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Well there were only 3 votes in the initial poll from 16 years ago (unless it was somehow reset). Let's see if we can increase that.
Steel Frame/Fork Battle: Fat vs Kona
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Well there were only 3 votes in the initial poll from 16 years ago (unless it was somehow reset). Let's see if we can increase that.
Its a loaded question.
you cant really compare an American handbuilt off the peg example, with a very well thought out design made in the far east at half the cost, can you..?
If you compared a Zinn with its contemporary at the same price, this might be a fair comparison. both manufactured in a similar way, in steel, similar price points and both far far lower volume.
you cant really compare an American handbuilt off the peg example, with a very well thought out design made in the far east at half the cost, can you..?
If you compared a Zinn with its contemporary at the same price, this might be a fair comparison. both manufactured in a similar way, in steel, similar price points and both far far lower volume.
I'm a huge Kona Fan, i would think a tad more than Fat in my early years, but this was down to exposure.
For me the early Kona's were there golden years, or mine at least. But they did suffer with bent forks, poor alignment on the early lower end models, Track II issues etc. the geometry I think suits the Uk terrain and weather conditions perfectly, More so than a Fat, but even with all this said and done, its an unfair comparison in my eyes. like comparing a Top of the Range Stumpjumer with a Top of the Range Ritchey.
For me the early Kona's were there golden years, or mine at least. But they did suffer with bent forks, poor alignment on the early lower end models, Track II issues etc. the geometry I think suits the Uk terrain and weather conditions perfectly, More so than a Fat, but even with all this said and done, its an unfair comparison in my eyes. like comparing a Top of the Range Stumpjumer with a Top of the Range Ritchey.
I just sold my 18 inch Kona cinder cone to a friend after rebuilding it, she and the bike are from 1992 and she loves it. To me it was nothing special. Very stable frame and very well made but bike felt heavy (10k5), also not so heavy but not springy. It’s all subjective. I might build a “hot” or hei hei when chance comes . I have a Lincoln Tange ultimate ultralight with a big seat tube and a big rigid fork. I have no idea what it is but it flies ! You definitely must think where you want to go because it goes there fast. And it cost me 100 euros and after removing the peeled varnish the frame had no rust (nickel plated) . And so what makes the difference? Some piles of rust are very expensive because of a faded sticker “Salsa” or “Fat Chance” . I really want to build a grassroots randonneur but I have not tried them so can’t compare a Wicked, an Ibis, a Salsa and an Orange prestige. Also I would be following the light wheels, narrow tires (1.8 or maximum 2) and use it to explore a mix of city and forest ..lots of dirt track but not much elevation. So why should I spend 3 times more for a Wicked frame or Salsa frame than an Orange and will I feel the same? It would be easier if I try some bikes, need to
make riding buddies in Berlin. Maybe I start a new thread too, it makes a great reading.
Prodigal Son
Senior Retro Guru
Konas have longer head tubes hence the dropping top tube is more noticeable. Ride wise what makes the big difference is the numbers of wheelbase, chainstays, head angle, seat angle and BB drop. I never rode a Kona but Fat Chances ride beautifully in tight woods trails.
I am a biker , first motorcycle when I was 14, last was a 180 hp ninja. I started mtb after crashing. No need anymore for fumes and poum poum. Cornering is all and all we had to do is drop down the fork a bit. Maybe that’s why Bontrager and the synthetic fork (what a name). I noticed the Salsa had a long top tube too but is rather low..must be great for long distance.
fearfactoryüberalles
Senior Retro Guru
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Easy. I vote neither. Breezer Lightnings with 1" headtubes for the win.
OK, the limited ed. to 500 pieces DB Axis Ritchey WCS tubed '95 with Breezer dropouts comes as a close second (pic nicked from the interweb, mine looks too shabby atm):
OK, the limited ed. to 500 pieces DB Axis Ritchey WCS tubed '95 with Breezer dropouts comes as a close second (pic nicked from the interweb, mine looks too shabby atm):
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I have to admit, newbie here, that this Breezer looks like a hot machine! The long top tube, low ride and 2,5 kg frame set ! Looks fast and the retro look ! A great classic. Would park it next to a Wicked lite and a Kona Hei Hei . I wish I had known and spend my hobby on vintage bicycle instead ik Kawasaki ! (Less dangerous)
