Kona Operator

nick82

Likes Bikes
Hey,

Just wondering if if anyone can give me some feedback on the Kona Operator DH, mainly on how it handles. I've been offered a good price on a 2011 Glory 00, so now I'm stuck on whether to get the Kona or the Giant.
I'm not planning on racing, just riding for fun (when I can). Currently riding a 08 Glory with totems.

Thanks.
 

jacko13

Likes Bikes and Dirt
They're good bikes.
Very smooth from the rides i've had on them.
Glorys are good also. Just see if you can test ride both and get whichever you prefer!
 

screw loose

Likes Dirt
Yeah the Glory will have a really nice build kit compared to the kona.
Glory has a more 'upright' geometry - it's easy to pedal, performs better in tighter windier stuff, is a little more twitchy. Lacks grace.
Kona is a longer, lower bike, more suited to faster open stuffand feel more stable, will be awesome on berms, and may feel a little more 'planted'. Long shredding turns.

Kona for frame and geo, Giant for build kit.

I'd go the Kona.
 

SPECIALIST

Likes Dirt
get a copy of AUSTRALIAN MTB issue 116 april 2011......it has a review on both
ps my opinion glory is the go
 

screw loose

Likes Dirt
there's not a bike on the market that hasn't had a story of cracking. That's a throw away comment.

The frequency of the failure and availability of support are things worth considering.

Glory may have a great build kit, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to ride well.
 

theMerryPrankster

Likes Dirt
Test them both, and buy the one you prefer.

Picking the Glory for the build kit even if it feels like arse is a bullshit purchase... Components can be upgraded, but you're stuck with the geometry.
 

dj_14

Likes Dirt
there's not a bike on the market that hasn't had a story of cracking. That's a throw away comment.

The frequency of the failure and availability of support are things worth considering.

Glory may have a great build kit, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to ride well.
Giant's bang for buck is undisputed at this current time. having said that. ive only ridden the operator around the shop and im very impressed. i have read the article in that issue of AMB. and they say there isnt much between any of the bikes tested. best bet is to go ride both of them.... :)
 

nic1894

Likes Bikes and Dirt
there's not a bike on the market that hasn't had a story of cracking. That's a throw away comment.

The frequency of the failure and availability of support are things worth considering.

Glory may have a great build kit, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to ride well.
No they all crack every single one of them, i went into a bike shop once touched a kona and it cracked moral of the story DON'T buy a kona..... -__-
 

rstwosix

Likes Dirt
Buy the Kona Operator. Never buy a bike for the nice bits they hang on the frame - go for the bike with the best geo and feel. The Glory might have nice bits but the Kona has better geometry.
 

sikpuppyonglory

Likes Dirt
If you think the glory geo is crap or just not up to scratch against the kona, you could always get a cane creek adjustable headseat or the k9 angle set to slacken or steepen the head angles to get a better preference.

Just an idea peoples............

plus instead of paying thousands to upgrade component spec, I would certainly be looking at upgrading a headset to have a better ride anyday

higher spec + decent frame"not as good geometry" + new headset = win & cheaper in the long run
lower sper + decent frame"great geometry" then upgrade components afterwards = loss, more money I can't afford.
 

MTBmaster05

Likes Dirt
Hey bro, i was in a similar situation between a 2010 Transition Tr450 & 2011 Glory 01. Best thing i ever did was test ride both few times for a few weeks and figured at which suited my riding style better, ended up with the TR450, could handle everything and got a good price of 3.5g with brand new 2011 fox 40's. In saying that the Glory's are amazing too, Not disappointing at all, they are so smooth through burms and i found a little big more skippy then plowy. Up to your riding style bro. But in all sense deff ( LIKE A HAVE TOO!! ) Test ride both. Don't worry about the blokes saying about the geo or specs, what ever makes you ride faster and better, while you comfterable on it, thats the bike to go.

Hope this Helps, Hayden.
 

andy73

Likes Bikes and Dirt
dude, the other thing I'd do is check the for sale section right here. DH bikes don't really hold their value that well and you can pick up killer bikes for a steal.
 
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