Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I purchased the KDX2, the aluminum model, from Amazon. Delivery was quick and the box had all of the parts. With these Kawasaki bikes (the name is licensed; Kawasaki Motor Company has nothing to do with these bikes) you are getting what you pay for, if you paid less than $200 like me.
Like other buyers, I experienced an anoying problem with the bottom bracket. The left (non-drive) crank arm kept falling off. After less than 5 minutes of pedaling the nut would unscrew itself and the crank would begin to wobble and then come completely unsecured. The cause of this problem likely is that the bottom bracket spindle was installed wrong at the factory or the part is just a cheaply made component and not reliable. And that's the story of the KDX2, the "factory/manufacturer" simply used the cheapest parts supplier they could find in China. I've discovered that some of the parts on the Kawasaki bikes are either non-standard or obsolete. That means that when it comes time to get replacements for worn parts you might have compatibility problems. If you're experienced with the mechanics of a bicycle and essentially know your way aroud a bike, then upgrading the bike might not be a big challenge. Just think of it as a bare frame that you want to put your own unique style on, sorta like that MTV show "Pimp My Ride."
I've already upgraded the crankset, handlebar, stem, saddle, seatpost and headset with better quality name brand parts. But then I discovered the bottom bracket problem, so now I've got to replace that with a standard and name brand version. Down the road I'll get a new wheelset because all-aluminum rims and Shimano freehubs in the wheels are the contemporary standard now. And even still, the overall cost will be a lot less than if I had purchased an authentic entry-level mountain bike (about 400 bucks). The bottom line is, the KDX2 aluminum frame is decent(good welds, wide and sturdy tubes) but the stock components are of low quality. By the way, the warranty is one year but customer service is slow.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Kawasaki KDX1 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain BikeThe Kawasaki KDX126FS 26-inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike offers high tech off-road performance in a full size frame and wheel. It features a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain, alloy linear-pull brakes, knobby all-terrain tires, and genuine front and rear suspension. Not only that, but this bike boasts an indexed twist-shift shifter, comfy MTB saddle, and a handy kickstand.
Specifications:
Bike Type: Full suspension mountain bike
Type of Shifter: Indexed twist-shift
Brakes: Alloy linear-pull
Rear Derailleur: Shimano
Assembly of the Bike: This bike comes mostly assembled. Minor assembly is required before the bike can be used.
Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide Finding the Right BikeTo really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:
The Right Ride In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:
Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.
The Right Price A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.
Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.
The Right Size Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:
Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.
The Right Accessories When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:
Helmet (this is a must!)
Seat pack
Lock
Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
Spare tubes
Portable bike pump
Gloves
Get 3% OFF
Click here for more information about Kawasaki KDX1 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike
