Kona Kikapu 2006?
06-05-06, 05:09 PM
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Kona Kikapu 2006?
Is this bike worth the money? I am looking to ride some single track trails, and although I am not a very experienced rider I plan on riding it a lot, and eventually taking it on some advanced trails. I'm 5 foot 10 inches 130 lbs. How sturdy is this bike and is the full suspension worth it? Also could somebody tell me if the pedals are clipless because I can't tell. I really don't need clipless, as I do not want to buy the shoes for the pedals, unless they come with the bike. If they are clipless is it ok to ride them with normal shoes? And how much better is full suspension then hardtail? If you could please give me your opinions on the bike I will appreciate it.
It looks like a good bike, and I think Kona is a good company.
Below is the link to the bike
Thanks
https://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...6&parentid=253
It looks like a good bike, and I think Kona is a good company.
Below is the link to the bike
Thanks
https://www.konaworld.com/shopping_ca...6&parentid=253
06-05-06, 06:40 PM
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We have 06 Kikapu's in our rental fleet at work. I prefer the Kik Deluxe myself, but for a first timer, the entry level Kik isn't a bad bike. Last year's Kik is this year's Kik Deluxe and the 05 base level was a nicer bike overall.
The components are good enough (basically, not Acera derailluers which are garbage), the front shock on the Kik and Kik Deluxe are the same, a mid level Marzocchi coil. It's not great, but not a suntour either. The Fox shock is a vanilla, a bit bouncey and has no rebound...but it works. The Hayes MX2 mechanical discs are as low as I would go for discs, but they work fine and are easy to adjust and keep running smoothly.
If you can swing it, you'll get far more bike for your money going for the Kik Deluxe, but the base Kik is a good starting point, be prepared to upgrade a few things as your riding progresses though (maybe this year, maybe next). Ours all came to the shop with platforms, but I'm pretty sure the catalog shows Shimano 505 clipless pedals. Kona may have swapped them since ours are a rental fleet and we only use platforms. Our rep may/may not have arranged this, I'm not sure. Your LBS should be able to swap them for you no problem if you want platforms.
The frames are the same througout the line and it's bullet proof for an XC dually.
Shoes can be had on sale for under $30-$50 and is so worth it over platforms for XC riding and even light free riding IMO. The efficiency, power and stability is 100 times better. I just switched to clipless too, I know.
I recently bought a Kona Dawg Deluxe and it's my first full squish. I may never buy another hardtail again
So I say, if you ride rough, rocky terrain, the squishys are so worth it.
The components are good enough (basically, not Acera derailluers which are garbage), the front shock on the Kik and Kik Deluxe are the same, a mid level Marzocchi coil. It's not great, but not a suntour either. The Fox shock is a vanilla, a bit bouncey and has no rebound...but it works. The Hayes MX2 mechanical discs are as low as I would go for discs, but they work fine and are easy to adjust and keep running smoothly.
If you can swing it, you'll get far more bike for your money going for the Kik Deluxe, but the base Kik is a good starting point, be prepared to upgrade a few things as your riding progresses though (maybe this year, maybe next). Ours all came to the shop with platforms, but I'm pretty sure the catalog shows Shimano 505 clipless pedals. Kona may have swapped them since ours are a rental fleet and we only use platforms. Our rep may/may not have arranged this, I'm not sure. Your LBS should be able to swap them for you no problem if you want platforms.
The frames are the same througout the line and it's bullet proof for an XC dually.
Shoes can be had on sale for under $30-$50 and is so worth it over platforms for XC riding and even light free riding IMO. The efficiency, power and stability is 100 times better. I just switched to clipless too, I know.
I recently bought a Kona Dawg Deluxe and it's my first full squish. I may never buy another hardtail again
So I say, if you ride rough, rocky terrain, the squishys are so worth it.
06-05-06, 07:07 PM
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Alright thanks, I think I'll go with this years Kik, if I can squeeze out a few hundred more dollars and convince myself to buy the deluxe I might go for it. But if last years kik, is this years deluxe aren't I better off buying the 2005 Kikapu?
