How to Select a Kona Bicycle

Most bicycle riders head for Kona products when they want a well-built and well-conceived mountain bike, as well as an irreverent attitude from their bike company. Founded by a pack of top mountain bikers in 1988, Kona's heart is in the mountain bike, although its line also includes cyclocross, road and touring models. Kona is known for pushing the boundaries of design and for being a real innovator in the industry.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Select the Right Kona Bicycle for Your Needs

1. Read the descriptions of Kona's different lines of bikes on Kona's Web site.

2. Think about what you will most often use your bicycle for, whether it be flying down mountains or riding to work on regular roads. Kona features product lines for downhill, cross-country (XC) racing, XC Dual Suspension, backcountry, backcountry hard tails, "Out of Bounds" freestyle, "Lisa" women's bikes, road bikes, cyclocross and even kids' bikes.

3. Write down the model names that look most appealing to you.

4. Search the Web sites of several online Kona dealers to get a sense how your favorites are priced. Be aware that if you buy online, you will not be able to test ride the bikes and will also pay shipping charges.

5. Look up authorized Kona dealers near you on Kona's official Web site.

6. Call the bike shops in your area that are authorized Kona dealers and ask if they carry the models you're looking for.

7. Test ride each at the shop. Even if some are out of your price range, it never hurts to compare the comfort level of your price range bikes with those above and below. If you plan to put in any real time in the saddle, you will want a comfortable ride.

8. Choose the one that will give you the most options for doing the kind of riding you want to do.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the time to select the right bike the first time, particularly if you plan to ride a lot. Try to select a Kona bike for not just price, not just style and not just technology. A thoughtful combination of all should yield a great choice.
• Just because you purchase a great mountain bike, that doesn't mean you're ready to ride off mountaintops. Mountain biking can be a dangerous sport, so take it slowly if you're just getting started, and never leave home without your helmet on.