Best stem / bar upgrade for 2008 Kona Kula

dmouse
dmouse Posts: 18
edited June 2009 in MTB buying advice
Hi all

I have a Kona Kula (2008) that I use mainly for XC trail riding. Having researched teh bike before i bought the most recommended upgrade is a bar and stem change. having looked at the options I am baffled by all the angles and rise options.

I was kinda expecting the same sought of shapes with lighter/stronger materials but wherever I look I am faced with options of up sweep, back sweep, rise etc.

Any suggestion of a good bar and stem combination for about 60/70 quid?

Cheers

Si

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    What do you already have fitted? What do you think to them, and the shape and riding position they offer?
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • dmouse
    dmouse Posts: 18
    The Riding position seems okay but I have nothing to compare it to.

    I'm basing my desire to upgrade on comments on nearly every review of the bike including:

    The stem and bar are as basic as you can get without being steel.

    And

    The bar / stem are outdated.

    Unfortuneatly none of the reviews offer a suggestion as to what to look for in terms of improvment other than weight saving. What I have found if that it is easy to find a lighter stem but most bars seems heavier although possible much stronger?

    Spec at present and WTB CXC Riser bars and stem:

    Bars

    Width: 660mm
    Bends: 9 Degree Backward Bend - 6 Degree Upward Sweep
    Weight: 265g
    Clamp: 25.4mm
    Rise: 38mm

    Stem

    Steer tube diameter: 1-1/8
    Rise: 7 Degree Upward Rise
    Weight: Approx 215 grams (110mm)
  • ipaintbikes
    ipaintbikes Posts: 32
    Can't comment on the upgrade but what do you think of the 08 Kula? Is it worth the dosh?
  • dmouse
    dmouse Posts: 18
    Yes it is. I picked mine up for 600 quid a year ago and I've no problems with it at all. This was down from 850 rrp at the time and the spec was very similar to the Rockhopper Expert which weighed in at 899.

    The brakes are noisy - this normal I'm told for these brakes but they work a treat. The only thing I have found is that the chain tesnion needs to be loose or there is a tendency for it to stick in gear. When i got it it tended to do this but after many adjustments I found that winding out the tensioner screw on the mech almost all the way out resulted in very reliable shifting.

    NB Happy to answer this but PM me if you want to chat more, I don't want the thread to drift into a general discussion of the bike :-)
  • ipaintbikes
    ipaintbikes Posts: 32
    No probs.

    Thanks for the offer.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    For XC riding, have a look at the Kooka Race stem, from 115g for 90mm. And say a RF Next bar:

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=11723
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • dmouse
    dmouse Posts: 18
    Thanks, the stem looks great and found one for only 24.95.

    The bars look very good but was wondering if the Kooka X Race Riser Bars were good or if the ones you recommended would be a lot better?

    http://www.dirtyjobikes.co.uk/Parts/bar ... Riser_Bars

    Thanks.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Look, good, but don't know the weight!

    I use the suggested combo on my Zaskar LE, the pair weighs under 300g, works well, fairly stiff.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • dmouse
    dmouse Posts: 18
    Thanks, I emailed the seller about the weight - see what they come back with.

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