Mountain Bike Kona Frame
Serious Mountain Bike Predicament!!!!?
Who’s who? What’s what. Not long ago, brands like Kona, Santa Cruz, Cannondale, & Gary Fisher ruled the American singletrack. Now what’s this I hear about “Giant is on the rise,” “C’Dale makes poor quality frames, and their unique suspension designs don’t work,” and “Trek makes better bikes that anything Gary Fisher can produce.” Are the members of mountain biking forums all over the web deceptive liars, or is this stuff true!??!?!? Here’s what I want: Give me a list of your current top five in the mountain biking industry and why they’re there. Thanks.
Who’s who? It’s a kinda hard question, it’s like asking the same for car makers.
The way I see the brands,at least brands in the american market, there are some big name brands that still keep their reputation, like Specialized, Trek (they are improving their designs a lot, their new suspension makes them intresting, before they were pretty so-so), Cannondale (but they just recently got sold and it’s hard to know where they are heading). Giant has redesigned their full suspension bike about 3 or 2 years ago to the Maestro design, which has gotten good reviews.
There are boutique bikes, which are more expensive, but you do get what you pay for. Brands like Turner, Titus, Santa Cruz, Foes, Knolly, Ventana, Yeti are a lot smaller, usually don’t offer a complete line of frames (the usually specialize in one segment).
Maybe the top five in the first category would be:
1. Specialized
2. Giant
3. Cannondale
4. Trek
5. I dunno……
And boutique:
1. Knolly
2. Intense
3. Titus,
4. Turner
5. Ventana
And there are always some intresting bikes that are small, but offer more reasonable priced frames, like Transition, Cove and others.
kona Mountain Bike Frames
|
|
Ascent Aluminum Mountain Bike Frame $149.99 Ascent Aluminum Mountain Bike Frame. The Ascent double-butted aluminum mountain bike frame is one of our top sellers — and for good reason. Several, actually. It’s durable. It’s lightweight. And it’s an incredible value in a quality-made double-butted frame. |
|
|
Access XCL Comp Mountain Bike Frame $199.99 Access XCL Comp Mountain Bike Frame. With quality, style and performance that’ll exceed your expectations, this mountain bike frame gives new meaning to the term dirt cheap. |
|
|
2011 Diamondback Outlook Mountain Bike $239.99 2011 Diamondback Outlook Mountain Bike. If you’ve been on the lookout for a real value in a dependable, entry-level mountain bike for fun and fitness, put down those binocs and throw a leg over the 2011 Diamondback Outlook. Equipped with a sturdy, high-tensile steel frame, suspension fork, Shimano derailleurs and shifters, lightweight alloy linear-pull brakes and multipurpose tires, the Diamondback Outlook mountain bike has everything you need to start having fun, no matter where you want to go. |
|
|
2012 Diamondback Response Mountain Bike $399.99 2012 Diamondback Response Mountain Bike. Trail-riding newbies and seasoned single trackers alike will appreciate that the Diamondback Response mountain bike offers uncompromised performance without compromising the old bank account. At the heart of each Response is a rugged Strongbox frame design, providing strength and style with clean lines. The Suntour 100mm suspension fork, efficient Shimano drivetrain and lightweight cockpit components provide more proof of Diamondback’s commitment to providing you with the best all mountain hardtail bike your money can buy. When you ask for a solid and reliable all-purpose mountain bike, you deserve a Response. |
|
|
2011 Diamondback Response Mountain Bike $299.99 2011 Diamondback Response Mountain Bike. Whether you are new to the trails or a seasoned single track rider, the Diamondback Response mountain bike series offers uncompromised performance without compromising your bank account. At the heart of each Response is a rugged Strongbox frame design, providing strength and style with clean lines. The components provide more proof of Diamondback’s commitment to providing you with the best all mountain hardtail bike your money can buy. When you ask for a solid and reliable all-purpose mountain bike, you deserve a Response. |
|
|
2010 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc Mountain Bike $449.99 2010 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc Mountain Bike. This mid-level hardtail mountain bike will keep you in front of all chasers. The GT Avalanche 2.0 features a NEW hydroformed and butted 6061 Triple Triangle aluminum frame, Suntour hydraulic suspension with lockout, and Shimano components. |
|
|
2010 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc Mountain Bike $599.99 2010 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc Mountain Bike. The low-level price on this mid-level hardtail mountain bike will sweep you off your feet. With a legendary GT Triple Triangle designed aluminum frame, Rock Shox front suspension and Shimano components, this ride will challenge you to reach new heights. |
|
|
2010 Diamondback Lux Sport Women’s Mountain Bike $399 2010 Diamondback Lux Sport Women’s Mountain Bike. We all know that mountain biking isn’t just for guy’s. But did you know that women don’t have to ride a guy’s bike to enjoy it? Take the Diamondback Lux Sport women’s mountain bike, for example. It may look like any other mountain bike at first glance, but it’s made specifically for women. It features a lightweight aluminum frame with tube dimensions and geometry to fit a woman’s anatomy, specially sized brake levers, and comfortable women’s saddle and handlebar grips. So whether you tackle the trails for fun or fitness, why not do it on a bike that fits? |
|
|
2011 Focus Super Bud 3.0 Mountain Bike $2079.99 2011 Focus Super Bud 3.0 Mountain Bike. Go fast. Go far. Get there in comfort on a Focus Super Bud 3.0 full-suspension mountain bike. It features a hydroformed aluminum frame that’s rugged and lightweight, a trail-taming Fox fork/rear shock combo and a competition-ready Shimano XT drivetrain. Whether you live to race, love to challenge your skills or just enjoy getting out and exploring, the Super Bud 3.0 will bring a new level of performance and control to the Mountain Bike table. |
|
|
2011 Fuji Nevada 1.0 Mountain Bike $659.99 2011 Fuji Nevada 1.0 Mountain Bike. For not much more than you’d spend on a mountain bike of questionable pedigree from a big box merchandiser, you can get your hands on a quality-built, professionally assembled Fuji Nevada 1.0. It’s the real deal, with custom-butted aluminum frame for the perfect combination of strength and light weight, bump-absorbing SR Suntour suspension fork and 27-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain. For a lot of mountain bike without a lot of money, the Fuji Nevado 1.0 is the way to go. |
|
|
Focus Whistler Mountain Bike-U.S. Exclusive $649 Focus Whistler Mountain Bike-U.S. Exclusive. You may never make it to B.C.’s fabled Whistler Mountain Bike Park, but thanks to Focus you can own a capably-equipped, German-enginered mountain bike named in its honor. The Focus Whistler hardtail mountain bike is as rugged as its namesake, but it handles about as easily as Whistler’s Mother. You get a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, Suntour suspension fork with 100mm travel, proven Shimano Alivio drivetrain components, and dependable disc brakes, all in an affordable, fun-to-ride package. |
|
|
2011 Diamondback Response Comp Mountain Bike $699.99 2011 Diamondback Response Comp Mountain Bike. Fun, capable and bombproof — that’s what the Diamondback Response Comp mountain bike is all about. If having a bike that will last even longer than your student loan payments is more important than having the lightest, blingiest bike at the trailhead, the Response Comp is your kind of bike. Thrash it, crash it, slam it and jam it — it’s harder to kill than a zombie. Sure, you might eventually wear out or break some of the original Shimano Alivio components here and there, but the rugged, upgrade-worthy frame will beg for more. Don’t disappoint it and the Response Comp won’t disappoint you. |
|
|
2011 Diamondback Recoil Comp Mountain Bike $849 2011 Diamondback Recoil Comp Mountain Bike. The 2011 Diamondback Recoil Comp full-suspension mountain bike combines rock-solid performance with down-to-earth value. The sturdy, trail-tested frame features a proven single-pivot design for efficient and dependable shock control and easy maintenance. Outfitted with a 100mm travel suspension fork, reliable Shimano drivetrain and efficient disc brakes, the Diamondback Recoil Comp is a lot of bike for the money. |
|
|
2010 Diamondback Lustre 1.0 Women’s Mountain Bike $199 2010 Diamondback Lustre 1.0 Women’s Mountain Bike. Follow fun and adventure wherever it leads — the road, the bike path or even the trail. The Diamondback Lustre 1.0 women’s 21-speed mountain bike features a lightweight, women’s-specific aluminum frame outfitted with a 50mm-travel suspension fork and multipurpose tires for a smooth, comfortable ride on-road and off. The easy-shifting Shimano Revo twist shifters make gear changes a breeze and the alloy linear-pull brakes give you plenty of stopping power. |
|
|
2011 Access Raptor 1.0 Mountain Bike $599 2011 Access Raptor 1.0 Mountain Bike. New for 2011, the Access Raptor series combines a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano drivetrain, disc brakes and durable WTB wheels to deliver an incredible mountain bike value. The top-of-the-line Raptor 1.0 features the strong and reliable Rock Shox Tora 302 fork, Shimano Deore shifters and Shimano BR-M445 disc brakes, making it the perfect choice for the rider who wants a bike that will bust it out on the trail without busting the bank. |
|
|
2011 Access Raptor 3.0 Mountain Bike $399 2011 Access Raptor 3.0 Mountain Bike. New for 2011, the Access Raptor series combines a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano drivetrain, disc brakes and durable Alex wheels to deliver an incredible mountain bike value. The Raptor 3.0 may be the series’ entry-level model, but it’s loaded with features not usually found on bikes in this price range. That includes the same strong and lightweight aluminum frame used on the Raptor 1.0 and 2.0 models, a responsive Suntour fork with 100mm travel, and also the same durable, easy-rolling wheels spec’d on the 3.0′s siblings. The Raptor 3.0 is proof positive that you don’t have to lay out a lot of dough for a truly trail-worthy mountain bike. |
|
|
2009 GT Sanction 3.0 Trail Mountain Bike $1149 2009 GT Sanction 3.0 Trail Mountain Bike. Designed to exceed the high standards of today’s most aggressive enthusiasts and freeriders, the Sanction 3.0 is engineered with a full monocoque frame, dual suspension and GT’s race-proven Independent Drivetrain – everything you need to take you AND the sport of mountain biking in a whole new direction! |
|
|
2010 Focus Highland Peak Mountain Bike $499 2010 Focus Highland Peak Mountain Bike. The Focus Highland Peak may be an entry-level mountain bike, but it’s a highly capable first ride that can grow with you as your trail skills and bank account mature. Featuring a mix of Shimano Alivio and Deore components and SR Suntour XCT V2-MLO suspension fork with 80mm travel, the double-butted alloy frame can be upgraded easily to disc brakes thanks to the handy dandy caliper mounts that Focus has so foresightedly designed into the double-butted alloy frame. |
|
|
2010 Fuji Tahoe Comp Mountain Bike $799 2010 Fuji Tahoe Comp Mountain Bike. Sooner or later, almost everyone who succumbs to the lure of hardcore mountain biking outgrows their first bike. The lure of a lighter frame, better components and a more responsive ride simply becomes too strong for most of us to resist. Thanks to the Fuji Tahoe Comp, you can make the transition from entry-level bike to a solid, high-performance mid-level bike without spending an outrageous amount of money. Equipped with a quality Shimano drivetrain, Rock Shox Tora fork with 100mm travel, hydraulic disc brakes and alloy Center Lock disc wheels, the lightweight Tahoe Comp is a tricked-out trail-worthy mountain bike with everything you need to take your riding to the next level. |
|
|
2010 Mongoose Canaan Elite Mountain Bike $1999 2010 Mongoose Canaan Elite Mountain Bike. Solid handling. Confidence-inspiring trail manners. A winning enduro pedigree. That’s what makes the Mongoose Canaan Elite an extraordinarily sublime full-suspension mountain bike. Engineered with an Xtrolite-G6 double butted, shot-peened and heat treated alloy frame and a fully dialed FreeDrive suspension platform that offers up 100mm of the most efficient suspension around, the Canaan Elite will see you through even your most grueling trail adventure. |
|
|
2012 GT Avalanche 3.0 Mountain Bike $469.99 2012 GT Avalanche 3.0 Mountain Bike. A full-featured hardtail mountain bike that’s an avalanche of fun. The GT Avalanche 3.0 packs many of the performance features found on bikes costing a lot more, including a lightweight aluminum frame, suspension fork with lockout, efficient 24-speed Shimano drivetrain, and powerful disc brakes. Whether you’re climbing, descending or enjoying the flow on the flats, the Avalanche 3.0 will sweep you away with its unstoppable combination of features, performance and value. |
|
|
2012 Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike $499.99 2012 Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike. The Diamondback Overdrive 29er Mountain Bike is a big-wheel hardtail that gives you even bigger value. Featuring a responsive, butted aluminum frame, suspension fork with 100mm travel, a 24-speed SRAM/Shimano drivetrain and Tektro mechanical disc brakes, it delivers the easy rolling, enhanced traction ride that has made 29ers so popular. |
|
|
2011 Access Stealth 4.0 29er Mountain Bike $1299 2011 Access Stealth 4.0 29er Mountain Bike. The Access Stealth 4.0 29er mountain bike is a Shimano Deore-equipped hardtail based on the same lightweight monocoque carbon frame found on the XTR-equipped Stealth 1.0. With its Rock Shox Tora TK fork, hydraulic disc brakes and Stan’s ZTR Arch wheelset, the 27-speed Stealth 4.0 is a high-performance XC rocket with a premium pedigree and an attractive price tag. |
|
|
2010 Mongoose Canaan Comp Mountain Bike $1349 2010 Mongoose Canaan Comp Mountain Bike. Solid handling. Confidence-inspiring trail manners. A winning enduro pedigree. That’s what makes the Mongoose Canaan Comp an extraordinarily sublime full-suspension mountain bike. Engineered with an Xtrolite-G6 double butted, shot-peened and heat treated alloy frame and a fully dialed FreeDrive suspension platform that offers up 100mm of the most efficient suspension around, the Canaan Elite will see you through even your most grueling trail adventure. |
|
|
2011 GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Mountain Bike $399.99 2011 GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc Mountain Bike. An entry-level hardtail mountain bike that’s an avalanche of fun. The GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc packs many of the performance features of bikes far above its class, including a lightweight aluminum frame, suspension fork with lockout, efficient Shimano drivetrain, and powerful disc brakes. Whether you’re going up, down, or taking in the views on the flats, the Avalanche 3.0 will sweep you away with its unstoppable combination of features, performance and value. |
|
|
2011 Access Raptor 2.0 Mountain Bike $499 2011 Access Raptor 2.0 Mountain Bike. New for 2011, the Access Raptor series combines a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano drivetrain, disc brakes and durable Alex wheels to deliver an incredible mountain bike value. The mid-range Raptor 2.0 has everything you need to fly along the trails with confidence, including a Suntour fork with 100mm travel, dependable mid-level Shimano components, lightweight alloy handlebar, stem and seatpost and durable Alex wheels. |
|
|
2011 Fuji Reveal 3.0 Mountain Bike $1499 2011 Fuji Reveal 3.0 Mountain Bike. With the right bike beneath you, going up can be just as much fun as coming down. The Fuji Reveal 3.0 is one such mountain bike. Its A-6 Quaternary aluminum frame with adjustable RockShox Tora fork is light and stiff enough to easily propel you uphill, and with the Reveal’s 4-bar linkage and RockShox Ario R rear shock doling out 130mm of travel, you can count on smooth, controlled sailing on your descent. A Shimano Deore drivetrain supplies the go, and hydraulic disc brakes with Center Lock rotors deliver the whoa. |
|
|
2011 GT Sensor 2.0 Mountain Bike $1799.99 2011 GT Sensor 2.0 Mountain Bike. It’s everything you love about your cross country race bike — its responsiveness, efficiency and agility — expressed in a more trail-worthy version with additional travel, a slacker geometry and beefier build. It lets you climb comfortably and descend faster and more confidently than ever before. The 2011 GT Sensor 2.0 mountain bike features a hydroformed aluminum frame, Rock Shox Recon Gold fork with 120mm travel, Fox Float RL rear shock and efficient Shimano/SRAM drivetrain. |
|
|
2011 Diamondback Lux Women’s Mountain Bike $399.99 2011 Diamondback Lux Women’s Mountain Bike. What’s your pleasure? Singletrack? Bike path? Or maybe leisurely spins around the neighborhood are more your speed. The Diamondback Lux women’s mountain bike is perfectly suited for all that and more. Its lightweight aluminum frame is sized specifically for a woman, the brake levers can be adjusted to fit smaller hands, and it even includes a women’s-specific saddle and handlebar grips to enhance the female rider’s comfort. An SR Suntour suspension fork provides 80mm of bump-absorbing cushioning on the trail, and the Shimano 21-speed drivetrain optimizes your pedaling efficiency with smooth, precise shifts. |
|
|
2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc Mountain Bike $599.99 2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc Mountain Bike. The GT Avalanche 2.0 may be a mid-level mountain bike, but considering how this bike rails, you won’t have to worry about being stuck in the middle of the pack. The triple triangle aluminum frame is lightweight and responsive, the 100mm travel fork soaks up bumps to help keep you in control, and the 27-speed Shimano drivetrain gives you all the gears you need to get up to speed and maintain your momentum over all kinds of terrain. And when you need to slow things down, you’ll appreciate the reliable performance of the powerful Tektro Hydraulic disc brakes. |
|
|
2011 Fuji Nevada 5.0 Mountain Bike $299.99 2011 Fuji Nevada 5.0 Mountain Bike. Believe it or not, there was a time when all mountain bikes came equipped with rigid forks. Now that suspension forks have become de facto de rigueur, you have to look pretty hard to find a full-rigid mountain bike. Unless you happen to be looking here, that is. The Fuji Nevada 5.0 sports a rugged, yet lightweight, aluminum frame, 21-speed Shimano drivetrain and linear-pull brakes. Its rigid fork makes it much more suited for commuting, cruising and casual offroad riding than for serious XC or technical trail riding, but if you’ve got the chops, the Nevada 5.0 won’t let you down. |
|
|
2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 Mechanical Disc Mountain Bike $818 2011 GT Avalanche 2.0 Mechanical Disc Mountain Bike. If you’re looking for a mid-level hardtail mountain bike that does it all, check out the ready-to-roll, GT Avalanche 2.0 mechanical disc mountain bike. With its lightweight, durable aluminum frame, Suntour suspension fork with 100mm travel, Tektro Novela mechanical disk brakes and Shimano components, the 27-speed GT Avalanche 2.0 delivers a fun, responsive and comfortable ride on the trail, bike path or pavement. |
|
|
2011 Access Prowler 2.0 29er Mountain Bike $1499 2011 Access Prowler 2.0 29er Mountain Bike. You’re a hardtail enthusiast to the core. You like to go far. You like to go fast. And you’re ready to turn your trail riding fun level up a notch. The all-new Access Prowler 2.0 29er mountain bike is your ticket to the amped-up Mountain Bike experience you’re looking for. With their larger circumference and contact patch, 29 wheels will improve your climbing performance, propel you farther with the same effort and allow you to flow over obstacles with finesse. A lightweight, custom-butted 7075 aluminum frame, Fox fork, and Shimano SLX components with Dyna-Sys make the Access Prowler 2.0 the perfect choice for prowling your favorite trails with a new attitude. |
|
|
2012 Charge Cooker Hi 29er Mountain Bike $999.99 2012 Charge Cooker Hi 29er Mountain Bike. What a great concept — a 29er that delivers the tight and responsive handling of a 26 hardtail, PLUS the roll-over-practically-anything-in-the-way capability that big hoop rigs are known for. The designers at Charge, the small, but innovative, UK-based bike company have created a bike that’s sure to win over even the most ardent 26 diehard. Double-butted Tange Infinity chromoly frame with 71 head angle, 100mm travel Rockshox fork with rebound and lockout, and SRAM X5 drivetrain highlight the Cooker Hi 29er’s trail-worthy spec and deliver the handling and performance that’ll make you a 29er believer, too. |
|
|
2011 GT Aggressor 3.0 Mountain Bike $299.99 2011 GT Aggressor 3.0 Mountain Bike. Get your first taste of trail riding on a quality-built bike you can depend on. The GT Aggressor 3.0 may be priced like one of those heavy rigs from a big box store, but there’s nothing cheap or boxy about it. You get GT’s legendary lightweight Triple Triangle aluminum frame, suspension fork with 63mm travel, Shimano drivetrain with RapidFire shifters and sturdy Alex aluminum rims with GT alloy hubs. It’s a great bike at a great price, and all you need for your first great trail ride — and a lot more after that. |
