Kona Kula 2008 v Kona Caldera 2009 v ???

trumanzi

Hey guys.

first post here, asking for some advice on hardtails.

Im looking for a hardtail in the region of £500-700 as a decent starter bike. Riding on roads/dirt paths at the moment and progressing to XC/more interesting things in summer.

Plus, living in South wales means there is a lot more fun places to ride right on my doorstep.


I'm currently looking at the Kona Kula 2008 for £600, or the Kona Caldera 2009 at £550.


Any advice? I really like the look of Konas, but if you guys have any other recommendations for my price range i would appreicate it.

Cheers

supersonic

The Kula is the better value, and an excellent buy at that money. If it fits...

mikeyj28

I would have to point you in the direction of the Kula. A better overall package even though it is a year older!! Just try and test one to ensure that it handles to your liking.

trumanzi

Well i'm buying one off the internet (As you probably guessed), and there are no LBS's near me that have Konas in stock/deal with konas, let alone a 19" frame Kula.

I went to a LBS near me recently that tried to sell me a Giant Talon 0 at £850, at a 20" frame it felt a bit strange (I'm 5 foot 11, and i havent had a bike that fits my height since i was like 16).


Mikeyj, you live in cardiff, any idea where i can try out a 2008 kula?

Cheers

trumanzi

Anyone else have any views on this?


If not i think i will be going for the Kula :-)


Thanks guys

Paul 8v

the Kula is a good bike if you can get one in the right size, on a purely aesthetic note it's not in "minging green" which is why I built up my Caldera with an 08 frame

trumanzi

I actually quite like the green :-p


Internet says for my height a 19" frame is the right size, and considering they dont have any 20" frames in stock i figure thats what i should buy.



Nowhere in south wales seems to have a kula i can test for frames, so im tempted to just buy the 19" kula

The Spiderman

I reckon the 19" will be a good fit,though if you can try an 18" for comparison.

Definitely go for the Kula!

Belv

I've got an 08 Caldera and am pretty happy with it, but if i'd had the option of an 08 Kula for £600 i'd definitely have got that.

Paul 8v

I'm 5'10 and I've got a 17" frame, then again I have stumpy legs (bout 30")

trumanzi

Well guys, i phoned up a few places and they either didnt have any kulas for me to try, or were 2 hour round trips away from me (not really doable)

i came across a few kona size guidelines on the net and all said 19" frame is ideal for my height...



So i've taken a pot shot and bought the 19" kula,will let you guys know how it feels :-),


Cheers for the help all.

troupy

Hello all

I have also been looking at the Kona Kula 2008 model as I have a budget of around £600. I have also been looking at the Giant xtc 2.5 2008 model. Does anybody know which of the 2 bikes are the lightest or even what the bike weights actually are(approx.) ?
Has anybody got any recommendations (pros/cons) as to which of the 2 bikes I should go for? any help would be greatly appreciated.
I also considered the Boardman Team hardtail through my employers cycle 2work scheme as with the tax/NI savings I would be paying around £600 but I would barely use it for work and might get caught by the taxman!!