Righto,
I've undertaken a little exercise on behalf of us Retrobikers.
I've run the same 20mile course above Margam on my 99 Explosif with Z2 Bombers, and a 2010 Orange 5 Pro. I know the area very well, so can give it full wellie at all times. I used a GPS to log the route on both rides, to compare the uphills/downhills, and overall performance. I was pushing as hard as I could on both bikes.
Findings are my personal views, and I have no doubt that others will find things different.
1. Uphills. O5 was surprisingly sprightly. Nearly matching the Kona despite the extra weight and bounce. Pro pedal was used.
2. Downhill. Fireroads - Kona quicker. Rocky sections - Kona quicker (possibly due to my knowledge of lines?).
3. Kona was around 5% quicker on the whole route.
4. My left hand was significantly more painful on the Kona (V brakes),
5. My back and shoulders were less sore after the O5 ride (noticeably so),
Conclusions:
I found the O5 ride almost "lazy". The Kona ride is far more visceral, exciting and feels quicker. The turn of pace over crests etc, is staggering compared to the O5.
Now, I know that the Kona rides better with my 100mm REBA Teams, so should be quicker still on that course. I'll let you know when they are back from repair, and I can run a comparison.
I think that the O5 would be faster over rocky/rooty DH, in normal circumstances.
I wish the Kona had rear disk tabs!!!!!
The O5 costs £2500!!!!!
God the O5 is ugly. It's like riding a mattress.
Buy an old Kona.
(Actually buy both. They are both superb).
I've undertaken a little exercise on behalf of us Retrobikers.
I've run the same 20mile course above Margam on my 99 Explosif with Z2 Bombers, and a 2010 Orange 5 Pro. I know the area very well, so can give it full wellie at all times. I used a GPS to log the route on both rides, to compare the uphills/downhills, and overall performance. I was pushing as hard as I could on both bikes.
Findings are my personal views, and I have no doubt that others will find things different.
1. Uphills. O5 was surprisingly sprightly. Nearly matching the Kona despite the extra weight and bounce. Pro pedal was used.
2. Downhill. Fireroads - Kona quicker. Rocky sections - Kona quicker (possibly due to my knowledge of lines?).
3. Kona was around 5% quicker on the whole route.
4. My left hand was significantly more painful on the Kona (V brakes),
5. My back and shoulders were less sore after the O5 ride (noticeably so),
Conclusions:
I found the O5 ride almost "lazy". The Kona ride is far more visceral, exciting and feels quicker. The turn of pace over crests etc, is staggering compared to the O5.
Now, I know that the Kona rides better with my 100mm REBA Teams, so should be quicker still on that course. I'll let you know when they are back from repair, and I can run a comparison.
I think that the O5 would be faster over rocky/rooty DH, in normal circumstances.
I wish the Kona had rear disk tabs!!!!!
The O5 costs £2500!!!!!
God the O5 is ugly. It's like riding a mattress.
Buy an old Kona.
(Actually buy both. They are both superb).