Bike Stuff That Sucks

Not everything in the mountain biking world is worth your hard-earned cash. Here are two products that promised a lot but delivered disappointment.

Kona's Backwards Frame Design

Most bike frames are designed with a replaceable derailleur hanger—a cheap, sacrificial part that breaks in a crash to protect your expensive frame and derailleur. It's a smart design that's been the industry standard for decades.

But Kona decided to flip the script. They designed a rear triangle that was engineered to break instead of the derailleur hanger. Yes, you read that right. Rather than replacing a $15 hanger after a crash, you're looking at a rear triangle replacement or a new frame entirely. It's a head-scratching design choice that turns a minor trailside inconvenience into a major repair bill. 

And calls to the company fall on def ears.  "It's not warranty if your frame breaks." 

Right, but why did you design it like this?  

Finish Line Tubeless Sealant: The Sealant That Sealed Nothing

Tubeless setups are supposed to make your ride more reliable—fewer flats, better traction, lower pressure. But that only works if your sealant actually seals punctures.

Finish Line Tubeless Sealant had one job, and it failed spectacularly. Riders reported that it dried out quickly, failed to seal even small punctures, and left a crusty mess inside their tires. For a product whose entire purpose is to seal holes, it's remarkable how poorly it performed. There are plenty of proven sealants on the market—this isn't one of them.

The Bottom Line

Not every product is a winner. Do your research, read reviews, and don't be afraid to skip the hype when something doesn't make sense. Your wallet and your ride time will thank you.