Any Mtn bikers out there? Need some input.

[brad6]

Started biking this summer to get in better shape. Been doing about 15km runs a few times a week and enjoying but, quickly finding my bike is a hunk a junk. Was surfing Kijiji today to see what’s out there. Found 09 Kona King Kikapu that seems like a cool ride. Any body familiar with these? Guy says it was $3k bike in its day, wants $750. I have no clue when it comes to bikes, I’m used to crappy tire and Costco specials. Seems like it has some decent options on it..?? Curious if if anyone has any input as I don’t have a hot clue.. lol. Might check it out this weekend.

 

[Tchetek]

Paging @Lem Lamb

 

[sirkdev]

would be helpful if you could clarify where and what you ride and a budget

 

[S.W.A.T.]

It's a decent all around bike, not much for roads though but light enough you can pedal it up to ride down. They were a step up from my Coiler that I still ride. Mid to entry level components, sturdy. If it's in good shape and shifts properly it's probably not a bad buy. Sky is the limit on bikes, my kid is into his for 20k.

 

[lilduke]

Looks like a decent bike for 750$

 

[brad6]

Riding would be along the trails of river here in Saskatoon, so no real elevation to deal with and just general riding around the city. Would I be hating life if not riding on a trail? Budget is around $800 bucks, so I figured this would be a decent bike compared to some other stuff I was looking at.

 

[crashidy]

Was a great bike 15 years ago. You'll likely find the suspension in need of a rebuild if it hasn't been done. Small wheels , hard to find parts. Great brand but you'd be better off buying a new name brand bike with in your budget.
Just had a look at some bikes on your town. Any of these would be a better choice

Bikes - Bike Doctor Saskatoon

www.bikedoctor.ca

 

[pano-dude]

That bike is a relic, it's a$250 bike at best.
Go to your local bike shop and have a look.
Should be able to buy a new 29" wheeled hard tail bike for under $1k. That's all you need for flatland trail riding.
If you want something used look at Pink Bike.com there is a buy and sell page and there are hundreds of used bikes for sale to compare.
Couple things to look for, 29"wheels are the new standard. Hydraulic brakes, 1x11 or 12 drive train( one front chainring and 11-12 on the back) a dropper seat post is very handy, front suspension. Fox or rock shox are the main stream and have multiple different models.
Enjoy your new hobby, first year is a suffer fest until you get some endurance.

 

[pano-dude]

Was a great bike 15 years ago. You'll likely find the suspension in need of a rebuild if it hasn't been done. Small wheels , hard to find parts. Great brand but you'd be better off buying a new name brand bike with in your budget.
Just had a look at some bikes on your town. Any of these would be a better choice

Bikes - Bike Doctor Saskatoon

www.bikedoctor.ca

Beat me to it, good link.
I'm a fan of Trek.

 

[gforce_15]

Was a great bike 15 years ago. You'll likely find the suspension in need of a rebuild if it hasn't been done. Small wheels , hard to find parts. Great brand but you'd be better off buying a new name brand bike with in your budget.
Just had a look at some bikes on your town. Any of these would be a better choice

Bikes - Bike Doctor Saskatoon

www.bikedoctor.ca

I agree with crashidy, pretty much any of those in 750-999 in the link would be a better choice. Any of these are going to be a massive improvement over the Canadian tire bikes you're used to. I couldn't believe how much better and more enjoyable biking was when I went from a supercycle to a decent GT mountain bike from Sportchek 8 years ago. Sportcheck regularly has 40-50% sales on GT's which served me well for the typical campground trails and riding around my town. I just recently upgraded to a Kona Kahuna that is once again a nice step up in components and performance from the GT. Paid a bit more than your $800 budget but there are certainly great options under $1k in Saskatoon. Check out your local shops and find the one that fits you best, there are all different frame sizes, wheel sizes, etc.

 

[lilduke]

Think i rather have that used relic then a hard tail 29er.



hard tails suck.

 

[gforce_15]

Think i rather have that used relic then a hard tail 29er.



hard tails suck.

not sure how critical full suspension would be for general city/trail riding in Saskatoon

 

[lilduke]

not sure how critical full suspension would be for general city/trail riding in Saskatoon

Ya if thats all he really wants to do great, but if he ever decided to take on something that resembles a trail he'll hate his life.


I used to down hill my 1500$ 29er hard tail in revy, fernie, moose mountain, golden. Ext

It got the job done,but i would have traded for that kona any day.

 

[pano-dude]

Think i rather have that used relic then a hard tail 29er.



hard tails suck.

They work good for prairie trail riding.
Once the speed picks up they have there down falls but guys do run them in the big terrain.

 

[lilduke]

They work good for prairie trail riding.
Once the speed picks up they have there down falls but guys do run them in the big terrain.

I know i have ran them in big terrain. But my skier buddies had used konas and giants. And they were way better bang for buck imo

 

[Bnorth]

Bikes are like sleds in that in the last 10 years they have progressed a ton. Old bikes that were decent in the day are dinosaurs now.

 

[lilduke]

They are still 0 hp unless you get an e bike though. Lol Hard tail is a hard tail and they suck


Rear suspension > dropper post and new derailer.

Might beable to find a better used bike for 1000$ though.

 

[freeflorider]

Try lots, find one you like. Don’t buy a bike because of the price, if you find a bike that fits you and your needs you will be a happy camper. Buying one because it’s cheep you may find you don’t like biking and miss out on a great time.
Pink bike is a great start or marketplace…but you need to ride them and check for fit and your purpose.
Happy peddling

 

[Brojoe]

Riding would be along the trails of river here in Saskatoon, so no real elevation to deal with and just general riding around the city. Would I be hating life if not riding on a trail? Budget is around $800 bucks, so I figured this would be a decent bike compared to some other stuff I was looking at.

I ride the trails in Saskatoon almost daily. Great riding. Like many have said, invest in a good quality bike with modern geo. You don’t need full squish to get started either. Get a good hard tail to get started.
Cant go wrong with any of the brands.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[brad6]

Solid advice guys, thanks for the input. I think I’ll pass on this one and look for something new and better suited. Makes sense on how things progress and change like sleds over the years. Didn’t think bikes would change that much.