Introducing the 2014 Kona Range

News has just dropped on the all new 2014 Kona range, we’re looking forward to getting a spin on them later in the year, but for now here’s what’s coming…

New carbon, evolved suspension and revolutionary geometry and fit, the Kona Ride just got a serious injection.

We drew a road map to this point four years ago. Our goal was to leverage our entire 27-year history to create category-leading bicycles that find the perfect balance between performance, modern application and ease of use. The result is our most complete, technologically advanced, harmonized collection of bicycles ever. From a new carbon fiber gravity platform to new carbon disc cyclocross speedsters, a striking evolution of our Process Enduro platform, to our most comprehensive collection of Road bikes since we started making them in 1992. Kona 2014 is a purpose-driven, deeply thought out collection of bicycles. With 25 new models, the Kona Ride has become more exactly defined than ever before. Wo! There’s even a new fat bike.

The All New Process Platform – Challenging tradition with an Enduro/Trail geometry re-think.

Most Trail and Enduro bikes are still subject to the traditional fit and sizing that mountain bikes took from road bike sizing. The ideas that seat tube length defines the size, and stem lengths increase with the frame size no longer makes sense, now that Enduro riders pedal their rigs like XC bikes and descend them like DH bikes. We re-thought the equation with a holistic approach; stem-length, reach, top tube length, chainstay length, front center, and wheelbase, all relevant to the fit, form and function of the modern mountain bike. The results are bikes that shred up and down, across an entire universe of rider preference and trail type.

When it came to designing the ultimate platform of bikes for technical off-road riding, we saw the need to develop a versatile product line to fit the needs of every definition of Trail and Enduro riding. Our prime design directive was to find the best possible balance of geometry, travel and wheel size. As a result, we came up with some very specific travel numbers that complement the design, wheel size and intended use of specific models. The results are our three Process bikes: the 111, 134 and 153.

New Carbon Operator – The next step in Kona’s long tradition of DH bike technology.

While it’s important to note this is the first time we’ve used carbon in a Gravity application, that’s not all we’ve done here. We made subtle tweaks to the geometry and leverage rate curve, noticeably increasing the balance, predictability and maneuverability of the new 2014 Operators. The new frame features a UD Monocoque Kona Carbon DH front triangle and 6061 Aluminum rear, with a host of other design features that make these bikes incredibly stiff laterally, blazing fast, and super light.

In it’s 27th year, the Cinder Cone goes to Scandium and 27.5″ wheels.

Using the rocket-quick and phenomenally light Kona Race Light Scandium 6069 frameset, and with the advent of better rolling and obstacle-annihilating-yet-still-nimble 27.5-inch wheels, we’re able to take the Cinder Cone into a modern manifestation as a confident, quick, smooth-riding Cross-Country/Trail bike. Ride forever, everywhere, well. Suggested retail: £999.

New Precept MTB Trail Full Suspension – The Tanuki evolves into a bike that’s better, more modern and so affordable

An entirely new model for 2014, the Precept DL is best described as the entry-level version of our brand-new Process bikes. Race Enduro, ride singletrack all day, enjoy amazing descents: this bike can do it all. Using our Swinger Suspension and 27.5-inch wheels, the Precept DL and Precept has most of the same modern features as the Process: direct-mount front derailleur, dropper-post cable routing and a full complement of cartridge bearings.

Wo! – Kona gets super fat

Built out of Kona Butted 6061 Aluminum, with a 170mm rear axle, 100mm BB, 31.6 dropper post compatibility, a host of bottle and rack mounts, as well as low standover, the Wo is built to balance weight, performance and price. At long last, the Kona Ride comes to hard-packed snow, sand dunes, swamp or whatever other fat-wheel-loving surface you may ride. Suggested retail: £1499.

New Major Jake – Kona goes disc-only carbon in Cyclocross

Our new cyclocross machine takes the winning tradition of our carbon Major Jake and breathes next-level performance into the frame by making it disc compatible. While we were at it, we increased chainstay diameter to maintain stiffness during out-of-the-saddle efforts and decreased seatstay diameter to preserve our famous ride quality. Equipped in two different spec packages, this bike is so hot you’ll want to ride it in the off season as well, so we’ve included hidden fender eyelets and two bottle mounts.

Dave Anderson

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