Kross Moon Z1 dropped by our office over a 4month ago, so its been a while, when I am using it. I will try to tell you my feelings about this build.
The full bike specification can be found under this link: http://www.kross.pl/en/bikes/mtb
The basic spec of Moon Z1 is equipped with RS Monarch R rear shock (which is really easy to set), and works perfectly. If the suspensions works so good with that kind of shock, I am really curious what about Z2 znd Z3 models, where Kross put much more better rear shocks. All construction elements work good, without any troubles.
The front fork is X-Fusion, which is one of the biggest suprises here. Before this test I would never trusted to fork like X-Fusion, and considered only the top biggest suspension brands. Now I have changed my mind. The fork is really light as for a 160mm travel stuff. It is really easy to setup, and works really good and smoothly. X-fusion RL2 has a travel lockout, which helps a lot while riding up.
The 27,5 inch wheels combined with RVS suspension (http://www.kross.pl/en/technologia/rvs) makes you feel like on a downhill bike. You feel really comfortable, even on rocky trails. The new wheels size demanded to change the geometry compared to previos 26 inch Moon. Now, the head tube angle is 65,5* while seat tube uses 74*. Top tube has 605mm lenght, for L size of frame. The rear triangle is 440mm long with 142×12 dropouts.
DRIVETRAIN. The drivetrain which is build most with Shimano Deore, is not a best part of this bike, but I think it is enought for such enduro bike. The 2×10 drivetrain is good to ride uphill, as well as go down. Deore group seems to be precise and reliable. The wheels are also built with Deore hubs and WTB SpeedDisc i23 rims. Till today the wheels are straight. Good move from Kross was to use a Truvativ X-Guide chain guide equipped with bash guard, which protect the chainring and crank from the impacts of rocks and roots. At this price range of the bike, I think that the drivetrain is really good.
COMPONENTS. Kross Moon Z1 uses reliable Avid DB3 brakes with 180mm discs (my weight is about 90-96kg depends on the season) which works good. They are powerfull and have a good modulation. Under my bottom they put WTB Bolt seat, which is comfortable. The cockpit is build with Truvativ Hussefelt stem and Easton Vice bar. I have changed the cockpit to Spank Oozy (wider handlebar – 760mm and shorter stem – 50mm). This was the only change to factory set.
RIDE. Riding up. It was a good move to stay by 2×10 drivetrain. Maybe they could save some grams by reducing chain guide, front derailleur, shifter and chain ring, but I think it would loose some comfort while going up the hill. While using 2×10 drivetrain, you can choose the speed perfectly. Maybe the Moon is not a perfect bike for riding up, but If you’ve got the aim, you will certainly achieve it.
Going Down. It is a beast! All you need is to choose the fastest line, and get flow. Everyone can easily cross over your own border. Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires are sticking wheel to the ground. The faster you go the better it is. Thats all about MTB. Some time ago most people would use ‘mini-dh’ as this bike category, but now it is under the enduro definition. I don’t want to define what exactly the enduro is, but Kross Moon gave me so much fun, that the definitions are not important.
TO SUM UP
Failure-free! It is really good to have a bike, which you care of, and ride without any need of repairs.
For Who I’d suggest Kross Moon? I think for all with accent for people who like something heavier than regular XC.
a) It is a perfect solution for people, who have a long distance to mountains, and instead of having heavy DH bike, which is useless on the local spots, you can take your Kross and ride on flat, or go to the mountains and huck the heavier lines.
b) If you are living in the mountains, Kross is enought to give you the fun while going down, but you can use it on the spots, where only the muscle power can take you to the top.
c) if you like to compete – it is also a good choice.
d) all above points together
The best part in the Kross Moon is the frame with RVS suspension. So if you feel that Deore is not enought, you can change between Kross Z2 or Z3, where the frame is the same, but equipped with better components.
For me, Kross Moon Z1 is more than enought for MTB bike. Probably it will be with me for little longer. See you on the trails!
link; http://www.kross.pl/en/2016/enduro/moon-1-0
