Everyone has a "first time" for everything, right?
When I ate katsudon for the first time, it felt like lightning struck my brain.
Ever since then, it’s been my favorite dish, and now it’s my trusty sidekick for packing on the pounds.
In short, bicycles are the same.
If your first bike is a great one, I’m sure it will become more than just a tool; it will be the best partner you’ll have in life.
We’ve just received the perfect bikes for that first partnership: the new urban lineup from KONA!
First off, what kind of brand is KONA?
KONA is a brand based in Canada, where mountain biking is huge.
While many other big bike manufacturers focus heavily on the competitive side of racing to drive promotion—often prioritizing performance and weight reduction as a result—KONA designs their bikes with the "user's joy" at the very center.
Given their mountain biking background, the fact that they even work on trail maintenance in their home country shows the brand's commitment to creating places where users can actually have fun.
Of course, their lineup isn't limited to mountain bikes; it’s also uniquely characterized by commuters, gravel bikes, and touring bikes that differ from other brands. One big reason we at Circles trust KONA so much is that every single bike is built with sturdy frames and high-quality parts, ensuring they can be used with peace of mind, even in harsh conditions or during long rides.
In other words, they build bikes that stay by your side for a long time.
Because you’re using it in your daily life, you want it to be sturdy and something you can grow truly fond of, right?
With that said, two new urban models from KONA have arrived, so let me introduce them to you!
KONA Dew
KONA 2025 Dew
COLOR : Gloss Brown
SIZE : S , M , L
Price: 84,700 JPY (tax included)
The word "dew" represents freshness and purity. Doesn't that sound like the perfect match for a new lifestyle or a first bike?
I guess that’s why "Mountain Dew" means mountain freshness—no wonder it tastes so good! (haha)
Joking aside, the Dew is flawless not just in name, but in function too. While standard cross bikes usually come with thin 700c tires, this Dew uses 650b x 47 tires.
By doing this, even though the wheel diameter itself is slightly smaller than a 700c, it gains plenty of air volume (tire width) in return.
Thanks to this high level of cushioning, when you encounter the bumps that you occasionally hit while riding through town, the shock to your body is significantly reduced, making it feel like you’re riding on a cloud. It’s what you call a comfortable bike.
City riding is a series of bumps. KONA chose this tire size for their urban models because they want you to enjoy a comfortable and trouble-free ride, specifically because you’ll be using it every day!
It features disc brakes for excellent stopping power. The wide handlebars offer great stability, and the upright, relaxed riding position allows you to see your surroundings clearly, so even beginners can ride with confidence.
Want even more stability? Maybe try an even wider handlebar! Customizing from the stock setup to suit your needs is also highly recommended.
Also, starting this year, it features a 1x drivetrain. It uses the newly announced SHIMANO "Essa" components, providing a simple configuration with a wide gear range, perfect for everything from city commutes to slightly longer rides.
It’s also equipped with eyelets for front and rear racks, making it recommended for those who carry a lot of stuff. It even has fender eyelets, so you can easily install fenders for a school or work commute setup. You can even mount a front basket! It’s more than capable of handling short tours.
It's also a nice surprise that a custom-designed kickstand comes standard this year. The stand by ATRAN VERO, from Sweden—a country with a mature culture for cargo and commuter bikes—is incredibly sturdy.
This is the bike we recommend for anyone wanting to enjoy everything from daily errands to weekend cycling. It is truly the optimal solution that we at Circles confidently recommend as your first bike.
KONA Coco
KONA 2025 Coco
COLOR : Satin Metallic King Crimson
SIZE : S
Price: 99,000 JPY (tax included)
"Coco" is slang for a beautiful, charming girl. True to its name, this model is built with women in mind.
Combining cute looks with usability, this frame features a step-through "mixte" design that makes it easy for smaller riders to get on and off, even when wearing a skirt.
Built with a focus on daily use, this bike is perfect for commuting, riding to a cafe, or running errands.
In addition to handlebars that sweep back to allow for an upright, comfortable riding position, it features disc brakes for reliable stopping power, even in the rain.
Like the Dew, it uses a 1x drivetrain, though this one uses SHIMANO Cues components. It also comes with a chain guard on the crank, which is a nice touch to prevent pants or skirts from getting snagged.
It comes standard with fenders and a kickstand, and can accommodate a front basket or a rear carrier to match your future riding style.
While it’s categorized as a commuter bike, it features a light and sturdy aluminum frame that's easy for anyone to handle, paired with a reliable assembly of parts—exactly what you’d expect from KONA. It’s a bike that can adapt to your desires, whether you want to swap out the handlebars later or go for longer weekend rides!
Both bikes are already on the shop floor, so if you’ve been looking for a partner for your new lifestyle, please come by and visit us this weekend!