Commuting - i got my kona smoke!

wooo! got the kona the other day and have commuted with it once already. very smooth stable ride. it was relaxing to ride it, i didnt feel like i had to go fast like i do when im on my cannondale r400. there was no water on the ground so i havent experienced how the fenders work, but i will repost when i do. after only one ride, i cant go too in depth with my feelings on the bike so i will wait a while to write my review. right now, pictures!!!..

i added reflective tape..
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/242/396/1600/kona%20002.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/242/396/1600/kona%20003.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/242/396/1600/kona%20001.jpg

good job? suggestions on tape placement? im new to this so hit me up.

im so excited! :)

Oooohhh...nice. Reflective tape on the fork or near the front on the top/downtubes might be a nice addition, but I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure you're wearing bright, reflective clothing at night. Enjoy the ride!

Nice. Looks like they made a few changes to the Smoke this year. I've had one for 3 years. Been commuting on it daily. It's holding up well. Great bike!

Hi, I've had a smoke since august 2005, and commuted 5000 miles, great bike, whatever the weather.
The only thing I have done is add a mud flap to the front mudguard as my feet got wet, other than that its a do anything, go anywhere urban warrior.

Have fun!

I like it. Please let us know what you think once you've ridden it a little more.

The tapes come standard? Sweet ride!

Dammit can't wait for my walmart bike-shaped-object to die so I can get a new bike.

tape was an addition

That's a sweet loking bike, I've been riding my Kona Muni Mula more than my Giant FCR3. Kona really puts out a good bike,and they know how to match componates well.

I've been riding a Smoke since Feb. 05, and I love it. I ride in the rain all the time, and the fenders do a good job. I do get some spray off the front tire when it's really wet out. Watch out for the fender struts though, as the rubber caps fall off and I've gouged my legs a few times!

If you have some extra tape left, how about putting some inbetween your spoke holes too? :) Also, ***ALERT*** I detect a lack of blinkie! :eek: All cyclists must have blinkie, or The Voices will be angered!! :eek: *cringes*

I'm still a beginning commuter, but I'm thinking about purchasing a Kona Smoke to replace my Trek 7200FX (which I bought last year). Since the Smoke is a steel framed bike, will I notice any significant riding difference compared to my aluminum Trek 7200FX (steel fork)? Or will the extra weight just make lifting the bike up harder?

FYI My 7200FX is by no means obsolete or worn out, it's just always been annoyingly too big for me. This summer will be good to me financially, so I was thinking about getting a bike that fits better.

I've been riding a Smoke since Feb. 05, and I love it. I ride in the rain all the time, and the fenders do a good job. I do get some spray off the front tire when it's really wet out. Watch out for the fender struts though, as the rubber caps fall off and I've gouged my legs a few times!

THE STRUTS ARE SHARP!!! You should check out your local hardware store and get some caps to cover the ends.

The Smoke is a nice ride and Im happy with it. The only bad thing was when It was brand new I jumped on it quickly/awkwardly and took a half back pedal and caught my foot on the mud flap and ripped the fender off the bottom strut. I fixed it by putting The strut on the outside of the fender and that holds it place enough so it doesn't vibrate you can see this in the pic. All and all and A sweet ride for the money.

http://ltoole.photosite.com/~photos/tn/1389_1024.ts1148257476075.jpg

I like the mount for the u-lock there. I was wondering how i was going to transport my big lock when I get it without having to wear a backpack or somthing.

Did that come with the lock, and how do you think it would hold up to aggresive off road biking as far as keeping it on the bike and not banging into the frame.

Is there a significant advantage in buying a Trek SU100 over a Kona Smoke?