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Nearly 18 months after founder Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron returned to the helm at Kona, the brand is launching more new bikes, with the arrival of a tenth-generation Hei Hei and second generation of the Libre – both now available in aluminium.
The aluminium variants arrive some six months after their carbon fibre siblings, with alloy making the bikes more price point accessible without losing out on Kona ride characteristics.
At launch, we’re told, “The geometry hasn’t changed. The ride quality hasn’t changed. The attitude hasn’t changed. Aluminium blends performance with real-world durability. Same geometry. Same attitude. New material.
“Whether you’re chasing gravel miles on the Libre or blasting down trails on the Hei Hei, these aluminium siblings deliver the ride you know and love. From off-grid adventures to your local trails, the Hei Hei and Libre in aluminium are ready to join your ride. Forged in dirt and built to last.”
The All New Aluminium Hei Hei
For those keen to get out on the trails and go XC or Downcountry fast, the all-new Hei Hei “has the same ultra-efficient suspension and surefooted geometry as its more sharply focused carbon fiber siblings, encased in a tough-as-nails aluminum frame and built up with sensible components that will get you into whatever kind of trail riding trouble you’re looking for and bring you back home again”.
Whilst the brand focuses on ‘trail’, plenty will have seen elements of the XC world turning toward 120mm platforms, and realising that more travel doesn’t necessarily mean slower lap times. Yes, alloy comes with more weight, but that shouldn’t stop racers on a budget from exploring the outer limits of their own bike handling skills on a platform optimised for fun (and fast).
The Gen 2 Aluminium Libre
With the newest addition to the Libre lineup, Kona point out it offers a platform which “blends performance with real-world durability.” An aluminium frame and carbon fork, combined with a geometry focused on versatility, see the Libre offering a bike which builds “confidence through every turn and every grind”.
The new Libre “builds on the stellar reputation of the original, tightens focus slightly, and leans into a more edgier
performance stance without sacrificing versatility.”
Critically, the brand points out that the second generation of Libre has evolved with the times, offering:
- Fender mounts and room enough for both fenders and 700x45mm tyres.
- Geometry that’s been tweaked and refined; “shorter chainstays, a touch steeper seat angle, a smidge less stack, a hair more reach, more sizing options”
- Fully guided internal cable and hose routing – on carbon models – to keep things quiet (mechanics everywhere might take issue with this claim)
- A 27.2 seatpost diameter – which adds some compliance.
- UDH rear hanger
- Flat mount brakes
- PF86 bottom bracket
In the UK, Kona is distributed by Mount Green Cycles.
Interested retailers can contact sales@mountgreencyles.com | Scott Belshaw | 07715 667740
