As more and more riders are making the jump to electric bikes, Kona has expanded their offerings with three new hub driven models for commuting, cruising or exploring. Powered by SR Suntour drive systems, these hub drive bikes provide the assist plenty of riders are looking for at entry-level prices.
All three of Kona’s new Class 1 pedal-assist HD bikes are built around rigid aluminum frames and forks, with internal cable routing for the rear cables/wiring. Between the Rove HD, Dew HD and Coco HD Kona has covered an ideal range of bike styles from drop-bar to casual cruiser.
SR Suntour Drive System:
All three of Kona’s new hub drive bikes come with the same drive systems and batteries. At the heart of the system is SR Suntour’s R250 HP hub motor, which provides 60Nm of torque (more power than most hub motors offer). The motor’s nominal power output is 250w, while its max is 400w.
The R250 HP motor offers four levels of pedal assist –Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo, plus a walk assist mode. The motor weighs approx. 3kg, and drives a freewheel cassette so there’s no drag when the motor isn’t assisting.
There are some proprietary components and fitment with Suntour’s hub motor; The motor runs a 148mm axle and although the photos make it like a normal bolt-on axle, Kona notes it is a proprietary frame dropout interface. The motor also requires a special Tektro PCD83 brake rotor, which features a larger than usual mounting bolt pattern. Replacement rotors are available through Suntour or Kona should you damage or wear one out.
With the motor in the hub, Kona’s HD bike frames use standard 73mm BB shells and run 170mm cranks.
The bikes’ Suntour hub motors are powered by a Phylion 36V, 418Wh internal down tube battery that’s rated to IPX6 for weather resistance. Depending on several factors, of course, the battery can provide a range of up to 50 miles. Phylion guarantees battery life to remain at 60% capacity for 600 charge cycles or 27 months from its date of production.
Under casual use it would probably take many years to hit 600 charge cycles, but if the battery only lasts 27 months from its production date, that’s not a lengthy lifespan. If you’re eyeballing these bikes as a daily commuter, you’ll almost certainly reach 600 charge cycles within three years.Also, if the battery’s capacity does drop to anywhere near 60%, it could die much faster than I’ve estimated. Kona will have a supply of replacement batteries and chargers available, with the batteries selling for $499. To ensure full battery life, it is recommended to keep the battery at 40% charge or higher when in storage.
The HD bikes’ batteries are locked into the frame with a key, but to remove it you’ll also need to unscrew two bolts that hold the battery cover to the frame. The batteries can be charged in or off the bike, as the battery and charger use the same plug connection. A full charge takes 6-7 hours, and the battery should be kept above 5° Celsius while charging.
Suntour’s small, simple OLED handlebar remote/display sits at the left grip, and shows your current speed, power mode, battery life and odometer. The remote also tracks trip distance, average and max speeds, initiates walk mode and displays any error codes that may appear. A power button on the top edge of the display turns it on/off, and holding the lower assist button activates the walk mode.
One convenient feature of the Suntour drive system is that it requires no firmware updates. All Suntour electrical components are covered by a two year warranty.
Rove HD – $2199
The Rove HD is the new electrified model road or gravel riders would be most interested in, given its drop handlebar and identical frame geometry to Kona’s existing Rove gravel bikes. While it would make a speedy commuter, the Rove HD is also ideal for those looking to spend their weekends exploring backroads and countrysides.
The Rove HD features a Shimano Claris 1×8 drivetrain, with a 38t front chainring and an 11-32t cassette out back. TRP’s Spyre-C mechanical disc brakes handle stopping duties, and WTB’s Horizon Comp 650x47mm tires provide all-surface traction.
Due to the Rove HD’s drop bars, its display is mounted on a bracket that puts the unit on the left side of the stem. The Rove HD frame can fit fenders up to 60mm wide, and includes rack mounts. It also has an integrated kickstand for easy parking, and one water bottle mount on the down tube.
The Rove HD comes in Metallic Green, with 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, and 58cm frame sizes available.
Dew HD – $1999
If you’re most familiar with an MTB or touring body position, the Dew HD offers a classic double-diamond frame with a flat handlebar. Like the Roves, the Dew HD bikes feature the same frame geometry as Kona’s well-established Dew and Dew-E bikes.
Drivetrain specs were not provided, but the photos suggest the Dew HD runs a 1×8 drivetrain like the Roves above. The Dew HD is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes (on 180mm rotors) for easy, powerful stopping. The frame includes a water bottle mount, fender and rack mounts, and an integrated kickstand.
The Dew HD comes in ‘Thunder’ brown, and frame sizes range from S-XL.
Coco HD – $1999
Those seeking a comfortable urban cruiser will appreciate the Coco HD’s step-through frame and swept back handlebar. The Coco HD rides on 650B wheels with 47mm WTB Horizon Comp tires, and gets hydraulic disc brakes for solid all-weather braking performance.
Like the other models, the Coco HD has fender and rack mounts, plus a kickstand. It’s frame color is metallic yellow, and sizes go from S-L.
For more details on the new hub drive bikes visit Kona’s website.
