mr,grumpy 

OK, now that my wife has her new bike, it's time for my N+1 acquisition and I am pretty sure that I want a 29er. I wanted to take advantage of some other technologies that have emerged in the last 15 years like hydraulic disk breaks and foes that actually work! I had my mind made up on a Kona: a Mahuna or a Kahuna. I like to support "the little guy" and I like things like the Africa Bike Project and al that. Sadly, in researching the bikes I read rumors of catastrophic frame failures and poor customer service. This saddens me. Do any of you all ride or recommend Kona. Other brands that I am considering are GT and Redline. Open to other suggestions form "smaller" "off-road oriented" brands. First person who says Tr&$ or Spec*&!)#$% will be de-friended or something!