Hello! This is Dora.
The 2026 KONA BICYCLES DEW and ROVE AL models have arrived in store!
The 2026 models seem to have a little something different from the 2025 ones.
Let’s unravel exactly what has changed!
The handlebar shape has changed!
Starting with the KONA DEW, the shape of the handlebars has changed significantly.
They now feature a newly designed handlebar with a total width of 700mm, 70mm rise, 6° upsweep, and 10° backsweep.
With this update, the DEW moves closer to its roots as a mountain bike (MTB)—KONA was founded in Vancouver, Canada, in 1988—resulting in a more MTB-like look and steering feel, while also compensating for the lower stack height mentioned below.
Tire size increased from 27.5 to 29 inches
Now featuring SHIMANO ESSA
All models are now equipped with new WTB Groov-E 29 × 2.0 tires.
The thicker, larger-diameter wheels provide improved shock absorption and a greater ability to roll over obstacles. Each pedal stroke now carries you further, making it easier to pick up and maintain speed.
Additionally, the components have been upgraded to the new 1×8s SHIMANO ESSA groupset.
Changes to Stack and Reach
This is where we get into the geometry a little bit.
For the 2026 DEW, the stack height has been lowered across all sizes, and similar to KONA’s MTB models, the reach has been increased in consistent increments.
The seat tube length remains the same, the top tube length has increased, and the head tube length has been shortened by about one size overall.
The head tube angle has shifted from 70° to 69°, and the seat tube angle has slackened slightly, which extends the front center. The chainstays are also 20mm longer, resulting in a longer wheelbase.
Based on this geometry, compared to the 2025 model, I feel that it is now better at tracking uneven road surfaces and offers an even more stable ride with an upright position.
If you want to tackle unpaved roads properly and also want speed, I recommend the 2026 model.
If you prioritize ease of mounting, agility, and maneuverability, the 2025 model is a great choice—the change preserves the strengths of both versions. (You can currently choose between both!)
Changes to the ROVE AL
Next is the ROVE AL!
The 2025 model was offered in both 650B and 700C versions, but for 2026, it is now only available as a 700C model.
Much like with MTBs, there is a trend in gravel bikes to move from 650B back to 700C and 29er wheels, so this feels like a natural progression. However, because it uses disc brakes, 650B customization is still possible later on, so it will be fun for users to customize their bikes based on their own riding styles and fields!
Like the DEW, it is now equipped with the SHIMANO ESSA 1×8S groupset.
The 2026 model also features minor geometry updates: the reach has been slightly extended and the head tube angle is a bit slacker compared to the 2025 model.
These changes appear to be aimed at standardizing the fit with KONA's other gravel bikes, reducing toe overlap (contact between your toes and the front wheel) on smaller sizes, and improving handling, stability, and comfort.
The handlebars have also been changed to gravel bars with a 16° flare.
This is a highly recommended bike for those who want to enjoy both paved and unpaved roads and are looking to get into gravel biking while keeping the budget in check.
The 2026 KONA models featured here are now on display in our shop!
We still have a small number of 2025 models in stock as well, so this is a great chance to compare them in person.
The weather is slowly getting warmer.
We hope you will consider a KONA bike as your new partner for your daily rides this spring.
Our staff looks forward to seeing you!