Kona vs GT

[cce]

is this the ford vs vauxhall of the retrobike world? lots of sly, but harmless digs between the two, and people tend to be either one or the other

i'm kona personally, i've ridden a lot of GT's and this is how i know i dont like them.... i'd rather have a lava dome than a zaskar for a rider, just as i'm sure there are people who'd rather have a tequesta over an explosif or kula.

as a yoof back in my hometown, at any given price point, a GT was considered the superior of its rivals AUTOMATICALLY with the crucial exception of cannondales and konas (and the exotica obviously)

are the differences as pronounced as us evangelists for either side make out (personally i think GT's handle funny) ? or is it just protectionism?

 

[Tallpaul]

I thought the 'Xizang or Hei Hei' thread pretty much did this topic to death...

 

[fingers]

Presellout theyre both cool.

(orange is best, never trust a cannondale)

 

[mikefoster]

I like both always have. Was a Zaskar man back then and just got another now. That's what brought me to this site.
Always liked Kona but only had one recently which was a nice 01 explosif.
One the look out for a steel one now. Damn this site.........................

 

[longun]

had both,liked both......................but now own and ride a pace

nothing like the ford/vauxhall thing................fords will always be better lol

 

[barry2017]

I must say, my current Karakoram might well have been my dream bike when I was in my teens.
Never felt the urge to own a Kona, they don't have the eccentricity of a GT.

 

[murf]

Never felt the urge to own a Kona, they don't have the eccentricity of a GT.

IE, they are simple, work well and dont rely on gimmicks to make sales (triple triangle, whats the point?).
Best thing about GT's was the anodized colour finishes that you used to get on the Zaskars.
Have to hand it to GT for the RTS though, i would have happily owned ne of those!

 

[ICB]

Perhaps more VW vs Toyota?

Kona, much prefer the geometry and general design aesthetic

No offence to GT fans but they were always my least favourite brand as the triple triangle seemed gimmicky and inefficient

 

[legrandefromage]

the triple triangle seemed gimmicky and inefficient

<yawn> 'blah blah blah- the triple triangle has been around waaaaay longer than GT, but as an engineering device it does a good job of stiffening the back end for climbing.

Early GT's do ride a bit funny as they are set up for slightly longer forks or suspension.


Konas all look the same -

 

[legrandefromage]

Never felt the urge to own a Kona, they don't have the eccentricity of a GT.

IE, they are simple, work well and dont rely on gimmicks to make sales (triple triangle, whats the point?). Its an engineering thing!
Best thing about GT's was the anodized colour finishes that you used to get on the Zaskars.
Have to hand it to GT for the RTS though, i would have happily owned ne of those!