Kona Precept vs Giant Stance

Shooting mike

I'm looking at the Kona precept 130 or the Giant stance as my first foray into full sus riding due to every worsening herniated discs and the resulting soreness after riding my hardtail. At this stage in my life im not gonna be jumping, racing or doig anything extreme - just some red route stuff at Sherwood pines, local riding in peak district etc. and most of that with my kids. That said, the opportunity for the odd short thrash on certain sections at pines is difficult to resist! I've read the reviews for the Giant in the various MTB magazines where it competes against the bossnut and boardman. They seem to suggest its light, pedals very fast, well made and deifinately worthy of upgrades over time but they have concerns about the lack of stiffness in the 30mm fork and QR axle. Realistically, as an amateur rider doing what I've said above, am I likely to even notice this?! The specs oi the bikes are below - the Kona looks great but I can't find any industry reviews....


Kona Precept 130

Frame Material: Kona 6061 Aluminium Butted
Wheel Size: 27.5-inch
Wheels: WTB SX23
KIS Platform: Swinger Independent Suspension
Rear/Front Suspension: 130mm/140mm
Fork: RockShox Sektor Silver TK Solo Air 140mm QR15 tapered
Shock: Rockshox Monarch R DebonAir
Crankset: Shimano Deore
Drivetrain: Shimano Acera 11-34t 9-speed
Cockpit: Kona XC/BC bar and stem, Kona S-LOG grips
Brakes: Shimano Acera
Tyres: Maxxis Ardent 27.5x2.25"
Saddle: Kona XC


Giant Stance

Frame: ALUXX-Grade Aluminium, 120mm rear suspension
Rear Shock: RockShox Monarch R
Fork: RockShox 30 Gold TK Solo Air, 120mm travel, lockout, tapered, QR
Cranks: FSA Comet 22/30/40
Bottom Bracket: FSA PressFit
Front Derailleur: Shimano Alivio
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio
Shifters: Shimano Alivio 27 speed
Cassette: Shimano HG200 11x34
Chain: KMC X9
Hubs: Giant Tracker Sport, QR
Rims: Giant CR70 6061 Aluminium, Double wall
Tyres: Maxxis Ardent, 27.5x2.25", Wire Bead
Brakes: Shimano M355 [F] 180mm [R] 160mm
Brake Levers: Shimano M355
Handlebar: Giant Connect Trail, 25mm rise, 730mm
Stem: Giant Sport
Saddle: Giant Connect Upright
Seat Post: Giant Sport, 30.9mm

The Rookie

They are rather different bikes, the Stance is trail bike with what is now shortish travel for that use, the Precept somewhat harder hitting with the longer travel (and 'tougher') Sektor fork.

For Sherwood pines even 100mm rear suspension will give you decent cushioning round the Kitchenor, but for more natural riding you may need a bit more.

There are quite a lot of options in the 120-140mm suspension category to consider.

Shooting mike

Thanks for the replies guys... Just one question - you both say that they're different sorts of bikes for different things but I'm not sure I follow? Aren't they both similarly specced (I know the Kona spec is better slightly) short travel trail bikes? I see the Kona has a bit more travel but it's hardly a downhill rig. I think your saying the Kona could take more of a hit on rougher terrain due to its slightly more travel?

rockmonkeysc

Geometry is more important than suspension travel. My bike only has 120mm but is much harder hitting than either of these.
They're both quite similar in terms of capabilities. The Giant has a better quality fork. I'd take a bit less travel for the much better damping although the qr15 axle on the Kona will add a bit of stiffness.
They're really very similar, might as well go by which you like the look of.