Went to the LBS and saw this bike and fell in love. Great color! I already have a fixed gear (Bianchi) and wondering how this would compare. Going to test ride it tomorrow before work. Depending on how great it feels, will probably part with my two year old Pista to cover some of the cost. I did a forum search and not too much information showed up, so I'm asking fellow BFers how their Paddy feels between the legs

Here is the PADDY WAGON!


What would you recommend the first thing to be replaced? I did a Google search on the FSA Tempo crankset and couldn't find anything. Opinions? The saddle will be replaced immediately and will probably end up ordering some clipless pedals
Here's to hoping the test ride is great

replace the first thing you break. that's what i would recommend.

am i the only one who finds it odd looking when the top tube of the frame isnt parallel (or really close to it) to the floor? I mean, if you're short and need clearance I can understand, but if this isn't the case, why buy such a small frame?

I don't find it odd looking --- and in person it is less dramatic than what a picture shows. My Bianchi is a 53cm and I'm thinking that frame is a little cramped so most likely will buy the 54cm Paddy Wagon. Wasn't able to test ride today stayed much later at work than I would have liked. Tomorrow!

Also known as a sloping top-tube. It's a compact frame, similar to the Langster, the advantage is more to the company and the store, as a few sizes can cover a broader range of riders than a traditional frame.

As far as what to keep and what to replace, I'd leave it as it is, and figure out what you want to replace, or, as was mentioned, replace what breaks. Depending on how much you plan on using your brakes, I would get new brake pads, stock brake-pads are generally crap.

i have seen a few 09 paddy wagons around town. Road a bit with a guy that had one once. I just didn't like em aesthetically at all. Found it quite ugly. But if you like it then don't let my likes get in your way

Only thing I would worry about other than saddle and pedals is the stem. it would look so much better in black with the black fork, black spacers, black wrap.

I'm not really sure what their intentions were w/ this one...

it looks a bit confused doesn't it!

i love how they take one of the nicest track wheelsets w/ NMSW and then put brakes on it...

i previously coveted ellipses... no longer.

The first thing I'd replace would be those handlebars. I don't think I'd even take it out of the shop with those. I can't imagine them being comfortable, and since it obviously isn't a track bike, I'm not sure why it should have track bars.

It looks like it could be a really comfortable bike with some higher handlebars and maybe a higher stem. Obviously, I'm showing my personal preferences, but I do think traditional road bars would be more congruent with the geometry of the Paddy Wagon. I suppose someone at Kona must disagree.

I remember trying the 08 paddywagon at my lbs and I wasent impressed, especially for the price ($600). The frame felt cheap and awkward, handling was kinda sluggish, honestly my kilo feels so much better. I saw both the 09 band wagon and paddy wagon and they both looked pretty ugly. On top of all that the grandwagon is ridiculous, I dont think kona really gets track bikes.

i love how they keep saying 'hipster' in their bike description.

What's going to happen if your friends should see another Paddy Wagon outside the pub?

first thing you should replace is the frame

Off-season Roadie spinnerific.

Granted I didn't buy it for a track bike, I think it suits its purpose with aplomb. I bought the frame and built up an off-season, don't care how fast I'm riding, easy day cruising SS. It works just fine for that. It's no track bike, but IMHO, wasn't intended to be....

edit: Oh, and their copy writing sux. Jus' Sayin'.

My favorite part of the description on the Kona site:

"You ride young rad person. Ride and look cool, without spending money on clothes. Cause on a Paddy Wagon, ain't nobody going to be looking at you."

i definitely wouldnt lock it up outside of a pub..


**** beaten

Would this make a good commuter bike guys, mostly geometry wise (the sloping top tube)?

I recently made a big mistake on my old peugeot commuter, a whip skid, and its drive side stay came off.... while it's waiting to be rebrazed (it wasnt too badly damaged as I stood up immediately after noticing the difference in the ride; I'm keeping it for sentimental value) I need another bike.... and my friend knows someone who is selling his 2009 Kona Paddy Wagon for the down to earth price of $250 which is completely stock and new aside from numerous paint scratches on one side of the bike, a little rust on some components, and brakes that need overhauling.

The 2009 is nearly identical with the 2010; same frame, different paint scheme (yellow and gray); same components aside from FSA Gossamer cranks, matte black stem and seatpost, and yellow wheelset

I think it would make a great commuter aside from the handlebars.

I have an '09 that I ride SS as my commuter, and I really like it. I replaced the bars for bullhorns, but that's a personal thing. I also upgraded the wheels, but again, that was a personal thing. I shopped around a lot when I bought the bike, and for my uses, it was the best deal I found.