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Kona's 2011 2+2 puts the magic back in XC riding
Kona's 2011 2+2 puts the magic back in XC ridingMagic Ride
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A couple of weeks back received a call from Kona bikes to come see the 2011 models & test some of the new magic link bikes & I’d never pass up a chance to ride Mt.Seymour so I booked a flight to Vancouver for the next day.
Kona bikes introduced their newest suspension platform called the Magic Link back in 2008 & it was met with a little skepticism as most riders couldn’t wrap their head around the surprisingly simple concept. The idea behind the Magic Link was to have a suspension design that would offer variable travel & geometry while not interfering with the ride by requiring the rider to stop & adjust shocks or move links & shock positioning to adapt the bike for different terrain. When climbing or riding flat terrain the Magic Link stays in climbing mode (short travel with steeper geometry) When you increase your riding speed the impact forces increase & this actuatesthe Magic Link offering longer travel slacker geometry & lower bottom bracket for greater stability at speed.
Climbing Mode
• Steeper head and seat angles
• Higher seat height
• Stiffer, shorter travel
• Shorter chain stay
• More forward rider position
Descending Mode
• Slacker head and seat angles
• Lower seat height
• Longer, more progressive travel
• Longer chainstay, especially in response to square
..edge bumps, allowing the wheel to react like no other
• Better suspension performance while braking
After spending five hours on the 2+2 riding everything fun & technical on mt.Seymour I am convinced the 2+2 would impress even the magic links biggest skeptic. The handling is perfect for a XC bike that can take on terrain that most would consider trail bike or all mountain territory, it just loves to be ridden fast through roots off small ledges & when the climbs come it transfers power very well & there is no sign of lateral flex even when grinding up steep rooted sections. Climbing is a real high point with the 2+2 as its rear wheel traction felt nailed to all rocks & roots while climbing & with no wheel spin it gives the rider impressive climbing performance in any condition on any terrain. The Magic Link is seamless in its ability to transform the bikes XC race feel on the climbs to a plush stable trail bike feel when you slide back off the seat for fast rough sections. I would recommend giving the 2+2 a real test ride before deciding on what new XC or trail bike you might want to buy, it’s a real performer that is likely to catch a lot of people by surprise with it’s versatility.
For more info on the Magic Link go to www.konaworld.com of visit you favorite Kona dealer for a test ride.
A couple of weeks back received a call from Kona bikes to come see the 2011 models & test some of the new magic link bikes & I’d never pass up a chance to ride Mt.Seymour so I booked a flight to Vancouver for the next day.
Kona bikes introduced their newest suspension platform called the Magic Link back in 2008 & it was met with a little skepticism as most riders couldn’t wrap their head around the surprisingly simple concept. The idea behind the Magic Link was to have a suspension design that would offer variable travel & geometry while not interfering with the ride by requiring the rider to stop & adjust shocks or move links & shock positioning to adapt the bike for different terrain. When climbing or riding flat terrain the Magic Link stays in climbing mode (short travel with steeper geometry) When you increase your riding speed the impact forces increase & this actuatesthe Magic Link offering longer travel slacker geometry & lower bottom bracket for greater stability at speed.
Climbing Mode
• Steeper head and seat angles
• Higher seat height
• Stiffer, shorter travel
• Shorter chain stay
• More forward rider position
Descending Mode
• Slacker head and seat angles
• Lower seat height
• Longer, more progressive travel
• Longer chainstay, especially in response to square
..edge bumps, allowing the wheel to react like no other
• Better suspension performance while braking
After spending five hours on the 2+2 riding everything fun & technical on mt.Seymour I am convinced the 2+2 would impress even the magic links biggest skeptic. The handling is perfect for a XC bike that can take on terrain that most would consider trail bike or all mountain territory, it just loves to be ridden fast through roots off small ledges & when the climbs come it transfers power very well & there is no sign of lateral flex even when grinding up steep rooted sections. Climbing is a real high point with the 2+2 as its rear wheel traction felt nailed to all rocks & roots while climbing & with no wheel spin it gives the rider impressive climbing performance in any condition on any terrain. The Magic Link is seamless in its ability to transform the bikes XC race feel on the climbs to a plush stable trail bike feel when you slide back off the seat for fast rough sections. I would recommend giving the 2+2 a real test ride before deciding on what new XC or trail bike you might want to buy, it’s a real performer that is likely to catch a lot of people by surprise with it’s versatility.
For more info on the Magic Link go to www.konaworld.com of visit you favorite Kona dealer for a test ride.
Author Info:
Edmonton, AB, Canada
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