Kona Kula

The Kona Kula has been around for 10 years, but experts say it continues to live up to Kona's reputation for building tough and durable mountain bikes. This hardtail mountain bike sports an aluminum frame, disc brakes and a Shimano XT rear derailleur, and reviewers say the components are pretty sweet for the price. Where the bike really earns accolades, however, is on performance. Experts say it's a great ride, with capable handling and powerful braking, which makes it a good pick for entry-level XC racers. Although most reviewers have mostly positive feedback for the Kona Kula, BikeRadar.com does say the bar and stem are pretty basic and could use an upgrade. The Kona Kula comes in a wide range of seven sizes, so you'll have a better chance of obtaining a good fit. It's designed mainly for cross-country riding, so if you frequently ride rugged terrain, an all-mountain bike like the Specialized Pitch Comp (*MSRP: $2,100) may be a better choice.

The Kona Kula is featured in a number of reviews. The best coverage comes from the U.K.'s Bicycle Buyer magazine, which pits the Kona Kula against three comparable mountain bikes in a head-to-head test. Not only is each bike rated on performance and value, but each bike also receives a lengthy review. BikeRadar.com also writes a detailed review based on tester feedback, and we find a shorter review in VeloNews' annual buyer's guide.