Endurance test performance: 3,150 km / 36,650 altitude metres
A climbing-friendly 100 millimetres uphill and a potent 160 millimetres of travel downhill: the Magic Link is supposed to make it possible. Kona's concept piqued my interest and the Abra Cadabra had to be put through its paces! The equipment - a mix of XT and SLX, combined with Elixir-R stoppers - promised durability. This was also necessary, as I couldn't afford any failures on various 12 and 24-hour races. That's why the tubes made way for the Zero-Flats sealant right at the start to prevent flats from the outset. The bike then demonstrated its versatile qualities on my home trails in Lenggries and on Lake Garda. The Kona, which weighs just under 13 kilos, climbed like a chamois even without a platform. I rarely missed a drop on the fork.
The Magic Link takes a little getting used to. On the small leaf, the second spring, which is connected to the chainstay and shock and reduces the suspension travel to 100 millimetres, hits the rubber bumper. But you get used to it. If there is no tension on the chainstay, the rear triangle releases its 160 millimetres of travel. This means you can really let it rip downhill.
Magical: Despite its manoeuvrability, the bike never feels nervous, even on fast downhills. It calmly makes its way along the trail.
Conclusion: a bike for many situations. With the Abra Cadabra, I always had the right bike under my bum. Whether marathon or enduro tour. An endurance runner without any defects. The icing on the cake would be a telescopic seat post and a lowerable fork.
Defects / changes:
1st grips replaced - 80 km: Ergon grips fitted
2. converted tyres to tubeless - 80 km: Zero-Flats sealant used
3. brake pads worn - 2120 km: Brake pads replaced
4. chain worn - 2800 km: chain replaced
Function ****
Shelf life ******
(max. 6 stars)
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