Kona Bikes Review - Best Bike Brands

About Kona

Founded in 1988 in Vancouver, Kona quickly became known for its mountain bike innovations, especially in freeride and downhill. Over the years, Kona has expanded into commuter, gravel, and e-bikes, while keeping its reputation for durability and adventure-oriented designs. They remain an independent brand, which gives them a unique personality in a market dominated by giant corporations.

Kona Lineup Overview

Mountain: Process, Hei Hei, Honzo, Big Honzo
Gravel/All-Road: Rove, Libre
Commuter/Urban: Dew, Coco, Sutra
E-Bikes: Remote (MTB), Libre EL (gravel), Dew-E (commuter)

Standout Models

Kona Process 134 (~$3,000–$6,000): A versatile trail MTB with progressive geometry.
Kona Honzo (~$1,699–$3,000): Hardcore hardtail beloved by mountain riders.
Kona Rove (~$1,200–$3,000): A do-it-all gravel bike with steel or aluminum builds.
Kona Sutra (~$1,899+): Steel touring bike built for adventure.
Kona Dew (~$800–$1,999): Affordable commuter with wide gearing and practical features.

Strengths

Adventure heritage: Known for durability and trail performance.
Steel options: Still produces quality steel bikes for touring and gravel.
Unique character: Independent brand with loyal following.

Weaknesses

Smaller dealer network than Trek/Specialized.
Pricing sometimes high for the spec.
Not as strong in road racing segment.

Dealer & Service Info

Kona is distributed through independent bike shops worldwide. Support is solid but not as extensive as major brands.

Who Should Buy a Kona

Riders who value adventure-ready, durable bikes with a bit of indie brand personality. Perfect for MTB enthusiasts, gravel explorers, and commuters who want something different.

FAQs

Q: Are Kona bikes good for gravel?
Yes. The Kona Rove and Libre are popular gravel/adventure options with steel or carbon frames.

Q: Does Kona make e-bikes?
Yes — their Remote series (MTB) and Dew-E (commuter) are well-regarded.

Q: Why do riders like Kona?
Kona emphasizes durability, adventure, and indie personality, which appeals to riders looking for something beyond the big three brands.

Bottom Line

Kona is a brand for riders who want durable, character-filled bikes built for real-world adventures. From MTBs like the Process and Honzo to gravel favorites like the Rove, Kona has carved out a unique space in the cycling world.

Why Trust This Review?

Jeffrey South is the founder of Best Bike Brands. With over 30 years in the cycling world as a shop owner, mechanic, and industry insider, he now shares reviews, guides, and insights to help riders choose the best bikes and gear with confidence.