Customer Reviews

Kawasaki DX226FS 26-Inch Dual Suspension Mountain Bike

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

This bike is smooth riding and packs great features. Shifting is easier than any other bike I have ridden. Only downside I can think of is the seat is a bit hard, but an upgrade takes care of that.

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.

This is just OK bike. There is nothing great about it other then really cool design. Seat is extremly uncomfortable, suspension is OK, brakes are OK, Shimano derailleurs are so poor, plastic pedals, etc...

I bought this and the KDX126 bike for me and my wife for Christmas. Both bikes arrived in fine shape and went together with relative ease. These bikes operate exactly as well as my son's $4,000 mountain bike if you are only planning on using it on hiking trails and dirt roads. I took that into account with my rating and did not down rate it because it shouldn't be used for hard core riding. That's just plain stupid to think this bike could do that. It is what it is; a fine bike for recreational riding in and around camping sites, back roads, etc. I down rated it one star because the seats are uncomfortable for women (I don't have a problem with it but my wife does) and for some minor fit and finish; a decal was coming loose, the rear wheel had a burr on it that needed to be filed off, and the instructions are lousy for adjusting and setting up the shifting. It shifts fine, just took me a while to figure out that the instructions weren't exactly like the bike's tuning screws.
If you think you can buy a mountain bike that will survive jumping 10 foot gaps, 5 foot drop-offs, or crashed hard without any real damage for under $200, then you are not being realistic. For under $200 you will have years of riding recreation on trails and roads comfortably.

I bought this bike a few weeks ago. And the kick stand is broken... I called the manufacturer and they just ordered me a replacement kick stand... Overall, this is a good bike.

First off this bike is a steal,the price doesn't begin to match the quality.
2nd The frame is excellent the bike is light(same weight as it's $2k counterparts)!!! I have jumped off of 4 foot walls and park benches.I have wrecked it into concrete floors it still holds up fine.
Dont let these ignorant arroagant fanboy consumers sway you!!

The american Bike market is monopolized and the price of MTN bikes have been pushed up to make a lucrative profit from(over price like real estate)..
DONT fall into this BS scheme.Get a bike that doesn't cost 2G's that weighs the same has same frame material. And buy your own parts if you dont like the one it came with..(you will save thousands)
I did !and i can atest that MTN biking shouldn't be only for Rich arrogant Yuppie.(the best free ride MTN bikers were orignally BMXer who rode affordable 300 dollar bikes and got sponsors!! not rich yuppies flakes.

I road a Haro BMX till i got a Sponsor to beef my Bikes up 2 of which is a Kawasaki and Mongoose.and they didn't cost me $2-3 thousand!!!

This bike is excellent .
Just get new pedals and perhaps change the spring and get front handle bars upgrades and you have Pro quality bike!!
DX Free Rider!!
Semi Valley Ca

The only bad thing about it is the seat is uncomfortable, but other than that the shocks work perfectly and the brakes are so good that you stop instantly and almost fly over the handlebars! :) And the gears shift perfectly! It's an awesome, stylish, one-of-a-kind bike!
I am eleven years old, and I am 5 feet tall. Even so, this bike is easy for me to ride.

as long as you pitch the seat and can adjust the gears you will be ok . im 54 year old 300 lb tree trimmer and i ride all over the place it is not the best but it is not bad i like it so will you.