Must-haves for Kona Hoss Dee-lux?

[Bob in Oregon]

I am something of a novice rider. I had a Giant Sedona in college and
bombed a few trails on Moscow Mountain in Idaho. That was almost 15
years ago. Then I weighed in at a slim 190lbs. Now, married with two
kids, I tip the scales at 296! I am 6'3". So I have decided to get a
Kona Hoss Dee-lux at the end of the month.

I know next to nothing about components. Apart from a good Kryptonite
lock and a breezy lid, what other items would you consider essential?
Are there any components of the bike that should be replaced
immediatley? I will be riding to and from work (to lose that 100 extra
pounds) and will be riding trails on the weekends.

Thanks in advance!

 

[small change]

Bob in Oregon wrote:
> I am something of a novice rider. I had a Giant Sedona in college and
> bombed a few trails on Moscow Mountain in Idaho. That was almost 15
> years ago. Then I weighed in at a slim 190lbs. Now, married with two
> kids, I tip the scales at 296! I am 6'3". So I have decided to get a
> Kona Hoss Dee-lux at the end of the month.
>
> I know next to nothing about components. Apart from a good Kryptonite
> lock and a breezy lid, what other items would you consider essential?
> Are there any components of the bike that should be replaced
> immediatley? I will be riding to and from work (to lose that 100 extra
> pounds) and will be riding trails on the weekends.
>
> Thanks in advance!

pink streamers

 

[Dan]

"Bob in Oregon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I am something of a novice rider. I had a Giant Sedona in college and
> bombed a few trails on Moscow Mountain in Idaho. That was almost 15
> years ago. Then I weighed in at a slim 190lbs. Now, married with two
> kids, I tip the scales at 296! I am 6'3". So I have decided to get a
> Kona Hoss Dee-lux at the end of the month.
>
> I know next to nothing about components. Apart from a good Kryptonite
> lock and a breezy lid, what other items would you consider essential?
> Are there any components of the bike that should be replaced
> immediatley? I will be riding to and from work (to lose that 100 extra
> pounds) and will be riding trails on the weekends.
>
> Thanks in advance!
>

You're going to need gloves and I recomend a camelback type drinking system.
Get enough tools to do all the maintenance you can do yourself (changing
tyres, replacing chain, centering handlebars etc.).

As far as components go you should just ride the bike you've chosen until
they need replacing. Kona use relatively good components in general so
you'll be fine.

njoy the ride

 

[JD]

Bob in Oregon wrote:
> I am something of a novice rider. I had a Giant Sedona in college and
> bombed a few trails on Moscow Mountain in Idaho. That was almost 15
> years ago. Then I weighed in at a slim 190lbs. Now, married with two
> kids, I tip the scales at 296! I am 6'3". So I have decided to get a
> Kona Hoss Dee-lux at the end of the month.
>
> I know next to nothing about components. Apart from a good Kryptonite
> lock and a breezy lid, what other items would you consider essential?
> Are there any components of the bike that should be replaced
> immediatley? I will be riding to and from work (to lose that 100
extra
> pounds) and will be riding trails on the weekends.
>
> Thanks in advance!

Contrary to what "dan" had to say (I doubt he's a clyesdale), the
wheelset is questionable at best because kona likes to hide crappy
components in their specs, like cheap chinese gypsy junk spokes that
like to fail at very inopportune moments. Also check out the bottom
bracket and other "hideable" parts in the component spec. They like to
cut corners by doing things like putting Deore components in an XT
spec. Better yet, look elsewhere and skip the kona garbage bin.
Specialized might make a more durable bike that fits your weight/prce
needs.

JD

 

[Bob in Oregon]

Rims are Sun Ditch Witch, spokes 14G stainless. Other than making a
custom bike (more than I can afford) this seems like a good bike. Why
do you call Kona a garbage bin?

 

[Dan]

"Bob in Oregon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Rims are Sun Ditch Witch, spokes 14G stainless. Other than making a
> custom bike (more than I can afford) this seems like a good bike. Why
> do you call Kona a garbage bin?
>

Admitedly, the only thing I've seen break on a kona is a spoke. So, ride
til you break a spoke, then replace it / get the wheel rebuilt under
warantee. It's not a problem.

Oh, and at 220 i think i class as a clyesdale too. I ride a specialised
enduro myself but it sounds like you're set on the hoss so go for it. At
least you're not here asking which of the 4000+ bikes in the world you
should buy for 'some off road and a trip to the shops' as some people do.

Ride the bike and enjoy it.

 

[Bob in Oregon]

Thanks Dan

 

[D T W .../\\...]

Bob in Oregon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am something of a novice rider. I had a Giant Sedona in college and
> bombed a few trails on Moscow Mountain in Idaho. That was almost 15
> years ago. Then I weighed in at a slim 190lbs. Now, married with two
> kids, I tip the scales at 296! I am 6'3". So I have decided to get a
> Kona Hoss Dee-lux at the end of the month.
>
> I know next to nothing about components. Apart from a good Kryptonite
> lock and a breezy lid, what other items would you consider essential?
> Are there any components of the bike that should be replaced
> immediatley? I will be riding to and from work (to lose that 100 extra
> pounds) and will be riding trails on the weekends.


From Konas website:

Hoss Dee-Lux is our top level Kona Clydesdale design.

USA $1099.00 FREIGHT AND DEALER PREP NOT INCLUDED

Frame tubing Kona Clump 7005 Aluminum
Fork Marzocchi Dirt Jam Pro 100mm
Headset Aheadset STS
Crankarms RaceFace Ride XC ISIS
Chainrings 44/32/22
B/B RaceFace SRX ISIS
Pedals Shimano PD-M505 clipless
Chain Shimano CN-HG53 (9sp)
Freewheel Shimano Deore 11-32 9 speed
F/D Shimano Deore
R/D Shimano Deore XT
Shifters Shimano Deore
Handlebar TruVativ LE Riser
Stem TruVativ XR 3D
Grips Kona Jackshit
Brakes Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 XC
Brake Levers Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 XC
Front hub KK Disc
Rear hub Shimano FH-M475 disc
Spokes 14G Stainless
Tires Tioga Blue Dragon 26 x 2.3
Rims Sun DitchWitch
Saddle WTB Speed V Comp
Seatpost TruVativ XR Double Bolt
Seat clamp Kona QR

--
DTW .../\.../\.../\...

I've spent most of my money on mountain biking and windsurfing.
The rest, I've just wasted.

 

[[email protected]]

D T W .../\... wrote:
> Bob in Oregon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I am something of a novice rider. I had a Giant Sedona in college
and
> > bombed a few trails on Moscow Mountain in Idaho. That was almost 15
> > years ago. Then I weighed in at a slim 190lbs. Now, married with
two
> > kids, I tip the scales at 296! I am 6'3". So I have decided to get
a
> > Kona Hoss Dee-lux at the end of the month.
> >
> > I know next to nothing about components. Apart from a good
Kryptonite
> > lock and a breezy lid, what other items would you consider
essential?
> > Are there any components of the bike that should be replaced
> > immediatley? I will be riding to and from work (to lose that 100
extra
> > pounds) and will be riding trails on the weekends.
>
>
> From Konas website:
>
> Hoss Dee-Lux is our top level Kona Clydesdale design.
>
> USA $1099.00 FREIGHT AND DEALER PREP NOT INCLUDED
>
> Frame tubing Kona Clump 7005 Aluminum
> Fork Marzocchi Dirt Jam Pro 100mm
> Headset Aheadset STS
> Crankarms RaceFace Ride XC ISIS
> Chainrings 44/32/22
> B/B RaceFace SRX ISIS
> Pedals Shimano PD-M505 clipless
> Chain Shimano CN-HG53 (9sp)
> Freewheel Shimano Deore 11-32 9 speed
> F/D Shimano Deore
> R/D Shimano Deore XT
> Shifters Shimano Deore
> Handlebar TruVativ LE Riser
> Stem TruVativ XR 3D
> Grips Kona Jackshit
> Brakes Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 XC
> Brake Levers Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 XC
> Front hub KK Disc
> Rear hub Shimano FH-M475 disc
> Spokes 14G Stainless
> Tires Tioga Blue Dragon 26 x 2.3
> Rims Sun DitchWitch
> Saddle WTB Speed V Comp
> Seatpost TruVativ XR Double Bolt
> Seat clamp Kona QR
>
> --
> DTW .../\.../\.../\...
>
> I've spent most of my money on mountain biking and windsurfing.
> The rest, I've just wasted.

" Also check out the bottom
bracket and other "hideable" parts in the component spec."

Yep, just like JD said, look at the POS excuse of a BB.

 

[Mark]

Baseball cards in the spokes?
"small change" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Bob in Oregon wrote:
>> I am something of a novice rider. I had a Giant Sedona in college and
>> bombed a few trails on Moscow Mountain in Idaho. That was almost 15
>> years ago. Then I weighed in at a slim 190lbs. Now, married with two
>> kids, I tip the scales at 296! I am 6'3". So I have decided to get a
>> Kona Hoss Dee-lux at the end of the month.
>>
>> I know next to nothing about components. Apart from a good Kryptonite
>> lock and a breezy lid, what other items would you consider essential?
>> Are there any components of the bike that should be replaced
>> immediatley? I will be riding to and from work (to lose that 100 extra
>> pounds) and will be riding trails on the weekends.
>>
>> Thanks in advance!
>
> pink streamers
>

 

[Mark]

Baseball cards in the spokes!
"small change" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Bob in Oregon wrote:
>> I am something of a novice rider. I had a Giant Sedona in college and
>> bombed a few trails on Moscow Mountain in Idaho. That was almost 15
>> years ago. Then I weighed in at a slim 190lbs. Now, married with two
>> kids, I tip the scales at 296! I am 6'3". So I have decided to get a
>> Kona Hoss Dee-lux at the end of the month.
>>
>> I know next to nothing about components. Apart from a good Kryptonite
>> lock and a breezy lid, what other items would you consider essential?
>> Are there any components of the bike that should be replaced
>> immediatley? I will be riding to and from work (to lose that 100 extra
>> pounds) and will be riding trails on the weekends.
>>
>> Thanks in advance!
>
> pink streamers
>

 

[Mark]

Yea, they make that "motor" sound! The Hoss is the Harley of mountain bikes!

"Mark" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Baseball cards in the spokes?

>>
>> pink streamers
>>
>
>

 

[Duncan]

"JD" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Contrary to what "dan" had to say (I doubt he's a clyesdale), the
> wheelset is questionable at best because kona likes to hide crappy
> components in their specs, like cheap chinese gypsy junk spokes that
> like to fail at very inopportune moments. Also check out the bottom
> bracket and other "hideable" parts in the component spec. They like to
> cut corners by doing things like putting Deore components in an XT
> spec. Better yet, look elsewhere and skip the kona garbage bin.
> Specialized might make a more durable bike that fits your weight/prce
> needs.

Apart from the usual brand bashing JD is right here. Konas and many other
brands skimp pretty badly in some areas. I recently bought an '05 Kula
Deluxe and I knew from the get go that it had pretty **** wheels and pedals.
The bottom bracket in this case was an X-type race-face so was probably up
to spec but I changed to XT anyway.

As I see it people buying a race bike aren't going to stick with the stock
wheels or pedals as they'll have their own/sponsors wheels and pedals to
run. Due to a few reasons I'm still running the stock wheels and they
really do suck. Both axles bent slightly (really messes with disc
alignment), a spacer cracked, they were badly adjusted from the shop and
recently the spokes have started to break at an alarming rate. Even
reasonable spec machine built wheels can really suck.

My bike gets a bit of a beating as it's raced a lot but I don't weigh much
more than half what you do. Bottom brackets are another component that will
very quickly **** itself under high stress.

Hopefuly I'll be picking up my new hand built XT/DT/XC717 wheels in the next
few days.

 

[Bob in Oregon]

By the way, I am not set on the hoss- but I need a bike that can handle
me (296 lbs) and Ive only got about $1000 to spend. If JD knows of a
better bike for my weight and the money- I would love to hear it-
please! Bashing does not help a bit.

 

[JD]

Bob in Oregon wrote:
> By the way, I am not set on the hoss- but I need a bike that can
handle
> me (296 lbs) and Ive only got about $1000 to spend. If JD knows of a
> better bike for my weight and the money- I would love to hear it-
> please! Bashing does not help a bit.


Reread my post bub, something else was suggested.

JD

 

[JD]

[email protected] wrote:
> D T W .../\... wrote:
> > B/B RaceFace SRX ISIS

> " Also check out the bottom
> bracket and other "hideable" parts in the component spec."
>
> Yep, just like JD said, look at the POS excuse of a BB.


Funny how blind you really are, spanky. I've blown up more RF BBs than
any other brand and wouldn't even use one on a cruiser bike.

JD

 

[JD]

Dan wrote:
> "Bob in Oregon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Rims are Sun Ditch Witch, spokes 14G stainless. Other than making a
> > custom bike (more than I can afford) this seems like a good bike.
Why
> > do you call Kona a garbage bin?
> >
>
> Admitedly, the only thing I've seen break on a kona is a spoke. So,
ride
> til you break a spoke, then replace it / get the wheel rebuilt under
> warantee. It's not a problem.


Yeah, that spec reads "14G Stainless". A real spec would say DT Swiss
or Wheelsmith 14G Stainless if they were not trying to hide the cheap
spokes. Tell me this "dan", would you not see a broken spoke as a
problem after three hours of climbing up to get to and two minutes into
a world class singletrack downhill? If you say that's not a problem, I
call you either a fool, or a liar.

JD

 

[Bob in Oregon]

Specialized does not make such a bike for my price range.

 

[D T W .../\\...]

"Bob in Oregon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Specialized does not make such a bike for my price range.


Yo Bob, Don't sweat it, buy the Kona.

You could remind whoever you buy it from that your a big guy and that the
wheels/ spokes could be trued up a bit to survive the stress you'll be
giving them. It would only take a few minutes on a truing stand to be sure
that all the spokes are tightened to spec.

DTW .../\.../\.../\...

I've spent most of my money on mountain biking and windsurfing.
The rest, I've just wasted.

 

[Dan]

"JD" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> spokes. Tell me this "dan", would you not see a broken spoke as a
> problem after three hours of climbing up to get to and two minutes into
> a world class singletrack downhill? If you say that's not a problem, I
> call you either a fool, or a liar.
>
> JD
>


yeah it's a problem but show me a bike that doesn't have one.

Ok, to appease the fool - Bob In Oregon, you may wish to change all the
spokes on the wheelset. or you could just ride it and be happy with the
purchase.