Bike to be!

[GG89]

Hi guys, Next week when I have the money together I have arranged to buy a used bike from a chap.

It's a 2005 Kona Kikapu Deluxe, Does anyone have any experience of this bike or know anything I should look out for when viewing? It's been ridden 10 times and has 2 minor scratches on the brake leaver i've been told, Apart from that it's in really good condition.

Any input much appreciated, Cheers.

[timbo48]

If it's the same bike that I've just seen by googling (Winchester area) then it looks like a good bike. You didn't mention prices though. Kona fs bikes haven't changed much over the years and some will say that they are dated compared with modern fs bikes (but then Porsche 911s don't look that different and I wouldn't complain about owning one of those because it's "getting old"). The suspension works ok, there is some slight "bobing" but not enough to spoil your fun. Great for going downhill as well. I have an 05 Kona Dawg deluxe and have had no problems with it. Probably only difference is Fox forks and brakes. Since you don't mention the price, have a look at the classifieds in the magazines for comparable bikes,discounted 09 models and possibly before, to get an idea of what to pay if you decide to buy and then decide what you think it's worth. I don't think that you'll be dissapointed and if it has only been ridden ten times it should be pretty immaculate. Check for play in the pivots. There shouldn't be any for the use it's had. Also it might be worth checking that brake pads are still available for that brake, five years is a long time in mtbing. Sizing might be an issue. eg I'm 6ft 1" and mine is an 18", I wouldn't want to go any smaller than that. 100mm (same as mine) isn't a lot of travel these days but is no problem for normal trail parks and I wouldn't think that this bike is too heavy for all day rides. I do both on mine.

[GG89]

Hi thanks for that mate, It was up for £550, I haggled him down to £450, it's in Glasgow. Brand new michelin all terrain tires and hes tossing in the cleaning kit aswell. I think it's quite a good price for what itis, would you agree? I used to do a bit of mountain biking and just gettin back into I think should be a good beginner, I can always add better components if I feel the need in the future. The chaps also selling his wifes Kona so it gives me certain peice of mind that it hasn't been abused by some chav. Edited to add it's 18", I'm about 5ft9(ish)so should just be nice?

Edited by GG89 on Wednesday 20th January 18:28

[timbo48]

Size should be ok, you'll know when you try it anyway and not a bad price if it's in good nick. Difficult to tell what a bike's worth secondhand now. Used to get a good idea from the magazine small ads but they don't exist now, at least in the magazines that I buy. I suppose that if you think it's worth it then that's ok, if you see what I mean. You've got the 7stanes trail parks not too far from you so ideal bike for that.