Kona has been slowly but surely releasing sneak peeks of their 2012 mountain line up on the Kona Cog, and while we’ve covered a lot of them, some like this production version of the new King Kahuna Carbon 29er have snuck by. Kona’s first carbon 29er hardtail features a proprietary carbon weave, 142x12mm rear axle, tapered headtube, along with a smart part spec. Rest assured, the new King Kahuna will beg to be ridden fast.
Check out the rest of the 2012 previews after the break!
You’ve seen the prototype, you’ve probably seen the launch video as well, and now it’s time to see the 2012 Kona Operator all dressed up. For 2012, the Operator features a revived version of Kona’s Walking Beam 4-Bar suspension system aimed at keeping the maintenance low, and providing the most supple and deep rear suspension feel. With a more modern geometry, shortened chainstays, and new rear shock mount options, the Operator will definitely be a smooth opera.. uh, bike.
Spec Highlights:
• Fox Van RC rear shock
• SRAM drivetrain
• Avid Code R brakes
• RockShox Boxxer Race fork
Going for a smaller bike than the Operator DH, the new Kona Entourage features close to the same big mountain performance in a tighter more nimble package. With a goal of combining a whole fleet of FR and DH machines into one bike, the Entourage may just be the perfect blend of high speed stability, and trickability.
Spec Highlights:
• Custom 170mm RockShox Domain R CL fork
• Avid Code R brakes
• SRAM X-7 rear derailleur
• Fox Van R rear shock
Of course, there is also the all new Kona Satori AM 29er, which was just covered here. Basically, it’s a 130mm travel all mountain capable 29er with a 142x12mm rear end, tapered headtube, and new swing ling suspension. This one is still in prototype stage, so keep an eye out for the final spec.
Last but not least, who could forget the new Kona Honzo which we just covered. Another bike that is not quite finished, but it’s most likely destined for popularity due to how few bikes seem to fit the steel-AM-hardtail-chainguide equipped -29er category.
2012 is looking pretty good by the looks of it, be sure to check up on the Kona Cog on a regular basis to get the scoop on all things Kona!
