Integrated batteries may be stylish, but unfortunately they are also very heavy. We preach this in every issue, and it cannot be emphasised often enough. Unfortunately, the Remote Control shows the dilemma particularly clearly. 25.2 kilos (frame size M!) make our spinal discs scream as we manoeuvre the bike out of the bus. The Remote Control is aimed at trail bikers who want to have fun both uphill and downhill. The rear suspension squeezes 132 millimetres of travel out of the Rockshox Deluxe shock, while the Yari fork offers 150 millimetres. The riding position is balanced.
The steeper the mountain piles up in front of the front wheel, the more convincing the Kona becomes: the ultra-long chainstays (483 mm) press the front wheel to the ground as if it were carrying a bag of sand. The powerful Bosch does the rest and pushes the bike and rider up every climb. Only the low-profile Maxxis Rekon tyre limits the climbing orgy, especially on wet terrain. On the downhill, however, the Kona leaves its mark: The geometry is right (slack head angle, long reach), but the suspension isn't convincing: the Yari fork on our test bike works choppily (we're not used to that on this model!), and the rear suspension offers little comfort and feels a little wooden when you open the powerful Guide RE brakes.
The high weight and extra-long chainstays also dampen the riding fun, and every jump becomes a feat of strength. At high speeds, the Plus tyres interfere with the bouncy and spongy ride feel. Another pity: the seatpost has very little travel, and in combination with the very short seat tube, long-legged riders will have problems.
Conclusion on the Kona Remote Control
Kona's Remote Control is a solid all-rounder that shines on steep climbs in particular. Less experienced riders will get a good-natured bike, while good riders will find the bike not agile enough.
PLUS Strong climbing characteristics, powerful motor
MINUS Heavy, limited play instinct
Reach height 1258 hm
Time/500 hm4
22:30 min
Price 4699 Euro
DRIVE
Engine Bosch Performance CX
Maximum torque¹ 75 Nm
Battery¹ / weight² / price Replacement battery Bosch Powertube, 500 Wh, 3106 g / 789 Euro
Circuit Sram GX (11-speed)
Translation (v. / h.) 14; 11-42
Display / Size Purion / 31.5 x 31.5 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork / damper Rockshox Yari RC / Rockshox Monarch Plus
Spring travel¹ (f. / h.) 150 mm / 132 mm
Telescopic support Kona, 120 mm
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Sram Guide RE 200 mm / 180 mm
Impellers WTB STI i40 system wheels
Wheel size 27,5+''
Tyres Maxxis Rekon+ EXO TR, 27.5 x 2.8 inch
MEASURED VALUES²
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / XL / Aluminium
Weight 25.21 kg
Centre of gravity height 506 mm
Handlebar width 780 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 175 mm / 186 mm
Reach / Stack 448 mm / 628 mm
EMTB JUDGEMENT GOOD³
¹ Manufacturer's specification
² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals.
The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The assessment is always to be understood in relation to the respective category (hardtail, tour/trail, enduro).
4 Determined on the roller test bench in the EMTB test laboratory at the highest support level, constant incline without flat sections, 130 watts pedalling power of the rider. The time / 500 altitude metres refers to the first 500 altitude metres.
The EMTB judgement is independent of price.
EMTB judgements: super (from 350 points), very good (from 315 points), good (from 280 points), satisfactory (from 245 points), with weaknesses (from 210 points), below insufficient. 4Average value from the range height test over the entire distance.
