kttan2

Dear all,

I recently came across the Kona Cinder Cone, and wonder if it would be worth to get it at @S$1000?

The colour coincidentally fits my bill (including the seat). However, I am relatively new to the gizmos of the specs available at: https://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...0&parentid=182

I wonder if I should change the Hayes hydraulic disc brakes, as apparently, the LBS rep acts like an impatient pro, and never relate when, why and how I should maintain such brakes. Some research prompts me that mechanical brakes require very frequent adjustments (i.e. every few weeks).

Also, should I change the rims (Sun rims) if I occasionally go down flights of stairs with four to five steps? The rims is double wall btw...

Looking for genuine advice on this bike, and whether or not I should upgrade anything upon purchase (as that LBS is really far for me to visit, when it comes to major upgrades in future.

Appreciate your advice, thanks.

PS: What about the crank - should I change to Shimano instead of Trussativ etc...

santiago

The Cinder Cone is very, very well rated over at MTBR.com. Go read the comments (strengths, weaknesses) there while you wait for comments from here.

I have the Blast - one notch below the Cinder Cone - and am very happy with it. I don't feel the need to change anything (other than pedals since mine didn't come with clipless) but then again I don't seem to have the same requirements you do.

You should note that every hardtail Kona within that XC family all share the same frame with the exception of the Kula and Kula Deluxe. So if you think you'll be switching a lot of parts out, maybe you should look into getting a cheaper frame and switch out to your heart's content.

kttan2

Hi,

thanks for your input, however, I am new to hydraulic brakes and wonder if I should change it to mechanical. Also, unfortunately, the LBS is located at the opposite pole of where I live. Hence, should I get Kona Cinder Cone at the one and only LBD that sells it, I need to ensure that I will do the needful before going back to the shop again.

I am also a motorcycle rider, and have experienced hydraulic brakes. However, I reckon I cannot compare motorcycle brakes to that of the mtb.

I have sat on the Kona CC this weekend, and felt comfortable. Should I change to mechanical brakes, will I need to do frequent adjustments? Is it self-adjust friendly? Last but not least, thanks for the referral to the mtbr.com, however, the review is for 2004 model. Should I get the 2004 or 2005? (I am attracted to the 05 model because of the colour.

Please advice, thank you.

skdsl

The Cindercone is a great bike, as are all Konas (hey, there's four in my family). If you are after low maintenance why take the hydros off? They will need much less maintenance than mechs. As for the wheels, it is an XC bike, so if you intend to jump stairs then maybe you should look at a DJ bike. If you are smooth and don't go too big you should be ok though.

UAEBiker

I have heard Konas are heavy. Anyone support this or not. Something like the cinder cone or blast. Also have heard there frames are stronger than most that true or they about the same.

santiago

There's no point to swtiching to mechanical. The system is very similar to what you'll find on a motorcycle at least the ones I have seen.

The bike probably did not change much from 2004 to 2005 so the reviews are just as valid. However, the only reason why you would "need" to get a 2004 over a 2005 is if you wanted to save money. The 2004 will be much cheaper than the 2005 but if price isn't your issue but colour is then go for the 2005.

If you want to know the weights of the Konas you'll find them here:
https://www.konaworld.com/tech/techni..._downloads.htm
Just click on the "Bike Weights" link.

kttan2

Thanks all, and Santiago, I reckon I'll go for the Cinder Cone 2005.

3 final queries:

1. The bike by default comes with the pedal that requires a biking shoe. Should I change the pedal that fits normal shoes, I am worried that the LBS might "as usual" swap with a lower end pedal. If this is the case, under the default, which brand or model type of pedal should I insist? Or should I just buy the shoes for cycling purpose? If so, will the shoe withstand normal walking for my commuting purposes?

2. Do I need a helmet? (I recall my BMX days where I never used one). Should I need one, is Bell / 661 a good brand to look at? What should I look out for?

3. What will be the other gadgets I need to buy, besides the hydro oil and the air pump - which type / brand is better?). Is it crucial to have gloves? I used to cycle without them.

Thanks all once again, I reckon members of this forum are more professional than commercially inclined LBS around my area.

santiago

I would take the bike as is and buy the pedals separately if you really want platforms and swap them out as needed. The clipless pedals you can likely sell on eBay and get more for it then if you traded it in with your LBS. Either buy or ask for a spare set of platforms (look at the ones that come on the Blast, for example). If you did want to try clipless I would look at getting Crank Brothers Eggbeaters SL. I got the Candy SL version of the pedals and love them. In retrospect I should have bought the Eggbeaters instead (no mini platform).

Without question. Get what rocks your boat. I like simple helmets with a Visor. I own a Giro, not sure what model but it protects my head. If you're into the extreme sports look you can go crazy and get skater-style helmets or full-face mtx helmets. Both brands you mention have a good reputation. At least I know of Bell and I have seen some SixSixOne stuff and it looks well made.

Cycling shorts (lycra, baggie, bibs - as long as you have the chamois and you don't wear any underwear).
Spare tubes.
Patch kit.
Bike lock if you intend to use it around town and leave is somewhere.
Multi-tool (minimum allen keys)
Blinking LED lights if you intend to ride at night on the street (front and back). These can be removed if you go on a trail.
Gloves can be helpful. I fell a couple of weeks ago and got some scrape marks on my gloves but nothing on my hands.
Do NOT put a kickstand.

kttan2

Thanks pal, will be getting that. Good suggestion, I will keep the original pair and see if I can sell at a better price.


Any brand recommendations for the above? Apologies as I am pretty new to these. Also, for air pump, which is better - hand operated or the leg operated type? Also, should I get the Kona Stuff or wait for the 2006 Cinder Cone? Both colours looks alright.

santiago

For shorts I got my stuff off of eBay. The NEMA shorts sold by the following eBay seller are comfortable and decently priced. I got a pair from him.
https://stores.ebay.com/www-ecyclings...QQftidZ2QQtZkm

The Topeak brand makes decent stuff. You'll find they make hand pumps (handy to have with you in case you have a blowout) and multi-tools. They also make a floor pump model. It doesn't hurt to have both styles of pumps. I bought a $25 CAD floor style pump from Mountain Equipment Coop that does the job.

For blinking lights, the more LEDs the better but avoid the stuff that uses those tiny watch-style batteries. That will get expensive to replace. I bought my lights from MEC again and don't think I spent more than $20-25 CAD for both the front and the back.
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1118767859476
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1118767859480

For patch kits and spare tubes get whatever your LBS sells. Actually, you should get those for free with a "by the way, how about including a patch kit, tire levers and two spare tubes." That's how I got mine. All of that combined shouldn't cost more than $10 anyway.

For a lock I got a Kryptonite U with the optional cable. I usually throw that into the trunk of wagon I pull my daughters in when tooling around town. I do not leave it attached to the bike. If you do choose to get a U-style lock make sure it isn't the dreaded "Bic" style.

As for the gloves. I just got a pair that my LBS was selling. Not even sure of the brand. He offered to sell me the orange pair cheaper than the blue/black but I didn't care what colour and I got to save $10.

I thought you were looking at the 2005 Cinder Cone? The stuff is a DJ bike. The Cinder Cone is a XC. First decide what type of riding you expect to do then choose the bike accordingly. Lastly you should decide on the colour. I just remembered that you said something about going down stairs so maybe one of the DJ/UA/FR bikes may be better suited for you. If that's the case then the Cinder Cone may not be what you're looking for.

kttan2

Hi Santiago, thanks for your wonderful and helpful advice. You are very right, I reckon Cinder Cone will still be my best bet. I will be getting the 2005 version, as I read about the 2006 version brakes, it seems that the post-mount caliper is good for dry weather, and not otherwise.

I will take a pic once I get this Cinderella. Thanks matey, for your patience and guidance! Truly appreciate it!

mlh122

Re: Santiago:
Just wondering, why no kickstand? And what do you do with the bike when you have to get off it but don't want to lay it on the ground?

Raiyn

Because nothing and I mean NOTHING sucks worse than having your kickstand come down in midair. As for the second question you either find a tree or you lay it doen on the non-drive side. It's a MTB scratches give character

santiago

Exactly what Raiyn wrote. Do a search and you'll come across stories of people getting speared in the leg with a kickstand while out riding.

For home I'm thinking of getting one of these. It's $22 over at PricePoint.com

kttan2

Thanks everyone, just one last question for this thread, what do you guys think of the Shimano Shimano PD-M424 pedals besides Crank Brothers Candy SL version? The Shimano one looks cheap, but wonder if the resin edge will work better on rainy day rides?

https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/133...424-Pedals.htm

santiago

This is another one for MTBR.com and searching through this forum. My observation and own research led me to believe that the top two clipless styles are the Crank Brothers eggbeater family (eggbeater, Candy, mallet) along with the Time ATAC family.

The Crank Brothers in particular are rated very well for working under muddy conditions.

I was originally pointed to the Shimano family by someone in my club. I later did the research and opted for the Crank Brothers Candy SL (ebay has the best prices). AFter using it I really enjoy it but think I should have gotten the plain Eggbeaters.

kttan2

Thanks matey, will get the Crank Brothers pedal. btw, why would you feel that you should get the plain eggbeaters instead?

santiago

I think the mini platform around the Candy just gets in the way of a clean cleat contact. I bought the Candy's thinking that I may occasionally use them with regular shoes to go around the neighborhood. What I found that the mini-platform is okay in a pinch but not great. In the end I bought a separate pair of shoes that take cleats instead so what this means is that the mini-platform is no longer needed and I should have just gotten the plain eggbeaters.

I've read the same comment from other Candy owners on this forum.

kttan2

Thanks mate, so I can say, if I use normal track shoes, the eggbeaters will be a better bet?

In fact, I saw the recent post on Kona Stuff pics, and am beginning to like the paint works - matte finishing. Should I........