Kona Steps It Up For 2012: First Look at the New Gravity Lineup

Aug 2, 2011
by Richard Cunningham  

Updated suspension, fresh frame designs and a sweet new park bike.

Kona started its 2012 debut by admitting that the seminal freeride brand had slacked off on its development for a few seasons. Whether that is true or not, this year Kona put its nose to the grindstone and cranked out a new gravity range for 2012 that indicates that raw riding enthusiasm is dripping from the veins of Kona’s design staff once again. Kona retains its rocker-link suspension design, but with new leverage rates and shock tunes, up-to-the-moment frame numbers and cockpit spec, what-I-want gearing choices, and frame designs that reflect the present evolution of contemporary all-mountain, park and World Cup riders. Kona gave Pinkbike a preview of its gravity lineup, along with some spy shots, and specifications covering select models from the All-mountain Coilair with its second-gen’ Magic Link, to the World Cup team-issue Supreme Operator DH racer. So, without further fanfare, here is Kona’s 2012 gravity ensemble in no particular order:



Entourage Deluxe

Purpose: Park/Freeride
Travel: 170 millimeters
Weight: 37.4 pounds
Price: $4499 cdn

Entourage DL
  Details abound on Kona's Entourage, like a laid-back seat angle to alter the effective top tube length for taller riders, or in case you want to raise the saddle to access some back-country trails.

Entourage Geo


Hidden in the middle of Kona’s 2012 range is a sweet park bike called the Entourage. Its chassis is beautifully designed with an interrupted seat tube and curving lines. Short, 415 millimeter chainstays make the Entourage quick in the corners and remarkably agile both on the ground and in the air. We got some track time on the Entourage at Whistler and can say first-hand that Kona struck gold on this design. With its 65-degree head angle to keep the chassis stable at speed and the two best suspension components for park riding (Fox DHX RC2 shock and RockShox Lyric DH fork), the 170-millimeter-travel Entourage feels lightly balanced and confidence inspiring, and it all comes with a huge fun factor. Heck, the Entourage even climbs reasonably well for a big bike. If $4499 cdn is a bit rich for your wallet, Kona offers it in a more affordable version for $2799 cdn so almost everyone can play.

Entourage
  The lower-priced Entourage park bike is spec'ed well enough to take a serious pounding and with a remarkable, $2799 sticker price.


Entourage Highlights:
Components: FSA Gap crankset/e*thirteen RS guide, SRAM X.9 shifting, Easton Havoc cockpit items, Avid Code-R brakes (200mm F, 180mm R), Fox DHX RC2 shock, RockShox Lyric DH fork, Maxxis High Roller rear with a DHF front tire.
Frame: Butted aluminum tubes, Rocker-link suspension, tapered head tube,142/12mm through-axle, oversized pivot bearings, 83mm bottom bracket/ISCG-05 mounts Sizes-Sm/Med/Large, rear-wheel travel-170mm, 65-degree head angle, 16.3-inch chainstays, 13.3-inch bottom bracket height, top tube length – 21.5, 23, 24.5 inches, Color option: burnished aluminum (DL) or black.




Coilair

Purpose: Trail, AM, Freeride
Travel: 120/200mm
Weight: 34.5 pounds
Price: $3899 cdn

coilair
  Kona's second-generation Magic Link Active Geometry puts the Coilair in its own class among all-mountain designs. Check Kona's demo schedule and ride one - you will be impressed.

Coilair Geo


What if you could have a downhill park bike and an AM/trailbike packed into one do-anything machine? The Coilair’s Magic Link Active Geometry cruises around the trail with 120 millimeters of efficient pedaling rear suspension travel until the unexpected drop arrives, or you simply want to pin it on a sick downhill section – at which time the Magic Link releases up to 200 millimeters of progressive, terrain-taming cushion. Best of all, it all happens automatically and seamlessly, and without the need to push buttons or levers. Add a curiously missing dropper seat post and the Coilair could be the only true ‘One Bike’ in the do-it-all class.

Coilair Highlights:
Components: FSA two-by Moto X crankset (36 x 24), e*thirteen DRS chain guide, SRAM X.9 shifting with Shimano SLX F-derailleur (11 x 36 ten speed cassette), Avid Code R brakes (200mm F, 180mm R), Fox Float RP2 shock, Fox 36 TALAS R 180 fork (20mm axle), Easton Vice wheels and Maxxis Ardent tires.
Frame: Butted aluminum tubes, Tapered head tube and steerer, Magic Link Active Geometry suspension (120mm/200mm terrain-actuated rear-wheel travel), 73mm bottom bracket/ISCG-05 chain guide tabs, 14.2-inch bottom bracket height, 66-degree head angle, 73-degree seat angle, 17.5-inch chainstays (the geometry chart is wrong), sizes – 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 inches, top tube length – 22, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 26 inches, Color option: brushed black aluminum.




Operator DH

Purpose: Downhill Competition
Travel: 200 millimeters
Weight: 40.3 pounds
Price: $3199 cdn

Operator DH
  Kona's Operator DH is an affordable downhill racer - a World Cup-level chassis, outfitted with components hand-picked by folks who know more about durability than anyone. Kona has sponsored DH rental fleets at the world's most prestigious gravity parks for nearly a decade.

Operator Geo


Coming into its second season, Kona’s Operator DH chassis was the first indicator that its design team had turned up the burner. The Operator’s profile is compact and clean, with shorter chainstays to make it quicker through the corners and a 64-degree head angle to take the straightest line between them. Suspension is super supple, with a coil-sprung RockShox Boxxer Race fork paired a Fox Vanilla RC shock. The Operator’s rocker-link suspension is beefed up with oversized bearings and its proven aluminum chassis and real-world component spec are designed to encourage its owner to ride every waking moment.

Supreme Operator
  If you have the seeds to compete on the World Cup Circuit, Kona steps it up with the Supreme Operator. The $6599 cad Supreme's cost-is no object performance kit begins with a Shimano Saint group and ends with a Fox Van RC shock and a RockShox World Cup fork.


Operator DH Highlights:
Components: Gravity Gap crankset (36T), e*thirteen SRS chain guide, SRAM X.9/X.7 shifting (11 x 28 nine-speed), Avid Code R brakes (200mm F, 180mm R), RockShox Boxxer Race fork, Fox Van R shock, Sun Rims, Maxxis High Roller rear tire and DHF front tire.
Frame: butted and manipulated frame tubes, second-gen rocker link suspension, 1.5-inch head tube, DH-standard 83 millimeter bottom bracket, 64-degree head angle, 16.8-inch chainstays, 13.8-inch bottom bracket height, low-profile head tube design, sizes – Sm, Med, Large (21.5, 23, 24.5-inch top tubes), lowest stand-over height is 29.5 inches. Color option: shot-peened matte black.


Kona 2012 Hardtails


Kona has ‘new’ chromoly hardtails for 2012. Topping the list are the Shonky dirt jumper and the single-chainring, nine-speed Steely – which is a tribute to the first North Shore freeriders. Kona has a history of crafting chromoly frames and for one reason: they love the feel of steel.



Shonky

Purpose: Dirt Jump
Suspension: RockShox Argyle fork – 80mm
Weight: 28.5lbs
Price: $1349 cad

Shonky
  The Shonky, shown here without a front brake, is Kona's most popular dirt jumper. The addition of a RockShox Argyle fork boosts it to competition status.


This is as simple as a one-gear, precise-handling, chromoly framed dirt jumper gets. The Shonky has been redesigned with a steeply angled top tube for excellent frame clearance and it has an integrated chain tensioner to further enhance its already clean profile. A RockShox Argyle fork and Chainway CroMo cranks keep it real for those who go big.

Shonky Highlights:
Components: RockSHox Argyle 80mm fork, Chainway ChroMo BMX crankset and Spanish bottom bracket, ProMax mechanical disc brakes (160mm rotors) and an all Kona DJ and DH cockpit.
Frame: TIG-welded butted chromoly frame (long and short), 71.5-degree seat angle, 69-degree head angle, 15.7-inch chainstays, 12.2-inch bottom bracket height, 22.8 or 23.5-inch top tube and a standard 4.5-inch head tube. Color option is matte green.

Downside
  Kona makes the Downside - a nearly identical twin of the Shonky, but with a Marzocchi DJ fork - for cash-strapped dirt jumpers who need a great ride.




Steely

Purpose: Retro Freerider
Suspension: RockShox Tora U-Turn 85/130mm
Weight: 34 pounds
Price: $1399 cdn

Steely
  Kona's Steely is a TIG-welded chromoly time machine. Leave your big bike at home and experience freeriding the way it began: with flat pedals, pads and honor.

Steely Geo


Pioneer freeriders would have bet their lives that, armed with their flat pedals, wide riser handlebars BMX stems and sturdy steel hardtails, they could out fox any dual-suspension rider on the wet singletracks, twisted roots and ladders in the Northwestern rainforests. Of course, they were proven wrong, but who cares? Kona’s Steely is a tribute to the mud men of the fabled North Shore who built the ladders, put names to the fabled drops and boulders of North Vancouver and in doing so, launched a new chapter in the history of the mountain bike. Many core riders shred exclusively on chromoly hardtails – consider the $1399 Steely as Kona’s informal invitation to join them.

Steely Highlights:
Components: Single-ring FSA Step-up crankset (34T), e*thirteen LS1 chain guide, Shimano 12 x 36 nine-speed cassette, Shimano Deore rear derailleur and Alivio shifter, RockShox Tora U-Turn 85/130mm fork, Avid Elixir brakes (180mm F, 160mm R), and Kona retro cockpit components.
Frame: butted chromoly tubes with saddle gussets in the head tube area, standard, 1.125-inch steerer tube system, 73-millimeter threaded bottom bracket with ISCG-05 chain guide tabs, Sizes – 14, 16, 18, 20 inches (22, 23, 24, 25-inch top tubes), 72.5-degree seat angle, 67-degree head angle, 16.5 inch chainstays, with a 12.1-inch bottom bracket height. Color option is raw steel.



Honzo

Purpose: Gravity-Specific 29er
Suspension: RockShox Revelation RL Dual-Air 120
Weight: 35.5 pounds
Price: $1899 cd

Honzo
  Kona's gravity boosted 29er has a slack-for-big-wheels 68-degree head angle and a 120-millimeter-stroke fork. Perfect tool for a 29er-curious Northwest hard-man.

Honzo Geo


The 29er movement was as fringy as the pioneer freeriders and both cults carved their niche in the MTB world aboard steel hardtails. Kona’s Honzo welds two out-of-bounds spirits together into a 29er that kills it down technical trails. Big wheels handle the roots and rocks as if the Honzo had rear suspension – and act as a travel-multiplier for its 120-millimeter Revelation fork. Powered by a simple one-by-nine transmission and protected by an e*thirteen chain guide, the Honzo is the all-mountain minimalist.

Honzo Highlights:
Components: Single-ring FSA Step-up crankset (32T), e*thirteen LS1 chain guide, Shimano 12 x 36 nine-speed cassette, Shimano Deore rear derailleur and Alivio shifter, RockShox Revelation RL Dual-Air 120 fork, Avid Elixir brakes (180mm F, 160mm R), and Kona cockpit components.
Frame: butted chromoly tubes with saddle gussets in the head tube area, single-speed convertible dropouts, standard 1.125-inch steerer tube system, 73-millimeter threaded bottom bracket with ISCG-05 chain guide tabs, Sizes – 16, 18, 20, 20-L inches (23, 24, 25, 26-inch top tubes), 74.5-degree seat angle, 68-degree head angle, 16.3 inch chainstays, with a 12.2-inch bottom bracket height. Color option is matte blue.



Hope you’ve enjoyed the show. For detailed specs and a chance to view Kona’s full 2012 lineup, check out the Konaworld website and shout out if you have any thoughts on their new gravity bikes.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Kona


Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Final Results from the Châtel EDR World Cup 2023
79432 views
Ibis Enduro Team Pulls Out of World Cup Racing
54518 views
Review: How Canyon's KIS Could Change Mountain Biking, and Why It Probably Won't
54493 views
Spotted: New Enduro Bike from Lapierre
44869 views
28 Handlebar & Stem Setups of Enduro World Cup Riders
43714 views
Kona Announces New Aluminum Process X
41952 views
Bike Check: Gee Atherton's AM.170
41295 views
Devinci Global Racing Steps Away from Enduro World Cups
39460 views

253 Comments
  • 186 4
 I'm really digging the simple raw color scheme they have going on the entourage and one of the operators... I'm actually impressed with kona for once...

Where's the 2012 bass?
  • 33 204
flag alexisinflames (Aug 2, 2011 at 0:39) (Below Threshold)
 They look quite similar to the norco frames... :/ but the are probs way better Big Grin
  • 55 3
 damn kona way to step up your game! that entourage really put you more up in the running of sick fr bikes
  • 52 2
 i also like the looks of Entourage. plain simple and damn playful - thats what it seems to me.

The Coilair on the other hand is one ugly bike, sorry Kona Big Grin
  • 12 2
 They all look awesome and a real step forward for kona. but i am rather sceptical about this coilair?
  • 5 3
 Damn! I already love my blue operator... that black one is calling me! hehehe
  • 7 0
 @Da-moose - The Bass will not be released until a later date toward the end of the year (I was told via FaceBook)
  • 20 29
flag yeahbro (Aug 2, 2011 at 6:38) (Below Threshold)
 I bet they all have brakejack
  • 8 2
 really proud of kona this year
  • 20 0
 how does the coilair have 200 mm of travel/?????
  • 5 1
 Wow, Looks like kona really stepped it up with the frame and decided to put some decent components on to... I might even ride one of these frames...
  • 8 1
 @VTwintips: the coilair has the magic link, which has 120mm travel when pedaling and opens up to 200mm (automatically) when descending. Pretty cool idea, and apparently it works pretty well too (although I haven't ridden one myself).
  • 1 0
 wow these bikes looks sick so lets hope they perform as well as they look!
  • 6 0
 The 2012 Bass is being completely re-designed as is currently still in development. We're working on a mid-season launch.
  • 2 0
 omg really!? wow, maybe they'll even move away from their classic linkage...? i doubt it though lol!
  • 3 0
 Why would they do that? It's proven to work. And many other manufacturers are moving to rocker links too.
  • 7 11
flag dkidd (Aug 2, 2011 at 13:41) (Below Threshold)
 It's actually proven not to work, which is why Kona keeps coming out with bullshit add-ons (like the dope system or that weird double shock debacle) to try and fix the problems inherent in the linkage.
Singlepivot is free, and that's the only reason Kona uses it. They don't have to pay the patent fees for a good linkage.
  • 3 1
 thats a bit harsh, true, they try and develop their own solutions to various problems, but the problems aren't even bad in the first place. kona are perfect for the sort of person who just wants a bike to rag about the trails.

and @smike i wasnt saying its bad, just i cant imagine a big change happening apart from linkage. changes to tubing not being a big change that is
  • 2 0
 Some of the best stuff I've seen from Kona!
  • 2 0
 entourage without chainguide?!
  • 2 1
 @dkidd: the rocker link doesn't cause brake jack. Single pivot does. And I think enough companies out there have proven that the single pivot is still a very viable suspension platform. Yeti, Santa Cruz, Morewood, Foes, Evil, Transition, Commencal, Orange... you don't hear the same complaints about these companies.
  • 2 0
 @smike i think dkidd was refering to the frames in general, but you make a good point sir
  • 2 2
 smike, good point, but...
1. Kona's are still singlepivot. Faux bar is linkage activated singlepivot. Hence the dope system, built to eliminate brake jack...
2. Rockerlink is another add-on to solve the same problem.
3. Those companies prove that singlepivot is simple and cheap, not that it is particularly good. Hence why the above companies (the successful ones) have other linkages for their higher quality bikes. (The non-weight-weenie ones).
  • 2 0
 $1,400 cad for a hardtail with a Tora?
Count me out.
  • 1 0
 yeh well i think the value of that one is that it's a dialled bike as sOon as you buy it, no clicky clacky tripple ring setup, no shitttttyyy aluminium frame, alright brakes, (are they slx...?) ok forks (you'd cope) ...the only thing id probs replace would be the stem. £873??? thats not over priced at all lol! it'll be closer to a £1000 over here though Blank Stare
  • 1 0
 Avid Elixir brakes actually
  • 25 3
 WOW THE NEW KONAS LOOK GREAT!
  • 7 0
 It's is like they used the same graphic designer as poc - minimalist, simple fonts, stylish... nice. I think they should have done the Operators like that too.
  • 5 5
 looks great but ..http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/6756042/
  • 4 2
 i would not want to be riding that kona when it snapped
  • 5 0
 yeah but it would be ok if you were riding any other bike when it snapped
  • 1 0
 I did... it wasn't fun
  • 18 0
 I can't believe I'm getting baited into this discussion. For those accusing Kona of not using an updated design by saying it's a single pivot you are right. The back wheel is attached to the main swingarm and rotates around the main pivot point, but so does the session, and both are within mm of the pivot point on the front triangle. Ok so their design is old at the back end because it doesn't use the dw split pivot or the Horst link found on Norcos and Specialized, but who cares? I actually pulled the DOPE off my old stab (which got rid of brake SQUAT, not JACK) because I liked the way it popped out of corners without it. It's not a bad characteristic of the bike, you all think it is because marketing has told you so. It's all about adjusting your riding style and getting used to different designs. What truly matters IMO is the angles of the bike, good brakes and tires and properly setup suspension. I am personally glad that companies like Kona and Norco are keeping their bikes simple, the market is getting flooded with gimmicks and shiny graphics.
  • 1 0
 Tmackstab, l like your line...It's all about adjusting your riding style and getting used to different designs...i never looked at it that way, thank you... It will be harder for the LBCs and co. to rub snake oil on me from now on.

Now with the same brakes, tires and suspension...what to buy... ? Norco Truax / Kona Entourage / Orange Patriot ...all new 2012, all awesome!!
  • 10 1
 i got a 2011 operator and its a sound bike well specced for the money and a great ride(it was rated higher in dirt mag than the supreme) handles more than i can hit it with,the entourage looks like bags of fun and as for the its gonna snap bollox ride like a normal human being not an orangutan and its wont break, simples,
well in kona
  • 5 0
 new operator look like sweet! I want one!
  • 1 0
 yeh i love my 2011 operator FR, best bang for the buck and it gets me through everything. i work at a bike shop, so i'm going to take advantage of that and trade up to the 2012 operator Big Grin cant wait
  • 5 0
 kona has one of the best dh specs in my opinion. saint groupo with boxxer wc. then easton havoc cockpit, mavic rims and kona wah wah pedals. the only thing i dont like is the vanilla rc rear shock. Why isnt there an rc4 on it?
  • 3 0
 I'm sure there will be. Probably a typo.
  • 6 0
 Clearly a typo...you can tell in the picture it's an RC4
  • 1 0
 yea its gotta be
  • 5 0
 I ride a CoilAir as my do everything bike and I am blown away that it isn't more popular. I race XC on it, I race Super-D on it, and I take it to bike parks. I have yet to find the limit of this bike. Its super fast, very plush, and quiet as heck when bombing down the hill. If you haven't ridden one and you need a do it all bike, seriously go test one out. The only downside is the weight, which with some money can be addressed.
  • 2 1
 Having rode both the coilair and the cannondale claymore, the claymore is a far better bike in terms of geometry, suspension plushness, and weight, and it isn't that costly for the lower models. You should try one out.
  • 5 2
 They look nice but when is Kona going to realize people don't want to pedal around a lead weight. It seems like every other company out there has them beat on weight by quite a bit. A 35lb 29er hardtail? That weighs almost as much as their 7in travel bike.
  • 4 1
 a hardtail should never be more than 30 pounds. period.
  • 1 0
 Totally agree, weights more than my Pitch.. Disapointed Kona. Even the 26'er is 35 pounds..
  • 1 0
 yeah but they are steel... so its gonna be heavy And fast forward to 2013 and they have an aluminum version called the taro... its a sweet dialed bike especially for 1299
  • 1 0
 There are plenty of light steel 29 inch hard tails that don't weigh so much.
  • 1 0
 yeah but compare the build and geometry,
  • 6 3
 I'm just going to throw this out here. Straight down tubes, are stronger then curved ones. A triangle is the strongest shape in engineering and having curved tubes compromises that strength and i've seen a few newer Kona's on here that have snapped on the bottom tube or at the headset area right where the curve is. I actually like Kona, but think about it.
  • 3 0
 You might want to research that. Curved tubes are actually stronger structurally than square tubes. Motorcycle frames and race car frames still mainly use round tubing due to its inherent strength. Round tubing is also much better for rock deflection, and much more dent resistant that square tubing. There's a reason many square downtube dh bikes feature plastic deflectors.
  • 5 0
 I agree, but I think you misunderstood what he was saying. He wasn't talking about tubing profile, he was talking about the actual shape of the formed downtube and front triangle as a whole. Look at the Shonkey, it features a straight top and downtube which creates a perfect triangle shape. Then look at the Operator. The "front triangle" is not so much a triangle.

I'm not claiming one design is going to be stronger, I'm not an engineer... just clarifying what he meant.

Edit: Obviously Norco used some very curvy tubes with good success I believe, so I'm sure with todays technologies that it isn't such a big deal.
  • 2 0
 That is what i meant, that it's not a triangle. Perhaps under the pressure it will take, it may be fine. But i think we'll see a few Kona's broken on the 'curve' of the frame. I know they're tested until the break before they put out a frame, but it's true that a triangle is the strongest shape in forms of stress and strength, but i am by no means saying Kona's are weak. I just think having the bent tube as it is, is not always such a good thing. But... It's still a nice bike. Haha.
  • 4 1
 The Operator is an incredible bike. The suspension has a very refined feel and geometry is spot on. I have gone from a 2009 Specialized Demo 8 to a 2010 Intense 951 and will be buying a 2012 Operator when they come out.

Kona's new product manager has really got his stuff together. Just take a look at the component spec that comes on the Entourage. I wouldn't change a single thing on the bike.

And the Honzo is just awesome. Slack geo, 1x9 drivetrain with a chainguide. Perfect. I personally have got my eye on the Satori for next year to replace my 2010 Specialized Enduro as my "All-Mountain" do-it-all bike.

Looks to be alot of substance behind these bikes and not just marketing mumbo jumbo. They are all well thought out and appear to be extremely well executed. Looks like this long time Specialized rider may become a Kona convert.
  • 2 0
 They hit the nail on the head with new names. Consider it would still be called Stab (instead of Operator) and Stinky (Entourage) - I hear all the crap about the old ones being told about the new ones, no matter they are completely different. We're like puppets : -) I like these machines, though (despite the design of coilair).
  • 3 0
 Thats a great line up but why o why do these and other full sus bike have to be so expensive. I'm mean 5000 cad +. Its mad. I could go buy a new car for that much. They must be racking it in.
  • 2 0
 Kona looking goods simile no BS marketing crap, nice paint jobs or raw polished looks dig well done Kona back to the roots of MTB, dig that 29er as well um SS that b***h and be rockin.

As for you DOPE heads out there crapping on it as usual you know shit, DOPE did work and worked dam well, as usual munters who can;t setup there bikes or maybe even ride there bikes, I owned a WC stab and it was a awesome ride, maybe not bling show pony that the Pinkbike maggpies ride but it would kick your arses no worries.

Oh and good enough for Fabian to win too world champs on 2, man the rubbish that comes from try hards these days is incredible. Ride more crap less!

Well done Kona, I may even pony up for that 9er but where the hell is the 35lbs in that thing, is it made of lead not steel surly not that heavy? yeah.
  • 3 0
 LOVE the new Entourage Big Grin i was horrified when they cut the classic Stinky out of their line up, but i certainly think they've created a worthy replacement. well done Kona Big Grin
  • 3 2
 same old.... nothing particularly amazing there
the honzo and the steely look nice though
EDIT: actually at 34lbs for the steely and 35.5lbs for the honzo, i can definitely say f*ck THAT!!! It's very easy to build up a hardcore steel hardtail at under 30lbs.
  • 2 0
 I thought the same thing.
34.5lb for an AM bike is 4.5lb to much to hit the market place.
My Nomad is 27lb as a big travel XC bike, or 30lb, ready to hit some big mountain riding (15ft drops, 30ft gaps yada yada yada).
  • 1 0
 exactly, how is it that their entourage long travel full bouncer is only 2lbs heavier than their 29er build? it's not as if the build on it is that substantial either, means the frame/wheels must weigh an absolute ton, but even a 29er shouldn't be that heavy
  • 1 0
 The weight is a mistake taken from a pre-production bike
  • 1 0
 i hope so! 35.5lbs is ridiculous!
  • 1 0
 KONA's main market for many years has been the rental fleet market. If they kept the bearings in the pivots the same size, a park can user the same spares they already have. People who use rental bikes don't care about faux bar/ four bar. They just want to ride. Weights are fine at the price points the bikes are offered at. The faux bar setup is easier to make laterally stiff than a four bar. Fleets need to be simple, easy to maintain, and take a beating.

The broken frames are concerning, but were they early production models with problematic hydroforming or heat treating, and if so has the problem been corrected?
  • 5 0
 That problem has been addressed, and was a factory issue, not a design issue. All of the 2012 Operators and Entourages feature a shotpeen finish to increase the overall frame strength.
  • 4 0
 "Leave your big bike at home and experience freeriding the way it began: with flat pedals, pads and honor." Love that quote!
  • 1 0
 Do many of you enjoy the new bending frame design's? I mean Jamis has been producing them for quite a while, Norco too, Kona a little but somehow if I were to sit and ride down a hill at 70km/h the frame design would definitely make me loose some confidence or is it just me??
  • 1 0
 Graphics are not consistent through each bike, everyone who has any sense in advertising knows that they should be the same throughout. Used to be a huge fan of Konas as I had a stinky that took a beating, then got a stinky deluxe that couldnt fit more than a 2.25 one the rear and the seat clamp hits the top of the rear end. Piss poor engineering.
  • 1 0
 How's that? A good friend of mine has a Kenda Nevegal 2.5 wide on it and it fits easily, and he does not have a problem with the seat clamp either....
  • 1 0
 ive waited so long for the entourage. thinking it will cost around 1800, 1900 tops. but £2300!! f*ck that! and thats the cheap one. and also, they go and put some shitty kona logo writing on it. absolutly gutted. im going to go buy a kona operator DH 2011 for 2000. waaaay better deal!
  • 1 0
 Sorry if my comments will upset all the fanboys but to me these bikes look so 2001..maybe I am not so up to date with the newz but what and who won lately any competitions riding Kona bikes? Honestly looking again at the pics..between my '04 G-Spot and these..I'd go anytime for the Cove!!
  • 5 1
 Thats gotta be a typo... there's no way the Shonky weighs 20.4lbs...
  • 1 2
 i agree. chromoly frame + cranks, and an argyle? no way..
  • 3 1
 i'd say someone hit the 0 button insted of the 9 button maybe 29.4lbs?
  • 2 1
 Nah, they hit the 2 instead of the 3 I think.
  • 1 1
 verifying with Kona now, will have it updated in the morning
  • 1 2
 Also, why does the supreme operator have a van rc? it should have a dhx rc4.
  • 1 0
 it doesnt say and specs on the supreme operator
those specs u read were for the operator dh as it says in the article under the supreme operator photo "Operator DH Highlights"
  • 1 0
 Shonky is 28.5lbs. fixed now in article. good catch
  • 4 1
 I hope that the reason to why the Bass isn't on here is because it is too sexy!
  • 1 0
 The colours are a definite feature that have changed my opinion of Kona. The simple colours are what's in at the minute and I think that the complex colour schemes of the previous line-ups were holding Kona back.
  • 4 2
 That AM 29er has to handle awful. Slack head angle with the niner wheels. Slow steering.
  • 1 0
 so true. Those that have spent any time on a 29er on real terrain (anywhere on Fromme in N Van for instance) will know it's crazy how much steeper 29ers can be than a 26er to ride same terrain but also that front wheel is floppy as hell IMO when you start getting under 69 degrees.
  • 1 0
 Entourage looks awesome. I bet it'll feel similar to my Transition TR250 with that geo and will be an amazing bike to ride. Kona have really stepped it up this year!!
  • 3 0
 That Entourage looks as if it'd be a damn playful bike to ride!
  • 1 0
 kona seem to have pulled their finger out and done loads of r&d and its good to see. nice bikes and i bet they will be fun to ride. good work kona.
  • 4 9
flag yeahbro (Aug 2, 2011 at 6:44) (Below Threshold)
 Until your frame snaps in 2 half way down the trail and you have to carry that heavy thing down
  • 2 0
 ive had plenty and never had an issue. ive also never heard of any snapping from people i know who have owned them.
  • 2 2
 That top new Operator is really class, replace the MTX's with a set of Deemax and i reckon it would probably be the nicest DH rig ive seen in a while, and with the cost being so low too....me thinks that Kona are back!
  • 2 0
 The Entourage Deluxe is Incredibly nice! Aswell as the other raw coloured bikes, i do also like the shonky!
  • 3 0
 Steely i need the steely.
  • 1 0
 Me too, the bike looks ready for some quality singletrack action.
  • 1 0
 Look like sweet FR and DH rides. I am not a hard tail rider. The coilair and entourage are pretty heavy. I understand they are tough, but I will stick with lighter rides.
  • 3 1
 something weird just happend, next year i may not be so embarest to ride a kona?
  • 4 0
 if you were embarrassed this year, you're not worthy to ride one next year
  • 2 1
 I think its a turning point for Kona, for once in a long period of criticism, they made some pretty sweet looking bikes. I imagine they handle well too
  • 1 2
 There is just something that is putting me off these Kona's in terms of looks. The only one that jumps out at me is the steely. The rest of them seem the same and by modern standards pretty heavy for what they are. My Reign would take anything the Entourage will do but weighs 3.5lbs less with loads of scope for more savings.
  • 1 1
 bon!!!!!!!...un autre compagnie qui a décidé de faire comme toutes les autres sans trop se forcer pour innover......trek....norco.....kona......toute la meme affaire!!!!!...lol.....une vrai blague!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Oui il se ressemble tous mais ils sont différents quand même !! Pour un gars qui roule des antiquités je me demande en quoi le manque d'innovation te dérange!!lol
  • 1 0
 Wow! i,m so supprized! kona has changed their designs so much i could barely reconize them. Well thats what i would have said 15 years ago.
  • 1 0
 If I could get the Honzo as a frame + fork, I would be down. A 35.5 lb 29er xc/am bike though? No thanks. That weighs more than my aluminum Nomad did.
  • 1 0
 The Honzo weight is a typo.
  • 1 2
 omg....................................................................................i wish i had the money OMFG DROOLING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU KONA! AMAZING , THEY LOOK WEIGHTLESS i hope they dont break! no cracking frames right guys?! Hmmm! Smile
  • 1 0
 Anyone know why they don't put the hammershmidt on the Coilair anymore? I have one on my 2010 coilair, and i wouldn't leave home without it.
  • 1 0
 the designs konas put out for 2011 where very impressive but this is definately gonna boost that rep sky high. these 2012s look great! just what kona needed!!!
  • 1 0
 Finally some good kona bikes.. I hope they dont snap, which made people badmouth kona in the past years.. Operator dh is awesome! A huge step foreward from the stab.
  • 1 0
 After reading this entire thread, all I can do is laugh. People are retarded. Buy a bike, love it, ride it. Who cares who makes it?
  • 7 5
 That new operator looked sweet! Kona delivering with steez again!
  • 6 5
 i would stick with intense if i were u
  • 6 14
flag Greenwood102 (Aug 2, 2011 at 0:21) (Below Threshold)
 I remember thinking they all last years ones looked pretty nice, but they still feel shit
  • 7 6
 They feel amazing, just so playful!
  • 12 3
 yeah they feel soo good with the back tire bouncing up and down on all those roots when ever you hit the brakes, damn brakejack!
  • 8 19
flag ridesanoldskool (Aug 2, 2011 at 9:35) (Below Threshold)
 no matter how much money you spend or how nice the components are on this bike its still a kona
  • 20 3
 Just so everyone knows, we're not a massive company like the big guys. We're a small, independently owned company that's staying true to our roots and building and designing bikes that work well for a long period of time. We put a lot of passion and effort into what we do.
  • 8 4
 haters gonna hate. screw them, true kona fans know whats good. keep up the good work kona!!!!
  • 4 4
 Really? Because i got her going down Afternoon Delight, Devils Club, Crack Addict and Ninja Cougar and she stayed put. maybe you need to get off the brakes a little more....
  • 2 2
 That's right hoolydooly, ask Aggy if he's got a brake jack problem. www.pinkbike.com/news/Three-days-with-Aggy-video-2011.html
  • 1 0
 And how do you figure that from that video? he is shredding like he always does..... Mate, the Cove Shocker had brake jack, no the Kona. i had no problem what so ever with the Kona.
  • 1 0
 holy crap they look so awesome, i am so getting the black Entourage and specking it out for sure !!!1
  • 2 0
 20.4lbs Shonky?!? Soo light Eek
  • 4 0
 It's impossible for kona to make a bike that light
  • 2 1
 The only bike there worth considering buying is the supreme operator but you gOt no chance at that price
  • 1 0
 No way is that shonky 20.4 pounds stock. It must have been a typo or something
  • 1 2
 Fox Van RC on the Supreme operator???????? Whaaatttttt??????? If that isnt a typo, then Kona have lost their way!! (And i love konas!) If thats true, then that has been firmly crossed off my 2012 wishlist!
  • 1 0
 Thats a typo...
  • 2 0
 It is a typo, the Supreme Operator comes with a Fox DHX RC4 rear shock.
  • 2 0
 Will a frameset only be an option for the entourage?
  • 1 0
 Yes it will
  • 3 1
 seems like kona really stepped it up this year with looks and technology
  • 2 0
 looks like good old Kona is back
  • 1 0
 The chainstay length for the operator as posted is wrong kona guys at crankworx said it was 16.3
  • 2 0
 It's 16.8, the Entourage's chainstay length is 16.3
  • 3 5
 So a simple paint scheme, a relatively similar geometry than last year, even fewer variety, and continuously higher prices. Yeah, they stepped up their game alright. I can't wait to sell mine and pretend I never got conned into them.
  • 1 0
 Props to kona, this new stuff is looking really nice! Someone buy me an Entourage please Razz
  • 2 0
 Steely and Honzo are lovely.
  • 1 0
 Note that the Honzo weight is a typo. The actual weight is 32 pounds.
  • 1 0
 Nice to hear that... Although my Coiler weights between 38.8 and 41 lb (depend on tires) so I'm not a weight weenie. Wink
  • 1 0
 wheres the stinky, kona has been making those for so many years and they decide to stop now :\
  • 2 0
 The green shonky is the best seen hardtail yet!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Looks great, but I guess I am just a cheapo... Hopefully one day I will justify dropping 5k+ on a dope Operator.
  • 1 0
 Kona World...can you please fix the weights so we know what there bad boys are going to weigh????
  • 1 0
 The Honzo is 32 pounds.
  • 1 0
 Does anyone know who makes those bike stands they are using in the photos? Where can you get them?
  • 2 3
 is Kona EVER going to design something new. these are the same frames and same Bs brake jack linkages that have been crap since the beginning, kona does nothing new. way to step it up with new paint.. lol
  • 2 0
 I LOVE HATERS....ESPECIALLY ONES WITH NO UNDERSTANDING OF SUSPENSION....

Below is a link on path analysis / suspension lockout or (BISL - BRAKE INDUCED SUSPENSION LOCK) For the most part it is all marketing hype!

Click on the link below and re-think buddy

www.rdrop.com/~/twest/mtb/pathAnalysis
  • 1 0
 1) “Brake Induced Shock Lockout” (BISL).

www.rdrop.com/~/twest/mtb/pathAnalysis/#Chapter5
  • 1 2
 ride what you like.. this is the same bike as always but with new shocks . you contradict yourself by saying i have no understanding... I know what i can see... same bike, will have the same issues, easy .
  • 1 1
 actually, i take it back, it doesnt even come with a great shock.. not even a rc4...
  • 1 0
 eh, i like the looks of the entourage and the operator, not really that keen on the coilair
  • 1 0
 i gotta say, one of their best improvements are the graphics. they looks so much more classy
  • 1 0
 That Kona Operator DH just might get me back into racing DH. A decent rig that cheap doesn't come around too often.
  • 1 1
 It's still a kona, dated. There is a reason you don't see anyone over the age of 19 riding these things. Can you say brake jack?
  • 1 1
 Don't get caught up in the marketing BS... check link below!


www.rdrop.com/~/twest/mtb/pathAnalysis/#Chapter5
  • 1 0
 I really, really, like that raw entourage a lot!
  • 1 0
 Can we actually get the shonky in Australia?
  • 1 0
 no idea but im more interested in the Bass
  • 1 0
 I really want an entourage
  • 1 0
 I'm not sure the full warranty info but this fell under rider fault
  • 1 0
 Well, these are a bit of a step up from the Stinky...
  • 2 1
 props to kona for stepping up their game
  • 2 1
 KONA has stepped up with the Supreme Operator !!! so fu.cking nice !
  • 2 1
 Same Old Same Old. sry...Nice colours schemes.
  • 1 0
 refine refine refine, if it aint broke don't fix it! thats why Formula 1 the highest level of motor car racing in the world still use wishbone suspension....! enough said.
  • 1 0
 i think finelly kona did a great job
  • 3 2
 Once a kona always a kona though :/
  • 2 1
 O man What happened to your Bike???.... O wait, Its a Kona.
  • 2 0
 Ask Aggy what he thinks of his Kona. www.pinkbike.com/news/Three-days-with-Aggy-video-2011.html
One of the best mountain bikers in the world right now. Hands down. Think his Kona is holding him back?
  • 1 0
 Shit son, Nice colors for the operators Smile
  • 2 1
 they are all heavy tanks.
  • 2 0
 My Supreme Operator is 16.3 KG, or 35.86...!
  • 1 0
 im loving the entourage!!!
  • 1 1
 They actually look pretty sweet. Still wouldn't touch a Kona but respect to their design team
  • 1 0
 I want to see the New BASS!!!
  • 1 0
 all of those bikes r ssssoooooooooo nice it unbelievable
  • 1 0
 that entourage has me interested, but the rest... not so much...
  • 1 0
 I have had my 2012 operator dh for a week now, its a sick ride
  • 1 0
 i am now a x-kona hater these are nice!
  • 1 0
 Haters!! it's not the bike that makes them suck it's the one riding it.
  • 1 0
 I called these ugly and pinkbike deleted my comment. haha
  • 1 0
 im looking forward to the shonky,sick bike for sure.
  • 1 0
 Still above axel pivot...... come on
  • 1 0
 Operators look like a session with bottom shock mount thats fixed
  • 1 0
 kona downside looks a bit cheap....
  • 1 0
 Way to step it up!! Can't wait to see these up at the comps!
  • 1 0
 Looks like Kona has some really awesome bikes coming out!
  • 1 0
 nice kona's they look so nice to ride Big Grin
  • 9 9
 What's the big "step up" on kona... It's all the same for 10 years now.
  • 15 2
 By your definition of 'all the same', so are Intense, Santa Cruz, Orange, and 90% of the other bike Manufacturers.

Your point being?
  • 5 1
 That's because Santa Cruz, and Intense have had it right for a while, and if you take a look around you'll see that 90% of manufacturers actually have changed their stuff. Look at Norco, Rocky Moutain, Scott, Trek, Specialized...list goes on. They have a linkage that actually works nd not just a faux-bar linkage that essentially is the exact same as the Stinky and Stab from decades ago. Yes, they are speced nicely and have cool designs, but I want a linkage that works on my fullys and hardtails that aren't 35 lbs...just sayin'
  • 3 0
 Funny that you mention Scott in there as they have the EXACT same rear linkage design. So I'll just assume you have Kona in with the 90% of manufacturers that have had it right for a while. Oh, and Trek has a "faux" bar linkage as well. ABP and Split Pivot don't change the fact that they are a linkage driven single pivot design. Same as Kona.

I'm sure you didn't intend that, but you sure didn't think about it before you wrote it! LOL Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Rob...

What bike brands have recently completely changed their platform across their entire range all at once? I'm not talking about from like the Super8 to the V10, I'm talking from Linkage Driven Single Pivot to a VPP suspension linkage, a complete jump.

None.

Because doing so would basically be saying 'yes, our older platform bikes are poos' and it would crash their sales of the older models that they still have to sell.

I don't see any big companies changing their Platform any time soon, especially Kona with all the time they've spent on just Faux-bar linkages.

Speccy have always used FSR. Intense has always (with exception of the m1) used VPP, as has Santa Cruz basically. And Norco has used just FSR aswell. Giant for the last 6 has used Maestro. And Kona has always used Faux-bar.
  • 1 2
 Well, those brands actually have been innovating, while not always on the suspension front, they are still innovating:

Scott - Lightest hardtail and 29'er production frame ever produced (899 and 949), and the Voltage FR is pretty much the most versatile beast on the hill.
Norco - They have been using FSR, but they also now have the new A.R.T. system which changes the wheel arc for more benefits. Notice the entirely new lineup the last couple years
Rocky Mountain - Introducing a new Smooth-Link design similar to FSR, but new for them and changing their frames up these last couple years as well.
FSR and VPP - It works, that's why they don't need to change anything really; instead, they've been working on saving weight (see Carbon V10 and prototype carbon Demo).

Rob said he wants a linkage that works, and most of the brands he listed do (minus Scott, but they have lockout options and a pivoting rear shock which is pretty sick for cornering). Faux bar just doesn't, and Kona knows that. That's why they had to invent the DOPE system. You know there's problems when you have to stock your bikes with a floating brake.
  • 2 0
 Kona hasn't used a floating brake since 2009. No one has, because its not needed.

Commencal, Scott, Orange, and Kona all use Single Pivot suspension. And you're telling me that they don't work? They work perfectly fine. And innovating? Lolwut? We're talking about suspension platforms, not other frames. Faux bar works fine, FSR, VPP and Maestro also work fine. They have different characteristics, different ride feels. Single Pivots are fast, they skip over the top of things, they don't get bogged down in travel and have generally quite neutrally tuned shock rates to make shock tuning simple. VPP and Maestro use suspension that is 100% active, it soaks up everything, personally I don't like it, you don't get any feedback from the trail and it feels weird to me, but it means shocks have nearly no platform tuning at all because its not needed. But for me VPP/Maestro/DW gets bogged down in the travel and doesn't feel lively at all.

People have personal preferences.
  • 2 0
 I love how peeps get caught up on the Marketing hype from various bike companies, it's business and they want your hard earned $$... who has the best brain washing techniques?
  • 1 0
 feelin a lil shonky
  • 1 1
 Kona sure is stepping up now!!! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 new shonky looks sick
  • 1 1
 Where's the Bass, Stinky, Shred, Stab and Stuff???
  • 2 0
 the operator DH replaced the stab in 2011, and now the operator for 2012. no more stab
  • 2 0
 The all-new Bass is still in development. We still offer the Shred and Stuff, they're just not featured here. The Operator replaces the Stab with a more modern suspension feel and geometry. The Stinky is replaced by both the Entourage (more gravity oriented) and the CoilAir, for those who want a comfortably positioned climbing bike that can still shred gnarly downs.
  • 1 3
 so basically they re-named the stab and painted it different.
  • 1 0
 @dmadness, your comment is very incorrect.

"The Operator replaces the Stab with a more modern suspension feel and geometry"

there you go
  • 1 0
 Allright cheers, any idea when the photo's and spec of the rest of the bikes will be realised?
  • 1 1
 lol, my bad i gues i didnt realize it had the " new and improved " starburst label on it that i also find on dfay old steaks at the supermarket.
  • 1 0
 3 the dh bike
  • 1 0
 kona operator rocks
  • 1 0
 a 29er freeride bike...?
  • 1 0
 defenitly stepped up
  • 1 0
 coilair looks niceeeeee
  • 1 0
 stinky and bass?
  • 1 1
 Hopefully I'll be getting the Entourage next year.
  • 1 0
 K O N AAAAAAA
  • 1 0
 -1
  • 1 0
 I need that Entourage !
  • 1 0
 I need that Entourage !
  • 1 0
 I need that Entourage !
  • 1 1
 holy crap thats nice
  • 1 1
 im just saying on the silver entourage around the seatpost the welds look shit! im not commenting on their strength just their appearance in the picture! dh goon thats a bit personal isnt it? im entitled to my opinion, whatever the bikes arent inspiring any of the models in my opinion.
  • 1 1
 ya they dont look good that weld is bad
Below threshold threads are hidden





Copyright © 2000 - 2023. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.091964
Mobile Version of Website