|   mokomoko or manomano can't decide? | Marc Webster
Jan 10, 2002 1:52 PM | | Hello all,
I have decided to get into mountain biking and have been trying to choose a bike for a few months now. I had orriginaly put a deposit down on a Large GT Avalanche 2.0 at supergo when they had them for 499.00. When I went to pick up the bike a few weeks later, I was told that the orriginal tech who sized me for a large made a mistake and they did not have anything else comparable in that price range. Instead they tried to sell me a GT idrive 3.0 which at the time I could not afford. Supergo had an oh well atitude and said there was nothing that they could do for me. I was Pissed to say the least and looked for other ways to buy a bike. I doubt it if I will ever buy anything from Supergo. I would much rather support my LBS instead.
Anyway, A friend of mine in the industry can get me a good deal on a 2001 Kona Manomano for 700.00 or a 2001 Mokomoko for around 1000.00. The frames look the same are they? As I said I am just starting, and I am sure either bike would be fine. Should I just bite the bullet and get the Mokomoko to save some money in the future by not having to upgrade the Manomano? I am 6'4" 225 pounds. Most of my riding will be XC with a lot of single track downhill with friends. Friends have idrive 5.0 and 2002 specialized fsr comp. Are these Kona bikes better than the Idrive 3.0 I could have got at supergo?
any help will be greatly appreciated,
Marc Webster |
| PDQ answer | JimC
Jan 10, 2002 2:59 PM | | GT is bankrupt, you cannot get parts/service/warranty on the iDrive. some may say you can...don't risk it. Not worth the headaches.
2) GET KNOWLEDGEABLE ON FIT. Or risk getting the wrong size bike. Read up at http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/ You will NOT ride your bike if it doesn't fit you; it'll be as much fun as new shoes that are the wrong size.
3) I'd grab the $700 ManoMano, and ask the shop to upgrade your hubs to disc (Shimano will do) and put on Avid or Hayes Mechanical disc brakes, don't try any other disc brake brands that are mechanical, only these two are worth using. Should cost a few hundred more, but well worth it. you will then have a bike to last you years of excelent el Kaboinging all over the place.
If you ride whre it's dry like say AZ, disc brakes may not be necessary, if it's wet, just get them, thank me later.
The $1K bike is indeed a bit better, but they are both heavily discounted so grab them before someone else does.
good luck, Jim |
| PDQ answer | Marc Webster
Jan 10, 2002 3:25 PM | | Hey Jim,
Thanks a lot for the info. I am leaning toward the manomano, as I just found out the mokomoko will be a bit over 1100 with shipping and the manomano is 740 with shipping. my price range was 800 bucks but I thought maybe I could just barely afford 1000.00. Unfortunately, now the mokomoko is out of my range. I just know I will have to upgrade the Judy fork one day and was trying to incorporate the cost by purchasing the better bike. My friend can get me a good deal on a marzochi when I decide to upgrade. As far as disks, I live in Southern California which is pretty arid, but I would like to upgrade one day, maybe after the shock.
Thanks again for the reply,
Marc Webster |
| Wait! | eduardo
Jan 13, 2002 12:01 PM | | Marc, Those are two different frames! The Manomano is an older, heavier model which seems to have been built for more crash and burn XC riders. The Mokomoko is a brand new, highly rated, light frame that is still strong as it is a Kona. The only problem could be your weight. Give the manufacturer (Kona) a call. Also, the parts mix on the Mokomoko is excellent - for $1000 it is an awesome deal. A Manomano for $700 aint too bad though. The Moko will be somewhat similar to the FSR Comp which goes for around $1800. The Mano is more like Specializeds lower FS line. |
| |
