jag89

has anybody got the 2006 kona cinder cone (uk version or us version). if so what do they think of it. if not any other opinons on it will be great thanks.

trying to decide which first proper mtb to go for

junkyard

for whatever it is worth, i have a 2005 kona cinder cone. i've been very happy with it.

jag89

sweet. what sort of riding do u do junkyard?

have u done/planning to do any mods to it?

The Great Stonk

i work for halfords as a bike specialist, were currently stocking 06 kona's.

compared to last years cindercone the 06 is a bit of a step back, it has a much heavier and bulky frame, a few parts have been downgraded, sole brakes instead of hfx 9's are a real let down, oem forks. id much rather have an 05 then an 06, imho the 06 is about £150 over priced, you can get ALOT more bike for less money if you look around.

junkyard

I ride XC. Just started riding over the summer, so I haven't really done much to the bike. My opinion is use it until it breaks, then upgrade. I have switched the pedals from the stock to a set of donated Time Atacs because the Shimanos it came with were known to have issues in the mud. Additionally, I've changed the rear tire based on a friend's recommendation/donation.

As The Great Stonk has mentioned, the frame seems a bit beefier this year... I suppose that could be a positive or negative depending on the type of riding you plan on using it for. Additionally, they seem to have downgraded the component set. If you can find a 2005, I'd definitely recommend it as a good hardtail for XC, but I'm not sure how I feel about the 2006 offering.

What type of riding are you planning on using it for?

jag89

you from the uk. because i work in halfords and i keep looking at it but i have seen a specialized which is abit better but with sram gears which im told arent that good. also i dont know were i would be able to pick up a 05 kona cindercone also i think that the kona is about £100 over what i should be compaired to the specialized hardrock pro.

jag89

type of riding = aggresive xc, trail MAYBE freeride.. but i would have to change the forks. i dont do to much freeriding but it was on my mind. the aggressive xc and trails are my main type of riding for now

also i like the chunkier frames on the kona they look abit better.!

junkyard

It will definitely hold up for aggressive XC. As far as being overpriced, that seems to be the common opinion based on the downgraded components. Have you had a chance to ride it yet? Or the Specialized? More than anything, you want to make sure the bike feels comfortable.

jag89

only rode the kona for 5minutes and it felt great. need to ride the specialized.

its good to hear that it will old up for aggressive XC. what did you think about riding it for trails? do u think its not a good idea?

junkyard

Do you mean trails or trials? I ride a lot of singletrack trail stuff with mine. Nothing too crazy... I'm not doing any drops or anything like that with it. As far as trials, I'm not the right guy to ask. There are probably some guys on the forum that could answer your questions regarding trials biking. It's my understanding that you want something small, light and strong... but that's as much as I know about trials.

jag89

it was trails... not trials for me .. i like to ride and enjoy not for sport really!

junkyard

Oh, then the Cinder Code will be plenty. The Specialized is a fine bike as well. Good luck. Let us know what you wind up settling on.

The Great Stonk

yes im in the uk, westmidlands area (halfords store 774, brierley hill)

i happen to have an 05 cindercone hanging up in my warehouse, although its currently reserved, but, its 15 days past its collection due date, so i dont think they want it. ill let you know if they cancel it.

as for sram, i recently switched over to sram x7, partly because i wanted a change, and partly because ive heard alot of good things about 'em, 3 months on and ive got 0 complaints, better than any shimano ive ridden (in my opinion)

Siu Blue Wind

Ummm, I....uh.......hmmmm.



<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Well, gee.

jag89

rite kool. im at store 818 in broadheath altrincham, manchester.

im supprised you havent put the bike back out on display as its been there so long! people payin that much for bikes normally want it asap!

i always had problems with shimano.. thats why i fancy the change to sram on the specialized hardrock pro. (same stuff £100 less, minus the derailieurs and plus the bash gaurd)

i recon im gonna get a specialized hardrock pro in a months time when i next get paid!

jag89

one hell of a avatar you got there siu blue wind!!