2010 Kona Unit Single Speed
So I picked up my new bike from TBSM on Tuesday night. It’s a 2010 Kona Unit. Single speed. 29er. Sexy.
After leaving it stock and riding it for a 20km spin around Loftus last night, I have much to talk about. There are a few upgrades that I want to do, with just about all of them making the bike more rideable/comfortable. So while I collect my thoughts on the initial impressions of the bike, enjoy some 29er bike porn…
December 9th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Jarod,
Found this researching for steel frame 29er project. I am thinking of a Kona Unit. Can not figure out if a need a 16″ of 18″ frame. I am 5`7″ with a 30 ineam. How about you? On paper top tube seems short on the small and standover frieghtens me on the medium. I am thinking a 110mm stem on the small. I have been riding a GF Rig 17 1/2 frame it has a long toptube that feels pretty good to me.
Thanks Tom
December 9th, 2009 at 5:43 am
Hi Tom.
I’m just short of 5′ 8″, inseam of 31.5″ and I must say, the 16″ Kona on paper is a little small for me. That’s okay though, I prefer a smaller frame and longer seatpost/stem.
The standard seatpost on the 16″ is only 350mm, so I’ve got a 410mm seatpost on order to get it up to the right height. I’m currently running a 115mm stem which feels good, but I haven’t ruled out a 120mm.
Hope this helps with your decision making.
Jarod.
December 9th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Thanks. I ordered a small frame set off of ebay(green). The headbadge is a decal for some reason. Yours looks better. I am going to move the parts I have on my Rig over. My rig has a 90mm stem at this time but Jenson has EA70 stems that will fit my bars for 19.99. am going to order a 110mm. I may try a120mm later. Kind of worried I would be to far forward with a 120. I will change parts around till I make it fit. Forgot to ask what you think of the fork.
Thanks Tom
December 9th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Sounds as though you’re going to have quite a nice ride there.
I can’t comment too much on the forks as they’re the only set of off road rigids I’ve ridden in about 10 years. Coming from a world of 80-100mm suspension you certainly notice that they don’t have as much give in them.
A couple of times now I’ve been just riding along and hit a smallish bump/tree root and it’s knocked me about. Serves myself right for daydreaming on a fully rigid mtb. Gotta always be paying attention and picking the right line with rigid forks.
Jarod.
December 12th, 2009 at 12:34 am
This has to be the first real picture of the Green unit on the net. I think I will get one for the color alone. Looking forward to your review an suggested upgrades.
Is the rear hub SS specific or is it spaced and dished for a cassette as well? I see the cable guide braze for a rear and front mech for a geared option.
What is going on with the chain stay protector. looks psychedelic or is that a reflection
@Tom, I know a guy who bought one of those offered on ebay from the same seller you are looking at and his arrived with the headbadge not the sticker in the add so you might be in luck.
I know what you mean regarding suspension vs rigid but the traditional steel tube lines on this bike are too pretty to add a fat fork IMHO. I spend more time looking at my bike in the garage however haha
peace
December 12th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Hi Chris,
Yep, I’ve been for a few rides on Greeny and have kinda collected my thoughts (in my head at least). Really need to do another post with all of them spewed onto paper though ;-)
Rear Hub is SS specific. Ain’t no way you’re fitting a cassette on there. But yeah, with a different wheel set, all the braze ons are there and ready for a geared setup.
The chain stay protector is there and it’s a lovely swirly pattern that you see.
I’ve done a whole bunch of comfort upgrades… longer seat post, longer stem, hydro brakes as well as chucked a meatier tyre on the front. Those will do me for now, but eventually a suspension fork and new wheel set (gotta be done together cause I won’t be staying on 9mm Quick Release) will be the upgrade that sees the most change to the bike. But that’s a fair way off given that they’ll double the value of the bike ;-)
Jarod.
December 17th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Jarod
Check out the slider bolts on this 2010 green unit. I have see both stock in photos
Why the difference do you think?
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=570444&highlight=kona+unit
December 21st, 2009 at 8:50 am
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