Mountain Biking - Frame swap?? Bianchi - Kona

I just got a call from my LBS. They are dropping their Bianchi line of bikes. I bought a Bianchi SISS (single-speed) from them this year, and really like it. I've done a few upgrades - Fox F100X suspension fork - Mavic 3.1 rims - tubeless tires. Anywho, my LBS is offering to swap my frame out for one of 3 Kona frames for free. My choices are the following:

Kona Unit (http://www.konaworld.com/2k4bikes/2k4_unit.cfm): Steel frame - looks to be similar to the Bianchi

Kona "A" (http://www.konaworld.com/frame_shop.cfm): Yup, a full suspension single speed!

Kona Explosif (http://www.konaworld.com/frame_shop.cfm): Perhaps a bit nicer than my Bianchi?

I don't know much about Kona. What do you think about my options???

ThanX!!!!

Although Kona's are well made bikes, I'd stick with the Bianchi.

L8R

Bianchi rules over any other major MTB company when it comes to finishing quality and attention to detail. Its the same story with Pinarello and Colnago and Lemond. Unfortunately they produce only light XC bikes....

Why is bianchi better? Do they break less. Are they stronger. Lighter vs the strength...or is it a name thing. I really am curious as I am the last person to buy boutique anything and really want to know why?

Personally if they are dropping the line they might be thinking they may have issues with warranties. I would get either the Kona A (interesting idea) or the Unit :)

hm...

imo, i'd get the kona A, (the fs one) personally i've always wanted a kona. Um, my dad rode a bianchi for about 2 years, they're also great bikes... you have to weigh your options. If you wanna freeride or bash your bike around, trade for th kona A, but make sure your not getting ripped off... ~mikeym

Get the Cowan. It looks sick.

Get the Cowan. It looks sick.

Agreed...I love the look of that frame...I would get one if I didn't already own its brother bike :)

Get the Cowan. It looks sick.

I agree totally, but I want steel. I may go for the Explotif, but I'm just not sure. Anyone else have an opinion??

I agree totally, but I want steel. I may go for the Explotif, but I'm just not sure. Anyone else have an opinion??

If it isn't broken, don't fix it. I'd stick with what you have if you like it.

I agree totally, but I want steel. I may go for the Explotif, but I'm just not sure. Anyone else have an opinion??


If you are looking for a djer frame the .243 is hard to beat price wise and quality wise.

Ive got a bianchi grizzly and I like it very much. Im a big guy and have hit jumps with no problems. Had my share of crashes as well. Seems to hold up well. Im still new to the scene but I like my Bianchi.