CaseyLS

I am looking to get my first full suspension bike here in the near future and I have narrowed my choices down to the Kikapu and the Dawg. I ride XC and never do any big jumps. I don't think I have ever had more than a couple feet of air under my tires but my riding is progressing. I only ride two trails with any regularity, one is smooth and flowing and the other is technical with a lot of climbs. I am 6'6" and weigh a bit over 200 pounds so I am worried the Kikapu might be a bit light for me. So if anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears.

Oh yeah I am also still considering a Stumpjumper so any help there would also be appreciated.

Casey

Dannihilator

I'd go with the dawg.

CaseyLS

OT: Your avatar is awesome

Original 6

Get the Dawg. That is my plans for the spring, I'm 6'4" 225lbs. It's going to be better for someone your size.

Dannihilator

Thanks.

Juniper

I'd go with one of the Dawg's, too. The Kikapu would probably work fine for what you are currently riding but it sounds like you're planning to tackle some bigger stuff. Maybe even take a look at the Kona Coiler, if you plan to migrate to more air and rocks, and less xc.

CaseyLS

I only plan on doing XC riding with few jumps because I lack the spine that is needed for the bigger stuff. God when I bought my Schwinn Mesa I wasn't expecting this to become a hobby.

Juniper

A hobby? It used to be a hobby for me, too, but it's become an obsession!

In any case I think you'll be happy with the Dawg (or any other Kona that fits your needs). I've been very happy with them. Good luck!

a2psyklnut

Another vote for the Dawg. If you were smaller and lighter, the Kikapu would be a great bike. However, you probably need something with a little more "beef" to it. The Dawg would be perfect. The Specialized is closer to the Kikapu. If you want something on par with the Dawg, check out the Enduro from SPecialized.

I will say that in my opinion the Specialized Enduro is one of the best deals as an all around bike. Great suspension design, good fork, great discs and a good overall spec for about $1,700.00.

Cornish_Rdr_UK

Yep i vote the dawg too, excellent bike for xc use with a few drops and jumps mixed with it!

And dont worry, when i started mountain biking two years ago i thought, this will never catch on, now i eat, sleep and drink mountain bike, along with most of the other riders here...

All in the name of a laugh

CaseyLS

My dad used to race and at any given time he would have 4 or 5 bikes worth over 2 grand in the garage. As a college student I dont have that kind of disposable income. I have been trying to convince him to let me strip one of his old road bikes so I can buy a frame and build it up. I would use one of his old bikes but he is only 5'8" and likes his bikes to be a bit small.

PanPanX

if your dad was really into racing he should be excited that you want to ride, and
if your dad loved you, you wouldnt have to ask twice to strip one of his old bikes, and if your dad REALLY loved you, he would buy you a new bike..

NZ_Rida

Specialized or Kona they are both good. Kona have been making good bike for years and so has Specialized so either one would be a good choice.

CaseyLS

My dad loves, he's helping pay for my college

PWRDbyTRD

I love my Kona...it's a HT though.

drumbum

I was having the same dilemma and kinda still am. I'm lighter than you (6'1 and 165lbs), and I liked the Dawg because it was alot more durable, but was worried about it's weight.

I think your best bet would be to try them both out and see which feels better.

dave_h

dawg sounds gd to me. if your a heavy rider dont buy an enduro. because of the horst link design and disk brakes, there is a huge amount of stress on the seat stays. a heavy rider may not help things much.

Maelstrom 

Dave, then explain how the bighit is one of the most durable rides around (especially by a big company)? How does the horst link put more pressure on the stays then a seatstay based linkage (kona)? I have never heard this before and am curious how you came into such rare information.

a2psyklnut

I'm curious as well. I've been riding Horst links for years now and besides some additional attention due to the number of pivots, I've been trouble free.

Dannihilator

Maybee he lives in the world where URT bikes are king and everything that could be anodized was anodized purple and toe straps were the in form of pedal system.

Raiyn

I'm waiting to hear this brilliant dissertation myself. Proud owner of an FSR with disc brakes that I am. Did I mention that I'm a Clydesdale too?

geoduck

I just saw an '04 Dawg frame for $400 on craigslist. Dude said he has a new sponsor, and needed to clean out his personal inventory.

It even still had the little round '17' sticker on the top tube, near the seat tube, indicating size. It was brand new, just my size.

*sigh* wish I had 400 bones to throw around...

Be Ready

I want to buy a bike for my husband. He is 6'3" 297. I am considering the Kona Smoke. Any reviews on this bike. My husband would be a returning, casualy rider. Maybe 50-100 Miles per week by the end of summer.

Do you believe that I would need to build up the spokes/rims on the Kona? My budge is less that 400.00.

Thank you very much for your input.

Deegen666

I would go with the stinky for your weight... and it will allow you to progress a lot more than these other bikes, as i have ridden the dawg, yeah it was a good bike, what kona isnt? but the stinky will let you do things you never thought were possible....plus the chix dig the motorcycle look
check out the deals at www.wheelworld.com 1360 bux shipped to your door, they still have large and extra large stinkys left.
Ive ridden specialized big hits but the 24" rear wheel slows you tremondously when pedaling cross country...ive taken stinkys on good 20 mile cross country/down hill runs.
GOOOO STINKY