Uncomplicated travelling with the Kona Unit X: Bikepacking steamroller on test

The fact that the Unit X is, according to Kona, the brand's best-selling model may seem surprising at first glance. But in a high-tech world in which mountain bikes are becoming ever more complicated and expensive, the timeless steel bike exudes a very special charm. You don't really need much to feel free on an MTB and on bikepacking adventures.

However, the Kona Unit X offers a lot for a mere 1699 euros. The frame and rigid fork are made of filigree Reynolds 520 steel. The Canadians place a great deal of trust in its durability and grant the first owner a lifetime guarantee. A modern hardtail geometry and various mounting points for transporting luggage are also part of the deal. Will the Kona Unit X live up to its all-round claim in the BIKE test?

Kona Unit X in a practical test: Simple (but) good

Without a suspension fork and with its simple equipment, the Kona Unit X is a little out of line with the other hardtails with race ambitions tested by BIKE. The Canadian with the narrow tubeset doesn't even bother to compete with light cross-country or marathon bikes, but writes its very own rules. Kona offers the Unit in two versions. Without the name suffix, the steel MTB is even less complicated and comes without gears as a single speed bike. This is made possible by a variable chainstay length thanks to horizontally adjustable dropouts. Four massive bolts can be loosened to tighten the drivetrain and re-fastened bombproof. Kona supplies the Unit X model with a twelve-speed drivetrain. However, thanks to the identical frame, it can also be converted to single-speed at any time.

In terms of durability, the minimalism of the Kona Unit X has clear advantages. The 31.6 millimetre seat tube diameter would theoretically also allow for a large selection of dropper posts. However, similar to the fork, the same applies here: What is not there cannot break. Instead, there is a whole lot of something else. In addition to mounting points for pannier racks and mudguards, the Kona Unit X has three bottle cage mounts. In addition, a bag can be securely bolted to the top tube and the steel fork has a further three threads on each side for the transport of luggage. Kona allows riders weighing up to 113 kilos to use the bike. An additional 24 kilos of equipment can be transported.

>> The Breezer Thunder has a similar approach to the Kona Unit. We also tested the steel bike with rigid fork

Light and shade: Kona rigid fork MTB on the BIKE test bench

Compared to other trail hardtails, the Kona Unit X unfortunately performs poorly in the lab test. Ready to ride, the bike weighs just under 15 kilos - a figure that is more familiar from all-mountain bikes with 150 millimetres of suspension travel. This is of course due to the heavy steel frame, but also the extremely high wheel weight. The WTB wheels with wide rims are fitted with 2.6 inch fat Maxxis Rekon tyres with inner tubes. This adds up to a total rotating mass of over 5.8 kilos. This excess weight is not only noticeable on the test bench, but also in practice. A lot of force is required to set the Kona Unit X in motion. The acceleration is reluctant and by the time the 29er hardtail is up to speed, other bikes are already over the hill.

The high weight of the steel bike cannot be ignored on the climbs either. Although the long top tube stretches the rider over the frame in a sporty manner, the high front end significantly softens the riding position and so the Kona Unit X is only comfortable on the flat and uphill. The 75 degree steep seat angle helps you to adopt an efficient riding position when climbing, but unfortunately doesn't make the Kona any faster on its own. At least the simple Shimano Deore gears have an easy climbing gear. However, due to the favourable cassette with a minimum of 11 teeth, the drivetrain range is lacking downhill.

Although steel frames are known for their good flex properties per se, the seatpost with its large diameter does not provide the rider with much comfort. The wide tyres have a much greater influence on comfort. Unfortunately, Kona doesn't allow a tubeless setup ex works, so the bike has to be converted to take full advantage of this benefit. Meanwhile, the damping of the thick grips is easy on the wrists on tour.

Details of the Kona Unit X

• Frame material: Reynolds 520 steel
• Wheel size: 29 inch
• Price: 1699 Euro >> available here
• Available from: Specialist retailers
• Warranty: Lifetime (on the frame, for first owners)

I took the predecessor of the Kona Unit X on a two-month bikepacking tour across Europe. The robust steel chassis was a reliable companion on 3000 kilometres and 40,000 metres in altitude. For sporty use, however, I recommend a lower cockpit and significant weight tuning - especially on the wheels. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor

Equipment

• Fork: Kona Unit P2 steel rigid fork
• Gear system: Shimano Deore, 1 x 12
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 11-51 / 463%
• Brakes: Shimano BL-MT 4100 / BR-MT 410, 180 / 160 mm
• Seatpost / Diameter: Kona Thumb Aluminium / 31.6 mm
• Wheels: WTB ST i30
• Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Exo TR, 29 x 2.6"

Measured values

• Total weight: 14.21 kg (without pedals)
• Weight of wheels: 5826 g
• Impeller inertia: 4333 kg x cm²
• Seat comfort: 5.89 mm

>> Here we have compiled all the information about the new BIKE test system

Conclusion from BIKE test editor Jan Timmermann

The Kona Unit X carries too many pounds on its steel ribs for sporty use. The extremely heavy wheels in particular are a brake on fun. The comfortable riding position is good for long tours at a leisurely pace. The affordable steel hardtail is neither a race nor trail bike, but rather a capable pack mule for carefree bikepacking excursions.

Pro

• Uncomplicated steel chassis
• Comfortable seating position and tyre damping
• Versatile mounting options
• Lifetime warranty on frames despite favourable price

Contra

• High complete bike and wheel weight
• Narrow transmission ratio range