Kona Caldera vs. higher end bikes
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: South Central PA
Posts: 223
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Kona Caldera vs. higher end bikes
I've been spending the last few months going back and forth between purchasing a specialized Stumpy and a Cannondale F600. During the last warm spell I had a chance to check out the Caldera and i was impressed. It's kind of a brick but the geometry was sweet, and I can get one for a bout 300 bones cheaper than the other 2--which the wife kind of digs. I'm kinda torn here, anybody with any advice???
#2
is slower than you
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: WI
Posts: 1,486
Bikes: Gunnar Sport, Marin Pine Mountain, Gunnar Ruffian, Gunnar Roadie, BMC Fourstroke, Salsa Vaya
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Get the Kona. The voices in your head are saying, "Get the Kona."
__________________
Proud supporter of the Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association (CORBA)
www.chippewaoffroad.org
Proud supporter of the Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association (CORBA)
www.chippewaoffroad.org
#4
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Don't own one, but have ridden one. Fantastic. Feels a bit heavier than my normal stead, but Didn't have to worry about hitting anything harder than normal on my XC route, and I did because from the word go, I had confidence in the bike. As I said Fantastic.
#5
I couldn't car less.
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,397
Bikes: Ritchey P-series prototype, Diamondback, Nishiki Triathelon Pro.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#6
I drink your MILKSHAKE
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 15,061
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by jeff williams
Here's the correct link https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123279.shtml
Here's one for the Stumpy
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123462.shtml
Either are fine bikes. I'm partial to Specialized myself as they simply feel better to me.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Parrish, FL
Posts: 7,963
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by jburnsdo
During the last warm spell I had a chance to check out the Caldera and i was impressed. It's kind of a brick but the geometry was sweet, and I can get one for a bout 300 bones cheaper than the other 2--which the wife kind of digs.
Sounds like you want us to tell you what you already know.
I don't see any reason NOT to go with the Caldera, it's a sweet bike. If you've ridden all three, and prefer the KONA, get the KONA.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
#8
I drink your MILKSHAKE
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 15,061
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by a2psyklnut
Sounds like you want us to tell you what you already know.
I don't see any reason NOT to go with the Caldera, it's a sweet bike. If you've ridden all three, and prefer the KONA, get the KONA.
I don't see any reason NOT to go with the Caldera, it's a sweet bike. If you've ridden all three, and prefer the KONA, get the KONA.
#9
I couldn't car less.
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,397
Bikes: Ritchey P-series prototype, Diamondback, Nishiki Triathelon Pro.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Raiyn
Nice link to the 2002 model
Here's the correct link https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123279.shtml
Here's one for the Stumpy
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123462.shtml
Either are fine bikes. I'm partial to Specialized myself as they simply feel better to me.
Here's the correct link https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123279.shtml
Here's one for the Stumpy
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/XC_Hardt...t_123462.shtml
Either are fine bikes. I'm partial to Specialized myself as they simply feel better to me.
Errr...Thought a little background info..past products reviews...ummm...
F.
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: South Central PA
Posts: 223
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Raiyn
Yup bikes are about feel. If the Kona feels best then that's what you need
Word.
(Thanks. I needed that)
#11
Campy or bust :p
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 3,139
Bikes: Surly Karate Monkey commuter build
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Plus if you spend more on the Stumpy and it doesn't feel "just right" or as good as the Kona, you're not going to be as happy with your purchase and you're not going to feel as though you got your money's worth.
#13
is slower than you
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: WI
Posts: 1,486
Bikes: Gunnar Sport, Marin Pine Mountain, Gunnar Ruffian, Gunnar Roadie, BMC Fourstroke, Salsa Vaya
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
He's as cool as ice. Willing to sacrifice.
__________________
Proud supporter of the Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association (CORBA)
www.chippewaoffroad.org
Proud supporter of the Chippewa Off-Road Bike Association (CORBA)
www.chippewaoffroad.org
#14
I drink your MILKSHAKE
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 15,061
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by Peek the Geek
He's as cool as ice. Willing to sacrifice.
Gotta hold on to this feelin’
Gotta let you body move
Gotta keep the music jumpin’
Everybody get loose
Repeat
Face the music, then I’m right behind
With a posse, a mic and a funky rhyme
It doesn’t take a lot of time for me to climb
And whem I’m going for mine, I’m like a monkey on a vine
Goin’ up the scale and I will prevail
Sharper than the point on the tip of a nail
Movin’ with the speed of a thief on the run
My mic is my gun and my posse’s the one
Ready for fun, but also for static
Anything breaks and they’re ready automatic
I’ve had it with suckers who try to get paid -
Sayin’ they’re teaching, but not makin’
The grade - they’re played.
I’m the teacher, man, you’re the student
Close your ears if you feel you’re prudent
And can’t deal with the lyrics I’m steppin’ with
But they’re the lines the people are gettin’ with
A lesson well taught, here’s some more advice
I don’t sweat it on the mic
’cause I’m cool as ice
Chorus repeat 2x’s
Roll into town with no windows down
I’m on my bike and I’m headed for a mic
Battles defuse with the news of my arrival
Instincts are primal, I’m all about survival
Proceed with caution, I’m like a blaze
That’s roared for days
All that gaze are amazed
Dazed by the force that they just witnessed
Master, is the title to fit this
Man before ya, lyrical lawyer
Suin’ all the suckers on the mic that bore ya
Slick, I’ll trick like a magician
On the microphone, I’m like a rap technician
Turn the party out in my opinion
Witty words make the world my dominion
Figure out a riddle in rhyme, you can’t stump me
I get off if a beat is funky
I’m not sleepy, dopey or grumpy
But you’ll be fallin’, just like humpty did
And that’s all she wrote
Then I disappear in a puff of smoke
I’m like a surgeon and I’m urgin’
Stay away or I’ll slice
I don’t sweat it under pressure
’cause I’m cool as ice
Chorus reapeat 2x’s
Rise and shine, girls up & at ’em
See a microphone on the stage and I’m grabbin’
You act like eve and I’ll act like adam
Tangle with a snake, make sure that you pat him
Keep him calm for sure or he’ll strike back
Shake your booty girl, yeah I like that
Keep your moves silky smooth, hot and sexy
It won’t vex me, I won’t get testy.
And when you rush the stage
Bein’ all kinds of frantic, you know
I won’t panic, I’ll just get romantic
Ten and twenty, you come by the droves
Don’t be scared to take off your clothes
If you’re really short, get on your tippy toes
And remember, anything goes
’cause I’m all about fun on the run
I’ll just take each girl one by one
I’n not the type to be tied up or tied down
There’s enough of me to go around
Girlies on my tip like white on rice
I don’t sweat it on the mic
’cause I’m cool as ice
Chorus reapeat 2x’s
Add libs
Chorus reapeat 2x’s
#15
<<<<>>>>
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Kansas City, Missouri USA
Posts: 151
Bikes: 2004 Kona Caldera "stock"
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I own a Caldera and I'm very happy with my first 6 weeks of use. The fork and the wheels are heavy but the bike is solid. Any of the bikes will be great just pick the one that feels the best. Get the Kona.