2011 Kona Product Launch and Preview

For those of you that are not familiar with the Kona Bicycle Company, this is truly a rider based company. You pretty much know that anytime you take a trip with the folks from Kona that some bike riding is going to take place. This trip was no different. Taking place in Bellingham Washington was a 2 day program of technical product seminars and previews as well bike demos.  Kona has placed a lot of emphasis on the Magic Link Design and has introduced some new models with cross country travel. Also redesigned are all of there four bar platform dual suspensions as well.

The best part about staying in Bellingham is just a few miles around the corner is Galbrath which has some great trails and elevation

There was a huge fleet of dual suspensions. Special thanks to one of our old mechanics, Kevin Hall, who took care of everyone's bike needs

Barry Wicks bike of choice, The Hei Hei 29er.

A herd of Coilairs getting ready to ride

Here is the view from one of the peaks at Galbrath. This trail system apparently boasts more the 40 miles of single track and has enough climbing to keep you more than busy. Better yet this is the "Back Yard Trail" for many in Bellingham.

Many of you have herd or seen pics of the infamous Tall Boy Ride. Just another thing to cross off the bucket list

I mentioned earlier that Kona is a company of riders. The tall fellow to the right most of you would recognize as Ryan Trybon. On this same ride were numerous sales reps, advertising and marketing folks and product engineers.

Word on the street is Barry Wicks moved to Chicago and is getting married. Here he is probably trying to convince his fiancée that he is currently "working".

I have been to Kona World USA which is in Ferndale numerous times but they had rearranged the warehouse to showcase some of the classic bikes they have made over the decades

The warehouse is about empty and is eagerly awaiting the 2011 bikes

Magic Link has become an important suspension design for Kona. This year they are introducing the 2+2 which has travel ranging from 50mm to 100mm. I had a chance to ride one of these for a couple of hours and will definitely add these to the rental fleet as well as the race bike quiver. These bikes climb incredible and are really forgiving on the roots and downhills.

Cyclocross has always been a focus for Kona. This year they added a full carbon fork to the Jake the Snake and designed a full carbon frame for the Major Jake.

Known for Freeride and Downhill the 2011 Operator Series of bikes address all of the disciplines of descent.

Also new for this year are the Tanuki line of bikes. Basically a light weight trail bike of 130mm of travel. With frame and rocker redesigns this will be what the Dawgs were in a much lighter and more nimble trail bike. Also like previous bike names this bike is named after a mythical creature with specific features. Can you figure out what a Tanuki really is?

The frame and rockers of the Hei Hei 26 also took a redesign. Better lines and more standover.

Here is the Hei Hei 29er and the Big Kahuna which are staples of their 29er line up