Advantages: Singletrack, Marathon Machine Disadvantages: Don't try jumping on it
I already owned a Kona Kula, but the rocks of Glyncorrwg had finally wrecked my ageing body, and I needed a full suspention bike. I loved the sharp handling Kula, and so The King seemed the obvious choice. I wasn't to be dissapointed.
I'm about 5'11" tall, and went for the 19" size. It fits like a glove. With "only" four inches of travel there are plusher bikes out there, but The King loves twisty singletrack, and that was the main reason for me going for it. This bike loves singletrack. There's enough travel to get you through the rockiest sections of Afan Argoed, and it climbs very well. It's by no means superlight, coming in at about 26lbs, but the bike rides light, and is a great marathon machine.
I swapped the FSA wheelset, fo a Chris King wheel set I had lying around, and put the FSA set on the bike I ride to work. They ...
Greasylake 05.02.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Kona The King
Advantages: Great handling, climbs like a mountain goat Disadvantages: Can be a handfull on rough, fast decents
in the butt to remind you that you're riding a hardtail. That said, I've ridden one with 2.3inch Kenda tyers on ,which really helped smooth the ride out. But there's no way you'll keep up with your fully sprung mates, riding a rocky downhill. That's not to say the experience isn't enjoyable, it is, it's just a little slower, and takes more finesse and concentration.
The first Kula I owned I rode around the succulent trails of Leith Hill in Surrey. Real Kona Kula territory. Smooth trails with lots of technical singletrack. Just the sort of place this bike was meant for.
Now I'm living in South Wales, where the trails are a lot rougher. Guss what, I bought a full suspention, the Kulas brother, The King. I still take the Kula out around Afan Argoed now and again, just to remind me what it's like to ride a "real bike", but I have to admit ...
Greasylake 22.12.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kona Kula
Advantages: Excellent lightweight and bomb-proof frame. Strong durable components. Disadvantages: Slightly pricey with mid-range components.
In 2006 I purchased a 2005 Kona cowan frame that i could custom build. This review is based on my experience on using the frame rather than the full bike supplied by Kona. Despite this I can comment on the specification and value for money of the full bike. The best feature of this bike is certainly the frame, retailing at around £499 alone. The components on this bike are chosen based on there performance as jump bike components. Taking into account what this bike will be used for, all the components are strong and durable. The more you pay for bike components, the lighter and more efficient they become without sacrificing any strength. The components on this bike are fairly average when compared to the quality of the frame. Therefore I think the bike is a touch over priced at £1000 rrp, but certainly worth the money. The frame itself ...
Jonny5Review 16.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Kona Cowan
