AboutGraeme Henderson Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to cycling training, mountain bike racing, bike repair (mountain, road, time trial, tandem, cyclocross), triathlon competition and training (mostly biking and running), and Spinning
Experience Expert mountain bike racer (starting racing in 1989), raced in 5 different state series, built all my own bikes. Worked in a bike shop during summer. Currently in my fifth year of teaching Spinning at a major gym chain. Have developed and now teach a weekly triathlon class at the same gym.
Organizations NORBA, USAT
Education/Credentials BA, JD, LL.M
Awards and Honors One state mountain bike series top 5 finish. Raced in several ultras: Laramie Enduro, Leadville 100, 24 Hours of Moab, 24 Hours of Snowshoe. Gold finisher in El Tour de Tucson. Top 10 finish at XTERRA East Championships. Currently, regular top 15 finisher in Ohio triathlon series (top 3 in age group). Qualifier, USAT Olympic Distance Nationals. Qualifier, XTERRA Nationals.
Question Hi,
I am looking into getting a new bike, and there are 2 options available, either
the norco shore 3 or the kona coilair. I probably do about 50% freeride, 30%
trail and 20% dh.
Thanks,
Dave
Answer Dave,
I am not so in the know on downhill issues, but I know freeride and cross country pretty well. Here's what I know about these two: I have looked at Norco before and they make a very solid bike, but I know more about Kona and trust their products a little more. Thus, I am in favor of the Kona, especially because it is lighter in standard spec (better for getting uphill in freeriding) and has what I consider a better rear shock setup (I like the lever arm style better than the thru-seattube style).
However, this kind of thing is very subjective. I would want to know your riding style, i.e. how hard you are on equipment, and how much weight bothers you in uphill pedaling, for instance. Also, budget is always a factor.
Looking at the factors I care about, I like the Kona for lightness and design, but in the same price range, I would also consider an Ellsworth, Titus, Ventana, or Intense spec'd with lower end components.
If you want to get into the issue with an actual owner, consider engaging with the folks at mtbr forums or even starting a thread: http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=47
