Kona has been on a roll lately with well equipped bikes at attainable prices, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down for 2017. We’ve been riding the current aluminum Hei Hei DL Trail for awhile, and while the full review will reveal that it’s quite a good bike, never the less we’re excited to see it take form in carbon fiber. Split into the Hei Hei DL Trail and DL Race, the new bikes will offer something for riders in the XC or Trail category….
Kona is playing coy on the full details of the bike ahead of the full launch later this year, but you can expect a more trail worthy build from the aptly named DL Trail. A 34mm Fox fork, wider bars, short stem, dropper, and a 1x drivetrain all add up to what should be a super fun bike.
If going fast is more your thing, the Hei Hei Race DL uses the same frame, but with a shorter travel fork and more XC race parts spec. Both frames offer internal cable routing, and a suspension system based off the current Hei Hei DL which utilizes a flexible seat stay assembly. Full details on these bikes including pricing will come later this year.
For the bigger tire set, Kona will be offering plus versions of their Honzo and Kahuna.
The Big Honzo uses a 7005 aluminum frame and comes equipped with the RockShox Yari fork, a dropper, and 1x drivetrain. Apparently the frame will fit up to 3.0″ tires but will ship with 27 x 2.8″ and likely will be priced at $2499.
The Big Kahuna on the other hand is also aluminum with the same geometry as the standard Kahuna but adds 27 x 2.8″ tires to the mix. With a lower part spec and a 2x drivetrain, the Big Kahuna will be the more affordable plus size model.
Finally, Kona is updating some of their road options with the new Road House which fits “big tires and fenders.” No, that’s not really a brazed frame, just a cleverly finished TIG welded Reynolds 853 Steel frame. Road House will feature thru axles front and rear with disc brakes and a carbon fork. Update: so apparently it is a brazed frame. Apparently they were so new that even the Kona team on hand didn’t have the full details.
Look for more on all of these soon!
