Kona Kahuna 2021 Metallic Alpine Blue Metallic Alpine
The Kona Kahuna series is meant to be a collection of big, bad, mountain machines, but they do leave a lot to be desired for the average rider. The range features entry-level, midrange, and enthusiast level bicycles, and some models do have some choice componentry. They don’t, however, measure up to Kona’s usual high-quality standards. Read full review
Kona Kahuna Review
Kona has been in business since the late 80s, so you might expect them to be totally on the ball all the time. But every now and then, there are a few bikes that tend to disappoint. The Kahuna series seems to be one such range. We just weren’t too happy with how these cross country cycles stacked up on the trail.
The wheels on these bikes were rather sluggish and quite cumbersome, especially on the uphill climbs. These bikes were slow to start with, but then did pick up some pretty great speeds. The carbon frame King Kahuna has some enthusiast level Shimano Deore XT componentry, the most advanced in its category, and this certainly was a high performer. But it seems to be the only one of the set.
The full suspension bikes had disappointing forks, and it’s just not worth spending thousands of dollars for these specs and poor performance. The weight could also be a lot lighter, though most models are average. We did like the relaxed geometry and look of the Kahuna bikes, but there just wasn’t enough power in them.
+Pros:
- Looks great
- Relaxed geometry
- Average weight
- Carbon frame King Kahuna has great componentry and performance
-Cons:
- Poor forks
- Lacks power
- Sluggish wheels
- Not great for the price
The Verdict
These bikes just don’t come up to par for cross country and trail riding, especially considering their steep prices and subpar performance.
The Kona Kahuna has a couple of good models for enthusiasts, but for the most part, we wouldn’t recommend the entry level and midrange bikes in this range. With mostly average specs, these bikes are just too expensive for their performance.
Kona Kahuna Hardtail BikeThe Kona Kahuna is a great value, top-performing 29er hardtail MTB that’s ideal for trail, enduro and all-day epics. It features a Kona Race Light aluminium frame, a Shimano Deore 12-Speed drivetrain and trail-smoothing RockShox Recon Silver suspension. Plus, it’s equipped with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano Boost hubs, WTB Tubeless Ready rims and Maxxis Forekaster tyres. Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes and WTB Rims and TyresThis hardcore hardtail is fitted with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes that control your momentum in all weather conditions. Plus, this bike travels aboard stable WTB ST rims wrapped in grippy Maxxis Forekaster 29×2.35″ tyres, while a quality finishing kit ensures you travel with comfort and style. Kona Race Light 6061 AluminiumKona’s Race Light 6061 Aluminium is lighter, more performance-oriented fabrications of their 7005/6061 tubing. Designed to meet Kona’s discerning race specifications, Race Light 7005/6061 is custom butted to create thicker tubes at weld areas and important parts of the frame, providing incredible strength and torsional integrity to the feel of the ride. Kona removes the wall thickness in other parts of the frameset to lighten up the bike, giving the perfect balance between quickness and stiffness. Exceptional Stability and ControlMore material at the bottom of the head tube better distributes shock force, prolonging the bearing life of the headset itself and eliminates brake shudder, while providing confident steering performance. The inherent strength of its triangular design also means a stronger steering position and improved balance, giving the rider more control in rough terrain. A zero-stack, tapered head tube also puts strength where the load is going, into the lower headset cup and maximises bearing durability. Features: Material: Kona Race Light 6061 Aluminum Butted Fork: Rockshox Recon Silver Rl Solo Air 100mm Tapered 110mm Spacing Crankarms: Shimano Deore 12-Speed Chainrings: 32T Bottom Bracket: Shimano 73mm Pedals: Kona Js2 Chain: Shimano Deore 12spd Cassette: Shimano Deore 10-51t 12-Speed Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore 12-Speed Shifters: Shimano Deore 12-Speed Brake Calipers: Shimano Mt401 Hydraulic Front Brake Rotor: Shimano Rt10 180mm Rear Brake Rotor: Shimano Rt10 160mm Brake Levers: Shimano Mt401 Hydraulic Headset: FSA No.57b Handlebar: Kona Xc/bc Riser Stem: Kona Xc Seatpost: Kona Thumb W/offset 31.6mm Seat Clamp: Kona Qr Grips: Kona Key Grip Slip On Saddle: WTB Volt Front Hub: Shimano 110x15mm Rear Hub: Shimano 135x10mm Spokes: Stainless Black 14g Rims: WTB St I27 Tcs 2.0 Front Tyre: Maxxis Forekaster 29×2.35″ Rear Tyre: Maxxis Forekaster 29×2.35″Easy AssemblyWhen you order a bike, one of our trained mechanics will carefully prepare and pack your bike for shipping. Upon delivery, the assembly is simple and all necessary tools and plastic pedals are conveniently included in the box.Depending on the delivery service and destination, bikes will either be delivered in a large or a small box. Below is a guide as to how your bike will arrive: All bikes for delivery within the UK and Republic of Ireland will be delivered in a large box, except for kids’ bikes and BMX bikes, which are always delivered in manufacturer’s boxes. All bikes for delivery within the EU on a standard service will be delivered in a large box. If an express delivery option is chosen, your bike will be packed into a small box. Again, the exception is kids’ bikes and BMX bikes, which are always delivered in manufacturer’s boxes. All bikes for worldwide delivery outside the EU will be delivered in small boxes.This video demonstrates assembly from a SMALL BOX.This video demonstrates assembly from a LARGE BOX.Buy Kona Bikes from Chain Reaction Cycles, the World’s Largest Online Bike Store.
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