Shimano M775 XT Rear Wheel For Centre Lock Disc Brakes

Advantages: Lightweight, good quality components
Disadvantages: A lot of money

...Clipless Chain - Shimano CN-HG53 Freewheel - Shimano Deore (11-32t, 9speed) F/D - Shimano Deore R/D - Shimano Deore XT Shifters - Shimano Deore Handlebar - WTB CXC Riser Stem - WTB CXC Grips - Kona Jackshit Brakes - HAYES HFX-9 XC W6 w/2-finger Lever Brake Levers - HAYES HFX-9 XC W6 w/2-finger Lever Front hub - KK Disc Rear hub - Shimano FH-M475 disc Spokes - 15g front and 14g rear stainless DT Tyres - Maxxis IGNITOR 26x2.1 Rims - Sun Black Eye Saddle - WTB Laser V SPORT Seat post - WTB CXC Seat clamp - Kona QR My complete bike comes in at around 14kg. This frame is fantastic for constant upgrading which is a big part of the fun. Making your bike just that little bit better can make all the difference. I would thoroughly recommend this bike to all levels of riders. These guys (Kona) are pretty much all about the mountain... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Inexpensive, Respected Brand, Cool
Disadvantages: Some components need upgrading (but thats the fun 'aint it)

...are a shimano XT rear mech, which will be reliable as its XT. You have Avid brake leavers,Deore shifters and a Deore frontmech and crankset. While the Deore stuff isn't the best in the world, it will be reliable and only really needs replacing when broken. In summery, I would heartly recommend a Kona Cinder Cone to anyone looking for a decent hardtail that is going to be upgradeable and will get you up and down any hill with relative ease. (Just buy a bloody big lock)... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: cheaper than contemporaries
Disadvantages: difficult hoses

...shimano, in using a new 4 pot system have moved into the league usually dominated by Hope. the 4 pot system gives greater power than two pot systems and doesnt overheat easily. the shimano is better than the hopes because it uses two cylinders to drive the pads rather than the one cylinder that the hope uses to drive all 4 pads. the shimanos are also a lot cheaper than other systems with comparible performance, although they need expensive hubs, making them more expensive than the hope open 2s. the braided hoses are bombproof but need to be precut and the levers give superb modulation and good feel.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful