Kona Kula Deluxe 2009

Review from What MTB

We still remember the revolutionary race framed Kona Kula from 1998. Eleven years on it's still a distinctive speed machine for dynamic riders and climbing freaks.

The light yet stiff Kula chassis is a great example of Kona's experience with scandium frames. Square headed, hydro formed main tubes are flared for maximum wrap on the external shaved head tube, while chunky stays carry rear dropouts.

The typically steeply sloped Kona top tube gives plenty of shock-soaking post length as well as forward facing seat slot. The neat bolted clamp is anodised gunmetal to match Kona's smart new finishing kit.

With a premium frame you're always going to either pay more or get worse kit. As the name suggests, the Deluxe keeps the kit and takes the cash. The good news is it's a well balanced spec if you can afford it. The 100mm (4in) stroke of the dual spring Reba SL is fully tuneable. XT transmission is a crisp shifting benchmark and we prefer SLX anchors to XT in feel and function.The Mavic Crosstail wheels look great, feel tight and are tubeless ready with a slop of Latex sealant if you fancy it. Maxxis Ignitor tyres are good all rounder's and the low, wide Kona bar is well suited to the bike.

The Kula has a distinct ride character compared to most 100mm hardtails, with great technical tenacity. Most of this is down to a slack 68.5 degree head angle, which with a long stem and wide bars makes an unshakeable front end. A lower hand position gives the Kula an aggressive feel, particularly on technical climbs or when accelerating hard. There's no wander of lift, just a desire to race to the top first.

The low bike weight plus direct power transfer make it a gift for climbers. It's equally quick and committed on straights and fast descents, without feeling sketchy.

The frame's reduced shock absorption and shorter travel forks mean it's the roughest ride here though. It's well balanced but you have to plan your path through tighter sections. It won't snap react, manual or lunch off drops like the others either, although it's got more zeal for the dodgy overtaking than most of its race weight opposition.

In conclusion...

A phenomenally committed climbing and race bike that's impressive on descents too.

Rating: 8/10