Kona bikes are considered to be on the list of mediocre brands within the bike industry, but over the past two years they’ve been pushing the limits on both their specs and rates.
In the last Year or so particularly their hardtail mtb models such as, cindercone, caldera and kula are already holding their own against the likes of the specialised rockhopper range and the giant xtc range, not to mention the 6500 from trek. With branded shimano hubs, rock shox forks and maxxis tyres they are really putting the effort in and it shows around the trails. And as always it isn’t your safe black and silver bikes. The colours are fresh and bright. You either appreciate or do not like the style but before you judge them you ought to ride them. At rutland and Grafham cycling we have all models from Kona, from Lana’i to Kula accessible for demo.
As always on Konas the base model frames have a double butted tubed frame. This gives them to possess a strong frame but still keeps the frame weight down. As we move through the range the tubing gets lighter and stiffer before you reach the top level frame with Scandium tubing. Super light and intensely responsive.
For 2011 kona have released a whole new range with the duo of Tanukis. One standard Tanuki along with a Tanuki Deluxe. These dual suspension bikes are replacing that which was once the Kikapu range or more recently the One20. These new models happen to be very popular and there are reports the UK distributer, Paligap have out of stock already. So if you are considering this new model, find yourself 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.
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