crappy Kona

[BigTel]

Anyone else have this problem? 3 in 3 years! So now I'm stuck in a manufacturers warranty cycle.

 

[Cyclist33]

Cut your losses, strip it for parts and bin the frame?

 

[HLaB]

Easier to say on line, than in person but I'd get heavy on the bike shop and demand a different make.

 

[ianrauk]

Which Kona is it?

 

[downfader]

Had a Kona Jake frame break last year. Spent a year with the LBS trying to get someone to do something... sent out a few tweets about it late last year and got an immediate apology from Kona stating they would fix the problem and send a frame over as per warranty (free frame for first break, delivery at my expense).

However they have since gone completely silent again.

So after more than a year waiting for them I lost patience, gave up and put down a deposit on a Kinesis CX frame. I wont buy Kona anymore. I certainly dont recommend them to others now either.

 

[Crankarm]

Those pics show a really dirty bike. I couldn't allow any of my bikes to become that filthy that they look trashed. Nevertheless the frame should not have failed. What model Kona is it? Are you a cycle courier?

 

[Beebo]

How big are you Bigtel?
I own a Kona, which is coming up to 15,000 miles, with no problems, but I wouldnt be happy with repeat cracking like that.
I'd take the new replacement frame, cut your losses and sell the bike.

 

[dan_bo]

How big are you Bigtel?
I own a Kona, which is coming up to 15,000 miles, with no problems, but I wouldnt be happy with repeat cracking like that.
I'd take the new replacement frame, cut your losses and sell the bike.

Are you cancellara's bigger brother?

 

[ianrauk]

How big are you Bigtel?
I own a Kona, which is coming up to 15,000 miles, with no problems, but I wouldnt be happy with repeat cracking like that.
I'd take the new replacement frame, cut your losses and sell the bike.

15901.56 on my Kona with no problems what so ever.. except getting the attention of a crappy smidsy driver..

 

[BigTel]

Wow, lots of replies thanks guys.

Frames wer: kona dew, and 2 dr dews.

I've got heavy with Evans, and they are pretty accommodating to give them their due. The plan is to get a complete new bike from Kona, which Evans will sell on, giving me a credit note towards a new bike.

Yes the bike if filthy, but the frame is only 12 months old, I commute 8-20 miles per day depending upon which office I'm based at.

I'm 6ft4 and weight 18st. I think the weight may be a disadvantage, I also power lift so have pretty strong legs, tend to stay in high gears rather than change down. (I know stupid).

Would love to hear opinions on a new ride???

Thanks again.

 

[Beebo]

There are loads of other hybrid options. But with your history of frame failures I would stick to a well known make and model that has a good returns policy, this could be a rider specific issue!! You arent mega heavy but may be putting a load of power through the bottom bracket if you are grinding the gears.

I have a Trek FX7.3 hybrid which has served me well. The Specialised Sirrus range also gets good reviews. But as I say, stick to a tried and tested model.

 

[fossyant]

You shouldn't break a frame though. My mate went through two lower end Raleigh road bikes and he was light.

Must say, if going back in for frame damage etc. I'd not be taking it back in looking like that - does look un-maintained. Frames usually have a 2-3 year warranty.

 

[fossyant]

Decathlon would be a good option, frames have 5 year no quibble warranty

 

[BigTel]

There are loads of other hybrid options. But with your history of frame failures I would stick to a well known make and model that has a good returns policy, this could be a rider specific issue!! You arent mega heavy but may be putting a load of power through the bottom bracket if you are grinding the gears.

I have a Trek FX7.3 hybrid which has served me well. The Specialised Sirrus range also gets good reviews. But as I say, stick to a tried and tested model.

I had a Trek FX in 2010, same issue with the frame popping.

Thinking about a steel fixie next? Using a track chain? Going through cassettes and chains every 3 months. That way I could re-enforce and brace the weaker bits??? Really not sure tho', not ridden one before.

The bike is well maintained, just not washed. The usual crap from riding in the rain and the crap on London roads.

Decathlon is a good idea, they are across the road from me, just not heard any reviews about their products.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[KneesUp]

Decathlon would be a good option, frames have 5 year no quibble warranty

Kona have a lifetime warranty on frames ... oh, yeah, right - sorry. I'll get me coat.