Help me compare these specs

[elesquiador]

Kona caldera '04 ($820) vs. '05 ($999). I'm thinking '04 no question, but i'd like to know from someone who knows more about the components than me if much has really changed. The '05 feels lighter, but i dont think it feels $180 lighter.

specs copied and pasted from kona's website:

'05 (italics changed items from last year)
Frame tubing: Kona 7005 Butted Aluminum
Fork: Marzocchi EXR Pro 100mm
Headset: Aheadset STS
Crankarms: RaceFace Ride
Chainrings: 44/32/22
B/B: RaceFace SRX
Pedals: Shimano PD-M505 clipless
Chain: Shimano CN-HG53 (9sp)
Freewheel: Shimano Deore 11-32 9 speed
F/D: Shimano Deore
R/D: Shimano Deore XT
Shifters: Shimano Deore
Handlebar: TruVativ LE Riser
Stem: TruVativ XR
Grips: Kona Jackshit
Brakes: Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 XC
Brake: Levers Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 XC
Front hub: KK Disc
Rear hub: Shimano FH-M475 disc
Spokes: Stainless 15G front, 14G rear
Tires: Tioga Red Phoenix 26 x 2.0
Rims: Sun DS2-XC
Saddle: WTB Pure V Sport
Seatpost: Kona Thumb
Seat clamp: Kona QR
Color: Cream White
1st Production: 'August 2004


04:
Frame tubing: Kona 7005 Butted Aluminum Butted
Fork: Marzocchi EXR Pro Coil 100mm
Headset: VP-A71
Crankarms: Shimano FC-M445 Hollowtech Octalink
Chainrings: 44/32/22
B/B: Shimano BB-ES30
Pedals: Shimano M505 clipless
Chain: Shimano CN-HG53
Freewheel: Shimano Deore (11-32 9 speed)
F/D: Shimano Deore
R/D: Shimano Deore XT
Shifters: Shimano Deore
Handlebar: Kona Aluminum Riser
Stem: TruVativ XR
Grips: Kona Jackshit
Brakes: Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 XC
Brake Levers: Hayes Hydraulic HFX-9 XC
Front Hub: Shimano HB-M475 disc
Rear Hub: Shimano FH-M475 disc
Spokes: Stainless 15g fr/14g rr
Tires: Tioga Terra Firma 26 x 1.95
Rims: Sun Mach IV
Saddle: Kona Comfort Comp
Seatpost: Kona Thumb
Seatclamp: Kona QR
Color: Red/Black

Any other (new) hardtail reccomendations in this price range?
Thanks.

[bagtagley]

Well supposedly the new HFX-9s are a significant improvement over the old models. Though I've had zero problems with mine, I've seen quite a few bad reviews. Also, I'd say about anything is a step-up over the Deore Octalink cranks. The other changes are pretty trivial.

Are these differences worth $180? Probably not. If you can talk the guy down a few bucks on the '05, it might be an easier decision. Otherwise, I'd be more inclined to get the '04 and do some upgrades in the future.

[snow_slider]

I agree with bags. I would get the 04 and just upgrade stuff as it breaks. The crappy stuff (on both models), such as rims and tires, you'll likely go through pretty quickly. When you do, just pop on some better stuff.

[elesquiador]

'04 is sitting in my room now. thanks guys.