No good words about a Kona Coilair 08?

Coopervisor

I've been looking at getting a new bike and spotted a few Kona Coilair 08 models around the £1000 mark, the frame with magic link looks good and is the sort of bike i'd be after.

However most reviews tend to say it's not that good. I know it'll be a tad on the heavy side and not super good at climbing, but is it really that bad? Is it not worth the £978.71 i've seen it available for? Also the forks on it (Marzocchi 55-TST2 165mm) don't ever seem to get a good review, is this a common thing or just people not liking Marzocchi?

supersonic

Recent Zocchi build quality has been pretty poor.

Try the bike out?

stevieboy

I love my 07 CoilAir, much better bike than the 08 spec wise, especially the fork. Heard of nothing but problems with any of the new asian built zocci's. Much safer with a Fox/Rockshox equipped bike.

The climbing issue is a none starter in my opinion, heard of Jacobs ladder? well I can get my 07 up most of it without pushing. Climbs really well for a 35lb bike tbh. Plus most of the rides I do on it involve around 5-6000ft of climbing with no major issue. The downs are where its at though, super controlled and well balanced.

snotty badger

I looked at a 08 CoilAir, found it a bit clumbersome- almost too burly. And the frame was very flexy around the BB. Went for the Pitch Pro instead, well pleased with it.

Coopervisor

stevieboy wrote:

I love my 07 CoilAir, much better bike than the 08 spec wise, especially the fork. Heard of nothing but problems with any of the new asian built zocci's. Much safer with a Fox/Rockshox equipped bike.

The climbing issue is a none starter in my opinion, heard of Jacobs ladder? well I can get my 07 up most of it without pushing. Climbs really well for a 35lb bike tbh. Plus most of the rides I do on it involve around 5-6000ft of climbing with no major issue. The downs are where its at though, super controlled and well balanced.

That's good to know about the climbing, the 08 comes with the upgraded magic link thingy so should be along the same lines, if not better.

Yeah the only worrying thing is the fact that the forks seem to get a bad rep from quite alot of problems. Suppose I could ask if they'd swap the forks for something else, worth a shot I guess.

Basically i'm looking at spending about a grand on a bike, looking for a 0% finance option.

In that price range, i've also seen a 08 Stinky which i'm guessing is overkill and the Coilair is better all rounder. I've also seen a Felt Compulsion 3 08 which doesn't seem too bad, but i've never heard of them before.

llamafarmer

What sort of riding do you do mate?

Coopervisor

Hardly any as yet, I'm coming back to biking after a number of years away.

I'm planning on doing some general trail riding just to keep the weight I lost last year off, but also plan on getting into some downhill/freeride stuff. Nothing too insane to start with mind, it's been about 7 years since I last used a bike on anything other than flat paths/roads. But it's something I'm interested in picking up again.

As it's not going to be huge XC runs or anything, I'm aiming for a fullsus bike that can won't break to moment I hit a rock or curb on it.

Thanks

Coops

PS. For reference here's the bike I've recently dug out of my garage, lets just say it works better after 7 years of no activity than I did

snotty badger

Best to go and try a CoilAir and see if it suits you, I just found it a bit too burly myself but it may suit you to a t. The frame was very flexy around that magic link- seems a bit gimmicky as well- lots more little bushes/bearings to wear too.

The 07 models are suppose to be better still, depends if you can find one in the right size though.

Might as well put a few miles on your old bike til you find a new one though

tonyvaldavid

i love mine going up and downhill...unless you are a pro talk of flexy this and too much that arent going to concern you, go ride it...

supersonic

Flex can be disconcerting though, for any rider.

35lbs is still a big heft for hills! Fitness of course helps!

Have you looked at the GT Force 2008? Not quite as much travel, but a worth AM option.