Kona 2017 | Our Top Picks

July 22nd, 2016

By Andrew Dodd in Bikes,Features

Kona 2017 – our favourite 5

For the last few years, Kona has been simmering away nicely with a steady range of well considered bikes.

The Kona 2017 range sees many familiar models, subtle improvements throughout – and a few exciting new models. Considering how large the range is, we thought we’d take you through the bikes that made us double take on our recent trip to the Austria press camp.

Here are the Factory Jackson top 5 Kona 2017 bikes…


 

Kona 2017 Process 111

Kona 2017

We reviewed the 2016 version of this bike earlier in the year (review right here), and couldn’t get over how damned good it is. Whatever your preconceptions are of a 29er with 111mm rear wheel travel – forget them.

This bike genuinely changes all of that – you simply must demo one to understand.

The 2017 model sees a few changes, but most of the formula remains the same:

  • Fork travel increased 10mm to 130mm
  • Rear wheel travel stays 111mm
  • 12x142mm Maxle rear end
  • Top tube length increased approx 20mm
  • Head angle slackened by half a degree to 67.5degrees
  • Reversed colourway
  • Decent wide rims
  • Maxxis Ardent out back; Minion DHF up front
  • Rockshox Pike and Monarch combo
  • Shimano XT stoppers
  • Retail price | £3499

Full details of the Kona Process 111 here. 


 

Kona 2017 Honzo CR

Kona 2017

The Honzo was a popular bike when first launched in steel, and has continued to impress in the alloy model seen last year – but for 2017 there is the brand new Carbon model.

This thing is a competitive XC race bike, but with modern geometry that flatters the rider and makes most other XC bikes look like road bikes. It’s an incredibly capable frame that is available in Carbon Race and Trail models. The trail model features burly wheels, wide bars and a dropper post – and it’s genuinely one of the best hard tails available. But it ain’t cheap.

Keep an eye out for our First Ride – coming soon!

  • Carbon fibre frame
  • Internal cable routing
  • 29in wheels
  • 68degree head angle
  • 415mm chainstays!
  • Boost 110mm Fox 34 fork
  • Boost 148mm rear end
  • Not 27.5+ compatible
  • Honzo CR Race | £3299
  • Honzo CR Trail | £3499
  • Honzo CR DL | £4399

Full details of the Kona Honzo Carbon range right here 


 

Kona 2017 Stinky 26

Kona 2017

Whilst many have forgotten about 26in wheels, there are prime places for 26in wheels to remain in use. Like this amazing little downhill bike for riders who can’t quite step up to the Operator DH bike, whether that be for budget reasons or because they’re not big enough yet.

The small and medium sizes offered have a full 200mm of travel, on this no-nonsense suspension platform that will keep on trucking. And there’s a 24in version for little rippers too – what’s not to like?

  • Kona 7005 Aluminum frame
  • 200mm travel
  • 26in wheels
  • 24in model too
  • Perfect bike for shorter riders
  • Stinky 26 | £2599
  • Stinky 24 | £1599

Check the full details on the Stinky 26 hereand the Stinky 24 here


Kona 2017 Big Honzo

Kona 2017

When the Alloy 29in Honzo frame blew away all who rode it, one of the suggestions that cropped up was for a 27.5+ option. And here it is – the Big Honzo.

  • Kona 6061 Aluminium butted frame
  • 27.5+ wheels
  • Rockshox Yari with 120mm travel
  • Progressive geometry (size XL has a 1213mm wheelbase)
  • Big Honzo DR | £1599
  • Big Honzo DL | £2199

Check out full details on the Big Honzo right here


 

Kona 2017 Process 153

Kona 2017

The downhill riders trail bike. The park rat’s hammer time rig. The bike that lets you get away with far too much – yep, it’s already been said. The Process 153 is a bike for serious mountain hammer time – and it’s longer and slacker than before.

  • Kona 6061 Aluminium frame
  • Longer and slacker than before
  • Size XL has a 1253mm wheelbase
  • 65.5degree head angle
  • 426mm chain stays
  • Kona Process 153 | £3299
  • Kona Process 153 DL | £4699

Check out the full Kona Process range right here


 

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