Intro & Bike Recommendations

[Signal2Noise]

Hello All,

I am returning to MTB after a brief 8 year hiatus. I am also an avid homebrewer so when I am not working or brewing, I intend to be on the local trails. I hope to relearn the information I lost and learn new information here. So thanks in adavence for all your help.

I recently put a deposit on a 2012 Kona Mahuna (29er) and I am unsure if this is the best bike for me. I intend to bike mostly single track with small drops here and there. I wanted a 29 and I had a budget of ~$1100 (USD). The Mahuna is ~$750 and Kona’s next bike up, the Kahuna, is ~$1200. I asked the bike shop about the difference in price vs difference in components vs the feel of riding each bike and they said I wouldn’t notice any real discernable difference. Keep in mind that they ordered this bike for me, it wasn’t in there showroom. I also gave them the oppurtunity to upsell me to the Kahuna by asking qustions about the two bikes but they didn’t.

I am 5’10" and a pretty solid guy at 270lbs. My biggest concnerns are having a bike that can support my weight (wheels and components). I told the bike shop this and they still suggest that Mahuna.

I have a hybrid Gary Fisher bike that I use for commuting to work and I have all sorts of problems with the entry level components. I don’t really want to run itno the same problems.

I am wondering if there are better bikes, component wise that I should look into taht approach my budget of $1000-1200? It doesn’t neccisarily have to be a 29er either. i also wonder if I should take the mahuna and upgrade components as I see fit/need to.

Specs on the Mahuna can be found here:
http://www.konaworld.com/29er_hardtail. … t=mahuna#2

Your thoughts are much appreciated.

[Greg Heil ✓ supporter]

Welcome aboard man! I have several friends that are serious home brewers… Very cool. In short, I think you are looking at the right style of mtb. Be sure to look at the airborne goblin and airborne guardian to see how they compare: http://www.airbornebicycles.com/products/97-goblin.aspx http://www.airbornebicycles.com/product … -29er.aspx

[Signal2Noise]

Thanks for the help.

That Goblin sure does look nice and better components too! Never heard of Airborne and kind of hesitant to but a whole bike online, but I will consider it more.

[Greg Heil ✓ supporter]

"Signal2Noise" wrote

Thanks for the help.

That Goblin sure does look nice and better components too! Never heard of Airborne and kind of hesitant to but a whole bike online, but I will consider it more.

I’ve been riding this bike (Goblin) for about a year and half now, and the frame has been absolutely bomber! I’ve worn out components, but that’s part of the game. I’d highly recommend this for a budget 29er.

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