Kona bikes are thought to be on the list of mediocre brands within the bike industry, but during the last few years they’ve been pushing the limits on their specifications and costs.
Over the last 2 years in particular their hardtail mtb models for example, cindercone, caldera and kula have been holding their own against the likes of the specialised rockhopper range as well as the giant xtc range, not to mention the 6500 from trek. With branded shimano hubs, rock shox forks and maxxis tyres they’re really putting the effort in plus it shows around the trails. And as always they’re not your safe black and silver bikes. The colours are fresh and bright. You can either love or do not like the style but before you judge them you need to ride them. At rutland and Grafham cycling we have all models from Konafrom Lana’i to Kula accessible for demo.
Of course on Konas the base model frames have a double butted tubed frame. This lets them to possess a strong frame however keeps the frame weight down. As we move through the product range the tubing gets lighter and stiffer before you reach the top level frame with Scandium tubing. Super light and incredibly responsive.
For 2011 kona have also released a fresh range with the duo of Tanukis. One standard Tanuki and a Tanuki Deluxe. These dual suspension bikes are replacing that which was once the Kikapu range or more recently the One20. These new models have already been very popular and there are reports that the UK distributer, Paligap have soldout already. If you’re interested in this new model, get in there fast.
Kona don’t just sell mountain bikes though. Their cross bike range is one of the most favored within the bike industry along with their touring bikes. The cross bike range or Jakes show fantastic good value just like the mountain bikes. They’re not only great value but they look and ride well too. They haven’t sacrificed a race position so you can put it to use as a tourer. (This they leave for the Sutra.) No the Jake is really a cross specific bike and is also made to ride through the mud not on the road. This is then backed up by the Jake The Snake and Major Jake for many who need a real performance bike. Again branded tyres shimano gearing, mavic wheels all make an appearance on these Kona Jakes.
