the busy main streets. The bike is very responsive to car-dodging, nice and tight maneuvers. The gear ratios were spaced well for getting up to speed and cruising but it's fairly easy to top out the highest gear. In the city, that won't matter but if you're on a lonely stretch or road you might feel limited.
Everything about the bike is solid and smooth... tank-like frame, great (and cheap to replace) components, smooth wheels and tires... only the fenders have sensitivity issues. Unfortunately, my bike was stripped away from me late one night when I chained it up in the wrong neighborhood. I hope the new 'owner' loves her as much as I did.
Favorite Ride: Kona Smoke
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At: Ramstein AFB
Similar Products Used: Trek 7500fx
Bike Setup: Stock - just added an LED front light for nighttime
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