Kona first showed the world what they had in store for 2017 back in July, and their DH flagship, the Operator, has seen a number of changes to bring it inline with the current direction of bikes in this category. As noted previously, the 2017 Operator has moved to slightly larger 27.5" shoes—a move brought on by the needs of World Cup DH racers, Connor Fearon and Tegan Molloy, but there are a number of other subtleties that Kona says the team requested for the updated bike.
Kona says that the updated Operator was influenced by geometry changes in other areas of their lineup, notably the Process in this instance, and the reach measurements have grown to match. The XL size has a reach of 485mm, giving it one of the longest front centers of any DH bike on the market. They have also foregone a size small in the 27.5” wheeled Operator, noting that they feel it would be difficult to garner the same benefits from a bike of that size with this geometry. Kona also notes that the bike is overbuilt in order to survive the demands of World Cup racing, and claim that Connor used the same two frames all season long (a practice/faffing about bike, and a race bike).
Kona Operator 27.5 Details
• Intended use: Downhill
• Rear wheel travel: 200mm
• Wheel size: 27.5''
• 63º head angle w/ 200mm fork
• Oversize bearings
• Widely spaced pivots
• 12x157mm rear axle
• MSRP: $3,199 - $7,499 USD (complete) w/ three model options.
• www.konaworld.com, @konaworld
• Intended use: Downhill
• Rear wheel travel: 200mm
• Wheel size: 27.5''
• 63º head angle w/ 200mm fork
• Oversize bearings
• Widely spaced pivots
• 12x157mm rear axle
• MSRP: $3,199 - $7,499 USD (complete) w/ three model options.
• www.konaworld.com, @konaworld
When updating the Operator, Kona looked to Aussie downhill phenom, Connor Fearon, to see what he needed. Aside from the jump to the larger wheelsize, they said that Connor was looking for a little more progression from the bike's suspension in order to handle the hits and speeds a little better. On the previous 26” wheeled iteration of the bike the leverage curve became more linear towards the end of the stroke. For 2017 Kona says they have continued the progression from the mid-stroke through to the end of the bike's travel.
Kona also mentioned that the new Operator has been adjusted to limit the amount of chain growth, stating that the suspension can perform better with less influence from the drivetrain —the result can lead to improved traction and stability. The obvious negative is the potential for a more sluggish pedaler, but that’s hardly the primary focus of a DH bike. The rear pivot for the chainstay/seatstay had been moved, a change that Kona’s product manager, Ian Schmitt, said improved braking slightly, with the brake mounts now found beyond the pivot.
The chainstay/seatstay pivot has moved up the seatstay a little, allowing the brake to mount below it.
The Operator continues its use of large, oversized bearings, with Kona noting that this improves durability, and when combined with the wide spaced pivots makes for an especially stout rear end. In a move that's becoming increasingly common as companies look to increase small bump sensitivity, Kona have incorporated an axle that rolls on two large bearings that are found in the rocker link rather than using a DU bushing in the shock eyelet.
Other details include the use of a 12x157mm thru-axle to secure the rear wheel, which is unlocked from the drive side, releasing a keyed portion on the non-drive side. The 2017 model continues the use of integrated fork bumpers, utilizes a press fit 107 BB and has a tapered, internal headset.
Wide spaced bearings and cartridge bearings rather than a DU bushing for the shock.
A look at the axle setup for the rocker shock link.
The day I spent with the Operator took place on the trails at Retallack, near Nelson, BC. The morning shuttles consisted of a variety of raw trail with the odd catch-berm thrown in for good measure, a number of jumps and a little bit of pedaling. The trails were moist from a few days of light rain before our arrival, creating 'black gold' - the dirt at Retallack being different to almost anywhere I’ve ridden. Velcro traction would be an understatement, and unless on a section of rock, which at Retallack can be slippery when wet, breaking traction in the woods was not an issue. The afternoon consisted of a mountain top drop and steeper trails with some drier conditions making for more loose riding.
I rode the mid-range Operator DL which retails for $3,999 US. This model comes equipped with primarily SRAM/Rockshox components; a Boxxer RC Coil fork and Kage RC shock, a set of SRAM Guide R brakes and a GX derailleur taking up shifting duties. The cranks are of the Shimano Zee variety and it is fitted with a 10-speed, 11-28 tooth cassette. The cockpit was made up of an assortment of Kona brand bars and stem, and a WTB Volt saddle. The bike is also fitted with some quality Maxxis Minion DHF rubber in the 3C compound wrapped on classic Mavic EX729 rims.
Being a lightweight rider who also happens to be tall (I'm 6'3") can prove challenging at times, and setting up the Operator required a quick swap of the rear spring. The size large comes fitted stock with a 500lb spring, which Kona says is set to cover a rider of about 170lbs. Their medium sized Operator comes with a 450lb spring, which they say should cover riders in the 150lb region. Once we set it to the lighter spring I was able to get adequate sag in the rear. The Boxxer up front was left with the firm spring in place and had time been on our side, I likely would have opted to swap this out. As it turned out, the firm sprung fork was okay, as I do tend to run the front of my bikes firmer than most.
During the first runs on the bike the mostly pre-set damping (external adjustments consist of low-speed compression and rebound on the fork, and rebound on the shock) of the mid range suspension became evident. Through the chatter I tended to find the bike skipping about a little, which was a little unnerving at times given the occasional damp roots, and the bike felt a little over-damped. Berms, compressions and lips were no problem, and the bike liked to propel me forward out of each.
It wasn’t long before squaring up corners and dropping the back end into compressions became the name of the game as I looked for bonus fun on the trails. Breaking loose proved difficult, with a combination of the conditions and the bike's ability to track tending to keep it on rails. The suspension set as it was demanded higher speeds and harder hits—add to this the stout frame, especially through the rear, and you’ve got a bike that begins to show its downhill World Cup influence. The frame is not as forgiving as others, but the result is something that inspires confidence if you’re willing to grab the bull by the horns.
By the time the afternoon and the mountain-top drop rolled around the conditions had dried out some, allowing us to let it hang out more. The bike remained super composed in all situations; steep, loose scree pitches were no issue, and nor were overshooting landings or romping through high speed chatter. To be honest, the only concern was whether or not I would flat on the super sharp shale that is prominent in the area, something that could happen at any moment and to any tire in these conditions.
One day of riding in foreign terrain is by no means equal to a full review, but the time that was spent on the new Operator left me interested in seeing more of what this bike is up for. Initial impressions are that it is a very lively ride, thanks especially to the progressive suspension, but it is very stable when ridden with purpose, and really rewards a take-charge style of riding. The geometry was very comfortable, and my riding position on the bike fely quite neutral, making it easy to get on with from the outset. It seems this would not only be a great option for a racer, but also for the rider looking to have fun in the air and that likes to spend some time on the back wheel.
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206 Comments
I've never tried the Kage, but wouldn't want to if I can have a Vivid.
I had the same with a Process 153 I bought big price tag and a below average spec.
Dimetera413 - sorry, that's typical for bike industry.
Then maybe they should have bumped the price up by 250 and get a Float or Cane Creek? Vivid isn't exactly a Top shock either, just like any RS product. Would you hear such excuse from Kawasaki or Yamaha? Hell fricking no. Nobody takes anybody seriously here. You made a shtty frame or fork? Warranty will cover that. That's a solution to everything. How to rebound? Make a few new standards and call it innovation, then make people on the internet fight for every single word from the press release. Pour a couple of beers into a Fox Racing Shox employee and ask him if he'd rather work in MTB division or in moto, or automotive.
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MTB industry is so silly with carbon there, carbon over there, changing hub width making electronic gears hanging off the rear. What kind of twat, pedals his arse off, hangs for life on XC or Endro bike and thinks to himself... I hope my XTR shifted smoother... that never happens, NEVER! Eagle what?! If you crank 36t chainring at 90RPM on a 29er with Eagle, you go at 8km/h. Nino Shurter or Jenny Rissveds haven't ridden their bike so slow since they were 10. They just don't ride that slow EVER. Piece of utter bollocks only a twat of product manager could come up with. At 7,5k a mountain bike should be on the edge of going full retard with last things to put on being ENVE rims and some dumb component from Tune or other Fag-lightness company who makes stuff for anorexic thriathlete fans with carbohydrate allergy driven by pseudo scientific nutrition sht from internet.
And most of these poor people who pay for this sht have no fricking way to evaluate it, they are not even encouraged to evaluate differences between components. What is this bollocks in RS and Fox manual about how to setup suspension? Low speed compression knob changes low speed compression, pedal bob. More for less, less for more. What the F... Sex education by catholic church is more entertaining and informative. Why does a small company like Cane Creek has to make the only suspesnion setup manual that makes sense?!
I am so angry todaaaaaay!
Shame the bike rode well better than the Enduro it just required constant tinkering.
At the time I was in the market for a YT but they too too long to respond to my request. I had looked a Devinci Wilson but spec was very poor and the only other bike I was considering was the Solid Strike as my son rides one and loves it.
Kona or Spec, or Trek are started by people who were good at riding, by riders who rode hard and wanted bikes suiting their MTB-libido at the times were such constructions were thin on the ground. Canyon or Rose are started by people who like bikes and can't do much on them, they wanted to have a business selling bikes, so it is the money that's been driving the thing more than in case of "hated huge companies". In 2008 Canyon bikes were a laugh, frames were crap, they were worse than anything other than frames at Wallmart (ok Mongoose or Haro were sht too) They now roll on hard work of others (hated huge companies), and roll mainly on great geo.
No one hates huge companies so F**k Knows where that came from.
Yours truthfully bag of troll sht, that makes you feel better about yourself. Unducated... Thank you Professor Krauss, please pee on me, I'll be honored.
#STFUwacky!
I had the cage on my operator and it worked fine until I snapped the eyelet off during normal riding, I should say that rockshox has updated to part since then in 2014
The YT comp was out of Stock until Nov.
I'd have gone for Solid but the only bikes available were the wrong size and I'd have had to wait until the end of September but Solid was top of my list.
Still I'm over the moon I bought the Sender.
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its the internet man, you gotta chill.
Where do I get my membership form?
I Will probably buy one XL too
Nothing else
I'm not being sarcastic, I love Konas, but the bike is essentially the same. The last time they were selling DH bikes (properly) was 2002 when Fabian was winning on one
www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/download/file.php?id=291769 (source: Google)
It's basically the same. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that's bad, just that the design isn't why they've suddenly become a viable option now
Having people like Graham Agassiz and Antoine Bizet on their team helps too, a freerider and Dj rider
As someone who is a religious Kona rider... I just don't see the same "f*ck you I won't do what you tell me" style coming from them...
I hear big things to come from them in 2018 let's hope some that comes back! We don't need anymore f*cking overpriced bike brands...
However...
£7900 (over 10K dollars) for an aluminium bike with a kage rc. on top of this, for that much i could get a full SC build (carbon bike, fox 40s, x2, full xo1 or saint, nice wheels etc, and have 600 spare for future parts) that being the CC version as well. I mean, what??
Really nice bike, not sure on the price and spec though...
the same like in car industry they have super cool street legal cars and super cool track cars...
They could get much more money than just to try to sell this 27,5 crap all the time.....
if industry had race line 27,5 and dh bikes 26 all would be winners.
first year when every one was riding 27,5 the wc was won by guy how ride 26 sanat cruz
"The bike remained super composed in all situations"
These two statements seem to contradict each other
And lol at people downvoting the person giving the actual answer to the question.
The problem is that they got quite the fame for snapping, and then the problem with carbon operators brought the issue back to life.
Why are the RC's so bad?
...it seems that Kona has changed from designer but also from CEO...and this CEO doesn't knows zero from others market offers...
....Kona DH is going bye bye in 3 years...
"climbs like a goat"
I want to know how it feels - stiffness/ flex ratio (front and rear), how it accelerates, dealing with bumps large and small, integration with suspension (kinda covered), key geom characteristic impacts ie bb height, length, ca, stack, can you go fast?
Maybe I should put my money where my mouth is and write one myself but right now I'm a bit short on time. I have to spend two days in Brisbane taking one of our biggest customers through our entire customer service centre process. And I cant do it after work because we have a big dinner which will go late and that will then make me wake late the next day so I cant do it then either bah.
ep3.pinkbike.org/p3pb13360340/p3pb13360340.jpg