However, the 27.5-inch bike is surprisingly sluggish off-road, which is also due to the heavy wheels (despite the 27.5-inch tyres). The narrow tyres lack snappier outer lugs, which costs control off-road. The fork also works reluctantly, but at least the rebound is adjustable. The equipment and the nine-speed Altus groupset are at the lower end, and the Tektro brakes can't quite keep up with the solid competition from Shimano. This is where the 100 euros that the Kona saves compared to most of its rivals make themselves felt. The wide, heavily padded saddle looks out of place on a sporty mountain bike and restricts freedom of movement somewhat. On the climbs, the Fire Mountain is a sporty ride, but the slow-rolling tyres dampen the forward momentum.
Conclusion: long bike with modern geometry and moderate equipment, but even cheaper.
PLUS Pleasant cockpit
MINUS Wide saddle, weak fork, heavy wheels
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Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
