My Review of the 07 Kona Dawg Primo

[TwoLeggedHorse]

Today I set out to test the full capability of my newly bought 07 Kona Dawg Primo, and here it went...

Driving to Aliso with Mudman, meeting J_Sims, I had mixed feelings about how my new bike might ride. Was it going to be hard to pedal uphill with the increased weight? Was I going to be able to adjust to the the full suspension capability? All I knew was that I had to test this bike to the fullest. I never knew I was going to have so much fun doing that.

So I arrived at Aliso, suited up, and headed off on my journey to test my new baby. Riding on the flats was okay. I remembered to switch my Fox Float RP2 pro-pedal on so that I wouldn't have rear bobble. This helps immensly. While riding, I noticed that the ride was smooth and comfortable. This was due to the great geometry of the bike, standover, and size of bike I picked. Next came a steep incline heading to Coyote Trail. All I can say is that this bike tore that sh*t up. With the pro-pedal still on, it was just like riding my IH hardtail. I stood up, leaned forward, and hammered on certain areas. This increased my chances of clearing slippery rocks. I had made it to the top with ease.

Then we did the usual Alsio ups and downs until we came to Cholla. This was my biggest test. I knew that if I could make it up this without stopping, this bike was the right choice. I started at the middle gear in the front, and granny gear in the back and started pedaling. Up I went, like a rising sun. Nothing really slowed me down. I felt my legs burning, but I didn't feel like I lost traction any time. This was the Kona's greatest aspect, the geometry allows you to hammer up a hill and really get some good footing on slippery areas. I was impressed.

Next came Lynx and Rock'it. Both fast down hill action trails, but different in the amount of rocks and turns. Going down these trails was a dream. I switched the pro-pedal off, lowered my seat, and just sit back and relaxed as the bike did all the work. I rolled down these hills with ease. The bike absorbed so much of the bumps and drops, it felt fluid in every way.

So at the end of the day I can truthfully say a couple of things about this bike, and they are all good ones.

1. the bike is very versatile. Either uphill or downhill, the Kona Dawg Primo doesn't let up in any type of trail.
2. the frame is strong. I crashed a few times, hitting some rocks, but I still felt this bike could hold up to anything.
3. the components are reliable. I did have some problems with the rear derailer, but with Jeff's magic, it was all fixed. Next time I wont use my rear derailer as a kickstand when crashing.
4. the bike is fast. Pro-pedal actually works. I noticed a different.
5. the geometry of the bike allows for maximum efficiency of the persons leg movement, and is comfortable for long uphill/straight rides.

Other than that, I love the Kona Dawg Primo. I wouldn't have gotten any other bike. I might change the rear derailer to a Shram X.9, but that's it. And to Dave and Neil at Adrenaline, "Where's the Kona Love?".

[Waldo]

Congrats. Very cool to be so satisfied with a new bike. Keep in mind that if your drivetrain is all Shimano (2:1 shift ratio), you'll have to switch shifters too in order to run the Sram rear derailleur (1:1 ratio). I made that switch a year ago and love it.

Time to change your name to "TwoLeggedDawg"

[J_Sims]

TwoLeggedDawg.... I am loving it.......... DOOOOD, hit the Godfather up.... He can fix it


Andrew, That bike fits you to a T and you were tearing it up all morning.. Great review and I am happy to have been part of it.... Until next time

[davidB]

yeah reading this is just going to make me want finish my dawg supreme, in debt or not.

[guero]

nice review bubb. i love mine as well.

[TucknRoll]

Where did you get your Dawg at? This exact bike is one of the bikes on my list.

[Mudman]

Originally Posted by TucknRoll

Where did you get your Dawg at? This exact bike is one of the bikes on my list.

The Path bike shop.

I think what you really want is a Chumba XCL.

[guero]

Originally Posted by TucknRoll

Where did you get your Dawg at? This exact bike is one of the bikes on my list.

Got mine at The Path, give them a call and tell them your bubbs from STR sent ya!