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Just seen this on [url= http://www.bikerumor.com/2013/04/04/konas-650b-explosif-steel-hardtail-now-available/ ]Bikerumour[/url]
Anyone else think it looks rather tasty?
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Yes ! On my list of potential hardtails
I love the frame finish on these new Kona's and think the more traditional decals look great.
How good is 650 tyre choice at the mo?
I like an Explosif. Those 650b's look big though. Surprised at that.
im weighing up one of these bad boys its the same finish as the unit, which looks ace (for a 29er 😉 )
Looks lovely! I've got a test ride booked to check out this 650b stuff..
17'' frame weight with dropouts, clamp and headset cups= 5.73lbs
17'' complete stock build= 27.9 lbs
Saw one in the flesh here http://www.wheelbase.co.uk/
Looked really, really nice in real life, photos make it look a bit odd, but that isn't the case. Definitely made me look again, and I've never really considered a Kona before.
It all just looked "right" for want of a better description. In proportion, unlike so many 29ers that just look like gangly beasts, with stupid sized wheels.
How good is 650 tyre choice at the mo?
Pretty sure it had Maxxis Crossmarks on, if that helps.
I test rode this today- great bike! AWCycles in Reading has a 19'' test bike. I took it out without any view on 27.5/650b because there hasn't been much about them in the media that I've read. The bike is very nicely finished and the raw frame with orange decals is to die for. Love it!
The bike handled very nicely and felt neutral- good climber and fun descender. It was happy enough to get the back end out and even manual (despite the wrong size). The wheel size felt different but also strangely familiar (this makes no sense, I know). I've been riding 29ers lately but grew up on 26'' and this wheelsize feels nice and it slots into the middle nicely. I need a 17'' so the TT (with longer stem) felt a big long but I still had great fun. Weight is 28lbs in the 19'' size stock which I think is very reasonable considering the steel frame, etc.
I test rode the whyte t129s straight after. I know they are very different bikes but I just wanted to jump on a 29er straight away to see the difference. I see why 27.5'' was made. It seems to slot nicely into the wheelsize group.
If any one is looking at the Kona I'd grab a test ride. Brilliant fun. Just forget about the wheelsize whilst you ride it. 120mm travel seems perfect for the bike and the geometry is spot on. It's just dying for a dropper..
(I only went in to have a ride and ended up leaving £1500 lighter and not with the road bike that I had in mind. Picking it up at the end of the week.)
* Disclaimer: This is just what I thought. Different wheelsizes suit different people. I'm no salesman. I don't care what wheelsize/bike you're riding as long as you're riding.*
I think thats the most unbiased 650b review I've read. Nice one fella
+1 love the disclaimer; a great review too.
that does look lovely indeed. What size frame is in the photo? The wheels do look 29erish there.
This one has a different frame that the one on Wheelbase, the seat tube is straight on the one above.
The one in the photo is 15'' or 17''.
Edit: Wheelbase and other sites are using a photoshopped '12 Honzo frame. All Explosifs have a straight ST.
Looks great!
Looks great where did you get your test ride.
Not Reynolds. Do not want. But it looks nice.
stupid me its on the first line of your review
17'' frame weight with dropouts, clamp and headset cups= 5.73lbs
WTF! What is it made out of? Lead...?