Anyone who likes riding bikes has got to love e-commuters. What other type of bike makes you feel like a superhero when you ride it, and reduces air pollution and traffic congestion at the same time? Responding to the rise in e-commuting, Kona has expanded their lineup of pedal assist commuters with three new models for 2021.
In this article we’ll check out Kona’s Dew-E and Ecoco electric commuter bikes. The two models each offer higher and lower level component specs, and will appeal to different styles of riders: The Dew-E has a sportier look with a double diamond frame and flat MTB-style handlebars, whereas the Ecoco offers a step-through frame and swept back cruiser bars.
Kona Ecoco DL
The all new Ecoco e-bikes retain the step-through frame design Kona chose for their non-electric Coco commuter bike. The Ecoco’s frame is made from 6061 Aluminum, and the DL model gets Kona’s aluminum Project Two fork.
The Ecoco DL features 650b WTB ST wheels with 47c tubeless, puncture resistant WTB Horizon TCS tires. This bike utilizes road spacing, with 100mm front and 135mm rear quick-release axles. Shifting and braking is handled by a Shimano Deore 10 speed drivetrain, including hydraulic disc brakes on 160mm rotors.
The Ecoco DL is powered by a Shimano E6100 motor, linked to a Shimano SC-E6100 display unit to show your key ride metrics. The DL bikes get fully integrated 504Wh batteries, and Shimano’s STEPS 2A charger is included.
One of the coolest things about having a power supply on your bike is being able to add integrated lights. The new Ecoco DL features front and rear Busch and Muller lights to ensure you’re seen on the bustling city roads.
The Ecoco DL also comes stock with a pair of fenders and a kickstand. The swept-back handlebars offer a comfortable riding position and can carry a front basket.
Ecoco DL specs and geometry:
*Please note, the frame geometry is different between the DL and base models of the Dew-E and Ecoco bikes.
Ecoco DL frames are available in S/M/L sizes, and this model comes in Gloss Metallic Pinot Noir. The Ecoco DL sells for $3599.
Kona Dew-E DL
The 2021 Dew-E DL features a 6061 aluminum frame, and gets a Kona Rove Verso full carbon fork. The Rove Verso fork offers three bosses which were designed to carry heavy loads, so you can add racks, fenders, or other accessories. It also accepts a flat-mount disc brake (as does the Dew-E frame).
The Dew-E shares nearly identical WTB ST wheels as the Ecoco DL, and also runs the WTB Horizon TCS 650x47c puncture resistant tires. Unlike the Ecoco the Dew-E DL features non-Boost MTB spacing, running 100mm and 142mm thru-axles front and rear. The Dew-E DL’s 10 speed drivetrain is a mix of Shimano’s Deore shifter/derailleur and their Altus hydraulic disc brakes on 160mm rotors.
The Dew-E DL is equipped with Shimano’s E6100 motor, SC-E7000 display, and a 504Wh battery with the STEPS 2A charger to refuel it.
The DL model also includes Busch and Muller’s head and tail lights, a kickstand and a set of fenders.
Dew-E DL specs and geometry:
The Dew-E DL is available in S/M/L/XL sizes, and comes in Gloss Metallic Green. MSRP is $3699.
Kona Ecoco
The major difference between the DL level bikes and the base models is that the Ecoco and Dew-E frames feature semi-integrated batteries rather than hiding them inside their down tubes. These batteries use Abus key locks to secure them to the frame.
The Ecoco still offers an aluminum frame, and Kona’s Project Two aluminum fork. It rolls on WTB SX 19 rims, with 650x47c Horizon Comp Puncture Protect tires. Like the DL model, the Ecoco is built around road spacing with quick-release 100mm front and 135mm rear axles. It gets a mixed 9 speed drivetrain comprised of Shimano’s Alivio derailleur, Acera shifter and Deore hydraulic brakes with 160mm rotors.
The Ecoco is juiced up with Shimano’s E6100 motor and 504Wh battery. This bike gets the SC-E7000 display, and comes with Shimano’s 2A charger. The base Ecoco also uses the battery to run its integrated head and tail lights.
Finishing touches include a pair of fenders and a sturdy integrated kickstand.
Ecoco specs and geometry:
Frames come in S/M/L, and the Ecoco comes in Gloss Metallic Black. The Ecoco retails at $2799.
Kona Dew-E
The Dew-E is the only returning model for 2021, now serving as the base version of Kona’s sporty e-commuter. The lesser model loses the carbon fork from the DL, matching its aluminum frame with Kona’s aluminum Project Two fork.
The Dew-E doesn’t run the same thru-axles as the DL model; The frame and fork use quick-release 100mm front and 135mm rear axles. It does ride on the same size wheels and tires, with WTB’s SX 19 rims and 650x47c Horizon Comp Puncture Protect treads.
As for the drivetrain, the Dew-E gets a similar mix to the Ecoco with a 9 speed cassette, Shimano Alivio/Acera shifting and Deore hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm rotors.
The Dew-E shares the Ecoco’s electronics, featuring Shimano’s E6100 motor, SC-E7000 display and a 504Wh battery with a 2A charger.
Like the others the Dew-E comes equipped with front and rear lights, a set of fenders and a kickstand.
Dew-E specs and geometry:
Frames come in S/M/L/XL sizes, and the Dew-E’s color for 2021 is Glass Metallic Root Beer. The Dew-E sells for $2799.
Check with your local Kona dealer for availability dates on the 2021 bikes, as they will vary by region.
