It remains to be seen what Kona had in mind when naming the car "Entourage", so let's limit ourselves to the hard-hitting information on driving performance: Just like Transition, "downsizing" is apparently also in at Kona. At first glance, the "Entourage" passes for an "Operator". However, a look at the data sheet reveals some differences: The rear triangle is extremely short, the suspension travel is shorter at 170 millimetres. The "Entourage DLX" is supposed to be the Canadians' new bike park weapon.
The clear lacquered frame polarises with its extremely curved tubes. Some find it chic, others are reluctant to put up with the pot-bellied pig look. Spontaneously, you would expect an extra-fat fork on a bike like this, but the bike is fitted with an air-sprung "Lyrik RC2 DH". The parts and the steel spring damper are sturdily designed and clearly trimmed for downhill performance.
When you first sit on the bike, you immediately realise that the Kona designers have picked up where they left off with the "Operator". The bike is nice and flat, with a low centre of gravity. The suspension feels plush and it is. Very much so. So much so that we could hardly believe that it only has 170 millimetres of travel at the rear. The "Entourage" was extremely relaxed and comfortable to ride, even at high speeds. It is easy to handle and jumps well. The suspension travel is utilised very well and a sensible end progression effectively prevents bottoming out. The rear suspension works quickly and doesn't bottom out. The very short chainstays have a positive effect when changing direction aggressively.
We were also pleasantly surprised by the "Lyrik", which was able to keep up excellently with the steel-sprung rear end and gives the bike a very balanced ride feel. In short, we all found the Kona very successful. The evaluation scale ranged from "great mini downhiller" to "SX trail-like".
Conclusion: Operation a success. The "Entourage" combines the excellent suspension performance of the "Operator" with an aggressive bike park geometry. It is manoeuvrable, but at the same time rides extremely safely and swallows nasty bumps on full-blown downhill trails like a big bike. This makes the bike ideal for varied parks like Bischofsmais, because it's actually fun on any trail. Great geo, cool looks (we think).
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Sizes: S, M, M/L
Price: 3.999 Euro
Weight17.1 kg (without pedals)
ForkRock Shox "Lyrik RC2 DH" (170 mm)
DamperFox "DHX RC2" (170 mm)
MEASURED DATA
Steering angle: 64.4°,
Seat angle: 57.5°
Top tube: 500 mm
Chainstay length: 417 mm
Bottom bracket height: 335 mm
EQUIPMENT
Circuit: Sram "X9"
Crank handleFSA "Gravity GAP"
BrakesAvid "Code",
StemEaston "Havoc"
Seat postEaston "Havoc"
SaddleWTB "Devo Sport"
HubsFormula "Disc"
RimsMavic "EX729"
TyresMaxxis "Minion DHF" 2.5
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
