Kona Bicycle Co. 2001 Jake the Snake

Price Paid:  $750.00 at BikeStop, seattle

Favorite Ride:
highland

Summary:
I have been beating the crap out of my 2000.5 el cheapo special edition for about two years. This bike is truly a tank - I love it. I bought a factory closeout with the cheap tiagra component group with ultegra bar end shifters. I think the cheap steel shimano stuff shifts fantastically and can take a stick in the derailleur and laugh. Take that bike snobs...Really, this is a true do it all machine, I even entered it in a real mtb race and did fairly well - after I puchased some "froglegs" top bar brake levers its really a good mtb. When I am not riding my Turner, I always enjoy a ride on this Kona - its a pleasure to own

Strengths:
Glow in the dark frame stickers, strong frame, the kona system two cro-mo fork is amazingly plush

Weaknesses:
stock non drive side sugino crank arm - kept hitting my ankle, replaced with old XT crankarm, sdg cheapo version seat - not the same as their high end models

Similar Products Used:
none, first cyclocrosser bike

Price Paid:  $700.00 at Sun&Ski

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
TIME ATACS, Michelin Cyclocross Sprinter 30, Dura Ace Barcons

Summary:
I purchased this bike for two reasons one for a Back up Commuter Bike and 2 I am contemplating trying out CX this season. For a Commuter Bike, this Bike is very user friendly.It climbs well and and Descends very well. It is forgiving even with CX tires on the road as far as holding its line. It does have a little bit of Toe Overlap but really isn't a Problem except at slow speeds. I have never raced CX before but it is lighter than my Bianchi. It weighs in approx 23.5 lbs. I switched to the Barcons since the SORA STI's had such a long throw when shifting. It has been a Big improvement even with the stock SORA deraillers the shifting is crisp. I have only taken it on some mild single track and Rail Trails the gearing is perfect 48/38 with a 12-25 cogset. As time goes by I will upgrade worn components.
My ratings for this bike would be 4 for Price and weight. And 4 overall it's a fun Bike and you can beat the snot out of it and not feel bad about trashing it.

Strengths:
Price, weight

Weaknesses:
Low end component group, Stock tires Kenda Kwick, Stock Pedals, Slight Toe overlap on tight turns

Similar Products Used:
1st Cross Bike, Normally Ride the road on a Bianchi Eros

Price Paid:  $900.00 at I.M.T.

Bike Setup:
Tompson Post. Flite Seat. Ritchey Stem. Deda Bars. Vector Wheels. 35c Kevlar Tyres. Race Face Cranks.

Summary:
Like a Ferrari on a dirt road.
I speak not so much as for how great this bike is but how much fun 'cross is. This is coming from a mountain biker. I like to ride the same terrain with the Kona as with my MTB's. I appreciate the shorter top tube here as well as the nice stand over clearance [Tom Ritchey listen up]. Ride before you buy. There are wide differences in geometry amongst 'cross rides. I truly love this one though. It handles well in technical sections and isn’t too harsh as long as you downhill in the drops. I recommend this ride to any MTB'er looking to change up the same old same old.

Strengths:
Relative light weight. Price.

Weaknesses:
Top tube is a wee short. limited size selection.
What do you mean I need to choose between the 55 and 58?!?!?

Similar Products Used:
Surly Cross Check