Kona Carbon Operator

Feb 22, 2013 at 15:05
by Mike Levy  

Kona
Carbon
Operator



While many other companies have produced multiple downhill bike designs over the years, Kona's Operator has seen more of an evolutionary approach than revolutionary. Kona would likely admit that this ethos hasn't made their Operator platform the most popular downhill bike in recent times, but we have to applaud them for sticking to their guns and refining the design rather than starting from scratch every other year. 2014 will see the Operator take its next step forward, though, with Kona employing a carbon fiber front triangle that they are claiming sheds quite a bit of weight while also measuring up even stronger than the aluminum version in the test lab. If that line sounds familiar, it is because the "lighter but stronger" proclamation is one that we've all heard before, but Kona is promising that the new bike will include a surprising factor that will set it apart from its super-bike competition. What could it be? You'll have to wait until early April for the Pinkbike exclusive launch to find out.

Judging by the very finished look of Graham Agassiz's team bike pictured above (which Kona says weighs dead-on 34lb with a Vivid Air RC2 shock), Kona is well on their way to a final production version and we don't expect to see much in the way of any major changes compared to the model that will be released to the public. Besides the front triangle's move to carbon, there are some big differences between the bike pictured here and the 2013 aluminum version, with changes that alter the bike's suspension kinematics, and some important technical updates to the bike's pivots. Those developments were tested in secrecy on an aluminum version throughout the summer in the Whistler Bike Park, with work going ahead on the final carbon version in December.
2014 Carbon Operator

• Intended use: downhill race/freeride
• Rear wheel travel: 200mm/7.8''
• Carbon fiber front triangle
• Aluminum rear stays
• Aluminum rocker link w/ carbon bridge
• Head angle: 64°
• Press Fit 104mm bottom bracket
• ISCG-05 chain guide tabs
• 12 x 157mm rear axle spacing
• Integrated fork bump stops
• Internal or external cable routing options
• Availability: TBA
• MSRP: TBA






Stay tuned to Pinkbike for an exclusive and in-depth look at the new Carbon Operator.


www.konaworld.com
Photos by Joe Sales

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Member since Oct 18, 2005
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409 Comments
  • 631 48
 im warning every one now, i WILL neg prop you for blatant kona hating. that thing is hot.
  • 122 712
flag Dwillier (Feb 22, 2013 at 15:41) (Below Threshold)
 Looks like a session
  • 261 31
 This carbon kona will shut up all the kona haters for good,awesome job kona for making a stunning carbon rig
  • 409 66
 WTF IS WITH EVERBODY SAYING EVER SINGLE f*ckING BIKE THAT HAS A REMOTELY SIMILAR LINKAGE DESIGN TO A TREK DH BIKE LOOKS LIKE A f*ckING TREK DH BIKE?!

"Oh look, its the new Kona carbon DH bike!"

"looks like a session"

"MOTHERf*ckER IT IS NOT A f*ckING SESSION NOR DOES IT LOOK LIKE A f*ckING SESSION."


Rant over... I think...
  • 52 1
 suite melt brah
  • 108 235
flag mnorris122 (Feb 22, 2013 at 15:50) (Below Threshold)
 Snap snap snappity snap
  • 132 5
 i always thought te whole "looks like a trek" was just a joke
  • 51 7
 @derpdownthehill yo chill out bro, sure it's a dumb comment but at least you know it doesn't look like a session, laugh it off and that's it, don't get yourself angry for that kind of shit man... Smile


PS: the Kona looks dope, i didn't like old konas but their last bunch of bikes are looking real good
  • 19 2
 Konas looking better. Idk if I'd get one, but they're definitely looking better. And carbon, finally Smile haha
  • 18 7
 @mtb24pride I good naow. just wanted to say what was on my mind in the most violent and verbally unsettling way possible.
  • 10 4
 the triangle rocker arm angles look a lot like the Norco Aurum...but the Knoa is looking good..like it..
  • 10 3
 Because the general styling of the frame kinda does. My Aurum looks similar to a trek. Nothing wrong with it, the session looks great and so does this Kona and the Aurum. Obviously they all have different linkage designs and will ride differently. Kona has been making some great looking bikes lately.
  • 18 36
flag Turqoise (Feb 22, 2013 at 16:03) (Below Threshold)
 Warning*
  • 8 33
flag robc10 (Feb 22, 2013 at 16:16) (Below Threshold)
 Im defo not rocking that swinger. Its the only thing that lets it down
  • 8 2
 mtb24pride "PS: the Kona looks dope, i didn't like old konas but their last bunch of bikes are looking real good" couldn't agree more mate, their shit looks together recently, good stuff Kona
  • 19 2
 never liked a kona, but this one, GOD THIS ONE IS SICK
  • 8 38
flag hoolydooly (Feb 22, 2013 at 16:49) (Below Threshold)
 Really Turqoise? Was that really f*cking necessary?
  • 19 33
flag BikeNERD007 (Feb 22, 2013 at 16:52) (Below Threshold)
 Don't make me blow my ranting nut on these h8ters.. And no it doesn't look like a fucking session, it look like a carbon Kona Operator. someone hold me back.... Someone....
  • 8 2
 It looks awesome, clean, purposeful and strong... Really Kona is stepping up in recent times
  • 16 10
 anyone who says it looks like a session, Well so does your mother so shut up. Nuf said
  • 6 1
 @DWillier: yoh mmammah lookslike a session! this kona looks like the biddaddy taking 'er outback.
  • 10 9
 www.vitalmtb.com/videos/features/Kona-Carbon-DH-Prototype,19837/CaptyvateMedia,1061?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=addthis#.USgmQPJYWCs.facebook
  • 10 0
 I use to hate Konas, but ever since they created the Operator, I've been paying attention. As we progressed, they progressed. It's a good transition for them. I'm glad to see they turned a new page and are still in the game.
  • 5 2
 @ Dwillier: I think yours is the most negatively propped comment I've ever seen on PB
  • 2 1
 ^ Haha I think I've seen worse but that's up there. But in all seriousness the bike looks good if the frame doesn't have tremendous errors i.e. frame cracking in half this could be a winner! Smile
  • 16 0
 Shitty mobile site! At least I know what the front wheel looks like. Am I the only one with an iPhone...
  • 10 31
flag Bob-Rocky (Feb 22, 2013 at 21:31) (Below Threshold)
 I've pretty much figured out where it will snap in two...Hopefully I'll be proven wrong, but I doubt it...
  • 3 4
 Too bad it's got a 104mm bottom bracket.
  • 11 3
 It lost me at Press Fit bottom bracket.
  • 18 3
 Hating on kona was so 2009
  • 4 22
flag JimJimLaddyBoy (Feb 22, 2013 at 22:21) (Below Threshold)
 Imo It looks similar to a zerode
  • 13 1
 It reminds me of a Kona
  • 3 3
 Turn your phone sideways bud
  • 11 42
flag caste1200 (Feb 23, 2013 at 0:15) (Below Threshold)
 im a kona hater because they crack veeeeeeeeeeeeery easy. not because of its 10 years old frame look haha
  • 17 30
flag Enduro27 (Feb 23, 2013 at 0:23) (Below Threshold)
 Meh, just another plastic dh bike, on to the next article...
  • 8 3
 @caste1200: thats what i always think when i see a snapped kona frame.... ten years old, no service, no maintenance... no wonder they crack...

i have to say my nippels got hard the moment i saw the bike... get aggy on one
  • 6 0
 hmm... its a bike! you needn't defend it. there may well be some people that don't like it because of some stupid prejudice. but who cares. i personally don't like the aesthetics of it (mainly the rocker arm and the narrow head tube junction) and that's only my opinion. at the same time if you said it was a good looking bike i wouldn't disagree with you as aesthetics is a subjective aspect
  • 7 1
 but it's never going to be as nice as bacon!!
  • 6 31
flag robc10 (Feb 23, 2013 at 5:40) (Below Threshold)
 Haha typical neg propping. It looks disgusting, made by Kona. All that is to be said. Im waiting !
  • 5 1
 that seat has got to go though
  • 3 2
 I think i like it. but really, shut up and take my money. it's a beaut!
  • 13 22
flag evan1gill (Feb 23, 2013 at 7:13) (Below Threshold)
 Now you can pay even more and still get a broken frame!
  • 4 4
 Best Kona ever! Kona was the first to use this desgn about 20 years ago when trek was making single pivit shit bikes. Trek and Norco were second using it then every other company on the market went there. I already been there and done it with kona and their lawill specific suspension. Good for some thing and terrible for others. Dh/freeride frame is one I would never use a lawill for. The maestro or vp much more active and advanced suspension. How much kona charging for this carbon/alm mutant? The alum rear should keep the price down right kona? Ya right....
  • 16 4
 Its still a kona
  • 1 1
 @derpdownthehill trek session looks like a glory.
  • 2 0
 I am sure everyone thinks that all bikes look somewhat alike, well its not a big deal. And yes everyone see's snapped kona frames, but they aren't the only known frame to snap. It depends on the rider, also did you ever come to think that more people ride kona than any other bike company out there.
  • 1 1
 It is. It's like any piece of tech the joke is "ain't no iPhone"
  • 6 0
 IMO its a work of art, cracking job by Kona. Really liked all their bikes this year, especially the Process, looks like 2014 isnt going to disappoint either
  • 5 2
 Pabail- "cracking job by Kona" what a choice of words in such long Session of comments... straight face, I swear...
  • 3 0
 That is one of the sickest bikes I've ever seen
  • 3 11
flag robin281 (Feb 23, 2013 at 15:38) (Below Threshold)
 despite it looking sick, i bet no one will buy it cause it's made by kona... :/
  • 5 2
 your mama is kona, so we aint buying, you stankho!
  • 1 0
 Waki...truth be told..i did smile a little as i wrote it Wink ..but i truly do admire what they have done here, imo its a wicked bike, theyve such a competitive stable again.
  • 1 0
 The bike looks awesome. Just, it almost looks as if the front triangle is a bit thin but, what do I know. I'm used to my M9. Ha
  • 1 1
 it looks awesome but it reminds me a of the norco aurum i reckon. still good on ya kona you made one sweet looking bike Smile
  • 5 1
 didn't Kona start this design of frame? if anything wouldn't trek and all those other companies be copying Kona not the other way around? correct me if im wrong, but kona has been using this design for years now! ever since they came out with a dh bike.
  • 5 0
 Looks very sexy but 2014 ALREADY??? Its been 2013 for less than two months, let me enjoy this year's operator for a while!!!
  • 6 0
 @norco sasquach

Yes you are correct, kona and yeti were using this frame design long before anyone else. Back when kona came out with the first stab and stinky models trek was basically a road bike company with a couple really crappy mtb's. Treks first dh bike was this single pivot piece of crap that looked like kmart special delivery boy bikes. For many years trek was bottom of the line in mountain and then turned it around when the world cup became popular. Most of these pinksters think trek invented everything because they werent alive back then in treks dark ages of single pivots. They need to put out a mtb encyclopedia for these young bucks.
  • 1 0
 Hold the phone sideways. The whole picture comes up then
  • 1 2
 I think someone's a little snappy happy...
  • 2 2
 kona sucks. jk, the operator and the entourage are sick.
  • 2 0
 not usually a fan of kona stuff but they have been stepping up BIG time this past year.....An this bike looks amazing!
  • 2 1
 Looks sick...

In reality the TREK (and others) looks like the Kona and not the other way round. Kona has been using the "walking beam" set-up forever. Probably since before 85% of Pinkbike users were born.
  • 2 1
 Kona came out with the Trek Session design back in 1996. And Trek came out with the design in 2001
  • 1 4
 gp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb8007746/p4pb8007746.jpg Kona looks same as Trek? Hmm dont think so
  • 1 0
 @Obijebacgodine, That Trek is like 6 years old. Of course a Trek from 2007 isn't going to look anything like a 2014 Kona.
  • 2 0
 actually the old kona's like the stab do sort of look like that...in the sense that its a 4 bar. there are only so many practical ways to compress a shock, this argument should end.
  • 2 8
flag Liam1McKernan (Feb 27, 2013 at 8:04) (Below Threshold)
 UGLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
  • 1 0
 I was just saying Kona came out with the 4 bar design in 96 witch looks like they were the first bike with the 4 bar design.
  • 1 0
 @dirtworks911: I wanted to say that if anything other brands copied konas 4 point sistem
  • 108 1
 Can't wait to see another Agassiz video, that's what is important here!
  • 9 0
 Hell yeah. His videos are pure stoke. They make you ride harder.
  • 2 0
 I make your words mine.
  • 6 0
 made by Sherpas Cinema. cant get any better than that
  • 2 9
flag EganBMX (Feb 22, 2013 at 16:07) (Below Threshold)
 What's up with the brake/shifter clamp??
  • 2 0
 its called a match maker
  • 3 0
 Agreed! What's important here is Sherpas Cinema making a biking video with Aggy. Sick!
  • 2 4
 @DWillier: yoh mmammah lookslike a session! this kona looks like the biddaddy taking 'er outback.
  • 2 0
 All I can say is that is going to be sick from what I got to see...
  • 1 0
 Love the green would look good with RaceFace Carbon cranks. Linkage looks compact and lighter. Hope they make a scandium version as well in fact Carbon and Scandium across the board next year please Kona. Look forward to seeing Aggy and Bizet Flipping whipping and threeing it ASAP. Looks like shorter stays?
  • 3 0
 Well check how did previous generation of session look if anything seesion became same as konas...
  • 1 0
 MMM Carbon. So much love, add in some SiCCC rotors, Haven wheelset, Vivid RC2 like they mentioned, I bet a 30lb DH rig would easily be made outta this pup.
  • 40 8
 So sexy.
  • 14 63
flag SimonBros (Feb 22, 2013 at 15:37) (Below Threshold)
 Are u being sarcastic? Wink
  • 18 4
 I think its a real good looking rid.
  • 11 5
 You are right, they actually made a SICKASS Bike
  • 6 14
flag Icculus19425 (Feb 22, 2013 at 15:48) (Below Threshold)
 would bang
  • 6 5
 Simon, you have to be crazy to not think it's a gorgeous bike.
  • 3 5
 i really want them to say on one of their intended use for a bike with dual crowns and 8 inches of travel to say xc or dj once.. whats the point of saying DH, we know! lol
  • 4 0
 kona has got there shit together
  • 32 1
 Call it the Kona Carbona. I dare you.
  • 1 0
 Yes please!
  • 1 0
 what about Köna Carböna?
  • 6 1
 NO. i call it DE CARBANATOR
  • 7 0
 Carbonator..... which is for putting CO2 into Soda, aka the fizzy effect.
  • 2 0
 ya. but if u say it like arnold shwartznager is sounds bad ass... Wink
  • 28 4
 Now giant needs to come out with a carbon glory
  • 6 1
 yea, all last year I was still holding on to my 09 glory, thinking that 2013 will be the year for the carbon. I bought the '13 alu and will continue to wait...
  • 27 7
 Maybe this will silence all the Kona critics? O.o
  • 16 9
 Maybe not though
  • 13 39
flag emotion-captured (Feb 22, 2013 at 15:41) (Below Threshold)
 will do the complete opposite, why not work out a good suspension system instead of wasting time and money on carbon
  • 11 0
 It will root out the rational and irrational kona critics
  • 10 1
 Nothing wrong with single pivots. A well refined single pivot can kick ass. I bet this bike rides great.
  • 2 2
 Speaking the truth emotion captured, I feel the same way, basic four bar single pivots do work for some things, but not most.
  • 5 1
 Sure I'm slanted towards konas, but their suspension system is simple and works!
  • 1 5
flag noxxie (Feb 22, 2013 at 20:05) (Below Threshold)
 mad-duck, i totally agree, but i think this is DW link, somebody correct me if i'm wrong?
  • 3 0
 its not DW
  • 1 0
 It's not DW. Trust me, I know. I got abused left right and centre for claiming that Maestro and DW were a similar design So I know most of the ins and outs of both haha... Though this bike is a linkage-driven single pivot system. Not the worst system but not the best either.
  • 1 0
 ahh, i actually see it now, the dropout is attached to the chainstay. Silly me! Razz
sorry mad-duck! haha!
  • 1 1
 nope, still don't like em! should be a Kona surcharge in all bike shops. aweful things
  • 15 0
 How the hell is this not called the Smooth Operator?
  • 3 0
 Definitely fits with kona's naming ethos. I mean, it's coming from the company that once named a bike SEX.
  • 2 0
 Yeah but they also called a bike a Stinky ... never could work that one out !
  • 4 0
 'Cuz it's the shit.
  • 16 2
 'Bout damn time Kona got on the carbon bandwagon. Looks so awesome.
  • 9 1
 I really like the way this bike looks, love the IC routing with incorporated bump stops. Good for Kona to introduce a carbon frame but I hope they keep the wheelbase, stack and reach the same as the current Operator works amazingly well.
However I do not like the fact that they are going to a press fit BB they are nothing but problems down the road! It is a huge price to pay for saving a little in manufacturing costs and ease of alignment!
I don't like that the are blending carbon and aluminum on the rocker link, carbon bonded to aluminum has a tendency to come apart. Hopefully the stresses are low enough to keep this from happening. I would have rather seen a all carbon or all aluminum both are better choices in my eyes.
I don't like that it appears they have really killed the amazing stand over of the current aluminum operator.

Lastly a question for those engineer types out there...To me the new linkage and shock placement seems like it would place more load on the shock shaft and bearings compared to the old design could this increase stiction, bearing or bushing wear? I would like to see some data against the old design... what are your thoughts?
  • 4 0
 I would argue with your statement of the carbon-aluminum bonds failing. I see Raleigh Techniums from 20 years ago that are carbon tubes bonded to aluminium lugs that are still working perfectly fine coming into my shop. My shop sold thousands of them during their peek and they're still kicking around (unfortunately), but we must give credit to the engineers who made them. The new placement of the shock may place more load on it, but look at most DH bikes on the market right now. Most of them have a shock that sits much lower than the previous Operator. Getting the shock lower in the frame lowers center of gravity, allows for more stand over, and the ride characteristics change greatly (tracking!) I am very curious about the BB though. I've got a 2013 Trek Fuel with a BB92 which I've ridden the shit out of. I've put more miles on that bike in 5 months than most of those bikes will see in 10 years and it's been phenomenal, dead silent and smooth. As much as I hate change at times, I'm sold on the pfBB. Overall, this bike is going to be tight if it can hang with the big boys- Trek, Specialized, Santa Cruz. And I'm sure it's going to be much more affordable!
  • 2 0
 I've had the same questions concerning your last statement also. Just visually looking at the angles that their "walking beam" stays contact at makes me think there is a great deal of awkward load going on to move that rocker link the shock is mounted to. Also relying on the DU bushings of the shock as essentially another pivot... The movement toward shock mounts which ride on bearings I think is a great thing, less or no torque on the shock shaft along with more supple action. I've also been frustrated with Kona's reluctance to move the pivot onto the chainstay, similar to Ellsworth. I understand there may be some patent issues but the bike is essentially a single pivot. Chain growth, pedal feedback, and brake forces tend to be affected. That's why the floating brake was a stock item for so long until weight became more of a factor over suspension performance in the consumers eyes.
  • 2 0
 @ reeves009 - You never worked for a cervelo dealer I take it? About a 100% BB insert bond failure for cervelo a few years ago or Pivot Insert failures for Santa cruz...other brands we have seen lug insert failures chain stay insert failures of various kinds.
As for Raleigh Techniums I have no first hand knowledge however depending on the area, type of fitting, type of epoxy etc. aluminum to carbon bonds are known to have a tendency to fail and that is why most manufactures take care to limit the number and types of joints used.

As for the shock placement it does not appear to be much lower than the current Operator. I do agree lower is generally nicer however it is not a issue with the current bike. If I had to choose between higher Center Of Gravity with better linkage less friction less wear etc.... or lower COG more friction higher wear I would choose the higher COG...
On somewhat of a COG note I would like to see the BB height on the current Operator raised slightly. I feel it is just TO LOW and the pluses out weight the minuses with a slightly higher BB. I am constantly hitting my feet and pedals when landing from Jumps/Drops into rocks, off camber straights, trying to pedal through corners, trying to pedal in rocky straights were I don't on my other bike with higher BB. I have experimented raising the BB 1/4" and I was hitting my pedals much less...jmtc

As for press fit BB I am very happy for you! You are one of the lucky ones!! For every 1 that is not a problem there are 10 that are....Its not just me saying that call brands that use them or make BB for them its a HUGE problem we have had to warranty whole frames because of PFBB problems!!!
  • 4 3
 Great comments nissmo, it's stunnung how so many manufacturers have shot themselves in the foot with all the crappy new bottom bracket standards that only create problems and offer no real advantages.

I've publicly owed to not buy bicycles with anything but traditional BB's, consumers can make a difference with their choices and voices. Thais what I'm naming my campaign against the new bb's I just decided to launch; Choices & Voices!
  • 1 2
 *publicly vowed*
  • 12 5
 Although I completely agree this bike is hot and would love to ride one, why would Kona release this now? This is going to kill their 2013 operator sales.. if I was a Kona dealer i would be pissed they released these photos this early...
  • 5 7
 I always assume that when a company does this, it's because the current product just isn't selling...
  • 7 1
 Lol. Not everybody's gonna buy a carbon operator just cause they released one. Price may be a factor for most non-sponsored riders. Lol.
  • 1 0
 They're still going to offer the regular Operator I presume. So what would be the price difference between the two, if we could get a msrp on this. I would imagine this is considerably more expensive. I don't think it would kill their operator sales.
  • 3 0
 Don't see why you'd 'lol'...

Exactly the same happened to sales at my shop last year with the Giant XTC 29er. As soon as details of the new 2013 Composite version were released, not a single sale of the 2012 aluminium version. It went from one of our biggest sellers to a waste of display space in the time it takes to publish 1 press release. Slightly annoying to say the least. Giant UK said it was out of their control, but I suspect it was because (nationally/internationally) they weren't selling enough aluminium versions, and wanted to maintain market exposure.
  • 2 2
 I cannot stand Kona and haven't liked them since I broke the red/chrome stinky. They would do nothing to help me out, said it was rider earer. So I just HATED them, but I must say that, that carbon looks really sweet. They have stepped their game up quite alot inthe last few yr. Thanks for the neg props
  • 2 0
 I don't see it hurting the sales for this kind of rig. Most people who buy DH don't look for carbon right away. A few do, but it is still pretty much just the racers while the rest of the guys at the park are happy if the bike is under 40lbs. For a 29er xc bike it is a different story since so many xc riders are racers and so many more are counting their lap times even if they aren't.
  • 1 0
 I think it's more that people don't want to spend thousands of £/$ on a brand new bike, knowing that in a few months it's going to be replaced, and will be 'the old one'...
  • 12 2
 Time to find konas number and preorder.
  • 11 3
 To be honest I'm not much of a kona fan, but this acctually looks pretty sick.
  • 5 0
 34 lbs. DAMN my Zerode weighs 44lbs. If AGGY can't break it then it should be good to go for the rest of us. They can keep the SRAM build tho. I want to see a FOX/ Shimano Saint build!
  • 2 1
 Then it would weigh 36 pounds....
  • 4 2
 true, but Shimano/ Fox > SRAM IMO
  • 5 10
flag Protour (Feb 22, 2013 at 22:32) (Below Threshold)
 If it had Shimano it wouldn't have that cheap plasticy feeling in the shifting and brakes. Shimano feels so much more precise and solid than sram.

The names of the companies actually mimic the feeling of the engineering and manufacturing quality. Shimano sounds clean,
balanced, fluid, and balanced; almost harmonic. The name Sram reminds me of a bad imitation meatloaf, or something I found on the floor that I don't want around. They put more thought into getting all the founders initials into the name than they did actually wondering how it sounds from a marketing perspective. Well, I guess it sounds like it feels. Much better than SunRace though.
  • 2 0
 I agree about the lower end Shimano feeling plasticy, I'm talking about the whole 2013 Saint line is sick. The 2013 Saint brakes and cranks are the best I've ever run
  • 4 0
 It irritates me to see all these Kona haters commenting on the article with disapproving comments when the chances are that they have never even ridden a Kona. The best thing about Kona, in my opinion, is how they ride. I found the one I owned was the most fun and playful bike I've ever ridden and I am now looking to buy another. They are great fun!
  • 1 4
 I bought a stinky, new bike, really enjoyed the way it rode, eventually cracked some welds. No assistance or warranty offering. I also had a Stab for a bit as a DH rig, really disliked the way it rode, AND it broke. No type of assistance from Kona.

I won't ever buy a Kona again but I have friends that say they like the Operator. I would hope that building a "better" bike would be focus #1, not having your entire staff Neg prop everything even remotely negative said about their bike here...

Good bikes backed by good companies get good reviews. This is not one of them, as so we have all seen.
  • 3 0
 I think you're being a little harsh, the reliability issues were massive and earned the company a bad name. If I had one that cracked I'd be very annoyed! I think the problem is that the Kona frames that failed were made very public, therefore they earned a bad reputation. A friend of mine has snapped 3 Norcos in two years but as he has not spread this all over the Internet everyone still classes Norcos as reliable bikes. Yes, I'm sure more Konas have failed but then again, they have probably sold more bikes. In my opinion Kona are still a decent bike company and they are producing some good quality bikes, but they have the problem of being haunted by past reliability issues.
  • 11 3
 Kona Killing it!
  • 5 1
 Have always loved Kona and always will. Don't care what you say, it will always be a favorite brand Smile
P.S. That is one sexy bike, carbon bikes just look so fresh and so clean!
  • 3 0
 does anyone notice that trek session when they came out on the market and the first looks the first thing it went trouh my mind was this thing looks like a stab whitout the floater brake did anyone think about that, our its just me, good job kona keep it up
  • 9 3
 i saw this and my mouth dropped
  • 3 0
 Mine too... I have yet to find my lower jaw.
  • 1 2
 I saw this and my balls dropped again
  • 3 1
 I don't see how evolution is abnormal for the big players. The Demo has been an evolution for going on 10 years, the Session an evolution for 5 years, the glory virtually unchanged for 5 years, The Intense design while named different each time is an evolution not a revolution and same with Santa Cruz. Seems like the last 5 years a lot of manufactures have had a solid design that gets tweaked and better each year. I wonder when the next wave of revolution will hit, chances are Specialized will always use Horst link.
  • 2 0
 Although similar to other designs that are already out there, at least this one doesn't look like it been welded together by some drunk. Previous DH bikes i.e. Stinky Primo were Gastly! This one looks a lot cleaner. Just down to you DH/FR riders whether you wanna split your hard earned cash on this Design/Brand. Smile
  • 2 0
 When did this become yet another place for people to troll on each other for their comments? This used to be the last place on the internet where I enjoyed reading comments. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about the bike. And to the grammar police out there, I find bad grammar annoying too. However welcome to the internet, get used to it.
  • 2 0
 That's probably the second good-looking Kona i've ever seen. It's a damn fine-looking bike.
Also, props to whoever pointed out the carbon Kona in the front page "kona house of the big wheel" yesterday - good for you for bringing it up ahead of time!
  • 2 0
 All this 90's baby hater have you ever rode a Kona? they are dope bike even if they are not the faster bikes but for sure the funnier bikes. and for those who can t stop compare it to another bikes GFO your computer screen and go ridin in the woods!
This new Kona look sick i wanna know if all their freeride/dh range gonna use the same new geometry?
  • 1 0
 I like the design it does look similar to other bikes but i guess that's the rear swing system that works best for DH at the moment but still a rad looking bike and I'll bet you anything is doesn't ride like an Aurum or Session
  • 5 0
 What the hell 12x157mm rear spacing?
  • 1 0
 next year it will 15 x 175mm rear spacing!
  • 1 0
 Short and stout rear end, looking killer. With the shock sitting lower in the frame and the revised linkage that bike will ride like a dream compared to the last Operator. I'm feeling the clean look of this, I have a Session 9.9 and it definitely has that clean look with the internal routing and "simple" frame design. Stoked on this bike, hope it exceeds Konas current reputation. If this bike stands up with the rest of the big brands, it will surely help bring carbon to the consumer level which will be awesome.
  • 5 0
 I think that's the best looking kona they have made
  • 1 0
 The best part about the whole session argument... Kona has run this vertical shock position for almost 15yrs of bike development, where trek has only adopted it into their last few lines of "sessions" so in all manner of speech this bike looks like a Kona.. Plus you konw how many companies run this similar frame concept... Giant,rocky mountain, trek, norco etc. So many bike companies use this positioning for its closeness to the BB and connection to the chain stay.. The rear shock is ever so important and judging a bikes geometry set up over its performance is just like judging a book by its cover... But needless to say its why i ride a Devinci Dave Weagels suspensions rigs are so plush and so independently lushes in design...
  • 1 0
 hmm curious as to what the price will be, Kona could exploit a good individual selling point if they make the bike cheaper than other carbon DH bike contenders on the market. Considering the frame is a carbon aluminium blend it could be RELATIVELY cheap! non of this $8000 out of this world might as well sell my sole to the devil to afford a carbon DH bike pish!! Wink
  • 1 0
 Considering the standard operator comes in at 3200USD, It could easily come in at under 5k. If I ever buy a Carbon DH, I can guarantee it won't come with top shelf kit.... that stuff comes AFTER the stock stuff gives it up. If this comes in under 5k, I'm getting one- just under my annual bike budget. Not doing a frame only though, despite have a spare set of DH wheels, drivetrain, brakes, bars, etc. In fact, I could build this frame up sans cranks right now, but there goes all my spare parts.
  • 1 0
 I have always been a fan of Kona. I had high hopes for the magic link system for an all mt/enduro rig. This bike looks beautiful and if all the geometry is the same (I'm sure it is) this will be a sweet addition to anyone's lineup. If the operator is not for you, don't bash it, bikes are a very personal thing. We (the engine) come is all shapes and sizes, and no 2 are alike. If the bike did not work for you, does not mean it is a bad bike, just not the bike for you. I understand there are poorly designed bikes on the market but none of them carry the Kona name (exception: satori)
  • 1 0
 Satori? I dislike the departure from walking beam, but the bike has garnered alot of positive attention. Have you had a bad experience?
  • 2 1
 I never liked kona because they were too popular... Everyone had a kona. But the reason everyone had one is because they are mint awesome bikes... My mate had last years operator. Helll of a beast. This new carbon rig is amazing. And nice looking... But sorry guys, I'm a scott man... Gamblers and voltages... Purely because I know how robust they are! With excellent geometry changing capability. So, nope, I won't slag kona off they are great. But I will stick to my gambler!
  • 1 0
 Hmm, not sure what to think, it's a nice step forward by using carbon an I would guess its gunna be cheaper than other carbon models like the v10 and session therefore bringing carbon to a larger market which is good, but I can't help but think it's just gunna suffer from the same terrible brake jack that put me off the operator in the first place, don't get me wrong many DH bikes suffer brake jack but the operator seems to be one of the worse for it from my experience which is something that I think should be minimised with the designs available these days.
  • 4 0
 Id like so see a Kona hater try and break this frame. Lookin pretty sweet
  • 4 0
 sick bike didnt use to be a kona fan but i am now
  • 4 0
 love the internal cable routing. soo clean looking
  • 4 0
 looks fast, good job Kona....
  • 5 1
 wish it would fit into a bong
  • 2 0
 Let's see if the carbon operator can have better results on the world cup season(hope they will be using it). Hoping Kona also have carbon Process
  • 1 0
 Ummmmmm.....it does not look like a session. look at that line from the head tube to the hub, SMOOTH & SEXY. I've always thought trek snatched kona's rear susp set up so therefore trek is the copycat not kona.
  • 5 1
 I wonder if I'm going to have to sell my kidney to get one...
  • 6 3
 please make the aluminum operators this shape too, it looks way better with out all the swoopyness
  • 3 2
 They're swoopy for reasons other than aesthetics.
  • 1 0
 would you happen to know these reasons? and if the swoops are so important why isn't this frame swoopy?
  • 2 1
 think arches: way stronger for the swoopiness. But when you consider the materials you can actually get an overall equal amount of swoop from carbon without it being so overt. It has to do with how you can mold carbon, but must weld aluminium.
  • 1 2
 The swoops are for asthetics and to make room for your balls and shock , two triangles are are the strongest shape for a frame , the swoops just allow for shock placement and standover height. Arches are strong when the load in placed vertically on the top of an arch , not for compression forces from either end like a bike frame takes.
  • 2 1
 Swoops allow for varrying points of strength. Mixing circles and triangles to make strong figures. You also can change where the pressure falls on the weld, and more easily increase areas of contact between tubes. Curves have lots of benefits. Not just buildings employ arches. Cars have rounded bodies and frame curves to provide strength while using less material
  • 4 0
 Someone get me some tissue paper,I think I got a bit too excited!
  • 3 1
 I rode this frame last year, at Whistler and its super rad. I own a Trek Session and this new Kona its my next bike for sure!!!!!!!!!!!! Well done JAck!!!!
  • 3 0
 Dang it, just got a 2013 Operator. Oh well, probably couldn't afford the carbon anyway.
  • 3 0
 I have seen more broken riders than broken KONAs This Operator is now in my dreams.
  • 6 2
 That Trek Session looks like a Kona Operator!
  • 1 1
 Jesus that is a sick bike. The only thing I would change is the rear shock. I think a Fox rear shock would look a bit better. Otherwise, it is an absolutely stunning bike. Can't wait to see some videos of Aggy shredding on it, and to see how it fares in world cup racing.
  • 2 1
 Is anybody else confused by that spec list? Where the hell do you get a 12x157mm rear hub?? And 104mm pressfit BB? The bike looks sweet and I want one, but I would be worried about replacing parts!
  • 1 0
 i ride the 2013 operator and they got ride of the curve noooooooooooooooooooooooo its not an operator with out the curvy frame sorry kona looks great but not an operator change the name !!!!!!!! keep the operator
  • 2 0
 Wait...something ain't right here, this is not a 650b, this is not a 29er...it's a genuine 26" up comming review. Keep'em comming. Great looking bike BTW.
  • 2 0
 Looks clean and light! i like that it dosent have so many pivot points and unnecessary details like many other bikes have today.
  • 2 0
 Exactly why I went with kona- design is simple, infinitely tuneable, and wicked reliable. Tolerance stacking is real, and the way the design cradles the shock eliminates side loads, providing that super-plush "KONA" feel. Not a damn thing wrong with a well designed single pivot.... when drawn up right.
  • 1 1
 Most bikes have a similarity to another bike, we have found angles that work along with designs that work. On to the bike, Iv heard way to many faults with kona, my mate cracked his and than ha issues getting it covered, I hope that "lifetime" is stood by from kona warranty.
Anyone know why kona had opted for a 104mm BB, it seems unusually mre so that hills S-works demo runs a 73 and 135 away from the standard 83/150
  • 1 0
 Wider BB = Decreased load on bearings
  • 1 0
 Yeah but I'm curious to why kona felt they needed that. Is is due to issues with the previous frame, Aside from strength does it offer any performance advantage.
  • 1 0
 Strength IS the performance advantage.
  • 1 0
 I'd hardly call strength a performance advantage. I mean in terms of the material or design it's a performance advantage in terms of how it handles stress but in terms of on the clock, which is what i am refering to, It's going to make no difference to the time.

I'd me more concerned considering their previous model issues with strength and the fact they felt they needed to go with a 104 when other people are achieving strength reliability with 83 or 73mm BB.

What's the wider BB do for bearing life and pedaling, would it reduce the friction and wear on the crank due to more load distribution?
  • 7 8
 I hope that kona will do a better job of this frame than the last abortion operator frames - and please, if you say "lifetime warranty" then make it the lifetime of the bike, i doubt that even staff at Kona keep a bike until they die - cause thats the only way "lifetime warranty" will ever be valid. Sorry guys, was never a kona hater until they ripped me off with a Kona Bass and two of my mates had operators crack on them. Normally i would see this and think "wow i gotta get one" but after the fight i had with them over a faulty frame i look at this bike and wonder where the carbon will start cracking first. I suppose only time and punishment will tell, it does have nice geometry though I give it that
  • 1 0
 Name me a company that gives any warranty on a second hand bike or product....

I think the lifetime warranty itself is pretty awesome. There are virtually no other brands out there who do this. Spesh and Trek for example exclude their DH models, and / or exclude chainstays from the warranty....

Not sure what happened with your Bass and the Operators of your friends but I see no need in slagging their warranty policy, as its one of the best in the market.
  • 2 0
 i don't like the design i preferred the old kona operator look even though most hated it
  • 1 2
 can someone please enlighten me as to why you would want a lighter downhill bike made from carbon. surely the extra stiffness gained is negated by the loss in momentum gained from being lighter? after getting up to speed wont a heavier bike continue downhill faster than a lighter bike? not to mention the crash resistance that aluminum has over carbon. makes great sense for bikes that travel uphill. but but but,,,,, i dont understand??? Help
  • 2 0
 I thought thought iphones were for spoilt kids and wanna be sheep with no idea of tech
  • 1 0
 I've never really been interested in a Kona, but dammmnnn, that thing is pretty sexy. The colors, the geometry, just everythannng about it is nice.
  • 1 0
 fair play to kona , it looks like a nice bike , hopefully they have sorted out the 'issues' they had with the old bikes and can get a better reputation on the go!
  • 5 4
 So what could be the 'factor that sets it apart'? My guess is price. No premium over the aluminium versions? Maybe it's just wishful thinking!
  • 4 3
 To wishful.
  • 3 17
flag SimonBros (Feb 22, 2013 at 15:36) (Below Threshold)
 Lawl^
  • 2 5
 It will be cheaper than most carbon DH bikes. But there is no way in hell that it will be the same at the aluminium version. Maybe by 2020 when the price of carbon comes down a bit more.
  • 2 0
 Lifetime Warranty
  • 2 0
 Well well well...It is still a Kona BUT it finally looks like something interesting!
  • 3 0
 Shut the front door !! Sick shit !!
  • 2 0
 The want one factor on this is HUGE, one of the best looking kona's I've ever seen with a dream spec
  • 3 0
 That might possibly be the most beautiful thing I have laid my eyes on :')
  • 1 0
 Holy Cow ! I still hate Carbon but that one looks like a Stealth Bomber on Two Wheels. Thats what Robbi Bourdon needs for his Comeback ;-)
  • 2 0
 i love how much different this bike looks than it's aluminum brother. kona is taking steps in the right direction!
  • 3 0
 Pivotal seat on a DH? Id run one.
  • 1 0
 I wana Bottom that thing out for some reason ! and i really want to see how the suspension looks when its moving ! and and i forgot yay carbon fiber!
  • 1 0
 That is the best looking kona I've ever seen. When I saw the topic "carbon operator" I thought it was the same bike just made of carbon. Not the case, this Kona is sexy.
  • 2 0
 I used to love the look of welds... Now it's all about the smoothness of carbon. F'n sweetness to say the least.
  • 2 0
 Operator...Bass....Entourage...Lacondeguy...Operator Carbon.....Kona has a lot of bikes to be proud of these days Smile
  • 2 0
 Now they only need a strong world cup team Wink f*ck yea Kona very nice operator!!!! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I'm on the fence with this one... don't know if kona can afford a top WC pilot, so I'd like to think they're focusing on the bikes, not the image. Sponsorships are advertising, plain and simple. Very, very expensive advertising.
  • 3 0
 Who the heck wants a 7000 dollar kona frame? Gosh darn I hate carbon!
  • 2 1
 I love all of the people that are saying that this will shut up all of the Kona haters....hahahahhahaha, you're all so optimistic it's almost cute.
  • 1 0
 It looks like every new bike has a 64 head angle... how about that? I am chaning the head angle of my summum tomorrow to 64 Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Everyone hates on kona then they make a carbon and everyone is jumping up and down, it's just made out of a different material
  • 1 0
 Yeah, but it also looks way sexier.
  • 1 0
 really love the bike. its just its like buying lexus's supercar; its sooo incredible but at the end of the day its still a lexus...
  • 3 0
 Sick!
  • 2 0
 DIDN'T SEE THAT COMIN' NOW, DID WE???
  • 2 0
 it's never going to be as nice as bacon!!
  • 1 0
 now i cant wait to see their other bikes i really want to see a new shonky and entourage.
  • 1 0
 Kona should call it the "Carborator" looks so sick can't wait to see it in person!!!!
  • 1 0
 Ill put a Pike on it or R36 and try that. Think that will fit the slim tubes better than the dual.
  • 1 0
 Kona, specialized, or like cam zink hyper anyone with skill can shred on any bike, this is a big step up for kona
  • 5 2
 holy shit, WANtWANTWANT
  • 3 2
 I dig. I would happily rip on a Kona carbon for my 2013 season. Sadly it won't be available until 2014.... -_-
  • 3 2
 It's coming out April bud.. You should really read some of these articles instead of just looking at the pretty pictures.
  • 1 0
 i never really liked old kona's but the operator was pretty tasty and this is just stepping it up........big time
  • 1 0
 damn that looks good. although the rear kinda looks like a mix of norco aurum or ktm's link
  • 2 0
 Kona are really upping they're game with the latest bikes! Love it!
  • 2 0
 That's a sharp looking whip I look forward to hearing how it rides
  • 1 0
 i am a kona hatter... but this bike is f*ckin awesome, its sexy, light, and hopefully its nice to ride Big Grin
  • 17 1
 You make and sell Kona hats?

hatter |ˈhatər|
noun
a person who makes and sells hats.
  • 1 0
 Sorry man doing this on an iPod... auto correct :p
  • 7 0
 haha. Nah, I should be the one that's sorry. Just being an ass.
  • 6 4
 Ooooo sh.t I know where Aron Gwinnnnn is going for 2014
  • 1 0
 I would've gone with a slightly longer seat tube, but other than that it looks sick
  • 1 0
 My personal issues breaking Konas' were with the chainstays.I see they are still aluminum.Hope they use 7000 series.
  • 7 5
 you can paint a turd and its still a turd.
  • 2 0
 anyone who gets this before id do can drop dead
  • 1 0
 I've never liked Kona bikes, but this bike makes me want to change my mind. Well done Kona.
  • 2 0
 I cant imagine how strong that is lol
  • 2 0
 That is a sexy beast, but I'm going to stick with my Entourage. Smile
  • 1 0
 That's what I'll be doing if it comes in at 6500
  • 3 1
 lets hope the carbon holds up better than the alu kona´s does
  • 3 0
 Carberator lookin dece!
  • 1 0
 This bike reminds me of cope wintergreen... god damn it's making my mouth water!
  • 1 0
 And for all the people making comparisions to other bikes, I'd say this looks like one rad downhill bike! End of story.
  • 7 6
 Nice single pivot bike.. prob rides like ass and that head angle dont look like 64 degrees.
  • 1 2
 /thats not a single pivot you dip shit
  • 1 0
 And "technical updates to the bike's pivots". Does this mean no more four-bar brake jack?
  • 1 0
 Looks nothing like my 2012, and im sure they have done nothing but make it better
  • 3 0
 plain and ugly looking..
  • 1 0
 im surprised that it looks way more slopestylish than the original super slack operator
  • 1 0
 i love kona bikes,and so stoked on new carbon bike!,and gunna be amazing watching aggy shred this!
  • 2 0
 I still dont trust carbon but that bike is fucking sexy!
  • 1 0
 I know it's way lighter and stronger and shit but I still don't trust it. I agree with you though, dude. That Kona is a sexy arse bike. Doesn't have that ugly rear linkage system the some of the other Kona bikes have. Kona's bikes are getting better and better!!
  • 2 0
 omg carbon norco aurum!!!!!
  • 2 0
 dude. that thing looks like a carbon fiber kona!
  • 1 1
 love Kona best handling bike i have ever ridden was an ols stinky,
but have to say looks f*cking horrid and made out of shitty carbon Frown
  • 1 0
 oh F%K another DH bike to choose from looking sic Kona keep up the good work
  • 1 0
 DAMN IT!!! I just paid off last years kona! Crap I need more money. That is one sick bike
  • 1 0
 It will sell like hot cakes!! PB should do a pole on this one "How many of you can afford it?"
  • 1 0
 Kona used to be the Susan Boyal of the MTB world but these latest offerings look more like beyonce !
  • 1 0
 the geometry doesn't look like the aluminium operator but it still looks sick
  • 5 4
 would be sick with single crown forks! well nice!
  • 4 0
 Rode the aluminum Operator with a Domain 180mm. Pedaled surprisingly well and still soaked up some decent chunk on the way down. Nothing wrong with a dual crown, but I can only imagine getting this thing down to 32#.
  • 1 0
 mmm now there is something nice. I bet Aggy would chuck one of those about CAN'T WAIT Big Grin
  • 5 3
 Time to see carbon break
  • 1 0
 wow! kona going carbon before Giant...didn't see that coming
  • 1 0
 Aggy is gonna boost some shit on that rig.
  • 2 0
 Looks more like a Sunday
  • 1 0
 This bike is fucking awesome!!!
  • 3 2
 Iwonder if the frame will break as easy as their shitty aluminum frames?
  • 1 0
 One of the best looking bikes i have seen in ages!
  • 1 0
 looks unfinished if you ask me
  • 1 0
 If only... ...I had money...
  • 1 0
 take it on a test run in the parking lot, it will break at the headtube.
  • 1 0
 Is that a Trek with Kona decals.......hehehehehehehehehehehe
  • 3 1
 beauty!
  • 2 0
 fineily a carbon kona
  • 1 0
 finally...
  • 5 8
 Kona logic - Everyone else is making their bikes slacker to handle the rougher terrain. Lets make ours steeper, sure that will fix the snapping head tube problem. All jokes aside, the bike looks sick. The colour scheme is nice but I'd like to see a stealth model in all matt black, that would be so hot!
  • 1 0
 wooooooow in love !!! what a bike !
  • 1 0
 Is that some rice crispies i hear?
  • 3 1
 Helfords
  • 1 0
 Anyone know the those two dots on the downtube are?
  • 3 2
 Nice looking rig for sure...but I will stick by my metal !!
  • 1 0
 Horst link expires in April, no?
  • 1 0
 What is that single bolt for on the downtube?
  • 2 0
 Cable guides.
  • 1 0
 Is there a warning on this site? Cause that is straight up BIKE PORN!
  • 1 0
 A carbon Entourage would be dope!
  • 2 0
 Looks SEXXX!
  • 1 0
 wow looks great they did a great job
  • 2 1
 Kona was the shit back in the day but that thing is fugly!
  • 1 0
 Looking good! Holding my breath until I see the geometry.
  • 1 0
 Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
  • 1 1
 Can't wait to watch Aggy 360 this bike in the Kona video he filmed a few days ago on the shore...
  • 1 0
 do kona frames crack? im about to buy a 2012 kona operator....so
  • 2 2
 yes kona's crack on a regular basis.... even on the tame stuff we have here Ive seen lads go through an operator frame in 3months
  • 1 0
 Looks quite nice for a KONA...
  • 1 0
 Just bought a kona my self. Love how tjey look.
  • 1 0
 Curious about the price now...
  • 1 0
 $6500CAD
  • 1 0
 Goodbye! Ahaha
  • 1 0
 $6500? please verify- I'll be pissed. Kona, Gimme your standard operator kit!!!
  • 2 0
 saving up starts now
  • 2 4
 Same old. Why don´t they update their suspension system. There is absolutely no point performance wise for using that system. It´s so old design, I bet Fred Flintstone rode one.
  • 1 0
 Too bad, it reminde's you on other companys bikes.
  • 2 0
 Beautiful mountain bike!
  • 1 0
 Can anyone else see a bit of Zerode G1 in this?
  • 1 0
 yes definitely. the way the downtube and seatstay line up!
  • 1 0
 Imagime the Zerode with a normal drivetrain
  • 1 0
 **Imagine
  • 1 0
 Amazing bike..... but kill this seat whit fire!!!
  • 1 0
 they didnt copy norco...but its sick
  • 1 0
 I love Kona, nice bike. stop the hate.
  • 1 0
 one word to describe that... MEH!
  • 1 0
 it looks like carbon , but not like an operator anymore...
  • 1 0
 cale zycie ten sam system zawieszenia, niech zmienia tych dezajnerow
  • 1 0
 Shhhh! Its 34 pounds and seriously black. I like! I want! Price?
  • 1 0
 Looks SICK, light and fast. That is all
  • 1 0
 Did they solve the snapping down tubes on the alu ones then?
  • 1 0
 Black and lime green? Looks like a Sunday.
  • 1 0
 Never thought i would sell my frameBlank Stare this is making me do it
  • 2 3
 Nice looking bike BUT no one can say that it dosnt look like a TREK SESSION !!
  • 1 0
 Oh look at this:

www.klassickona.com/oldgold/98bikes/98bikeinfo.html
  • 1 1
 I'm not a huge fan of Konas, but this gave me a carboner
  • 1 0
 Internal cable routing?
  • 1 0
 wow Big Grin
  • 3 5
 If I was a Kona retailer I'd probably email a link to this demanding a credit for every 2013 operator sitting on my floor haha bike looks amazing for a Kona!
  • 2 1
 me gusta
  • 2 2
 That will so lite with all the carbon components
  • 2 0
 *will be
  • 4 0
 light
  • 1 1
 why did the Canadian spell "lite" the American way and why did the American correct the Canadians spelling back to Canadian from American? follow that?
  • 1 0
 34lbs in this pic
  • 1 0
 Hahaah what ever
  • 2 0
 I talked to Kona, that's what they quoted me....
  • 1 0
 Coolio cool
  • 1 0
 ohhh Kona!!!!
  • 1 1
 Did I just spotted some Havoc carbon dh wheels??
  • 3 3
 why you release 2014 bikes when 2013 just started??????
  • 3 0
 When spy shots start getting plastered on the interwebs without your permission...you might as well get in front of it.
  • 1 0
 Very good point!
  • 1 0
 your move norco
  • 3 3
 12*157 !!!! still a standard piece of shit!
  • 1 1
 its need the dvo emeralds on it
  • 1 0
 Looks awesome!
  • 1 0
 Mmm mmm good
  • 2 2
 one of the best looking dh bikes out there
  • 1 0
 FUCK YA KONA
  • 1 0
 2014??
  • 1 0
 *JAW DROPPED*
  • 1 0
 Still buying a canyon =p
  • 5 6
 Must be made in same factory as a trek.
  • 3 1
 You bet - Astro carbon factory, Vietnam?

Trek likeness - others carbon factories buy Trek frames, cut them up and count the layers of carbon...Kona is not known for quality. This is wally world.

I just ordered a Foes Hydro frame and will build it up next week. Together with my daughters 951...80% of the layout, this year, stays with workers here and is not fuelling a big marketing org.
  • 3 3
 Coming soon to BuynSell!
  • 1 1
 Trek changed there name?
  • 3 0
 Kona came out with the Trek Session design back in 1996. And Trek came out with the design in 2001 do the math
  • 1 0
 Some people just don't get trolling =p
  • 5 7
 Please make an alu version!
  • 1 3
 that looks a little too much like the aurum.......
  • 3 4
 finally beutiful Kona!
  • 3 4
 first good looking kona
  • 1 3
 Alright alright that Trek looks like a Kona. Lol.
  • 3 6
 considering how many broken alloy operators ive seen... this looks like a realllll bad idea
  • 7 2
 Really? i didnt know you are an engineer
  • 3 1
 carbon=stronger
  • 2 4
 This bike look like an Identity
  • 1 0
 an Identity looks like this bike...
  • 4 6
 So, where it's gonna snap now?
  • 2 5
 Hopefully they don't snap at the bottom bracket like the rest of the konas
  • 8 11
 Norco Aurum is still looking better...
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