"Kona is one of the brands that seems to recognize this more than most and has maintained a healthy selection of affordable hardtails in its lineup for years. After all, the brand started out and built its early reputation on hardtails. And despite some uncertainty surrounding its future, the rider-owned brand isn't forgetting its roots. For 2026, Kona has refreshed three of its most accessible entry-level hardtail models with updated geometry and size-specific wheel sizing to improve handling, fit, and stability for riders just starting out on their mountain bike journey."
"Kona slides the updated Cinder Cone in just under the thousand-dollar mark. In addition to straightening out the downtube and refreshing the frame aesthetic, the brand says that it updated the geometry and revised stem lengths to improve handling and control on the trail. Kona made it half a degree slacker in the head tube (67.5 degrees) and stretched the reach slightly (480mm, size L), helping to bring it more in line with modern trends."
Hardtail mountain bikes remain important entry points due to low cost despite being overshadowed by full-suspension models and rising industry prices. Kona retained an accessible hardtail lineup and refreshed three entry-level 2026 hardtails with updated geometry and size-specific wheel sizing to improve handling, fit, and stability. The Cinder Cone retails at $999 and features a straightened downtube, refreshed frame aesthetic, a 100mm suspension fork, an 11-speed Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and Maxxis Rekon tires. Geometry adjustments include a 67.5° head tube and a slightly longer reach (480mm, size L), plus revised stem lengths for improved control.
Read at Bikerumor
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]