Hi, this is Jas.
KONA is hot again this year!!
With that said, I’d like to introduce Jas’s recommended KONA models for 2018.
UNIT X ¥136,000+TAX
The UNIT X is the 2018 version of the UNIT, which sold out immediately upon release last year.
With a simple chromoly frame, rigid fork, and 27.5-plus tires, the UNIT X is built to handle a variety of fields.
While it was sold as a singlespeed last year, this year’s model features a geared SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain and hydraulic brakes for ¥136,000—the specs and price are both flawless.
Whether for trail riding or bikepacking, this one bike will greatly expand your range of fun!
SUTRA LTD ¥229.000+TAX
Like the UNIT, the SUTRA LTD also sold out in a flash last year.
There are no major component changes from the 2017 model, with SRAM RIVAL 1 hydraulic disc brakes coming as standard equipment.
They provide reliable stopping power with little effort, even when descending mountain passes in the rain.
As for frame design changes, it has been updated with 100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear thru-axles, ensuring rigidity and strength.
Equipped with fat 50c tires similar to those on an MTB, you can keep pushing forward on both paved and unpaved roads.
EXPLOSIF ¥287,000+TAX
It’s no exaggeration to say that if you’re looking for a mountain bike, the EXPLOSIF is the only one you’ll ever need, and this year it has undergone a full model change.
The undercarriage uses the BOOST standard—110x15mm front and 148x12mm rear—which is set to become the future standard.
The components feature the SRAM GX-Eagle, the much-talked-about 1×12 drivetrain with a super wide range of 34T in the front and 10-50T in the rear.
With a RockShox Revelation 120mm travel front fork, it’s a perfect fit for Japanese mountain trails.
Furthermore, it comes standard with a RockShox Reverb dropper post for ¥287,000, making for an assembly with absolutely nothing to complain about.
It covers everything from your first mountain trail ride to hard park riding!!
ROVE LTD ¥386000+TAX
Frameset price: ¥118,000+TAX
And above all, my top recommendation this year is the ROVE LTD!! As mentioned in my previous blog post, I’ll provide a bit more detail.
First, you’ll notice the 650B wheels, which use WTB KOMi25 lightweight, tubeless-ready rims and SRAM 900 hubs.
The tires are WTB Horizon. Their 650Bx47C volume ensures a fun ride in any situation.
The frame uses Reynolds 853 butted chromoly paired with a carbon fork, providing both light weight and rigidity. Like the SUTRA LTD, it has been updated with 100x12mm front and 142x12mm rear thru-axles. The brake caliper mounts have been changed to flat mounts, a standard that is set to become the norm.
The seatpost diameter has also changed from 27.2mm to 31.6mm, which increases rigidity and expands options for installing a dropper post—in fact, combining a gravel grinder with a dropper post looks like it will become the new standard.
And surprise! The components are SRAM FORCE 1! A 1×11 drivetrain is now the expectation, and it features a hydraulic disc brake system.
Since this model will also be available as a frameset, you can build it according to your budget and your own personal style!
The 2018 KONA lineup has plenty more bikes I’d recommend besides these.
They are scheduled to arrive a little later, from December to January, but guess what!!
You can test ride all of the bikes I’ve just introduced at the HANG OUT event this weekend!!
We have also prepared short tours around the HANG OUT venue grounds.
We’ll provide advice on how to operate the bikes and tips for riding, so even those riding a sports bike for the first time can feel safe and secure.
The weather is a little worrying, but the test bikes we have prepared are ones that truly shine in rain or muddy conditions!!
The tours will go ahead even if it rains, so please be sure to join us!!
There is a limited number of spots for the short tours, so please book yours here!
We have helmets available as well, so please feel free to join us!
See you all at HANG OUT in the Aichi Prefectural Forest, Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture, on Saturday, October 14th to Sunday the 15th!!