Kona Dew Plus

[Brett_Windsor]

I am looking for a bike around the $600 mark. I have narrowed it down to a flat handled road bike or sports hybrid. I am leaning towards the former. I am doing the Great Victorian Bike Ride and will use the bike to keep fit and to ride with my wife (she has a Jamis Coda). I am keen on the Kona Dew Plus but have also looked at Giant Cross City 3, Trek 7.3, avanti blade 3 and Giant Roam 2. The Kona is my first preference at this stage. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[mitzikatzi]

All great bikes. I like flat bars others don't.

Did you read this?
Buying a bike: Some general advice for new riders

Find a shop you like. Buy from them.

[Brett_Windsor]

Thanks for that. I guess I will need to sit on some and get a feel.

[Mulger bill]

I'd be passing on the Roam just because of the suspension fork, not needed for road riding.

+1 for test rides, tho' I don't blame you for thinking of the Dew, great commuter bikes.

[Pixies2005]

I was in the same situation a few weeks ago. The Kona Dew Plus is a great choice and I almost bought one myself but I got a great deal on a Kona Dr.Dew that I couldn't refuse. The bike is just a bit lighter than the Plus but I'd have been happy with either. I love riding the Kona, the geometry is very comfortable. One thing I found was that on the Kona frames I found the size up from the 'recommended' one was more comfortable ie. 56" instead of 53"

In general terms I agree that you should give the Roam a miss. For commuting purposes you want to get as light a bike as you can, while still having a decent enough frame to carry loads. Suspension forks or saddles just add weight and require extra, wasted effort. A simple frame means that all the power you put on the pedals is converted into forward motion, not bunny hopping

[Brett_Windsor]

Thanks for your help guys. Ended up buying a Giant Seek 2 for 700. Pick it up in a couple of weeks. Very happy with my choice. Rides well and has the flexibility I'm looking for.

[rpmspinman]

I got a Kona Dew Plus and that is a very comfortable bike to ride. Good gearing with triple cranks, and Deore/Altus groupset. Great for hills. Definitely recommend for long, slow rides. Saddle is quite comfortable. Hydraulic Disc brakes are handy in the wet and work well. Not overly heavy either.