Today, Kona Bikes introduces a bikepacking-specific wonder rig called Unity. Kona says this bike addresses the growing bikepacking community’s need for BIGGER LOADS without compromising on ride quality.
This all-purpose steed blends mountain bike capability with gravel bike versatility. It features mixed wheel sizes (29″ front, 27.5″ rear) to lower the center of gravity and improve handling when fully loaded.
The Unity’s geometry has been specifically tuned for riding under heavy loads. Kona adjusted fork offset and handling characteristics to maintain predictable steering even when packed for extended trips.
Check out the movie below and see Unity doing some real-time adventuring.
Movie: Under the Northern Lights
That Front Rack Though…
I’d say one of Unity’s standout features is its custom frame-mounted front rack. It bolts directly to the frame, eliminating the handling issues typically associated with front-loaded cargo.
The Unity also offers extensive carrying capacity with the honkin’ front triangle. It’s designed for maximum frame bag space, plus numerous mounting points throughout the frame for bottles, tools, goodies, and additional accessories.
It also maintains compatibility with popular aftermarket rack systems. This gives riders the flexibility to customize their setup based on the requirements of the adventure.
Drivetrain, Brakes, and Wheels, Oh My.
Component-wise, Unity prioritizes durability and performance while under load. The burly Shimano XT Linkglide 11-speed drivetrain provides smooth shifting even when the bike is heavily weighted. And the low 28T steel chainring will help the rider when things get steep (or just pedaling a 70lb bike anywhere).
Tektro’s 4-piston brakes with oversized 203mm rotors will provide ample stopping power, even when descending while fully loaded with heavy cargo.
The Unity accommodates dropper posts with 170-200mm travel. This helps to ensure riders don’t sacrifice technical descending ability for cargo capacity. Kona’s Unity rolls on WTB’s durable wheelset that sports DT 370 hubs with upgraded engagement.
Unity Geometry
The Unity Retail & Detail
Retail: $2,699
- Frame material: Kona Cromoly Butted
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Fork: Kona Unity 110mm spacing
- Cranks: RaceFace 11-speed
- Chainrings: 28t
- Bottom Bracket: RaceFace 73mm
- Cassette: Shimano XT Linkglide 11-50t
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Linkglide 11-speed
- Shifters: Shimano XT Linkglide 11-speed
- Brakes: Tektro Gemini Hydraulic
- Rotors: Tektro TR203mm (front and rear)
- Handlebars: Kona XC/BC Riser
- Stem: Kona XC/BC
- Seatpost: Kona Thumb w/Offset 31.6
- Saddle: WTB Volt
- Hubs: Front – DT 370 110x15mm TA, Rear – DT 370 148x12mm w/ 36T ratchet
- Front Tire: WTB Ranger TCSTough 29×3.0″
- Rear Tire: WTB Ranger TCSTough 27.5×3.0″
- Colors: Gloss Future Dusk w/ Pale, Wisteria, Nectarine& Blackcurrant Decals
- Extras: Kona Front Utility Rack (max load: 13.2 lbs)
Looking fo the perfect bikepacking rig for long trips? This could be it. Check out more details at the link below.
