Mountain Biking - Kona 2k4 Line Observations

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DiL
07-05-03, 08:31 AM
I'm in the market for a DJ machine. I've been waiting for the end of the season so I can take a look at the 2k4s, and if I'm not too excited about them, I'll go with a discounted 2k3. Kona has their 2k4s on the site now, so I've been going through those. I had been looking at the Roast and the Stuff. I wasn't really concerned about the fork since I was planning on throwing a DJ II on it anyway. I notice though, none of the 2k4s are using the Saint line. At least, none of the OOB hardtails are. In fact, aside from the Stinky Primo (http://www.konaworld.com/2k4bikes/2k4_stinky_primo.cfm) I'm not seeing it anywhere in their 2k4 lineup. That leads me to believe that the price of the Saint line is waaaay too high to be considered by most freeriders. Pitty, I was kind of hoping to give it a shot. :(

Dannihilator
07-05-03, 09:50 AM
The Saint Line will die such a death as Shimano's Airlines system did. Through all of it I will not be surprised at all.
Maelstrom
07-05-03, 10:13 AM
Well the saint line is going to be exclusive for sponsored (being forced to run it) or really rich people wishing to spend too much money. Kona's are typically budget bikes so they have no market for the current saint lineup as designed.

I had seen some priliminary pricing on the levers, brakes and deraileur and I know I will never be able to justify it. Those three parts are worth too much for my blood.

troie
07-05-03, 11:07 AM
What exactly is the Saint line?
Maelstrom
07-05-03, 11:51 AM
Originally posted by troie
What exactly is the Saint line?

Freeride specific line designed by shimano. Do a search you will find some very detailed threads about people blind worship of the line or pure hatred...it all depends on the rider. For the most part the only people that like it are the rich. ;)...

Seriously it is a revamped shimano drive train with news hubs, deraileur (no hanger just attached directly to hub), crank arms, proprietary splined brake and updated bb.
Jim311
07-05-03, 05:13 PM
I think freeriders are going to be disappointed with the Saint lineup. The derailler mount seems like an accident waiting to happen, and the hub's splined braking system seems like it would just take away your freedom to run a different brake of your choice.


But what do I know.. I'm just a "Shimano biggot"

:rolleyes: