Product Description

Kawasaki KDX226FS Men's 26" Dual Suspension ¿ The newest member of the Kawasaki mountain bike line-up is the KDX226FS ¿ aluminum frame, suspension front and rear, Shimano TZ 21-speed drive-train, a DISC brake up front, alloy linear pull brake in the rear, aluminum wheels and racy Kawasaki graphics. Loaded with features for comfort, performance and style the KDX226FS is one terrific bike. Kickstand included.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #54566 in Sports & Outdoors
• Brand: Kawasaki
• Model: 74226-9
• Released on: 2005-08-25

Features

• Kawasaki aluminum full-suspension frame mountain bike
• Shock absorber fork and rear frame
• Indexed twist-shift and 21-speed Shimano gears
• Linear-pull MTB brakes
• Aluminum MTB wheel and Knobby MTB tires

Customer Reviews

Not Bad for Entry Level
Ordered through Amazon and delivery was quite prompt. Everything intact and no damage from shipping. However, upon inspection it was clear that the workers at the factory put the bike together ("mostly assembled") poorly. The gears and brakes were installed in reverse from their proper position on the handlebar. The forks were installed backward, leaving the cables very twisted. Of course that can be easily remedied by a customer who is handy with a wrench.

Clearly this is an entry-level mountain bike, which is what you should expect at this price. Some of the components are great; the Kendra tires, the alloy seatpost, the Grip shifters and the front disk brakes. Other components, however, are low-end. I upgraded the stock crankset (also used by the dreadful Mongoose brand) with an affordable Shimano model. The presence of thin and tinny steel chainrings was particularly dissapointing. But some of this shouldn't matter to folks who just want a solid commuter bike or hybrid bike for touring. As another reviewer said, the KDX2 isn't made for bounding from boulder to boulder or trying to leap into steep drops or over wide chasms. But I anticipate it will be fine (probably even very good) for causual riders (pavement, roads, moderate/flat paths.

The aluminum frame is great but a bit high for folks less than 5-foot 9 inches tall. The Kawasaki manual is a bit minimal but clearly illustrated. This bike is a good deal when it is priced significantly below $200. If the cost begins to climb above $200 as an alternative I would recommend seeking out a true MTB at entry-level from one of the superior brands; such as Diamondback or Giant, both of which can be had for $300.

By the way, don't misplace the importance of the Kawasaki name. The name was part of the attraction for me but I discovered that these bicyles have no association with the giant Japanese industrial company. The name is licensed by an independent company, The Cycle Source Group LLC. I gather that at least one of their products, the "Honda" MTB is a dud, but they've made a decent bike in the aluminum-frame, full suspension KDX2. Solid welds and great appearance.

Good bike
Assembly is quite easy. The bike was in fact "mostly assembled". The frame fits moderate to taller riders best. Everything is quite smooth. The front disc brake is worth the extra few ounces if you are heavy and needed the extra stopping power. The most disappointing thing about this bike is its rather heavy weight at 37 pounds. Otherwise, it is a fairly good bike with good looks. Okay if you paid no more than 150 to 200 for it.

Fair Bike
I bought this bike about two months ago. I'm using it for going to work, school, and grocery shopping. I haven't had any problems with it. But if you are a TRUE MT Biker you might want to pass on this one. And if you want to use it for your daily life like me this is a great bike. And make sure you get it when it's on sale. Don't pay $250 for this.

I think this bike deserves more than a star.