Lester Perry | Fri 10th Jul 2020 19:00
With 2021 on the horizon in the bike world, we take a look at Kona’s first drop of 2021 bikes, focussing specifically on models that will be available in NZ that have received significant changes , fresh and ready for the ‘20/’21 summer season. Let the excitement begin, and keep your eyes open for local delivery dates!
From pump tracks to dirt jumps and skateparks, the 2021 Kona Shonky has you covered for all things “POP!” Available for the first time in NZ as a complete bike, the Shonky is shred-ready with a swag of quality parts. No need for out of the box upgrades, simply grab and go! A favourite of Kona ambassadors Elliot Smith (pictured above riding in Wellington) & Evo’s own Reuben Bron.
Kona’s no newbie to “gravel” bikes, for 2021 they draw from their wealth of history in Mountain Bikes and previous experience in touring and cyclocross. Kona applies geometry theories drawn from their mountainbikes to their gravel range. Long reach, short stems, tall head tubes, all offering loads of control and confidence regardless of terrain.
Geometry of the bikes varies slightly depending on application (see graphic above). It’s worth noting that Kona sizes its frames by seat tube length like a mountain bike, not top-tube length like a traditional road bike, so the numbers will appear lower than you’d normally ride on a road bike. We strongly suggest a visit to an EVO showroom to discuss sizing and ensure you get the right bike for you.
The Rove is a 650b wheeled adventure ready drop bar bike. It’s affordable, spec’d just right, and easy on the eyes, it makes quick work of the commute, gravel trail, or the after-work fitness lap of your local river trails. The Rove LTD steps things up a level from the more basic ST version, adding a carbon fork and Shimano GRX groupset, this aims it right at the more performance oriented rider. You get added stiffness and better handling thanks to the tapered headtube, carbon fork and dual 12mm through axles, while retaining comfort thanks to the Butted Cromoly frame.
The Libre is a road bike for the chunder, it sits in the middle of the “Gravel” spectrum and is up for whatever you throw at it. Geometry wise it draws from both road and mountain bikes, sitting somewhere in between the two. Offered in two models locally, the AL sits pretty with an Alloy frame, carbon fork, Sram 1x drivetrain, TRP brakes and 700c wheels. The CR edition sees a lightweight carbon frame and fork with 650b wheels (frame is compatible with 700c) and Shimano GRX componentry including brakes.
From your local road club ride to long days in the back blocks, or quick jaunts down the local rail trails, Libre has you covered.
A mountain bike, road bike, and gravel bike walk into a bar… and the Sutra is born! Specced with 29” wheels, wide 2.25” tyres, and a dropper post, the Sutra is pretty well suited to any conditions, and leans more towards the “mountain bike with drop bars” end of the spectrum than the rest of the range. This season we see more tire clearance than previous, and a revised geometry built for more aggressive off-road adventures. An offroad do it all wonder rig with multiple braze on mounts makes this an all-terrain Bike Packers favourite. The Tour Aotearoa is calling your name!
Kona has a storied history in producing Kid’s bikes. Everything from their first entry to off-road riding in the 20” wheeled Makena, right up to the answer for the 10 year old downhill wannabe in the Process 24. Kona’s kids range is where we see trickle down technology in action, with the kids range essentially being mini-mes of the Adult versions.
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