Mountain Biking - Kona vs. KHS

So i have posted a few times over here about bikes and what not, i went to the LBS down the street and test rode a few bikes to find a size that was good and the 18 inch bikes seems to fit well. More importantly though is that the shop carries stocks Kona and KHS in the store and can order SE, Iron Horse, K2, and Fuji. I am most interested in the 29ers. So I dont really know what to look for in that category but the less gears the better for me. Coming from a bmx then fixed gear bikes recently.

If you guys could recommend some bikes that wont break the bank from these brands that would be awesome. Or if there would be better options that would be awesome too.

Thanks guys

Could you define "breaking the bank?"

like sub 800 range, I am capable of putting bikes together from scratch over time but would like quality components for something like that also and in the MTB world im not to up to date with components.

The Kona Unit 2-9 can be had for about 800. The components aren't the nicest, but you're not gonna get the nicest for 800. Also, it's steel, rigid and has Formula hubs so it should be an easy transition from the fixed gear world.

Are you looking for a complete, or a frame only to build up? Do you care about the material it's made of-- steel versus aluminum? Are you determined to buy from a shop? (I've been boycotting the local shops. I don't like to pay a premium for inept service.) Do you care about what kind of brakes, or gearing options?

-rob

i have a few parts already that i will be immediately switching over to it if i buy complete but i do not have to buy complete.

I am a measly 140 pounds so i would prefer aluminum so that i can move it around a bit easier.

buying from the shop is not a must, wherever is cheapest is where i would go for. The shop is just about a mile away so it's convenient.

I rode a bike with disc brakes recently and really loved the smooth braking so i would also prefer discs.

For gearing i am leaning towards SS

what parts do you already have, craig?

-rob

stem, bars, grips, saddle, and in the process of looking at brakes.

buy a frame. completes around $800 tend to have weak wheels, and you're replacing most everything else. The weight difference between steel and aluminum is very small for the frame-only, and you'll find more options with steel for SS. I'd check out the on-one inbred 29er with the slot drop-outs. The pound to dollar is nice right now, and you can run it with gears or without, it's cheep ($350 shipped). Rigid forks for $80, decent wheels for $150-$250, a SS conversion kit, and cranks for $150, discs for $125... Tires'd put you over $800, but you'll have good shhh, and you'll never have to touch a set of tektro Io discs.

-rob

awesome information, what other frames are out there just so i can look around a bit.

Thanks a lot.