#!markdown
I brought one of these home late this summer, and I agree with everything so
far. Just swapped the 34T ring for a 30, and I'm faster overall on any ride
that includes significant climbing. I too left the rear Ardent alone, but went
DHRII up front (due to a worldwide shortage of 27.5 DHFs, it would seem).
Otherwise, the bike is brilliant. Coming from a 66.5 degree head angle bike I
had concerns about that, but so far the steeper head angle has only bitten me
once, and provides benefits elsewhere on the ride that make up for it. I am
amazed on every ride at how capable a 5ish inch bike can be.
I don't have a long history with Kona, my only other one having been a 2004
King Kikapu, but so far I'm a fan. Looking forward to hearing more!
Sept. 14, 2015, 7:30 a.m. - Cory Booker
#!markdown I brought one of these home late this summer, and I agree with everything so far. Just swapped the 34T ring for a 30, and I'm faster overall on any ride that includes significant climbing. I too left the rear Ardent alone, but went DHRII up front (due to a worldwide shortage of 27.5 DHFs, it would seem). Otherwise, the bike is brilliant. Coming from a 66.5 degree head angle bike I had concerns about that, but so far the steeper head angle has only bitten me once, and provides benefits elsewhere on the ride that make up for it. I am amazed on every ride at how capable a 5ish inch bike can be. I don't have a long history with Kona, my only other one having been a 2004 King Kikapu, but so far I'm a fan. Looking forward to hearing more!