Norco vs. Kona?

I've ridden a bunch of Norco bikes and ben happy with them all. Norco rules. I don't think anything
out there offers better value.

I'm currently riding a Norco team 853 hardtail, and a Norco Drop freeride bike. Both are great
bikes, and I'm about the same weight as you. I thrash the hard tail pretty hard, no big drops, but
If I did that stuff on it I'd be more worried about the wheels than the frame. Two years ago, I rode
nearly the same component spec on a kona explosif frame, and the head tube ovalized in one season. I
wasn't impressed.

I don't know what your idea of moderate drops is, but my drop has handled five footers to flat and
bigger stuff to a good downhill tranny with no problems.

Buy Norco.

Greg.

Paul Westall said:

I'm considiering buying a full suspension mtb. I have been riding a Kona hardtail for 5 years and
have been satisfied with it. However, I am hearing that Kona is sort of coaasting on its
reputation and that the quality of bikes is suffering. Lots of posts about broken frames, non
functionaing components etc. Are Norco really more reliable overall? A better deal? Looking for a
sturdy trail bike (I'm about 190lbs) that can take som moderate drops and jumps . Anyone on the
group riding a Norco? Paul

Thanks for the info. The Drop looks a bit heavy duty for me. I'm going to try and get to a couple of
shops next week and check out the Fluid. Also the Rage looks like a good deal, but probably very
hard to find any leftovers from last year (and a bit on the heavy side for most of my riding.) Paul
"Greg Marshall" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've ridden a bunch of Norco bikes and ben happy with them all. Norco

rules. I

Quoted message said:

don't think anything out there offers better value.

I'm currently riding a Norco team 853 hardtail, and a Norco Drop freeride

bike.

Quoted message said:

Both are great bikes, and I'm about the same weight as you. I thrash the

hard

Quoted message said:

tail pretty hard, no big drops, but If I did that stuff on it I'd be more worried about the wheels
than the frame. Two years ago, I rode nearly the

same

Quoted message said:

component spec on a kona explosif frame, and the head tube ovalized in one season. I wasn't
impressed.

I don't know what your idea of moderate drops is, but my drop has handled

five

Quoted message said:

footers to flat and bigger stuff to a good downhill tranny with no

problems.

Quoted message said:

Buy Norco.

Greg.

"Paul Westall" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Thanks for the info. The Drop looks a bit heavy duty for me. I'm going to try and get to a couple
of shops next week and check out the Fluid. Also the Rage looks like a good deal, but probably
very hard to find any leftovers from last year (and a bit on the heavy side for most of my
riding.) Paul

The Fluid is a great little bike. Nearly bought myself one.
--
Slacker

In article said:

Thanks for the info. The Drop looks a bit heavy duty for me. I'm going to try and get to a couple
of shops next week and check out the Fluid. Also the Rage looks like a good deal, but probably
very hard to find any leftovers from last year (and a bit on the heavy side for most of my
riding.)

I ride a VPS-3, which is pretty hefty. Last year when I went to Fernie, I rode with my local Norco
rep, and he was riding a Fluid. He had nothing but good things to say about it (of course) but
beyond that, it seemed to hold up pretty well. It's sturdy, and quite a lot lighter than my VPS. I'd
say go for Norco. (Besides, I think their paintjobs are better, too. 🙂

JS

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