Before you start reading this, please note that I've already done endless hours of searching on these boards. I like to do my homework before I make large purchases and I'm just trying to get more second opinions on this situation
Original Plan:
I was to buy the last 07 Kona Paddy Wagon from my LBS in a couple weeks. Would have been done and set. I would've been satisfied and happy. It would have been used as a work-commuter/weekend-warrior while I used my Marin as the workhorse.
Problem:
I rode into the LBS today to find a specific size allen wrench and inquired about the Kona. They said it had been sold and wouldn't get any more until the end of the next month, when the 08's would arrive. I don't think I can hold out that long.
Possible solution:
Go to the next LBS down the street and pick up their last '07 Flite 100 (In red color).
Questions and Problems to the Possible Solution
1. The guy who owns the LBS with the KHS's said that the flite has a flip-flop hub (but without a cog on the freewheel side, so there's just threads for now, 20 bucks to get a new cog on). I felt the threads and it didn't seem very freewheel-ish.
2. The guy also recommended a front brake, said it would cost 50 bucks to buy/install.
3. Does this thing have track bars or road bars? I couldn't tell.
4. Does $550 sound like a good deal. (It would be 620 after the new cog/brake is installed)
5. How does this compare to the Kona PW? I tested the PW when they still had it, loved it. Didn't have the cajonas to test the flite seeing as to how it had a fixed gear and I've never ridden fixed before.
6. They make 2007 KHS Flite 100's in red?
7. Can I de-badge it?
Second possible solution
Wait for the 08' Kona's to arrive.
Questions to Second possible solution
1. When do they arrive?
Sorry about the organization, I had too many thoughts and questions to ask. Bundling them up into one paragraph would've been unpleasant to read.