If you were to instruct Kona on how to build a freerider, you might as well be giving Tiger Woods tips on how to tee off well. The Canadians symbolise freeriding like hardly any other brand and gather a whole army of professional freeriders around them. It's hard to imagine Dangerman Robbie Bourdon jumping his monster drops on a lousy bike. That's why the "Stinky" strides into the test with a confidently swollen chest. It's no surprise that you get on it and immediately get to grips with the geometry; you feel more like you're sitting in the bike than on it - which is pleasing. The Kona is a little higher at the front - partly due to the heavily offset handlebars - but that's no disadvantage for dropping and playing in the bike park. Only at high speeds would you like a little more pressure on the front wheel. The suspension harmonises even on nasty bumpy sections and brings composure to the chassis, but doesn't come close to the top bikes. If you want it softer, you should fit a softer spring. Good: the end progression. No bottoming out! When it comes to the componentry, it's clear that Kona had to save on the price. That's why you won't find a chain guide, the new Hayes "Stroker" brakes are weak and the tyres with single carcass are too thin.
CONCLUSIONKona offers the Kona "Stinky", a well-functioning "classic" that is a lot of fun in the bike park. The price is fair.
RemarkThe Kona proves that you can get a solid freerider with potent suspension for just over € 2000.
