GALLERY --> 2004 KONA DAWG

4.4.2007 - Update - The Kona Dawg has had some more changes to the componentry recently:

• SRAM chain with PowerLink
• Maxxis ADvantage tyre on the front wheel too
• Shimano XT rear derailleur

The LX rear derailleur was busted, so I replaced it with an '07 XT. I had to replace the chain because I'd used the last spare pin and a SRAM was all Halfords had at the time. I'd bought Maxxis ADvantage tyres for riding my Fire Mountain off-road, so changed the front one with the Tioga Factory that was still fitted to my Dawg.

The Dawg is still holding up well to all the abuse I give it - in two years I've only gone through two bottom brackets, which is pretty impressive compared to my other bike. The only other things I've changed are comsumable items such as tyres and drivetrain components, although the chainset is still going strong.

15.3.2007 - Update - In the time since I wrote about the Kona Dawg last, it's had a few specification changes:

• Shimano M540 SPuD Pedals
• Specialized Sonoma MTB shoes
• 1 x Maxxis ADvantage tyre on the rear wheel
• Garmin Edge 205 GPS Device
• Shimano Deore cassette
• Shimano XT chain
• Cane Creek headset
• Race Face Bottom bracket (not sure of the model)
• Lots of less interesting component changes such as wheel bearings etc

20.2.2006 - Update - Below are some new pictures of the Kona Dawg, taken on the Southwick up to the Downs ride.

15.1.2006 - This is my 2004 Kona Dawg full suspension mountain bike in all it's glory. It was purchased in April 2006 at £500 less than the RRP due to it being from the previous model year. Unfortunately, the photo was taken with a rather modest mobile phone camera, so the image quality's not great - I can hardly make out the brake discs!

This bike is still currently more or less standard spec, apart from the pedals - these were clipless, and I asked Pauls Cycles to swap them for flatties (tried blagging some DMR V8s but got Diamond Back ones) at the time of sale - never used clipless, and haven't ever seen any size 14s SPD shoes advertised anyway!

I'm not a fan of upgrading bike components for the sake of upgrading, normally doing so only when I've broken something. Fortunately, after 9 months of ownership, I've not had to replace any parts on the Kona Dawg, although the rear brake pads will need replacing soon, and (really scraping the barrel..) the rear tyre, from all the skidding I do (only on the pavement though!).

Kona Dawg specification / components:

Overall I'm really happy with the Kona Dawg - the Marzocchi EXR suspension fork is a big improvement on the Judy found on the Fire Mountain, despite being slated in some reviews that I've read. Having rear suspension is amazing (largely down to the Fox rear shock), the Race Face bottom bracket has survived almost a year, compared to an average life span of 4-6 months for the model specced on my other bike, and the Hayes brakes are absolutely brilliant!

For anyone thinking of buying a Kona Dawg or other full suspension bike which uses an air shock as opposed to a coil based one, remember that you'll need to buy a shock pump too. Mine is a Halfords own brand one (Bikehut), and cost £20 - no complaints so far; it might be worth asking the shop to throw in a shock pump with your new bike. A lot of mid-to-high end suspension forks will need a pump too.