kona kula

Paulkingk

hi guys. quick question i'm looking at buying a new bike i'm abig ish guy @230lbs and ride mostly xc but would like to be able to do small drops and some light jumping. I was interested in the kona hoss deluxe but have been told i can't get hold of one untill the 08 stock comes out. i.m planing on going to wales next month and need a new ride. how robust is the kula? it's on the cycle to work scheme so my ride has to come from halfords which is limiting my options a tad. :roll:

frogbad

My understanding is that most of the Kona bikes have durable and robust frames which can take a fair pit of punishment, as well as having good geometry. I am in the process of looking into a Kona Blast for the same reasons, I am also a large build at 5'11 and 15.5 stone.

However from what I know of the Kula it is more of a XC Race machine and not really a "jump" bike, if that's what you are wanting you are really looking at the Stuff/Shred/Scrap bikes

I know for sure that the Kona Hoss is specifically marketed as a large riders ride, but I am reliably informed that most of the Kona frames will take a large rider, as long as jumps and drop offs are not too extreme.

I am sure others will be along to add their pearls of wisdom, but that's mine for now!

supersonic

As above, its not a jump frame, so if you want to do some jumping I would look at a meatier build. Its a fantastic xc frame though.

Paulkingk

when i say jumping i mean more small drops and bunny hopping stuff really. but obviously i'm a large guy so i want something strong that is why i'm unsure about the kula

supersonic

I would say XC encompasses a few trail undaltions, little drops etc... it wouldnt be stacking a 2ft drop off however. 230 generally aint a problem for an XC frame.

The BIG GT

I'm 6'1" and up towards 200lbs and I ride a 2003 Kula (the bright yellow one - with all black kit, "sweeeeeeet") and I find the frame strong enough, if not as worry-proofed as the Armadillo I was riding before.

That would survive a head-on with a Volvo.

The Kula tubes are pretty thin though and I managed to put a noticeable dent in my top tube when it dropped a few inches sideways while trying to get through a motorbike-blocking gate on the Grand Union Canal towpath. It does not seem to have worsened even with my heavy-handed riding!

Paulkingk

cheers fellasmuchly appreciated :P