Norco vs. Kona?

I'm considiering buying a full suspension mtb. I have been riding a Kona hardtail for 5 years and
have been satisfied with it. However, I am hearing that Kona is sort of coaasting on its reputation
and that the quality of bikes is suffering. Lots of posts about broken frames, non functionaing
components etc. Are Norco really more reliable overall? A better deal? Looking for a sturdy trail
bike (I'm about 190lbs) that can take som moderate drops and jumps . Anyone on the group riding a
Norco? Paul

I've ridden a bunch of Norco bikes and ben happy with them all. Norco rules. I don't think anything
out there offers better value.

I'm currently riding a Norco team 853 hardtail, and a Norco Drop freeride bike. Both are great
bikes, and I'm about the same weight as you. I thrash the hard tail pretty hard, no big drops, but
If I did that stuff on it I'd be more worried about the wheels than the frame. Two years ago, I rode
nearly the same component spec on a kona explosif frame, and the head tube ovalized in one season. I
wasn't impressed.

I don't know what your idea of moderate drops is, but my drop has handled five footers to flat and
bigger stuff to a good downhill tranny with no problems.

Buy Norco.

Greg.

Paul Westall wrote:

> I'm considiering buying a full suspension mtb. I have been riding a Kona hardtail for 5 years and
> have been satisfied with it. However, I am hearing that Kona is sort of coaasting on its
> reputation and that the quality of bikes is suffering. Lots of posts about broken frames, non
> functionaing components etc. Are Norco really more reliable overall? A better deal? Looking for a
> sturdy trail bike (I'm about 190lbs) that can take som moderate drops and jumps . Anyone on the
> group riding a Norco? Paul

Thanks for the info. The Drop looks a bit heavy duty for me. I'm going to try and get to a couple of
shops next week and check out the Fluid. Also the Rage looks like a good deal, but probably very
hard to find any leftovers from last year (and a bit on the heavy side for most of my riding.) Paul
"Greg Marshall" <earthboy@rogers.com> wrote in message news:3E8911B9.BD507365@rogers.com...
> I've ridden a bunch of Norco bikes and ben happy with them all. Norco
rules. I
> don't think anything out there offers better value.
>
> I'm currently riding a Norco team 853 hardtail, and a Norco Drop freeride
bike.
> Both are great bikes, and I'm about the same weight as you. I thrash the
hard
> tail pretty hard, no big drops, but If I did that stuff on it I'd be more worried about the wheels
> than the frame. Two years ago, I rode nearly the
same
> component spec on a kona explosif frame, and the head tube ovalized in one season. I wasn't
> impressed.
>
> I don't know what your idea of moderate drops is, but my drop has handled
five
> footers to flat and bigger stuff to a good downhill tranny with no
problems.
>
> Buy Norco.
>
> Greg.

"Paul Westall" <pwestall@twcny.rr.com> wrote in message
news:vlria.405$J8.323@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
> Thanks for the info. The Drop looks a bit heavy duty for me. I'm going to try and get to a couple
> of shops next week and check out the Fluid. Also the Rage looks like a good deal, but probably
> very hard to find any leftovers from last year (and a bit on the heavy side for most of my
> riding.) Paul

The Fluid is a great little bike. Nearly bought myself one.
--
Slacker

In article <vlria.405$J8.323@twister.nyroc.rr.com>, Paul Westall wrote:
> Thanks for the info. The Drop looks a bit heavy duty for me. I'm going to try and get to a couple
> of shops next week and check out the Fluid. Also the Rage looks like a good deal, but probably
> very hard to find any leftovers from last year (and a bit on the heavy side for most of my
> riding.)

I ride a VPS-3, which is pretty hefty. Last year when I went to Fernie, I rode with my local Norco
rep, and he was riding a Fluid. He had nothing but good things to say about it (of course) but
beyond that, it seemed to hold up pretty well. It's sturdy, and quite a lot lighter than my VPS. I'd
say go for Norco. (Besides, I think their paintjobs are better, too.

JS

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