why is Kona so popular here?

[gump]

I'm a Kona fan too but I wonder why there are so many Kona people here and so few Specialized and Marin. I think Specialized have always been one to the most popular makes, and Marin are up there too, but Konas seem to dominate this place.

No idea. Completely irrational

 

[orange71]

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... highlight=

 

[Huntso]

Not so sure they really are that popular, more like because the only half decent bikes they made are now considered retro. If you look there last highly rated frames date back to 1997

Specialized made nice riding and good value bikes throughout the 90's and still do. Much prefer my old M2 to any of the Kona's I have owned, in fact sold my 853 Explosif to buy a S-Works

Marin for some reason have acquired an unpopular tag only ridden by bearded, sandal wearing, Mondeo driving people. This belief was a bit belied by the way my old Team Issue gathered more votes on last months BOTM than any of the Kona's

 

[geetee61]

jonnyboy, you're spot on about the Scotts! I wouldn't insult my arse by even sitting on one! Sorry for being a bike snob! That's what the missus calls me, my answer is that I can't help loving older mtbs

 

[Kona Paul]

Not so sure they really are that popular, more like because the only half decent bikes they made are now considered retro. If you look there last highly rated frames date back to 1997

Not quite true, as the Hei Hei was made up until 99, the King Kahuna until 2000, and then there's the Score from 2000. Plus the intro of the Stab in 98, and the Stinky in 99, which set the standard for modern long travek DH and FR bikes. And the Coiler set the standard for pedal-friendly FR bikes. I'm not totally taken with post 2000 Kona's, but they certainly have been inovaters from the beginning and post 97.

 

[Kona Paul]

i think people like the smaller companies from back in the day and kona was small back then. i think also that we as a group prefer the more obscure stuff out of individuality, there maybe alot of kona riders on here but you don't bump into many pre 2000 explosif's on the trail these days.

True, true. Hows about posting a pic of yours? Would like to see your 92.

 

[Huntso]

Not quite true, as the Hei Hei was made up until 99, the King Kahuna until 2000, and then there's the Score from 2000. Plus the intro of the Stab in 98, and the Stinky in 99, which set the standard for modern long travek DH and FR bikes. And the Coiler set the standard for pedal-friendly FR bikes. I'm not totally taken with post 2000 Kona's, but they certainly have been inovaters from the beginning and post 97

Very true, but the steel frames that are most popular on here are absent from that list, even their top of the range Explosif went to Scandium for one year.

 

[dirtjumper_dmr]

the dirtjump hardtails are pretty awesome too... I want a Cowan

 

[Kona Paul]

Not quite true, as the Hei Hei was made up until 99, the King Kahuna until 2000, and then there's the Score from 2000. Plus the intro of the Stab in 98, and the Stinky in 99, which set the standard for modern long travek DH and FR bikes. And the Coiler set the standard for pedal-friendly FR bikes. I'm not totally taken with post 2000 Kona's, but they certainly have been inovaters from the beginning and post 97

Very true, but the steel frames that are most popular on here are absent from that list, even their top of the range Explosif went to Scandium for one year.

It did, and that was a shame. But the 99 Explosif was 853 and a work of art, as was the 98 Explosif and Hot. I didn't realize you were only refering to popular opinion in retro world when you said they did nothing notable after 97. However, I will agree with you that their nicest frames are up to around 97. Those are the ones I like most, or the years that have the most to like, whereas the list of "bikes I love" dwindles after about 97.

 

[Huntso]

I had a 853 Explosif, not sure if it was 98 or 99, metallic grey in colour with red lettering if I remember correctly. Looked nice, but didn't think it was all that special to be honest.

Glad we all like different bikes though otherwise it would be very boring, daresay you are not so keen on frames like the M2 Stumpjumper whereas i prefer them to the Kona's every time.

One things for sure, Bikes rock and on that we can all agree