Mountain Biking - trek or kona?

Hey
I was looking at getting the trek 6500 but today I went to another bike shop and saw a nice kona "fire mountain" for just about the same price as the trek. which of these 2 bikes are the best?
pacu1

Don't buy a Trek, period....

I was gonna buy the new trek model but they havent gotten it in stock at wal- mart yet.

jk/

Go for the Kona.

Do you have any reasons for hating Trek bikes, that may help the person out. I presonally have had no problems with mine.

Well thanks for the quick response, but I dont have anything against trek, I just want to know which of the 2 bikes are the best ones.
pacu1

Trek's "Lifetime" frame warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on. Just ask my brother.... NEVER will I spend a penny on a Trek.
His broke near the rear drop-out, and Trek wouldn't stand behind it. They said for the LBS to give him $200 off a new Trek. Not surprising, the LBS's prices were more than $350 ABOVE MSRP.... Go figure.

Not only will I never buy a Trek, but I'll also NEVER visit Liberty Bicycle's again either....
They only cater to the rich folk's in Biltmore Forest, NC.

yeah I know what you mean, there's a bike shop here in nyc that is just like that, unless you're not spending $2000 on a bike they wont even look at you. Alot of people that I have talked to in the area have stopped going there, because of this attitude, they are blenty of more shops that will be glad to do business with us little guys.
pacu1

Def. go with the kona. I think it's a better quaility bike.

I would definitely go for the Kona. Trek just doesnt cut it.

Buy the one that fits and rides the best. I'm assuming you're going to test ride them first. The Trek has a little better components but it's also about $200 more expensive. The Trek's geometry is designed more for straight XC and has a longer top-tube and steeper head and seat angles. You'll probably find that the Trek is a little nimbler although some might call it twitchier. You'll find that the Kona is a more stable bike but won't be as quick to maneuver.

I own a trek 4500 and love it. I am sure that if I had ridden a Kona before I bought my Trek I would have bought a Kona :) although I have found myself riding / looking for faster down hillish trails & fire roads where the kona would hav an edge, while the trek truly shines crawling up a rocky clif in 1st or 2nd gear.

Do you have any reasons for hating Trek bikes, that may help the person out. I presonally have had no problems with mine.
Yes I do, and they're well documented here. It's not so much a hate as an intense dislike

Trek's "Lifetime" frame warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on. Just ask my brother.... NEVER will I spend a penny on a Trek.
His broke near the rear drop-out, and Trek wouldn't stand behind it.
Another reason I like Specialized

I like my Kona, and after seeing it handle me, I don't think I need to look elsewhere. Not that trek is a bad bike, I just like Kona.

I would go with the Kona.

Have you all even looked at Kona's lame ass warranty ? Might as well not come with one. There is nothing wrong with Trek bikes. Like I said in another thread here. People just hate them out of jealousy, like people hate wal-mart and how people hate Microsoft. All successful good quality businesses. But if you like to follow "hate crowds" why not.

Someone even mentioned not liking Trek because their frames arent made in the U.S (models below 6500) well look at KONA, they are made in Thailand, or somewhere. In fact I think the same company that makes Treks frames makes specialized frames as well. Not sure. I hear that somewhere.


I really want to see opinions as to why people hate trek, but you know what, I havent seen any real good excuses.

Trek's "Lifetime" frame warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on. Just ask my brother.... NEVER will I spend a penny on a Trek.
His broke near the rear drop-out, and Trek wouldn't stand behind it. They said for the LBS to give him $200 off a new Trek. Not surprising, the LBS's prices were more than $350 ABOVE MSRP.... Go figure.

Not only will I never buy a Trek, but I'll also NEVER visit Liberty Bicycle's again either....
They only cater to the rich folk's in Biltmore Forest, NC.

He probably doesnt know how to complain. A company will always listen to their customers I'm sure with some *****ing trek would have given him a new frame. But then again we dont know your brother so whats teh point of mentioning it in this thread. Should we all not buy treks beceause your brother won't evern buy one again.

Have you all even looked at Kona's lame ass warranty ? Might as well not come with one. There is nothing wrong with Trek bikes. Like I said in another thread here. People just hate them out of jealousy, like people hate wal-mart and how people hate Microsoft. All successful good quality businesses. But if you like to follow "hate crowds" why not.

Someone even mentioned not liking Trek because their frames arent made in the U.S (models below 6500) well look at KONA, they are made in Thailand, or somewhere. In fact I think the same company that makes Treks frames makes specialized frames as well. Not sure. I hear that somewhere.


I really want to see opinions as to why people hate trek, but you know what, I havent seen any real good excuses.

Trek is pricey, not as well built, I don't like some of the components that they use, the same goes for Giant. I just don't like them. I have a Kona and so what if you think they're built in Thailand, they're built to last and withstand a lot of punishment. The Kona warranty seems good to me: 5 year frame warranty, 1 year on complete bike. I usually beat the crap out of it during the first year or so, it seems good for me. One more thing...I hate Microsoft because it always freezes and i have a lot of problems with it, and I could really care less about Wal-mart because I go there about once every 4 months.

I hate Microsoft because it always freezes and i have a lot of problems with it,


What freezes ?? You just say IT? is it windows XP,2000,98, Office ? Visual Studio ? what. You dont even know what your talking about.


Again your giving reasons you like KONA, not reasons why TREKS are bad bikes.


I know Kona makes good bikes, but I just don't like to hear people say TREK's arent good when thats not even close to the truth.

What freezes ?? You just say IT? is it windows XP,2000,98, Office ? Visual Studio ? what. You dont even know what your talking about.


Again your giving reasons you like KONA, not reasons why TREKS are bad bikes.


I know Kona makes good bikes, but I just don't like to hear people say TREK's arent good when thats not even close to the truth.

Microsoft XP...although Im not sure if my computer was ever ment to run it. And I said: Trek is seems a bit pricey, not that great component choices, some frames seem a bit "skimpy" and weak.

You all should just stick with specialized. Haha. This question will never be answered. Just ride what fits you.

What he said :D

You all should just stick with specialized. Haha. This question will never be answered. Just ride what fits you.


ya whatever fits you best. Don't listen to all the single minded people here

ya whatever fits you best.

And to think, I only said the same thing a dozen posts ago. ;)

And to think, I only said the same thing a dozen posts ago. ;) Ya, your one of the better members here :)

I Looooove My Trek!!!!!

Ya, your one of the better members here :)

Just because some of us are a little slow doesn't mean you can make fun ;)

hey guys....i like my kona too...i think weighting the frame warranty is a little silly.....not that people dont break frames, i just dont think it should be your biggest priority.....I think that kona has a huge "culutre" evolving.......as of today, i think they're a "hipper" company......they do a lot of advertising...the bike parks.....all that free ride stuff.....i think you should go with what you LIKE best.....not what any of us knuckleheads tell you...rock on

Never had a problem with Windows XP, Not a single problem in 4 years. My Mac G4 (back in the OS 9 days) use to crash 2-3 times a day, even lost my entire hard drive twice on that piece of ****.

Anyway... My Kona Hoss is awesome. My LeMond (owned by Trek) is also awesome. I've not had any warranty issues, but my LeMond has a loose water bottle mount rivet and the bike shop said they'll repair it whenever I want them to, so far I haven't taken it in.

SPECIALIZED I know for a fact has an amazing warranty program... when I worked at Gotham Bikes a guy brought his early 90s Rockhopper in for a tune-up and I noticed a crack in the head tube, I showed it to my manager and he called up Specialized, they replaced the guys old Rockhopper frame with a 2002 Stumpjumper frame. I was impressed! They didn't even ask the guy for the serial # or if he was the original owner of the bike.

someone made a comment about trek not making well built bikes... if they meant "not making burly bikes" then i'd agree somewhat. trek's known for their road and xc bikes - as are many of their other branches like fisher, klein, etc. they make decent bikes that some people love and some peope hate.

as for the burly bikes, they're starting to make an effort to touch that side of the market... they've got chris duncan signed to their fisher branch and andrew shandro to the parent branch, trek. both are giving their input on some of the newer bikes they're producing. everything i've read so far on trek's new session 7, a bike shandro helped design, have been great. if i remember correctly, shandro also won 3rd at the red bull rampage a couple years ago, riding trek's dh bike, the diesel. so they can't be all that bad.

lol, microsoft i admit is a great corperation but their products are ****. Gentoo linux rawks my sox nothing greater then throwin commands around in a gentoo terminal black background and green text <3 linux :D

kona kona kona kona, probaly the best frames EVER (with santacruz and specialized)

Buy the one that you like better and that handles best.

People just hate them out of jealousy, like people hate wal-mart and how people hate Microsoft.
Do you actually read the crap you post? I hate Treks because they ride like **** What in the **** do I have to be jealous of? Because I'm not some stupid "I ride a Trek because Lance Armstrong rides one so they MUST be good" moron? Fat ****ing chance

Microsoft XP...although Im not sure if my computer was ever ment to run it. And I said: Trek is seems a bit pricey, not that great component choices, some frames seem a bit "skimpy" and weak.

We all learn from our mistakes. WinXp is a trashdump in software form. Switch to OS X. And I ride a Trek, It's great. I think it is an excellent bike. For the price, it is very well equipped. I haven't shopped for Kona's a lot, but I have looked at them, and ridden one or two. They are about the same.

Because I'm not some stupid "I ride a Trek because Lance Armstrong rides one so they MUST be good" moron? Fat ****ing chance

No, you are worse than one of these people. You think you are god's gift to the world. Do you read the stuff you write? I don't anymore. Unless I'm looking to hear a Specialized Commercial. Lance Armstrong can ride any bike he wants. He is Lance Armstrong, it makes no difference what bike he has. I think all of these bike companies are just fine. Swell if you have found a preference, but just because you ride one company, doesn't immediately make all others bad.

Now, now, you guys. Let's not get into a tiff.

Everyone has different needs, and what ever suits them, fine. As I said, I Loooooove My Trek but one day I might get a Specialized. Or a Kona. Or a maybe even an X-mart. Ha. Yeah right.

Do you have any reasons for hating Trek bikes, that may help the person out. I presonally have had no problems with mine.

Treks just feel cheap. One of my friends has an older (2 or 3 years) Trek 4300. Similarly equiped to my Hardrock comp of the same vintage. The diffrence between the bikes is like night and day. The Trek feels like a toy.

No, you are worse than one of these people. You think you are god's gift to the world. Do you read the stuff you write? I don't anymore. Unless I'm looking to hear a Specialized Commercial. Lance Armstrong can ride any bike he wants. He is Lance Armstrong, it makes no difference what bike he has. I think all of these bike companies are just fine. Swell if you have found a preference, but just because you ride one company, doesn't immediately make all others bad.
Not to be an ass or anything, but Lance Armstrong can't ride any bike he wants. He has to ride a Trek, he is under contract. I don't know what your reasoning is but it sounds like you think that being a celebrity means you have no legal obligations.
Oh, and I would respect the Mods a little bit more if you want to stay around here.

The Trek feels like a toy.

I have no dog in this fight, since I am not loyal to any brand. I own a few different manufacturers' products (Kona, Trek, Specialized, etc.) but I have to admit that my Trek 4500 is a very decent bike with a few minor upgrades.

I actually PREFER the 4500's frame and geometry. It is strong and light, and at one point I actually considered making this my next-winter project for upgrading. I like the frame that much. I have since opted for building up a Specialized Rockhopper frame, but only because my Rockhopper wouldn't need paint (and it's a really cool black color). My 4500 would need paint, and I was never overly fond of its original color anyway.

I can understand people that have a genuine reason to dislike a certain company, due to customer service issues or quality issues - but I don't understand people that are so quick to jump on the "let's hate Trek" bandwagon for no other reason then it's vogue. I will hate Trek when I have a good reason to. Believe me, I hate a lot of things. I can be the most stubborn, determined and persistent prick you've ever seen if I think I have been jerked around by a manufacturer (ANY manufacturer, not just bikes. Remind me to tell you why I have a restraining order against me from Sara Lee sometime. Yeah, the cake people... :D )

Anyway, my Trek is fine. The LBS that sold me my Trek is fine. Maybe they won't be fine sometime, and I'll be more then happy to let you (and Trek) know when that time is - but right now I have no issues. And I'm not about to start having issues just because the bandwagon is rounding the corner and heading down my street.

You can find the same argument on automotive boards about what brand vehicle is the best. A Chevy guy hates Fords and a Ford guy hates Chevys. But both are good, and both do have their problems. Buy what feels best, your opinion matters more than anybodys. Good Luck!

Oh, and I would respect the Mods a little bit more if you want to stay around here.

Raiyn is not a mod. He just plays one on T.V.


Kona makes better bikes but the are also much better at marketing. If you go to their website, It looks like a scene out some extreme sports competition (lame as hell)or xterra commercial (lamer).

Treks website shows the bane of extreme freeriders everywhere, the lycra clad roadie. Just look at him there in his tight shorts and $8,000 bike. He can't huck a thing with that bike. Unbeleivable. And the mountain bikes and riders they feature are mostly xc. Not cool. This isn't 1985 you know.

That being said, for the original poster, I would go with the Kona.

Oh, and I would respect the Mods a little bit more if you want to stay around here.


Give me a break. Sorry I dont suck the mods dicks. Can you honestly tell me Raiyns post is something that deserves respect? Please he trolls more than anyone I've seen in these forums.

Funny but he still hasnt given hardcore proof as to why treks sucks, because he doesnt like them is not a valid reason. He can say he doesnt like treks because the way they feel to him. But they arent a ****ty brand and they dont make ****ty frames

Uh...ok back on topic here...

Have any of you guys actually looked at the models he's comparing? I own a freaking Kona so it's not like I'm biased towards Trek but if you look at the bikes...

Kona Fire Mountain '05:
Fork Marzocchi MZ Comp 100mm
Headset Aheadset STS
Crankarms TruVativ FiveD
Chainrings 42/32/22t
B/B TruVativ Square LE BB
Pedals Wellgo LU-926 with clips & straps
Chain Shimano IG-31
Freewheel Shimano CS-HG50-8, 11-32
F/D Shimano Acera-X
R/D Shimano Acera-X
Shifters Shimano SL-MC20
Handlebar Kona Riser
Stem Kona Control
Grips Kona ************
Brakes Shimano Mechanical Disc (BR-M465)
Brake Levers Avid Disc brake lever FR-5
Front hub KK Disc
Rear hub Shimano Disc FH-M475 disc
Spokes 14G Stainless
Tires CST 26 x 1.9
Rims Alex AP-18
Saddle Kona Comfort
Seatpost Kona Thumb
Seat clamp Kona QR



Trek 6500:
Manitou Axel Comp w/TPC LO, 80mm
Wheels
Wheels Shimano M475 disc hubs; WTB Speed Disc rims
Tires Bontrager ACX, 26x2.2", 52/54
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Alivio
Front Derailleur Shimano Alivio
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Crankset Bontrager Sport 42/32/22
Cassette SRAM 850 11-32, 8 speed
Pedals Alloy ATB, clipless adaptable
Components
Saddle Bontrager Select
Seatpost Bontrager Sport
Handlebars Bontrager Crowbar Sport
Stem Bontrager Sport, 10 degree
Headset Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed
Brakeset Hayes Sole XC, hydraulic disc



The Trek has hydraulic disks, WTB Speed disc rims and deore rear derailleur. I love my bike and I love Kona, but the better buy is the Trek here...

Hell, just compare MSRP. $769.99 for the Trek 6500 and $549 for the Kona Fire Mountain.

I doubt anyone here read teh OP's comments past the title. They just saw Kona and Trek and didnt give a shyt what they were comparing. Obviously the better buy is the Trek. But hey, what do we know, we just read the actual post.

Back to the whole Lance Armstrong thing, why does everyone ahte him. It seems like everyone hates the people who always win. A lot of people like one-time winners, then when they start winning all the time the people who don't like them begin hating them. I'm going to get thrashed probably for admitting i watch NASCAR, but Jeff Gordon for example, he won the championship one year, a lot of peope liked him. Next few years he won another one and started winning a lot of races and now everyone hates him. Now I'm not a Jeff Gordon fan but im not gonna go around saying he sucks, because the numbers dont lie.

Uh...ok back on topic here...

Have any of you guys actually looked at the models he's comparing?

Scroll back to post #10. ;)

Back to the whole Lance Armstrong thing, why does everyone ahte him.

I think this topic is best left to another thread entirely. :)

I love my Trek Bruiser 1. It takes anything I throw at it and keeps going. I use it for racing SuperD, flying down fire roads at 40+MPH with a cliff on one side and the mt on the other and cornering through the fast single tracks is very impressive. The frames is stiff and responsive.

I think we should all have our shoulders reconstructed and sit out for the rest of the summer.

Maybe some of us just don't like treks. Regardless of parts.