Kona is among the most trusted manufacturers on this planet of mountain biking, and has a long time of expertise beneath its belt. That stated, the model continues to be a pioneer within the MTB business, even now as electrical mountain bikes are taking the paths by storm. Kona’s been making mountain bikes since 1988, so it goes with out saying that it’s obtained this dialed down into an artwork type.
Transitioning to e-MTBs is not any imply feat, and Kona appears to be like to supply a stable possibility with its latest mannequin, the Distant. Now, the Distant is not at all a performance-oriented, race-inspired path shredder. As an alternative, it’s a well-rounded all-rounder that has versatility and enjoyable in thoughts. It will get a somewhat easy building, constructed round a hardtail body, however nonetheless, packs some premium componentry from a few of the most revered manufacturers within the enterprise. Its body consists of an aluminum hardtail unit with a curved high tube and versatile geometry. It additionally will get a dropper submit for fast changes because the terrain adjustments.
By way of geometry, the Kona Distant boasts fashionable hardtail geometry with a slack 66-degree head angle and 140mm of suspension journey up entrance. Which means that it has greater than sufficient stability to deal with technical ascents and descents, whereas being compact and versatile sufficient to make for a succesful city companion – options which are a should for any all-purpose e-MTB.
On the coronary heart of the Distant lies a tried and examined powertrain, the Shimano Steps E7000 motor. Designed primarily for metropolis commuters and utility bikes, the Steps is a departure from Shimano’s performance-focused EP vary of motors, however nonetheless, guarantees a decent output of 250 watts and 60 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 504-watt-hour battery pack, promising many hours of saddle time in between recharges. Likewise, for the drivetrain, Kona has caught with Shimano parts, that includes a Shimano Deore groupset, and MT410 hydraulic brakes.
To maximise versatility, Kona has configured the Distant as a 29er, rolling on WTB i35 rims shod in Maxxis Minion all-terrain tires. The setup is accessible and adaptable, appropriate to riders of all talent ranges. That being stated, the mannequin instructions fairly a premium, with the bottom mannequin beginning at 4,700 euros, or about $5,028 USD, per present trade charges.