waynesworld

Nice of them to do that. I contacted Kona asking for touch up paint for mine and they told me to find some nail polish that matched.

g00se

Try the konaworld.com forum and request some paint from the tech forum. They're very helpful on there.

Kojak

Chances are, that if you're going to be a one car family (we've made the switch), that you're going to eventually be multi-bike guy (I am).

Get one from your list now. Ride it for a year. The points that others have made here on this thread are all valid except for one somewhat major detail. These people aren't you and a test ride is never going to tell you all you need to know. You don't state what your riding experience is, and if this is a new venture for you, you will discover issues that you would never have thought of in your wildest dreams.

I will say that there is one common mistake amongst people just getting started, they don't take into account where at work they are going to be able to keep their bikes. As I'm sure you have read by now on these boards, bike security is a serious consideration. It is extremely discouraging to start off on a life change like this, only to have your bike stolen. Even great locks don't necessarily mean that your bike is secure. If you're showing up with a new bike, assume that it will be a target.

waynesworld

Thanks, but I sold my Kona to a college student who promptly got it stolen. Actually, he had it for about a year and a half. Locked it to a wooden porch and bye bye Jakey.

OP, if you live near an REI, they are having an awesome deal on the 2009 Dew Plus. $459.xx I believe.

jakeismydog2

So I think I got a killer deal on an 09 Kona Dew Deluxe $425. Now its time for fenders etc. What fenders does everyone suggest (the deluxe has hydraulic disc brakes)? and can you give me a good idea on winter commuting tires that will fit with fenders?

Thanks for everyones input, you made me much more confident in my purchase.


Oh and if anyone has a favorite rack suggestion for me i would accept input on that also.

g00se

I'm in the UK so mudguard (fender) manufacturers tend to be different. Also, racks might differ as the euopeans ones have to generally conform to a standard that doesn't apply to the US (standard rear light mounting brackets etc).

However, I did post on the konaworld forum and the techie at kona recommended Planet Bike fenders (which you can't get here). Also, Topeak racks have a range of disc-specific units.

tarwheel 

You are making this too difficult. Virtually all bicycles in the same price range have comparable components. The most important thing for you to consider is the frame geometry -- that is, how well the bike fits you. Only you can determine that, with assistance from a good bike shop or a fitter. Another prime consideration would be whether the models you are looking at are available from local bike shops. Asking for opinions on various bike models that are spec'd pretty much the same is kind of pointless. Just buy the one that fits you best and looks nice to you.

CornyBum

Well, it seems he's already bought it now, so I guess it won't be too difficult to help him with fenders and racks. Congratulations on your purchase, jakeismydog2. Oh, and I've been reading this thread with great interest and am liking Kona's Dew series. Thanks for all who contributed. When I get a second bicycle (which may be years down the road), I think I'll remember Kona Dews.

BarracksSi

There are a bunch of fenders that should fit (I have a disc-equipped bike with SKS Chromoplastics). You'd just need to bend the fender struts so they'll go around the brake calipers.

If you're planning on knobbies and/or studs for winter, get as wide of a fender as will fit on the bike. That way you won't have to worry so much about whether some tires will fit.