Kona Kikapu

Ruskie

Ok, first thing is I have used the search function but did not find a definitive answer.
I am looking for a bike to use for mixed riding of XC/DH having just got rid of a GT agressor after a week due to it breaking! (Refund from Halfords) I am upping my budget to approx 500-700. I have seen the Kona Kikapu comes into my budget and really like the look of it.
Anyone had any direct experience of riding it, I know that the frame is pretty solid but perhaps components are compromised? Any other recommendations would be appreciated.
Cheers.

supersonic

Nice frame, less than avergae components. I'd stick to a hardtail and look at he Boardman range.

paulym31

I have one and I'm really impressed.
BUT the comments about compromised components are true.
The frame is excellent and the shock, although it doesn't have much in the was of adjustment, is excellent. Really plush and without much feedback when pedalling.
The weight penalty (31.8lbs) isn't too much of a big deal as the bike really digs in and climbs far better than a similarly priced hardtail.
The fork provides good damping, but again you don't have much in the way of adjustment, and it gets quite flexy when the going gets gnarly.
The biggest issue is the brakes. To keep anything like a decent standard from the mechanical discs (particularly the rear) they need loads of servicing. In fact to keep the rear running sweet you really need to replace the cable (inner and outer) every 5 muddy rides or so. I'm upgrading to hydraulic.
That said the ride is great, and I love mine, not sure it's cut out for full on downhill though.
One last thing is that some of the cheap ones you see advertised are 8sp acera/deore mix and some are full 9spd deore. Mine was 9spd and came from Rutland Cycling.

Hope this helps

Paul

lonzo

I have a 2005 kikapu and agree entirely with paulym31.

The frame is really nice, really well balanced, and it can handle most UK trails easily. If you want to do big drops or crazy downhill this isn't what your looking for - but that's pretty obvious! In any case you should ride one before you buy as it might not be to your taste, there can be a feeling of sitting on top rather than sitting inside. On the up hills you'll find this bike feels as light as some hardtails (notably spesh hardrock) and the extra few pounds over hardtails are offset by comfort, traction and handling. Single track is a blast on this bike.

If the eight speed set up is more reliable that wouldn't be such a bad thing? I spend alot of time cleaning and straightening out teeth on the drive train on my 9spd.

Components are a bit skanky for a bike which rrp is £800 - and although they've updated the spec since 2005, I don't think its any better overall, may be even worse.

You should definately budget for some early upgrades - hydraulic dics are the first thing you should get and then a new fork - probably, but depends how & where you ride.

I got mine second hand over a year ago for £450 from Rutland Cycling too! I thought it was a good deal - don't think I would pay any more than £600 for a new one though because I have spent further £330 on upgrading fork & brakes since then.

paulym31

Mine was from Rutland too.
A 2006 down from £850 to £600, althoughthey seem to be even cheaper now.
Bizarrely the 9spd version uses Deore shifters and mechs, whereas the 8sp mixes Deore and either Acera or Alivio ( I forget which).
I've had no drivetrain problems other than the cable stretching when new, but then I do keep it pretty clean.
Agree that fork is next upgrade after hydraulics, the mz3 works okay, but is a bit flexy and rebounds a tad to quick for me, and you can only adjust preload. I think the bike would suit a Revelation.

Paul