I need affirmation: kona blast mtb...should I get it?

[ThisIsMatt]

So... http://www.konaworld.com/2k4bikes/2k4_blast.cfm

for < $400, should I go for it? I'm not going to spend over $400 :\

 

[bootymac]

Yeah, I'd like some info too. I have a hiking trip which is half biking this summer, so I'm looking into getting a new bike.

 

[trek]

If you're looking at the high end stuff I might be able to help.

 

[Sukhoi]

Yeah, I know some of the stuff too.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
Any mountain biking experts around? I'd like to talk to someone who knows their stuff and can compare a few models for me and tell me if some offers I have are good deals.

Sure. What are the questions?

 

[FrustratedUser]

hello?

 

[LS20]

if its below 500 (which, for most beginners, it is)... just get whatever feels best when you ride

 

[ThisIsMatt]

I don't want to post the price quotes that I've recieved, but here are a couple bikes I'm considering:

http://www.khsbicycles.com/04alite1000.html

http://www.khsbicycles.com/04alite500.html

http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_blast.cfm

http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_fire_mountain.cfm

The two in bold are the main ones. The other two are the less expensive, but I think it may be worth it to pay more for better components of the two I've put in bold.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

or newer models:

http://www.konaworld.com/2k4bikes/2k4_blast.cfm

http://www.konaworld.com/2k4bikes/2k4_fire_mountain.cfm

 

[Tetsuo]

Blast, all the way

 

[ThisIsMatt]

lol, thanks...I'm really looking for someone who can compare them component-wise and give me a really informed decision, although this is probably asking too much

 

[FrustratedUser]

The 2004 Kona Blast has the best components by far.

 

[boyRacer]

The Blast has better components than the others.

List goes like this from high-end to low end:

XTR
Deore XT
Deore LX
Deore
Alivio
Acera
Altus

Are those the only bikes you're looking at?

 

[trek]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
or newer models:

http://www.konaworld.com/2k4bikes/2k4_blast.cfm

http://www.konaworld.com/2k4bikes/2k4_fire_mountain.cfm

between those two, definitely the blast for the price difference.
1. You get 20mm more travel up front.
2. All drivetrain components have been upgraded to something I've heard of (to a min of Shimano Deore).
3. F/R Hubs are going to be higher quality too.
4. No name rims upgraded to Sun.

 

[vegetation]

My suggestion is not to dwell on component levels unless we're talking about LX grade on a MTB or 105 on a road bike, or above.. How do I kindly put it, components under these levels are cr@p; in the sense they are heavy and wont hold up much in durability (depends). I'd just get on the bike and feel which is best for you. Or if you need quantified data, put them all up on a scale and pick the one that's lightest.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Well excuse me for wanting the best bang for the buck without spending as much as my car is worth

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Any other opinions?

 

[FrustratedUser]

Originally posted by: ThisIsMatt
Any other opinions?

Quality down to Deore is good. Try to keep it there.
Look at used bikes at mtbr.com too.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

bonk